Malta: Comino, Gozo, Blue & Crystal Lagoon, and Caves Cruise

This Comino half-day (or sunset) cruise is interesting because you get the top Malta water spots in a short window, with boat time, cave scenery, and actual swim breaks. I like how Captain George runs a tight, no-fuss route, and how the water stops are built for real time in the sea, not just photos. You’ll also feel the value with a welcome drink and watermelon built in.

My favorite parts are the Blue Lagoon swim from the boat and the second water stop at Crystal Lagoon, where the color really pops and you can snorkel and take in landmark cave sights. The only real drawback to consider is timing and crowds, Comino gets busy, and departure is strict, so you need to show up early and be ready for possible route tweaks if conditions change.

Key highlights before you go

• Two lagoon swims: Blue Lagoon plus Crystal Lagoon, both with time to swim from the boat
• Captain George’s cave route: passing sea caves and Comino rock features on the way between lagoons
• Free island access ticket for 2025: required if you want to step onto Comino at Blue Lagoon
• Gozo included for photos: a quick, scenic stop at Mgarr Harbour (no full detour)
• Top-deck action: jumping from the top deck if you feel like it, plus a padded sun area
• Snorkel gear optional: equipment rental is available, not included

Why the Comino lagoons cruise feels like a best-of Malta day

If you want the classic Malta color show but you do not want to spend a whole day juggling ferries and bus schedules, this is the sweet spot. You start in Cirkewwa, then you circle Comino with frequent sea views, cave passages, and two dedicated swim windows. It is the kind of trip where you leave with wet hair, sand nowhere near your shoes, and a camera roll full of “how is the water that color” shots.

The crew approach matters too. Captain George has been running these cruises since 1988, and the vibe is organized, friendly, and clear. You get a welcome drink and watermelon, the boat has a toilet, and there is an onboard bar where you can buy drinks if you want.

One more thing that helps your day feel easier, the boat is not massive. Reviews highlight quick boarding and disembarkation, plus a setup that keeps people from feeling jammed shoulder to shoulder.

Finding the boat in Cirkewwa without wasting time

This cruise runs out of Cirkewwa. The meeting point is the jetty behind the only kiosk in the area, the one with umbrellas and tables. Practically speaking, you will find the boat on the dock behind the Cirkewwa cafe.

If you show up exactly at the departure time, you risk stress. A common tip from people who have done this trip is arriving at least 15 minutes early, especially in peak season when the docks get crowded and lanes get confusing fast. Also, departure times are strictly adhered to. If you are late, you can miss the boat.

Tip: I like to take a quick lap around the kiosk area when I arrive, so I am certain I’m at the right dock before I get into line.

Trip A vs Trip B (and how the sunset option shortens the story)

There are two main tour versions, and the order of stops changes.

Trip A: classic Comino circle with a longer Crystal Lagoon pause

Trip A departs from Cirkewwa on a luxury yacht. You start by cruising around Comino and you pass landmarks like Elephant Rock and the scenic Santa Maria sea caves. Then you cruise by Santa Marija Bay and San Niklaw Bay before reaching the Blue Lagoon.

Blue Lagoon is your first big swim moment, with around 1 hour to enjoy the water. The route then continues past the Mgarr Harbour area of Gozo for photos only (no stop in Gozo), and finally you reach Crystal Lagoon for about 45 minutes. This is where you can swim in turquoise water and snorkel among fish, with sightseeing points like Popeye’s Cave and Lovers’ Cave mentioned as highlights along the way.

Trip A also mentions passing Comino Tower, known from The Count of Monte Cristo movie, plus a tuna fish farm.

Trip B: Crystal Lagoon first, then caves, then Blue Lagoon, plus Mgarr Harbour photos

Trip B also leaves from Cirkewwa and uses the XLENDI III boat (as listed). Here, the day starts at Crystal Lagoon with about 30 minutes of clear-water views and photos. You then cruise past Comino’s caves, before a short scenic stop at Mgarr Harbour in Gozo for sightseeing and photos.

After Gozo’s quick harbor moment, you head to Blue Lagoon for 1 hour. Trip B notes that in quieter seasons, you may have a chance for a more relaxed walk around Comino, depending on conditions and what the captain allows.

