Half day Cruise – Comino, Gozo, Blue & Crystal Lagoon, and Caves

This half-day boat trip hits the best Malta coast views fast. You get two swim stops in the famous lagoons, plus time on land in Gozo’s Mgarr harbor, without committing to an all-day sea slog. I especially like the small-boat feel, where the day stays personal and you’re not packed in like a floating bus.

The biggest win is the pacing: a focused hour at the Blue Lagoon, another hour at Crystal Lagoon, and the rest of the time spent cruising, passing by Comino landmarks, and catching photos. A possible drawback is that this is a smaller boat, so if weather turns rough or you’re prone to motion sickness, you’ll want to plan for it.

What the day feels like, start to finish

You’ll start from Cirkewwa, then the crew runs the show with a friendly, capable vibe. Captain George comes across as easy-going and confident with navigation, and the crew keeps things moving so you spend more time in the water and less time waiting around.

You’ll also get small comforts that matter on a short trip: padded sun deck space, a welcome drink, and a watermelon slice, plus toilets on board. Just keep in mind that on some days, the sea and wind can change how comfortable it feels up top, and the upper deck access can involve a ladder rather than stairs.

Key highlights at a glance

• Two lagoon swims at Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon, both worth your swimsuit time
• Comino caves and photo stops, with passes by major sights along the way
• Small group setup (maximum 40 people) that feels more like a trip than a crowd shuffle
• Captain George’s style, with clear navigation and a relaxed rhythm during the cruise
• Jumping is allowed during swim time from the boat’s top level (life jackets provided)
• Snorkel gear is optional, available to rent on site if you did not bring any

Entering the Malta-to-Comino rhythm in just 3 to 4 hours

This is a short half-day cruise, roughly 3 to 4 hours, designed for maximum scenery per hour. If your Malta days are already full, this format is a smart move because you still end the trip with energy to explore on your own.

The schedule is built around three priorities: lagoons you can swim in, a quick taste of Gozo, and Comino’s coastline highlights. You’ll also pass scenic bays and rock features along the way, so even the cruising sections feel like part of the experience rather than dead time.

One practical note: it’s weather-dependent. The operator requires good conditions, and if it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Blue Lagoon: how to use your hour wisely

Blue Lagoon is the main stop, and for good reason. You get about one hour to anchor in the bay, swim from the boat, snorkel, and take photos of the shoreline. The waters are typically why people come, and this is the moment that turns a cruise into the Malta postcard you came for.

You have two main ways to spend that hour. Option one is to stay on the boat area and swim directly from where you’re anchored. Option two is to get off on Comino for a walk at Blue Lagoon, but there’s an important update: if you want to disembark at Blue Lagoon, you need a free ticket online (required starting May 2025) from the government website.

If you’re not sure which option suits you, I’d choose based on how much you want to get active. For a fast swim-and-photos experience, staying near the boat keeps things simple. If you love walking, photography from shore, and a bit of exploring, the land option is worth it, as long as you plan for that extra step to get the free ticket.

Crystal Lagoon: the calmer swim stop with fish around you

Crystal Lagoon is the second swim break, also about one hour, and it often feels quieter and more scenic once you’re in the water. This is where you’ll swim and snorkel and look for sea life, and the vibe shifts from the more crowded feel of Blue Lagoon to a more relaxed pace.

This stop is a highlight because it gives you variety. Both lagoons are known for clear water, but Crystal Lagoon tends to feel like a cleaner, less chaotic swim scene. In other words, it’s not just a second chance at the same thing.

If you like snorkeling, keep it easy. Snorkeling equipment is not included, but you can rent it for €5. If you’re bringing your own, you’ll skip the rental step and spend more time actually in the water.

Mgarr Harbor on Gozo: a short land taste that adds contrast

Between lagoon swims, you’ll make a brief stop at Mgarr, Gozo’s main harbor. It’s only about 15 minutes, so you should treat it as a quick photo and orientation break rather than an on-land tour.

This stop is valuable because it gives you a sense of Gozo as more than a distant postcard. You can grab a few pictures of the harbor scenery and then get back on board, refreshed for the next swim stop in Comino.

If you’re hoping to see the heart of Gozo in depth, this is not the day for that. But if you want a taste, and then you want to keep your focus on water and coastline, Mgarr fits perfectly into a half-day cruise.

Comino caves, Elephant Rock, and the big-sandy-bay passes

Comino’s coastline is the star between stops, even when you’re not swimming. You’ll see and visit the Comino Sea Caves, and you’ll also pass by notable features for photos and viewing time.

