Comino looks better from a moving boat. This 7-hour Malta day trip mixes a Comino cruise with long water time at the Blue Lagoon and a built-in slide that makes the stop feel like a mini waterpark. I also like how captain Kevin narrates the route, so the scenery comes with stories, from shipwreck history near St Paul’s to cliff views around Comino. The main drawback is that this is a popular, often crowded day, so if you want quiet, you’ll need to pick your moments.

At about $36.28 per person, the value is strong because most of the highlights are included. You pay extra only if you want the speedboat cave add-on, snorkel gear rental, lockers, or snacks on top of the onboard menu.

Key things to know before you go

• Rooftop chairs fill fast: get there early if you want the best views from the upper deck.
• Captain Kevin’s route is part of the fun: expect narration on St Paul, Comino landmarks, and geology.
• You get over 4 hours at Blue Lagoon: you can base yourself on the boat and swim on your schedule.
• Comino’s cliffs and rock shapes get a 360 cruise: think high cliff edges and photo-friendly formations.
• Caves can be an add-on: the speedboat ride is cash-only and seasonally available.

Setting off from Bugibba Jetty, then easing into the route

You start at Bugibba Jetty in San Pawl il-Baħar, and the day has a clear rhythm. Depart around 10am and return about 17:00, so it feels like a full day without eating up your entire vacation.

I like that the first part is not just driving to the beach. You’ll pass by the little island of St Paul, tied to the shipwreck story, and there’s a statue of him in the middle of that tiny island. It gives your day an actual sense of place, not only a checklist of swims and photos.

You also get to see Malta from the water early, while the light is often good and the crowds are still building. That matters because the later swim stops are where the day can feel busiest.

St Paul’s island, Mellieha Bay, and the Ahrax cave photo moments

After leaving Bugibba, the tour continues past some of Malta’s coastline before it turns toward Comino. You’ll cruise by the Mellieha Bay area, which is described as the largest beach in Malta, then head toward the Ahrax cave area.

The Ahrax cave stop is less about a long hangout and more about a chance to get photos from the boat. If you like taking pictures from the water, this is a good early window before Comino crowds fully take over. The route also includes passing key sightlines, like Coral Cove, which helps you feel like you are actually learning the coastline as you go.

Practical note: this kind of photo stop can feel quick. If you want lots of shore time, save your energy for Blue Lagoon, where you get the real access to the water and time to move around.

Cruising around Comino: the 360 view and those cliff formations

Once you pass Ahrax Point, you’ll get clear views of Comino itself. Comino is tiny, about 1.4 square miles, so the scale hits you fast when you’re cruising around it. That short fact is actually useful on the day, because it explains why you feel like you’re circling something compact but dramatic.

One of the biggest highlights here is the 360-degree cruise around Comino. You get high cliff edges and rock formations, including a named feature called Elephants Head. Even if you’re not a hardcore photographer, seeing a formation like that from the water gives you a better sense of what those cliffs look like up close.

You’ll also pass Santa Maria Tower. The tour says it was built in 1618 to help defend the island, and it’s linked to film history, too, being used like the Chateau d’If in The Count of Monte Cristo. That combination, defense history plus pop-culture imagery, makes the stop easy to remember.

Blue Lagoon time: how to use the boat as your base

This is the main event. You arrive at the Blue Lagoon on Comino and stay for about 4.5 hours, so you’re not stuck with a quick dip and back to the dock.

The setup is smart: you moor, and you can use the boat as your home base. You can jump in, swim, and use the slide. There are also restrooms on board, plus a shaded main deck and an upper deck where you can soak up the sun. If you want views without constant sunscreen reapplying, the boat is a big help.

You can also walk on and off to Comino from the boat, so you’re not trapped on one side of the lagoon. That flexibility matters because the Blue Lagoon is famous, which means it can get packed. Using the boat for breaks lets you step away from the densest area without losing the best water access.

If you get hungry, there’s onboard food available at reasonable prices. I like that you can eat without having to leave the water experience for a long time.

One more thing: based on day-of feedback, the boat can feel lively, with music on and a lot of people on board. If you prefer calm, plan to spend your best quiet moments in the water or on a less crowded side of the mooring, then return to the upper deck only when you want the view.

Crystal Lagoon and that 8-minute walk option

While you’re in the Comino area, you may also get a look at Crystal Lagoon. The tour notes it’s more popular with divers because the water is deeper, and it’s accessible on foot from the Blue Lagoon where the boat is moored.

The time to reach it is listed as about 8 minutes walking. Once you’re there, you can snorkel, swim, or try cliff jumping if you’re into that kind of adrenaline. The tour also says you might see this bay on the way to Comino or later on the way back, depending on weather conditions.

If your goal is snorkeling rather than only swimming, this is worth paying attention to. Deeper water often means more consistent snorkeling experiences. The walk is short enough that you can treat it as a second swim stop rather than a full extra outing.

Speedboat rides to caves: the add-on that changes the day

The caves experience is the one extra many people talk about, and it comes with a simple logic. You get a cruise and swim time as the foundation, but the optional speedboat adds an extra thrill and a closer look at caves.

The tour lists a speedboat ride to the small caves for 15 euro, purchased seasonally, and it’s cash only. That means it may not run when conditions are off, and you should not assume it will be available every day.

