Comino sits between Malta and Gozo, roughly a 20–25 minute boat ride from either. It's part of Malta but functions almost entirely as a nature reserve and day-trip destination — there are no residential towns, just a couple of seasonal facilities near the main swimming spots.
Because there's no bridge and no car ferry, the island stays quiet and undeveloped. Almost everyone arrives on a boat tour or the passenger ferry, spends the day swimming and snorkelling at the lagoons and caves, and heads back the same day.
The trips most visitors pair with a day on Comino.
Want to see both lagoons in one trip? The most popular options pair Comino’s Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon with the Santa Maria sea caves, add a day on Gozo for the Citadel and Dwejra, or swap the crowds for a golden-hour sunset cruise from Sliema, Bugibba or St Paul’s Bay. The live options below update automatically for these Comino, Blue Lagoon and Gozo experiences.
No bridge and no car ferry — here are the three ways onto the island.
Departing from Sliema, St Julian's, Bugibba and St Paul's Bay in Malta — the most common way to visit, often combined with Gozo and the sea caves. Tours usually stop at several spots around the island rather than just the ferry drop-off point. Based in the north? See our St Paul's Bay & Bugibba boat trips guide.
From Ċirkewwa in Malta or Mġarr on Gozo — cheaper, but with fixed schedules and no vehicle access. It drops you at the Blue Lagoon only, missing the caves and Crystal Lagoon that cruises reach.
For a more flexible, less crowded visit — a private charter sets its own timing and route, and can anchor away from the busiest landing points.
Two lagoons, a cluster of sea caves, a Knights-era watchtower and a quieter beach.
A shallow bay between Comino and the islet of Cominotto, known for turquoise water over a white sand-and-rock seabed — the most-visited single spot in the whole Maltese archipelago.
On the opposite side of the island — smaller, deeper and framed by cliffs. Quieter than the Blue Lagoon, and popular for cliff jumping and a more peaceful swim.
A cluster of sea caves near Santa Maria Bay, reachable by boat or on a snorkelling detour. Clear water and dramatic rock formations make this a favourite add-on stop.
A 17th-century watchtower built by the Knights of St John, overlooking the Blue Lagoon from the hill above — a short, worthwhile walk if your trip allows time ashore.
A quieter beach than the Blue Lagoon, with a more relaxed atmosphere and fewer crowds — useful if the Blue Lagoon feels too busy.
Both the Blue Lagoon and the water around the Santa Maria Caves are shallow and clear, with visibility often over 20 metres — some of the best easy snorkelling in Malta.
A Comino-focused cruise that takes in the Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon and the sea caves — the easiest way to see the island's highlights in one trip.
Why we recommend it: with 6,500+ reviews it's the most-booked Comino-only cruise, spending almost all its time on the water — the Blue Lagoon swim, the Crystal Lagoon and the Santa Maria caves, from $34 with free cancellation up to 24 hours before.
It's the pick if your priority is Comino itself rather than a full island-hopping day: no long Gozo detour, more time swimming and snorkelling, and the same two lagoons and caves the pricier full-day trips cover. Want Gozo too, or a quieter sunset visit? See the options below.
Check live dates and book on the right, or compare the Blue and Crystal Lagoons first.
Many full-day tours include both — but if you have to pick, here's the split.
| Criterion | Blue Lagoon | Crystal Lagoon |
|---|---|---|
| Water | Shallow, turquoise, sandy seabed | Deeper, cliff-framed, sapphire-blue |
| Crowds | Busier — the postcard spot | Quieter, more peaceful |
| Good for | Families and casual swimmers | Cliff-jumping and a calmer swim |
| Views | Classic Malta postcard | Dramatic cliffs and coves |
Short version: choose the Blue Lagoon for the shallow, sandy, family-friendly swim; the Crystal Lagoon for a quieter, deeper cove. Many full-day boat tours include both, so you don't have to choose. Read the full comparison →
Both lagoons get busy by late morning in summer — timing is everything.
Boat tours typically run from around April/May to October; many pause over winter when the sea is rougher.
Arrive early (before 10am) for the calmest water and smallest crowds — both lagoons fill up by late morning in summer.
July and August are warmest but busiest, so book boat trips ahead, especially full-day tours combining Gozo.
May, June and September offer warm water with noticeably fewer visitors — arguably the sweet spot.
Since 1 May 2025, stepping onto land at the Blue Lagoon needs a free QR pass; swim from the boat and you won't need one.
Cave visits and swim stops depend on the weather — captains adjust the route on rough days, so treat the caves as a bonus.
Facilities are minimal, so come prepared.
A full-day island-hopping cruise, or a quieter golden-hour sail once the day-boats have left.
A 6–8 hour cruise that pairs the Comino swim and cave route with a few hours ashore on Gozo. Best for first-timers who want to see the most in one day.
See all Gozo & Comino tours →
A late-afternoon or dusk departure that reaches the lagoon as crowds clear and the cliffs catch warm light, with an early swim and a scenic sail back. Best for couples and photographers.
See all sunset & evening cruises →
No — Comino has no permanent residents. It functions as a nature reserve with only a couple of seasonal facilities near the main swimming areas, and no cars or residential towns.
There is very limited accommodation on the island, so the vast majority of visitors come as day-trippers by boat from Malta or Gozo and leave the same afternoon or evening.
By boat, or on foot via a walking trail across the island. Most boat tours simply reposition the boat between the two, so you rarely need to walk unless you want to.
Yes — both the Blue Lagoon and the area around the Santa Maria Caves offer clear, shallow water well-suited to snorkelling, often with visibility over 20 metres away from the busiest boat traffic.
In peak summer months, yes — popular departure times to Comino can sell out, especially for full-day tours combining Gozo. In May, June and September you have more flexibility, but booking ahead still secures your preferred time and port.
There is no entrance fee for the island itself — you pay only for your boat trip or ferry. Since 1 May 2025, however, stepping onto land at the Blue Lagoon requires a free pre-booked QR pass; swim from the boat and you do not need one.