Comino’s lagoons look fake, in the best way. I really love the chance to swim right from the boat at both the Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon, and I also like how the route mixes famous spots with less-crowded cave cruising. One possible drawback: the schedule is short, so if you want lots of time on land, you may wish for a longer stop.

Captain George has been running this since 1988, and the vibe is practical and easy, not fussy. You get a welcome drink and watermelon, plus toilet facilities onboard and a bar where you pay for drinks, which keeps the whole thing feeling like good value for a half-day. Just know Comino can get busy, and your swimming time can shift a bit with weather.

Key things to know before you go

• Two lagoon swims: Blue Lagoon for about 1 hour, Crystal Lagoon for about 30 to 45 minutes depending on the route
• Caves on the route: sea caves plus stops where you can see places like Popeye’s Cave and Lovers’ Cave from the water
• Choose Trip A or Trip B: Trip A loops more of Comino and includes more sailing time, Trip B is more lagoon-focused
• Gozo is mainly photos: on Trip B you only get a scenic Harbour look, not a full visit
• Top deck fun: there is jumping from the top deck, plus snorkeling equipment can be rented for €5
• Boat stays moving, so pack for water: swimwear, towel, and sunscreen matter because you will be in and out

Leaving Cirkewwa: the quick path to Comino’s turquoise water

Most Comino cruises start with the same promise, get you to the water fast. What makes this one work is that it’s built around short, high-impact stops, so you spend your time where the color is, not just on open sea. From the Cirkewwa area, you’re out cruising in a matter of minutes.

The boat experience also sets expectations. It’s a two-level yacht with padded sun areas and a toilet onboard, and you tend to board and disembark without a long wait because it is not a massive vessel. That matters in a place like Comino, where time on shore can feel tight.

Trip A vs Trip B: how your route changes your time

You have two main versions, and they feel different even though the lagoons are the stars.

Trip A (the Sea Havensee) is the more complete loop. You start cruising around Comino from Cirkewwa, you pass major viewpoints and cave areas, and you end with Crystal Lagoon as the final swim stop before heading back. This is the better pick if you want more cruising time and a bit more variety in scenery, including passing landmarks like Elephant Rock and Comino Tower.

Trip B (the XLENDI III) is a scenic escape with a tighter rhythm. It begins with a Crystal Lagoon stop of about 30 minutes, then goes past Comino caves, then takes you past Gozo’s Mgarr Harbour for photos. You finish with the Blue Lagoon for about 1 hour, and on the winter season version you may get an optional walk around Comino depending on conditions.

There is also a sunset option that is shorter. It does not go all the way around Comino, so you trade some variety for an easier timing for golden-hour views.

Blue Lagoon: what your 1 hour on-site is really for

The Blue Lagoon is the headline for a reason. When your boat arrives, you get about 1 hour to enjoy the water, and you can do it two ways: swim right from the boat or head ashore to explore the island.

If you want to step onto Comino itself, don’t wing it. You must validate a free government ticket at blcomino.com, and tickets are required in 2025 to go on the island even though they cost nothing. If you don’t do this ahead of time, you can still enjoy the water from the boat, and the swimming is the main point anyway.

Here’s a small but important practical thought: the Blue Lagoon can get packed. Because your stop is timed, the smartest use of your hour is to go straight into the water early, then return for photos and a relaxed look. That way you don’t spend your best color-light time standing around.

Crystal Lagoon and cave cruising: Popeye and Lovers from the water

Crystal Lagoon is where things shift from famous to movie-scene, without turning into a theme park day. On Trip A, you typically get about 45 minutes at Crystal Lagoon, and on Trip B it’s about 30 minutes. Either way, it’s long enough to swim, snorkel among fish if conditions allow, and take photos of the turquoise water against dramatic rock.

You’ll also pass or view landmarks connected with the film world, including Popeye’s Cave and Lovers’ Cave. You’re not doing a long land tour there, but the boat perspective is actually what makes it fun. You see how the water fits into the rock, which is the whole point of sailing in the first place.

Caves are part of the experience too. The route includes sea caves, and the crew works around the best spots when conditions are safe. If the sea is a bit rough, you may find swim stops adjusted, but you’re still getting cave time plus lagoons.

The Comino caves and Santa Marija and San Niklaw bays

Comino is only a small island, yet it feels like multiple worlds because the coastline breaks into coves. On Trip A, you pass Santa Marija Bay and San Niklaw Bay before reaching the Blue Lagoon. Those are quieter, more scenic stretches than the main swimming zones, and even if you’re just cruising past, you get a sense of how the island’s shape creates calmer water.

You’ll also cruise by iconic Comino rocks and landmarks like Elephant Rock and Comino Tower. Even if you don’t care about movie history, Comino Tower is a recognizable silhouette from the water, and Elephant Rock is the kind of landmark you instantly understand once you see it.

One more thing that’s easy to overlook: the operator also passes the tuna fish farm area. It’s not the reason you book the cruise, but it helps you understand what kind of local marine activity is around Comino, not just postcard scenes.

Gozo, without the full-day commitment: Mgarr Harbour photo time

If your plan includes Gozo, this cruise gives you a taste without eating your whole day. On Trip B, you stop at Mgarr Harbour in Gozo for about 10 minutes, mainly for photo sightseeing while you stay in the same area. There is no full Gozo visit on this route.

That setup can be a plus. If you want Comino’s water more than a ferry-style day trip to Gozo, you get a quick harbour look and then you’re back on your main mission. If you were hoping for a real Gozo explore, you’d need a different plan.

