Comino Island: including Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon & sea caves

Taking a boat trip around Malta’s spectacular coast and into Comino’s famed lagoons is often considered a must-do for visitors. This particular tour, offered by Sea Trips, promises a full day of swimming, sightseeing, and fun aboard a spacious, well-equipped catamaran for around $35 per person. With highlights like the Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon, and striking sea caves, it’s easy to see why many travelers are drawn to this experience.

What we love about such tours is the chance to see Malta’s coastline from a unique vantage point, especially with the added perks of slides, underwater windows, and a lively social vibe on board. However, one potential drawback is the crowded nature of popular stops like Blue Lagoon, which can sometimes feel a bit hectic.

This trip suits those who enjoy a mix of adventure, relaxation, and sightseeing. If you’re after a fun, family-friendly day on the water with opportunities to snorkel, sunbathe, and take photos, this is an excellent choice. But if you’re seeking a quiet, secluded escape, some of the busy lagoons might not be ideal.

Key Points

• Affordable Value: At just over $34, the tour offers a comprehensive experience with multiple stops and amenities.
• Stunning Views: Expect exceptional photo opportunities of Malta’s rugged coastline, sea caves, and clear waters.
• Family-Friendly: Features like water slides and ample space make it suitable for families and groups.
• Seasonal Variations: The Crystal Lagoon stop is seasonal, operating from June to October, so timing matters.
• Comfort and Convenience: The vessel provides amenities such as toilets, showers, sun loungers, bars, and underwater viewing windows.
• Crowd Factor: Popular stops can be busy, so arriving early is recommended to secure a good spot.

Setting the Scene: What to Expect

This tour, operated by Sea Trips, departs from Bugibba daily, with the duration varying between 4 and 7 hours depending on the season and chosen itinerary. The flagship vessel is a modern catamaran, known for its stability and comfort, making the roughly one-hour cruise to Comino a smooth ride. As you cruise along Malta’s coast, you’ll get sweeping views of the cliffs, rocky coves, and the tiny island of St. Paul’s, with its prominent statue of Saint Paul rising high into the sky.

The onboard commentary, available in multiple languages including English, French, German, Italian, and Polish, adds context to Malta’s landscape and history, enriching your experience even during the quieter moments. Reviewers often mention the crew’s helpfulness and friendliness as a highlight, with some noting specific staff members who went above and beyond.

Detailed Breakdown of the Itinerary

The Departure and Scenic Sea Caves

The trip begins in Bugibba, with a short walk or bus ride from Valletta, Sliema, or St. Julians to the meeting point. The large, stable catamaran features multiple amenities: a main deck with air conditioning, a top sun deck with cushioned loungers, two bars offering food and drinks (at your own expense), and several water slides. There are also underwater windows, which provide a glimpse into the marine life below—although reviewer experiences note that visibility can vary with weather conditions.

Once onboard, the journey out to Comino is about an hour, during which the crew offers commentary and the scenery sets the perfect backdrop for photos. Many reviewers loved the way the boat sails close to Malta’s cliffs and rocky formations, with some mentioning the impressive sea caves they pass along the way—ideal for snapping memorable shots of Malta’s natural beauty.

Crystal Lagoon: Hidden Gem or Seasonal Stop?

From June to October, the boat makes a stop at Crystal Lagoon, a secluded spot only accessible by boat, fringed by steep cliffs, and known for its crystal-clear waters. It’s a true paradise for swimmers and snorkelers alike, with the chance to perform flips down the water slides or jump from the boat’s top deck. Several reviews mention a sense of exclusivity at Crystal Lagoon, as it’s less frequented than Blue Lagoon.

During other months, the stop here might be shorter—just about 15 minutes mainly for photos and visiting caves. Reviewers note that even in cooler months, the water is still swimmable, and the caves are a true highlight.

The Famous Blue Lagoon

The central highlight of the tour is the Blue Lagoon, where the boat moors for around four hours on the day trip (or two hours for evening trips). This small island’s mesmerizing azure waters draw crowds, but the experience is worth it. You can swim from the boat, walk ashore, or simply relax on deck while taking in the stunning views.

The facilities here are impressive: multiple slides, jumping platforms, sun loungers, toilets, showers, and a bar serving drinks and food (though these are paid separately). Some reviewers mention that the Blue Lagoon can feel crowded, especially in peak season, but most still find enough space to enjoy themselves.

