Malta: Comino, Gozo, Blue & Crystal Lagoon, and Caves Cruise

The best of Comino fits into four hours. This cruise gives you two proper swimming stops, a close look at sea caves, and a quick view of Gozo’s Mġarr Harbour without tying up your whole day. I like the friendly, practical operation led by Captain George, who has run these trips since 1988, and I like the smaller boat feel, which lets the crew get closer to some caves than the biggest excursion boats can.

The price is another strong point. At about $28 per person, you get the cruise, a welcome drink, watermelon, cave sightseeing, toilet facilities, and time at both major lagoons. The main drawback is simple: Comino can be very crowded, especially around the Blue Lagoon, and the route or swim stops can change with the sea and weather.

This is a water-focused outing, not a full Gozo tour. You will see Mġarr Harbour from the boat or during a short photo stop, but you will not have time to explore Gozo’s villages or inland sights. Bring a towel, sunscreen, and realistic expectations about crowds, then you are set up for a very good half-day at sea.

Key details to know before you book

• Two swimming areas: Spend about 30 to 60 minutes at Crystal Lagoon and about an hour at the Blue Lagoon, depending on the selected boat and conditions.
• Captain George’s long experience: Captain George has operated since 1988, with an assistant helping on board.
• Small-boat cave access: The boat can cruise close to Comino’s sea caves, including Popeye’s Cave, Lovers’ Cave, and the Santa Maria caves.
• Gozo by harbour, not by island tour: Mġarr Harbour is included for photos and sightseeing, but the standard trips do not give you a Gozo land visit.
• Good short-trip value: The cruise lasts roughly three to four hours, making it useful if you want the lagoons without spending a full day on a boat.
• Swimming straight from the boat: The included stops let you enter the water from the vessel, with jumping from the top deck available for confident swimmers.

Why this Comino cruise works well for a half-day

Malta’s northern tip is the launch point for this outing. You meet at Cirkewwa, at the jetty behind the Cirkewwa Cafe and the only kiosk in the area. Look for the kiosk’s umbrellas and tables, then head to the dock behind it.

I would arrive at least 15 minutes early. The meeting point is not difficult once you are in the right area, but Cirkewwa has several piers and boat services. Departure times are strict, and late arrivals do not qualify for a refund. Traffic, parking, or a delayed bus is your problem, so allow extra time.

The cruise is a good fit if you want to see Comino but do not want a long, slow excursion. The trip keeps moving between scenic passes and short stops, so you are rarely sitting with nothing to do. In one outing, you get caves, cliffs, turquoise water, a Gozo harbour, historical sights, and two chances to swim.

The boat includes a padded sun deck, a toilet, an onboard bar, and a top deck for jumping. Drinks at the bar cost extra, but you can pay with cash or card. A welcome drink and a slice of watermelon are included, a small touch that helps the trip feel more generous at this price.

Crystal Lagoon comes first on the Xlendi III

One version of the route uses the Xlendi III and begins at Crystal Lagoon. You get around 30 minutes here for swimming, snorkeling, photos, and views of the steep rock around the water.

Crystal Lagoon feels more enclosed than the famous Blue Lagoon. The cliffs and caves give it a more sheltered look, and the water is the main event. You can swim directly from the boat, use your own mask, or rent snorkeling equipment for €5.

The stop is long enough for a proper swim, but not long enough for a slow beach afternoon. That is a fair trade on a short cruise. You get time to enter the water and take photos, then return to the boat before the schedule loses momentum.

Bring water shoes if you have them, although they are not listed as required. The supplied information only requires swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and weather-appropriate clothing. A waterproof phone case is also sensible if you plan to photograph the caves or jump from the upper deck.

Comino caves and rock formations from the water

After Crystal Lagoon, the boat passes Comino’s caves and unusual rock shapes. The exact route depends on the captain and sea conditions, but the cruise includes the Santa Maria caves, Popeye’s Cave, and Lovers’ Cave.

A smaller boat matters here. It can get closer to cave openings than a large ferry, giving you better angles for photographs and a clearer view of the colored rock and water. The crew also points out historical and film-related details along the way.

Comino Tower is one of the landmarks to watch for. It is associated with the film The Count of Monte Cristo, adding a little screen history to the coastal scenery. You also pass a tuna fish farm, another reminder that these waters are part of a working marine area, not just a postcard backdrop.

The sightseeing passes are short, often around 10 to 15 minutes at a time. That means you will see many features without stopping at each one. If you prefer long commentary and a detailed lecture at every site, this may feel light. If you want clear facts, photos, and time in the water, the pace is better suited.