Sunset option: shorter, less Comino circling

If you choose the sunset cruise, it is a shorter version. It does not go all the way around Comino, so you trade a bit of route coverage for better light and later hours.

Cruise time and cave scenery: what you actually get between the swims

A big part of why this trip works is that the “in between” time is not dead time. You do not just motor from lagoon to lagoon. You get scenery, rock formations, and cave passes that make the trip feel like a real coastal tour.

For Trip A in particular, you will pass Elephant Rock early, then glide through the sea cave area around Santa Maria. The captain also cruises by Santa Marija Bay and San Niklaw Bay, so you’re constantly scanning shorelines for shapes and sea caves as you move.

For Trip B, you get the cave views too, with Comino’s rock formations described as having lively hues. Even if you do not snorkel the whole time, you still end up with plenty to look at from the top deck and side decks.

Practical note: if seas are active, the captain can adjust swimming stops based on weather. That is not a bad sign. It is how you end up with a trip that still feels safe and fun rather than chaotic.

Crystal Lagoon: the 30 to 45 minute color break you will plan your day around

Crystal Lagoon is your second “main character” water stop. How long you spend there depends on the trip version.

• Trip A: around 45 minutes
• Trip B: around 30 minutes

What you can do there is straightforward. You can swim from the boat and snorkel, and you will have time for photos because the water and cliff scenery look good from multiple angles. The tour also flags landmarks visible in the area, including Popeye’s Cave and Lovers’ Cave.

Why I think this stop matters: Blue Lagoon is famous for a reason, but Crystal Lagoon often feels a little more playful because you are not just staring at one shoreline. You are floating with fish-friendly water and dramatic rock shapes all around.

Also, if the sea temperature is cooler, this is still worth it. Several people mention being able to swim even in cooler months, as long as the sea is warm enough for you and the day is calm.

Blue Lagoon: one hour of swimming, plus how to step onto Comino in 2025

Blue Lagoon is where most people want to end up. On this cruise, you get about 1 hour there, which is long enough to do the basic checklist: quick photos, swim from the boat, maybe snorkel, then relax.

One key detail: if you want to disembark and step onto the island at Blue Lagoon in 2025, you must book a free government ticket at blcomino.com. It costs nothing, but the requirement is strict. If you skip this, you may not be able to go ashore even if you are standing there in swimsuit mode.

What to expect during your hour:

• You can swim directly from the boat.
• You may be able to walk around Comino depending on the tour and what the captain allows.
• The boat stays close enough that you can switch between land-viewing and sea time.

Also, Comino gets busy. Even if your cruise does its best to avoid peak congestion, the island atmosphere depends on visitor numbers that are out of the operator’s control. If you are the type who likes quiet, build in patience and focus on the water.

The top deck, jumping off, and how to enjoy it safely

This is a fun boat, not a stiff “sit and wait” situation. Included features include:

• Padded sun deck
• Toilet facilities
• Jumping from the top deck
• An onboard bar where drinks are available for purchase

You also get snorkeling equipment rental nearby on your own time, listed as available for €5. That means if you want gear, bring a plan for where and when you will rent it so you do not waste your short swim window.

What I like about the way this is set up is that the trip is not only about looking. You get permission, encouragement, and the physical platform to actually use the lagoons.

If you are not into jumping, you do not have to. You can still get a lot out of swimming and snorkeling from the boat. If you are into it, do it only when the captain says conditions are good.

Gozo in 10 minutes: Mgarr Harbour as a photo and orientation stop

Gozo is not a full day trip here. You either do not stop in Gozo, or you do a quick harbor moment depending on which trip you pick.

For Trip B, you have a short stop at Mgarr Harbour for about 10 minutes, focused on photos and scenic views. The tour notes this is a quick chance to see the port area of Gozo and snap a few shots.

For Trip A, the description says you cruise past Gozo’s main and only harbour, Mġarr, with photo opportunities, but there is no stop.

Why a harbor photo stop is still useful: it helps you “place” Gozo in your head. Even if you never set foot there, you get a visual anchor for later in your Malta trip, especially if you plan to explore Gozo on your own.

What is included for your $28 per person, and why that matters

The price listed is $28 per person. Even without knowing every added fee, the value case is pretty strong for a 3 to 4 hour experience.