Two of the big landmarks you’ll hear about on the route are Elephant Rock and Santa Maria Bay. The Santa Maria Bay pass is noted for Trip A only, so don’t worry if you don’t hear the same mention depending on the version of the trip you’re on.

What I like about this part of the day is that it’s not just random “look left, look right” sightseeing. The caves and rock formations are tied to Comino’s identity, and the cruise format lets you see them from the water without spending hours driving or hiking.

One more practical angle: caves and rocks make for great photos, but you’ll want to keep your phone and camera gear secured. Sea spray happens, even on nicer days, and you’ll be on and off the boat during swim time.

Boat comfort, crew style, and what to pack for a saltwater day

This trip is operated by Xlendi Pleasure Cruises, and the boat setup is clearly built for the short itinerary. You get a padded sun deck, toilet facilities, and a welcome drink with a watermelon slice. That snack timing is actually smart, since it helps you recover after being in the sun and water.

The crew and skipper matter here, because the experience depends on smooth navigation and good anchoring. The day gets positive marks for both friendliness and competence, and Captain George is singled out for being easy-going and humorous while keeping the boat under control.

Also note what you can do on the boat. During swim stops, there’s jumping allowed from the top deck, and life jackets are provided. If you’re not interested in jumping, you’re not required to do it, but it’s one of those options that makes the stop feel more fun and less rigid.

What to pack is simple:

• A towel, since you’ll likely get soaked during swim time
• Sunscreen and a hat, because your sun exposure can be intense in the lagoons
• Motion-sickness meds if you’re sensitive to boat movement, and check the weather before you go
• Optional snorkeling gear, or plan for the €5 rental if you want it

One important caution from real-world experience: the boat is small, and wind protection can be limited at head level on some days. Also, accessing the upper deck may require using a ladder rather than stairs, so if you have mobility limits, plan your positioning accordingly before you head out.

Price and value: why this half-day often makes more sense than longer tours

At about $30.17 per person for a 3 to 4 hour cruise, the value comes from focus. You’re paying for the lagoon moments and the Comino scenery without losing a full day to transit and waiting.

You’re also not stuck on a massive party boat. The small-group size and the way the stops are scheduled help the day feel smoother and easier to manage. If you’ve ever been on larger Malta cruises where you barely find a place to stand, you’ll likely appreciate this setup.

The trade-off is that the stops are time-limited. Blue Lagoon is one hour, Crystal Lagoon is one hour, and Mgarr is only 15 minutes. That’s perfect for many people, but if you crave longer beach time, you may find yourself wishing for more minutes at Blue Lagoon.

Who this cruise fits best (and who might want a different option)

This is ideal if you want:

• Short time on the water and quick photo opportunities
• Two swims in clear lagoons, with snorkeling as an optional add-on
• A day that stays light, so you can still explore Malta or Gozo afterward

It’s also a good fit if you want a more intimate boat experience rather than a large, crowded cruise.

You might reconsider if:

• You get motion sick easily, and conditions look rough for your travel date
• You have trouble climbing ladders to upper decks, since access may be via ladder
• You want extended time on land in Gozo, since the Mgarr stop is brief

Should you book this Comino, Gozo, Blue, and Crystal Lagoon cruise?

If your goal is two lagoon swims plus Comino cave scenery in a half-day, I think this is a strong pick. The short format is exactly what makes it feel like a vacation break instead of another long touring day, and the combination of Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon gives you two different water experiences.

Book it if you can travel on a good weather window and you’re comfortable with a small-boat ride. Skip it, or at least be cautious, if you know rough water and wind would ruin the day for you.

Finally, if you plan to get off at Blue Lagoon starting May 2025, make sure you handle the free government ticket online ahead of time. That one step can save you a lot of frustration once you’re already at sea.

FAQ

How long is the half-day cruise?

It runs about 3 to 4 hours.

What stops do you visit during the trip?

You’ll stop at Blue Lagoon for swimming, have a short stop at Mgarr in Gozo, and visit Crystal Lagoon for swimming. The trip also includes Comino Sea Caves and passes by major Comino sights.

Do I need snorkeling equipment?

Snorkeling equipment is not included, but you can rent it for €5. You can snorkel during the swim stops.

Can I get off the boat at Blue Lagoon?

You can, but you must book a free ticket online if you want to disembark at Blue Lagoon, Comino (required starting May 2025).

Are drinks included?

A welcome drink and watermelon slice are included. Drinks can be purchased onboard.

Can I jump from the boat?

Yes. Jumping from the top deck is included as an option during the swim stops, and life jackets are provided.

What if the weather is bad?

This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours in advance.