Mġarr Harbour gives you a quick Gozo view

The cruise continues toward Mġarr Harbour, Gozo’s main and only harbour. Depending on the route, you receive a short stop of about 10 minutes for photos and scenic views.

This is not enough time to visit the Citadel, walk the harbour, or see Gozo beyond the waterfront. Think of it as a picture stop. Mġarr’s compact port, surrounding hills, and boats give you a pleasant change from the open water.

The distinction between the trip options matters. The standard Comino cruise does not include a Gozo land visit. One route passes the harbour for photographs, while the Xlendi III version makes a brief scenic stop. If you want a full day in Gozo, book separate transport and sightseeing rather than choosing this cruise.

Blue Lagoon offers the longest swim

The Blue Lagoon is the headline stop, with up to one hour for swimming, snorkeling, walking, and photos. On some departures, you swim straight from the boat. You may also choose to go ashore and walk around Comino.

The water color is the reason this place draws so many boats. It is bright and clear, and even a short swim feels memorable. Families can use the time for a gentle paddle, while confident swimmers may prefer the boat’s top-deck jump.

You need to plan carefully if you want to set foot on Comino. In 2025, visitors must reserve a free ticket at blcomino.com and validate it before disembarking. The ticket costs nothing, but it is still required. If you stay on the boat, this shore ticket is not needed.

The Blue Lagoon’s popularity is also its weakness. The area can get crowded, and the operator cannot control how many other people arrive. The crew may try to avoid the busiest conditions, but you should not expect a private cove. A spring or winter departure may feel calmer, and one December outing still had water warm enough for a swim, but sea temperature and weather vary.

If you want quiet water, choose your timing with care. If you mainly want the famous color and a reliable swim stop, the Blue Lagoon still delivers.

Trip A or Trip B: the choice affects your day

The two main boat patterns give you slightly different timing.

Trip A, on the Sea Haven, spends about an hour at the Blue Lagoon and around 45 minutes at Crystal Lagoon. The route begins with Elephant Rock and the Santa Maria caves, passes Santa Marija Bay and San Niklaw Bay, then continues by Mġarr Harbour before the final Crystal Lagoon stop.

This option suits you if swimming is the priority. The longer Crystal Lagoon stop gives you more time to snorkel, jump, or simply sit on the boat and look at the cliffs.

Trip B, on the Xlendi III, starts with about 30 minutes at Crystal Lagoon, includes Comino’s caves and a short Mġarr Harbour visit, then finishes with about an hour at the Blue Lagoon. During the quieter winter season, you may also have time for a walk around Comino.

This pattern works well if you want a balanced mix of photography, caves, and swimming. The shorter first stop keeps the route moving, while the Blue Lagoon remains the main final break.

Schedules are not fixed in stone. Wind, waves, and safety conditions can alter the route or change how long the boat stays at a stop. The captain can cancel or adjust the outing when conditions require it. That flexibility is sensible at sea, but it means you should avoid booking this as the one activity you cannot miss.

Sunset trips trade distance for atmosphere

The sunset version is a shorter cruise and does not go all the way around Comino. You should choose it for the changing light and a calmer end-of-day mood, not for the fullest route or longest list of sights.

The supplied details do not give exact sunset stop lengths, so check the departure information before booking. The same weather limits apply, and the route can be adjusted by the captain.

A sunset cruise may suit you if you have spent the day exploring Malta and want a few hours on the water. It is less suitable if your main goal is to see every cave, visit all the bays, and maximize swimming time.

The boat, crew, and comfort level

The boat has two levels, a padded sun deck, a toilet, and an onboard bar. The two-level layout gives you a choice between sitting higher for views and staying closer to the water. The boat is not huge, which helps it enter sea caves and keeps boarding and disembarking fairly quick.

The crew is English-speaking. Captain George and his assistant are repeatedly praised for being friendly, clear, and attentive. Instructions are given in English, and the crew provides life jackets. The boat has been described as clean and safe, including by families with children.

That said, this is still a boat trip. You may feel movement in rougher water, and an exposed sun deck offers little relief if the sun is strong. Pack sunscreen and suitable clothing, not just swimwear. A light layer is useful if you choose a sunset departure or encounter wind on the return journey.

Snorkeling equipment is not included. You can rent a set for €5, or bring your own. Drinks are also extra, though the welcome drink and watermelon are included.

Who will get the most from this outing?

I would recommend this cruise to you if you want a compact introduction to Comino’s coast, especially if you want to swim but do not want a full-day boat commitment.

