REVIEW · MALTA
Comino Island: including Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon & sea caves
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Comino’s lagoon views come fast. This catamaran day trip links Crystal Lagoon, the Blue Lagoon, and sea-cave photo stops with onboard commentary in multiple languages. You get the Malta coast from the sea too, including a pass by tiny St Paul’s Island and its big statue.
Two things I really like: the first swim at Crystal Lagoon (often calmer and less crowded), and the big-deck fun onboard the boat—waterslides, sun loungers, and proper bathrooms. You’ll also appreciate that the crew keeps things moving on a 4–6 hour plan depending on the departure time.
One consideration: the main pool on Comino, Blue Lagoon, can get packed, and that means tighter swimming space and longer lines for food and drinks when the heat hits.
In This Review
- Key takeaways before you go
- Comino Island in One Boat Ride: Crystal Lagoon, Blue Lagoon, and Sea Caves
- How the Catamaran Day Works from Bugibba Jetty
- Stop at Crystal Lagoon: calmer swim and sea-cave photo time
- Blue Lagoon Time: prime mooring, slides, and the crowd reality
- Santa Maria Sea Caves on the Way Back
- Snorkeling, Underwater Windows, and the Gear You Actually Need
- Comfort on Board: loungers, bathrooms, food, and how to beat the lines
- Value for $36.20: what you get, and what costs extra
- Best Season to Go (and how wind changes the mood)
- Should You Book This Comino Catamaran Trip?
- FAQ
- How long is the Comino Island trip?
- Where does the tour depart from?
- What lagoon stops are included?
- How much time do you spend at Crystal Lagoon?
- Is snorkeling equipment included?
- Are there underwater windows on the boat?
- What happens if the weather is bad?
Key takeaways before you go
- Crystal Lagoon first (when scheduled) often feels more relaxed than the later Blue Lagoon rush.
- Blue Lagoon is the main event: slides, loungers, bars, and the best spot to moor for views.
- Short Crystal time in winter: from Nov to May it can be around 15 minutes, more for caves/photos than a long swim.
- Underwater windows depend on season: you might get the submarine-style viewing, or you might not.
- Loungers go quickly on a first-come, first-served basis—queue early if you care about top-deck seating.
- Sea-cave add-ons cost extra if you want to go farther than the standard cave stops.
Comino Island in One Boat Ride: Crystal Lagoon, Blue Lagoon, and Sea Caves
Comino is one of those places where the water looks unreal—and the quickest way to experience it is by catamaran. This trip is built around two lagoon swims plus sea-cave photo moments, so you’re not spending half your day trying to figure out boats, timing, and meeting points.
I like the flow because it gives you options. You’ll get at least one stop that tends to feel quieter (Crystal Lagoon), and then you’ll still get your famous Comino moment (Blue Lagoon), with the boat acting like a floating base. If you enjoy photos, this route also sets you up well for cave views from the water as the day winds along.
The other big perk is the boat itself. It’s a modern catamaran in many seasons, and even when conditions are choppy, you’re on a stable platform for the crossing and the lagoon stops.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Malta.
How the Catamaran Day Works from Bugibba Jetty
The trip starts at Bugibba Jetty (Dawret Il-Gzejjer, San Pawl il-Baħar). If you’re staying in Valletta, Sliema, or St Julian’s, you can catch a bus toward St Paul’s Bay and get off at Moll bus stop. Parades is listed as the closest bus stop to the destination.
From Bugibba to Comino, the ride is about an hour. You’ll get onboard commentary in English, French, German, Italian, and Polish. As you cruise, you’ll also pass the tiny island of St Paul’s and get a view of the statue of the apostle Saint Paul rising high above the coast—an easy way to get some context and orientation before you even reach Comino.
Timing depends on which trip you book:
- Day trip: about 6 hours
- Sunset/evening trip: about 4 hours
It’s also worth knowing that routing can change with weather and operations, so watch the crew announcements and double-check the correct departure time before you leave.
Stop at Crystal Lagoon: calmer swim and sea-cave photo time
Crystal Lagoon is the stop I’d aim for if you want clear water without going straight into the Blue Lagoon crowd. The lagoon sits by steep cliffs and is boat-access only, which helps keep the vibe more controlled than the island’s main beach areas.
