Where's the best snorkelling in Comino?

The caves and channels on the north side of Comino (Santa Marija Bay area) offer the best fish life. Blue Lagoon itself is spectacular for scenery but poor for fish in peak season due to boat traffic and crowds. Crystal Lagoon is a quieter alternative with better visibility and more marine life.

Snorkelling at Comino and the Blue Lagoon: the honest guide

What the photos do not tell you about Blue Lagoon snorkelling

Every Malta itinerary includes the Blue Lagoon. The photos are real — the water is genuinely that colour, somewhere between turquoise and electric blue, with visibility that sometimes reaches 20 m. But the photos are almost always taken at dawn or from a drone, not from water level at 14:00 on a Tuesday in August when 2,500 people are sharing the same sheltered cove.

The honest summary: Blue Lagoon at Comino is visually extraordinary and the snorkelling is disappointing in peak season. The boat traffic, the churned sediment, the constant kick from swimmer fins, and the sheer density of human presence have displaced most of the fish that used to inhabit the lagoon. What remains is beautiful, crystal-clear, but largely empty water.

This guide tells you when the lagoon is worth it for snorkelling, which alternatives to visit, and how to structure a Comino boat trip to get the best of all of it.

The Blue Lagoon honestly: what you will and will not see

What makes Blue Lagoon so visually arresting

The colour is a function of geology and depth. The limestone seabed is white, the water is extremely clear, and the lagoon is shallow (1–5 m in most areas, dropping to 8 m in the deeper central section). These conditions create the “swimming pool blue” effect that makes the photographs — and the in-water experience — genuinely spectacular.

The surrounding limestone cliffs are dramatic, the cove is sheltered from most swells, and the water temperature peaks at 25–26°C from July to October. As a swimming and floating experience, Blue Lagoon is among the best in the entire Mediterranean.

What the snorkelling is actually like

In terms of marine life, Blue Lagoon rates as moderate at best, poor at worst, depending on season and time of day. The reasons are structural:

Boat engines: the lagoon hosts dozens of tour boats simultaneously throughout the summer day. Outboard and inboard engines stir sediment and, over years, have disrupted the shallow-water ecology.
Anchor damage: decades of informal anchoring on the lagoon floor caused significant damage to the sparse seagrass before regulations were tightened. Recovery is slow.
Human pressure: at 2,000–3,000 visitors per day in high season, the lagoon is one of the most heavily visited coves in the Mediterranean. Fish have retreated to the cave systems and rock channels outside the main basin.

What you can still see: small wrasse, occasional bream, damselfish sheltering in the cliff cracks, sea urchins on the rocky margins, and the odd octopus under boulders. Not enough to justify calling it a dedicated snorkelling destination.

Early morning exception: before 09:00, when tour boats are still in transit, the lagoon has dramatically better fish life. If you are staying in Malta and can catch an early morning departure (several tour operators run sunrise trips), the lagoon is a different experience. Fish that retreat to the cliff caves during the day are out on the sandy bottom in the early morning.

Crystal Lagoon: the better snorkelling alternative

Crystal Lagoon is the smaller, adjoining lagoon immediately south of Blue Lagoon, accessible by a short swim from the Blue Lagoon channel. It receives perhaps 15% of the visitors that Blue Lagoon does, the boat traffic is lower, and the fish life is noticeably better.

The water colour is equally impressive (same geology, similar depth), and the rocks at the south end of Crystal Lagoon descend to 12–18 m with sea fans and sponges visible to breath-hold snorkellers. Damselfish, wrasse, bream and occasional grouper inhabit this section in far higher densities than the main Blue Lagoon.

How to get to Crystal Lagoon: most tour boats that drop anchor in Blue Lagoon allow you to swim to Crystal Lagoon, which is 100–150 m to the south. Some operators moor directly in Crystal Lagoon (ask when booking). From the small beach at Crystal Lagoon, it is a short walk to the Blue Lagoon beach if you want both.

Santa Marija Bay caves: the hidden snorkelling highlight of Comino

The coastline on Comino’s north and east sides is largely unknown to visitors who arrive on the typical Blue Lagoon day trip. Santa Marija Bay (also called St Mary’s Bay) is a calm, north-facing beach accessible to snorkellers who swim from the bay or arrive via a boat that stops outside the main lagoon.

More importantly, the rock formations on Comino’s north-east coast include sea caves, arches and channels with concentrations of fish that equal or surpass many paid-entry dive sites in Malta. Damselfish, bream, wrasse, grouper and occasional amberjack school around the caves. The water depth at the cave entrances runs 3–10 m, well within free-diving snorkelling range.

