Malta: Blue Lagoon, Comino, and Sea Caves Tour

Malta’s Blue Lagoon and Sea Caves Tour: An Insider Look

This 5.5-hour boat trip departs from Bugibba Jetty in Malta and offers a detailed exploration of some of the island’s most stunning coastal sights. Operating with Mermaid Cruises, the tour features a family-run traditional Maltese boat, providing an authentic and comfortable experience on the crystal-clear waters of Comino. The trip is ideal for travelers seeking a mix of swimming, cave exploration, and scenic cruising, with a focus on the famous Blue Lagoon.

What makes this tour stand out is its carefully curated itinerary, which balances ample swimming time with picturesque stops at notable caves and landmarks. The reputation for friendly, knowledgeable guides, combined with a smaller-sized boat, ensures a more personal experience than larger group tours. The tour is suited for those who enjoy water activities and scenic cruising, though it’s not tailored for people with mobility impairments.

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Key Points

• Duration: 5.5 hours, departing from Bugibba Jetty
• Main highlights: Blue Lagoon, Comino, sea caves, Elephant Rock, St. Paul’s Island
• Activities: Swimming, snorkeling, cave exploration, sightseeing
• Boat type: Smaller, traditional Maltese boat with friendly crew
• Best for: Water lovers, families, small-group experience
• Consideration: No accessibility for those with mobility impairments

Starting Point at Bugibba Jetty

The tour begins at Bugibba Jetty, where the red, blue, and white boat “The Mermaid” is docked, making it easy to spot. The meeting point is precisely located at coordinates 35.9519577, 14.4081020. Boarding typically starts 30 minutes before departure, and the boat closes boarding 10 minutes prior to ensure timely departure.

The small size of the boat offers a more intimate atmosphere, with comfortable seating and onboard toilet facilities. Travelers are encouraged to bring essentials such as sun hats, swimwear, towels, sunscreen, and cash for additional purchases. Weather conditions can influence the trip, with the captain reserving the right to cancel or modify plans if necessary.

Cruise Duration and Pacing

The total cruise time is around 5.5 hours, with specific segments allocated for sightseeing, swimming, and cave visits. The first hour involves cruising along the Maltese coastline, offering views of Mellieha and other scenic spots. The main stop at the Blue Lagoon lasts approximately 3 hours, providing plenty of time for swimming, snorkeling, and relaxing.

A short 15-minute cruise follows, taking the group to the Santa Maria Caves, where visitors can pass by, take photos, and enjoy scenic views. The tour continues with a pass-by of Elephant Rock and St. Paul’s Island, with brief stops for photos. The final hour of cruising returns to Bugibba Jetty, completing a well-paced exploration.

The Blue Lagoon Experience

The Blue Lagoon on Comino is the main highlight, known for its turquoise waters and stunning scenery. The tour provides around 3 hours to swim, snorkel, and relax here, which reviews highlight as a great amount of time for water activities. The lagoon’s clarity makes it a perfect spot for diving from the boat and exploring underwater life.

While crowded at peak times, visiting later in the afternoon, after 17:00, tends to be less busy. The lagoon’s inviting waters are complemented by the opportunity to make a splash directly from the boat, creating a fun and invigorating experience.

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Exploring the Sea Caves of Comino

After the Blue Lagoon, the tour takes you past Crystal Lagoon Caves and St. Mary’s Caves, with scenic views and photo opportunities. These sea caves are accessible depending on weather and sea conditions, offering a closer look thanks to the smaller boat size.

Guests appreciate how the guides explain the caves’ features and history, making the experience both visually impressive and educational. The caves’ formations add a touch of adventure, with some stops allowing for exploration and photos.

Unique Stops: Elephant Rock and St. Paul’s Island

The tour includes brief stops at Elephant Rock and St. Paul’s Island, both offering picturesque scenery and opportunities for photos. Elephant Rock, with its distinctive shape, is a notable landmark along Malta’s coast, while St. Paul’s Island provides a quiet scene with its small landmass and historical significance.

While stops are short, their inclusion adds a layer of variety to the tour, allowing travelers to pass by and admire Malta’s diverse coastline. These locations also serve as scenic highlights during the cruise.

Return to Bugibba and Overall Pacing

The cruise returns to Bugibba Jetty after roughly 5.5 hours of adventure. Reviewers note that the timing at each stop is well-managed, with enough time to enjoy swimming and photos without feeling rushed. The small boat helps maintain a relaxed atmosphere and less crowded environment, even at popular spots.

The crew’s professionalism contributes to a smooth, enjoyable experience, with some reviews praising the friendly guides who share insights about the caves and coastline.

Logistics and Practical Tips

Boardings are 30 minutes before departure, so arriving early helps secure a good spot. Travelers should bring sun protection, swim gear, and cash for onboard drinks or snacks. Since weather and sea conditions influence the cave visits, flexibility is advised.

The tour only uses English for commentary, making it straightforward for English speakers. Importantly, guests must sign up with the Maltese Government Website for a free entry ticket to Comino, which is a simple process.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour Most?

This tour appeals most to water enthusiasts who love swimming and snorkeling, thanks to the generous time at the Blue Lagoon. The smaller boat size and personalized guide interaction are especially appreciated by those seeking a more intimate experience.

Since mobility impairments are not accommodated, it’s best suited for travelers who are comfortable on boats and in open water. The scenic cave views and coastal landmarks also make this a good choice for those interested in photography and scenic cruising.

Final Thoughts on the Malta Blue Lagoon, Comino, and Sea Caves Tour

With its friendly crew, beautiful stops, and ample time for swimming, this Mermaid Cruises tour offers a strong value for travelers wanting to experience Malta’s coastline intimately. The less crowded environment and smaller boat size make for a more relaxed day on the water, especially compared to larger group excursions.

While weather conditions can affect cave visits, the overall itinerary provides a comprehensive snapshot of Malta’s maritime beauty. This tour is particularly suited for water lovers, families, and travellers who prioritize scenic views and swimming over extensive land-based activities.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts around 5.5 hours, including cruising, stops, and water activities.

Where does the tour depart from?
It departs from Bugibba Jetty, at coordinates 35.9519577, 14.4081020.

What are the main highlights?
Key stops include the Blue Lagoon, Sea Caves, Elephant Rock, and St. Paul’s Island.

How much time do I get at the Blue Lagoon?
You receive about 3 hours for swimming, snorkeling, and relaxing.

Is food included?
No, but lunch can be purchased onboard from the snack bar.

Are there any restrictions?
The tour is not suitable for people with mobility impairments.

What should I bring?
Essential items include sun hat, swimwear, towel, sunscreen, and cash.

Can I buy tickets on the day?
It’s recommended to reserve in advance; tickets can be paid later, with free cancellation up to 24 hours before the trip.

Is the tour weather-dependent?
Yes, the captain reserves the right to cancel or modify the trip if weather or sea conditions are unfavorable.

What language is used during the tour?
All commentary and guidance are provided in English.

This Malta Blue Lagoon, Comino, and Sea Caves Tour offers a well-rounded, scenic, and water-filled day, perfect for those wishing to see Malta from its sparkling waters.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby