Mellieha: 1:00pm Speedboat round Comino Caves 2h Blue Lagoon

The best part of this Comino trip is the fast, open-air speedboat ride. You skim past St. Mary Battery, Elephant Rock, Santa Maria Caves, and several bays before reaching the Blue Lagoon. I like the mix of scenery and history, and I like that the boat visits caves and Crystal Lagoon without charging extra. The main drawback is the Blue Lagoon stop at midday, when the shore can be very crowded.

I also like the two-hour swim break, which gives you enough time to get in the water, sunbathe, or walk toward St. Marija Tower. The ride can be wet and bouncy, so bring a towel, secure your belongings, and skip this trip if you have back problems or want a calm boat outing.

Key points at a glance

• Speedboat circuit: Cruise around Comino rather than simply taking a boat straight to the Blue Lagoon.
• Cave visits included: See Santa Maria Caves and East and West hidden caves without an added fee.
• Two hours at Blue Lagoon: Swim, snorkel, sunbathe, or try water activities available in the area.
• Historic views: Pass St. Mary Battery and walk toward St. Marija Tower during free time.
• Good value at $34: The price covers the boat ride, cave visits, and Blue Lagoon stop, but not food or drinks.
• Important entry rule: From May 1, 2025, anyone stepping onto Comino from the Blue Lagoon must register for an official entry ticket.

Why this Comino speedboat trip works well

Comino is small, but it packs a lot into a short ride. The island is known for its clear water, rocky coast, caves, and the Blue Lagoon. A standard transfer can get you from Malta to the lagoon, but this trip gives you a full circuit of the coast first.

That difference matters. From a speedboat, you see the island from the water, where the cliffs, arches, and cave mouths make the most sense. You also avoid spending the whole outing in one crowded bathing area. The boat ride is the main event, not just transportation.

The advertised duration is three and a half hours, with the longest stop at the Blue Lagoon. The boat leaves from Blue Waves Watersports near Marfa Bay, only a short distance from Comino. Boarding closes 15 minutes before departure, so arrive early enough to find the meeting point and get settled.

The tour runs with a live English-speaking guide. Augustino is specifically praised as a fun guide, and another guide from Bali is described as entertaining. The exact skipper depends on the departure, but you can expect commentary and guidance during the ride rather than a silent transfer.

Marfa Bay to St. Mary Battery

The trip begins at Blue Waves Watersports. Once everyone is aboard, the speedboat heads toward Comino and starts working around the island’s eastern side.

The first notable sight is St. Mary Battery, also called Il-Batterija ta’ Santa Marija. Built as a defensive coastal position, it gives the shoreline a touch of Malta’s military past. On this tour, you pass by rather than get a long land visit, so treat it as a scenic stop for views and photographs.

This is a good early reminder that Comino is more than a swimming spot. The island’s bare rock and fortified structures tell you how exposed this channel once was. Keep your camera ready, but do not expect to get off the boat at every point.

The speedboat then continues past St. Mary Bay and St. Nicholas Bay. These bays show how quickly the coast changes from open rock to sheltered water. The boat’s route lets you compare the different shapes and colors of the inlets without walking between them.

Elephant Rock and the Comino caves

Elephant Rock is one of the trip’s more unusual coastal sights. Its name comes from the shape of the rock formation, which is best appreciated from the water. The skipper passes close enough for photographs, though the boat may continue moving rather than pause for a long visit.

The caves are where this tour earns much of its price. Santa Maria Caves, along with East and West hidden caves, give you a closer look at Comino’s eroded coastline. Sunlight reflects through the openings, and the water changes color around the cave walls.

The exact cave experience depends on sea conditions and the captain’s judgment. The boat may slow for photographs or enter suitable cave areas, but this is not a land-based cave walk. You are seeing the caves from the water, with the engine, waves, and other passengers part of the setting.

Bring a waterproof phone pouch if you want pictures. The boat ride can send spray over the sides, and one guide specifically warns that you should be prepared to get wet. Sunglasses and a hat are useful, but hold onto them firmly.