Is it worth it? If you like the idea of mixing a chill boat day with one more high-energy moment, it usually fits well. The cave ride is described as part of the fun because it gets you to cave areas with more speed and variety than a slow cruise.

Practical caution: if you are prone to motion sickness, remember that speedboat rides usually feel rougher than the main boat cruising. If you want to be safe, bring something for seasickness and keep hydrated.

Slide, snorkel rental, and lockers: what’s included vs what costs extra

This is a “mostly included” day, which is good for budgeting. Your ticket includes the slide use and restroom facilities, plus landing and facility fees and deck chairs (first come first serve).

Snorkel gear is not included, but you can rent masks and snorkels for 5 euros. The deposit is 15 euros, and 10 euros is returned, so you need to plan cash for that deposit.

Lockers cost 2 euros. Towels are not included, so bring your own or you’ll be scrambling once you’re on the island.

I’d treat this like a simple packing checklist:

• towel and sun cream
• something warm if you’re going in cooler months
• cash for the things that are cash-only

And yes, Comino and the boat accept cash only for payments, so keep enough euros on hand.

Weather, sea conditions, and how to stay comfortable

This trip requires good weather. That usually means smooth enough conditions for swimming and cruising. Still, the sea can be unpredictable, especially in open water, and one key review noted that seas could be very rough, with some people feeling sick.

So if you know you get motion sick, don’t gamble. Pack motion-sickness meds if you use them. Also choose your seat wisely when you’re on board, since the ride can feel more stable when you’re not stuck in the most exposed parts.

Temperature is another practical factor. The tour says to bring a jacket for those traveling from October to May. It also notes March to May and October to December can feel chilly while cruising, so plan for a cooler breeze even if the sun is out.

Food and drinks: budget-friendly without killing your day

Food and drinks are available onboard at reasonable prices. The tour description calls the cafeteria options affordable, and reviews back up the idea that you can eat without paying a huge vacation markup.

You may also find snacks like ice cream mentioned in feedback, plus fun drink choices such as pineapple cocktails. I like that the onboard vibe gives you a break without forcing you to leave the day’s main water setting.

If you get a little hungry, don’t wait. Grab a bite between swim rounds while you’re still in the rhythm of the lagoon. The day is structured around stopping for water time, so you’re better off eating when it’s convenient rather than trying to plan a whole meal around it.

Getting the best chairs and the right side for views

Deck chairs are included, but they’re first come first serve. Many people say the key is to arrive early, even about an hour earlier than the main departure if you want rooftop seats.

Why it matters: the upper deck gives the best views while you’re cruising around Comino. Even if your seat is not perfect, you can walk around on board, so you’re not forced to stay planted in one spot all day.

If you want a view-focused strategy, use the upper deck when you’re cruising and when the boat first moors. Then go down when you’re ready to swim or take a break in the shade.

Also remember this is a maximum group size of 232 travelers. That doesn’t mean you’ll be miserable, but it does explain why arriving early helps your comfort. On busy days, the boat can feel full, and that’s where planning pays off.

Best for families, couples, and anyone who wants a value water day

This tour is said to be adequate for all ages, so it works for families. The slide and long Blue Lagoon swim time are obvious reasons, but the onboard facilities also help. You’ll have restrooms and a place to cool off between swims.

For couples, the value is strong because you can share the day’s main highlight without spending on multiple separate tours. It’s also a nice middle ground if you want both sightseeing and swim time.

For solo travelers, the day can be surprisingly easy. You get a clear schedule, a guided route with narration, and you can keep busy between swim rounds instead of hunting for things to do.

Should you book Hornblower’s Comino day trip?

Book it if you want:

• the Blue Lagoon without shelling out for a long, pricey multi-stop excursion
• a full swim day with a slide, restrooms, and enough time to actually enjoy the water
• a narrated cruise route that adds context beyond just beach hopping
• a budget-friendly day at sea where the optional extras are truly optional

Skip it or consider alternatives if:

• you want total quiet and low crowds, because this is a popular Comino day with lots of people and music
• you are very sensitive to motion sickness, especially if you plan to add the speedboat caves ride
• you travel without cash, since Comino and on-the-spot payments are cash only

If you do book, do two simple things: arrive early for upper deck chairs, and pack your cash and a towel. With that, you get one of the best value ways to see Comino’s water in a single day, with real time to swim instead of rushing between stops.

FAQ

How long is the Malta: Comino, Blue Lagoon & Caves tour?

It runs for about 7 hours, departing around 10:00 and returning at about 17:00.

Where do we meet for the tour?

You meet at Bugibba Jetty, Dawret Il-Gzejjer, San Pawl il-Baħar, Malta.

What’s included in the ticket price?

The ticket includes landing and facility fees, deck chairs (first come first serve), use of the slide and restroom facilities, and all taxes and handling charges.

Is lunch included?

Lunch is not included, but food and drinks are available onboard at reasonable prices.

Can I rent snorkel gear?

Yes. Mask and snorkel rental costs 5 euros, with a 15 euro deposit and 10 euros returned.

How much does the speedboat ride to the caves cost?

The speedboat ride to the small caves is 15 euros, purchased seasonally and in cash only.

What should I bring?

Bring towels and sun cream. If you travel from October to May, bring a jacket, since it can feel chilly while cruising. Towels are not provided.