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

Taking a boat trip around Malta’s Comino and Blue Lagoon area offers a wonderful mix of scenic beauty, turquoise waters, and fun activities. For around $34 per person, you can spend anywhere from 4 to 7 hours exploring the coast, swimming in crystal-clear waters, and soaking up the sun from a family-run boat captained by Kevin and his crew. The tour departs from St. Paul’s Bay, cruising past notable sites like St. Paul’s Islands, Ahrax Point, and Santa Maria Bay before reaching the highlight—the Blue Lagoon.

What makes this experience stand out is how accessible and well-organized it is, with options to relax, explore, or add on extra adventures like a speedboat ride. We love the fact that the boat has deck chairs on the upper deck for those wanting to work on their tan, and the slide into the Blue Lagoon adds a playful element that’s perfect for families or anyone young at heart. Another plus: the informative commentary from Captain Kevin, who shares insights about Malta along the way.

One consideration is that the cruise can be bumpy, especially if you’re prone to motion sickness. The schedule is also fixed, with the Blue Lagoon stop from 11:00 to 15:20, so timing your day is key to enjoying the full experience. This tour suits travelers looking for an affordable, fun-filled day with plenty of swimming, scenic views, and friendly local atmosphere.

If you’re someone who loves a mix of sightseeing, swimming, and a laid-back vibe, this trip is a solid choice—especially if you want to avoid the crowds and enjoy the waters from your own boat. It also appeals to families, solo travelers, or groups wanting a taste of Malta’s most famous spots without the hassle of independent planning.

Key Points

• Affordable and value-packed at around $34 per person
• Flexible options for swimming, sunbathing, and exploring caves
• Friendly, knowledgeable crew led by Captain Kevin
• Great for all ages, especially families with kids who love the slide
• Comfortable facilities including toilets, lockers, and a cafeteria
• Bumpy ride warning for those sensitive to motion sickness

You can check availability for your dates here:

In-Depth Review of the Malta Comino & Blue Lagoon Tour

What to Expect from the Tour Overall

When you book this half-day to full-day boat trip, you’re signing up for a journey that mixes sightseeing, relaxation, and adventure. The tour begins at Hornblower Cruises in St. Paul’s Bay, with options for multiple starting points, and you’ll board a family-run vessel that feels both personal and professional. This is not a huge floating hotel but a well-kept boat that caters to small groups, which makes for a more intimate experience.

The crew, led by Kevin, provides informative commentary throughout the journey, sharing interesting tidbits about Malta’s landmarks, caves, and history. This makes the trip more engaging, especially if you’re into local stories and sights. The boat is equipped with deck chairs on the upper deck, ideal spots to lounge, soak in the sun, or snap photos of the coastline.

The Itinerary in Detail

Your adventure begins with a cruise along Malta’s northern coast, passing sites like St. Paul’s Islands and the St. Paul’s statue. These early sights are perfect for photos and setting the scene for your day. The boat then makes quick stops at Ahrax Cave and Santa Maria Cave, giving you a chance to see these caves up close—an experience that’s both scenic and a bit of an adventure, especially for photography buffs.

The highlight of the tour is the Blue Lagoon, a stretch of remarkably clear, turquoise water. Here, you’ll have about 4.5 hours to swim, snorkel, relax, or just float and enjoy the scenery. The boat moors in a quieter, secluded part of the lagoon, away from the crowds, which is a real plus for those wanting some peace and privacy. For added fun, there’s a 10-meter slide that drops into the water—great for kids and the young at heart.

Many reviewers praise the value of this stop. Sian calls it “absolutely stunning,” especially with the option to take a speedboat tour around the caves (payable on-site), which offers a close-up view of the caves near Comino. Some reviewers note the blue waters are so clear that snorkeling here is a highlight, and the water slide is a quirky, fun feature that makes the day memorable.

Facilities and Comfort

The boat is equipped with toilets, lockers (for a fee), and a cafeteria serving hot and cold beverages, which helps keep everyone refreshed. The availability of deck chairs means you can settle in comfortably for a nap or sunbathing session. The upper deck is often the most popular spot, so arriving early to secure a lounge chair there is wise.

