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

Comino’s coastline is the star here. In about three and a half hours, you skim past Elephant Rock, St. Mary Battery, Santa Maria Caves, San Niklaw Bay, and Crystal Lagoon, then get two full hours at the Blue Lagoon. It is a lot of Malta’s best water scenery in one outing.

I like the mix of speed and sightseeing, plus the fact that cave visits and the full trip around Comino are included in the $35 price. I also like the relaxed choice at Blue Lagoon: swim, snorkel, sunbathe, walk to St. Marija Tower, or simply enjoy the view. The catch is that the lagoon can become very busy, and a speedboat is not a good match for anyone with motion sickness, back trouble, or a strong need for a gentle ride.

Key points at a glance

• Two hours at Blue Lagoon: Enough time for swimming, snorkeling, sunbathing, or a walk to St. Marija Tower.
• Comino’s caves at no extra charge: See the East and West cave areas, including Santa Maria Caves, from the water.
• A lively ride with a human touch: Captains Augustino and Valentino are praised for clear explanations, photo stops, and adjusting the speed to suit the group.
• A complete Comino circuit: Pass Elephant Rock, St. Mary Battery Arch, Santa Maria Bay, San Niklaw Bay, and Crystal Lagoon.
• Strong value at $35: The ride, cave visits, and Blue Lagoon stop are all covered, while food and drinks are not.
• Best for active visitors: Bring beachwear and a towel, but skip this outing if you are pregnant, have back problems, or suffer from motion sickness.

A fast way to see Comino’s best water sights

This Blue Waves Watersports trip leaves from Marfa Bay, only about three kilometers from the Blue Lagoon. That starting point matters. You do not spend the first part of the outing making a long approach to Comino. Instead, you get on the speedboat and soon begin seeing the island from the water.

The ride lasts about three and a half hours in total. The boat circles Comino, stopping or slowing for major sights and cave views before giving you a two-hour break at Blue Lagoon. After the lagoon stop, you pass Crystal Lagoon and return to Marfa Bay.

I see this as a good middle ground between a simple boat transfer and a full-day cruise. You get the excitement of a fast boat, but also enough time to look around, take photos, and swim. The route is especially useful if you want to see more than just the famous Blue Lagoon, which by itself can swallow most of a day.

The captain is a key part of the experience. Augustino receives repeated praise for explaining the caves and sights, helping with family photos, and changing the boat speed to suit the people on board. Valentino is also praised for looking after adults, teenagers, and young children. One booking even included a chance for children to try steering under supervision. That should not be treated as guaranteed, but it shows the friendly, flexible spirit of the trip.

Leaving Marfa Bay and reaching Comino’s cliffs

At Blue Waves Watersports, you should arrive early enough to board before the 15-minute cutoff. The exact departure time depends on the slot you book. If you want the 11:00 a.m. speedboat trip, the instructions say to book the morning slot from 8:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Once aboard, expect an open-water ride with wind, speed, and possibly a little spray. That is part of the fun, but it also explains why sunglasses, a hat, sunscreen, and beachwear belong in your day bag. Keep large bags and oversize luggage at home. Weapons, sharp objects, alcohol, and drugs are not allowed.

The boat ride is exciting rather than quiet. If you want a slow, silent look at every cliff, this may not be your ideal boat trip. If you like the feeling of moving quickly between coves and stopping for photos, it gives you much more energy than a standard ferry.

The captain’s commentary adds useful context as the boat moves along. You can ask questions and hear what you are seeing, rather than simply passing cliffs with no explanation. The tour is conducted in English.

Elephant Rock and the first Comino photo stops

Elephant Rock is one of the first memorable sights on the route. The name comes from the shape of the rock, which is best appreciated from the water. Since the boat passes by rather than offering a long shore visit, your main reward here is the view and the photo opportunity.

