From Gozo:Around Comino, Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon & Caves

Comino’s coast is best seen from a small boat, and this four-hour trip gets close to caves and coves that larger vessels must pass by. I like the two proper swimming stops, plus the relaxed pace around the island. I also like the small boat, usually holding about 20 to 24 people, which gives you room to move between sun and shade.

The main drawback is the Blue Lagoon stop itself. It can become very crowded, especially later in the day, and the little beach area may feel cramped. The early 9 a.m. departure is the smart choice if you want calmer water and fewer people.

Key points at a glance

• Small boats reach the caves: The boat can maneuver close to Comino’s sea caves and turn so passengers on both sides get a good view.
• Two long swimming stops: Expect about an hour at the Blue Lagoon and around 45 minutes at the Crystal Lagoon, with some departures offering a third swim.
• Early starts beat the crowds: Morning boats often leave the Blue Lagoon just as larger crowds begin to arrive.
• You can stay aboard at Blue Lagoon: If the shore looks too packed, swim and sunbathe from the boat instead.
• Simple but useful comforts: You get a welcome drink, a padded sun deck, toilets, and sometimes a piece of melon or watermelon on the return trip.
• Gozo departure matters: This trip leaves from Mġarr Harbour in Gozo, not from Malta’s main island.

Why this Comino cruise works so well

At $41 per person, this is a strong-value way to see Comino without spending the whole day on a crowded ferry or beach. The trip combines sightseeing, swimming, and a little free time ashore, so you are not paying for a simple transfer to the Blue Lagoon.

The biggest strength is the boat size. Larger excursion boats can show you Comino from offshore, but they cannot always get close to the smaller openings in the rock. Here, the captain can guide the boat into several caves and grottos, giving you a much better look at the pale stone, dark openings, and clear water around the island.

The boat is not a luxury yacht, and this is not an elaborate guided tour with a full commentary program. It is a straightforward half-day outing with a friendly crew, good views, and plenty of time in the water. That simplicity is part of its appeal.

Finding the boat at Mġarr Harbour

The meeting point is on the jetty beyond the Gozo ferry terminal. Walk past the terminal, keeping the three food kiosks on your left, and continue to the end of the jetty.

Allow extra time. Parking near the harbour can be difficult, and departure times are followed closely. If you are using the Gozo ferry or local transport to reach Mġarr, do not cut it close.

The boat leaves from Gozo, not Malta. That sounds obvious, but it is an easy mistake if you are staying on Malta’s main island and searching for a Comino trip without checking the departure port. You need to reach Gozo independently before meeting the crew.

The meeting directions could be clearer, so use the written instructions carefully. If you get turned around, ask near the ferry terminal before walking down the jetty.

Choosing the right departure time

The early morning departure is the best all-around option. Boats reaching the Blue Lagoon around 9:15 a.m. can find it relatively quiet, while the water and shore become much busier as the morning advances.

This matters most in summer. The Blue Lagoon is famous for its clear, bright water, but its popularity can work against it. By late morning, the small shore area may be crowded with people, sunbeds, kiosks, and boats.

An early trip also helps you enjoy the Crystal Lagoon before you are tired from too much sun. You get your main swim at the start, tour the coast while the day is still comfortable, then have another swim before returning to Gozo.

Sunset departures have a different mood. The Blue Lagoon is often quieter later in the day, and the ride back can be beautiful as the light softens. You may lose some of the crisp morning brightness, but you gain a calmer atmosphere. Check the exact schedule before booking because not every departure may operate at every time of year.

The Blue Lagoon: famous, beautiful, and busy

The first main stop is the Blue Lagoon, usually for about one hour. The water is the star here: clear, pale, and remarkably bright around the limestone shore.

You may choose to get off the boat and walk around Comino, sit near the beach, or simply swim from the boat. The free time is long enough for a proper swim and a short look around, but not long enough for a full island walk.

You must arrange a free disembarkation ticket through blcomino.com if you want to step ashore. The ticket costs nothing, but it is required in 2025. This is one of the most important practical details of the trip. Do it before arriving, rather than trying to sort it out at the lagoon.