Access: only practical if you book a boat tour that specifically includes a cave snorkelling stop outside the main lagoon. Several operators do this — confirm “snorkel stop at sea caves” when booking.

Comino, Crystal Lagoon and Blue Lagoon cruise from Sliema

Choosing the right boat tour for snorkelling

Most Comino boat tours include “snorkelling” in their description. What this means in practice varies enormously:

Minimal snorkelling

The boat stops in the Blue Lagoon for 90–120 minutes, you are free to jump in, and you are provided with basic masks and snorkels. No guide, no dedicated snorkel stop outside the main lagoon. This is the majority of the budget Comino tours.

Dedicated snorkelling tour

The boat specifically visits the sea caves on the north side of Comino, stops in Crystal Lagoon, and carries a guide who indicates snorkelling points of interest. These tours are typically smaller (maximum 12–16 people on a speedboat or RIB) and cost more, but the snorkelling quality is genuinely different.

Gozo and Comino snorkelling adventure (dedicated snorkelling tour)

Key questions to ask before booking

Does the tour stop at sea caves or only at Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon?
Is a snorkelling guide on board?
What is the maximum group size?
Is snorkel equipment provided, or do I need to bring my own?
What is the cancellation policy for bad weather?

Getting to Comino: ferry vs tour boat

Public ferry (seasonal)

A public water taxi from Mellieha to Comino operates approximately June to September, taking 20 minutes and costing around €15–20 return. This is the cheapest way to reach the island, but the ferry drops you at the Blue Lagoon beach with no guide or organised snorkelling. You will need to bring your own equipment.

Ferry schedules change yearly — check current timetables on arrival in Malta rather than relying on information from the previous year.

Tour boat from Sliema, Bugibba or Mellieha

Most visitors arrive on day-trip tour boats from Sliema, Bugibba or Mellieha Bay. These range from large gulets accommodating 80 people (cheap, busy) to small speedboats carrying 8 (expensive, flexible). The advantages over the public ferry: organised programme, snorkel equipment provided, stops at sea caves, and usually more time in the water.

Round-trip tour boat costs: €25–50 per adult from Bugibba or Mellieha, €35–65 from Sliema.

What to expect in terms of time

Standard day tour: 6–9 hours total including transit from the mainland. Actual time in or around Blue Lagoon: 2–4 hours depending on the tour. Actual snorkelling time: 45–90 minutes for most boat tours.

If snorkelling is your primary goal rather than a bonus activity, choose a tour that specifies a minimum 2-hour snorkelling stop with at least one cave stop.

Seasonal guide: when to go for snorkelling

June (recommended)

The best month for snorkelling at Comino: water temperature rising (22–24°C), fish life not yet suppressed by peak summer crowds, and tour boat numbers not yet at maximum. Early June can still see choppy conditions.

July and August (avoid midday)

The lagoon is at maximum capacity from 10:00 to 17:00 in July and August. If you must visit in these months, book a very early departure (07:00–08:00 from Mellieha or Bugibba) that arrives before the crowd. The pre-09:00 Blue Lagoon experience is dramatically better than the midday version.

September and October (excellent)

September is the best overall month: water temperature still at peak (25°C), visibility at its highest (30 m+), crowds declining, and the fish beginning to return to areas disturbed in summer. October is cooler but quieter and excellent for snorkelling.

November to March (limited access)

The public ferry to Comino does not operate in winter. Private boat tours continue on calm days, but Comino in winter is a different experience: the lagoon is empty of tourists, the water is cooler (16–18°C), a wetsuit is advisable, and the fish life is concentrated and undisturbed. Some divers prefer Comino in February for exactly this reason.

Combining Comino with snorkelling in Malta and Gozo

Comino is best treated as a half-day component rather than a full-day destination. A typical efficient itinerary pairing Comino snorkelling with the rest of Malta:

Morning: early boat to Comino, arrive before 09:00, snorkel Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon in ideal conditions. Return to mainland by 12:00. Afternoon: Mellieha Bay beach for swimming, or Popeye Village.

Or: Gozo day trip with Comino stop. The 3-islands cruise visits Gozo and Comino in one day — practical but rushed. A dedicated Comino half-day + separate Gozo day trip is the better version.

For dedicated snorkelling beyond the lagoons, refer to the complete Malta snorkelling guide for sites on the main island and in Gozo.

Frequently asked questions about snorkelling at Comino

Is the Blue Lagoon worth it for snorkelling?

Yes, with realistic expectations. You will not see much fish life in peak season, but the water clarity and colour make even a moderate snorkelling session visually memorable. For serious fish encounters, add Crystal Lagoon and sea cave stops to your itinerary.