How long you’ll be there depends on season:
- June 1 to Oct 30 (day trip): about 1 hour
- Jun 1 to Oct 30 (sunset trip): about 30 minutes
- Nov to May: around 15 minutes, more focused on photo opportunities and visiting sea caves than a long swim
During the warmer months, there are waterslides on the boat, and you can swim and snorkel with very clear visibility when the sea cooperates. Crystal is also positioned so you can explore around the cave areas on foot from the boat—if you’re comfortable in open water.
If you go in the cooler half of the year, don’t feel short-changed by the schedule. The value shifts. In winter, you’re getting quick cave viewing and photo time, plus the chance to enjoy Comino without spending all day in wind.
Practical note: you’ll want to bring (or rent) what you need for snorkeling. Snorkeling gear is not included, and on-board rentals can be limited by demand.
Blue Lagoon Time: prime mooring, slides, and the crowd reality
Blue Lagoon is the headliner. This trip moors you in a “prime area,” which matters more than it sounds. When the boat anchors close to the action, you lose less time between swims and walking ashore (when that’s on the plan).
You’ll typically get 2–4 hours at Blue Lagoon depending on season. On the day trip, that’s usually the longer stretch. This is where you’ll find:
- Multiple waterslides (including a huge one from the top deck and smaller slides)
- Jumping platforms and a sun deck with cushioned loungers
- Toilets and showers plus an accessible toilet with changing area
- Two onboard bars where you can buy hot and cold food and drinks
- Snorkelling equipment hire (listed as €5.00)
- Lockers hire (listed as €2.00)
The downside is simple: Blue Lagoon can be rammed. The water is still great, but when the area is crowded, you’ll feel it in swimming space and in how long it takes to grab drinks or snacks.
My advice: don’t plan to have a relaxing, empty-beach moment here. Plan to enjoy quick swims, use the boat as your base, and then take breaks from the busiest shore areas. If you care about seating, show up early—loungers are free, but they go first-come, first-served.
Also, pack a light layer or windbreaker. Even in pleasant weather, you can get cool moving between stops, especially on the top deck.
Santa Maria Sea Caves on the Way Back
As the day winds down, you’ll cruise back toward Bugibba and include a short cave stop near Santa Maria. You’ll get about 5 minutes to enter the Santa Maria pirate caves and view the “Elephants Head” rock formation.
This portion is quick, so think of it as a photo and quick-look moment rather than a full stop. If you love rock formations and quick sea-breeze viewpoints, it’s a nice closer.
Snorkeling, Underwater Windows, and the Gear You Actually Need
You can snorkel and swim in both lagoons, but your experience will depend on conditions and gear. Visibility can be limited in certain weather, and onboard underwater viewing (if included on your sailing) can be affected by how calm the water is.
Here’s what you should know about underwater viewing:
- The trip may include Submarine Vision with underwater windows (listed as dependent on season and departure time)
- In some cases, you’ll be on a large sailing catamaran in Nov to Apr, and the underwater windows may not be available
- Even when windows are on board, the view can be limited
For snorkeling gear:
- Snorkeling equipment is available for hire (€5.00) and lockers are available for €2.00
- Towels aren’t provided, so bring your own
- If you’re the type who wants your own perfectly fitting mask, you might find it easier to bring it with you. One traveler’s practical tip was to buy snorkel/goggles before you go because island prices can be high, and you might not find sales at Crystal Lagoon
If you rent, do a quick check before you get in. Make sure the snorkel seals and the fins (if provided) are usable for your comfort and swimming style. Water is often clear, but currents and surge still matter.
Comfort on Board: loungers, bathrooms, food, and how to beat the lines
This boat setup is one of the reasons this trip works as well as it does. You’re not just hopping from dinghy to beach. You get a floating base with:
- Cushioned sun loungers
- Toilets and showers (handy when you’re swapping between swims)
- An air-conditioned main deck
- Bars for drinks and snacks
- Life jackets mentioned as available onboard for people who want extra help
Two comfort tips that can change your day:
- Queue early for loungers. Loungers are free but first-come, first-served. Getting there about 45 minutes early (or up to an hour, if you’re aiming for the best top-deck views) helps.
- Bring or wear sunscreen even if it’s windy. Wind can trick your skin into thinking you’re not burning.
Food-wise, you can buy what you want on board, but outside food and drinks are not allowed on the boat. There’s onboard kitchen and bar service, and you’ll also find food stalls when you’re at Blue Lagoon. Lines can get long at peak moments, so plan to eat/drink between swims rather than right when everyone is standing up.
And yes, bins can fill up when the boat is busy. That’s Comino season behavior, not a unique problem on this boat.
Value for $36.20: what you get, and what costs extra
At $36.20 per person, you’re paying for access to three things at once:
- Catamaran transport from Bugibba
- Lagoon time at Crystal Lagoon and Blue Lagoon
- Sea-cave sightseeing stops plus onboard facilities like slides, loungers, toilets, showers, and bars
That price can feel like a bargain if your main goal is swim time and the boat experience, because you’re not just buying a ferry and hoping you’ll be comfortable.
What may cost extra:
- Snorkelling equipment (hire is listed at €5)
- Lockers (€2 hire)
- Towels (bring your own)
- Any optional cave add-ons beyond the standard cave viewing
One traveler described an extra paid speedboat ride option to go farther into caves, with prices like €15 per adult and €10 per child. Those costs can stack quickly, so decide early if you want “cave photo viewing” or “cave exploration.”
Also remember: if you’re expecting a long island hang time in every season, Crystal Lagoon’s schedule can be short in winter months.
Best Season to Go (and how wind changes the mood)
This trip runs all year round, but it operates according to weather conditions. If the sea is unsafe, the captain can cancel or modify the trip for safety. When that happens, you’re offered a different date or a full refund.
How weather changes your experience:
- Late summer and early fall: great for longer lagoon time and comfortable water temps
- November through May: Crystal Lagoon time is reduced, and you can feel the wind on open decks, even if you can still swim
If you’re traveling in spring or late autumn, pack for cool wind and bring layers you can peel off when you’re in the sun. One traveler specifically warned that late March can be cold and windy, which can turn the “beach hang” part into more of a “swim, then warm up on board” plan.
Should You Book This Comino Catamaran Trip?
Book it if you want an easy, structured way to hit Crystal Lagoon + Blue Lagoon without juggling transport. You’ll get real value from the boat’s facilities—especially the loungers, slides, and toilets/showers—while still ticking off the sea-cave sights around Comino.
You might skip or consider another approach if you dislike crowds. Blue Lagoon can get busy fast, and if you’re looking for a quiet swim-only day, you’ll need patience or a different schedule.
My final advice: if you do book, plan to arrive early for loungers, bring your own towel (and ideally your own snorkel mask if fit matters), and treat Blue Lagoon like a highlight stop, not a solitude spot. With that mindset, this is a fun, high-reward Malta day out.
FAQ
How long is the Comino Island trip?
The day trip runs about 6 hours. The sunset/evening trip runs about 4 hours.
Where does the tour depart from?
It starts at Bugibba Jetty (Dawret Il-Gzejjer, San Pawl il-Baħar, Malta). The activity ends back at the same meeting point.
What lagoon stops are included?
Crystal Lagoon and Blue Lagoon are included, plus sea caves for photo opportunities and a short stop at the Santa Maria caves on the way back.
How much time do you spend at Crystal Lagoon?
From June 1 to Oct 30, the day trip stops about 1 hour at Crystal Lagoon, and the sunset trip stops about 30 minutes. From Nov to May, the stop is about 15 minutes for photo opportunities and sea-cave viewing.
Is snorkeling equipment included?
No. Snorkeling equipment is available to buy or hire, and snorkeling equipment hire is listed as €5.00. Lockers are listed as €2.00 hire.
Are there underwater windows on the boat?
It depends on the season and your departure time. Underwater windows (Submarine Vision) may be available, but from Nov to Apr a large sailing catamaran may be used and underwater windows may not be present.
What happens if the weather is bad?
The tour requires good weather. The captain may cancel or modify the trip due to weather or safety concerns. You’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