Santa Marija Bay and San Niklaw Bay

After the cave area, the boat passes Santa Marija Bay and San Niklaw Bay. These stops are mainly for sightseeing, not extended time ashore.

Santa Marija Bay gives you a quieter view of Comino’s coast before the tour reaches the better-known lagoon. San Niklaw Bay adds another sheltered inlet to the route. Seeing several bays in one outing helps you understand Comino’s shape better than simply arriving at the Blue Lagoon and staying there.

This part of the ride also gives you a break from the busiest water near the lagoon. The boat moves along the coast, and the skipper may point out features as you go. Since the route is guided in English, listen closely if you want the names and locations to stick.

Two hours at the Blue Lagoon

The main stop lasts two hours at the Blue Lagoon. That is enough time for a proper swim, though it can pass quickly if you want to snorkel, sunbathe, take photographs, and walk around.

The water is clear, and fish can be seen near the swimming areas. Some people enjoy feeding them, although you should follow local rules and avoid treating wildlife carelessly. Snorkeling gear is not listed as included, so bring your own if you want to explore below the surface.

The lagoon can be very full, especially around midday. The beach area may feel crowded, and the shore is not the strongest part of the experience. The boat circuit is often more enjoyable than standing on the busiest stretch of land.

You can improve the stop by moving beyond the immediate beach area, if time and local access rules allow. Water activities such as kayaking, parasailing, and jet skiing are available in the area, but they are not included in the $34 price. They may help you get away from the densest crowd, but they add to the cost.

The two-hour limit keeps the trip moving, yet it also means you should plan your priorities before stepping off the boat. If swimming matters most, change quickly and get into the water. If you want photographs or a walk, leave enough time for both.

Walking toward St. Marija Tower

During the Blue Lagoon stop, you can walk toward St. Marija Tower, also known as St. Mary’s Tower. The tower is a prominent historic landmark on Comino and offers broad views across the surrounding water.

The tour description presents the walk as part of your free time, not as a separate guided visit. That means you should keep track of the meeting time and return to the boat promptly. The available time is shared between swimming, walking, and relaxing, so you will not have hours for a long island hike.

The tower adds useful variety. After a fast ride and a swim, a short walk gives you a different view of Comino’s rocky interior and coast. Wear beach shoes or sturdy sandals if you plan to leave the waterfront. High heels are not allowed and would be a poor fit for the terrain in any case.

Crystal Lagoon on the way back

Crystal Lagoon appears near the end of the route. The boat stops or passes by for photographs and scenic views, depending on conditions and timing.

This lagoon is often a quieter alternative to the Blue Lagoon, though the tour does not promise a two-hour stop here. One skipper stopped for a few minutes so passengers could swim in a more secluded area, but you should not assume that every departure will offer the same swim break.

That flexibility is tied to safety and sea conditions. The captain can alter the route or cancel the trip if the weather or water makes the journey unsafe. If the cruise is canceled for those reasons, you receive an alternative date or a refund.

Is $34 a fair price?

At $34 per person, this is a strong value for anyone who wants more than a simple boat transfer. The price includes the speedboat ride around Comino, visits to the caves, the coastal sights, and two hours at the Blue Lagoon.

You do not pay extra for the cave circuit, which is important because those sights give the trip its character. A direct ride to the lagoon could be cheaper in some cases, but it would not offer the same look at St. Mary Battery, Elephant Rock, Santa Maria Caves, and the bays.

Food and drinks are not included. Bring what you need, especially water, because the tour combines sun, wind, salt spray, and physical activity. Large bags and luggage are not allowed, so pack lightly.

The value is strongest if you want a half-day outing. You see a broad section of Comino, get time in the Blue Lagoon, and return to Marfa Bay without giving up an entire day. It is less appealing if your only goal is a long, quiet beach stay.

