Exploring the Beauty of Malta: A Personal Take on the 20-Minute Comino Cave & Blue Lagoon Tour
Malta’s azure waters and dramatic coastlines draw visitors from all over, but a boat trip that combines cave exploration with a relaxing stop at the Blue Lagoon offers something truly memorable. For about $273, you get a roughly 1 to 6-hour adventure that takes you from Gozo’s shores to the enchanting caves of Comino and the iconic turquoise waters of the Blue Lagoon. Led by personable guides with small groups (no more than 11 people), this tour emphasizes personalized attention and authentic scenery, making it a great choice for those wanting a mix of adventure and leisure.
We love the small group size, which makes for a more intimate experience—no crowded boats here—and the customizable timing at the Blue Lagoon, letting you avoid the chaos and find your perfect spot. The inside cave tour, where your boat navigates through five caves—including the one used in the filming of The Count of Monte Cristo—is another highlight that adds a touch of cinematic magic. However, keep in mind that the Blue Lagoon can get quite busy, especially during peak hours, so patience and an early start are recommended if you want a more relaxed visit.
This tour suits travelers who value authentic, small-group experiences, love scenic boat rides, and appreciate free time to explore independently. It’s especially well-suited for those who want a combination of sightseeing with flexibility, rather than a rigid, full-day package. If you’re eager to see Malta’s caves and enjoy a laid-back day at one of the most famous swimming spots, this trip could be a perfect fit.
Key Points
Small-group experience: Limited to 11 travelers for more personal attention and better photo opportunities.
Cave exploration: Inside five caves, including a film location from a classic movie, with expert navigation.
Blue Lagoon stop: Free time to swim, sunbathe, or explore, with amenities available on the island.
Flexible timing: You choose your return time from the Blue Lagoon, making it adaptable to your plans.
Good value: Combines scenic boat rides, cave visits, and a relaxed beach stop for a reasonable price.
Authentic touch: Guides are praised for their skill and friendly attitude, making the trip more enjoyable.
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The Experience in Detail
Starting Point and Transportation
The adventure begins at Joyride Watersports in Gozo, located in Il-Qala. It’s worth noting that the meeting point is different from the ferry jetty—so plan your transport accordingly. We found that the check-in process was straightforward, and the staff was courteous. Since the tour doesn’t offer a fixed departure time, you simply arrive, and if seats are available, you’re off within about 20 minutes. This no-stress start is perfect for spontaneous explorers.
The Cave Tour: Inside the Santa Maria Caves
One of the tour’s biggest highlights is the boat gliding into five caves along the coast, with a skilled captain at the helm. As multiple reviews mention, the boat’s maneuverability is impressive—they navigate narrow passages with ease, making for great photo opportunities. The caves are naturally dramatic, with stony ceilings and shimmering water reflections.
Our guide, along with others’ comments, has been praised for their adept navigation and friendly manner. The caves have served as a filming location, notably for The Count of Monte Cristo in 2003, adding a sprinkle of cinematic allure. Expect about 20 minutes spent drifting through these natural formations, which is enough time to appreciate the scenery without feeling rushed.
The Blue Lagoon: A Relaxing and Flexible Stop
After the caves, your boat heads toward the Blue Lagoon, a world-famous destination for its crystal-clear waters and soft sandy bottom. During peak season, it can get crowded, and some reviews mention the chaos, but the flexibility of this tour allows you to decide how long you want to stay. We loved the option to explore at our own pace—whether to snorkel, sunbathe, or wander along the rocky shores.
On Comino—an island with practical amenities—you’ll find kiosks for food and drinks, toilets, showers, and rentable sunbeds and umbrellas. This makes the stop more comfortable, especially if you want to spend a few hours there. The tour operators are flexible: they will arrange a pick-up time based on your preference, which avoids the strict scheduled returns typical of larger group tours.
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Additional Considerations
One aspect to keep in mind is the crowds at the Blue Lagoon, which many reviews acknowledge. While the water is stunning, the busy environment might not suit travelers seeking solitude. Also, if you are not prepared for rocky terrain, bring shoes you can climb over rocks to reach the water or to explore the shoreline.
Another point is the timing: the last boat back from the Blue Lagoon is at 6 pm, so planning your departure from the lagoon accordingly ensures you won’t be left stranded. The tour also recommends bringing snorkeling gear, as rentals are not available on Comino.
What People Say
The reviews are overwhelmingly positive. Many travelers appreciated the friendly guides and the scenic beauty of the caves and lagoon. For example, one reviewer called the boat ride “fantastic” and praised the captain’s skill, while another said it was “the most fun” they had in Malta. Several mentioned the flexibility of being able to set their return time and appreciated the small boat size—making the experience feel more exclusive.
A few reviews highlight logistical issues, such as the difference between the tour meeting point and ferry terminal—so it’s worth organizing transportation to the departure point in advance. Also, the crowds at the Blue Lagoon can be overwhelming, but the tour’s flexible schedule helps mitigate that.
Value for Money
At $273, this tour offers a balanced mix of sightseeing, adventure, and leisure. The price includes the boat trip, cave exploration, and the free time at Blue Lagoon. Compared to full-day tours that may not offer the same intimacy or flexibility, this is good value—especially if you appreciate small-group experiences and prefer not to be herded onto large boats.
Who Will Love This Tour?
This trip is perfect for travelers who want a personalized, relaxed experience of Malta’s natural beauty. If you enjoy scenic boat rides, exploring caves, or having control over your schedule, you’ll be happy here. It suits those who don’t mind a bit of crowds at the Blue Lagoon but prefer to avoid the chaos of large tour groups. It’s especially good for independent explorers who want a taste of adventure with the convenience of flexible timings.
It’s also great for travelers who value guides with local knowledge and appreciate small, intimate groups. If you’re traveling with family or friends and want a memorable, hassle-free day that balances adventure with downtime, this tour hits the mark.
The Sum Up
This Gozo-based Comino Cave & Blue Lagoon tour offers an authentic and flexible way to experience some of Malta’s most stunning sights. The small boat size, expert navigation, and personalized scheduling make it stand out from larger, more rigid excursions. You’ll get to explore beautiful caves, see a movie-famous filming location, and enjoy ample free time at one of the Mediterranean’s most iconic spots.
While it’s not a completely off-the-beaten-path experience—Blue Lagoon can get crowded—its flexible nature allows you to beat the crowds if you start early or go later in the day. The guides are praised for their friendliness and skill, adding a genuine touch to what is already a beautiful journey.
If you’re after a relaxed, authentic, small-group adventure that combines scenic exploration with free time, this tour will suit you well. Just be prepared for busy environments and rocky terrain, and you’ll leave with plenty of fantastic memories of Malta’s coast.
FAQ
How long is the tour?
The tour duration varies from about 1 to 6 hours, depending on how long you choose to stay at the Blue Lagoon and the overall schedule.
What is included in the price?
The price covers the boat trip, cave tour, and the stop at the Blue Lagoon with flexible pickup arrangements.
Are food and drinks included?
No, food and drinks are not included, but amenities such as kiosks, toilets, and sunbeds are available on Comino.
Can I choose my return time?
Yes, the tour operator will arrange your return time based on your preference, providing flexibility that many reviews appreciate.
What size are the boats?
The boats carry no more than 11 passengers, creating a more intimate and comfortable environment.
Is snorkeling available?
Snorkeling gear is not provided, but many travelers bring their own to enjoy the clear waters of the Blue Lagoon.
Are guides knowledgeable?
Yes, multiple reviews praise the guides for their skill, friendliness, and ability to navigate caves expertly.
What should I bring?
Bring sun protection, waterproof shoes for rocky areas, snorkeling gear if you want to snorkel, and plenty of water and snacks for the day.
This small, flexible tour offers a well-balanced day of scenery, adventure, and leisure—perfect for travelers seeking an authentic taste of Malta’s coastline with the comfort of personalized service.