Malta: Comino, Blue Lagoon & Caves – swim, snorkel & slide

The best part of this day is the freedom to use the boat as your floating base at Blue Lagoon. You can swim from the boat, walk onto Comino, return for lunch or a restroom, then head back into the water without packing up every hour.

I like the long stop, the friendly crew led by Captain Kevin, and the low price. I also like the practical extras: a big slide, shaded seating, an upper sun deck, food, drinks, lockers, and optional snorkeling gear. The main drawback is crowding. This boat can carry up to 232 people, and the Blue Lagoon itself can feel very busy in high season.

Key points to know before you book

• Four and a half hours at Blue Lagoon: You get much more than a quick photo stop, with time for swimming, snorkeling, lunch, and a walk around Comino.
• Captain Kevin provides commentary: The cruise passes St. Paul’s Island, Ahrax Cave, Coral Cove, Comino’s cliffs, and Santa Maria Tower.
• The boat has its own swimming fun: Use the slide, jump from designated areas, or sunbathe on the upper deck.
• The €15 cave trip is optional: A seasonal speedboat ride reaches the smaller caves and is paid in cash.
• Arrive early for the top deck: Upper-deck chairs go quickly, sometimes about an hour before boarding.
• Bring cash and sun protection: Boat and Comino payments are cash only, and towels are not included.

A low-cost day on Malta’s clearest water

At $36.28 per person, this is one of the less expensive ways to spend a full day on the water around Malta. The price covers the cruise, landing and facility fees, deck chairs when available, restroom use, and the boat slide. You still pay for food, drinks, snorkeling equipment, lockers, and the optional speedboat ride.

That makes the tour good value if you want a full day rather than a short transfer to Comino. You are not just paying to be dropped at the Blue Lagoon. You get a coastal cruise, commentary, swimming time, a boat with basic facilities, and the chance to come and go between the vessel and Comino.

The boat is not new or polished in the luxury-yacht sense. The operator says so plainly, and that is useful to know. It has what you need for a day at sea, but you should choose this for access, time, and fun rather than sleek design or peace and quiet.

Music plays during the day, and the atmosphere can be lively. If you want a calm, silent cruise, this probably is not your match. If you like a casual party-boat mood, reasonably priced food, and a slide into the Mediterranean, the tone should suit you.

Leaving Bugibba at 10am

The meeting point is Bugibba Jetty in St. Paul’s Bay. The boat leaves at 10am and returns around 5pm, giving you roughly seven hours from start to finish.

I would arrive early, especially if you want a chair on the upper deck. The best spots disappear quickly, and early arrival also helps you settle in before the boat gets busy. The upper deck gives you more sun and open views. The shaded main deck is a better choice if you want relief from the heat or need a break from direct sun.

The boat has views from most seating areas, but the top deck is the prize for many people. One useful tip is to sit on the starboard side for strong views of Comino during the approach, though you can move around as the boat changes direction.

The vessel can hold up to 232 people. That number matters. On a busy summer departure, you should expect a social, crowded outing rather than a small-group cruise. Some people find the full boat part of the fun. Others prefer to remain on board while many people walk onto Comino, when the boat becomes noticeably quieter.

St. Paul’s Island and the first coastal views

Soon after departure, the boat passes St. Paul’s Island. According to the traditional account, Saint Paul was shipwrecked in this area. A statue of him now sits on the tiny island, making it easy to spot from the water.

This is a short sightseeing moment rather than a landing stop. Captain Kevin provides information along the route, adding context as the boat passes the island and other coastal landmarks.

You then pass Mellieha Bay, the largest beach in Malta. From the water, you get a useful sense of its wide curve and position along the northern coast. The cruise continues toward Ahrax Cave, where the boat pauses for photographs.

The route also passes Coral Cove before crossing the Comino South Channel. These early sights help turn the ride into more than simple transportation. You get a series of rocky coves, open sea views, and changing angles on Malta’s coast before the main swim stop.

