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

Hold on tight for Malta’s best little sea adventure. This 3.5-hour speedboat trip from Marfa Bay packs Comino’s caves, rocky bays, Elephant Rock, Crystal Lagoon, and a full two-hour stop at the Blue Lagoon into one lively outing. I like the low $34 price and the fact that cave visits and the complete circuit around Comino are included, with no extra charge. I also like the professional skipper service, especially after seeing how Thomas handled choppy water and how Augustino helped passengers take photos.

The main drawback is the boat itself. This is a fast, sporty ride, not a slow sightseeing cruise. The waves can make your stomach sparkle, and the motion may be uncomfortable if you have back problems. The Blue Lagoon can also be very crowded, so the two-hour stop gives you time to swim, but not much peace and quiet.

The quick facts that matter most

• Marfa Bay is only about 3 kilometers from Comino’s Blue Lagoon, so less time is spent getting to the island.
• Two hours at the Blue Lagoon gives you enough time for swimming, snorkeling, sunbathing, or walking toward St. Marija Tower.
• Santa Marija Caves and other Comino caves are included, along with stops at Crystal Lagoon and Elephant Rock.
• The ride is genuinely fast, making it a good choice for people who enjoy speed and sea spray, but a poor fit for anyone with back trouble.
• Skippers make a real difference: Thomas was praised for careful wave handling, while Augustino was singled out for friendly help and taking group photos.
• Blue Lagoon access rules changed on May 1, 2025. If you plan to step onto Comino Island and walk around, you must register and obtain an entry ticket through the official system.

Starting from Marfa Bay, close to Comino

Your trip begins at Blue Waves Watersports in Marfa Bay. The departure point is a useful advantage because it is only about 3 kilometers from the Blue Lagoon. You are not spending a long morning or afternoon crossing from Malta’s main harbor before the real sightseeing begins.

The activity lasts around 3 hours and 30 minutes, with departures listed by availability. Boarding closes 15 minutes before departure, so arrive early enough to check in, find the boat, and stow your small personal items without a last-second dash.

Bring a towel, swimsuit, sunglasses, sun hat, and sunscreen. Biodegradable sunscreen is specifically requested, which is sensible around clear coastal water and small marine areas. Large bags and luggage are not allowed, so pack light. A small day bag with only your beach essentials is the practical choice.

There is no food or drink included. You should plan accordingly, especially because two hours at the Blue Lagoon can stretch your appetite. The supplied information does not state that food or drinks are available on the boat, so do not count on buying a full meal during the ride.

A speedboat ride with real zip

The boat is central to the experience, not just transportation between stops. You get a quick, energetic run around Comino, with the skipper turning the trip into part sightseeing and part amusement ride.

That speed is fun when the sea is manageable. One passenger specifically praised Thomas for handling the waves well, while also noting that the boat made children smile with fast turns and playful circles. That same observation gives you the clearest warning: if this is your first boat trip, or if you have back problems, a slower and larger boat may suit you better.

The boat’s movement can be sharp. This is not the place for high heels, loose luggage, or anything you need to keep perfectly dry. Wear beach clothes and secure your hat and sunglasses. If you are prone to motion sickness, the supplied information does not promise any special arrangements, so consider whether a fast boat is wise for you.

The skipper is also important for safety. The captain can change or cancel the route because of weather, sea conditions, or other safety concerns. If the cruise is canceled for those reasons, you are offered an alternative date or a refund.

Seeing Santa Marija Battery and Arch from the water

The first part of the circuit introduces Comino’s rocky coast and defensive buildings. Santa Marija Battery, also called Il-Batterija ta’ Santa Marija, is viewed from the boat as you pass. You are not given a separate land visit here, so treat it as a scenic viewing stop rather than a historical tour.

The battery and arch add shape and character to the trip. From the water, you get a different sense of Comino than you would from a beach path. The rock formations appear in layers, and the speedboat lets you see several angles without walking across the island under the sun.

