Mellieha: 3:00pm Speedboat round Comino Caves 2h Blue Lagoon

Comino’s rocky coast is best seen from the water, and this speedboat trip from Marfa Bay gives you a lively ride around the island before settling in for two hours at the Blue Lagoon. You’ll pass sea caves, Elephant Rock, Santa Marija Battery, and quiet bays that are hard to appreciate from a crowded beach.

I like the full circuit of Comino, with cave visits included rather than treated as costly extras. I also like the generous Blue Lagoon stop, which leaves time for swimming, snorkeling, sunbathing, or walking up to Santa Marija Tower for a view.

The main drawback is the boat itself. This is a fast, playful ride, not a gentle ferry crossing. One experienced sailor praised skipper Thomas’s handling, but also advised anyone with back problems, or families with very young children, to choose a slower and larger boat.

Key points

• Three-and-a-half-hour route: Leave from Marfa Bay, only about 3 kilometers from the Blue Lagoon, then circle Comino before returning.
• Caves included: Visit Santa Maria Caves and other coastal caves without an extra charge.
• Two hours at Blue Lagoon: Swim, snorkel, sunbathe, take photos, or walk toward Santa Marija Tower.
• Fast, hands-on boat ride: The speedboat creates a more exciting outing than a standard ferry, with waves and occasional fun turns.
• Strong skipper feedback: Thomas is praised for steady handling, while Augustino is noted for friendly service and stopping to help with photos.
• Plan for the sun: Bring a towel, beachwear, sunscreen, biodegradable sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat.

A Fast Start from Marfa Bay

The trip begins at Blue Waves Watersports in Marfa Bay, on Malta’s northern coast. The departure point is close to Comino, roughly 3 kilometers from the Blue Lagoon, so you spend less time on a long transfer and more time around the island.

That short distance matters. The boat can get quickly into the Comino route, making the 3.5-hour schedule feel well used. You are not signing up for a day-long cruise with hours lost between Malta and the island.

Boarding closes 15 minutes before departure, so I would arrive early rather than count on a last-minute dash. The trip is guided in English, and the captain can alter the route or cancel it if sea or weather conditions make the ride unsafe.

Seeing Comino from the Sea

The first part is a coastal tour rather than a single beach stop. You travel around Comino by speedboat, passing bays, rock formations, old defenses, and caves. The boat gives you changing angles on the island, with the skipper pointing out sights as you go.

The speed is part of the appeal. You feel the boat skim over the water, and the ride has more energy than a standard sightseeing vessel. A review from an experienced powerboat captain singled out Thomas for managing the waves well, while noting that the ride includes fun circles that made children smile.

That same detail is a useful warning. If you enjoy a lively ride, the speedboat adds real value. If you want a quiet cruise, or you are sensitive to motion, the boat may feel too active. Sit where you feel most comfortable, hold on when the ride picks up, and do not choose this trip if you have back problems.

Santa Marija Battery and Arch

One of the first notable sights is Il-Batterija ta’ Santa Marija, usually called Santa Marija Battery. The boat passes the structure while you take in the coastal views.

The battery and nearby arch add a little historical character to what could otherwise be just a beach-and-cave outing. You do not get a long land visit here, so think of it as a scenic pass-by and photo opportunity rather than a formal historical tour.

The coastal rock around this part of Comino is also worth watching from the boat. The view changes quickly as the skipper moves along the shore, and the low angle from the water lets you see the island’s cliffs and openings at close range.

Elephant Rock and the Open Coast

Elephant Rock is another pass-by stop. Its shape is a natural landmark, and the boat gives you the best practical view because you are already moving along Comino’s eastern coast.

This is one of those moments when your camera should be ready before the boat reaches the formation. The stop is listed as sightseeing rather than a long landing, so you may have only a short window for photos.

The route then carries on past St. Mary Bay and San Niklaw Bay. These coastal views help you see how different Comino can look from one inlet to the next. The ride is not simply point-to-point transport to the Blue Lagoon. It is a circuit around the island, with scenery spread across the whole coast.

Santa Maria Caves at Close Range

The Santa Maria Caves are among the strongest parts of the outing. The boat takes you close enough to see the rock walls and cave openings from the water, with a visit and photo stop included in the fare.

A useful detail from the feedback is that the boat can get close to the rock, close enough for you to touch it in places. That makes the caves feel more immediate than a distant view from a large ferry.

Still, the exact time spent at each cave depends on sea conditions and the captain’s judgment. The itinerary includes cave visits, but it does not promise a long swim into every opening. Expect a boat-based exploration with scenic pauses, not a technical caving trip.

The caves are especially good for photographs because the boat brings you near the textured stone and shaded openings. Keep your phone secure, though. A speedboat ride, spray, and sudden turns are a poor mix for loose belongings.

Two Hours at the Blue Lagoon

The main scheduled break is two hours at the Blue Lagoon. This gives you enough time to do more than take a quick photograph before being called back to the boat.

You can use the stop in several ways:

• Swim in the lagoon.
• Snorkel.
• Sunbathe.
• Take photographs.
• Walk toward Santa Marija Tower for a wider view.
• Simply sit by the water and recover from the boat ride.

I like this balance. The first part keeps moving, while the Blue Lagoon stop gives you a proper block of free time. You are not forced to spend the entire trip on a moving boat.

The practical catch is crowding. The Blue Lagoon is famous, and one review described the beach as very crowded. The water may be the main reason you book, but you should not expect a quiet, private cove. Bring a towel and beachwear, but pack light because large bags and luggage are not allowed.

From the lagoon, walking toward Santa Marija Tower adds a little more than a swim. The tower provides a higher viewpoint and a chance to see the surrounding water from land. The tour description does not promise a guided visit inside the tower, so treat it as a walk and viewpoint rather than a museum stop.

