Two lagoons and caves in half a day. I like how this cruise turns Comino’s clear-water highlights into a tight, easy 3 to 4 hour plan, with a padded sun deck and a welcome drink built in. I also enjoy the calm, small-boat feel (max 40 people) and the way the crew sets you up for swimming and photos. One thing to keep in mind: if you get motion sick, a small boat can feel bouncy when the sea turns rough.

The best part is the pacing. You get real time in the water at Blue Lagoon (plus optional time on land) and then another proper swimming stop at Crystal Lagoon. You’ll also pass the Comino Sea Caves and landmarks like Elephant Rock and Santa Maria Bay from the water, with a quick land break in Gozo at Mgarr.

Before you go, check your comfort and access needs. Upper-deck access can involve a ladder, and the weather matters because this is a sea cruise. Also note this key rule: to get off the boat at Blue Lagoon, you need to book a free online ticket (required starting May 2025, and it costs nothing from the government website).

Key highlights to plan around

• Two swimming stops, both worth it: about 1 hour at Blue Lagoon and about 1 hour at Crystal Lagoon (weather permitting).
• Comino Sea Caves from the water: you’ll pass by and get photo time for the sea-level scenery.
• Small boat, max 40 people: less crowd pressure than the huge boats, and a more personal vibe.
• Captain-led navigation and quick stops: lots of “see it now” efficiency with time protected for swimming.
• Top-deck jumping is included: you’re allowed to jump from the boat during the swim breaks.
• A short Mgarr harbour break in Gozo: 15 minutes to grab photos and admire the harbour area.

The half-day flow: how the 3 to 4 hours actually feel

This is a classic Malta-to-Comino-and-back format, but the important detail is how they use your time. Instead of spending most of your day cruising, you spend your hours where the views and swimming are: anchored bays and lagoon time.

You’ll start at Cirkewwa (the meeting point is Cirkewwa cafe at X8QH+3W6, Mellieħa) and end back there. The total ride time is usually about 3 to 4 hours, which is perfect when Comino is the main goal but you still want freedom to explore Malta or eat somewhere local afterward.

The boat is small enough that you feel the route. On the plus side, that helps with the “I can hear the crew” experience. On the caution side, this is not a smooth-sail fantasy if the sea is choppy. The company explicitly requires good weather, and your cruise can be moved or refunded if it’s cancelled for poor conditions.

Getting to Cirkewwa and meeting the boat without stress

The meeting point is right in the Cirkewwa area, near public transportation. That helps if you’re using Malta buses or are combining this with other stops in the north.

Plan to arrive early. A couple of the negative moments people reported were about finding the exact boat in the moment, not about the cruise itself. Once you’re on the right vessel, you’re in good hands: the crew approach is friendly, and the skipper’s driving and navigation are part of the experience.

Also, think about where you’ll sit. The upper deck gives the best sightlines, but reaching it may require using a ladder. If that’s an issue for you or for someone in your group, choose a seat where you can see the route and not feel rushed.

Blue Lagoon (1 hour): swim time, snorkel chances, and the crowd reality

Blue Lagoon is the headline for a reason: it’s the most famous turquoise water on the islands, and when the light hits right, you’ll get postcard photos fast. During the cruise, you’ll have about 1 hour at this stop, and it’s set up for swimming and snorkeling.

There’s also an option for a walk at Blue Lagoon (so you’re not locked into just swimming). If you want to do both, plan to split the hour: take a quick shoreline look for photos, then swap to swimming once you see how busy the anchorage is.

Here’s the practical consideration: Blue Lagoon can be busy. If you want quieter water and a more relaxed feel, you’ll appreciate that the second lagoon stop is meant to be calmer. My advice is to treat Blue Lagoon as your “big famous moment,” and treat Crystal Lagoon as your “actually chill in the water” moment.

Snorkeling gear isn’t included. If you don’t bring your own, you can rent equipment on site on the day for €5. If you’re a strong swimmer, you can skip rentals and just swim; if you want to snorkel properly, bring swim-safe footwear and a mask that fits.

And one more timing tip: if your schedule allows, aim for a departure that gets you in earlier rather than later. One rider specifically noted that going in the morning helped avoid the biggest crowds.

Crystal Lagoon (1 hour): where the water feels calmer

If Blue Lagoon is the star, Crystal Lagoon is the one that makes you want to slow down. You’ll get another 1 hour anchored at this stop, with time to swim and snorkel among fish and sea life.

This lagoon is typically described as quieter and less crowded than Blue Lagoon. You’ll still see boats, but the atmosphere feels easier—more space to float, swim, and take photos without fighting for a spot.

The water clarity here is a big deal for snorkeling. Even if you’re not an advanced snorkeler, you’ll usually be able to see what’s going on around you better than in many other Mediterranean swim stops.

This is also the moment to plan for your “I want one more swim” decision. You’ll be sun and swim warm by then, and the itinerary gives you enough time that you’re not rushing to get back on board after five minutes.

Comino caves and landmarks: Elephant Rock and Santa Maria Bay from sea level

Between the lagoons, the cruise works like an island sightseeing walk, but from the water. You’ll pass by and visit the Comino Sea Caves, and you’ll get photo time to appreciate the natural features.

You’ll also see the famous “elephants head” look from the cliffs—another Comino landmark known from boat routes. Expect it to be a short but memorable look rather than a long stop.

Santa Maria Bay is another scenic point you’ll pass by and take in from the sea. The interesting detail here is that the biggest sandy beach in Comino is tied to Santa Maria Bay, and depending on sea conditions and water levels, you may notice how the shoreline looks different than you expect from photos.