You are paying for:

• a sightseeing cruise around Comino
• a welcome drink
• a slice of watermelon
• swimming time at Blue Lagoon
• swimming time at Crystal Lagoon
• caves visiting
• top deck access, plus jumping from the top deck
• toilet facilities
• an onboard bar (not free drinks)

Then you have the one obvious optional add-on: snorkeling equipment rental for €5. Drinks are also optional, you pay on board.

If you compare this to the cost of trying to stitch together separate transport and private boat time, the included swim access from the boat is what makes the math work. Your money goes directly to time in the water.

Crowd reality and weather tweaks, and how to stay calm about it

Comino is popular. That part is not optional. The best you can do is show up on time, stay flexible, and keep your expectations realistic.

Two things help:

1. Your itinerary has fixed swim windows, so you know you are getting water time.
2. The captain may modify the route or swimming stops based on weather conditions, and trips can be adjusted or canceled due to weather.

I treat this as a normal sea-day variable. If seas are rough, you want a captain who prioritizes safety and changes the plan accordingly rather than forcing it.

My other practical tip: pack weather-appropriate clothing. You might think you only need swimwear, but on a boat, wind and spray can make you feel colder than you expect.

What to bring so your day runs smoothly

Bring the stuff that helps you actually enjoy your swim time:

• Swimwear
• Towel
• Sunscreen
• Weather-appropriate clothing

If you plan to snorkel, consider renting equipment so you can use your time efficiently. And wear something easy to change out of, because you will be doing water to boat to photo to water again.

Also, since you might disembark at Blue Lagoon with a free 2025 ticket, bring what you need for that, like a small bag for personal items.

Who this cruise fits best

This is a great choice if you:

• want the Malta lagoon highlights without a full-day commitment
• like snorkeling and swimming from a boat rather than from crowded shore areas
• enjoy scenic cruising and cave views as part of the experience
• want a guided tour with English-speaking crew and clear instructions

It is also a solid “first time in Malta” option because it hits Comino’s most famous water stops and adds a quick Gozo harbor glimpse.

If you hate boat time and want only one single stop, then this might feel like too much switching. But if you like a short packed day, it is made for that.

One more note on accessibility: the activity info says wheelchair accessible, and it also says not suitable for wheelchair users. Because of that conflict, I recommend checking directly with the operator before you commit, so you know what boarding will look like for your specific needs.

Should you book this Comino Blue and Crystal Lagoons cruise?

Yes, I would book it if your priorities are swimming from the boat, caves and coastal scenery, and getting two lagoon moments in a tight time frame. For the listed $28 per person, the built-in value comes from the actual swim access plus included welcome drink and watermelon, not just sightseeing.

Book with confidence if you are comfortable with a sea-day plan that can shift routes for conditions. Bring your swim kit, arrive early at the Cirkewwa dock behind the cafe kiosk, and get your free blcomino.com ticket if you want to step onto Comino at Blue Lagoon in 2025.

FAQ

Where does the cruise depart from, and where do I meet?

The boat departs from Cirkewwa, Malta. You meet at the jetty behind the only kiosk in the area, identifiable by umbrellas and tables. The boat is also described as being on the dock behind the Cirkewwa cafe.

How long is the cruise?

The duration is listed as 3 to 4 hours. Exact starting times vary by availability.

Which lagoons do you visit for swimming?

You get time to swim from the boat at the Blue Lagoon and the Crystal Lagoon. Time at each depends on the trip version, with Blue Lagoon around 1 hour and Crystal Lagoon either about 30 minutes or about 45 minutes.

Do I need a ticket to go ashore at Blue Lagoon in 2025?

Yes. If you want to disembark at the Blue Lagoon, you must book a free government ticket at www.blcomino.com. Tickets are required in 2025 and cost nothing.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

No. Snorkeling equipment is not included, but it is available to rent for €5.

Are drinks included?

You get a welcome drink and a slice of watermelon. An onboard bar is available, but drinks are not included. You can pay in cash or card.

What if the weather is rough?

The captain can modify the route or swimming stops based on weather conditions. The trip can also be canceled or adjusted due to weather, for safety.