It is particularly suitable for:

• First-time visitors to Malta who want Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon in one trip
• Families looking for a manageable few hours on the water
• Couples who want a sunset option or scenic cave cruise
• Swimmers and snorkelers who value direct access from the boat
• Photographers looking for caves, cliffs, Elephant Rock, and Mġarr Harbour
• Budget-conscious visitors who want several sights for about $28

It is less suitable if you want solitude, a full Gozo tour, or a long land walk on Comino. It is also not ideal if you dislike swimming from a boat or need a fully step-free boarding experience.

There is conflicting accessibility information in the supplied details. The activity is described in one place as wheelchair accessible, but another note says it is not suitable for wheelchair users. One person needed staff assistance to board. If you use a wheelchair or have limited mobility, contact Xlendi Pleasure Cruises before paying and ask about the exact boat, pier, boarding method, and toilet access.

Is the $28 price good value?

At $28, the value is strong if you use the swimming stops and enjoy the sightseeing between them. You are paying for three to four hours on the water, a welcome drink, watermelon, cave visits, two lagoon stops, a padded deck, a toilet, and the chance to see part of Gozo.

You still need to budget for snorkeling rental and bar drinks if you want them. You may also have transport costs getting to Cirkewwa, since the cruise departs there rather than from every part of Malta.

The real value comes from the efficient route. A separate visit to Comino can require more planning, while this cruise combines the major coastal sights in one booking. You do not get a full island tour, but you get a clear sample of the north Maltese coast without surrendering an entire day.

The high rating of 4.7 from 1,408 ratings fits the strengths of the trip: friendly staff, punctual departures, clean boats, good swimming time, and a comfortable length. The most consistent practical praise centers on the crew and the amount packed into a few hours.

Practical tips for a smoother cruise

Arrive 15 minutes early and locate the jetty behind the Cirkewwa Cafe. Do not rely on arriving at the last second, particularly if you are coming by bus or driving in unfamiliar territory.

Reserve the free Blue Lagoon ticket if you intend to disembark in 2025. Save the confirmation on your phone, and remember that staying aboard avoids the shore-ticket requirement.

Wear swimwear under your clothes and keep your towel, sunscreen, and phone in a small waterproof bag. The boat provides a welcome drink and fruit, but bring anything else you need for several hours outside.

If you are nervous about the water, you can stay on deck during the swimming stops. If you want to jump from the top deck, follow the crew’s instructions and judge the conditions honestly. The availability of a jump does not mean every sea state is right for it.

Book with the weather in mind. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, but changes or refunds are not issued within 24 hours. The captain can also alter or cancel the trip for safety reasons.

Should you book the Comino cruise?

Book it if you want a well-priced, three to four-hour coastal outing with two lagoon stops, cave views, and a friendly crew. The trip gives you enough time to swim without turning the whole day into a boat schedule, and Captain George’s long operating history adds confidence.

Skip it if your dream is an empty Blue Lagoon, a full Gozo sightseeing day, or a quiet private boat. Crowds are part of Comino, and the Gozo portion is only a harbour glimpse.

For most first-time Malta visitors, I would choose the daytime route and arrive early. Pick Trip A if you want more time at Crystal Lagoon, or Trip B if you prefer a shorter first stop and a scenic finish at Blue Lagoon. Either way, bring your swimwear, keep your expectations realistic, and let the captain handle the sea conditions.

FAQ

Where does the cruise depart from?

The boat departs from Cirkewwa, Malta. Meet at the jetty behind the Cirkewwa Cafe, behind the only kiosk in the area with umbrellas and tables.

How long does the cruise last?

The cruise lasts about three to four hours. Starting times vary, so check availability when booking.

Is swimming included?

Yes. The cruise includes stops at both the Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon for swimming from the boat.

Do I need a ticket to visit the Blue Lagoon shore?

Yes. In 2025, you must reserve and validate a free ticket at blcomino.com if you want to disembark at the Blue Lagoon. The ticket costs nothing.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

No. Snorkeling equipment is available to rent for €5, or you can bring your own.

Are drinks included?

A welcome drink and a slice of watermelon are included. Additional drinks from the onboard bar cost extra, and you can pay by cash or card.

Does the cruise stop in Gozo?

The cruise visits or passes Mġarr Harbour for sightseeing and photos, but it does not provide a full Gozo island visit. The standard routes do not include time to explore Gozo inland.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The captain may change the route, adjust swimming stops, or cancel the trip because of weather and sea conditions. The schedule is designed around safety.

Is the boat wheelchair accessible?

The supplied information gives conflicting accessibility details. One description says it is wheelchair accessible, while another says it is not suitable for wheelchair users. Contact Xlendi Pleasure Cruises before booking to confirm the exact boarding arrangements.