What to bring and what to expect on the boat

Bring sunglasses, a sun hat, sunscreen, biodegradable sunscreen, a towel, and beachwear. The request for biodegradable sunscreen is worth taking seriously, since the boat visits clear lagoons and swimming areas.

A small, secure bag is more useful than a backpack stuffed with extras. Large bags are not allowed, and belongings can get wet during the ride. Keep phones, cameras, and wallets protected.

Expect speed, wind, and spray. The boat ride is described as thrilling, not gentle. You may get wet, especially if the sea is lively or the skipper increases speed. That is part of the fun for some people, but it can be uncomfortable if you want a dry, quiet crossing.

The boat is not suited to pregnant people, anyone with back problems, recent surgery, or wheelchair users. Non-folding and electric wheelchairs are not accepted. The booking information also lists the activity as unsuitable for people over 60, 70, 80, and 95, which is unusually repetitive. If age or mobility is a concern, contact Bluewaves Watersports before paying.

Alcohol, drugs, weapons, sharp objects, and intoxication are not allowed. These rules make sense on a small, fast boat where space and safety are limited.

Timing, weather, and the new Comino entry rule

The tour is offered with different starting times, so check availability before booking. A 1:00 p.m. departure places the Blue Lagoon stop later in the outing, when the area may be especially full. If you have a choice, an earlier departure could make the water stop more pleasant.

The captain has final control over the route. Wind, waves, and other safety concerns can change the order of stops or remove a cave visit. That is normal for a small-boat trip, and it is better than forcing a route in poor conditions.

There is also an important rule for visits from May 1, 2025. Anyone who steps onto Comino from the Blue Lagoon and explores on foot must register and obtain an entry ticket through the official government system at www.blcomino.com.

This rule applies to all operators. Check the official system before your trip, especially if you plan to leave the boat and walk toward St. Marija Tower. The boat ride itself and the Blue Lagoon stop remain the core of the outing, but the registration requirement can affect your time ashore.

Who should book this trip?

I would choose this tour if you want a quick, active Comino outing rather than a full beach day. It suits confident swimmers, couples, friends, and families with older children who enjoy speed, spray, and a busy schedule.

It is also a good choice if caves matter to you. The route gives you several coastal sights in one trip, and the cave visits come without an extra charge.

I would look elsewhere if you dislike rough water, need a stable ride, have back or mobility issues, or want a quiet, uncrowded beach. The Blue Lagoon can be packed, and the boat itself is designed for excitement rather than comfort.

Should you book the 3.5-hour Comino tour?

Book it if you want the most scenery possible in a short half-day. The combination of speedboat thrills, Comino’s caves, St. Mary Battery, Elephant Rock, Crystal Lagoon, and two hours at the Blue Lagoon makes $34 good value.

Go in with the right expectations. This is not a slow cruise, a private charter, or a peaceful beach retreat. You may get wet, the lagoon may be crowded, and the captain may adjust the route. For an energetic first look at Comino, though, this trip gives you a lot for the time and money.

FAQ

How long does the Comino speedboat tour last?

The advertised duration is three and a half hours. It includes the speedboat circuit around Comino, cave visits, coastal sightseeing, and a two-hour stop at the Blue Lagoon.

Where does the tour start and finish?

The tour starts and ends at Blue Waves Watersports near Marfa Bay. Boarding closes 15 minutes before departure.

What is included in the $34 price?

The price includes the speedboat ride around Comino, visits to the caves, and the two-hour Blue Lagoon stop. Food and drinks are not included.

Can I swim and snorkel at the Blue Lagoon?

Yes. The two-hour stop includes free time for swimming, snorkeling, sunbathing, walking, and photographs. Snorkeling equipment is not listed as included.

Do I need an entry ticket to walk on Comino?

From May 1, 2025, anyone stepping onto Comino from the Blue Lagoon to explore on foot must register and obtain an entry ticket through www.blcomino.com.

What happens if bad weather cancels the tour?

The captain may cancel or change the trip because of weather, sea conditions, or safety concerns. If the cruise is canceled for those reasons, you are offered an alternative date or a refund.