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

Fast boats, clear water, and Malta’s best swim stop. This 3.5-hour trip from Marfa Bay packs Comino’s caves, bays, rock formations, and the Blue Lagoon into one lively outing. I especially like the speedboat ride around the whole island and the generous two-hour Blue Lagoon stop.

The cave visits cost nothing extra, and the route includes places that are easy to miss from a standard ferry. The main drawback is the Blue Lagoon itself: by midday, the waterfront can be very crowded, so the boat ride may be more enjoyable than the shore time.

The experience costs about $34 per person, which is strong value if you want a short Comino visit rather than a full-day cruise. The boat moves quickly, though, and you should expect spray, bumpy water, and a ride that is not suitable for pregnant women, people with back problems, wheelchair users, or anyone with recent surgery.

Key points at a glance

• Two hours at the Blue Lagoon: Swim, snorkel, sunbathe, walk around, or use the optional water activities available in the area.
• A fast circuit of Comino: Pass St. Mary Battery, Elephant Rock, St. Mary Bay, St. Nicholas Bay, Crystal Lagoon, and more.
• Several cave stops: Visit Santa Maria Caves and explore the eastern and western cave areas without paying an extra cave fee.
• A lively ride with a guide: The English-speaking skipper controls the route and adds energy to the trip. Augustino is praised as a friendly and entertaining guide, while another highly rated guide is from Bali.
• Good for a half-day plan: The advertised duration is 3.5 hours, making it easier to fit Comino around the rest of a Malta itinerary.
• Plan for sun and spray: Bring a towel, beachwear, sunscreen, biodegradable sunscreen, sunglasses, and a sun hat.

Why this Comino trip works well in a short visit

Comino is famous for its water, but getting a useful look at the island in one go takes some planning. Ferries can get you to the Blue Lagoon, but they do not give you the same close view of caves, rocky points, small bays, and sea arches. This trip combines the transport and sightseeing in one package.

The departure point is Blue Waves Watersports at Marfa Bay, just a few minutes from Comino. That short crossing matters. You are not spending a long morning reaching the main attraction before the sightseeing begins.

The boat then circles Comino at speed, with the skipper pointing out natural and historic sights. You are not simply transported to one beach and left there. The route gives you a broad look at the island before settling into the two-hour break at the Blue Lagoon.

I like this format for anyone who does not want a full-day boat party or a slow cruise. You get the excitement of a speedboat, a proper swim stop, and a quick tour of the island’s main coastal features. The tradeoff is that this is not a quiet, leisurely boat ride. The speed is part of the appeal, but it can also make the journey physically demanding.

Leaving Marfa Bay on a fast boat

The tour begins at Blue Waves Watersports. Boarding closes 15 minutes before departure, so you need to arrive early rather than stroll up at the advertised start time.

The boat ride is one of the most praised parts of the experience. The speed adds a real sense of motion, and the route is designed to show you Comino from the water rather than from one crowded landing point. One practical warning comes through clearly: you may get wet. Keep phones, wallets, and cameras protected.

The captain can change or cancel the route if sea or weather conditions make the trip unsafe. If the cruise is cancelled for those reasons, you receive an alternative date or a refund. That flexibility is useful, but you should still avoid treating the boat trip as a fixed appointment on a day when conditions look poor.

The English-speaking guide helps turn the ride into a guided outing rather than a simple transfer. The guide’s personality seems to matter here. Augustino is singled out as friendly and fun, and another guide from Bali is praised for keeping the trip entertaining. That is a good sign for an activity where the skipper’s attitude shapes much of the mood.

St. Mary Battery and Comino’s rocky eastern side

One of the first major sights is Il-Batterija ta’ Santa Marija, or St. Mary Battery. The boat passes by for views rather than offering a long historic visit at this point. You get the best look from the water, with the stone fortification set against Comino’s dry, rocky coast.

The route also passes St. Mary Battery Arch and Elephant Rock. Elephant Rock is a natural stone formation with a memorable outline, and it makes a useful photo subject because the boat gives you a changing view as it passes.