I would not automatically get off the boat. If the lagoon is crowded, staying aboard can be more pleasant. You can swim from the boat, use the padded sun deck, and avoid squeezing onto a small patch of shore. Several departures have found the Blue Lagoon quiet early in the day and much busier by the time they leave.

There are stalls around the landing area selling drinks, snacks, and ice cream. That is handy, but it also confirms that this is Comino’s busiest and most commercial stop. For a quieter feel, save your best swimming time for the Crystal Lagoon.

Crystal Lagoon is the better swim stop

The Crystal Lagoon usually receives about 45 minutes, though the timing can vary with conditions. This is where the trip feels most rewarding.

The water is clear and turquoise, with rock formations around the edges and fish in the shallows. You can swim from the boat, snorkel, and watch fish near the rocks. Some departures have included close to an hour here, and the clear water makes it a favorite stop for adults and children alike.

Snorkeling equipment is not included, but you can rent it for €5. Bring your own mask if you already have one, though you should not assume equipment is supplied unless you arrange it yourself.

The stop is also more flexible than a beach visit. You can remain on the boat if you do not want to swim, sit in the shade, or use the sun deck. For swimmers, the water is the main event. For everyone else, the boat remains a comfortable viewing platform.

The captain may adjust the swimming stops according to wind and sea conditions. That is sensible around exposed rocky bays, but it means you should treat the advertised order and exact duration as a guide rather than a guarantee.

Comino from the water: caves, bays, and landmarks

The cruise around Comino fills in what a simple Blue Lagoon trip leaves out. You pass the island’s rugged coast, small coves, and beaches, seeing how quiet much of Comino feels once you move away from the famous lagoon.

The captain takes the boat close to several caves. This is where a small group makes a real difference. The boat can maneuver into narrow spaces and rotate so people on different sides get a chance at photographs. Bring a phone or camera with a secure grip, since the best views come quickly as the boat moves between openings.

Comino Tower is another highlight. The historic tower was featured in the film The Count of Monte Cristo, giving the stop a bit of film interest as well as a strong coastal view.

The route also passes the tuna farm and Elephant’s Point. These are viewed from the boat, not treated as separate shore stops. You get a moving tour of the coast rather than a series of long land visits.

Santa Marija Bay and San Niklaw Bay show a quieter side of Comino. The water remains the focus, but these bays help you understand the island beyond its one famous swimming spot.

What the crew adds to the experience

The quality of the trip depends partly on the captain’s boat handling. Keith has been praised for getting close to caves, managing traffic around busy stops, and keeping the schedule on track. Agus has been described as friendly and attentive.

Crew members have also included Danny and Jack on earlier departures. Jack was particularly helpful with drinks, while Danny handled rougher water confidently. Staff can change, so do not book solely around a particular name, but the crew’s practical role matters.

This is not always a heavily narrated sightseeing cruise. On some departures, the captain gives useful explanations and points out the sights. On others, the commentary may be brief. One captain was criticized for being short with answers, even though the boat handling was good.

That makes the trip better suited to people who want scenery, swimming, and a relaxed outing rather than a detailed history lecture. You can ask questions, but expect the boat ride itself to be the main experience.

Boat comfort, group size, and swimming setup

The boats used for this trip are small enough to feel personal without being cramped. Recent departures have carried around 12 to 24 people, including the crew, depending on the day.

That is a major advantage over packed excursion boats. You have a better chance of finding a good photo angle, moving from shade to sun, and getting into the water without a long line of people around you.

The padded sun deck is useful during the sightseeing sections. There are shaded areas and open areas, so bring sunscreen and weather-appropriate clothing even if the morning feels mild.

A toilet is available on board. Drinks can be purchased from the bar, and a welcome drink is included. Some trips have also offered fresh melon or watermelon on the return journey. These are small touches, but they are welcome after swimming.

Music from other boats can sometimes spoil the quiet around the lagoons. That is not controlled by this operator, but it is worth knowing that the Blue Lagoon is an active boating area rather than a silent nature reserve.

Is four hours the right length?

Four hours is a good fit for most people. You see the coast, stop twice for swimming, have time for caves and landmarks, and return to Gozo without giving up an entire day.

