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

Comino’s best scenery comes from the water, and this trip gives you a lively way to see it. A speedboat carries you around the island’s cliffs, arches, bays, and caves before giving you two full hours at the famous Blue Lagoon. It is part sightseeing ride, part swimming outing, with enough speed and spray to keep the journey from feeling like a simple ferry crossing.

I like the full circuit of Comino, including places many boat trips only pass quickly, and I like the generous two-hour stop at the Blue Lagoon. Captains such as Augustino and Valentino add useful explanations, adjust the speed for the group, and sometimes help with family photos. The main drawback is that the Blue Lagoon can become very crowded, and the open speedboat may feel rough or wet for anyone prone to motion sickness.

Key points

• A complete Comino circuit: Pass Elephant Rock, St. Mary Battery, Santa Maria Caves, Santa Maria Bay, San Niklaw Bay, and Crystal Lagoon.
• Two hours at Blue Lagoon: Swim, snorkel, sunbathe, take photos, or walk to St. Marija Tower.
• Caves included: Explore Comino’s east and west caves without an extra cave-entry charge.
• Skipper-led sightseeing: English-speaking captains explain the sights and can adjust the boat’s speed.
• Good value at $35: You get a 3.5-hour boat trip, cave visits, and a long Blue Lagoon stop in one outing.

Why a Speedboat Is a Good Way to See Comino

Comino is small, but its shoreline is packed with things you want to see from the sea. The cliffs change shape as the boat moves, and arches, caves, and pale rock formations appear from angles you cannot get on land.

The speedboat also saves time. From Blue Waves Watersports at Marfa Bay, the boat is only about 3 kilometers from the Blue Lagoon. Instead of spending most of your outing getting to Comino, you can spend the ride seeing the coast and still have a long swim stop.

I especially like the balance here. The boat ride supplies the excitement, while the Blue Lagoon stop gives you time to slow down. You are not locked into three and a half hours of constant motion.

The captain is an important part of the experience. Augustino is repeatedly praised for explaining the caves and sights, keeping the mood friendly, and changing the speed to suit the group. Valentino is also singled out for looking after adults, children, and teenagers. One family even reported that children were allowed to briefly experience driving the boat, though this should be treated as a captain’s choice, not a promised part of the trip.

Marfa Bay to Elephant Rock and the Santa Maria Caves

You begin at Blue Waves Watersports in Marfa Bay. Boarding closes 15 minutes before departure, so arrive early rather than treating the stated departure time as a suggestion.

The first part is a scenic ride around Comino. The boat passes Elephant Rock, a natural rock formation with a distinctive shape, then continues toward the Santa Maria Caves. The close approach to the caves is one of the main reasons to choose this trip instead of a basic transport boat.

The route includes both east and west hidden caves at no extra charge. Depending on sea and safety conditions, the captain may take the boat close enough for photographs and a better look inside. The itinerary describes the cave stop as a visit and photo opportunity, but not as a separate swimming stop, so bring your camera and enjoy the views from the boat unless the captain says otherwise.

The caves are most enjoyable when the captain adds context. Augustino is praised for pointing out what you are seeing instead of simply driving past. That turns a pretty shoreline into a more useful sightseeing trip.

You should still expect a working speedboat, not a quiet glass-bottom cruise. The boat’s movement, engine noise, wind, and occasional spray are part of the package. Sit securely, protect your phone, and keep sunglasses and hats firmly attached.

St. Mary Battery, Santa Maria Bay, and San Niklaw Bay

The circuit continues past St. Mary Battery and its stone arch, two of Comino’s most recognizable coastal sights. From the water, the old battery gives you a different view than a walk on the island. You see how the defensive structure sits above the shoreline and how the rock and masonry meet.

The boat then passes Santa Maria Bay and San Niklaw Bay. These stops are sightseeing passes rather than long shore visits, so the value is in the changing views and the captain’s explanation. You will not have time to wander around each bay on foot during this part of the trip.

That is worth knowing before you book. If your main goal is hiking across Comino, this is not the right format. If you want to see the coast without arranging several separate stops, it works well.

The boat’s speed can also make this section more enjoyable. Several bookings praise the captains for finding the right level of excitement, giving you fast stretches without making the whole ride uncomfortable. Families with children have found the boat fun and safe, but the outing remains unsuitable for some people with back problems, pregnant women, wheelchair users, or motion sickness.

Two Hours at the Blue Lagoon

The main stop is the Blue Lagoon, where you have two hours of free time. This is long enough to do more than take a quick photograph. You can swim, snorkel, sunbathe, walk, or simply sit and look across the clear water.

If you want to swim, bring beachwear, a towel, sunscreen, and sunglasses. Snorkeling is included as an activity option, but food, drinks, and personal equipment are not listed as included, so plan your supplies before boarding.

The Blue Lagoon is striking, but it is not a quiet secret. The area can become very busy, especially as the day progresses. One practical tip is to choose a morning departure when possible. An earlier arrival gives you a better chance of finding room in the water before the busiest period.

The two-hour stop is also flexible. You do not have to swim the entire time. You can walk to St. Marija Tower for a wider view, take photographs, or stay near the water. This makes the trip suitable for mixed groups, since not everyone needs to spend the stop in the sea.

There is one important change for anyone planning to go ashore. From May 1, 2025, people who step onto Comino at the Blue Lagoon and explore on foot must register and obtain an entry ticket through the official government system at www.blcomino.com. Check the current requirement before your trip, especially if you plan to leave the swimming area and walk across the island.

Crystal Lagoon and the Return to Marfa Bay

After the Blue Lagoon stop, the boat passes Crystal Lagoon before returning to Marfa Bay. This final section gives you another view of Comino’s water and rock formations, often with a quieter feel after the main swimming stop.

Crystal Lagoon is listed as a photo and sightseeing pass, not a guaranteed swimming break. Do not count on getting off the boat there or having extra time in the water. The captain controls the route according to sea conditions and safety.

The full outing lasts about 3.5 hours. That includes the boat ride around Comino, the cave visits, the scenic passes, and the two-hour Blue Lagoon break. The timing makes it easy to fit into a day based in Malta, though you should leave room for getting to Marfa Bay and for the early boarding cutoff.

What the $35 Price Delivers

At $35 per person, this is strong value if you want both a coastal tour and a proper Blue Lagoon stop. A basic boat transfer might get you to Comino, but this trip adds a complete island circuit, cave visits, a captain-led explanation, and two hours of free time at the lagoon.

The price is especially reasonable for families and groups who would otherwise need separate transport and sightseeing arrangements. You also avoid an extra charge for the cave visits.

The cost does not cover food or drinks. That is not a serious problem, but you should prepare for it. Bring water and any snacks you need, subject to the operator’s rules. Alcohol and drugs are not allowed, and large bags, oversize luggage, sharp objects, and weapons are prohibited.

The experience has received a perfect five-star rating from 61 bookings, with repeated praise for the captains, punctual departure, speed, cave explanations, and value. The strongest pattern is not simply that people enjoy the scenery. It is that the captain often shapes the day by adjusting the speed, helping with photos, and making families feel looked after.

Who Will Enjoy This Trip Most

This is a good fit if you want a lively introduction to Comino without arranging several separate activities. You get speed, scenery, caves, swimming, and free time in one compact outing.

Families can enjoy it, and the feedback includes positive experiences with small children and teenagers. Still, you should be comfortable with an open speedboat and changing sea movement. Children should follow the captain’s instructions closely, and parents should protect hats, phones, and cameras from wind and spray.

It also suits couples, friends, and solo visitors who want to see the island’s coast while keeping two hours free for the Blue Lagoon. Snorkelers and swimmers will get the most from the stop, but non-swimmers can walk to St. Marija Tower or enjoy the views from shore.

This is not a good choice if you need step-free access, have significant back problems, are pregnant, or suffer from motion sickness. The supplied restrictions also exclude people over 65 and list several older age limits, so check your eligibility carefully before booking. Electric wheelchairs are not accepted.

Practical Tips for a Better Boat Day

Choose a morning slot if you can. The Blue Lagoon often gets busier later, and an earlier stop may give you more room to swim.

For the 11:00 a.m. speedboat, book the morning time window from 8:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The booking information uses time slots, so check the exact departure when reserving.

Wear beachwear under light clothing and bring a towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a sun hat. Keep bags small. Large bags and oversize luggage are not allowed, and there is no reason to bring more than you need for a few hours by the sea.

Board at least 15 minutes early. The boat will not wait for late arrivals once boarding closes.

Finally, keep your plans slightly flexible. The captain can change or cancel the route because of weather, sea conditions, or other safety concerns. If the cruise is cancelled for those reasons, you are offered an alternative date or a refund. You can also cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and the reserve-now, pay-later option keeps the booking flexible.

Should You Book the Comino Speedboat Trip?

I would choose this trip if you want the most variety for $35: a fast ride, Comino’s caves and bays, recognizable sights such as Elephant Rock and St. Mary Battery, and two hours at the Blue Lagoon.

Book it in the morning if swimming space matters to you, and go prepared for wind, spray, and a busy lagoon. If you prefer a slow, quiet boat or want several long walks on Comino, choose another kind of outing. For everyone else, this is a well-priced way to see the island from the water and still have enough time to enjoy its famous blue swimming spot.

FAQ

Where does the speedboat trip start?

The trip starts at Blue Waves Watersports in Marfa Bay, Malta.

How long does the activity last?

The total duration is about 3.5 hours.

How much does the trip cost?

The listed price is $35 per person.

Is the Blue Lagoon included?

Yes. The trip includes a two-hour stop at the Blue Lagoon.

Can I swim and snorkel at the Blue Lagoon?

Yes. You have free time for swimming, snorkeling, sunbathing, photography, or walking.

Are cave visits included in the price?

Yes. The speedboat ride around Comino and the cave visits are included with no extra charge.

Which sights does the boat pass?

The route includes Elephant Rock, Santa Maria Caves, Santa Maria Bay, San Niklaw Bay, Crystal Lagoon, and St. Mary Battery and Arch.

Is food included?

No. Food and drinks are not included.

What should I bring?

Bring sunglasses, a sun hat, a towel, sunscreen, and beachwear.

What happens if bad weather cancels the trip?

The captain may cancel or change the trip for weather, sea conditions, or safety reasons. You will receive an alternative date or a refund if the cruise is cancelled.