Half day Cruise – Comino, Gozo, Blue & Crystal Lagoon, and Caves

Two lagoons in a few hours, no fuss. I love the Blue Lagoon swim and the Crystal Lagoon snorkeling hour, both done from a small boat that skips the worst of the big-tour crowds. The main drawback is that Blue Lagoon can be crowded and the ride can get bouncy if the weather turns.

I also love the easy pace, with just a few stops and enough time left over to explore on your own. I especially liked the padded sun deck, plus a welcome drink and a slice of watermelon. If you want to step off at Blue Lagoon on Comino from May 2025, plan on a free online ticket.

Key highlights at a glance

• Two anchored swim stops at Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon, subject to weather
• Small-group feel with a maximum of 40 travelers on board
• Comino Sea Caves photo time, plus passes by the Elephant Head and Santa Maria Bay (Trip A only)
• Onboard comfort extras: padded sun deck, toilets, life jackets, and a welcome drink
• Jumping from the top deck during swim breaks (weather and skipper call)
• Captain and crew guidance, including one departure run by Captain George

Why this Comino and Gozo half-day cruise feels like a smart use of time

This is the kind of Malta boat trip you book when you want the good stuff, but not the all-day grind. You cover the key coastal sights by sea, then get real swim time in two of Comino’s most famous waters. The whole experience runs about 3 to 4 hours, so you can still eat well, wander Valletta, or do a separate beach stop without feeling rushed.

The big practical win is that the schedule is built around anchored breaks, not just driving past pretty views. You get a swim and photo time at Blue Lagoon first, then another swimming stop at Crystal Lagoon. Between those, you pass by the Comino Sea Caves for photo moments and you have a short Gozo stop at Mgarr.

The boat setup is also part of why it works. This is not a massive, cattle-call cruise. With a max of 40 travelers, you get a more relaxed feel, and the padded sun deck plus onboard basics like toilets make it comfortable enough for a half-day outing.

Getting to the boat at Cirkewwa: what to know before you go

Your start point is Cirkewwa cafe in Mellieħa (the tour ends back at the same place). You’ll use a mobile ticket, and it’s close to public transportation, which helps if you do not want to rely on taxis for such a short trip.

Because this is a sea-based activity, I treat packing like part of the plan. Bring swimwear, sunscreen, and at least one towel per person. If you plan to snorkel, note that snorkeling gear is not included, but you can rent it onboard for €5. Dry clothes and a lightweight dry bag can help if the boat splashes a bit when conditions are windy.

Also, think about motion. The boat is small, and one bad-weather experience can feel rough on the water. If you’re prone to motion sickness, consider taking your usual meds ahead of time. You’ll be happier if you go in expecting it could be a rocking ride, even though conditions are often calm.

Finally, drinks are not included beyond the welcome drink. You can buy drinks from the bar onboard, so budget a little if you want something beyond water.

Stop 1: Blue Lagoon swim, photos, and quick shore time

Blue Lagoon is the headline moment, and you do not just pass it. You stop for about 1 hour, and that hour is when the trip really earns its reputation. Expect clear, bright water and a beach-like scene that is easy to photograph. You can snorkel, swim off the boat, and take photos of the coastline.

You’ll also have options here. There’s an optional walk at Blue Lagoon, which can be nice if you want a break from floating and just want to see what it looks like up close. One thing to understand, though: Blue Lagoon can be very popular. Even on a half-day cruise, you may feel like there are a lot of boats nearby.

A key update for planning: if you want to get off the boat at Blue Lagoon on Comino from May 2025, you must book a free ticket online. The cost is nothing from the government website, but the ticket requirement matters. If you skip this, you may still swim from the anchored boat, but you might not be able to step onto shore.

Another feature that makes the Blue Lagoon stop fun is the onboard jumping. You can jump from the top deck during swim breaks. In clear conditions, it turns the stop into more of an activity than just a swim.

Comino Sea Caves and the Elephant Head: the “see it fast” moments

Between swimming stops, the trip gives you those classic Comino photo pass-by moments. You visit Comino Sea Caves, and you also get chances to admire the natural coastline from the boat. There’s time for photos, which is useful because the caves and cliff lines look best with a quick shutter moment rather than trying to explore them on foot.

You’ll also pass some specific landmark views. The trip includes pass-by of Elephants head and Santa Maria Bay if it’s the Trip A route version. Even if you only care about the swims, these pass-by glimpses are worth paying attention to because they give the trip the Comino identity beyond just water color.

One practical tip: if you want the best photos, position yourself early. The upper deck tends to give better sight lines, and photos are easier if you can move to where the sun hits the water without glare.

Stop 2 on Gozo: Mgarr harbor for a quick look at the port

Mgarr is Gozo’s main harbor, and this stop is short: 15 minutes. Think of it as a snapshot stop. You can take photos of the harbor scenery and get a feel for the place, but it is not enough time for a real wander.

This is one of those moments where you either like the mix or you wish you had more time. If your heart is set on exploring Gozo on foot, you may feel the stop is too quick. If, instead, you mainly want the boat experience plus a taste of Gozo, Mgarr works because it adds variety without dragging down your timeline.

Also, because it’s a harbor stop, it can feel hot and exposed, depending on the season and the day. If you’re visiting in peak summer heat, you’ll want sun protection even if the trip itself is short.

Stop 3: Crystal Lagoon swimming and snorkeling where it feels calmer

Crystal Lagoon is the second anchored swim stop, and it’s often the one people remember. You get about 1 hour here, and the water tends to feel clearer and calmer than Blue Lagoon. It’s a great place to snorkel, because you can look for fish while the water stays inviting and easy to read visually.