You should think of these stops as sightseeing from the boat, not extended shore visits. That is both the strength and the limitation. You cover more ground and avoid spending the whole trip walking in the heat, but you will not have much time to study each feature at close range.

The scenery here is stark rather than lush. Comino’s coast is shaped by pale rock, open sea, narrow bays, and clear water. On a sunny day, the contrast between the stone and the sea makes the boat route especially photogenic.

Santa Maria Caves and the eastern hidden caves

The Santa Maria Caves are among the most useful parts of the trip. The boat comes close enough for a photo stop and a look into the cave openings, giving you a sense of how the coastline has been cut into arches, hollows, and narrow passages.

The experience also includes the eastern and western hidden caves of Comino. The wording suggests a broad cave circuit rather than one single stop, so you should expect several short views and visits as the skipper works around the island.

These caves are valuable because they show the coast from a different angle. From the Blue Lagoon, it is easy to focus only on swimming. Inside the cave areas, the water, rock, shadow, and changing light become the main attraction.

The boat’s size and sea conditions affect how close it can get. The captain reserves the right to alter the route for safety, so the exact cave sequence may change. That is normal for a coastal trip and not a reason to expect every passage to look identical on every departure.

St. Mary Bay, St. Nicholas Bay, and Crystal Lagoon

After the cave areas, the boat passes St. Mary Bay and St. Nicholas Bay. These are scenic coastal stops rather than long beach visits. From the water, you get a good overview of the bays without committing time to a separate landing.

Crystal Lagoon is another important part of the route. The boat passes by for views and photos, and the skipper may stop for a short swim in a quieter area. One particularly useful detail is that a guide stopped for a few minutes so people could enter the water at Crystal Lagoon away from the main crowd.

You should not assume that every trip includes a long Crystal Lagoon swim. The advertised two-hour free time is at the Blue Lagoon, while Crystal Lagoon is primarily a photo and sightseeing stop. Still, the possibility of a brief swim adds something special to the boat circuit.

The contrast between Crystal Lagoon and the Blue Lagoon is part of the appeal. You see more than one patch of clear water, and the day feels like a tour of Comino’s coast rather than a single beach outing.

Two hours at the Blue Lagoon

The main break lasts two hours at the Blue Lagoon. This gives you enough time to swim, snorkel, sunbathe, take photos, or walk toward St. Marija Tower for views.

The water is the star. The supplied experience details describe it as crystal clear, and the tour gives you a proper block of free time rather than a rushed ten-minute photo stop. You can also feed fish in the water, an activity that one highly praised experience found especially enjoyable.

The Blue Lagoon can be extremely full, especially later in the day. The beach area may feel crowded, and the boat tour can become the most pleasant part of your outing. If you want a quieter swim, consider booking an earlier departure when available. Even then, do not expect solitude at Malta’s best-known lagoon.

The area also offers optional activities such as kayaking, parasailing, and jet skiing. These are not included in the $34 price, and food and drinks are not included either. You may choose to spend the entire break in the water, but bring your own practical supplies and budget separately for anything you buy on site.

Two hours is a useful compromise. It is long enough to swim and dry off without turning the whole day into a beach stop. One person found the time passed quickly and wished for longer, while another felt two hours was more than enough. Your view will depend on whether you prefer swimming or sightseeing.

Walking to St. Marija Tower

The free time also gives you the option to walk to St. Marija Tower, known here as St. Mary Tower. The walk adds a historic viewpoint to a day that otherwise focuses on the sea.

The tower offers broad views over Comino’s coast and the surrounding water. If you have already spent time swimming, this is a good way to use the second half of the stop. You get out of the shallows, see the island from higher ground, and add a landmark to your photographs.

The tour description does not give a walking duration or trail details, so plan this as an optional outing rather than a fixed part of the schedule. Wear sensible shoes and keep track of the boat’s return time. High heels are not allowed, and large bags are not permitted on the boat.

