Two lagoons, one short boat ride. In just a few hours you get the main Comino highlights by sea: Blue Lagoon for swimming and photos, then Crystal Lagoon for a quieter swim break. You’ll also pass caves and come close to famous coast lookouts, plus get a brief taste of Gozo.

I really like the small-boat feel—the trip runs with a maximum of 40 people, and there’s a padded sun deck plus toilets onboard. I also like the timing: you’re not stuck all day on a boat, with swimming breaks that add up to about two hours total.

One thing to consider is weather and motion. This cruise is weather-dependent, and a smaller vessel can feel rough in wind and chop, so it’s worth checking sea conditions and having a plan if you get motion sick.

Key points worth knowing

• Blue Lagoon swim time (about 1 hour) with an option for a short walk on shore
• Crystal Lagoon swim time (about 1 hour) with a calmer vibe than the main lagoon
• Comino caves and major coast passes for photos, including Elephant Rock and Santa Maria Bay on some routes
• Mgarr harbor stop (about 15 minutes) for quick harbor views, not a full Gozo visit
• You can jump off the boat (top deck included) plus a welcome drink and watermelon

Entering the Comino and Gozo circuit without the whole-day commitment

This is the “best-of” version of Malta’s north-coast sea trips. In one outing, you cover two of the island’s most famous swimming locations on Comino, add cave scenery, and still return to your start point with plenty of time left in the day.

The big value is the pace. You’re on the water long enough to feel like you earned the views, then you get anchored for swimming breaks instead of spending your whole time watching other boats.

And because it’s a half-day format, you can pair it with other plans on Malta—historic sites, restaurants, or just a slow afternoon by the water.

The boat setup: comfortable sun deck, simple facilities, and a ladder to the top

The boat is set up for short swims rather than long onboard sightseeing. You’ll have a padded sun deck to relax between stops, toilet facilities, and life jackets onboard.

What matters for comfort is how the boat feels in real conditions. Multiple people mention that the experience is better when the water stays calm, while a bad weather day can make the trip uncomfortable in a small boat.

One practical note: access to the upper viewing area can involve a ladder. If you have trouble with steps or ladders, plan to spend most of the time on the main level during the cruising and swim phases.

Stop 1: Blue Lagoon swimming, snorkel, and the busiest-water reality

Blue Lagoon is the headline stop. You get about 1 hour there for swimming, snorkeling, and photos of the shoreline and cliff edges.

This is also the place that can feel crowded, especially because it’s the most famous anchor point. That doesn’t ruin it—it just changes your strategy. If you want calmer water, focus on snorkeling time early or late in the stop rather than waiting until the middle of the hour.

There’s an optional walk on the shore too. If you’re staying off the water, this short window still lets you get that classic lagoon look without turning it into a hiking event.

The Blue Lagoon ticket twist (important for your plans)

If you want to get off the boat at Blue Lagoon, you must book a free online government ticket that became required from May 2025. It costs nothing, but you still need it set up ahead of time—so build that into your day planning.

Snorkeling gear: rent it or bring your own

Snorkeling equipment isn’t included, but you can rent it for €5. If you’re bringing your own, good—otherwise, arriving early helps you handle rentals without rushing.

Comino coast in motion: caves, Santa Maria Bay, and Elephant Rock photos

Between swim anchors, the boat shows you Comino from the water. You’ll pass by a bay known for the biggest sandy beach in Comino, and you’ll also see sea caves with time to take photos and admire the natural rock shapes from the boat.

One specific photo moment you might catch is Elephant Rock. The cruise can include passing this sight, and it’s listed as Elephants head on some route versions. Santa Maria Bay can also be included on a Trip A version, so don’t assume you’ll see both unless your specific departure matches that route.

This part is less about deep exploration and more about angles. From the water, you get scale—cliffs that look different once you’re moving past them, and cave openings that are hard to appreciate from shore.

If you’re the type who likes photos, keep your phone ready during the “pass-by” stretches, because that’s when the best sightings happen fast.

Stop 2: Crystal Lagoon, the calmer swim break, and fish spotting

After Blue Lagoon, the itinerary shifts toward a quieter water experience. Crystal Lagoon is another 1 hour stop for swimming and snorkeling, and it’s often described as clear, with fish you can see around you.

The advantage here is timing and tone. Blue Lagoon can feel busy, while Crystal Lagoon tends to feel more relaxed because it’s not the main magnet for the biggest crowds.

You’ll get anchored, and you can choose how involved you want to be. Some people stay on board and enjoy the views. Others swim and snorkel with fish right near the anchor area.

Jumping off the boat is part of the fun

Jumping from the boat is included, and there are multiple points you can jump from (top deck and other levels during the swim stop). If you’d rather not jump, no problem—you can just swim from the ladder area and let others do flips.

