Mellieha: Speedboat Trip Round Comino Caves 2h @ Blue Lagoon

One of the quickest ways to see Comino’s best water spots is by speedboat. This Mellieha to Comino cave trip blends a fast, exciting ride with professional skipper skills and includes time to explore the 2-hour Blue Lagoon swim zone. You’ll cruise past St Mary Bay, St Nicholas Bay, and Crystal Lagoon, then hit the Comino points that make people plan their Malta days around this island.

The big plus for me is that you do the caves and photo stops around Comino without extra add-ons, then you get a real chunk of beach time on the water. One consideration: it’s a speedboat, so if you’re prone to motion sickness, have back issues, or feel uneasy in wind and spray, this may not be your best match.

Key takeaways before you go

• Professional skippers keep it fun and safe, with guides such as Augustino and Valentino called out for clear explanations.
• Comino caves included: you’ll see the main cave spots plus the “hidden” ones during the route.
• Elephant Rock makes a great photo moment, especially when you slow down for the view.
• 2 hours at Blue Lagoon gives enough time to swim, snorkel, and relax, not just dip and rush.
• Go morning if you can for more room in the lagoon while you’re still swimming.

From Marfa Bay to Comino fast, with real time on the water

This trip runs on a simple idea: get you from the mainland to the Comino action quickly, then give you time to enjoy it. The boats depart from Marfa Bay, and the base is Blue Waves Watersports, which is just a short drive away from the famous Blue Lagoon area. You spend the day moving around the island by sea, not stuck waiting around.

You’ll also notice the vibe of this style of tour right away. Speedboats are made for seeing the coast from multiple angles, and that matters on Comino, where the rock formations and cave entrances look different depending on where the boat is positioned. Even if you only care about photos, that movement does the work for you.

Getting on board at Blue Waves Watersports, and what to expect on departure

Your day starts at Blue Waves Watersports, and the return is back there too. Boarding closes 15 minutes before departure, so give yourself enough buffer if you’re coming by taxi or bus and need time to park or find the meeting spot.

The trip itself is about 3.5 hours total, which is a solid length for squeezing in multiple Comino viewpoints plus a long lagoon break. The operator also notes the captain may change the route or adjust timing if sea conditions require it, which is normal for a watersports day on Malta’s coast.

Comino by speedboat: Elephant Rock and the view you can’t get from shore

One of the first “wow” moments is the cruise past Elephant Rock. This is the kind of rock shape that looks almost cartoonish in photos, but in person it’s better because you see how it sits in the water and how the cave system and cliffs align around it. From the boat, you get the angle that makes the formation recognizable fast.

This is also where the professional skipper style really shows. Several guests describe captains adjusting speed to match the group, so you’re not forced into a one-size-fits-all ride. If you want the ride to feel thrilling, you generally get that. If you want it less bumpy, you can usually find a calmer pace.

Santa Maria Caves and the photo stops that make the “caves” part real

The cave portion is where this tour earns its keep. You’ll pass through the Comino cave zone and get dedicated stops and sightseeing time around the main Santa Maria Caves area. There’s a photo stop element, plus time that feels more than just a quick slow-down.

Here’s the practical reason I like this: Comino caves are not a single postcard spot. You’re seeing them as part of a coastline system. Moving by boat lets you get closer to cave openings and see how they connect to the surrounding cliffs. The result is you leave with a sense of the island’s shape, not just a couple of distant cave frames.

If you’re bringing your phone, plan for quick bursts of photos and short video clips. Wind and spray can make screens slippery, and you’ll want both hands free at the right times. Also, the sun hits hard on open water, so sunglasses matter more than you think.

Cruising the bays: St Mary Bay, Santa Maria Bay, and St Nicholas Bay

After the cave area, the route continues along the Comino coastline with scenic passing points like Santa Maria Bay and San Niklaw Bay (St Nicholas Bay). These pass-by sections are not filler. They give you the changing colors and textures you’d miss if you only focused on the caves.

This is also where you’ll likely appreciate the skipper’s explanations. People highlight captains who talk clearly while you go, pointing out what you’re looking at and how the formations connect. If you like understanding what you’re seeing, these “on the move” moments are the best time for it.

Crystal Lagoon and the build-up to your big swim break

You’ll also pass Crystal Lagoon, with at least a photo stop element. This section works like a warm-up before the main lagoon stop, because it shows you the water clarity and the kind of places the lagoon section is famous for.

The practical value here is decision-making. Once you see how the water looks from the boat route, you’ll know what kind of swim you want to do. If you’re there mainly for snorkeling, you can aim your time around the calmer stretches. If you’re there to float, sunbathe, and take it slow, you’ll be less tempted to rush once you get to the main break time.

Blue Lagoon: 2 hours to swim, snorkel, and walk toward St Marija Tower

The heart of the day is the 2-hour stop at Blue Lagoon. This is enough time to do more than a quick dip. You can swim, snorkel, and sunbathe, and you can also walk to St Marija tower for a viewpoint.