What I like about this stop is that it shifts the vibe from crowded beach energy to a more relaxed swim break. One of the best parts is that it feels less “stuck in the crowd” compared to Blue Lagoon, and you can spend more time just floating and enjoying the view.

The water is described as crystal clear, and people often spend the full hour swimming, snorkel spotting, and taking photos of the rocky edges and the lagoon shape. There are also cave areas to look at from the water, depending on conditions and how the skipper positions the boat.

One reality check: sometimes the effective time can feel shorter on the day due to weather and operational timing. Still, the stop delivers a different kind of beauty than Blue Lagoon, so even a slightly shorter swim tends to feel worth it.

After swimming, you’ll get a welcome refresh of watermelon. It’s such a small thing, but it makes sense for this itinerary. After sun, salt, and maybe some snorkeling, it tastes like a reset.

On board comfort: padded deck, toilets, life jackets, and the crew’s style

The onboard setup is built for a half-day cruise, not a long haul. You get a padded sun deck, toilet facilities, and life jackets. That combination matters more than you might think, because you’ll spend time sunbathing, then running to get water ready for a swim, then drying off and repeating.

The crew is also a big part of the experience. Some departures are led by a captain named George, and the vibe from the crew is described as friendly and supportive. Navigation is also a key strength in these waters, where visibility, wind, and wave direction can change quickly.

A fun bonus you might catch during the day: a floating ice cream shop sometimes makes an appearance during the cruise. It can turn the ride into more of a holiday memory than just a transit between lagoons.

Drink-wise, the bar onboard is where you’ll spend extra money. One good sign is that onboard drinks are described as reasonably priced, so you do not feel like you’re being punished for staying on the boat.

One consideration: the boat is small. The upper deck can be reached by a ladder, which is fine for most people but can be tricky for travelers with mobility limits. If you want more stability and easier movement, you may prefer staying on the main level and finding shade along the sides.

Weather and sea conditions: the one thing you can’t outsmart

This cruise requires good weather. When conditions are rough, the small boat can feel it. That’s not a reason to avoid Malta, but it is a reason to plan for flexibility.

If the tour is canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered another date or a full refund. That matters for value because you are paying for swimming stops, and those depend on conditions. If conditions are questionable, I’d still choose to go only if you’re comfortable with a chance of a bouncier ride.

My practical advice: watch the forecast the day before and the morning of. If you’re easily seasick, aim for calm conditions, or be ready with your usual motion sickness solution.

Price and value: is $30.17 really enough?

At $30.17 per person, this is priced like a smart local-feeling outing, not a premium private charter. What makes the value feel real is what’s included.

You get:

• a sightseeing cruise,
• two swimming stops at Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon (weather permitting),
• Comino Sea Caves visit with photo time,
• a welcome drink and watermelon slice,
• padded sun deck, toilets, and life jackets,
• and even jumping access from the top deck during swim breaks.

The only common add-on is snorkeling equipment (rentable for €5). Drinks are extra, but the bar exists specifically because this is a short trip, not an all-inclusive meal day.

Where value can vary is time. Blue Lagoon is often crowded, so the hour can feel like just enough rather than a long, restful beach day. Crystal Lagoon tends to feel like the payoff, and the second swim stop is what often makes the overall trip feel worth it.

Compared to longer full-day cruises, you spend less time on the boat and more time doing your own exploring later. That shorter timeline is a real value if you’re trying to cover multiple parts of Malta and Gozo without feeling chained to the sea.

Who this cruise suits best, and who should look elsewhere

This tour fits best if you want:

• quick, high-impact swim time in Comino waters,
• a smaller boat experience without huge crowds,
• a taste of Gozo’s Mgarr harbor without committing a full day,
• and the convenience of being back at your start point after only 3 to 4 hours.

You’ll probably also appreciate it if you like photo moments and short, focused stops rather than long shore stays.

It may not be the best match if:

• you get seasick easily and the weather is iffy,
• you need a lot of time on land in Gozo (Mgarr is only 15 minutes),
• or you have difficulty with ladder access to the upper deck.

If you’re traveling with older relatives, I’d plan around where you can comfortably sit. The boat can be cozy and active during swim periods, so ease of movement matters.

Should you book it?

Book this cruise if you want Comino’s signature water in a manageable half-day format, especially if you’re excited about swimming twice and snapping photos during cave pass-by time. It’s also a good pick if you dislike the giant tour boats and want a more relaxed group size of up to 40 travelers.

Skip or think twice if your main goal is long exploration in Gozo, or if you are very sensitive to sea conditions. And whatever your situation, check the weather and bring a towel. If you plan to step onto Blue Lagoon shore from May 2025, make sure you handle the free online ticket in advance.

If your schedule is tight, this is one of the best ways to feel the Malta coast fast, then move on with your day.

FAQ

Where does the tour start and end?

The cruise starts at Cirkewwa cafe in Mellieħa, Malta, and it ends back at the same meeting point.

How long is the half-day cruise?

The duration is about 3 to 4 hours (approx.).

What swimming stops are included?

You get 2 swimming stops, at Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon, and they are subject to weather conditions.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Snorkeling equipment is not included. You can rent it for €5.

Are drinks included?

A welcome drink is included, along with a slice of watermelon. Other drinks can be purchased from the bar onboard.

Do I need a ticket to get off at Blue Lagoon on Comino?

Yes. If you want to get off the boat at Blue Lagoon, Comino, you must book a free online ticket (required as of May 2025). Tickets cost nothing from the government website.

What happens if the weather is poor?

This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.