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Additional Stops and Sights

After the Blue Lagoon, the cruise continues around Comino, passing Crystal Lagoon and the Mgarr Harbour. The boat also makes a quick visit to St. Mary’s Tower, allowing some free time for photos or a short exploration. The return journey cruises past the Elephant’s Head and St. Nicholas Bay, offering more scenic views.

The Experience from Reviews

Reviewers consistently describe the trip as well-organized, friendly, and fun. Jaime noted, “The staff were friendly, it was informative, and we loved having a close-up view of the caves.” Many mention how the crew’s personality makes a difference—Kevin and the team are noted for their helpfulness and good humor.

The bumpy ride was mentioned by some as a minor drawback, especially for those with motion sickness or sensitivity to rough waters. But most agree that the breathtaking scenery and the joy of swimming in clear waters outweigh this minor inconvenience.

Extra Activities and Add-Ons

If you want to spice up your day, you can rent snorkel gear for a small fee or pay for a speedboat ride around the caves—an exciting way to get close to the small caves near Comino. The onboard food and drinks are reasonably priced, with options for hot and cold beverages, making it easy to stay fueled during the day.

Who Should Book This Tour?

This trip is ideal for families, solo travelers, or small groups who value authentic, scenic experiences without breaking the bank. It suits those who appreciate informative guides and want a relaxed day in nature. If you’re prone to motion sickness or looking for a luxurious cruise experience, this might not be your best fit, but for most, the scenic boat ride and swimming opportunities are well worth it.

Final Thoughts: Who Will Love This?

This tour offers a great balance of value, scenery, and fun. It’s perfect if you want a well-organized day on the water with plenty of time to swim and relax. The friendly crew and beautiful views consistently impress travelers, making it a highlight of many Malta trips.

If you’re after a laid-back, scenic adventure that offers a genuine taste of Malta’s coast, this cruise delivers. It’s especially excellent for families with kids who enjoy slides and shallow waters, or for travelers who want to see the caves up close without the hassle of independent boat rentals.

However, if you’re looking for a luxurious or ultra-smooth ride, or have mobility issues, you might want to explore other options. This trip offers fantastic value, engaging sights, and a friendly atmosphere—making it a worthwhile addition to your Malta itinerary.

FAQ: Your Practical Questions Answered

How long is the tour?
The trip lasts between 4 and 7 hours, depending on the options you choose and how much time you spend at each stop.

What is included in the price?
Your ticket covers 4.5 hours at the Blue Lagoon, deck chairs on the upper deck (limited), views of caves, and the slide into the water.

Can I buy food and drinks on board?
Yes, there’s a cafeteria serving hot and cold beverages, and prices are reasonable.

Are snorkel gear and masks available?
Yes, you can rent snorkel gear for a small fee—deposit required—and this allows you to explore the underwater world of the Blue Lagoon.

What about lockers?
Limited lockers are available for rent in cash. Use them to keep your valuables safe while swimming or exploring.

Is the boat suitable for children?
Yes, the boat’s features like the slide and shallow water stops make it fun for kids. Always supervise children around water and on the boat.

How do I get to the meeting point?
The meeting point is Hornblower Cruises in St. Paul’s Bay—look for the white and blue boat behind Loa Restaurant. It’s accessible by bus, car, or taxi.

Are there any restrictions?
It’s not suitable for travelers with mobility impairments due to the boat layout. Also, check the weather forecast as rough seas can make the ride bumpy.

Can I cancel or reschedule?
Yes, cancellations are free if made up to 24 hours in advance. You can also reserve now and pay later.

What should I bring?
Swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and your camera are essentials. If you plan to snorkel, bring your gear or rent on board.

This Malta boat tour strikes a good balance between value and experience. Expect scenic sights, friendly guides, and plenty of opportunities to relax and explore the waters of Comino and the Blue Lagoon. Whether you’re after stunning scenery, fun activities, or simply a break from sightseeing, this trip offers a memorable taste of Malta’s coastal charm.

You can check availability for your dates here: