Malta: Comino, Blue & Crystal Lagoon, Gozo & Seacaves

Malta: Comino, Blue & Crystal Lagoon, Gozo & Seacaves is a captivating boat tour that promises a mix of stunning scenery, crystal-clear waters, and a dash of adventure within just 3 to 4 hours. The tour departs from Cirkewwa, giving you a chance to explore some of Malta’s most iconic natural attractions without feeling like you’ve been on the water for an eternity. With over 1,500 reviews averaging a 4.7-star rating, this experience is clearly a favorite among travelers seeking authentic sights and memorable moments.

What makes this tour stand out? First, the opportunity to swim and snorkel in the Blue Lagoon — a place famous for its vibrant waters and smooth sands. Second, the variety of scenery, from sea caves and rocky cliffs to serene bays and the famous Comino Tower, provides a diverse backdrop that keeps the journey interesting. We also appreciate how the tour is designed to maximize time at each stop, giving you plenty of chances to relax, explore, and snap photos.

One possible drawback? The tour’s itinerary is weather-dependent, and routes can be adjusted or shortened if seas get rough. If you’re someone who loves a strict schedule or wants to disembark on the island itself, this might be a consideration. However, for those who enjoy flexibility and natural beauty, this is a manageable trade-off.

This cruise is ideal for travelers who want beautiful waters, manageable tour lengths, and friendly guides. It appeals especially to those who appreciate a good mix of sightseeing, swimming, and informal exploration without the long hours typical of larger excursions.

Key Points

Stunning Locations: Swim at the Blue and Crystal Lagoons, explore caves, and enjoy scenic bays.
Flexible Options: Choose between a 3-4 hour cruise or a romantic sunset experience.
Value for Money: Includes swimming, snorkeling, drinks, and guided commentary.
Authentic Experience: Operated since 1988, with friendly, knowledgeable crew.
Weather Flexibility: Route adjustments based on sea conditions are common.
Perfect for Relaxed Travel: Shorter, scenic, and suitable for most travelers, including those with limited time.

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In-Depth Review of the Malta Boat Tour

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An Overview of the Experience

Starting from the Cirkewwa jetty, this boat tour takes you on a journey around Malta’s coast, focusing mainly on Comino, the Blue Lagoon, and the Sea Caves. You’ll be aboard a comfortable vessel operated by Xlendi Pleasure Cruises, a company with decades of experience. The tour offers two main options: a half-day cruise lasting around 4 hours or a sunset cruise that emphasizes the magic of the evening light.

The tour begins with a quick cruise past notable landmarks like Elephant Rock and Santa Maria Sea Caves, giving you your first taste of Malta’s rugged coastline. From there, the boat heads toward the Blue Lagoon, a highlight for many. You’ll have about 1 hour to swim, snorkel, or simply relax in the shimmering waters. For those who disembark, this stop offers excellent opportunities to explore the island’s powdery sands or take a walk along the shoreline.

The journey continues past Gozzo’s main harbor, Mġarr, which isn’t a stop but a scenic photo opportunity. The boat then visits the Crystal Lagoon, where you’ll spend around 45 minutes wading in turquoise waters. Many reviews highlight how well-timed these stops are, giving enough time to enjoy each location without feeling rushed.

What You’ll See and Do

Swim and Snorkel at Blue Lagoon: The lagoon’s fame is well-earned. The waters are remarkably clear and calm, making it ideal for swimming. Many travelers appreciate the flexibility here: you can stay on the boat, swim directly from it, or take a short walk on the island. As one reviewer said, “We loved that we can swim in the Blue Lagoon and also Crystal Lagoon straight from the boat.” The shallow waters are perfect for snorkelers, and many found the underwater scenery impressive.

Cruising the Sea Caves and Bays: The boat glides past Santa Maria Caves and Santa Marija Bay, each offering a different perspective of Malta’s rugged coast. The caves often captivate visitors, especially when illuminated by the sun, and the guide’s commentary adds context.

Exploring Gozzo Harbor and Other Scenic Spots: Though there’s no stop in Gozo, the boat passes by the harbor, giving you a chance to snap photos of this bustling yet quaint port. The Comino Tower is also visible from the water, famous for its appearance in the film “The Count of Monte Cristo”.

Crystal Lagoon’s Hidden Gems: During the longer trip, you’ll enjoy a stop at Lovers Cave and Popeyes Cave, where snorkeling or just relaxing in the water can be the highlight of your day. Reviewers often mention the friendly crew and the well-organized stops as key reasons why the experience feels special.