That pattern continues around Comino. You see the island’s stone cliffs, bright water, and small bays from changing angles. A speedboat is particularly good for this because the boat can move close to features that are difficult to appreciate from a distant ferry route.

The ride also passes St. Mary Battery Arch. The battery is one of Comino’s recognizable historic structures, and the arch makes a striking frame for photographs. You should think of this as a scenic stop, not a land-based historical visit. The schedule is built around seeing the coast from the boat.

This is one reason I would bring a phone or camera that you can secure easily. You may want both wide shots of the coast and quick photos of the boat passing through narrow areas. Hold on carefully, especially when the captain increases speed.

Santa Maria Caves and Comino’s less obvious corners

The route includes the East and West cave areas, with Santa Maria Caves among the named stops. These are not an optional add-on or a separate paid excursion. The boat takes you around Comino’s cave sections as part of the main ride.

Cave viewing can be one of the most interesting parts of the trip because it changes the pace. Instead of seeing only open sea and cliffs, you get darker rock openings, enclosed water, and close views of the island’s worn shoreline. The captain explains the features along the way, which helps you understand what you are looking at.

The schedule lists Santa Maria Caves as a photo stop and sightseeing visit, with no set minutes assigned. That means you should expect a flexible boat-based look rather than a long walk or a guaranteed amount of time inside each cave. Sea conditions and safety always guide the captain’s decisions.

You also pass Santa Maria Bay and San Niklaw Bay. These stops show why a full circuit is more useful than heading straight to Blue Lagoon. You see quieter parts of Comino and get a sense of the island’s shape, not just its most famous swimming spot.

Two hours at the Blue Lagoon

The main break lasts two hours at Blue Lagoon. This is long enough to make the stop feel like a real part of the day, rather than a quick photo pause.

You can swim, snorkel, sunbathe, take photos, or walk to St. Marija Tower for a wider view. The clear water is the main attraction, and the lagoon is the place to use the towel and beachwear you brought. If you prefer not to swim, you can simply enjoy the coast and watch the boats come and go.

Here is the practical warning: Blue Lagoon is popular, and it can become crowded. One useful tip is to choose a morning departure if you want more room in the water. The lagoon may still be busy, but arriving earlier gives you a better chance of finding a comfortable place to swim before the busiest period.

The two-hour stop gives you freedom, but it also means the boat is not with you during the break. Bring what you need before you leave Marfa Bay, including water, sunscreen, and any snacks. Food and drinks are not included in the $35 price.

From the reviews of the experience, the crew sometimes offers extra swim opportunities from the boat. That is not listed as a fixed part of the itinerary, so treat it as a possible bonus rather than something to count on. The guaranteed swimming stop is Blue Lagoon.

Crystal Lagoon and the ride back to Marfa Bay

After Blue Lagoon, the boat passes Crystal Lagoon. The stop is listed for photos and scenic views, so you should expect another water-based look rather than a long land visit.

Crystal Lagoon works well near the end of the route because it gives you one more stretch of clear water and cliffs after your main swim. You can keep taking photos, or simply let the return ride become a calmer finish after the energy of the lagoon.

The boat then returns to Blue Waves Watersports at Marfa Bay. Since the trip begins and ends at the same place, it is easy to plan around a stay in the Mellieha area. The activity does not include food, drinks, or other transport, so check your own route to Marfa Bay before booking.

What the $35 price really gives you

At $35 per person, this is strong value for a water outing that lasts about three and a half hours. The price includes the speedboat ride around Comino, the cave sightseeing, and the two-hour Blue Lagoon stop. You are not paying separately for each cave area or for a short swim stop.

The value is strongest if you want several things at once: a fast ride, a guided coastal tour, photo stops, caves, and time in the water. A simpler boat transfer might cost less, but it would not give you the same sightseeing circuit. A longer cruise could offer more time, but you might pay more for an itinerary with less flexibility.

You should budget extra for anything you eat or drink. The trip is not designed as a catered excursion. Bring water and snacks if you need them, but keep bags small because large luggage is not allowed.

