Comino feels like a postcard you can touch. This small-boat tour is a great mix of Crystal and Blue Lagoon swimming plus close-up cave and rock views around Comino. You’ll spend most of your time in the water, not waiting around.

I especially like the group size. You’re on a cozy boat with only around 24 people, so you get the views without the big-boat crowd crush. It also helps that the crew keeps things moving and explains what you’re seeing as you go.

One thing to plan for: getting off at Blue Lagoon requires a free pass and a timed slot (then you get a wristband at Cirkewwa). If you prefer, you can skip the pass and stay on board to swim off the boat.

Key highlights to care about

• Small boat (around 24–25 people): more breathing room at swim stops and better access to caves
• Crystal Lagoon swim time: a focused window for snorkeling in clear water, plus paddleboard and noodle floats
• Blue Lagoon time slot rules: you may need a timed free pass if you want to step onto the bay
• Photo stops you can actually see: Promising Rock (Gebla tal-Ħalfa), Santa Maria Caves, and Elephant Rock
• Onboard comfort extras: shaded seating, toilet on board, and life jackets available

Small-Boat Comino: The Real Reason You’ll Enjoy It

Comino’s famous for water color. But the tour you pick decides whether that color feels relaxing or chaotic. This one runs on a smaller vessel, so the boat stays closer to the places you’ll want to photograph and swim.

You’re starting from Cirkewwa (Mellieħa), then heading out to the main showpieces. Along the way you pass the Comino Tower, a landmark tied to The Count of Monte Cristo. It’s a nice “we’re really here” moment before the water stops start.

Where to Meet at Cirkewwa (and How Not to Waste Time)

Meet behind the Cirkewwa Kiosk Cafe. You’ll descend the stairs behind the cafe and turn left around the corner to find the boat.

Bring swim stuff immediately, not later. One of the easiest ways to have a smoother trip is to dress for water early, because you’ll be doing a swim schedule more than a walk schedule. Also, if the meetup area feels a bit crowded, don’t panic—just follow crew direction and keep an eye on the correct boat.

What You Wear and Pack for Lagoon Swimming

This tour is built for getting in the water. Pack:

• swimwear, towel, sunscreen, and beachwear
• cash for food/drinks or optional gear
• snorkeling gear is not included, but snorkels can be rented onboard

The sea can be choppy at times, especially outside peak season. Wear practical shoes if you’ll do any rocky scrambling near viewpoints, and plan for spray if the weather turns.

Crystal Lagoon: Your Best Bet for Clear-Water Snorkeling

The first big water stop is Crystal Lagoon on Comino’s western side, with about 45 minutes. This is the stop people remember because the water clarity is the whole point—turquoise over sand you can actually see.

You’ll have time to:

• swim and snorkel
• look for marine life
• use the stand-up paddleboard (included)
• float around with swim noodles (included)

Snorkeling can be much more fun when you don’t have to haul gear from shore. The boat setup makes it easy to jump in, swim a bit, then return when you’re done—no big transfer lines, no “wait your turn” feeling.

Blue Lagoon: How the Free Pass Works (and Your Two Options)

Next is the Blue Lagoon stop, listed as 1 hour. This is the iconic spot where sunlight over the sandy seabed turns the water unreal shades of blue.

Here’s the practical twist: to disembark at the Blue Lagoon, you need a free pass from blcomino.com and you must pick the correct slot (Morning/Afternoon/Sunset). At Cirkewwa, show the free pass to Transport Malta officials to receive the official wristband in advance.

Your tour gives you two workable options:

• If you want to step onto the bay and walk around, get the pass and match the slot to your schedule.
• If you’d rather skip the hassle, you can stay on the boat and swim off the boat without needing the pass.

This second option is great if you’re more interested in swimming and snorkeling than standing in crowds. It also helps if you want to avoid any last-minute confusion about timing.

Promising Rock (Gebla tal-Ħalfa) and the Scenic Pass-Bys

After your main swimming stops, you’ll cruise with sightseeing breaks. You’ll pass Gozo’s coastline and see Promising Rock, also known as Gebla tal-Ħalfa. It’s one of those spots where a quick photo and a few minutes of staring is worth it because the shape reads from the water.

You also sail past San Niklaw Bay and the Comino Hotel. These aren’t the long stops. Think of them as the “slow down and look” moments between swim locations.

The value here is that you’re not just doing a beach day. You’re getting a coastal loop with natural features you’d miss if you were only hopping between two famous bays.

Santa Maria Bay and the Comino Caves Experience

Comino has a calmer side, and Santa Maria Bay is a good example. It’s on the northern side of the island and often feels less crowded than Blue Lagoon. Expect a beach-and-view stop, with the time listed two ways in your tour details: 15 minutes in the included info and 45 minutes in the full itinerary.

