If you want Malta’s sea in just a few hours, this is a smart pick. I like the two real swim stops (Blue Lagoon plus Crystal Lagoon), and I also like that you get Comino caves and big-coast views without committing to an all-day boat schedule. The main thing to consider is that this is a smaller craft, so it can feel choppy on rough days and you’ll need to dress for wind.

The vibe here is practical and relaxed: padded sun deck time, a welcome drink and watermelon, and a skipper who keeps things moving. I also like the tight group size (max 40), which helps the boat feel more personal than the giant party-boat scene. Just keep in mind that the schedule is short at each stop—great for packing in highlights, but not long enough for a full beach day.

Key highlights worth planning around

• Blue Lagoon swim time: a main hour in one of Comino’s most photographed bays
• Crystal Lagoon second stop: another swim slot, often calmer and very snorkel-friendly
• Comino Sea Caves pass-by: photo moments and natural-formation scenery from the water
• Mgarr, Gozo harbor stop: about 15 minutes to grab photos and see the working port
• On-board comfort perks: padded sun deck, toilet facilities, life jackets, plus a welcome drink and fruit
• Small-boat feel: upper deck access by ladder, so it matters if stairs are an issue

A half-day Comino and Gozo cruise from Cirkewwa (the rhythm)

This is a 3 to 4 hour Malta sea trip that leaves from Cirkewwa (meeting point: Cirkewwa cafe, Mellieħa). You’re back at the same place when you’re done, which makes it easy to fold into a beach-and-cities itinerary. The tour is built for a “see the water, swim, photo, repeat” flow—then you’re free to explore Malta after.

For about the same half-day window, big boat tours often feel crowded and slow. Here, the boat is set up for quicker transitions between swimming areas and viewpoints, and the max group size (up to 40) helps keep it from turning into a cattle-line situation.

One important planning point: this experience depends on weather, and the cruise operator can change dates or offer a refund if conditions are poor. Also, if getting off at Blue Lagoon (Comino) matters to you, you’ll need that free online government ticket (required as of May 2025).

Blue Lagoon: your main swim hour, plus optional shore time

Blue Lagoon is the star of the first stop, with about 1 hour in the water. Expect clear blue water, lots of photo opportunities, and a chance to snorkel and swim while the boat is anchored. The water is the whole reason you’re here, so I’d plan to treat this hour like your swimming slot—not your “wander and snack” slot.

There’s an optional walk at Blue Lagoon, which can be nice if you want a break from the sun and want to get a few shots from the shore. The catch is that Blue Lagoon can get busy, and that can affect how peaceful it feels while you’re swimming or waiting for a good photo angle.

What I’d do: arrive with sunscreen on, bring your towel (you’ll want it right after the swim), and get in the water early so you don’t burn your whole hour standing around. Snorkeling gear isn’t included, but you can rent it on-site for €5, which is handy if you’re traveling light.

Mgarr, Gozo: quick harbor photos and a taste of Gozo

Then you head to Mgarr, the main harbor of Gozo. This stop is short—about 15 minutes—so it’s not a “Gozo tour” in the usual sense. Think of it as a fast visual break: photos of the harbor and a brief chance to step around if you want.

Why this matters: it gives you a sense of Gozo’s maritime side without stealing time from Comino’s best swimming areas. If you’re trying to do both islands in a single half day, this is a workable trade.

The practical tip here is timing. With only 15 minutes, you won’t want to use your energy on long detours. If you want a photo, aim for the harbor first, then decide if you want a quick stroll.

Crystal Lagoon: the calmer second swim break

Crystal Lagoon is your second swimming stop, and it’s set up for about 1 hour of swimming and snorkeling. This is where the water often feels more quiet and open, with fish showing up in the shallows and rocky edges making it fun to explore.

Compared with Blue Lagoon, this stop can feel like a reset button. The boat time is still short, but the water time tends to feel more relaxed, especially when you want to float, snorkel, and take your time looking around.

One logistics detail that matters: towels and dry clothes help a lot. After the first swim, you’ll likely be wet, and you’ll carry that towel-and-clothes reality into the next stop. If you’re prone to feeling cold on the ride back, plan to keep a dry layer ready.

Comino caves, Santa Maria Bay, and the Elephant Rock look

Between the swims, you’ll get pass-by views that turn this from a simple swimming tour into an actual Comino highlights cruise. You’ll see the Comino sea caves from the water, with time for photos and a sense of the natural shapes carved into the coast.

You also pass Santa Maria Bay, known for being the biggest sandy beach in Comino. Even if you don’t step onto the beach, it’s a good visual stop—long pale sand lines are hard to get wrong in photos, and they help you understand why Comino draws crowds.

And there’s the “elephant head” moment: you’ll pass by a cliff formation described as looking like an elephants head. If you love geology-on-a-postcard scenes, this is the kind of stop you’ll remember.

There’s also a note that some versions of this trip (Trip A only) include passing Elephants head & Santa Maria Bay specifically. Either way, plan to get plenty of coastline viewpoint time as the boat moves along.

Boat comfort, motion, and what to wear (for real)

This is a small-boat experience, and that’s part of why it feels fun. But it also means you should take motion seriously. One person described a rough winter sea as very uncomfortable on a small boat, and another mentioned that they were prepared for motion sickness and still found it manageable in calmer conditions. So if you’re sensitive, don’t gamble.