The cancellation policy also reduces some booking risk. You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later. If weather or sea conditions make the trip unsafe, the captain can alter or cancel it. In that case, you are offered an alternative date or a refund.

Who will enjoy this speedboat trip most

I would recommend this trip to people who want an active half-day on the water without committing to a full-day cruise. Families can enjoy it, and the captain’s flexible approach has worked well for groups with small children, teenagers, and adults. Still, children should be comfortable with speed, wind, and boat movement.

It also suits photographers and sightseers who want more than the Blue Lagoon alone. Elephant Rock, St. Mary Battery Arch, the bays, caves, and Crystal Lagoon give you a fuller picture of Comino.

You should think twice if you get motion sickness or need a smooth, steady ride. The speed is part of the attraction, and the boat can produce wind and spray. The activity is not suitable for pregnant women, people with back problems, wheelchair users, or people over 65 according to the stated restrictions. Electric wheelchairs are also not permitted.

The age guidance is unusually strict, so check it carefully before paying. If you need a fully accessible activity or a quiet boat with no sudden movement, choose something else.

Blue Lagoon access rules to check before you go

From May 1, 2025, anyone who wants to step onto Comino at Blue Lagoon and explore on foot must register and get an entry ticket through the official government system at www.blcomino.com.

That rule matters because the two-hour stop is not limited to swimming from the boat. You may want to walk to St. Marija Tower or explore the shore, and you need to follow the current access process to do that.

The tour information does not say that the boat operator completes this registration for you. Check the official system before your trip and carry any required confirmation. This small piece of preparation can prevent confusion when you reach the lagoon.

What to bring for a comfortable ride

Pack lightly and keep essentials easy to reach. You will want:

• Sunglasses
• A sun hat
• Sunscreen
• A towel
• Beachwear
• Water and any food you need

A waterproof phone pouch can also be useful, though it is not listed as a requirement. Keep valuables secure and avoid bringing large bags. The boat is for sightseeing and swimming, not for transporting luggage.

Wear sunscreen before boarding, not only after you reach Blue Lagoon. Much of the route is exposed to the sun, and the wind can make the heat feel less intense than it is.

Should you book this Comino boat trip?

Book it if you want speed, caves, and swimming in one compact outing. The $35 price covers a lot: a guided circuit of Comino, cave views, famous rock formations, several bays, and two hours at Blue Lagoon. The repeated praise for captains Augustino and Valentino also suggests that the human side of the trip can add real value, especially for families.

Choose a morning slot if having more space at Blue Lagoon matters to you. Leave time to register for shore access if you plan to walk on Comino, and arrive before boarding closes.

Skip it if you dislike fast boats, struggle with motion sickness, or need wheelchair access. For everyone else, this is a practical and lively way to see Comino’s coast without paying for a full-day cruise.

FAQ

Where does the speedboat trip start and finish?

The trip starts and ends at Blue Waves Watersports in Marfa Bay, Malta.

How long does the activity last?

The full experience lasts about three and a half hours, including the boat ride and the two-hour stop at Blue Lagoon.

What is included in the price?

The $35 price includes the speedboat ride around Comino, cave visits, and a two-hour stop at Blue Lagoon.

Is food or drink included?

No. Food and drinks are not included, so bring water and anything else you need, while keeping bags small.

Can I swim or snorkel at Blue Lagoon?

Yes. The two-hour break allows time for swimming, snorkeling, sunbathing, taking photos, or walking to St. Marija Tower.

Do I need a ticket to walk around Comino?

From May 1, 2025, visitors who want to step onto Comino from Blue Lagoon and explore on foot must register and obtain an entry ticket through www.blcomino.com.

What happens if bad weather cancels the trip?

The captain can cancel or change the route because of weather, sea conditions, or safety concerns. If the cruise is canceled, you receive an alternative date or a refund.