Malta: Blue Lagoon, Comino, Gozo & Crystal Lagoon Sea Caves

If you’re dreaming of turquoise waters, scenic island views, and a day filled with swimming and exploring, Malta’s popular boat tour might just be your perfect match. While we haven’t taken this exact trip ourselves, the consistent rave reviews and detailed itinerary reveal an experience packed with breath-taking scenery, friendly guides, and just enough adventure to keep everyone happy.

What we love about this tour? First, the chance to visit two iconic lagoons—the Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon—which are true highlights of Malta’s coastline. Second, the inclusion of interesting stops like Elephant Rock, Santa Maria Caves, and Mgarr Harbour, along with opportunities for snorkeling and relaxing. Third, the affordable price considering the length of stops and variety of experiences on offer.

One possible drawback? The boat comfort isn’t luxury-level, and weather conditions can cause changes—such as the cruise being canceled or stops being shortened, especially if seas are rough. This is standard for open-water tours, so pack accordingly.

This tour suits travelers who want a mix of sightseeing, swimming, and laid-back fun without the hassle of organizing multiple separate trips. Perfect for first-timers, families, or anyone eager to see Malta’s coastal gems with a friendly crew guiding the way.

Key Points

• Multiple scenic stops including Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon, and Mgarr Harbour
• All-day boat experience with plenty of swimming and photo opportunities
• Knowledgeable guides and crew who make the trip engaging and safe
• Good value for money considering the duration and stops
• Onboard amenities like water slides, deck chairs, and freshwater showers
• Optional cave visits available with pre-booking, adding extra adventure

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring the Malta Boat Tour: A Detailed Breakdown

Starting point and overall logistics

The adventure kicks off at Marfa Jetty, with departures from Mgarr Harbour in Gozo, heading towards Malta’s coasts. The tour is typically around 4 hours, with a flexible schedule depending on the season. In summer (April-October), there are usually two trips—one in the morning and one around midday—while in winter, just a single trip runs, often later in the day.

Travelers should arrive at least 15 minutes early to avoid missing the boat. The boat itself is described as spacious and comfortable, with plenty of room on the decks, including a rooftop area with sun loungers. During the trip, you’ll enjoy scenic views of Fort Chambray, Mgarr Harbour, and the overall coastline, which sets a relaxed and picturesque tone.

What to expect during the cruise

This tour is designed to be a blend of sightseeing, swimming, and fun. The itinerary is packed with stops, with each offering unique experiences. The boat is equipped with amenities like a cash bar, water slide, toilets, and scenic viewing decks—all aimed at making your time both comfortable and entertaining.

The Itinerary: What Makes Each Stop Special

More Great Tours Nearby

1. Starting at Marfa Jetty

The trip begins here, with a friendly crew ready to set sail. This point is easy to find and is a common departure hub for boat tours out of Gozo.

2. Scenic drive past Elephant Rock and Santa Maria Bay

The tour includes a short sightseeing cruise passing by striking natural formations like Elephant Rock, which is a favorite for photos. Reviewers note the scenic drives and the photo stops as highlights, with some mentioning beautiful views and interesting rock formations explained by guides like Mattia, who shares fun facts about the area.

3. Santa Maria Caves and St. Marija Bay

Next, the boat pauses near the Santa Maria Caves, where you can take photos and choose to snorkel if you wish. Some reviews mention that visiting the caves costs extra (€10), but the opportunity to explore underwater caves adds a layer of adventure.

4. Pass-by Forts and Bays

The boat passes by St. Nicholas Bay and other scenic spots, offering plenty of photo ops and a chance to appreciate Malta’s rugged coastlines. Reviewers often mention the magnificent views and the calm waters making the cruise relaxing.

5. Blue Lagoon (1.5 hours)

Arguably the main event, the Blue Lagoon is described as breathtaking—a must-see destination with turquoise waters perfect for swimming and snorkeling. Guests typically get about 1 hour and 30 minutes here, which allows enough time to relax, explore, and take photos. Reviewers like Shelley mentioned, “Lots of fish to see when snorkeling,” emphasizing the lagoon’s vibrant marine life.

Be prepared for crowds—the lagoon’s popularity means it can get busy, especially in summer. Some reviews suggest arriving early to beat larger groups.

6. Crystal Lagoon (1 hour)

The next stop is the Crystal Lagoon, which offers a slightly smaller, more secluded experience with dramatic cliffs framing the sparkling waters. You’ll have about an hour to swim, snorkel, or just lounge. The water slide (on select trips) adds an extra dose of fun, especially for kids or the young at heart. Reviewers describe this as a “beautiful spot” with “vibrant marine life”.

7. Scenic return to Gozo and Mgarr Harbour

On the way back, the boat sails toward Mgarr Harbour with highlights like forts and coastline views. The trip includes a scenic cruise around Comino and Gozo, with some travelers noting the beautiful coastline views of Fort Chambray and the harbor.