If you love photography, bring a phone with a waterproof case or a dry bag, or plan to shoot fast and keep your gear safe. Between splash zones and people jumping off the boat, it’s smarter to protect what you care about.

Gozo’s Mgarr harbour stop: a quick taste, not a full visit

The Gozo land time is short: about 15 minutes in Mgarr. The goal here is not deep touring. It’s a quick harbour look and photo opportunity.

Mgarr is the main harbour of Gozo, so you’ll get that sense of the island’s working port life rather than just postcard beaches. If you want a longer Gozo day, this cruise isn’t that—it’s more like a taste that pairs well with planning a separate trip to Gozo another day.

If you prefer staying on board, that’s usually workable for the short stop. But if you want photos with the harbour backdrop, do it quickly while the boat is tied up.

On-board comfort: sundeck, life jackets, food and the little extras

Even though this is “just a boat,” they treat comfort seriously. Included features include toilet facilities, a padded sun deck, life jackets, and a welcome drink plus a slice of watermelon.

That watermelon detail is worth remembering. It lands well after swimming and sun exposure, and it’s one of those small touches that makes the tour feel cared for rather than purely transactional.

Bring a towel if you can. After swimming, your towel will get soaked during the first swim, and you’ll want something dry for later—or at least something to wrap up so you don’t feel chilled on the ride back.

Drinks are available for purchase onboard. Alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks are both offered, and at least one person called them reasonably priced. If you’re sensitive to sun and salt, water is the smart buy here, even if you’re also planning a beer or something cold.

One more practical note: you can jump from the top deck during the swim breaks. Some people go for flips and dives. If you don’t want to watch or join, just stay to the side during boarding and ladder points.

Motion sickness and weather: the real deal-breaker on small boats

This cruise depends on conditions at sea. The good news is that weather is explicitly part of the planning. If conditions are poor enough to cancel, you should be offered another date or a full refund.

The tricky part is that not every bit of swell is “cancellation-level.” If you’re prone to motion sickness, this is still a small boat experience, and you can feel movement more than you would on a large vessel.

My practical approach:

• Take motion sickness meds early if that’s part of your usual routine.
• Wear shoes with grip and avoid slick deck spots.
• If you can choose, sit where you feel the least pitching.
• Don’t count on being able to do top-deck jumping if you’re already stressed by waves. Focus on safety and comfort.

If you’re traveling in winter months, be extra cautious. One low-score experience described a rough winter sea and a boat that felt windy and uncomfortable on the lower deck. That’s not something you can control, so leaning on the weather policy and packing for discomfort is your best move.

Price and value: is $30.17 worth half a day in Malta?

At about $30 per person, this cruise is priced like a “do the big sights fast” activity, and that’s how it works. What makes it feel like good value isn’t only the price—it’s the mix of swimming time, cave viewing, and included comfort touches.

Here’s the value breakdown in plain terms:

• Two swim stops (each about an hour) instead of one rushed splash.
• Cave and landmark passing that you can’t replicate from land without boats.
• Included snacks/drink items (welcome drink and watermelon slice).
• A smaller group size, max 40, which reduces the chaos you get on massive party boats.

Could it be expensive if you only care about one lagoon? Sure. But if you’re aiming for Blue Lagoon plus Crystal Lagoon, plus a cave-and-landmark cruise loop, the time is the product—and the time here is managed.

If you’re comparing options, also consider what’s included. Snorkeling equipment costs extra (€5 rental), and drinks cost extra onboard. Still, you’re getting the core experience—boat time, swim breaks, life jackets, and crew navigation—within a half day.

Who should book this cruise, and who should think twice

This half-day cruise is a strong match if you want:

• Swimming and snorkeling with two different lagoon vibes
• A smaller group format (not a cattle-ship feeling)
• Caves and cliff landmarks viewed from water
• A short schedule that leaves room for independent plans afterward

It’s also good for people who don’t want an all-day day-trip. Four hours is enough to get the Malta island flavor without burning your whole vacation day on the sea.

Think twice if:

• You rely on easy stair-free movement to access upper decks (ladder access may be tough)
• You’re highly motion-sensitive and the day’s sea state looks rough
• You want a longer, in-depth Gozo visit (Mgarr is only about 15 minutes)

In other words: it’s a boat experience first, an island tour second.

Final call: should you book Xlendi Pleasure Cruises?

If your goal is Comino’s water and you like the idea of two swim breaks plus caves and cliff photos, I’d book it. The length is practical, the included extras (padded deck, life jackets, welcome drink, watermelon slice) make it feel complete, and the small-boat size fits better with a “relax and swim” mindset.

My only hard advice is to book with weather in mind and plan for motion. Check the sea conditions, pack a towel, and bring (or rent) snorkeling gear if that’s your main activity. If you do those things, you’ll come away with exactly what this cruise promises: a short, scenic Malta coastal loop with Blue Lagoon energy and Crystal Lagoon calm.

FAQ

How long is the Half Day Cruise?

The cruise runs about 3 to 4 hours.

Where does the cruise depart from?

It departs from Cirkewwa cafe at Cirkewwa (X8QH+3W6, Mellieħa, Malta) and returns to the same meeting point.

What stops are included for swimming?

You’ll have two swimming breaks: about 1 hour at Blue Lagoon and about 1 hour at Crystal Lagoon, and these stops are subject to weather conditions.

Do I need to bring snorkeling gear?

Snorkeling equipment is not included. You can rent it for €5.

Can I get off the boat at Blue Lagoon?

Yes, but you must book a free online ticket. Tickets are required starting May 2025, and they cost nothing from the government website.

What happens if the cruise is cancelled due to weather?

This experience requires good weather. If it’s cancelled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.