You will also pass another scenic point identified by its map location, then continue toward Elephant Rock. The name explains the appeal: this is a natural rock formation best appreciated from the water. Keep your camera ready, but do not expect a long formal stop with a presentation. Much of the sightseeing happens while the boat is moving or pausing briefly.

Elephant Rock and the Santa Maria Caves

Elephant Rock is one of the more memorable photo points on the route. The boat passes close enough for clear views, subject to sea conditions and the skipper’s judgment. It is a quick visual reward, not a long shore excursion.

The Santa Maria Caves are more hands-on. The boat visits the caves and passes close to the rock, giving you a chance to see the cave openings and walls from sea level. One useful detail from the trip feedback is that passengers could get close enough to touch the rock in some areas. That makes this part feel more personal than simply pointing at a cave from far offshore.

The route also includes the East and West Hidden Caves, as well as the Santa Marija Caves, with no additional cave fee. The wording promises cave exploration, but you should understand the practical limit: this is a boat tour, not a guided walking or swimming cave expedition. How close the boat gets depends on safety and water conditions.

The caves are likely to be one of the strongest reasons to choose this trip over a basic ferry. A ferry can get you near Comino, but this speedboat route is built around showing you the coast itself.

Passing Santa Marija Bay and San Niklaw Bay

After the cave section, the boat passes Santa Marija Bay and San Niklaw Bay. These stops are scenic rather than long breaks. You can look for clear water, rocky edges, and the contrast between sheltered bays and open sea.

This part gives you a useful overview of Comino’s coastline. Instead of seeing only the Blue Lagoon, you get a sense of the island’s quieter sides. That matters because the Blue Lagoon attracts the most attention, while the surrounding bays and caves help explain why Comino is worth circling.

The route continues past another scenic map point before reaching the Blue Lagoon. You are not spending the whole trip at one crowded swimming spot, which is a good balance. The tradeoff is that several coastal features are seen quickly, so you will need to keep your camera and attention ready.

Two hours at the Blue Lagoon

The main break lasts two hours. You can swim, snorkel, sunbathe, take photographs, or walk toward St. Marija Tower for a wider view.

Two hours is a useful amount of time. It is long enough to get into the water without feeling rushed, yet short enough to keep the overall trip moving. If you want a full beach day, this tour is not that. If you want a taste of the Blue Lagoon combined with a complete Comino circuit, the timing works well.

The important catch is crowding. The Blue Lagoon is described as very crowded, and you should expect the busiest part of the experience to be here. The water may be the highlight, but the setting is not designed for quiet solitude. Sunbathing space can be limited, and the atmosphere may feel much less peaceful than the caves or smaller bays.

From the Blue Lagoon, you can walk to St. Marija Tower and enjoy the view, but remember the new access rule. From May 1, 2025, anyone who wants to step onto Comino Island from the Blue Lagoon and explore on foot must register and obtain an entry ticket through the official government system at www.blcomino.com.

That requirement applies even though your boat ticket includes the stop. The boat can still bring you to the Blue Lagoon, but walking ashore and exploring Comino requires the separate registration. Check the official system before your departure so you are not surprised at the beach.

Crystal Lagoon on the return route

The journey back to Marfa Bay includes Crystal Lagoon and the caves in that area. This gives the trip a second scenic chapter after the longer Blue Lagoon break.

Crystal Lagoon is listed as a photo stop and sightseeing visit, with the boat passing through or near the area depending on conditions. You should not confuse this with another two-hour swimming break. The extended free time is at the Blue Lagoon, while Crystal Lagoon is part of the return sightseeing route.

This is a good arrangement for a half-day outing. You get time to swim at the famous spot, then continue seeing the coast without having to plan a second boat trip. The return route also helps the excursion feel like a full circuit rather than a simple ride out and back.

How much value do you get for $34?

