Blue Lagoon, Comino & Sea Caves

Blue Lagoon, Comino, and the sea caves are interesting because Malta’s best water views are easier from the sea than from land, and the day runs on boat time, not bus time. I really like the small-boat feel and the fact you can still get into sea caves without extra charges when conditions cooperate. I also like the way the schedule gives you real free time to swim, snorkel, and just hang out on deck.

My one caution: the Blue Lagoon can be very crowded, and some of the coastline you’ll step near is rocky and slippery, so pack the right shoes. If you’re counting on cave access, know it’s weather dependent, and the route can shift.

Key things to know before you go

• Small boat, up to 48 people, so you usually feel less herded than on bigger cruises
• 3 hours at Comino means you are not rushed through the best swimming water
• Cave entry is included when weather allows, not an add-on you have to haggle for
• Onboard WiFi and restrooms keep the awkward moments short
• Snorkeling gear is not included, but you can rent it onboard with a cash deposit
• Blue Lagoon crowds are real, so plan for busy water and limited quiet

A half-day boat day from Bugibba: what you get

This is a 5.5-hour boat excursion from Bugibba that focuses on one big idea: getting you to Comino for classic swim-and-snorkel time, plus extra sightseeing on the water. You cruise up the Maltese coastline, reach the Blue Lagoon at Comino, and then head back with a look at additional cave spots when the sea allows it.

At the price point (about $30.12 per person), the value is mostly about logistics and access. You are paying for a round-trip ride from the mainland, plus included cave entry when open, plus onboard basics like toilets and WiFi.

Getting to L-Menqa Jetty: timing and how not to miss the boat

The day starts in Bugibba, with boarding beginning about 30 minutes before departure at L-Menqa Jetty. That timing matters because boat days in Malta can be strict, and the crowd builds fast near the water.

One small practical tip from real-world experience: don’t assume every group will meet you in the exact spot you picture. A confusing rendezvous has popped up before, and the fix was simple, you asked where to go and connected with the organizer fast. If you’re arriving close to departure, give yourself extra time to get your bearings.

Blue Lagoon at Comino: your main swim window

The main stop is Comino, at the famous Blue Lagoon. Once you dock, you get about 3 hours of free time to swim and snorkel, and you can also explore parts of Comino on foot if you want a break from the water.

This is where the day earns its reputation. The water is crystal clear in the way that makes you feel like you are holding a postcard up to the sun. It’s also where the “crowded” word becomes real, with many boats arriving at similar times. That means you should expect busy water, and you might want to pick your exact spot carefully for comfort.

Bring beach shoes

I strongly recommend beach shoes. The coastline near some access points can be rocky and slippery, and it’s the kind of foot discomfort that turns a fun swim into a grumpy one fast. If you want to walk a little or climb back aboard, shoes help you move with confidence.

Snorkeling gear: what’s included and what isn’t

Snorkeling equipment is not included. You can rent it onboard with a cash deposit, so if you plan to snorkel, bring cash for the deposit and plan to pick it up right when you board.

If you are just swimming, you do not need extra gear beyond your own basics. Still, if you want a proper look at underwater life, rent the mask and snorkel before you fall into “I’ll do it later” mode. Later tends to become “later never happens.”

Food and toilets, no guesswork

For lunch, there’s a snack bar onboard where you can buy food and drinks. Toilets are available on the boat, which is a big deal on water days when you don’t want to scramble around looking for facilities.

Cruising up the coast: views that are worth the “boat portion”

Before you even reach Comino, you’ll spend time cruising and getting fresh angles on Malta’s coastline. Even if you only care about the swimming, the trip matters because it sets the mood. You get calmer pacing, open-water time, and views that you cannot replicate from a bus window.

This is also one reason the boat ride feels relaxing. Multiple people note a smooth ride and a calm captain, which you appreciate more than you think when the sea is moving.

Sea caves on the return: St Mary’s and Crystal Lagoon (weather dependent)

On the way back, the boat sails through the Comino channel and focuses on cave sightseeing. You may see St Mary’s Caves or Crystal Lagoon Caves, depending on conditions. Cave access is included when weather allows, so you are not paying extra for the boat to try.

The payoff here is different from the Blue Lagoon. At Blue Lagoon you go for long water time. With caves, you get short bursts of “okay, wow” moments, plus the fun of being close to rock formations from sea level.

A practical note: cave plans are weather dependent. That can mean you still get the sightseeing, but the exact cave entry experience might change. If you are booking with very specific expectations, keep your options flexible.

Onboard comfort: WiFi, restrooms, and the small-boat advantage

Included onboard you get restroom access and WiFi. That makes a big difference on a half-day trip, because you’re not stuck figuring out basic needs at the worst possible time.

