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

Hold on tight, Comino is waiting.

This 3.5-hour trip packs a lot into one outing: a lively speedboat ride, cave visits around the island, and a full two-hour stop at Blue Lagoon. I especially like the chance to see Comino from the water without paying extra for the caves, and I like that the captain adjusts the pace and makes room for photos, swimming, and family fun. The main drawback is simple: Blue Lagoon gets very busy, and a speedboat ride can be rough for anyone prone to motion sickness.

The trip leaves from Marfa Bay, only about 3 kilometers from Blue Lagoon, and returns there after circling Comino. Captains such as Augustino and Valentino have earned strong praise for clear explanations, friendly service, and careful driving. At $35 per person, this is a good-value way to combine sightseeing and beach time, though you should bring your own food and drinks.

Key points to know before booking

• Two hours at Blue Lagoon: You have time to swim, snorkel, sunbathe, walk toward St. Marija Tower, or simply enjoy the view.
• Caves included in the fare: The boat passes through or near Comino’s east and west caves without an extra cave fee.
• A true speedboat ride: Expect wind, spray, music on some trips, and a fast way to move between the island’s bays.
• Helpful captains: Augustino is often praised for his explanations, photo help, and ability to adjust the speed for the group.
• Water-focused sightseeing: Elephant Rock, Santa Maria Caves, Crystal Lagoon, St. Mary Battery Arch, and several bays are viewed from the boat.
• Plan for a busy lagoon: Blue Lagoon is beautiful but can become crowded, especially later in the day.

Why this Comino trip offers good value at $35

At $35, you are paying for more than a short boat transfer. The fare includes the speedboat ride around Comino, visits to the caves, sightseeing along the coast, and two hours at Blue Lagoon. That saves you from arranging separate transport and gives you a guide to point out the formations along the way.

I see the value in the combination. A basic boat ride might get you to Comino, but this outing turns the transfer into the main event. You see the island from several angles, move past bays that are difficult to reach on foot, and still get enough free time to swim.

Food and drinks are not included, so budget for those separately. You will want water in Malta’s strong sun, and the operator advises bringing sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, a towel, and beachwear. Pack light because large bags and oversize luggage are not allowed.

The boat trip is rated 5 out of 5 from 61 ratings, and that high score matches the strongest pattern in the available feedback: the captains make a real difference. Augustino is repeatedly praised for being friendly, punctual, entertaining, and good at explaining the caves. Valentino is also praised for looking after adults, children, and teenagers on the same boat.

Leaving Marfa Bay and finding your sea legs

Blue Waves Watersports at Marfa Bay is the starting point and the return point. The departure area is close to Comino, which helps the tour spend more time sightseeing and less time simply getting there.

Boarding closes 15 minutes before departure, so do not treat the listed start time as a suggestion. The activity takes around 3.5 hours in total, with two of those hours reserved for Blue Lagoon. The remaining time covers boarding, the ride around Comino, cave sightseeing, photo opportunities, and the return trip.

The first minutes are about getting comfortable on the boat. You can expect a faster ride than a standard ferry, with wind and possibly some spray. One family described the experience as both exhilarating and safe, while another enjoyed the speed, music, and the chance for children to sit up front or try the controls under the captain’s supervision.

That kind of fun depends on the group and the captain, so do not assume every departure will offer the same extras. What you can count on is a professional skipper and a ride designed to show you Comino from the sea.

Elephant Rock and Comino’s coastal views

Elephant Rock is one of the first memorable formations on the route. The boat passes by for sightseeing and scenic views rather than giving you a long shore visit. Have your camera ready because the boat may not linger.

This is one reason the trip works well for someone visiting Malta for a short stay. You can see several of Comino’s best-known coastal sights without spending the day walking between them. The water gives you a broad view of the cliffs, openings, and rock shapes that are easy to miss from land.

The tradeoff is that most of this section is viewed from a moving boat. You get changing angles and a fun ride, but you should not expect a quiet, extended stop at every landmark.

Santa Maria Caves and the island’s quieter corners

The Santa Maria Caves are part of the cave sightseeing, along with less obvious openings on Comino’s east and west sides. The captain points out what you are seeing as the boat moves along, making this more informative than simply renting a boat and circling the island alone.