At $34 per person, this is strong value if you want several Comino sights in one outing. The price includes the speedboat ride all around Comino, cave visits, and two hours at the Blue Lagoon. You do not have to pay a separate cave fee.

The value comes from combining transport and sightseeing. You are not just paying to reach the Blue Lagoon, then figuring out how to see the rest of Comino yourself. The skipper takes you past the battery, arch, Elephant Rock, bays, caves, and Crystal Lagoon in one planned route.

The price is less attractive if your only goal is to sit at the Blue Lagoon. In that case, a basic transfer may be enough, though no alternative price is provided here. This outing makes the most sense when you want the coast, caves, and fast ride as well as swimming time.

Food and drinks are not included, so add your own beach provisions to the budget. Large bags are not allowed, and there is no stated meal stop. A simple snack before departure or a compact personal supply is sensible.

Guides, safety, and the feel of the trip

The experience is guided in English. The quality of the skipper matters because the route includes fast movement, close cave passages, and changing sea conditions.

Augustino received especially warm praise for being friendly and helpful. He stopped the boat so passengers could take photos, and one outing ended with a beautiful sunset. Sunset is not guaranteed on every departure, particularly with a scheduled 3:00pm start and changing seasonal light, but late-day departures can produce attractive light over the water.

Thomas was praised for his navigation and handling of waves. That is important because a fast boat can be thrilling only when handled well. You want a skipper who knows when to make the ride playful and when to keep it controlled.

The captain can alter the route or cancel the tour for safety. That is a sensible policy for a small speedboat. If the weather or sea conditions force a cancellation, you receive an alternative date or refund.

Who should book this Comino trip?

I would choose this tour if you want to see a lot of Comino in half a day and enjoy a lively ride between sights. It suits confident swimmers, couples, families with children who enjoy speed, and anyone who finds a slow boat too dull.

It is especially useful if you are staying in or near Mellieha and want a departure point close to Comino. The short distance from Marfa Bay means more of your paid time is spent around the island.

I would be cautious if you have back problems, recent surgery, or discomfort with rapid boat movement. The activity is not suitable for pregnant women, wheelchair users, or people who need a non-folding wheelchair. Electric wheelchairs are also not accepted.

The supplied restrictions list several age limits, including people over 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, and 95. Since the information gives overlapping limits rather than one clear maximum age, older passengers should confirm suitability directly before booking. The key issue is not simply age, but the boat’s speed and movement.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. That flexibility helps if your Malta plans depend on weather, but it does not remove the need to arrive before boarding closes.

Should you book it?

Book this Comino speedboat trip if you want caves, coastal rock formations, a fast ride, and two hours at the Blue Lagoon for one modest price. The route covers more than a simple beach transfer, and the professional handling from skippers such as Thomas and Augustino adds real value.

Skip it if you want a calm cruise, have back trouble, need wheelchair access, or dislike crowded swimming spots. The Blue Lagoon is busy, the boat is energetic, and much of the sightseeing happens quickly.

For the right passenger, this is a practical way to see Comino’s main coastal sights without paying extra for cave visits. Bring light beach gear, arrive early, register for Comino access if you plan to walk ashore, and be ready for a fast ride with plenty of sea views.

FAQ

Where does the speedboat trip depart?

The trip departs from Blue Waves Watersports at Marfa Bay in Malta.

How long does the experience last?

The total duration is about 3 hours and 30 minutes.

How far is Marfa Bay from the Blue Lagoon?

The departure point is about 3 kilometers from the Blue Lagoon in Comino.

How long is the stop at the Blue Lagoon?

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

Can I swim or snorkel at the Blue Lagoon?

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

Are cave visits included in the price?

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

Which places does the boat pass?

The route includes Santa Marija Battery and Arch, Elephant Rock, Santa Maria Caves, Santa Marija Bay, San Niklaw Bay, the Blue Lagoon, and Crystal Lagoon.

Is food included?

No. Food and drinks are not included.

What should I bring?

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

Can I walk around Comino from the Blue Lagoon?

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