One traveler described the experience as “amazing,” noting they appreciated the opportunity to swim inside the caves and enjoy the incredible water clarity. Another mentioned that the hour and a half allocated at Blue Lagoon was perfect, but wished for more time to explore deeper or relax longer.

Santa Maria Sea Caves and Return Journey

On the way back, the boat enters the Santa Maria pirate caves, offering more excellent photo opportunities. The rock formation known as the Elephant’s Head is also visible, providing a dramatic end to the sightseeing part of the trip.

Some reviews highlight the helpfulness of crew members during unexpected events, like jellyfish stings, and the overall smoothness of the cruise. The journey back to Bugibba is just as scenic, with many passengers capturing last-minute shots of Malta’s coastline.

What You’ll Love About This Tour

Comfort and Amenities: The large catamaran is well-equipped with toilets, showers, sun loungers, bars, and underwater windows. The slides and jumping platforms add a playful touch, making it suitable for kids and adults alike.

Variety of Stops: Visiting both Crystal Lagoon and Blue Lagoon provides a mix of secluded serenity and lively social scenes. The caves give that extra dash of adventure and photo-op potential.

Value for Money: For around $35, the tour offers a full day of fun, swimming, sightseeing, and onboard entertainment. Most reviewers agree it’s good value considering the amenities and destinations.

Authentic Experience: The trip offers an authentic taste of Malta’s coastline, with opportunities for snorkeling, swimming, and photos that many travelers cherish.

Considerations and Tips

Crowds at Blue Lagoon: As one of the busiest spots, Blue Lagoon can get crowded, especially in summer. Arriving early helps secure a good spot, as suggested by many reviewers.

Seasonal Variations: The Crystal Lagoon stop is seasonal, so plan your visit between June and October if you want that experience, or be prepared for a shorter visit in the off-season.

Parking and Arrival: Parking near the meeting point can be tricky, with some reviewers mentioning a 30-minute search for a spot. Arriving 30-40 minutes early is recommended to avoid missing the boat or losing your spot on the top deck.

Weather Dependence: The tour is subject to weather conditions, and cancellations are possible. If canceled, you’re offered a different date or full refund.

Additional Costs: Snorkeling gear, lockers, and optional speedboat rides are available for extra fees, so budget accordingly if you want to explore more actively.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This trip is perfect for families, groups of friends, or solo travelers wanting a lively, outdoor day on the water. It balances sightseeing, fun, and relaxation with plenty of opportunities to swim and take pictures. Those with a sense of adventure will love the slides and caves, while less active travelers will appreciate the comfort of the boat and scenic views.

If you value good value, stunning natural scenery, and a well-organized day out, you’ll likely enjoy this tour. However, if you prefer quiet, less crowded environments or are concerned about parking and timing, it’s worth planning your day carefully.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, it’s recommended to book at least 16 days in advance, especially in peak season, to secure your spot.

What is included in the price?
The fare covers the boat trip, visits to sea caves, Crystal Lagoon (seasonal), Blue Lagoon, and the use of onboard amenities like slides, sun loungers, and underwater windows. Food and drinks are available for purchase, and snorkeling gear and lockers are optional extras.

How long is the trip?
The full-day tour lasts about 6 to 7 hours, with an extended time at Blue Lagoon. Evening trips are shorter, around 4.5 – 5 hours.

Is there an age limit or restrictions?
Most travelers can participate, and service animals are allowed. However, children should be supervised around water slides and jumping platforms.

What should I bring?
Bring swimwear, a towel, sunblock, a hat, and a light cover-up for shade. Arrive early to secure a top-deck spot and avoid missing the boat.

Can I disembark at Blue Lagoon?
Yes, you can choose to disembark at Blue Lagoon for full exploration or stay onboard. Booking a free ticket in advance at blcomino.com is necessary to disembark there.

Final Thoughts

This Comino Island tour offers a fantastic mix of scenery, fun, and relaxation. It’s ideal for those looking for a lively day out with friends or family, especially if you love swimming, water slides, and picturesque vistas. While it can get crowded at Blue Lagoon, arriving early and being prepared for the busy atmosphere can make your day even better.

With its comfortable boat, well-organized itinerary, and stunning stops, it’s a great way to experience Malta’s coastal beauty without breaking the bank. Whether you’re after snapshots of the caves, a splash in the crystal waters, or just a relaxing day on deck with a cold drink, this tour delivers on many fronts.

In sum, if you appreciate a lively, scenic, and well-rounded boat trip, this experience is well worth considering. Just plan ahead, bring your essentials, and get ready for a memorable Malta day trip.