Comino Island: including Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon & sea caves

Comino’s Crystal Lagoon is the real prize here. It is smaller and usually feels more natural than the famous Blue Lagoon, with clear water, steep cliffs, and caves you can reach only by boat. The trip also gives you a comfortable floating base, rather than leaving you to search for a patch of shore.

I like the two-lagoon plan and the boat itself. You get time to swim, use the slides, rest on padded loungers, and watch Malta’s rocky coast from the water. The main catch is simple: Blue Lagoon can be intensely crowded, and the best seats go quickly, so arriving 30 to 60 minutes early matters.

• Crystal Lagoon from June to October: About an hour for swimming, snorkeling, and the boat’s slides, weather permitting.
• Blue Lagoon base: Depending on the departure and season, you get roughly two to four hours around Comino’s busiest swimming spot.
• Caves from the water: The cruise passes large sea caves, St. Paul’s Island, Santa Maria Caves, and the Elephants Head rock formation.
• Comfortable catamaran: Sun loungers, toilets, showers, an air-conditioned indoor deck, bars, and food service are available.
• Seats are first come, first served: Arrive early if you want a front-row lounger or the best upper-deck view.
• Season matters: From November through April, a larger sailing catamaran may operate without underwater viewing windows.

What This Comino Cruise Actually Gives You

This is a swimming and sightseeing boat trip from Bugibba, not a guided walking tour of Comino. For about $36.20 per person, you spend four to six hours on or around the water, with the boat doing much of the work.

The day trip lasts about six hours. The shorter evening or sunset trip lasts about four hours, with around 30 to 40 minutes at Crystal Lagoon and roughly two hours at Blue Lagoon. The longer daytime option is the better choice if swimming is your main goal.

The boat operates daily, all year, but the route depends on sea conditions. Commentary is provided in English, French, German, Italian, and Polish. The maximum group size is listed as 250 people, so this is not a small private cruise. It is a sizable excursion boat with plenty of facilities.

I see the price as fair if you plan to use the boat. The fare includes the cruise, lagoon stops, sea-cave viewing, toilets, showers, slides, loungers, and the underwater windows when that boat and departure include them. It is less compelling if you simply want basic transport to Comino, since you may spend much of the time paying for a boat you barely use.

Leaving Bugibba and Crossing Malta’s Coast

The meeting point is Bugibba Jetty on Dawret Il-Gzejjer in St. Paul’s Bay. From Valletta, Sliema, or St. Julian’s, take a bus toward St. Paul’s Bay and get off near the Moll or Parades bus stops. Check the exact departure instructions before setting out, since the operator can change boarding details.

I would arrive early. The most comfortable loungers are not assigned according to preference, and the best spots disappear quickly. One practical target is 45 minutes before departure, especially for a busy summer day. A few people arrive even earlier for the front of the upper deck.

Once underway, the catamaran cruises along Malta’s rocky coast. You will see high cliffs, small inlets, rough stone shelves, and narrow openings in the rock. The boat also passes tiny St. Paul’s Island, marked by the tall statue of Saint Paul.

The open-water ride can be breezy even on a warm day. Bring a light sweater or wrap, especially if you sit on the upper deck. The wind also makes it easy to underestimate the sun, so apply sunscreen before boarding and keep using it during the cruise.

Crystal Lagoon: The Best Swim of the Day

From June 1 through October 30, in fair weather, the first major stop is Crystal Lagoon. The daytime cruise stays for about an hour, while the evening trip usually stays for around 30 minutes. Between November and May, the boat generally spends only about 15 minutes here for photographs and cave viewing.

Crystal Lagoon is surrounded by steep cliffs, so arriving by boat is the natural way to see it. The water is notably clear, and the enclosed setting makes it a fine place for swimming and snorkeling. You can also swim toward the nearby caves, though conditions and access depend on the boat’s position and the sea.

The catamaran has three water slides, including a large slide from the upper deck and two smaller ones. There are also jumping platforms. This gives the stop a playful, family-friendly feel, but remember that you are jumping into deep water. Life jackets are available for people who are not strong swimmers.

Bring your own mask and snorkel if you already have them. Equipment is available for an extra charge, but buying or renting gear during the day can be less convenient and more expensive than bringing basic equipment with you. Water shoes can also help around submerged rocks, especially if you try to swim away from the boat.

Crystal Lagoon is where the cruise feels most worthwhile. It is quieter in character than Blue Lagoon, and you spend less time dealing with crowds on shore. If swimming is not your priority, the shorter winter stop may feel less substantial.

Blue Lagoon and the Reality of Comino Crowds

The boat then heads to Blue Lagoon, Comino’s best-known swimming stop. Depending on the season and chosen departure, you may have two to four hours here. The catamaran moors in a position intended to give you a good view, and you can use the boat as your base or walk ashore.

Blue Lagoon’s water is strikingly clear, but the setting is no secret. In the warmer months, the shoreline, paths, and water can be packed. Walking around may feel less relaxing than the photographs suggest, and swimming across the lagoon can be awkward around other swimmers and underwater rocks.

This is why I like having the boat available. You can stay on a padded sun lounger, use the slide, swim directly from the vessel, or cool off in the air-conditioned main deck. You do not have to treat the shore as your only option.

Sun loungers are free, but they are first come, first served. If you leave your spot to walk around Comino, you may not get the same one back. Some departures also involve operational changes, such as the boat moving briefly or handling passengers on a different route. Listen carefully to announcements and keep track of the correct return time.

The boat has toilets, an accessible toilet with a changing area and showers, 26 underwater viewing windows, and two bars. Food and drinks are sold onboard, including hot and cold choices. The operator’s conditions say outside food and drinks are not allowed, so plan to buy refreshments onboard or at Blue Lagoon rather than pack a picnic.

