REVIEW · MELLIEHA
Comino: Mystic Caves, Blue and Crystal Lagoon Boat Cruise
Book on GetYourGuide →Operated by Comino Getaways Boat Charters · Bookable on GetYourGuide
An hour on Comino feels like a whole day. A private boat with a skipper takes you around Comino’s lagoons and sea caves, so you get that Malta-by-water magic without the hassle. Comino is small, but the views do a big job.
I love two things most: the chance to swim and snorkel in the Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon waters, with mask-and-snorkel gear ready for you. I also like the little comforts that make it feel personal, like shaded seating plus a Bluetooth speaker for your own music, and cabin-like extras such as ice-cool drinks. People on recent trips have been especially happy with Captain Mario’s vibe and guiding style.
One thing to consider is the 1-hour limit. It’s a fast, scenic loop, and if the sea is rough the skipper can change the route or adjust plans for safety and comfort.
In This Review
- Key things I’d plan around
- A 1-hour Comino loop that feels surprisingly complete
- Meet-up points: Gozo Mgarr vs Malta Cirkewwa
- Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon: the swim break that makes the whole trip
- Cominotto Island, Pigeon Rock, and sea caves: the views from the water
- Roofless Cave and Lovers Cave: iconic cave moments by boat
- Captain Mario and the private-boat vibe
- Boat comfort details you’ll actually use
- Price and value: $19 plus the extras you should plan for
- Who this Comino cruise is best for
- A few packing basics so you don’t lose time
- Should you book this Comino Mystic Caves cruise?
- FAQ
- How long is the Comino Mystic Caves, Blue and Crystal Lagoon boat cruise?
- Is this tour private?
- Where do we meet for pickups in Malta and Gozo?
- What water areas and caves will we see?
- Is snorkeling gear included?
- Is safety equipment included?
- What onboard amenities are included?
- What should I bring for the trip?
- Is the skipper included in the price?
Key things I’d plan around
- Blue Lagoon + Crystal Lagoon swim time with provided mask and snorkel
- Cave sights by boat, including Roofless Cave and Lovers Cave
- Pigeon Rock and sea caves for nonstop photo angles from the water
- Captain Mario and other friendly guides who keep things smooth and fun
- Private boat comfort, with shade, ice coolers, and a Bluetooth speaker
- Short timing, so you’ll want your swimwear and towel ready fast
A 1-hour Comino loop that feels surprisingly complete

Comino tours can be either a long day or a quick taste. This one lands in the sweet spot: 1 hour on the water, cruising around Comino with a skipper at the helm. You’ll be out there for the part that matters most—clear water, cave viewpoints, and a swim break—without turning your Malta day into a full-day mission.
The private setup changes the feel. You’re not squeezed into a loud crowd. Instead, the boat’s layout and the time on the water are designed for an easier pace, so you can actually enjoy the lagoons and not just rush from one landmark to the next.
That said, you should mentally plan for a sprint, not a slow cruise. If you like long snorkeling sessions or a long soak in one spot, this time window may feel tight. It’s best when you want the highlights, a quick swim, and a cool way to see Comino from the sea.
You can also read our reviews of more boat tours in Mellieha
Meet-up points: Gozo Mgarr vs Malta Cirkewwa

Your starting point depends on whether you’re doing this from Gozo or from Malta itself.
If you’re joining from Gozo, the meeting point is near Sicilia Bella Restaurant at Mgarr Harbour Terminal. If you’re starting from Malta, you meet at the kiosk at the Gozo Channel Terminal in Cirkewwa.
Why this matters: Comino is easiest when your logistics are simple. Pick the departure point that matches where you’re already staying, so you’re not crisscrossing the islands at the wrong time.
Also, be punctual. The operator advises arriving about 30 minutes early so you’re not stuck waiting around while the boat is ready to go. Late arrivals can cut into your charter time.
Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon: the swim break that makes the whole trip

This cruise is built around time in the water. You’ll visit Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon, where the water is clear enough for a proper look around while you float, swim, and snorkel.
What you get here is the classic Comino payoff: bright, clean water and underwater glimpses without needing to be an expert snorkeler. The tour includes snorkeling gear (mask and snorkel) and also provides safety equipment like life vests, so you can focus on enjoying the water instead of figuring things out on the spot.
A practical tip: bring a towel and keep your swimwear accessible. With only an hour, you don’t want to spend your best minutes wrestling a bag zipper while everyone else is already on their way to the rail.
If you’re sensitive to sun, plan for shade too. The boat comes with a shaded canopy and comfortable seating, which is a big deal in Malta’s strong light. You’ll likely do some time in the sun and some time out of it, so having both options onboard helps.
Cominotto Island, Pigeon Rock, and sea caves: the views from the water
Comino isn’t just lagoons. The cliffs, rock formations, and sea caves turn the cruise into a moving viewpoint.
You’ll pass the impressive Pigeon Rock, plus other sea caves along the coast. You also get to see Cominotto Island, which adds a quieter, smaller-feeling slice of the area compared with the main Comino shoreline. The effect is simple: you get variety, and the scenery keeps changing as you move.
The boat perspective is key. From the water, those caves and rock faces look more dramatic, and you can angle for photos without needing to hike or climb. Even if you’re not a big photographer, it’s a nice way to “see Malta” in motion.
A small note: because this is a boat charter, how close you can get visually depends on weather and sea conditions. The skipper has discretion to alter the route for a better experience and safety.
Roofless Cave and Lovers Cave: iconic cave moments by boat
Two cave stops get the spotlight: Roofless Cave and Lovers Cave.
These aren’t just place names. They’re the kind of rock shapes that look totally different depending on the light and the angle of approach. From a moving boat, you get that quick-hit effect—glimpses, framing, and the feeling of sailing past something shaped by time and water.
Why this is valuable: Comino’s caves are part scenic, part atmospheric. You get the romance and the drama without needing to get off the boat. That matters if you’re short on time, wearing swimwear, or just want the smoothest possible experience.
One practical consideration: caves and rock formations are water-level experiences. If you’re prone to motion sickness, take it easy, sit in a stable spot, and bring something that helps you feel calm on a boat. The tour provides life vests, and safety is treated seriously, but comfort still comes down to your own body.
Captain Mario and the private-boat vibe
A lot of the energy from recent experiences comes from the skipper. Names like Mario show up repeatedly, and the feedback paints a consistent picture: friendly, competent, and good at keeping the experience comfortable even though it’s only an hour.
This matters more than you’d think. A great skipper doesn’t just drive the boat. They help you time the swim break, keep the boat positioned for what you want to see, and manage the pacing so you don’t feel rushed.
If you’re celebrating something—birthdays, proposals, small anniversaries—private boat time can feel extra special because you’re not waiting for a group schedule. You’re moving at the tempo the charter sets.
Boat comfort details you’ll actually use
On paper, the inclusions can look like a list. On the water, they translate into comfort you’ll notice right away.
Here’s what helps the most:
- Shaded canopy so you’re not baking the whole time
- Cozy seating for an easier ride
- Ice cooler for beverages, which is a simple luxury in warm weather
- Bluetooth speaker for music from your phone
- Free Wi-Fi access (useful if you want to check directions, save footage, or just message friends)
- Snorkeling gear included so you don’t have to rent anything last minute
- Life vests provided, which keeps the whole thing feeling safer and calmer
In reviews, people also called out the ease of using Bluetooth for their own music. That’s worth planning around: make a playlist that fits a short swim-and-cave adventure, not a full concert set.
Price and value: $19 plus the extras you should plan for
The listed price is $19 per person, and the duration is 1 hour. That’s a strong starting point for a private-boat experience on Comino—especially if you’re splitting the cost among a small group.
But there’s an important detail: the data also lists key items as not included:
- Experienced skipper (€39)
- Fuel costs (€39)
- Food and beverages (beyond what’s in the ice cooler)
So the real value depends on how the pricing is applied for your booking. If you’re only reading the $19 number, you could be surprised when the add-ons appear. If you’re booking with the idea that you’ll pay more for a private boat (and you want that), then the overall value can still be excellent.
My practical rule: treat this as a short, high-comfort charter. You’re paying to skip crowds, get a guided experience around Comino’s highlights, and enjoy the lagoons and caves without the logistics headache.
Who this Comino cruise is best for
This is a good match if you want:
- A fast Comino experience that still hits the big sights
- Swim and snorkel time without packing gear rentals
- Private-boat comfort, including shade and onboard music
- A skipper who can guide you smoothly around caves and lagoons
It may be less ideal if you:
- Want a long beach-style hangout (this is 1 hour, not half a day)
- Need a very detailed, onshore walking experience (this is mainly a water-and-view tour)
- Are very weather-sensitive and dislike route changes (the skipper can adjust plans when conditions demand it)
A few packing basics so you don’t lose time
Bring:
- Sunglasses
- Sun hat
- Swimwear
- Towel
- Cash
The simple reason is timing. On a short charter, every minute counts. If you show up ready to get in the water, you’ll enjoy more lagoon time and spend less time scrambling.
Should you book this Comino Mystic Caves cruise?
Yes, if you’re aiming for the classic Comino combo—Blue Lagoon + Crystal Lagoon, cave sights like Roofless Cave and Lovers Cave, plus a comfortable private-boat setup. The value works best when you like guided convenience and you want the highlights without committing to a full day.
I’d book it especially if:
- You’re traveling with people who will enjoy splitting costs for a private charter
- You want onboard comfort (shade, cooler, Bluetooth)
- You prefer a short, scenic plan over a long, crowded day
Skip it (or consider something longer) if:
- You want extended snorkeling or a longer water-only hang
- You strongly dislike any chance of route adjustments due to sea conditions
FAQ
How long is the Comino Mystic Caves, Blue and Crystal Lagoon boat cruise?
The duration is 1 hour.
Is this tour private?
Yes. It’s described as an exclusive private boat with a private group setup.
Where do we meet for pickups in Malta and Gozo?
If you’re starting from Gozo, meet near Sicilia Bella Restaurant at Mgarr Harbour Terminal. If you’re starting from Malta, meet by the kiosk at the Gozo Channel Terminal in Cirkewwa.
What water areas and caves will we see?
You’ll have lagoon access for Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon, and you’ll pass cave landmarks like Roofless Cave and Lovers Cave by boat, plus Pigeon Rock and other sea caves.
Is snorkeling gear included?
Yes. Snorkeling gear (mask and snorkel) is provided.
Is safety equipment included?
Yes. Life vests are provided.
What onboard amenities are included?
The boat includes a shaded canopy, Bluetooth speaker, ice cooler for beverages, free Wi-Fi access, and cozy seating.
What should I bring for the trip?
Bring sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear, a towel, and cash.
Is the skipper included in the price?
The listing notes Experienced Skipper (€39) as not included, so you should expect an additional fee for the skipper. Fuel costs are also listed as not included (€39).



























