REVIEW · MALTA
Comino Island: including Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon & sea caves
Book on Viator →Operated by Sea Trips · Bookable on Viator
Comino is small, but the water is wild. This is a smooth catamaran outing that strings together Crystal Lagoon (for clear, quieter swimming) and the famed Blue Lagoon (for slides, jumping spots, and a big hang-time), plus sea-cave viewing along the way. One heads-up: Blue Lagoon can be crowded, and onboard lines for food and drinks can stretch out if you’re traveling in peak months.
You’ll also get the kind of in-between fun I like on Malta trips: a one-hour boat ride with onboard commentary, views from out at sea, and quick stops for sea caves and photo angles. My one main caution is practical—bring a towel and plan for wind on the water if you’re going in cooler months.
In This Review
- Key things I’d write on a sticky note
- Why this Comino combo makes sense: Crystal + Blue + caves
- Day trip vs sunset trip: timing that affects your whole experience
- Bugibba Jetty meet-up: the easiest plan from Malta’s main towns
- The one-hour catamaran ride: views, commentary, and cave photo angles
- Crystal Lagoon: a clearer swim with seasonal time limits
- Blue Lagoon: mooring location, waterslides, and what the crowds feel like
- Sea caves and Santa Maria caves: quick photo stops that add variety
- What’s included (and what you’ll likely pay for)
- Comfort tips that actually matter on Comino
- Who should book this tour—and who might want a different plan
- Should you book Sea Trips Comino: Crystal Lagoon, Blue Lagoon, and sea caves?
- FAQ
- How long is the Comino tour?
- Where does the tour start and end?
- How do I get to the departure location from Valletta, Sliema, or St Julian’s?
- What happens at Crystal Lagoon?
- How much time do I get at Blue Lagoon?
- Is snorkeling equipment included?
- Are lockers included?
- Is food and drink included?
- When can this tour be canceled for weather?
- Is there a refund if I cancel?
Key things I’d write on a sticky note
- Crystal Lagoon timing shifts by season: longer summer swims, shorter shoulder-season photo stop
- Blue Lagoon is a floating basecamp with waterslides, sun loungers, toilets, and bars
- Sea caves are part of the route, not just a random add-on for pictures
- Sun loungers go fast (first-come, first-served), so arrive early if you care about seating
- Snorkeling gear and lockers cost extra, so budget for that if you want convenience
- Weather can change everything: the operator may cancel, or modify routes for safety
Why this Comino combo makes sense: Crystal + Blue + caves
Comino gets marketed hard for a reason. The island’s main draw is the water—two different kinds of “wow” in a single trip. Crystal Lagoon feels more private because it’s accessed by boats only and tucked behind steep cliffs. Blue Lagoon is the party-and-play zone, with docking right in the prime area so you can swim straight from the boat and still have an island option if you want a change of scene.
Then there are the sea caves and rock formations on the way. Even if you don’t snorkel all day, you still get those quick visual hits that make Comino feel like more than a one-stop beach trip. It’s also smart that the route includes cave viewing for photos before you settle into lagoon time.
Other Blue Lagoon and Comino tours we've reviewed in Malta
Day trip vs sunset trip: timing that affects your whole experience
This tour runs in two styles: a longer day version (about 6 hours) and a shorter sunset/evening version (about 4 hours). The split matters because it controls how much time you truly have in the lagoons, and that changes your comfort level in crowds.
On the day trip, you can expect a longer stay at Blue Lagoon (often 2–4 hours depending on season) and a longer slot for Crystal Lagoon during the summer months. On the sunset option, the Crystal Lagoon stop is shorter, and you’re usually trading some swim time for cooler light and a more relaxed return atmosphere.
If you love swimming and want time to reposition yourself on the boat, the longer day trip is the easier bet. If you mainly want a highlight rotation and a calmer vibe, the sunset timing can feel perfect.
Bugibba Jetty meet-up: the easiest plan from Malta’s main towns
Most people will start at Bugibba Jetty, and that’s a good thing because it’s a straightforward launch point for Comino. The local transport plan is simple: you take a bus toward St Pauls Bay, get off at the Moll bus stop, and then Parades is the nearest stop to the destination.