Guests disembark either at Mgarr Harbour or Marfa Jetty, depending on the departure point and season. Some reviews mention the enjoyable, unhurried pace of the trip, with plenty of time to relax and soak up the scenery.

Comfort and Onboard Experience

The boat is well-equipped with deck chairs, water showers, and a sundeck. There’s also a full cash bar, where you can purchase drinks, including wine and soft drinks. Snacks are available for purchase too, and snorkel equipment can be rented for €20 with a refundable deposit—a handy feature if you want to get closer to the marine life.

The water slide is a crowd favorite, although it’s only available during 9 am and 1 pm trips. Reviewers mention that the boat feels spacious, making it easy to relax or move around during stops.

Pricing and Value

Considering the 4-hour duration, multiple stops, and inclusion of scenic cruising, the tour offers good value. Prices are reasonable, especially when you factor in the freedom to swim, snorkel, and explore. Many reviewers highlight that for the price, the experience is quite comprehensive, with some paying extra for cave visits or speedboat rides.

If you opt for the cave visit (€10) and speedboat trip (additional cost), you enhance the experience, but even without extras, you’ll find plenty to enjoy. The all-day experience with friendly guides and comfortable amenities makes it a popular choice for most travelers.

Authentic Insights from Reviews

Many travelers praised the friendly, knowledgeable guides who shared fun facts—like Mattia explaining rock formations or Augustine describing the caves with enthusiasm. Shelley noted, “Easy to get on and off the boat,” emphasizing the smooth logistics.

Some reviewers, like Rebecca, appreciated the ample time at each stop: “The boat wasn’t very comfortable, but we didn’t spend much time there,” highlighting that the focus is on the stops rather than onboard luxury.

The snorkeling experiences received high praise, with Shelley mentioning “lots of fish,” and Grace noting the beautiful views despite the water being a bit chilly in early May. The water slide added a playful touch for kids and adults, but only on specific trips.

Practical Tips for Your Trip

• Bring essentials like a towel, sun protection, and a waterproof camera for photos.
• Arrive early to secure a good spot and beat crowds, especially at Blue Lagoon.
• Pre-book cave visits if interested, as they are optional and cost extra.
• Pack cash for onboard purchases, including snacks, drinks, and snorkel rentals.
• Dress in layers or bring a change of clothes—the weather can be unpredictable, especially outside peak summer.
• Consider the sea conditions—if you’re prone to seasickness, be prepared or consider taking medication.
• Bring your ticket QR code ready to speed up boarding.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This boat tour is ideal for families, couples, or groups seeking a relaxed yet scenic day. It suits travelers wanting plenty of swimming, photo opportunities, and scenic cruising without long hikes or strenuous activities. Perfect for those new to Malta or visitors looking for a hassle-free way to see the coast’s highlights.

However, if you’re looking for luxury amenities or private tours, this might feel a bit casual. Also, those seeking a more in-depth exploration of caves need to pre-book extra excursions.

Final Thoughts

This tour offers a well-rounded experience of Malta’s stunning coastlines in just four hours. With friendly guides, comfortable boats, and a variety of stops, you’ll enjoy a blend of adventure, relaxation, and memorable views.

The Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon alone are worth the trip, and the chance to snorkel and take photos make it a stand-out value. Whether you’re after a family-friendly outing or a scenic escape with friends, this boat tour delivers a memorable Maltese adventure.

FAQ

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, children generally enjoy the stops, especially the water slide and swimming opportunities. Just keep in mind that climbing rocks at the lagoons might be tricky for very young kids.

What should I bring onboard?
Pack a beach towel, sunscreen, camera, cash for onboard purchases, and change of clothes. Towels aren’t provided on the boat, so come prepared.

Can I visit Comino island on this tour?
While the tour does pass by Comino and allows for land visits if you pre-book, the main focus is the boat stops at lagoons. Land visits to Comino are optional and require an additional ticket.

How long is the Blue Lagoon stop?
About 1 hour and 30 minutes, enough time to swim, snorkel, or take photos without feeling rushed.

Is the boat comfortable?
Yes, reviewers describe it as spacious and well-equipped, with plenty of deck space, shaded areas, and onboard amenities.

Can I use snorkel gear?
Yes, snorkel equipment is available for rent (€20 deposit), and many travelers find snorkeling here rewarding, citing lots of fish and marine life.

What if the weather is bad?
The tour can be canceled or altered for safety reasons, particularly if seas are rough. Always check the weather forecast and follow crew instructions.

Do I need to pre-book cave visits?
Yes, cave visits are extra (€10) and must be pre-booked online. Otherwise, you can enjoy the boat cruise without disembarking on land.

In essence, this boat tour offers a balanced, enjoyable way to see Malta’s coast, with enough options to customize your day. Whether you’re there for the scenery, the swimming, or just a fun boat ride, it’s a solid choice for a memorable Maltese adventure.

You can check availability for your dates here: