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

Blue water, fast boat, big payoff. This 3.5-hour trip from Marfa Bay packs Comino’s caves, cliffs, bays, and the Blue Lagoon into one lively outing. I especially like the chance to see both the familiar sights, such as Elephant Rock and St. Mary Battery, and the less obvious caves along Comino’s coast. I also like the unusually long two-hour stop at the Blue Lagoon, giving you time to swim instead of merely snapping a photo and moving on.

The main consideration is comfort. A speedboat can be thrilling, but it can also be bumpy and wet, and the trip is not suitable for people with motion sickness, back problems, pregnancy, wheelchair use, or the stated age restrictions. The Blue Lagoon may also feel crowded, particularly later in the day. Captain Augustino receives especially warm praise for adjusting the speed, explaining the sights, and helping families enjoy the ride.

Key points at a glance

• Three and a half hours from Marfa Bay: You get a full coastal circuit rather than a short transfer to the lagoon.
• Two hours at Blue Lagoon: Swim, snorkel, sunbathe, walk to St. Marija Tower, or simply enjoy the view.
• Caves included at no extra cost: The route includes Santa Maria Caves and lesser-known caves on Comino’s east and west sides.
• A real speedboat ride: Expect wind, spray, quick movement, and a more exciting trip than a standard ferry.
• Friendly, hands-on captains: Augustino is praised for clear explanations and a careful approach, while Valentino is noted for looking after adults and children.
• Strong value at $35 per person: The price covers the boat circuit, cave visits, and the two-hour Blue Lagoon stop, but not food or drinks.

Why this Comino boat trip is worth considering

Comino is small, but its coastline gives you plenty to see from the water. A boat lets you reach cliff walls, narrow cave entrances, rock formations, and quiet-looking bays that are difficult to appreciate from the main landing area. You also avoid spending the whole outing walking under the Maltese sun.

This is not just a boat shuttle to the Blue Lagoon. The route circles much of Comino, passing St. Mary Battery Arch, Elephant Rock, St. Mary Bay, San Niklaw Bay, and Crystal Lagoon. The captain points out the caves and formations as you go, so the ride has a sightseeing element as well as a transport purpose.

I like the balance between movement and free time. The first part gives you a fast coastal tour, while the Blue Lagoon stop gives you two hours to set your own pace. You can swim and snorkel, walk toward St. Marija Tower, take photographs, or stay near the water and relax.

The price also makes sense for people who want several Comino experiences in one booking. At $35 per person, the outing includes the speedboat ride around the island, cave visits, and the Blue Lagoon stop. You will need to buy or bring your own food and drinks, so pack water and a snack if you plan to stay out for the full trip.

Leaving Marfa Bay on a fast, open-water ride

The meeting point is Blue Waves Watersports at Marfa Bay, on Malta’s northern coast. The departure point is only about 3 kilometers from the Blue Lagoon, which keeps the transfer to Comino short and leaves more time for sightseeing.

Boarding closes 15 minutes before departure, so do not treat the stated start time as a loose suggestion. For the 11:00 a.m. speedboat departure, the booking guidance says to choose the morning slot from 8:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Check the available starting times when booking because the total schedule may vary.

The first minutes on the boat set the tone. You get speed, wind, and likely some spray, especially when the boat is moving quickly. One person described enjoying the speed, music, and even being allowed to handle the boat briefly. That sort of moment depends on the captain and conditions, so do not count on it as a standard feature, but it shows the relaxed spirit of some departures.

The captain remains the key part of the experience. Augustino receives repeated praise for being friendly, punctual, careful, and good at explaining what you are seeing. He is also praised for changing the boat speed to suit the group. Valentino receives similar credit for making space for adults, children, and teenagers to enjoy the ride in different ways.

Elephant Rock and the first views of Comino

Elephant Rock is one of the memorable early sights on the route. The rock formation gives you a quick photo opportunity as the boat passes, but the more important point is the changing view of Comino’s shoreline. From the water, the island feels more rugged and open than it does from the busy Blue Lagoon area.

The boat does not treat every stop as a long landing. Several points are pass-by sightseeing stops, so you should keep your camera ready. The captain may slow down for views and photographs, but you should not expect to step ashore at every landmark.

That arrangement works well for a 3.5-hour trip. Stopping for a long time at every rock would leave less time for swimming. The tradeoff is that you get a broad look at Comino rather than a series of extended visits.

Santa Maria Caves and Comino’s quieter coastline

The Santa Maria Caves are among the main reasons to choose a boat tour rather than simply spend the day at the Blue Lagoon. The route includes a visit and photo opportunity around the caves, along with views of Comino’s east and west cave areas.

The attraction here is the contrast between open sea and enclosed rock. The boat takes you close to cave entrances and cliff walls, giving you angles that are hard to get from land. Clear water around the rocks adds to the appeal, particularly when the sun reaches the surface.

The wording of the activity includes both named caves and hidden caves, with no extra charge for the cave visits. That is useful because cave tours can sometimes become add-ons after the basic boat fare. Here, they are part of the main circuit.

Still, keep your expectations sensible. This is a moving boat tour, not a long cave expedition on foot. Some cave areas are pass-by sights, and the itinerary lists no time for an extended stop inside Santa Maria Caves. You will see the entrances, rock shapes, and water from the boat, with the captain explaining the sights along the way.

St. Mary Battery Arch, St. Mary Bay, and San Niklaw Bay

St. Mary Battery and its arch add a touch of Comino’s built heritage to a trip otherwise focused on sea and rock. The boat gives you a view of the structure from the water, while the surrounding cliffs show how compact and varied the island is.

The route then passes St. Mary Bay and San Niklaw Bay. These stops are mainly scenic, so they are best enjoyed as part of the wider coastal circuit. You might find the bays look quite different from the boat than they do on a map or from the Blue Lagoon, because the shoreline opens and closes as you move around it.

This section is also where the speedboat format earns its keep. A slower vessel can offer a pleasant ride, but the speedboat covers the coast briskly and creates more time for the long lagoon break. If you are looking for a quiet, slow cruise with little movement, this may not be your ideal outing.

Two hours at the Blue Lagoon

The Blue Lagoon is the centerpiece of the day, and the two-hour stop is a strong feature. You have enough time for a proper swim, some snorkeling, sunbathing, photographs, or a walk toward St. Marija Tower for a wider view.

The water is the main draw. The lagoon’s clear blue color makes it one of Malta’s most recognizable swimming spots, and the boat trip gives you a chance to enjoy it without arranging a separate transfer. Families can split up for a while, with some people swimming and others staying dry.

The main drawback is popularity. The Blue Lagoon can become very busy, and the open space for swimming may shrink as more boats and day visitors arrive. One useful tip from the experience is to choose a morning departure if you want a better chance of finding room in the water. By the time the boat leaves, the lagoon may be noticeably more crowded.

Two hours is long enough to enjoy the place, but not so long that the stop becomes dull. You can swim first, dry off, walk to the tower, then return to the water or take photographs. Bring a towel, sunscreen, beachwear, sunglasses, and a sun hat. Food and drinks are not included, so bring what you need or plan to purchase refreshments separately.

From the lagoon, you can also walk toward St. Marija Tower. The tour description specifically suggests this as an option, but remember that current access rules apply. From May 1, 2025, anyone wishing to step onto Comino from the Blue Lagoon and explore on foot must register and obtain an entry ticket through the official government system at blcomino.com.

That rule matters because the boat stop and walking access are not quite the same thing. You can still plan to enjoy the water, but if you want to leave the lagoon area and explore Comino by foot, arrange the required registration before your visit.

Crystal Lagoon on the return route

After the Blue Lagoon stop, the boat passes Crystal Lagoon before returning to Marfa Bay. This gives you one more scenic section after the main swim rather than ending the outing as soon as you leave the lagoon.

Crystal Lagoon is listed as a photo stop and pass-by sight. The value is visual rather than practical: you get another look at Comino’s clear water and rocky coast without giving up much of your remaining time.

By this point, you may be wet, warm, and ready to sit back. The return ride gives you a final chance to take photographs, listen to the captain’s explanations, and enjoy the speed before arriving back at Blue Waves Watersports.

How the captain affects the day

The boat itself matters, but the captain can determine whether the outing feels rushed or personal. Augustino is repeatedly praised for explaining the caves and coastal sights, taking family photographs, and making people feel safe. He is also credited with adjusting the speed to suit the group, an important detail when children and adults share the boat.

Some families describe the ride as both exhilarating and safe. That combination is possible because a good captain knows when to open up the throttle and when to slow down near sights or for comfort. The tour is still a speedboat trip, so do not expect a perfectly smooth ride, but the captain’s approach can make a big difference.

Valentino is also praised for making sure people could choose how to enjoy the trip. Some wanted to swim, some wanted photographs, and others preferred to relax. That flexibility is useful because not everyone in a family or group has the same idea of a perfect boat outing.

Is $35 good value?

For $35 per person, the trip offers a lot in one half-day. You receive transport from Marfa Bay, a circuit around Comino, cave visits, several scenic coastal passes, and two hours at the Blue Lagoon.

The value is strongest if you want variety. Booking separate transport, a cave visit, and lagoon time could cost more and require more planning. This trip also lets you see Comino from the water, which is its best angle for caves and rock formations.

The price is less attractive if you only want to swim at the Blue Lagoon. A dedicated transfer might suit you better, especially if you do not care about the caves or speedboat ride. You should also budget for drinks and food, since neither is included.

The activity has a reported 98 percent perfect rating, and the strongest praise focuses on the captains, the scenery, and the amount included for the price. That praise fits the structure of the trip: the route is full, the stop is generous, and the staff can add a personal touch.

Comfort, safety, and who should skip it

Bring a towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, a sun hat, and beachwear. Avoid oversized luggage, large bags, alcohol, drugs, weapons, and sharp objects. Electric wheelchairs are not permitted.

The activity is not suitable for pregnant women, people with back problems, wheelchair users, people with motion sickness, or people over the stated age limits. The age guidance is unusually repetitive, listing people over 65 along with several higher age thresholds. If age or health is a concern, confirm your suitability with the provider before booking.

Sea conditions can change the plan. The captain may alter or cancel the trip for weather, rough water, or other safety issues. If the cruise is cancelled, you are offered an alternative date or a refund. You can also cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and the reserve-now-pay-later option keeps you from paying at the time of booking.

The best fit is an active couple, a family with children who enjoy boats, or a group wanting to see Comino efficiently. It is less suitable for anyone seeking a quiet cruise, a long beach day, or a completely dry and steady ride.

Should you book this Comino speedboat trip?

I would book it if you want the full Comino picture in one outing: caves, rock formations, bays, a fast ride, and enough time to swim at the Blue Lagoon. At $35, the combination is hard to fault, especially with a captain such as Augustino adding explanations, photo stops, and a careful hand at the controls.

Choose a morning departure if the Blue Lagoon is a major reason for going. You may get better swimming space before the crowds build. Bring only what you need, protect yourself from the sun, and register in advance if you plan to walk onto Comino from the lagoon.

Skip it if motion sickness, back pain, pregnancy, mobility limits, or the stated age rules apply. Also skip it if your ideal day involves a calm ferry, a quiet shoreline, and no spray. For everyone else, this is a lively, well-priced way to see Comino from the water and make the Blue Lagoon more than a quick photo stop.

FAQ

How long does the Comino speedboat trip last?

The full activity lasts about 3.5 hours, including the speedboat circuit, cave visits, coastal sightseeing, and a two-hour stop at the Blue Lagoon.

Where does the boat depart from?

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

What is included in the price?

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

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not included, so bring or arrange them separately.

Can I swim or snorkel at the Blue Lagoon?

Yes. The two-hour stop allows time for swimming, snorkeling, sunbathing, photography, and walking toward St. Marija Tower.

Do I need a ticket to walk around Comino?

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