How long does a typical Comino boat trip last?

Most tours from Sliema or Bugibba run 6–8 hours round trip, with 2–4 hours actually at the island. Faster speedboats from Mellieha cut the transit time significantly.

Can I snorkel independently at Comino?

Yes, but only if you bring your own equipment. The public ferry in summer drops you at the Blue Lagoon beach where basic rentals may be available from kiosks, but supply is limited and quality is low. Bring your own mask and snorkel.

Is Comino accessible for children who cannot swim strongly?

Blue Lagoon itself is suitable for children with snorkel vests or life jackets — the water is shallow enough for adults to stand in most areas. The sea caves on the north side of the island require confident swimming. Most operators require children under 8 to wear a life vest.

How crowded is Comino in September?

Significantly less crowded than July–August. Boat numbers drop by roughly 40–50%, and the experience is much better. Water temperature is still at its peak (25°C) in September, making it the sweet spot for the island.

What to pack for snorkelling at Comino

Packing for a Comino boat trip differs from packing for a beach day. You will spend 5–8 hours on and around the water, often without shade except the boat canopy.

Essentials:

Sunscreen (reef-safe formulas are preferred; Malta is increasingly sensitive to chemical sunscreen damage on marine habitats) — apply before boarding, not in the water
Water (at least 2 litres per person; the refreshment kiosks at Blue Lagoon sell drinks at significant premiums — €3–5 per bottle)
Light meals or snacks for the transit period; full meals are usually available on the larger gulet boats
Snorkelling mask and snorkel (if you own them — rental quality at Comino is variable)
Fins (optional but genuinely useful for covering distance between Crystal Lagoon and the caves)
Rash guard or lightweight wetsuit top (1 mm) — even in summer, 5–6 hours in the water makes you colder than expected
Waterproof bag or dry bag for your phone and valuables
Hat and sunglasses for the boat transit

What to leave at home: large rolling suitcase (obviously), anything valuable or irreplaceable, heavy camera equipment unless you have a waterproof housing rated to at least 1 m.

Comino beyond the Blue Lagoon: exploring the island on foot

Few visitors know that Comino is walkable. The island is 2.7 km by 1.5 km — about 3.5 km of coastal path circuits the main perimeter. If you arrive early on the public ferry or on a tour that includes landing time (rather than just swimming from anchored boats), you can walk the full island circuit in 90 minutes.

Points of interest on foot:

Comino Tower (1618): a Knights-era watch tower in the centre of the island, recently restored and occasionally accessible. The hilltop location gives a 360-degree view of both Malta and Gozo.
Santa Marija Bay: the north-facing bay is calm, quiet and has better snorkelling fish life than the main Blue Lagoon. A 15-minute walk from the ferry landing.
Santa Marija Chapel: a small whitewashed chapel maintained by the island’s tiny permanent population (3–5 year-round residents, historically). Open on the feast of the Assumption (August 15).
Crystal Lagoon walk: the path from the Blue Lagoon beach to Crystal Lagoon is 5 minutes and passes the narrow channel between the two lagoons — an excellent vantage point for photographing both.

Walking logistics: most tour boats do not accommodate independent island walking — they anchor offshore and passengers swim. If you want to walk the island, take the public ferry (seasonal, summer only) which lands you on the beach, or book a tour that includes a beach landing stop.

Alternatives to Comino for a Blue Lagoon-style experience

If the Blue Lagoon is fully overrun or logistically inconvenient, several Malta alternatives offer similar clear-water experiences:

Crystal Bay (Blue Grotto area, south Malta): the sea caves at Wied Iz-Zurrieq and the Blue Grotto have crystal-clear turquoise water in similar tones to the Blue Lagoon, with far fewer visitors. Access by sightseeing boat from Wied Iz-Zurrieq (20 minutes, €8–10) or by diving the adjacent Um El Faroud wreck.

St Peter’s Pool, Marsaxlokk area: natural rock swimming pool with clear turquoise water and no boat traffic. Harder to access (rocky entry, walking path) but genuinely quiet and beautiful. See the Marsaxlokk boat tour guide.

Xlendi Bay, Gozo: the turquoise fjord on Gozo’s southwest coast has arguably better water colour than parts of the Blue Lagoon (different bottom geology) and reliably better fish life. Best visited in the morning before the Gozo day-trip boats arrive around 11:00.

Ramla Bay, north Gozo: the red-sand bay (unusual in Malta) has clear turquoise water at the rocky headlands on both sides. Less developed than the Blue Lagoon, with a more authentic Maltese beach atmosphere.

The Comino day trip honest guide covers all access options and timing in detail.

Last reviewed: 2026-04-20