What helps:

• Wear layers you can adjust fast if you get sunburned, then windy-cold later.
• Bring a hat and sunglasses for glare near the water.
• Keep a towel handy, since you’ll likely be dripping at least once.

Boarding and deck access can also matter. The upper deck is reached by a vertical ladder, so if you’re not comfortable with that, plan on staying where you’re stable. The padded sun deck is a real comfort perk, but in windy weather you may still feel exposed depending on where you’re sitting.

Also, life jackets are provided, and you can jump from the top deck during swim time. That’s a big draw for energetic travelers, but keep in mind it isn’t for everyone—and you don’t have to do it to enjoy the hour in the water.

On-board freebies and what costs extra

The included snack and drink setup is straightforward: you get a welcome drink and a slice of watermelon. That watermelon moment is a nice touch after swimming in the sun, especially if you’re feeling salty and warm from being on the water.

Drinks you buy on board cost extra, but the onboard bar is there if you want beer or nonalcoholic options during the cruise. If you’d like a simple, low-effort day, you can treat the included drink and watermelon as your main refresh and skip the extra spending.

Snorkeling equipment can be rented for €5, so you can travel without packing gear. You’ll still want your own basics—mask and snorkel if you’re picky about fit, or just rent equipment if you prefer convenience.

One bonus detail from experience notes: you may see a floating ice cream shop during the cruise. It’s not something to plan your schedule around, but it’s a fun “extra” if it happens on your sailing.

How the 3 to 4 hours add up to value

At about $30.17 per person, this is a budget-friendly way to get multiple Comino highlights in one go. You’re paying for time efficiency: two swimming breaks plus caves and coastline pass-by views, all while staying within a half-day window.

Value here also comes from not overcommitting. If you don’t want a full day on the boat (some people choose this because they only have a half day to work with), this fits your schedule without making you hate your own feet later.

The trade-off is time. Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon each get roughly an hour, so you won’t stretch this into an all-day beach day. If your priority is hours of shore lounging or a long, slow snorkel session, you might want a longer Comino plan instead.

That said, if you want to leave the water feeling satisfied—sun, swimming, and photos—this half-day format is a strong match.

Who should book this Comino and Gozo cruise?

I think this tour is ideal if you:

• Want Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon without spending an entire day at sea
• Like small-boat cruises and prefer not being jammed into a massive group
• Want a simple itinerary with built-in swim time and photo viewpoints
• Are comfortable with basic boat logistics like quick deck changes and short stop durations

I’d be more cautious if you:

• Get motion sick easily and haven’t got a plan (layers, medication, and a calm-weather day help)
• Have limited mobility with stairs or ladders, since the upper deck access is via ladder
• Expect long time on shore in Gozo or Comino beyond the planned swim breaks

If you’re the type who likes to build a day from blocks—morning swim, afternoon exploring, evening dinner—this “half-day plus freedom” style is a good fit.

Should you book? My decision guide

If you’re trying to choose between “one good swim” and “two legit swim breaks plus caves,” I’d lean toward booking this. The combination of two swimming locations, a quick Gozo harbor glimpse, and Comino cave and coastline scenery makes the time feel earned.

Book it especially if:

• You want a short, high-impact water day
• You like the idea of swimming, snorkeling, and still having energy for Malta later
• You’re okay with changing environments every hour rather than staying put for a whole day

Skip or postpone if:

• Your weather forecast looks rough and you’re sensitive to sea motion
• You strongly need long shore time at Blue Lagoon or a longer Gozo experience than 15 minutes

If you do book, do the small prep that makes a big difference: bring a towel, dress for wind, and double-check the free online ticket requirement if you plan to get off at Blue Lagoon in Comino.

FAQ

How long is the Comino and Gozo cruise?

The cruise is listed as about 3 to 4 hours.

Where does the cruise start and end?

It starts at Cirkewwa cafe (Mellieħa, Malta) and ends back at the same meeting point.

What stops are included during the trip?

You’ll swim at Blue Lagoon, have a short stop at Mgarr (Gozo), swim again at Crystal Lagoon, and take in views of Comino’s caves and bays by passing them.

Is swimming time guaranteed at both lagoons?

Swimming breaks at Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon are described as subject to weather conditions.

Do I need snorkeling equipment, or can I rent it?

Snorkeling equipment is not included, but it can be rented for €5.

Are towels provided?

Towels are not mentioned as included, so plan on bringing your own.

Are drinks included?

A welcome drink is included, and watermelon is included. Other drinks can be purchased onboard.

Can I jump off the boat?

Yes, jumping from the top deck is included.

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

You must book a free ticket online to get off the boat at Blue Lagoon (requirement noted for May 2025). The government ticket costs nothing.

What is the cancellation and weather approach?

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The experience requires good weather, and if it’s canceled due to poor weather you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

You Might Also Enjoy

Boat Charters Blue lagoon, Crystal Lagoon, Comino, Malta 4hr tripMalta: The Three Fortified Cities Tour including Boat TripThe Best Traditional 2 Harbours Day Cruise of MaltaCab from Valletta /St. Julians /Sliema / Gzira to Malta Airport