If you do jump, check the water entry point first. It’s easy to get excited in perfect sun, then realize you picked a spot with the wrong depth for a jump.

Gozo in 15 minutes: Mgarr harbor as a quick flavor, not a full visit

Between Comino swim breaks, you’ll have a short stop in Mgarr, which is Gozo’s main harbor. You’ll get around 15 minutes there—enough for photos of the harbor scene and maybe a quick look at the waterfront atmosphere.

This is not a full Gozo tour. There isn’t time to see villages, museums, or major viewpoints. Think of it as a postcard stop: you see the shape of the place, you get the harbor photos, and then you’re back on the boat.

If you’re planning to explore Gozo later in your trip, this stop can help you decide what you want to do on land.

Food and drinks: watermelon reset, then onboard bar prices

You get a welcome drink and a slice of watermelon. That small snack matters more than you’d think because it’s timed like a reset after swimming and sun.

Drinks are available for purchase on board. The good news is that people describe the bar as reasonably priced, including for both alcoholic and nonalcoholic options.

Bring your own water if you hate waiting, but otherwise the onboard setup works for a half-day outing. Also, expect sun to hit fast—water plus shade time is a smart combo.

Captain and crew: navigation skill, friendliness, and helpful on-board moments

The crew is a major part of why people enjoy this trip. You’ll travel with an experienced skipper and crew, and life jackets are provided.

One name that comes up is Captain George. If he’s on your departure, you can expect a relaxed, easy-going style—humor included—and good driving that helps keep the ride manageable when conditions aren’t perfect.

Even on tougher days, the team’s job is to keep things moving safely and smoothly. That’s also why it’s worth arriving on time: when the boat is small and the schedule is tight, the crew can’t waste time tracking people down.

Value for about $30: what you’re truly paying for

At around $30.17 per person, the value comes from the mix: two swimming stops at major lagoon spots, plus cave scenery and a Gozo harbor glance—all in about 3 to 4 hours.

You’re not paying for a long transport day. You’re paying for time-on-water, anchored swimming, and the fact that you don’t have to figure out routes, parking, or where to dock.

It also helps that the group size is limited to 40 travelers maximum. Bigger boats can be cheaper, but they often feel more crowded and less “you can breathe” once you’re in the anchor zone.

If you want longer beach time, this isn’t the longest option. But if your goal is maximum water time and iconic views without eating up your whole day, this price makes sense.

Who should book this cruise (and who should think twice)

This cruise fits best if you want a short, structured day at sea. It’s ideal for people who care about swimming spots more than land sightseeing, and who want a smaller group experience.

It’s also great if you want built-in fun like jumping off the boat and having snacks provided mid-trip. The padded sun deck and onboard toilets make it easier for people who don’t want to cram into crowded tour boats.

Think twice if:

• You’re sensitive to motion. Small boat = more movement when conditions turn.
• You need easier access to upper decks. Ladder access has been a problem for some people.
• You expect long time in Gozo. Mgarr is quick and focused on harbor photos.

And one more planning tip: if you’re traveling in shoulder season or winter, your comfort will depend heavily on conditions. This type of outing can be amazing in calm seas, and rougher when the weather pushes against small vessels.

My booking decision: should you sign up?

I’d book this if you have a half-day window and your priority is swimming in clear water at two lagoon stops. The schedule is tight in the best way: you get iconic scenery, you get anchored time, and you still finish early enough to enjoy Malta on your terms.

I’d skip or reschedule if you know you get badly seasick, or if the forecast looks windy and rough. This cruise depends on weather, and you’ll feel it more on a smaller boat.

If you do book, set yourself up for success: check sea conditions, keep a wind layer handy, and make sure you understand the free Blue Lagoon disembark ticket rule from May 2025.

FAQ

FAQ

How long is the Comino and Gozo cruise?

The duration is listed as about 3 to 4 hours. The itinerary includes two main swim stops plus a short Gozo harbor visit.

What swim stops are included, and how much time do you get at each?

You get swimming time at Blue Lagoon (about 1 hour) and at Crystal Lagoon (about 1 hour). Both are subject to weather conditions.

Do I need snorkeling equipment, and is it included?

Snorkeling equipment is not included. You can rent snorkeling gear onboard for €5.

Is there food or drinks on the boat?

Yes. You’ll receive a welcome drink and a slice of watermelon. Drinks (including alcohol) are available to purchase from the onboard bar.

Can I get off the boat at Blue Lagoon?

To get off at Blue Lagoon, you need a free online government ticket (required from May 2025). Tickets are listed as free, but you must have them booked.

What if the cruise is cancelled due to weather, or I need to cancel?

This experience requires good weather. If it’s cancelled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. You can also cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.