Cruising around Comino’s cliffs

Comino is Malta’s smallest main island, covering about 1.4 square miles. Its lack of major roads and large settlements gives the cruise a very different feel from Malta’s busier shore.

The boat circles Comino, showing its high cliff edges and unusual rock forms. One named formation is Elephant’s Head, an easily recognizable piece of sea-carved stone. You will see the island best from the water, where the cliffs and caves form a connected coastal picture.

This section is especially worthwhile if you enjoy taking photographs. The boat provides changing viewpoints that you cannot get from one beach or lookout. Keep your camera ready during the approach, but protect it from spray and strong sun.

The boat may visit or show certain sights in a slightly different order depending on weather and sea conditions. Crystal Lagoon, for example, may appear on the way to Comino or on the return journey.

Four and a half hours at Blue Lagoon

The main event is Blue Lagoon, where the boat remains for about four and a half hours. That long stay is the strongest reason to choose this cruise over a basic sightseeing boat.

You can use the boat as your base. Jump or slide into the turquoise water, swim near the vessel, return for a drink, use the restroom, then head back out. You can also walk onto Comino and explore at your own pace.

The water is the star here. It is clear enough for swimming with fish, and the lagoon’s pale color looks especially striking from the upper deck. The boat’s position also gives you an alternative to sitting on the crowded beach. You can stay aboard, stretch out in a chair, and still enjoy the same water.

The slide is a simple extra, but it adds a lot for families and anyone who enjoys a little action. There are also designated jumping spots. Swimming directly off rocks can be awkward in places, so use care and follow the crew’s instructions.

Blue Lagoon is not a secret corner of Comino. Boats, swimmers, sunbathers, and day visitors gather here. The clear water remains beautiful, but the setting loses some of its peaceful feel when the area is full. If you want quieter surroundings, walk away from the main center on Comino or stay aboard during the busiest period.

Crystal Lagoon and the optional cave ride

Crystal Lagoon is reached from Blue Lagoon by a walk of about eight minutes. It is known for deeper water and is popular with divers, though you can also swim and snorkel there.

The lagoon gives you a useful change of scene. Blue Lagoon is the famous stop, while Crystal Lagoon can feel more suited to people who want to spend time in the water away from the main beach. Cliff jumping is available for the more adventurous, but this is not an activity to attempt casually. Check the landing area and follow local guidance.

For an extra €15, you can take a seasonal speedboat ride to the smaller caves. Payment is cash only. This is separate from the main cruise price, and the ticket is purchased on the day when the option is available.

I consider the speedboat a worthwhile add-on if caves are a priority. The smaller vessel can reach spaces that the main boat cannot, and the ride adds a short burst of speed to an otherwise relaxed day. It is not essential, though. You can have a full experience with the cruise, Blue Lagoon, Comino, and Crystal Lagoon without spending more.

Santa Maria Tower and walking on Comino

On the return route, the boat passes Santa Maria Tower. Built in 1618, the tower helped defend Comino and is one of the island’s few substantial buildings.

It also appeared as Chateau D’If in the film The Count of Monte Cristo. The tower makes a good photograph from the water, especially when framed against Comino’s dry, rocky coast.

You are free to step onto Comino during the long stop. A walk to Santa Maria Bay takes about 20 minutes, and the area can provide a quieter alternative to Blue Lagoon. This is one of the best ways to improve the day if the main lagoon feels too crowded.

Bring sturdy footwear if you plan to walk around the island. The supplied information specifically highlights the walk, but it does not promise paved paths or easy access everywhere. You should also keep enough time to return to the boat before departure.

Food, drinks, snorkeling, and practical extras

You do not need to carry a full picnic. The onboard cafeteria sells food and drinks at prices described as reasonable, and the bar serves cocktails, including the popular pineapple drinks. Ice cream is also available.

The boat’s food is useful because the Blue Lagoon area can become expensive and crowded. Still, lunch is not included, so budget for it separately. The onboard cafeteria also means you can stay on the boat rather than search for food on Comino.