The caves are a highlight because the boat can show you parts of the coast that are not covered by a simple Blue Lagoon beach stop. Depending on sea conditions and the captain’s route, you may get close views of the cave mouths and rock walls. The operator advertises visits to the hidden caves at no extra charge, so there is no surprise cave supplement during the trip.

Augustino receives particular praise for explaining the caves and stopping for photos. One useful detail is that he has taken photos of families so nobody has to be left out of the picture. That matters on a boat, where getting a full group photo can otherwise be awkward.

The itinerary lists Santa Maria Caves as a photo stop and sightseeing point, but no fixed time is assigned. Think of this as a moving coastal tour, not a museum-style visit with a set period inside each cave.

Santa Maria Bay, San Niklaw Bay, and the changing color of the water

After the caves, the boat passes Santa Maria Bay and San Niklaw Bay. These stops are mainly scenic views from the water, with no listed free time on shore.

The changing bays help you understand Comino’s appeal. The island is small, but its coast is broken into coves, cliffs, rock shelves, and sheltered water. From the boat, you get a better sense of how quickly the scenery changes.

This portion is also a useful pause between the faster ride and the longer Blue Lagoon stop. You can listen to the captain’s explanations, take photos, and watch the shoreline rather than worry about finding a place on a crowded beach.

If you want long swims at every bay, this is not the right trip. The main scheduled swim time is at Blue Lagoon. The other bays are included for sightseeing, and any extra swim depends on the captain and conditions. One family did enjoy an additional swim by jumping from the boat, but that should be viewed as a possible extra, not a guaranteed part of the schedule.

Two hours at Blue Lagoon: beautiful, popular, and busy

Blue Lagoon is the centerpiece of the trip. You get two hours of free time for swimming, snorkeling, sunbathing, photos, or a walk toward St. Marija Tower for the view.

The water is the obvious draw. You can swim straight from the shore, and the long stop gives you enough time to do more than take a quick photograph. If you prefer not to swim, you can stay dry, walk around, and enjoy the coastal view.

I would use the time carefully. Change into beachwear before departure if possible, keep your towel and sunscreen easy to reach, and bring sunglasses and a hat. The sun can feel strong on the exposed shoreline, while the water and wind can make the boat ride feel cooler than expected.

The key warning is crowding. Blue Lagoon is beautiful, but it is also one of Malta’s most popular swimming spots. The lagoon may feel more comfortable earlier in the day, and one captain specifically advised a morning visit because the space becomes tighter as more boats and people arrive.

If your boat departs at 11:00 a.m., the booking information says to select the morning slot listed as 8:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Check the exact starting time when you book, and arrive well before boarding closes.

From May 1, 2025, anyone who steps onto Comino at Blue Lagoon and explores on foot must register and obtain an entry ticket through the official government system at blcomino.com. This matters even though the boat trip itself is already booked. If you plan to leave the boat and walk around, check that requirement before you go.

Crystal Lagoon and the ride back to Marfa Bay

After Blue Lagoon, the boat passes Crystal Lagoon for another photo and sightseeing stop. This is a good final look at Comino’s clear water and rocky coastline before the return journey.

The route then heads back to Blue Waves Watersports at Marfa Bay. By this point, you will have had the fast ride, the cave views, and the longer swim stop. It is a well-shaped half-day outing, leaving the rest of your day open for Mellieha or another part of Malta.

The return ride may feel different from the outward leg. You might be relaxed after swimming, sun-tired from the heat, or ready for a quiet trip back. Keep your belongings secure and expect more wind and spray if the boat picks up speed.

The captains are a major part of the experience

The boat and scenery bring you to Comino, but the captain shapes the day. Augustino is the name most often praised. He is described as friendly, funny, punctual, and good at explaining the caves and bays. Several accounts also credit him with changing the speed to suit the group.

That flexibility is especially useful for families. One captain made sure adults, young children, and teenagers all had chances to swim, take photos, or relax. Another family with three small children felt the ride was safe as well as exciting.

You should still remember that this is a speedboat, not a gentle harbor cruise. If you have back problems, are pregnant, or suffer from motion sickness, the activity is not recommended. Wheelchair users cannot take part, and the published restrictions also exclude people over 65, with additional age cutoffs listed for older participants. Because the age guidance is repetitive and inconsistent, confirm the current rule with Bluewaves Watersports before booking for anyone older than 65.

