Comino’s colors hit you fast. On this small boat (around 24 people) you get prime time at Crystal Lagoon and the iconic Blue Lagoon, plus close coastal passes that make Santa Maria Caves and Elephant Rock feel right there beside you. The main consideration: this outing is not suitable if you’re prone to seasickness, since it’s a boat day on Malta’s water.

I also like the practical setup for a short day at sea: shaded seating, an onboard toilet, and extra water fun like a stand-up paddleboard and free swim noodles. You’ll still need to plan for your own essentials (swimwear, sunscreen, towel), and snorkeling gear is not included.

Key highlights to know before you go

• Small-group comfort (about 24 on board): less jostling, more time to enjoy the views and get to the water.
• Two major swim stops: Crystal Lagoon (45 min) and Blue Lagoon (1 hour) give you real chances to cool off.
• Sea caves and rock formations by boat: you’ll pass Santa Maria Caves and Elephant Rock with photo opportunities built in.
• Included paddle time: stand-up paddleboarding is part of the experience, not an add-on.
• QR code rule for Blue Lagoon landings (from 1 May 2025): step on the sand only with the right free code and time slot.
• Crew help matters: the tour’s team is friendly, and guides like Johnny are noted for being helpful with older guests.

Small-boat Comino: why 24 people changes the day

Comino can feel like a day trip from a crowd, but the scale here is the whole point. With only about 24 people on board, you’re not spending your energy pushing for a view or timing your swim with a dozen other bodies.

It also means the boat can take you closer to the action around the caves and rock faces. That matters because Comino’s best moments are visual and watery at the same time: you want the right angles for photos, and you want to be able to slip into the water when the crew gives the go-ahead.

You’re paying for a boat day that stays focused. Stops are short enough to cover the highlights, but long enough that you’re not just seeing the water from above it.

From Cirkewwa to Comino Tower: the opening cruise moment

You start at the boat behind the Cirkewwa Kiosk Cafe in Mellieħa. From there, you’ll descend the stairs behind the café and turn left to find the boat.

The first cruising stretch is part sightseeing, part warm-up. You glide past Comino Tower, a landmark featured in The Count of Monte Cristo—one of those details that makes the coast feel more storybook than just scenery.

This is where you also get your bearings for the day. Even if you’re mainly here for swimming, those first passes help you understand how the island is laid out, so later stops feel less random.

Crystal Lagoon swim stop: 45 minutes of clarity

Crystal Lagoon is on the western side of Comino, and that 45-minute stop is the tour’s water-time backbone. You cruise along Comino’s golden shoreline before the boat settles into position, so you’re not going from port to swim immediately.

Once you’re there, you can swim and snorkel in water known for clarity. This is the kind of place where the sea reads as bright turquoise rather than just blue, and it makes your first look from the boat feel like a preview of what’s coming.

I like that the stop includes options beyond just floating. You can use the free swim noodles, and you’ll also have included stand-up paddleboard time to try if you want something a little different from basic snorkeling.

One practical note: 45 minutes is generous for a couple of swims and a snack break, but it’s still a timer. If you want photos, do them early before you’re fully in water-mode.

Blue Lagoon (1 hour): the QR code rule you must follow

Blue Lagoon is famous for a reason, and the 1-hour stop is your main chance to savor it. Sunlight hits the sandy seabed and turns the water into those classic blue tones, so you’ll want time where you’re not rushing.

Here’s the important regulation for anyone who plans to step onto the lagoon’s beach area. Effective 1 May 2025, you need a valid free QR code from www.blcomino.com with a time-specific entry slot. You must book the slot that matches your tour schedule.

If you prefer not to deal with beach-entry rules, you can stay on the boat during the Blue Lagoon stop. In that case, you do not need the QR code and you’re welcome to remain onboard.

In other words, you have two ways to enjoy the hour: land and walk around if you’ve got the QR slot, or stay aboard and still swim. Either way, you’ll get the signature Blue Lagoon experience without turning it into a whole administrative project—just make sure you handle the QR code before you get there.

If you want extra photo value, plan for water shots. A waterproof camera or phone case is a smart bring here, especially if you’re aiming to capture the caves and rock edges from the waterline.

Scenic passes: Promising Rock, Halfa Rock, and San Niklaw Bay

Not every highlight needs a long stop. Parts of this tour are built around short, satisfying passes that keep your day moving while still giving you the landmark hits.

You’ll pass Gozo’s coastline and see Promising Rock (Gebla tal-Ħalfa). This is one of those name-and-photo places where the shape is the story. It’s also a good moment to stretch, look around, and reset before the next swim stop.

Later, Halfa Rock comes up for a brief sightseeing stretch. You’ll also sail past San Niklaw Bay and the Comino Hotel from the water, giving you a calmer, quieter feel compared with the big lagoon spots.

These segments are useful because they fill time with context. You’re not just chasing beaches—you’re getting a sense of how Comino sits in the bigger Maltese seascape, with rock formations and coves creating natural “rooms” for the water.

Santa Maria Bay and the cave-and-rock finale

Santa Maria Bay is one of the best “reset” stops on the route. You’ll get around 45 minutes there—enough time to swim again, snorkel, sunbathe on the sandy beach, or take a short walk to explore.

After that, the tour shifts into the photo-and-pass finale. You’ll have quick stops for Santa Maria Caves and Elephant Rock. The cave time is shorter by design—think photos and scenery rather than a long “in and out” mission.

Elephant Rock is exactly the kind of landmark that makes Comino feel unmistakable. The shape turns up in postcards for a reason: once you see it from the boat, you can’t unsee it.

One of the best ways to enjoy the caves is being ready when the boat positions near them. Bring your waterproof setup if you want shots while you’re in the water, and pay attention to what the crew advises about where it’s safe to swim. Conditions and the way the boat is set matter, and the crew’s guidance is key.

What you’re paying for: $27 value, plus what to bring

At $27 per person, this tour’s value is mostly in two things: the small-boat experience and the amount of water time packed into a few hours. You’re not just getting scenery from a distance—you’re paying for structured swim opportunities at two of Comino’s top lagoons, plus included extras.

Included items that genuinely help:

• Stand-up paddleboard (complimentary)
• Free swim noodles
• Shaded seating area
• Onboard toilet facilities
• Life jackets on request
• Swim stops at Crystal Lagoon and Blue Lagoon, plus sightseeing stops at Halfa Rock, Santa Maria Bay, Santa Maria Caves, and Elephant Rock

What’s not included (so plan ahead):

• Food and drinks (you can buy at beach stops or onboard)
• Snorkeling gear rental (available onboard, but not included)

What to bring to avoid a day of minor inconveniences:

• Swimwear and a towel
• Sunscreen and beachwear
• Cash
• A waterproof camera or phone case if you want waterline photos near caves

Also, be ready for a bit of sun management. This is a boat tour with real water time, and shade on board is helpful—but you’ll still want sunscreen that you actually reapply.

Who this Comino boat tour suits best (and who should skip)

This is a great fit if you want a focused Comino highlights circuit without a long day. If you like swimming, snorkeling, and easy sightseeing from the water, the timing works well: quick passes for landmarks, then real water stops to enjoy the lagoons.

It’s also a good match for people who don’t want a huge boat crowd. Around 24 on board is the sweet spot for many first-time Comino visitors.

It’s not a good fit if you:

• Are pregnant (not suitable for pregnant women)
• Are prone to seasickness (also not suitable)
• Want a long beach day with a full lunch break included (food and drinks are on you)

Should you book this Comino Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon tour?

Book it if you want the classic Comino lineup—Crystal Lagoon, Blue Lagoon, Santa Maria Bay, sea cave scenery, and Elephant Rock—with enough water time to feel like you actually swam there, not just visited.

Consider another option if you’re sensitive to boat movement or you know you’ll hate the idea of QR code logistics for stepping onto the Blue Lagoon beach area (from 1 May 2025). If that rule feels stressful, plan on staying on the boat during Blue Lagoon instead.

If you go, do two things that make the day smoother: bring sun and water essentials, and plan your Blue Lagoon approach based on whether you’ll step onto the sand with the free QR code.

FAQ

How long is the Comino Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon and Sea Caves boat tour?

The duration is listed as 3 to 4 hours. Starting times depend on availability.

Where do I meet the boat in Cirkewwa?

You meet behind the Cirkewwa Kiosk Cafe. Descend the stairs behind the café and turn left to find the boat.

What stops are included during the tour?

You’ll cruise past landmarks and visit spots including Crystal Lagoon, Blue Lagoon, Promising Rock (Gebla tal-Ħalfa), San Niklaw Bay (pass by), Santa Maria Bay, Santa Maria Caves, and Elephant Rock.

Is snorkeling gear included?

No. Snorkeling gear is not included, though rental is available onboard.

Is a stand-up paddleboard included?

Yes. A complimentary stand-up paddleboard is included, and you’ll have time to use it during the stops.

Do I need a QR code to go on the Blue Lagoon beach?

From 1 May 2025, stepping onto Comino’s Blue Lagoon requires a valid free QR code with a time-specific slot obtained in advance from www.blcomino.com. If you stay on the boat during the Blue Lagoon stop, you do not need a QR code.

Is the tour suitable for people prone to seasickness or pregnant women?

No. The tour is not suitable for pregnant women, and it is also not suitable for people prone to seasickness.