Masks and snorkels can be rented for €5, with a €15 deposit and €10 returned afterward. Lockers cost €2. Towels are not included, so pack your own.

Payments on the boat and on Comino are cash only. This is one of the most important details to remember. Bring enough euros for food, drinks, equipment, the locker, and the speedboat if you want it.

Deck chairs are first come, first served. The upper deck is the most sought-after area, but all seating areas provide access to the views. If you miss an upper-deck chair, you can still walk around and use the boat’s different levels during the day.

Who will enjoy this boat trip most

This tour fits families, couples, groups of friends, solo visitors, and anyone who wants a simple day by the water. It is suitable for all ages, and the combination of swimming, sunbathing, food, and sightseeing lets people choose their own pace.

Families will appreciate the slide, easy access to restrooms, and the option to return to the boat for shade or food. Friends may prefer the music, cocktails, jumping spots, and optional speedboat ride.

Solo visitors can use the boat as a comfortable base and move between the deck, Comino, and the water without arranging their own transport. The crew provides information about locations and departure times, which is useful if you are exploring alone.

This is less suited to you if your ideal day means quiet water, a small group, or a polished boat. Rough seas are possible, and some people have felt unwell during choppy conditions. If you are prone to seasickness, sit where the boat feels most stable, watch the forecast, and consider bringing your usual remedy.

The shoulder months can be pleasant for swimming, especially October, when the water may still feel warm and the air is less hot. From October to May, bring a jacket because the boat can feel chilly while cruising. You should also carry sun cream and a towel in every season.

Is the $36.28 price good value?

Yes, if you want a full day at Comino with swimming time and basic onboard services. Four and a half hours at Blue Lagoon is generous, and the boat gives you a place to sit, eat, change plans, and use the restroom.

The value is weaker if you only want a peaceful cruise or a short visit to the lagoon. A large boat and lively music are part of the deal. You are paying for convenience and time, not exclusivity.

The €15 cave trip is fairly easy to justify if you enjoy small boats and rock formations. Add the €5 snorkel rental or €2 locker only if you need them. By bringing your own equipment, towel, and cash, you can keep the total cost close to the advertised price.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure. If poor weather cancels the trip, you are offered another date or a full refund. The same applies if the minimum number of participants is not reached.

Should you book the Hornblower Comino cruise?

Book it if you want a generous swim stop, low cost, and plenty of choice. The boat slide, upper deck, cafeteria, commentary, and optional cave ride give the day more variety than a simple ferry crossing.

Go in with realistic expectations. Blue Lagoon is beautiful but crowded, the boat can fill up, music may play throughout the day, and the vessel is functional rather than modern. Arrive early for a top-deck chair, bring cash, pack a towel and sun cream, and consider walking to Santa Maria Bay when the main lagoon feels packed.

For an affordable Malta day out that combines scenery, swimming, Comino access, and a little playful chaos, this is a strong choice. If calm and privacy matter more than price, choose a smaller boat instead.

FAQ

Where does the Comino cruise leave from?

The tour leaves from Bugibba Jetty on Dawret Il-Gzejjer in San Pawl il-Baħar, Malta. It returns to the same meeting point.

How long does the tour last?

The cruise runs for about seven hours. Departure is at 10am, with the return scheduled for around 5pm.

How long do you stay at Blue Lagoon?

The boat remains at Blue Lagoon for about four and a half hours. You can swim from the boat, use the slide, visit Comino, eat, and return to the vessel during this time.

Is lunch included?

No. Food, drinks, cocktails, and ice cream are available from the onboard cafeteria and bar, but you pay separately.

Can I rent snorkeling equipment?

Yes. A mask and snorkel cost €5 to rent. A €15 deposit is taken, with €10 returned afterward.

How much does the speedboat cave ride cost?

The seasonal speedboat trip to the smaller caves costs €15. The ticket is purchased with cash, and availability can vary.

What should I bring?

Bring a towel, sun cream, and cash. From October to May, bring a jacket or warm layer because the boat can feel chilly while cruising.