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

Blue water, caves, and a fast ride await. This 3.5-hour trip from Marfa Bay circles Comino by speedboat, visits its best-known rock sights, and gives you two full hours at the Blue Lagoon. I especially like the close-up cave views and the fact that the boat explores the whole coast without extra charges for the cave stops. The main caution is simple: this is a lively speedboat, not a gentle sightseeing boat.

I also like the $34 price, which covers the ride, the Comino circuit, cave visits, and a long Blue Lagoon stop. Skipper Thomas handled the waves smoothly according to one detailed account, while Augustino was praised for his friendly manner and for stopping to take group photos. If you have back trouble, recent surgery, or dislike fast turns on open water, choose a slower boat instead.

Key points at a glance

• Marfa Bay departure: The starting point at Blue Waves Watersports is about 3 kilometers from Comino’s Blue Lagoon, so you reach the island quickly.
• Full Comino circuit: The route passes St. Mary Battery, Elephant Rock, Santa Marija Caves, St. Mary Bay, St. Nicholas Bay, Crystal Lagoon, and other coastal sights.
• Two hours at Blue Lagoon: You have time for swimming, snorkeling, sunbathing, walking, or visiting St. Marija Tower.
• Caves included: The cave stops and boat access are included in the advertised price.
• Fast and playful ride: The speedboat adds excitement, with waves and fun turns, but may not suit people with back problems.
• Late afternoon appeal: A 3:00 pm departure can offer softer light and possibly a sunset finish, depending on the season and conditions.

Why this Comino trip is good value at $34

At $34 per person, this is a useful middle ground between a basic boat transfer and a longer private charter. You are not paying only to reach the Blue Lagoon. The price includes a ride around Comino, several coastal sights, cave visits, and two hours of free time at the island’s most famous swimming area.

I like that the route is not built around one stop alone. The Blue Lagoon is the main event, but the boat ride lets you see parts of Comino that are difficult to cover on foot in a short visit. You get rock formations, bays, arches, and caves from the water, then time to choose your own pace at the lagoon.

Food and drinks are not included. That keeps the basic price low, but you should plan ahead. Bring water, snacks, and sun protection rather than assuming they will be supplied. Large bags are not allowed, so pack lightly and use a small practical beach bag only if it meets the operator’s rules.

The experience has a 4.9 rating from 17 ratings, with especially strong praise for the skippers and the scenery. That is a small sample, so I would not treat the score as a guarantee. Still, the praise is specific: Augustino was described as friendly and helpful, and Thomas was credited with handling the waves well.

Starting at Marfa Bay, close to Comino

The trip begins at Blue Waves Watersports in Marfa Bay. The departure point is only about 3 kilometers from the Blue Lagoon, which makes this a handy choice if you are staying around Mellieha or northern Malta.

That short crossing matters. You spend less time on a long transfer and more time seeing Comino. The boat is scheduled to leave at 3:00 pm for this departure, but you should check the available starting time when booking because times can vary.

Boarding closes 15 minutes before departure. Arrive early enough to find Blue Waves Watersports, check in, and settle into the boat without a last-minute dash. Wear beach clothes from the start. Sunglasses, a hat, towel, sunscreen, and biodegradable sunscreen are specifically recommended.

The captain can change or cancel the route if weather or sea conditions make the trip unsafe. If cancellation occurs because of the sea or weather, you receive an alternative date or a refund. That flexibility is important for a speedboat trip, since calm conditions affect both comfort and safety.

St. Mary Battery and Arch: Comino’s first big views

One of the first major sights is Il-Batterija ta’ Santa Marija, usually called St. Mary Battery. You pass it from the water, taking in the stone fortification and the shore around it rather than stopping for an extended land visit.

This is a good example of how the trip works. You get a broad coastal circuit, but not a guided walking tour of every site. If you want to explore the battery in detail, you would need a separate land visit. From the boat, the value is the changing angle: the fort, cliffs, and sea come together in one quick view.

The route also passes a natural arch and Elephant Rock. Elephant Rock is one of Comino’s more memorable formations because the stone shape resembles an elephant standing at the water’s edge. It is a photo stop from the boat, so keep your camera ready and do not wait for a long pause.

The speedboat makes these sights more exciting than a slow transfer, but it also means the scenery comes and goes quickly. If you want photographs, use a wrist strap or hold your phone securely. Spray, movement, and sudden turns are part of the outing.

Santa Marija Caves and the eastern coast

The Santa Maria Caves are among the strongest parts of the trip. The boat takes you close to the rock so you can see the cave openings and stone surfaces at water level. The experience includes cave visits without an extra charge, which helps justify the price.

One detailed account praised being close enough to touch the rock near the caves. That can vary with the captain, sea conditions, and safety needs, so think of it as a possible close approach, not a promise that you will reach out and touch every wall.

You also pass St. Mary Bay and St. Nicholas Bay. These coastal stops are sightseeing points rather than long breaks. Their value comes from seeing Comino from the water, with the boat moving between coves and rocky edges instead of keeping you in one crowded area all afternoon.

The English-speaking skipper provides the live guidance. The emphasis is on practical sightseeing and safe navigation rather than a long historical lecture. If you want detailed facts about every fort and bay, you may find the commentary limited. If you want a lively ride with clear views and short explanations, the format works well.

Two hours at the Blue Lagoon

The two-hour Blue Lagoon stop is the heart of the schedule. You can swim, snorkel, sunbathe, take photos, walk around, or simply sit by the water and enjoy the view.

Two hours is long enough to make the stop feel worthwhile. You are not rushing off the boat after a quick photograph. You have time to get wet, dry off, and still look around before returning to the skipper.

The important catch is crowding. One account described the beach as very crowded, even while praising the water and the navigation. The Blue Lagoon is famous for a reason, but its popularity means you should expect plenty of activity around the main swimming area.

If swimming is your priority, bring your beachwear and towel where you can reach them easily. If you prefer a quieter break, walk toward St. Marija Tower and enjoy the view from above. The tour description specifically allows time for that walk, though the main focus remains the lagoon and surrounding scenery.

From May 1, 2025, anyone who wants to step onto Comino from the Blue Lagoon and explore by foot must register and obtain an entry ticket through the official government system at www.blcomino.com. This rule applies to all operators, so check the current requirement before you go. It matters most if you plan to leave the shore and walk around Comino rather than stay near the landing area.

Snorkeling equipment is not listed among the inclusions. Bring your own gear if you have it, or confirm availability before booking. Food and drinks are also not included, so plan your two-hour break with that in mind.

Crystal Lagoon and the return ride

After the Blue Lagoon stop, the boat continues toward Crystal Lagoon. The route includes a photo stop and a pass by the lagoon and nearby caves, depending on conditions and timing.

Crystal Lagoon gives you a different view of Comino’s water and rock formations. After two hours at the busy Blue Lagoon, this section brings the focus back to the coast itself. You are again watching caves, stone walls, and clear water from the boat rather than spending time on land.

The return to Marfa Bay completes a 3.5-hour outing. A late afternoon start may bring warmer evening light, and one account praised a sunset at the end of the trip. Sunset timing changes with the season, so treat that as a pleasant possibility rather than a fixed feature.

Augustino was particularly praised for stopping the boat so everyone could take photographs. That kind of small gesture can make a difference on a scenic trip. You still need to listen to the skipper and hold your belongings securely, especially when the boat starts moving again.

How fast is the speedboat?

The boat is meant to be fun. It is not a slow ferry. One account described the ride as speed, music, and fun, with wave handling and playful circles that made children smile. The same account gave a clear warning: people with back problems should choose a larger, slower boat.

That is useful advice. A speedboat can make the open-water sections exciting, but the motion can be tiring if you are sensitive to bumps, turns, or spray. Pregnant people, wheelchair users, and people with recent surgeries are listed as unsuitable for this activity.

The operator also lists age-related restrictions, including people over 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, and 95 years. Since the information gives several overlapping limits, confirm the exact age rule before booking if it applies to you. Do not assume that general mobility is enough. The issue is the speedboat motion and the ability to board safely.

High heels, weapons, sharp objects, alcohol, drugs, large bags, and non-folding or electric wheelchairs are not allowed. Intoxication is also prohibited. These rules are practical for a small moving boat, where loose or bulky items quickly become a problem.

Who will enjoy this trip most?

I would choose this outing if you want several Comino sights in one half-day and enjoy being on the water. It suits couples, friends, and families with children who are comfortable with a lively ride. The two-hour lagoon stop gives you enough free time, while the coastal circuit keeps the trip from becoming only a beach transfer.

It is also a good choice if you want cave views without paying extra for a separate cave excursion. You see St. Mary Battery, Elephant Rock, Santa Maria Caves, St. Mary Bay, St. Nicholas Bay, Blue Lagoon, and Crystal Lagoon in one route.

I would be more cautious if you want a quiet boat trip. The vessel moves quickly, and one account specifically warned that people seeking a slower first boat experience should choose another option. It is also not a good match for back problems, pregnancy, recent surgery, or wheelchair use.

The trip may appeal to you if you like taking photos, but you need to work quickly. The boat passes several sights rather than giving long land stops. A skipper may pause for pictures, as Augustino did, but the schedule still has to keep moving.

Practical preparation for the 3:00 pm departure

Wear swimwear under light clothing and bring a towel. Sunglasses and a sun hat will help during the open-water sections, while biodegradable sunscreen is the responsible choice for a marine setting.

Keep your belongings small. Large bags are not permitted, and a phone, camera, wallet, and sunscreen should be secured against spray and movement. High heels are banned, so choose simple footwear suited to a boat and beach.

Arrive before boarding closes 15 minutes before departure. Bring food and drinks if you need them, since neither is included. If you plan to walk around Comino after landing at the Blue Lagoon, arrange the required official entry registration in advance.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later, which helps if your Malta plans depend on the weather.

Should you book the Comino speedboat tour?

Book it if you want a lively, well-priced outing that combines a full Comino circuit with two hours at the Blue Lagoon. The cave access, close views of Elephant Rock and St. Mary Battery, and the return pass by Crystal Lagoon give you much more than a simple ride to the beach.

Skip it if you need a calm boat, have back or mobility concerns, or dislike crowded swimming spots. For most active visitors who are happy with a fast ride, $34 is a strong value, especially with skippers such as Thomas and Augustino receiving praise for safe handling, friendliness, and helpful photo stops.

FAQ

How long does the Comino speedboat tour last?

The tour lasts about 3.5 hours, including a two-hour stop at the Blue Lagoon.

Where does the speedboat leave from?

The tour departs from Blue Waves Watersports at Marfa Bay in Mellieha. Marfa Bay is about 3 kilometers from Comino’s Blue Lagoon.

What sights are included on the boat route?

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

How much time is spent at the Blue Lagoon?

The tour includes two hours of free time at the Blue Lagoon for swimming, snorkeling, sunbathing, walking, and photography.

Are cave visits included in the price?

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

Is food or drink included?

No. Food and drinks are not included, so bring your own supplies if needed.

What should I bring?

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

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. The tour can also be reserved with payment made later.