From Valletta, Sliema, and St Julian’s, the same bus approach applies—bus to St Pauls Bay, then Moll. The key is to build in buffer time. The trip depends on a set departure, and the catamaran can fill up quickly, so rushing at the last minute is how you end up with worse seating.
The one-hour catamaran ride: views, commentary, and cave photo angles
The journey to Comino is about one hour on a modern catamaran, and it includes onboard commentary in multiple languages (English, French, German, Italian, and Polish). I like this part because it gives you a bit of context while you’re settling in, and you also get Malta from out at sea. You’ll pass close to the coast with steep cliffs and rocky nooks and crannies.
You also get sightseeing treats like a view of the tiny Island of St Paul’s, including the statue of the apostle Saint Paul rising above the water. Then, along the way, the route includes sea caves for photo opportunities, so even the ride doesn’t feel like dead time.
If the weather is a bit choppy, just know you’ll feel it more on the top decks. Bring a light layer if you tend to get cold on boats.
Crystal Lagoon: a clearer swim with seasonal time limits
Crystal Lagoon is the quieter, less-hyped cousin of Blue Lagoon, and that’s exactly why I’d prioritize it. The water is unbelievably clear, and because the lagoon is fringed by steep cliffs, access is mostly by boats. That combination often makes the experience feel more controlled: fewer people walking around on land and more people focused on swimming and snorkeling.
What you can do depends heavily on when you go:
- From June 1 through October 30, the Crystal Lagoon stop is about 1 hour on the day trip, and 30 minutes on sunset. In these months, the stop supports swimming, snorkeling, and diving-type activity (from the boat and the area with waterslides).
- From November to May, the stop is much shorter—around 15 minutes—more for photo opportunities and sea-cave viewing than a long swim.
On top of the clarity, there’s also the fun factor: waterslides (including a big one on the boat setup) and the ability to swim toward caves. The catch is simple: in the colder months, don’t plan on a long splash. Plan on quick photos and a fast reset instead.
Blue Lagoon: mooring location, waterslides, and what the crowds feel like
Blue Lagoon is the main event, and this operator positions the boat to give a strong view from the docking area. Once moored, you can use the boat as your base—swim from the waterline, or walk ashore if disembarking is available for that stop.
The boat setup makes it easy to turn downtime into fun. You’ll find waterslides (one huge slide plus two smaller ones), jumping platforms, a sundeck with cushioned sun loungers, and toilets plus showers and changing areas. There are also onboard bars selling food and drinks, and underwater windows can be part of the experience depending on season and departure time.
You pay a little extra for snorkeling convenience:
- Snorkeling equipment can be rented for €5.00
- Lockers for personal items are €2.00
The biggest reality check is crowds. Blue Lagoon can be rammed, and it can get uncomfortable for walking around on the island. If you want your best experience, treat the boat as home base and swim straight from it. Reviews also suggest that arriving early matters because sun loungers fill fast and some spots are better than others.
Sea caves and Santa Maria caves: quick photo stops that add variety
If you only cared about swimming, you could still have a great time. But the sea caves stops are what help this trip feel like a full outing instead of a ferry with two swims.
From the open sea, you get a better sense of Malta’s rugged coastline as you cruise close to shore. Then there’s a short stop for sea caves and photo moments while traveling out and back. Later, on the return leg to Bugibba, the route includes Santa Maria pirate caves and a view of the “Elephants Head” rock formation.
These cave segments aren’t long enough to be your whole day, and that’s the point. They’re quick, scenic, and they break up the rhythm between swimming stops so the day doesn’t feel repetitive.
What’s included (and what you’ll likely pay for)
This tour packs a lot into the ticket price for a day at sea. Included are the Crystal Lagoon and Blue Lagoon stops, sea-cave photo viewing, onboard toilets/showers and slide access, and onboard commentary. You’ll also likely have submarine-style underwater windows in season and at certain departure times.
What you should expect to pay for on top:
- Food and drinks (available to purchase onboard)
- Snorkeling equipment (available to buy or rent, with rental listed at €5.00)
- Lockers (listed at €2.00)
- Towels (you’ll need to bring your own)
Two other practical rules to note:
- You can use the onboard bar and kitchen, but outside food and drinks aren’t allowed.
- Smoking isn’t permitted, while vaping is allowed only in designated areas.