The other big comfort factor is size. With a maximum of 48 travelers and reports of a smaller boat, the day feels less crowded than the giant-boat experience. People who tried the smaller option specifically called it out as a reason to choose this format over bigger cruises.

If you want an experience that feels more hands-on and less like you’re queued up at every stop, this fits that style.

Price and value: is $30.12 a good deal in Malta?

At about $30.12 per person, you’re paying for four things: transportation from the mainland, real time at Comino, included cave access when open, and onboard basics like restrooms and WiFi. Lunch is extra, snorkeling gear is extra, and you might spend a bit on a deposit for snorkeling rentals.

So the real question is simple. Do you value boat logistics and cave access enough to justify not doing Comino by your own schedule? If you want easy, this hits. If you prefer to fully control every minute and you’re comfortable arranging your own transport, you might compare options.

For many people, the value comes from the combination, not from any one item. The day is short, it stays moving, and the main swim block gives you enough time to actually enjoy the water.

The one item you must handle: Comino entry ticket setup

There is a key administrative step tied to access to the island of Comino. You will need to sign up with the Maltese government using PN BLCOMINO to get an entry ticket for Comino, and it is described as free to purchase.

This matters because it’s the kind of requirement that can create stress right before you want to relax on a boat. If you are traveling on a tight schedule, handle this early and keep it easy to find on your phone.

What to pack for a better day in the water

This is one of those tours where your comfort outside the water affects your enjoyment inside it. Here’s what I think is worth thinking about:

• Beach shoes for rocky, slippery access
• Your own swim gear (and a towel if you like one)
• Cash for snorkeling rentals with a deposit
• Sunscreen and a hat, because the day is mostly outdoors and on deck
• A change of clothes in your bag if you tend to get chilly after swimming

If you’re planning to snorkel, don’t assume gear is ready and included. It’s available onboard, but you need to arrange the rental.

Who this tour suits best

This cruise is a great fit if you want a classic Comino day without complex planning. It works especially well for people who like boat rides, want a controlled schedule, and would rather spend time in the water than figuring out ferry times and connections.

It also makes sense for families or groups who want a calmer, more manageable group size. With a maximum of 48, it generally feels more relaxed than big-coach style tours.

If you are the type who hates crowds, be honest with yourself. Blue Lagoon is famous, and that fame brings boats. You can still enjoy it, but you’ll be sharing the water. If you need quiet solitude, you might want a different style of day.

A balanced look at the good and the not-so-good

The strongest recurring positives are practical and human. People praise the cruise being on time, and they highlight the captain as kind and informative, with crew members who help when you need it. Calm, confident handling of the boat also shows up in notes, which matters when you want to relax instead of worry.

The biggest drawbacks are straightforward. Blue Lagoon can be overcrowded, and some people note litter in the area. You cannot control that, but you can make smart choices, like wearing your shoes, minimizing wasted time, and keeping your expectations realistic.

One low point also appears about refunds and weather-related situations. The tour itself is described as requiring good weather, and when cancellations happen due to poor conditions, you should be offered a different date or a full refund. Still, if the forecast looks rough, keep a close eye on what the provider communicates and ask questions early so there are fewer surprises.

Should you book Mermaid Cruises for Blue Lagoon and the sea caves?

I’d book this if you want a straightforward boat-first way to see Comino’s Blue Lagoon, get included sea cave access when possible, and still have enough time to actually enjoy the water. The 3-hour Comino window is the kind of schedule that works, because you are not constantly rushing.

Skip it or look closer if you have no interest in crowds and you need a quiet escape. Also, if you hate slippery rocks and you forget shoes, this tour can punish you fast.

If you handle the Comino entry ticket setup in advance and bring the right footwear, this is a solid value half-day with real payoff, clear water, and a day that feels like you’re living Malta from the sea.

FAQ

Where does the tour start in Malta?

The meeting point is at Bugibba Jetty, Dawret Il-Gzejjer, San Pawl il-Baħar, Malta. Boarding begins at L-Menqa Jetty about 30 minutes before the departure time.

How long is the Blue Lagoon, Comino and Sea Caves tour?

The duration is about 5 hours 30 minutes.

What is included in the ticket price?

You get restrooms on board, WiFi on board, and entering the sea caves when weather permits. Lunch and snorkeling gear are not included.

Do I need snorkeling equipment, and is it provided?

Snorkeling equipment is not included, but it can be rented onboard with a cash deposit.

Is lunch included?

Lunch is available to purchase onboard at the snack bar.

Do I need a ticket to access Comino island?

Yes. You must sign up with the Maltese Government using PN BLCOMINO to get an entry ticket to access the island of Comino, and it is free to purchase.