Sea Caves, Santa Maria, and the Optional Speedboat

The cruise includes views of large sea caves along the coast. Near the end of the day, the boat enters the Santa Maria pirate caves and passes the Elephants Head rock formation, a memorable shape carved into the cliff.

The standard trip is mainly a viewing experience. You should not assume that the catamaran will take you inside every cave or let you swim into them. Some departures offer an optional speedboat ride for a separate fee, often around €15 per adult and €10 per child according to the available details.

That extra ride can add real value if you want to get closer to the caves. A smaller boat can approach openings and rock formations that a large catamaran cannot reach. But add the cost before booking, particularly for a family. The advertised tour price does not include this optional excursion.

The underwater viewing windows are another seasonal detail worth understanding. Visibility can be poor when the sea is rough, and the larger sailing catamaran used from November through April may not have these windows at all. Treat them as a bonus, not the main reason to book.

Food, Facilities, and What to Bring

The boat is set up for a long day on the water. You will find cushioned loungers, toilets, showers, an indoor air-conditioned deck, bars, and a kitchen. Food and drinks cost extra, and queues can form when many people order at once.

Bring a towel. Towels are not included, and you will want one after swimming or using the slides. Also pack sun protection, a light layer, and any snorkeling equipment you prefer to use.

The operator lists snorkeling equipment at €5 to hire, while some onboard or island sales may cost more. Availability and pricing can vary, so bringing your own mask and snorkel is the safer plan if you care about seeing underwater life.

Smoking is not permitted on the boat. Vaping is allowed only in designated areas. Service animals are allowed, and the activity is near public transport. Most people can take part, but the swimming stops involve deep water and boat ladders, so use the provided safety equipment and follow crew instructions.

Day Cruise or Sunset Sailing?

The six-hour daytime cruise gives you the fullest version of the experience. You get a longer Crystal Lagoon stop in summer, more time around Blue Lagoon, and a better chance to use the slides, swim, eat, and relax without rushing.

The four-hour evening or sunset option works well if you want a shorter outing. It usually allows about 30 minutes at Crystal Lagoon and around two hours at Blue Lagoon. The return across the sea can be especially attractive as the light fades, but you have less time for a full day of swimming.

The season changes the mood. Summer offers warmer water and longer lagoon stops, but also the heaviest crowds. Spring and autumn can still be warm enough for swimming, though the upper deck may feel cold when the boat is moving. Winter trips are more dependent on weather, with Crystal Lagoon often limited to photographs and cave views.

The captain can cancel or alter the route for safety. If poor weather cancels the trip, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the scheduled start time. The operator uses email as its main contact method, with WhatsApp as a secondary channel, so check both before departure.

Who Will Get the Most From This Trip?

I would choose this cruise if you want several water stops without arranging separate transport. Families often get good value from the slides, jumping platforms, indoor seating, toilets, and easy access to the water.

It also suits couples and friends who want a relaxed day with views, sunbathing, and a few swims rather than a formal cultural tour. The sunset version is a good fit if you want a shorter outing and a more atmospheric return.

Strong swimmers should enjoy Crystal Lagoon most. Less confident swimmers can use life jackets, but you should still be comfortable entering the sea from a boat or staying on deck. If you want a quiet beach day, Blue Lagoon may disappoint during the busiest months.

This is not ideal if you dislike crowds, queues, loud family attractions, or paid extras. It is also not the best choice if your only goal is reaching Comino as cheaply as possible. The value comes from the boat facilities, the organized route, and the chance to swim at two famous spots.

Should You Book the Comino Catamaran?

I would book it for a well-equipped day on the water, especially from June through October when Crystal Lagoon gets its full swimming stop. Arrive early, claim a comfortable lounger, carry a towel and light layer, and expect Blue Lagoon to be crowded.

Choose the daytime cruise for the longest swim time. Pick the sunset trip for a shorter outing and evening views. Consider the optional speedboat only if entering the caves is important to you, and budget for food, drinks, and snorkeling gear.

The best reason to book is the combination of Crystal Lagoon, Blue Lagoon, sea caves, slides, and a comfortable boat. The main reason to skip it is that the experience is shared with a large group, and Comino’s famous lagoon can feel more like a busy swimming platform than a peaceful island escape.

FAQ

Where does the Comino boat trip depart?

The boat departs from Bugibba Jetty on Dawret Il-Gzejjer in St. Paul’s Bay, Malta.

How long does the full day trip last?

The daytime trip lasts about six hours. The evening or sunset trip lasts about four hours.

How long is the boat ride to Comino?

The journey from Bugibba to Comino takes approximately one hour.

Is Crystal Lagoon included?

Yes. Crystal Lagoon is included in the route. From June through October, the daytime trip usually stops for about one hour, weather permitting. From November through May, the stop is generally shorter and focused on photographs and cave views.

How long do you stay at Blue Lagoon?

Depending on the season and departure, the stay at Blue Lagoon lasts about two to four hours.

Can I use the boat while visiting Blue Lagoon?

Yes. The boat provides sun loungers, toilets, showers, slides, bars, and indoor seating. Listen to announcements because the route or boat position can change due to sea or operational conditions.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

No. Snorkeling equipment costs extra, listed at €5 to hire. You can also bring your own equipment.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are available to purchase onboard. Towels are also not included.

Are the sea caves included?

The cruise includes viewing large sea caves and the Santa Maria pirate caves from the water. An optional speedboat trip farther into the caves may cost extra.

What happens if bad weather cancels the trip?

If the operator cancels because of poor weather, you can receive a full refund or choose a different date. The captain may also modify the route for safety.