The Itinerary and Timing

The cruise’s schedule is designed to give you the maximum enjoyment in a limited time. For example, the main Blue Lagoon stop is around 1 hour, providing ample opportunity to swim or walk around. The Crystal Lagoon gets about 45 minutes, which many find just right for a quick dip and sightseeing.

The tour also includes a visit to Gozzo Harbour, where you have a brief photo stop. The sea caves and scenic viewpoints are passed during a cruise segment, giving you narrative opportunities without making you disembark.

For the sunset option, the route is slightly shortened, and the focus shifts to enjoying the twilight views rather than covering all stops. This is perfect for couples or those wanting a more relaxed, romantic experience.

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Comfort, Crew, and Extras

From reviews, it’s clear that the crew is friendly, knowledgeable, and attentive. The boats feature padded sun decks, toilet facilities, and life jackets for safety. You might find some snacks and drinks onboard, with an onboard bar where you can purchase beverages (cash or card). For those wanting to snorkel, equipment is available to rent for a small fee.

Most travelers mention that departure times are strictly followed, so arriving early to find the dock behind the Cirkewwa Cafe is advisable. The boat’s size and quick boarding process mean you won’t often experience long waits.

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Value for Money

Considering what’s included—swimming stops, a welcome drink, watermelon, optional Prosecco, on-board commentary, and scenic cruising—it’s a well-priced experience. Many reviews point out that the tour offers good value, especially since it combines multiple highlights into a manageable 3 to 4 hours.

While drinks are available to buy, the inclusion of fresh fruit and a friendly atmosphere makes the trip feel generous. If you’re looking for a relaxed, scenic outing with plenty of swimming opportunities, this tour ticks those boxes without breaking the bank.

Potential Drawbacks and Tips

Some reviews mention that the meeting point can be a little unclear, so arriving 15 minutes early is wise. The route can be shortened or altered depending on weather conditions, which may affect specific stops. It’s worth noting that disembarking on the islands isn’t part of this tour unless you book separately, so if you want to explore Gozzo or Comino extensively, you’ll need additional arrangements.

For travelers who prefer a strict and detailed schedule or have mobility issues, the fact that the boat is not wheelchair accessible might be a concern. Still, staff is often helpful and accommodating where possible.

Final Thoughts

This boat tour offers a beautiful glimpse of Malta’s coast in a relatively short time. It’s an excellent choice if you want to see the iconic Blue Lagoon without spending hours on the water. The stops are well-chosen, the crew friendly, and the scenery simply striking. The tour balances adventure, relaxation, and sightseeing — making it suitable for families, couples, or solo travelers seeking a taste of Malta’s natural beauty.

If your goal is a scenic, flexible, and value-packed excursion—with plenty of swimming and photo opportunities—this trip will meet expectations. Just be prepared for the weather to influence your route, and arrive early to ensure smooth boarding.

Overall, it’s a reliable, enjoyable experience that showcases Malta’s best water-based attractions without overloading your day.

FAQ

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 3 to 4 hours, depending on the option you choose and weather conditions.

Where does the tour depart from?
It departs from Cirkewwa, Malta, with the boat located behind the Cirkewwa Cafe.

Can I disembark at the Blue Lagoon?
Yes, disembarking at the Blue Lagoon requires a free ticket, which must be booked in advance at www.blcomino.com.

Are drinks included?
Drinks are not included but can be purchased on board. You might find water and snacks provided, and there is an onboard bar for other beverages.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?
No, snorkeling equipment is available to rent for 5 euros if you wish to explore underwater scenery more closely.

Is this tour suitable for children or those with mobility issues?
It’s generally suitable for most travelers, but it’s not wheelchair accessible, and children should be supervised, especially during swimming stops.

What should I bring?
Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, weather-appropriate clothing, and possibly some cash for drinks or rental gear.

To sum it up, this boat tour around Malta offers a well-rounded and scenic experience that highlights the best of Malta’s coastlines, lagoons, and caves. It’s perfect for those who want a short but sweet adventure with plenty of opportunities for swimming, photography, and relaxing in stunning surroundings. Whether you’re visiting Malta for a few days or just want a scenic break from your itinerary, this trip provides a memorable taste of Malta’s natural beauty.

You can check availability for your dates here: