Malta: Gozo, Comino, Sea Caves, and Blue Lagoon Cruise

Taking a boat trip around Malta’s iconic sights like the Blue Lagoon and Sea Caves sounds pretty idyllic, doesn’t it? This 3-4 hour cruise with Comino Land Charters offers just that—an intimate, well-organized adventure that promises breathtaking scenery, refreshing swims, and a taste of local charm. The small group size of 24 passengers really helps create a relaxed, personalized vibe, which many reviewers rave about.

What we particularly like about this experience is the mix of active and relaxing moments—snorkeling in crystal-clear waters, exploring caves, and soaking up the sun at idyllic beaches. Plus, the knowledgeable crew, led by friendly guides like Johnny, make the whole journey feel warm and welcoming.

One thing to keep in mind is that the tour’s duration is somewhat flexible, often around 3 to 4 hours, so you’ll want to check the specific start times for your booking. Also, since the Blue Lagoon visit now requires a pre-booked QR code (from May 2025), you’ll need to plan ahead if you want to step onto the famous sands. Otherwise, you can stay on the boat and enjoy the scenery from afar—either way, this tour suits travelers craving authentic, scenic, and laid-back adventures.

This tour is perfect for those who love a mix of sightseeing, water activities, and small-group intimacy. If you’re after a personalized journey with plenty of opportunities to swim and explore natural wonders, this cruise ticks all those boxes.

Key Points

• Small Group Experience: With only 24 passengers, this cruise offers a more intimate and relaxed vibe than larger tour boats.
• Stunning Stops: Multiple highlighted locations including the Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon, Sea Caves, Santa Maria Bay, and Elephant Rock.
• Snorkeling & Swimming: Ample time in crystal-clear waters, with snorkel gear available for viewing marine life.
• Knowledgeable Crew: Guides like Johnny are praised for their friendliness, helpfulness, and informative commentary.
• Flexible & Convenient: Includes free parking, onboard toilet, and essentials like noodles and stand-up paddleboards.
• Advance Booking Requirement: Blue Lagoon access now requires a free QR code for entry from May 2025, so plan accordingly.

An In-Depth Look at the Cruise Experience

Starting Point & Ease of Access

The adventure begins behind the Cirkewwa Kiosk Cafe, where your boat awaits. The process is straightforward—descend some stairs behind the cafe and walk around the corner to meet your vessel. From there, the journey kicks off with a quick 15-minute sightseeing cruise past the historic Comino Tower, famous for its appearance in The Count of Monte Cristo. This initial stretch offers a glimpse of Malta’s rugged coastline and sets the tone for what’s to come.

The Itinerary Breakdown & Highlights

Crystal Lagoon: The first major stop, located on the western side of Comino, is renowned for its spectacularly clear waters. The guide, often dubbed Johnny, explains that the lagoon’s vibrant turquoise hues are due to its shallow sandy seabed. We loved the way the crew emphasized respecting the environment—no littering, and gear is provided for free, like snorkel masks and noodles. Reviewers echo this, with many mentioning how easy it was to swim and snorkel here, with some spending over 45 minutes immersed in marine life.

Blue Lagoon: The most famous spot in Malta, the Blue Lagoon, gets an hour of your time. Due to new regulations, you’ll need a QR code to land here, which you should book in advance. If you choose not to go onshore, you can stay on the boat and enjoy the scenic views. Travelers like Julienne appreciated that the small boat meant less crowding, and she loved exploring caves with her guide Johnny. Reviewers mention that the sunlight filters beautifully through the shallow waters, creating perfect conditions for snorkeling.

Sea Caves & Elephant Rock: After Blue Lagoon, the boat cruises past impressive sea caves, with a quick stop at Santa Maria Bay for another 45-minute swim or walk on the beach. The highlight for many is the Elephant Head Rock, where a quick photo stop offers a fun, picture-perfect moment—”something you can’t do in bigger boats,” noted a reviewer.

Gozo & Other Sights: The cruise also passes by Gozo’s Gebla tal Halfa (Promising Rock), offering a scenic look at Gozitan landscapes without stopping. This provides a broader sense of Malta’s coastal beauty beyond the beaches and caves.

What Travelers Are Saying

Guides like Johnny receive constant praise for their friendly attitude and wealth of knowledge. Angelina Adelaide states she “really enjoyed swimming in Crystal Lagoon and Blue Lagoon,” highlighting how the tour combined stunning scenery with easy-to-access swimming spots. Luna notes that “instructions for the boat were super easy to follow,” and the overall experience felt “magical,” especially watching the sunset while exploring caves.

Reviewers also appreciate the value for money, with many mentioning how the tour’s price ($32 per person) includes snorkeling gear, noodles, paddleboards, and a knowledgeable crew—making it an excellent budget-friendly option for Malta.

Duration & Pacing

The tour’s flexible length is a real plus—most trips last between 3 and 4 hours, which is just right for a half-day adventure. The itinerary includes several short sightseeing stops (usually 10 to 15 minutes), allowing time to explore, swim, and take photos without feeling rushed. Some travelers, like Florian, mention that in winter, the Santa Maria Bay stop might be better with a shorter duration, especially if the weather is choppy.

Practical Details & Tips

• Transportation & Parking: Free parking is available at the meeting point, which makes logistics simple.
• What to Bring: Pack your swimsuits, towels, sunscreen, beachwear, and some cash for snacks or drinks bought onboard or at beach stops.
• Facilities: The boat includes a toilet, a shaded area for sun protection, and life jackets—though it’s a good idea to ask crew members if needed.
• Family & Accessibility: The tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women, wheelchair users, or those with motion sickness, so plan accordingly.

Value & Overall Impression

For just $32, this experience offers a balance of stunning scenery, active swimming, and cultural sights. The small group size, friendly guides, and well-organized stops make it stand out from generic larger tours. The inclusion of gear and the ability to explore caves and beaches at your own pace is a real plus.

It’s a perfect choice for travelers craving an authentic, relaxed day on the water—whether you’re a solo traveler, couple, or family. If you love a mix of sightseeing, snorkeling, and enjoying Malta’s natural beauty without the crowds, this cruise delivers.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This cruise is ideal for those who want a personalized, laid-back experience with plenty of opportunities to swim, snorkel, and explore. It’s perfect if you appreciate knowledgeable guides and beautiful scenery but prefer smaller groups over large, crowded boats.

Travelers who enjoy water-based activities like paddleboarding and snorkeling will find this tour particularly satisfying. It’s also suitable for those who value good value for money, as the price includes most gear and scenic stops.

However, it’s less suited for pregnant women, wheelchair users, or anyone prone to motion sickness due to the boat’s size and the nature of a sea cruise. Also, if you’re planning to step onto the Blue Lagoon, remember to book your QR code in advance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to book the Blue Lagoon QR code in advance?
Yes. From May 2025, all visitors require a free QR code to access the Blue Lagoon, which you should reserve online ahead of time. If you choose to remain on the boat, you don’t need the QR code.

How long is the entire cruise?
The trip lasts approximately 3 to 4 hours, depending on weather conditions and the specific itinerary for that day.

What is included in the price?
The $32 fee covers the boat cruise, snorkeling gear, noodles, stand-up paddleboards, a knowledgeable crew, marina fees, permits for lagoons, and access to various stops and sights.

Can I swim at all stops?
Yes, most stops—like Crystal Lagoon, Blue Lagoon, Santa Maria Bay, and the caves—allow you to swim and snorkel with provided gear.

Is food or drink included?
No, but drinks and snacks are available for purchase onboard and at beach stops.

Is the tour suitable for children?
The tour is family-friendly, but it’s important to note that it’s not suitable for pregnant women, wheelchair users, or those with motion sickness.

What should I bring?
Swimwear, towels, sunscreen, beachwear, cash, and possibly some snacks if you prefer to eat on your own.

What about the weather?
Weather can influence the experience; choppy seas might shorten some stops, but the crew navigates safely and adapts to conditions.

How crowded is it?
Thanks to the small group size, the tour feels less crowded than larger boats, especially at popular spots like Blue Lagoon.

Are the guides knowledgeable?
Yes, reviews highlight guides like Johnny for their friendliness, helpfulness, and informative commentary.

This Malta cruise by Comino Land Charters offers a well-rounded, authentic experience of the islands’ natural beauty and iconic sights. With its small group size, friendly guides, and thoughtful itinerary, it perfectly suits travelers who want a relaxed, engaging day on the sea. Whether you’re eager to snorkel in crystal waters, photograph striking rock formations, or simply soak up the sun, this tour is a fantastic way to see Malta from a different perspective.

It provides great value—most activities, gear, and scenic stops are included—and leaves plenty of room for spontaneous exploring. If you appreciate intimate, scenic, and well-organized outings, this cruise could become a favorite Malta memory.

Ready to set sail for Malta’s extraordinary waters? Book ahead, pack your swim gear, and prepare for a day of natural beauty, adventure, and sunshine.