Crystal Lagoon on the Return

After the Blue Lagoon, the boat continues toward Crystal Lagoon. This is a photo and sightseeing stop on the way back to Marfa Bay.

Crystal Lagoon gives the return journey its own highlight instead of making it a simple trip back. You pass the water and nearby caves, with another chance to take in Comino’s coastline from a low position on the sea.

The boat then returns to Blue Waves Watersports. Since the full experience lasts around 3.5 hours, you get a substantial circuit without committing an entire day to the outing.

What the Speedboat Ride Feels Like

The strongest praise goes to the captains and the handling of the boat. Thomas received specific approval for navigating the waves, especially from someone familiar with powerboats. Augustino was praised for being friendly, stopping the boat for group photographs, and helping create a memorable outing.

That does not mean the ride is mild. The boat is described as fast, with waves and playful turns. For children, that can be the highlight. For anyone prone to motion sickness, a pregnant person, or someone with a back condition, it can be a poor match.

The operator lists the activity as unsuitable for pregnant women, people with back problems, wheelchair users, people with recent surgeries, and people over 60. The age guidance is repeated in several forms, including people over 65, 70, 75, 80, and 95. Taken together, the message is clear: this is intended for physically able participants who can handle a quick, open-water ride.

The boat is also not suitable for non-folding or electric wheelchairs. High-heeled shoes, sharp objects, alcohol, drugs, and intoxication are not allowed.

What to Bring and What to Leave Behind

You should bring a towel, swimsuit or other beachwear, sunglasses, a sun hat, and sunscreen. Biodegradable sunscreen is specifically requested, which is a sensible choice for a marine setting.

Keep your belongings compact. Large bags and luggage are not permitted, so arrive with only what you need for the boat, the swim, and your photographs.

I would also protect anything that cannot get wet. The supplied information does not promise dry storage, and a speedboat near caves and open water naturally involves spray. A small, secure bag is more practical than a large beach bundle.

Food and drinks are not included. Plan accordingly, especially because the schedule gives you two hours at the Blue Lagoon. The experience covers the boat ride, cave visits, and lagoon stop, but you pay separately for anything you eat or drink.

Is the $34 Price Good Value?

At $34 per person, the price is strong for a 3.5-hour outing that includes a full speedboat circuit of Comino, cave visits, and two hours at the Blue Lagoon. You are paying for movement and variety, not merely transport from Malta to a beach.

The value is best if you want several experiences in one booking: a fast ride, coastal sightseeing, caves, photo stops, and free time in the water. A basic ferry may suit you better if you only need a ride to the Blue Lagoon and want to spend most of the day there.

There is also value in the short departure from Marfa Bay. Since the starting point is close to Comino, less of the schedule disappears into a long crossing. The English-speaking guide and professional skipper add useful context and help keep the route organized.

The price does not include food or drinks, and the Blue Lagoon stop can be crowded. Those are small issues at this fare, but they matter if you are expecting a quiet beach day with refreshments included.

Weather, Cancellations, and Timing

Sea conditions shape this experience more than they would a land tour. The captain can change or cancel the trip for safety reasons, and a weather cancellation comes with an alternative date or refund.

You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. The reserve-now, pay-later option also gives you some flexibility when your Malta plans are still changing.

Check the departure time when booking, since the available starting times vary. Arrive early enough to meet the 15-minute boarding cutoff. Missing that cutoff would be a needless way to lose a boat trip that otherwise has a straightforward schedule.

There is one important Comino rule to know. From May 1, 2025, anyone wishing to step ashore at the Blue Lagoon and explore Comino on foot must register and obtain an entry ticket through the official government system at blcomino.com. The tour includes the Blue Lagoon stop, but you should check the current entry requirements before departure if you plan to walk on the island.

Who Should Book This Comino Trip?

I would choose this outing if you want a compact, active way to see Comino from the water. It suits confident swimmers, people who enjoy speedboats, families with children who like a bit of excitement, and anyone who wants more than a single beach stop.

It is also a good fit if photographs matter to you. The route includes Elephant Rock, Santa Marija Battery, Santa Maria Caves, the bays, Blue Lagoon, and Crystal Lagoon, with several opportunities for scenic views.

I would look elsewhere if you need a quiet cruise, have back trouble, are pregnant, use a wheelchair, have had recent surgery, or fall within the operator’s listed age restrictions. The same speed and turning that make the trip fun can make it uncomfortable or unsuitable for you.

Should You Book It?

Book this speedboat trip if you want Comino’s caves, coast, and Blue Lagoon in one half-day outing and you are comfortable with a fast ride. The $34 price is fair for the amount of coastline covered, the included cave visits, and the full two-hour lagoon break.

Skip it if your main goal is a calm beach day, a private-feeling lagoon, or a gentle boat crossing. For the right passenger, though, the mix of skilled handling, close cave views, and free time at the Blue Lagoon makes this one of the better-value short boat trips around Comino.

FAQ

Where does the speedboat trip start?

It starts at Blue Waves Watersports in Marfa Bay, Malta.

How long does the experience last?

The total experience takes about 3.5 hours. Check the available starting times when booking.

How long is the stop at the Blue Lagoon?

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

What can I do at the Blue Lagoon?

You can swim, snorkel, sunbathe, take photographs, walk toward Santa Marija Tower, or enjoy the views.

Are the cave visits included in the price?

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

Is food included?

No. Food and drinks are not included.

What language is the tour guided in?

The live guide service is in English.

What happens if bad weather cancels the trip?

The captain may cancel or alter the route because of weather or sea conditions. If the cruise is cancelled for these reasons, you receive an alternative date or a refund.