Value-wise, I like that the main costs are tied to comfort and safety options you can choose. If you want a simple swim day, you can keep extras minimal. If you want more convenience, you can rent gear and store stuff safely while you’re on the water.
Comfort tips that actually matter on Comino
A few details can make or break a Comino trip, mostly because it’s a mix of boat time and water time.
1) Arrive early for loungers
Sun loungers are free, but first-come, first-served. If you care about sitting on deck, you’ll want to line up ahead of time so you don’t end up stuck in less comfortable spots.
2) Bring a towel, and plan for chill
Even if the water looks warm, the wind on the open sea can cool you down, especially on the top deck when you’re cruising.
3) Sunscreen and water shoes help
The sun can be intense, and some swimmers prefer water shoes for footing around rocky areas. If you’re doing snorkeling, consider what you’ll wear in the water so you’re not constantly fiddling once you’re wet.
4) Have your ticket ready
This uses a mobile ticket, and it’s smart to have your QR code accessible so you don’t get delayed at boarding.
5) Expect food lines at peak times
On busier days, bars and food service can take time. If you’re hungry, grab what you need sooner rather than waiting for a perfect moment.
Who should book this tour—and who might want a different plan
This trip is ideal if you want a one-day route that hits the two big lagoons plus sea caves without juggling separate tickets and transfers. I’d also say it’s a strong fit for families and mixed groups because the boat facilities are built for staying comfortable for hours, not just rushing through.
It’s not the best match if:
- you hate crowded swim areas (Blue Lagoon can be packed)
- you’re only interested in a long, quiet lagoon swim in cooler months (Crystal Lagoon time can shrink a lot from November to May)
- you dislike buying extras like snorkeling gear or lockers if you didn’t plan ahead
If you want a fun, efficient Malta water day with slides, clear swimming zones, and enough variety to keep it interesting, this is a solid choice.
Should you book Sea Trips Comino: Crystal Lagoon, Blue Lagoon, and sea caves?
I’d book it if you want maximum payoff for a single trip: you get Crystal Lagoon for clarity (especially in summer) and Blue Lagoon for the full water-park style boat setup with slides, jumping points, and long swim time. The boat ride isn’t just transport; it includes commentary and scenic cave viewing so the day feels complete.
I’d pause before booking if your dream Comino day is quiet and spacious. Blue Lagoon can be crowded, and the timing at Crystal Lagoon depends on season. If you go in cooler months, you should treat Crystal Lagoon as a short photo-and-cave moment rather than a long swim mission.
FAQ
How long is the Comino tour?
The tour duration is about 4 to 6 hours depending on the trip type. The day trip is listed at around 6 hours, while the evening/sunset trip is about 4 hours.
Where does the tour start and end?
The activity starts and ends back at Bugibba Jetty (Dawret Il-Gżejjer, San Pawl il-Baħar, Malta).
How do I get to the departure location from Valletta, Sliema, or St Julian’s?
From Valletta, take a bus toward St Pauls Bay and get off at the Moll bus stop. The nearest stop to the destination is Parades. The same route is listed for Sliema and St Julian’s: bus to St Pauls Bay, then get off at Moll.
What happens at Crystal Lagoon?
Crystal Lagoon is a stop for swimming, snorkeling, and photo opportunities, with time depending on the season. From June 1 to October 30 it stops for about 1 hour on day trips and 30 minutes on sunset trips. From November to May it’s about 15 minutes for photos and sea-cave viewing.
How much time do I get at Blue Lagoon?
Blue Lagoon stop time depends on the season, typically 2 to 4 hours. The operator moors in the prime area so you have a good view and can use the boat as your base for swimming and onboard facilities.
Is snorkeling equipment included?
Snorkeling equipment is not included in the base price. It’s available to buy or rent, with rental listed at €5.00.
Are lockers included?
Lockers are not included. Personal item lockers are available to hire for €2.00.
Is food and drink included?
Food and drinks are not included. You can buy food and drinks onboard, and outside food and drinks aren’t allowed.
When can this tour be canceled for weather?
This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered another date or a full refund.
Is there a refund if I cancel?
Yes. Free cancellation is offered up to 24 hours in advance of the experience start time for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before, the amount paid is not refunded.