Also, the cruise details note that in the Trip C scenario it’s only the Gozo harbour, so the theme here is consistent. Think of Gozo as a viewpoint, not a structured island day.

Onboard feel: safe boat, helpful crew, and quick boarding

This cruise does a lot right in the small things. A lot of people love it because the boat does not feel huge, which means you’re not stuck waiting forever to get on. You also get toilet facilities onboard, which is a big quality-of-life win when your schedule is built around swimming.

The crew is described as friendly and attentive, and Captain George is repeatedly mentioned with positive notes. You also get a welcome drink, a slice of watermelon, and the onboard bar offers drinks for purchase, usually described as reasonably priced. It’s not a party boat, but it does feel like someone is taking care of the day.

A highlight for some folks is the top deck jumping. If you like playful, “just do it once” water moments, you’ll probably enjoy that option. If you prefer gentler entry, you can still swim from the boat without jumping, and you can skip the big moment completely.

What you get for about $28: value that makes sense

At about $28 per person, this is one of those trips where you should ask: what exactly are you paying for? You’re paying for a short sailing day that includes sightseeing cruising, two lagoon swim opportunities, cave viewing, and basic onboard perks like a welcome drink and watermelon, plus a toilet and padded sun deck.

Snorkeling equipment is not included, but rental is listed at €5, so you can decide based on your comfort level. Drinks are also not included beyond the welcome drink, but you can buy them on the boat bar by cash or card.

If you compare that to spending a day renting gear, paying for private boat time, and hunting your own transport around Comino, the value starts to look clear. You’re also not stuck in one place, you’re moving between lagoons and scenic coastlines, which makes the time feel efficient.

How to plan your day so you don’t lose time

This is where you can win or lose the experience, because Comino is popular and departure is strict.

Start by arriving early. A practical tip is to get there 15 minutes before departure so you can find the dock without rushing. The boat is on the jetty behind the only kiosk area, recognizable by umbrellas and tables, and specifically behind the Cirkewwa café. If you show up late, you risk missing the departure because the team follows the schedule closely and no refunds are issued for late arrivals.

Pack like you’re going straight to the water. Bring swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen. Wear weather-appropriate clothing because you’ll be out cruising and the air can cool once you’re at sea. If you want snorkeling time, consider renting equipment onboard for €5 instead of trying to find it elsewhere.

Also, if you plan to disembark at Blue Lagoon, validate your free ticket first. This is one of those small admin steps that can make the difference between swimming from the boat and also walking around the island.

Finally, be mentally flexible about routes. The captain may modify the route and swimming stops based on weather and sea conditions, and the trip can be adjusted or canceled for weather. That’s normal for this area, and it’s part of why a short cruise is often less stressful than a longer one.

Who this cruise is best for

This is a strong fit if you want a half-day to enjoy Comino’s water without committing to a full-day ferry plan. It’s also ideal for people who want more than one swimming location, because getting both Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon in the same trip is the core appeal.

I also think it works well for families and mixed-age groups, since the timing is short and the boat feels manageable. The cruise description and repeated feedback highlight a “comfortable, safe, well organized” day, with enough time to swim and enough structure that you’re not constantly deciding what to do next.

If you hate boats, this might still be manageable because the trip is only a few hours, but you should know you are out at sea for a good chunk of the day. If you need a full wheelchair-friendly route, pay close attention to the mixed accessibility notes, and confirm details directly with the operator before booking.

Should you book this Comino Blue and Crystal Lagoon cruise?

I’d book it if you want maximum water time with minimal planning. Two lagoon stops plus cave scenery, for a short duration, is exactly how to do Comino without overthinking your schedule.

I would think twice if you want long land time on Comino or a deep Gozo exploration, because this is mostly cruising and swimming, with Gozo limited to harbour photos on the Trip B version. I’d also confirm expectations if accessibility is a concern, since the information is inconsistent on wheelchair suitability.

If your priorities are clear, swim-focused days, fast logistics from Cirkewwa, and a crew that keeps things moving, this cruise is a solid choice at its price point.

FAQ

How long is the Comino, Blue and Crystal Lagoon cruise?

It runs about 3 to 4 hours, depending on the option and conditions. You can check available starting times to match your schedule.

Where does the cruise depart from?

The boat departs from Cirkewwa, Malta. Meet at the jetty behind the only kiosk in the area, recognizable by its umbrellas and tables, and the boat is behind the Cirkewwa cafe.

Do you stop in Gozo?

On Trip B, you only visit the harbour of Gozo, Mgarr Harbour, for a short photo stop. The cruise notes that Trip C also only visits the Gozo harbour.

Can I get off the boat at the Blue Lagoon?

Yes, but if you want to disembark at the Blue Lagoon you must validate a free government ticket at blcomino.com. The ticket is required in 2025, and it costs nothing.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

No. Snorkeling equipment is available to rent for €5.

Are drinks included?

You get a welcome drink and a slice of watermelon. An onboard bar is available, but drinks are not included and you can pay in cash or card.

Is there swimming on the tour?

Yes. The tour includes swimming from the boat at the Blue Lagoon and at the Crystal Lagoon, and you may also snorkel if conditions allow. There is also jumping from the top deck.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and weather-appropriate clothing.

What if sea conditions are rough?

The captain may modify the route or swimming stops based on weather and sea conditions to keep things safe. The captain can cancel or adjust the trip due to weather conditions.

Is it wheelchair accessible?

The activity information includes wheelchair accessibility, but it also lists that it is not suitable for wheelchair users. You should confirm details directly with the operator before booking if this applies to you.