What the $34 price really covers

At about $34 per person, the price is appealing because it includes more than a ride to the Blue Lagoon. You receive the speedboat circuit around Comino, the cave visits, scenic passes by several bays, and two hours of free time at the lagoon.

That package can save you from arranging separate transport and a separate cave tour. It also suits you if a full-day outing feels too long. The advertised duration is 3.5 hours, although one experience describes a ride closer to four hours, so allow a little flexibility around the stated schedule.

Food and drinks are not included. The trip also does not include paid water sports at the Blue Lagoon. These omissions are reasonable at this price, but you should plan ahead rather than assume lunch or refreshments come with the booking.

The value is strongest for active visitors who want variety. If you only want to lie on a beach, a slower beach day may suit you better. If you want caves, historic sights, a high-speed ride, and swimming in one half-day, this is a good use of your money.

Who should book, and who should skip it

I would suggest this trip to you if you want a fast overview of Comino and prefer active sightseeing to a long, slow cruise. It works particularly well for a return visit to the Blue Lagoon, when you want to see the caves and Crystal Lagoon as well as swim.

It also suits people who want a short outing from Mellieha. The departure from Marfa Bay keeps the schedule compact, and the English-speaking guide makes the route easy to follow.

You should think twice if you have back problems, are pregnant, have had recent surgery, or use a wheelchair. The experience is not suitable for wheelchair users, including people with non-folding or electric wheelchairs. The operator also marks it as unsuitable for people over 60, with higher age limits repeated in the information, so older visitors should confirm suitability before booking.

The speedboat format may also be a poor fit if you dislike spray, sharp movement, or a lively ride. This is not a gentle ferry crossing. It is a scenic speedboat trip with real momentum.

Practical tips for a smoother trip

Bring sunglasses, a sun hat, sunscreen, biodegradable sunscreen, a towel, and beachwear. The sun protection matters because the route includes open water, and the spray means a towel is more useful than you might expect.

Keep your bag small. Large bags and luggage are not allowed, and you should protect anything that cannot get wet. High-heeled shoes, weapons, sharp objects, alcohol, and drugs are prohibited, and you must not board while intoxicated.

Register in advance if you plan to leave the Blue Lagoon landing area and walk around Comino. From May 1, 2025, visitors who step onto Comino from the Blue Lagoon and explore on foot must obtain an entry ticket through the official government system at www.blcomino.com. This rule applies to all operators, so check the current process before you go.

Cancellation is flexible up to 24 hours before departure, with a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later, which helps if your Malta plans depend on weather or changing schedules.

FAQ

Where does the Comino speedboat tour depart?

It departs from Blue Waves Watersports at Marfa Bay in Mellieha, Malta.

How long is the tour?

The advertised duration is 3.5 hours. Starting times vary, so check availability when booking.

How long do I stay at the Blue Lagoon?

The tour includes two hours of free time at the Blue Lagoon.

Are the cave visits included in the price?

Yes. The speedboat circuit around Comino and the cave visits are included, with no extra cave fee stated.

Is food included?

No. Food and drinks are not included.

Is a guide included?

Yes. The activity includes a live English-speaking tour guide.

Can I swim or snorkel at the Blue Lagoon?

Yes. The two-hour stop allows time for swimming, snorkeling, sunbathing, walking, and photos.

Do I need a ticket to walk around Comino?

From May 1, 2025, visitors who leave the Blue Lagoon landing area to explore Comino on foot must register and obtain an entry ticket through www.blcomino.com.

What should I bring?

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

Can I cancel for a refund?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If weather or sea conditions force the operator to cancel, you receive an alternative date or a refund.

Should you book this Comino tour?

Book it if you want a compact, active Comino outing with a fast ride, several cave views, and a full two hours at the Blue Lagoon. At $34, the combination is hard to fault, especially if you do not want to spend an entire day on the water.

Choose an earlier departure if possible, since the Blue Lagoon gets very crowded. Go prepared for spray, sun, and a lively ride, and complete the Comino walking registration if you plan to leave the lagoon area. For swimmers, snorkelers, and first-time visitors who want to see a lot in one half-day, this is a strong choice.