One of the best pieces of advice is to plan your timing with crowd reality in mind. The lagoon can get busy, and going earlier generally gives you more breathing room while you’re in the water. If you have a choice, prioritize a morning slot so you’re arriving when there’s still space to settle in.

Getting the most out of those two hours

Think of your time as two blocks. First, give yourself a swim and photo window while the light feels fresh. Then use the rest of the time for snorkeling or a slower float, plus a walk if you feel like stretching your legs. If you’re only doing one thing, do the swim first. You can always snorkel or lounge after.

Also bring a towel and proper beachwear. The tour includes swimming and snorkeling, but the kit you bring is what turns it into a comfortable break instead of a dry-skin scramble later.

The Comino island registration rule if you want to step ashore

There’s one modern rule you should know before you plan your walk. Effective Thursday, 1 May 2025, anyone who wants to step on Comino Island from the Blue Lagoon and explore on foot must register and acquire an entry ticket through the official government system at www.blcomino.com.

For you, that means the “walk to St Marija tower” idea needs a small bit of prep. If you want that route, check your ticket status ahead of time so you’re not stuck deciding at the water’s edge.

What $35 covers, and why the value is mostly about time and route

At $35 per person, this isn’t a bargain in the sense of “cheap.” It’s a value deal because you get three things that are hard to assemble on your own:

• A speedboat ride around Comino, not just a ferry-style hop.
• Cave visits as part of the route.
• A genuine 2-hour Blue Lagoon break, long enough to actually enjoy the water.

The route matters too. You’re not only going to Blue Lagoon, you’re also seeing Comino’s rock points like Elephant Rock and passing multiple bays and lagoon areas. That’s why this price feels fair for a half-day that includes both “moving views” and “time to relax.”

One more practical point: food and drinks are not included. That means you should plan to bring your own water or snacks if you like being independent, or at least be ready to buy something nearby before and after.

What to pack: your day is sun, water, and quick photo moments

The essentials are simple and listed by the operator, and you’ll be glad you brought them:

• Sunglasses
• Sun hat
• Towel
• Sunscreen
• Beachwear

Also think about practical waterproofing. Put your phone in a secure pocket or use a pouch if you have one. And if you’re sensitive to wind, consider a light layer for the ride even when it feels warm on shore.

The operator also notes what’s not allowed: weapons or sharp objects, oversize luggage or large bags, and alcohol or drugs. Electric wheelchairs are listed as not allowed too, so travel light.

Ride comfort and safety: who this speedboat fits best

This trip is labeled not suitable for several groups, including people with motion sickness, wheelchair users, people with back problems, pregnant women, and people over 65 (with additional higher-age exclusions listed). If any of those apply to you, skip this one and look for a slower boat or different activity on Malta.

Even if you’re not in the excluded categories, remember that it’s still a speedboat. You may feel wind and splash while you move, and that’s part of the fun for many people, but not for everyone. If you get seasick easily, this is the one day where I’d rather you be cautious.

On the plus side, multiple people describe a professional, caring skipper and a safety-first approach. Some also note seating with chairs under shade at the start, which helps you feel settled before departure.

Which departures work best: timing for calmer water and easier swim time

Timing affects how your day feels. If you can choose, aim for the morning slot because the lagoon tends to be more comfortable for swimming and relaxing. People specifically recommend morning departures so you get space to enjoy the water before the later crowd wave builds.

There’s also a note that for a 11:00 am speedboat trip, you should book the morning slot from 8:00-1:30. It’s a small detail, but it can prevent confusion when you’re trying to match your schedule.

Should you book this Mellieha speedboat to Comino caves and Blue Lagoon?

Book it if you want a fast, vivid Comino day where you see multiple cave and coast highlights, then spend real time swimming at the Blue Lagoon. This is especially appealing if you like boat views, you’re comfortable with sun and wind, and you want caves plus lagoon time without paying for extra stops.

Skip it if you’re prone to motion sickness, have back limitations, need wheelchair access, or you’re in the age groups the operator lists as not suitable. Also, if you’re hoping for a super relaxed day with lots of shore walking, the sea-based format might feel a bit intense.

If you do book, give yourself early arrival time for boarding, bring the swim essentials, and if you plan to step onto Comino on foot, handle the www.blcomino.com registration rule ahead of time. Do that, and you’ll get a great mix of Comino caves, Elephant Rock photos, and a Blue Lagoon swim window that actually feels like vacation time.

FAQ

How long is the speedboat trip?

The total duration is 3.5 hours.

Where does the trip start and where does it return?

The trip starts and returns to Blue Waves Watersports, with the boat operating from Marfa Bay.

How long do you get at the Blue Lagoon?

You get a 2-hour stop at the Blue Lagoon, with time for walking, swimming, and snorkeling.

Are the Comino cave visits included in the price?

Yes. The package includes a speedboat ride around Comino Island plus cave visits, with no extra charge mentioned for cave exploration.

Is food or drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not included.

Do I need an entry ticket to walk on Comino Island from the Blue Lagoon?

Yes, if you want to step on Comino Island from the Blue Lagoon and explore by foot. Effective 1 May 2025, you must register and get an entry ticket through www.blcomino.com.