The live guide speaks English. Explanations are part of the appeal, especially during the cave and coastal sections.

What to bring, and what to leave behind

Bring the basics for a Malta boat day:

• Sunglasses
• Sun hat
• Towel
• Sunscreen
• Beachwear

Food and drinks are not included. The operator does not allow weapons or sharp objects, alcohol, drugs, large bags, or oversize luggage. Electric wheelchairs are also not accepted.

A small, practical bag is best, but large luggage should not be brought to the departure point. Keep your phone protected from spray if you plan to take photographs during the faster sections.

Wear or carry your swimwear so you do not waste the Blue Lagoon stop sorting through bags. If you plan to snorkel, the supplied information confirms snorkeling is possible at Blue Lagoon, but it does not confirm that equipment is provided. Ask the operator if you need gear.

Weather, sea conditions, and cancellation flexibility

The captain can cancel or alter the route because of weather, sea conditions, or other safety concerns. That is not a minor footnote on a small speedboat. The comfort of the ride, the ability to approach caves, and the exact route all depend on the water.

If the cruise is cancelled for weather or sea conditions, you are offered an alternative date or a refund. You can also cancel up to 24 hours ahead for a full refund, and the reserve-now, pay-later option lets you hold a place without paying immediately.

These policies make the trip easier to fit into a Malta schedule, but you should still avoid placing it on the final few hours of your holiday. A weather change could shift the booking, and you will want room to use an alternative date.

Who should book this speedboat trip?

I would choose this outing if you want a lively half-day on the water and prefer seeing many parts of Comino in one go. It suits couples, families with children, and active visitors who want swimming time without giving up cave and coastal sightseeing.

It is also a good pick if you want a guide. The captain’s explanations, photo help, and control of the boat add value that you would not get from simply finding transport to Blue Lagoon.

I would think twice if you want peace and quiet, dislike fast boats, or hope to spend the whole day on a nearly empty beach. Blue Lagoon is popular, and the other bays are mainly viewed from the boat rather than visited for long stops.

Should you book the Comino speedboat trip?

For $35, I think this is a strong-value way to experience Comino. You get the speed, caves, Elephant Rock, Santa Maria and San Niklaw bays, Crystal Lagoon, and two hours at Blue Lagoon in a single 3.5-hour outing.

Book it if you want variety and a captain-led experience, especially if Augustino or Valentino is scheduled for your departure. Choose an earlier time if you want the best chance of more breathing room at Blue Lagoon, arrive at least 15 minutes before boarding closes, and check the Comino entry registration rule if you plan to walk ashore.

Skip it if you are pregnant, have back problems, use a wheelchair, suffer motion sickness, or fall within the operator’s age restrictions. For everyone else, bring a towel, protect your phone from spray, and expect Comino at its best from the water.

FAQ

How long does the Comino speedboat trip last?

The full experience lasts about 3.5 hours. Two hours are scheduled for free time at Blue Lagoon, with the remaining time used for the speedboat ride, cave sightseeing, coastal views, and the return to Marfa Bay.

Where does the boat leave from?

The trip starts and ends at Blue Waves Watersports in Marfa Bay, Malta. Marfa Bay is about 3 kilometers from Blue Lagoon in Comino.

Is the Blue Lagoon stop included?

Yes. The price includes a two-hour stop at Blue Lagoon for swimming, snorkeling, sunbathing, walking, and sightseeing.

Are the Comino caves included in the price?

Yes. The speedboat trip includes cave visits around Comino, including the east and west hidden caves, with no extra cave charge stated.

What should I bring?

Bring sunglasses, a sun hat, a towel, sunscreen, and beachwear. Food and drinks are not included.

Do I need an entry ticket for Comino?

If you step onto Comino from Blue Lagoon and explore on foot from May 1, 2025 onward, you must register and obtain an entry ticket through the official system at blcomino.com. The requirement applies to walking ashore, so check the current rules before your trip.

Is the trip suitable for everyone?

No. It is not suitable for pregnant women, people with back problems, wheelchair users, or people with motion sickness. The published information also lists age restrictions for people over 65 and several higher age thresholds, so confirm the current policy with the provider for older participants.