Mellieha: 1:00pm Speedboat round Comino Caves 2h Blue Lagoon

Comino’s best views come from the water, and this speedboat tour gives you a fast, close look at the island’s caves, rocky bays, and bright lagoons without committing to a full-day cruise. You also get two hours at the Blue Lagoon, enough time for a swim, snorkel, or walk to St. Marija Tower.

I like the sharp pace of the ride and the fact that cave visits are included rather than sold as extras. I also like the stop at Crystal Lagoon, where the boat may pause for a quieter swim away from the main Blue Lagoon crowd. The main drawback is that Blue Lagoon can be extremely crowded, especially later in the day, and the speedboat ride can be wet and bumpy.

Key points to know before booking

• The boat circles Comino, passing Santa Marija Battery, Elephant Rock, Santa Marija Bay, San Niklaw Bay, Crystal Lagoon, and several caves.
• Two hours at Blue Lagoon gives you time to swim, snorkel, sunbathe, and walk toward St. Marija Tower.
• The speedboat is part of the fun, but prepare to get wet and expect a lively ride rather than a calm cruise.
• The tour costs $34 per person, which is strong value if you want the caves, island circuit, and Blue Lagoon in one outing.
• Departure is from Blue Waves Watersports near Marfa Bay, only a short distance from Comino.
• An official Blue Lagoon entry ticket may be required if you plan to step onto Comino and explore on foot.

Why this Comino speedboat trip works well

This is a compact way to see Comino’s main sights. The full experience lasts about 3.5 hours, but only two hours are spent ashore at the Blue Lagoon. The rest is a moving tour around the coast, with scenic passes, cave visits, and short photo stops.

I see this as a good middle ground between a simple ferry crossing and a long boat excursion. You get the excitement of a speedboat, the close views that larger boats cannot offer, and enough free time to enjoy the water. At $34 per person, the price is reasonable for an outing that combines transportation, sightseeing, cave visits, and a Blue Lagoon stop.

The boat leaves from Blue Waves Watersports, near Marfa Bay. The exact starting time depends on availability, though this particular departure is listed for 1:00pm. Boarding closes 15 minutes before departure, so do not arrive at the last minute.

The English-speaking skipper handles the route and the safety decisions. Guides have included Augustino, who is known for keeping the ride cheerful and entertaining, as well as a guide from Bali who added plenty of energy to the trip. The guide is part of the experience here, since the boat ride moves quickly and the best views can pass in seconds.

Leaving Marfa Bay at speed

The first few minutes set the tone. This is not a slow sightseeing boat that glides quietly from one bay to the next. You will feel the acceleration, and spray can reach the boat, so wear swimwear and keep your towel nearby.

The speed is useful as well as exciting. Comino is small, but its coastline has many bends, caves, and rocky points. A fast boat can cover the island’s main sights in a short time while still getting close enough for photographs.

The ride may feel rough if the sea is choppy. Anyone with back problems, a recent surgery, or a dislike of sudden movement should think carefully before booking. The activity is not suitable for pregnant women, wheelchair users, or people who need a non-folding wheelchair.

Santa Marija Battery and Elephant Rock

The first sights include Santa Marija Battery, also called St. Mary Battery, a historic defensive structure on Comino. You pass it from the water, so this is mainly a scenic view rather than a long visit on foot.

The battery adds a human story to what might otherwise be a purely natural outing. You see how Malta’s islands combine steep rock, clear water, and old defensive buildings in a very small area.

Elephant Rock is one of the more unusual coastal formations. Its shape is easiest to appreciate from the water, and the boat gives you a better angle than a path along the shore. Keep your camera ready, but do not expect a long stop. This part of the route is about seeing the coast from several angles rather than setting up a detailed visit at each point.

Santa Maria Caves and Comino’s quieter corners

The cave section is one of the tour’s strongest features. You visit the Santa Maria Caves and pass through or near eastern and western cave areas around Comino. The skipper brings the boat close enough for photographs and a good look inside, depending on sea conditions.

I like that the cave visits are included in the basic fare. Some boat outings advertise caves but treat certain stops as optional extras. Here, the caves are part of the planned circuit.

The experience changes with the weather. Calm water makes it easier to look into the cave openings and take pictures. Wind and waves can make the ride more thrilling but may limit how close the skipper can safely go. The captain can alter the route when sea conditions or safety require it.

The caves are scenic rather than a formal walking attraction. You should not expect marked trails, lighting, or a long underground visit. The boat gives you a quick, memorable look at places that are difficult to reach from land.

Santa Marija Bay and San Niklaw Bay

The boat continues past Santa Marija Bay and San Niklaw Bay, two of Comino’s well-known coastal areas. From the boat, you get a wider view of the water, rocky shoreline, and small inlets than you would from a single beach stop.

These passes help you understand Comino’s shape. Instead of seeing only the Blue Lagoon, you see that the island has several bays with different moods. The route also gives you repeated chances for photographs, though the boat does not stop for long at every bay.

One benefit of the speedboat is that you avoid spending the whole outing in one crowded swimming area. One drawback is that the sightseeing portions move quickly. If you want quiet time at every bay, this is not the right format. If you prefer a lively circuit with many sights in a few hours, it fits well.

Two hours at the Blue Lagoon

The main stop lasts two hours, giving you free time at the Blue Lagoon. You can swim, snorkel, sunbathe, take photographs, or walk toward St. Marija Tower for views across the island and water.

Two hours is enough for a proper swim and a little exploring, but it can pass quickly. You might want to decide before arriving how you will use the time. A short swim, a walk to the tower, and a few photographs can easily fill the stop.

The water is the star here. It is clear enough for snorkeling and seeing fish, and the lagoon is a natural place to spend time in the water rather than simply admire it. Bring your own towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, and sun hat. Biodegradable sunscreen is specifically requested.

The difficult part is the crowd. Blue Lagoon can be very full, particularly later in the day. The shoreline may feel less relaxing than the photographs suggest, and you may need to move farther into the water for more space. Kayaking, parasailing, and jet ski activities are available in the area, but they are not included in the $34 price.

If swimming is your main goal, an early departure may be more comfortable because the Blue Lagoon gets busier as the day goes on. If you choose the 1:00pm departure, treat the lagoon as one part of the experience, not as a private beach stop.

Walking to St. Marija Tower

You can use part of the Blue Lagoon stop to walk toward St. Marija Tower. The tower gives you a different view from the boat and a chance to see more of Comino on foot.

The walk is valuable because the speedboat circuit is mostly viewed from the water. Even a short walk helps you connect the bays, rocky ground, and historic sites into a clearer picture of the island.

Allow enough time to return to the meeting point. The boat will not wait for a late return, and the tour schedule includes a return to Blue Waves Watersports after the lagoon stop.

Crystal Lagoon and the return to Marfa Bay

Crystal Lagoon is passed later in the route, with a photo stop and sightseeing from the boat. Depending on conditions and the skipper’s judgment, you may also get a short chance to swim there. This can be a welcome contrast to Blue Lagoon, especially if the main swimming area feels packed.

The Crystal Lagoon stop is not the same as the two-hour Blue Lagoon break. Think of it as a scenic stop or brief swim opportunity, not a second long beach visit. Still, it is one of the most useful parts of the route because it adds another stretch of clear water and may offer a quieter setting.

After the final views, the boat returns to Blue Waves Watersports. The tour lasts about 3.5 hours in total, which makes it easy to fit into a day that also includes other plans in Malta.

What the $34 price really includes

At $34 per person, the tour offers good value for a short, active outing. The fare includes the speedboat ride around Comino, cave visits, the coastal sightseeing circuit, and two hours of free time at Blue Lagoon.

Food and drinks are not included. Bring what you need, though large bags and luggage are not allowed. A small amount of personal gear is more practical than a bulky beach bag, especially on a fast boat.

You are paying for access and variety rather than luxury. There is no promise of a private boat, a quiet lagoon, or a long stop at every cave. You get a guided route that covers many of Comino’s key points in a limited time.

The tour also offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure and a reserve-now, pay-later option. If weather or sea conditions force cancellation, you can receive an alternative date or a refund.

Who should book this Comino outing

I would choose this trip if you want to see Comino quickly, enjoy a fast ride, and spend a defined amount of time at the Blue Lagoon. It suits active adults, couples, friends, and families with older children who are comfortable around water and on a moving boat.

It is less suitable if you want a gentle cruise, a quiet beach, or a full day on Comino. The speedboat can be wet, and the ride is not designed for people with back problems or recent surgery. The supplied restrictions also list the activity as unsuitable for people over 60, 70, 80, and 95 years, so older participants should pay close attention to the operator’s safety guidance.

Wear beachwear and secure your belongings. Sunglasses, a hat, a towel, and sunscreen are practical essentials. High heels, weapons, sharp objects, alcohol, drugs, large bags, and electric or non-folding wheelchairs are not allowed.

Blue Lagoon registration and practical timing

From May 1, 2025, anyone who steps onto Comino at the Blue Lagoon and explores on foot must register and obtain an entry ticket through the official government system at www.blcomino.com. Check the current requirement before you go, especially if you plan to leave the beach area and walk toward St. Marija Tower.

This rule applies even though the boat ride itself is arranged through the operator. The registration requirement is separate from the $34 tour price, so do not assume that booking the boat automatically handles every shore-entry step.

Arrive early enough to check in and board before the 15-minute cutoff. The captain can change the route or cancel when the weather and sea are unsafe. That is frustrating when plans change, but it is the correct call for a small, fast boat.

Should you book it?

Book this tour if your priority is seeing many of Comino’s coastal sights in one energetic half-day. The combination of caves, Elephant Rock, Santa Marija Battery, Crystal Lagoon, and two hours at Blue Lagoon gives you more variety than a simple transfer.

I would especially recommend it if you do not want a full-day boat trip. The tour moves quickly, the cave visits are included, and the price is fair for the amount of coastline covered.

Skip it if crowds at Blue Lagoon would spoil your day, or if you need a calm ride and a long, quiet beach stay. For everyone else, this is a practical and exciting way to get a first look at Comino, with enough free time to swim and enough speed to keep the outing from feeling repetitive.

FAQ

Where does the speedboat tour start?

The tour starts at Blue Waves Watersports near Marfa Bay, Malta.

How long does the tour last?

The full experience lasts about 3.5 hours.

Is the departure time 1:00pm?

The experience is listed with a 1:00pm departure, but you should check availability for the exact starting time on your chosen date.

How long do you spend at the Blue Lagoon?

You get two hours of free time at the Blue Lagoon.

What can you do at the Blue Lagoon?

You can swim, snorkel, sunbathe, take photographs, and walk toward St. Marija Tower.

Are the Comino caves included in the price?

Yes. The speedboat circuit and cave visits are included, with no separate cave charge stated.

Is food or drink included?

No. Food and drinks are not included.

What language is the tour conducted in?

The live tour guide speaks English.

Can the tour be cancelled because of weather?

Yes. The captain may cancel or change the tour because of weather, sea conditions, or other safety concerns. If the cruise is cancelled for those reasons, you can receive an alternative date or a refund.