After Santa Maria Bay comes the cave-and-rock finale. You’ll get a photo stop at:

• Santa Maria Caves
• Elephant Rock

These are the moments where a smaller boat really helps. You can get close enough to make the caves feel real, not just distant shapes on a map. Even if you only get a few photos, you’ll understand why Comino gets so much attention.

Halfa Rock: A Quick Stop With Worthwhile Views

You’ll also see Halfa Rock (listed as a short 15-minute sightseeing pass). It’s not a swimming stop in the way the lagoons are, but it’s still a classic Comino feature for photos and quick sightseeing.

If you’re the type who likes to watch the coastline change—rock, sand, and water tones—these short passes keep your eyes busy without dragging your day.

Crew and Boat Comfort: What Makes It Feel Easy

A big reason this tour scores well is how the crew runs it. Guides like Johnny (and crew support from Captain Johnny Jnr) are part of the friendly vibe. The communication you need is there: what you’re seeing, when the swims happen, and what options you have at each stop.

Onboard comfort is practical:

• shaded seating
• an onboard toilet
• life jackets available if you need one

And when you swim off the boat, the return should feel manageable. One detail I’d lean on: there’s an easy ladder at the back of the boat, which matters a lot if you aren’t a fearless Olympic swimmer.

Optional Add-Ons You Might Want to Budget For

This tour keeps its core cost focused on the water stops. Still, plan for extras:

• Snorkels can be rented onboard for €5
• Drinks and snacks are available onboard (examples given include soft drinks for €2.50, water €1.50, and beer €3)
• Food is available to buy at beach stops

If you go in with a simple snack plan—some cash and swim-ready gear—you’ll avoid the small stress of figuring it out mid-day.

Price and Value: Is $31 Worth It?

At about $31 per person for a 3–4 hour outing, this feels like strong value—mostly because you’re not paying for “transport only.” You’re paying for multiple water opportunities plus sightseeing within a tight loop.

Here’s what you get without extra fees:

• Crystal Lagoon swim time and Blue Lagoon swim time
• stand-up paddleboard (included)
• swim noodles (included)
• shaded seating and onboard toilet
• a small-boat experience (around 24–25 people)

The only extra you might want is snorkel rental (€5) and your own food/drinks. If you’d otherwise rent gear or pay for separate lagoon stops, this package can make the day feel organized instead of pieced together.

Who Should Book This Comino Boat Tour

This tour fits best if you want:

• a short, high-water day (3–4 hours)
• swimming and snorkeling at Crystal Lagoon and Blue Lagoon
• close-up views of Santa Maria Caves and Elephant Rock
• a smaller group vibe where the boat doesn’t feel packed

It’s not a match if you’re prone to seasickness, and it’s listed as not suitable for pregnant women. If you’re comfortable in the water and you can handle changing conditions (sometimes choppy weather), you’ll likely enjoy it a lot.

Should You Book? My Straight Answer

I’d book this tour if your goal is simple: get on the water, swim in Comino’s best-known lagoons, and see the caves without committing a full day. The small-boat size, the included flotation/paddleboard setup, and the efficient stop schedule make it a practical way to experience Comino.

I’d think twice if you hate paperwork. The Blue Lagoon timed free pass rule matters if you want to get off at the bay. If you don’t mind staying on board to swim off the boat, that concern shrinks fast.

FAQ

FAQ

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

The duration is listed as 3 to 4 hours, with exact timing depending on the starting time available.

Where do I meet the boat?

Meet behind the Cirkewwa Kiosk Cafe. Go down the stairs behind the cafe and turn left to reach the boat.

How many people are on board?

The experience is described as a small boat, with capacity around 24 to 25 people.

What stops are included during the cruise?

You’ll pass and/or stop at Crystal Lagoon, Blue Lagoon, Halfa Rock, San Niklaw Bay, Santa Maria Bay, Santa Maria Caves, and Elephant Rock.

How much time do I get at Crystal Lagoon and Blue Lagoon?

Crystal Lagoon is listed as a 45-minute stop. Blue Lagoon is listed as a 1-hour stop.

Do I need a free pass to visit Blue Lagoon?

To disembark at Blue Lagoon, you’ll need a free pass from blcomino.com and you must choose the correct slot (Morning/Afternoon/Sunset) for your tour time.

Can I swim at Blue Lagoon without getting off the boat?

Yes. If you prefer to remain on the boat, you do not need the free pass and you can swim off the boat.

Is snorkeling gear included?

No. Snorkels are available to rent onboard for €5.

What’s included for swimming?

The tour includes stand-up paddleboards and free swim noodles for the swimming stops.

Is the tour okay if I get seasick?

It’s listed as not suitable for people prone to seasickness.

Are toilet facilities available?

Yes. There are onboard toilet facilities.