Families with children can manage the length more easily than a full-day boat outing. Children aged 9 and 12 have enjoyed the swimming and clear water, and younger children can stay aboard during the rougher or more active sections. You should still bring towels, sunscreen, and suitable beachwear.

Solo visitors and couples also benefit from the smaller group. The relaxed boat atmosphere makes it easier to settle in without the noise and crowd of a large vessel.

If you want a long beach stay, this may feel too structured. You will not have several hours to claim a spot on Comino or wander at your own pace. The value comes from variety: two swims, caves, bays, landmarks, and a return cruise in one compact outing.

Price, value, and what you still pay for

At $41 per person, the trip offers more than a point-to-point ride. You get a sightseeing cruise around the entire Comino coast, two swimming stops, a boat with toilet facilities, a padded sun deck, a welcome drink, and the chance to visit caves that larger boats may skip.

You should budget extra for snorkeling equipment at €5 if you need it. Drinks from the onboard bar are also separate. The free Blue Lagoon shore ticket is not an added cost, but you must arrange it online if you want to disembark.

The value is strongest if you want to combine several experiences in one morning or afternoon. If you only want to swim at the Blue Lagoon, a simpler ferry or beach visit may be enough. If you want to see Comino properly from the water, this price is fair.

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure and reserve-now, pay-later booking add useful flexibility. Weather can still change the route or cancel the outing, since the captain makes the final call based on sea conditions.

Who should book this trip?

I would choose this cruise if you want:

• A small-group boat instead of a large ferry
• Two real swimming stops
• Close views of Comino’s caves and rock formations
• A four-hour outing rather than a full day at sea
• An early start that avoids the worst Blue Lagoon crowds
• A relaxed option for couples, families, and solo visitors

You may want another option if you dislike swimming from a boat, need a long stretch of beach time, or want a highly detailed historical tour. The Blue Lagoon shore can be crowded, and the exact route may change with weather.

The listing gives conflicting information about accessibility: it says the activity is wheelchair accessible but also says it is not suitable for wheelchair users. Contact the operator before booking if access is important for you. Do not rely on the general accessibility label alone.

Should you book the Comino cruise?

Yes, if you are staying on Gozo and want a well-priced way to see more than the Blue Lagoon. The best version of this outing is the early morning departure, when the lagoon is calmer, the boat is less surrounded by other vessels, and the heat is easier to manage.

I especially like the choice to remain aboard at the Blue Lagoon if the shore looks packed. That flexibility keeps the day enjoyable instead of forcing you into the busiest part of Comino.

Book it for the coast, caves, and swimming, not for a long beach day or an elaborate guided lecture. Bring your own snorkel if you have one, arrange the free shore ticket in advance, arrive early at Mġarr Harbour, and let the crew handle the route.

FAQ

Where does the Comino boat trip depart from?

It departs from Mġarr Harbour on Gozo, not from Malta’s main island. Walk past the ferry terminal, pass the three food kiosks on the left, and continue to the end of the jetty.

How long does the trip last?

The cruise lasts four hours. Check the available departure times when booking, since schedules can vary.

How much time do you get at the Blue Lagoon?

The planned stop at the Blue Lagoon is approximately one hour. You can swim, walk around, sunbathe, or stay aboard the boat.

Do I need a ticket to get off at the Blue Lagoon?

Yes. In 2025, you must book a free ticket through blcomino.com if you want to disembark on Comino at the Blue Lagoon.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

No. Snorkeling equipment can be rented for €5. You may also bring your own equipment.

How long is the Crystal Lagoon stop?

The planned Crystal Lagoon stop is approximately 45 minutes. Some departures have provided close to an hour, but timing can change with weather and sea conditions.

Can I stay on the boat instead of going ashore?

Yes. You can remain aboard at the Blue Lagoon and swim or sunbathe from the boat instead of disembarking.

Is the boat suitable for wheelchair users?

The information provided is conflicting. It describes the activity as wheelchair accessible but also lists it as not suitable for wheelchair users. Contact Xlendi Pleasure Cruises before booking to confirm the current arrangement.

What should I bring?

Bring beachwear, sunscreen, a towel, and clothing suitable for the weather. A secure phone or camera is useful for photographing the caves and coastline.