A complete Guide for 2023, How to explore Comino Island and Blue Lagoon
Things to do in the Blue Lagoon / Comino, and what are the best ways to get to Blue Lagoon
Comino Island Malta
Comino (Kemuna) and its islets, a small island off the coast of Gozo, nestled between Malta island to teh south, and Gozo island to the north. Comino Island is home to a variety of bird species and is renowned for its peaceful atmosphere. Comino spans just 3 km², hunting, and other vehicles are not allowed here in order to preserve its serenity. Historically, Comino was seen as a place of refuge by corsairs.
Comino is home to Blue Lagoon (Bejn il-Kmiemen) . The Blue Lagoon is a popular destination for tourists on day boat trips and private charters. The Blue Lagoon can get quite busy during the warmer months from May to October. However, other areas of Comino are not as frequented and make for a great visit too!
Blue Lagoon Malta, Comino
Blue Lagoon, referred to by the Comino residents as Bejn il Kmimen (literal translation is between the Comino’s), is a stretch of turquoise blue waters between the Comino and Cominotto islands. It is arguably the most famous beach in the Maltese islands and one of the top 5 sites to visit in Malta.
You can easily spend a full day, from relaxing on a deckchair, snorkeling and swim in crystal clear water, sipping on a pineapple cocktail, getting your adrenaline kicking with some water sports, sailing from one lagoon to the next, a hike around Comino island or diving off your boat charter into the clear waters.
But it is important to know that this place can get very busy, especially in the summer months, your best options will be either to get a private boat trip or an early morning comino ferry boat ( more information below)
On this page, you will learn the best ways to get to the blue lagoon comino, weather pages to follow, how to get to the blue lagoon, and the cheapest boat trip options to get to the blue lagoon
Where is Blue Lagoon in Malta?
Blue Lagoon is located between the island of Comino and the smaller island of Cominotto. It is a stretch of shallow crystal clear blue waters making it the most sought-after beach in the Maltese islands.
Blue Lagoon Comino
It is recommended to plan your visits in advance, as some times of the day can get really crowded with too many visitors. This helps reduce the chaos and makes for a smooth experience.
Below we will explain more in detail about the best times to visit the Blue Lagoon, What are the blue lagoon options for Comino Ferries, Comino Shared Cruises, Catamarans, Sail Boats, and Private Boat Trips
To help you plan your trip to the Blue Lagoon Comino, we will tell you more about the best times to visit and give an overview of the ferries, shared cruises, and private boat trips available.
How to get to Blue Lagoon / Comino.
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Visitors to the Blue Lagoon can travel there by way of different routes depending on their location. The most common method is taking a bus to Cirkewwa and then getting a private boat trip or catching the comino ferry service which operates every 60 minutes for reaching the blue lagoon.
The best options are:
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Day Trip: Blue Lagoon Boat Tours
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Private Boat Trip
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Public Transport & Ferry from Ċirkewwa (northern port in Malta)
Let’s see further all the options in detail.
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Day Trip: Blue Lagoon Boat Tours
Shared Boat Cruise
There are different companies offering this shared boat excursion, and different companies have different offers, some even have food and drinks included. Departures are at 10.00 and return at 18.00, this is not flexible, times are fixed. The prices vary from €25 to €55 depending on what package and type of boat you choose. You can choose from Catamaran, Turkish gulet, Cruise boat, Glass bottom boat, or traditional boats. From Bugibba/ Qawra, saint pauls area, the full-day blue lagoon boat tour prices are a bit cheaper, due to a shorter distance. You would be expected to pay from €15 to €35. We advise people to arrive at the departure point ahead of time and get in the queue to get better seats on the boat. Always check the details of your deal on your booking ticket.
Day Trip: Boat Tours
Pros– it is one of the cheapest options
Cons – routes are set,
-you are not in control of locations or time
– dock in the blue lagoon for a few hours at the busiest time of the day
-limited on the locations you visit
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Private Boat Trip / Boat Charter
Sail Boat Private Charter
A private boat charter is the most convenient and comfortable way to visit the Blue Lagoon in Malta. Many boat charter companies have added the comino, blue lagoon, and Gozo routes to their services as a regular boat trip. The departure time can be tailored for you, with options to start morning, afternoon, or even for a sunset boat cruise. You don’t want to arrive at Blue Lagoon too late when the commercial big boats have already arrived.
A private boat rental/hire will allow you to secure the best place to anchor whilst also giving you time to enjoy the Blue Lagoon away from the busy coast. There are many options, on the length of the Comino boat trips. Starting from a 2hours charter, Half day charter up to a full-day charter. There are also many options of boats to choose from, sailboats, motor boats, yacht ribs, cabin cruisers, speed boats, open boats, and my personal favorite power boats. The skipper will usually show you Comino caves, Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon, Comino beaches, Cominotto, Santa Marija bay, and also some of the coast of Gozo Island, including Gozo Harbour, Hondoq Bay, and more, depending on the length of your boat rental.
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The private blue lagoon boat charters depart from Sliema / Valetta area and also Cirkewwa. Private boat tours departing from Cirkewwa get to see more of the blue waters of Comino and the coast of Gozo, making it a better experience for the guests, Blue lagoon boat charters excursion are tailored to be the whole experience, while the blue lagoon is one of the highlights of the trips you will see many more locations on the way. Private boat trip prices start from just around 199 euros, Prices are per boat not per person, so if you are a group of friends or a family this option might work out more affordable and it is by far the better blue lagoon boat experience.
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Private Boat Trip
Pros– flexible start time
-tailored boat trip
-choose the style of your boat
-choose the speed of the boat
-visit secluded beaches and explore caves
-anchor in the bluest waters
-free snorkel gear to use
-blooth tooth audio, play your own tunes
-family-friendly
-The Skipper will give you information along the way about the sites you visit
Cons – it is not as cheap as the ferry boat or the shared cruise
Comino Ferries
The Comino Ferries leave from Cirkewwa ( Cirkewwa is the same port where Blue Lagoon Private charters leave from, and it is also where the Gozo channel docks). The Comino ferry boats set sail every hour on the hour in favorable weather conditions to blue lagoon and Comino island. The first Comino ferry boat is at 10 am with the last pick-up from blue lagoon at 6 pm. The crossing takes around 30 minutes and each Comino ferry boat takes around 30 passengers. Prices are around 15 euros per Adult ( children under 12 have a discounted price), and childer under 3 years old go for free, depending on which company you use.
Comino Ferries
Pros – they leave every hour
-you can plan how long you want to stay in Comino, especially if you are after a hike on the island
Cons – you will only see the Blue Lagoon
– you are bound by their schedule
How to get to Cirkewwa, to board your boat to Blue Lagoon?
Bus Cards
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How to get to Comino/ Blue Lagoon from Valletta?
If you’re traveling from Valletta/Floriana, two bus routes are available – 41 or 42. The former takes 73 stops and the latter 71 stops, overall about 90 minutes of journey time. You will be one of the first passengers so you will have the option to get a good window seat. Here is the timetable for line 41 and the timetable for the bus 42.
From Cirkewwa you can get a boat trip, a self-drive boat rental, or a Comino ferry to Blue Lagoon. ( booking in advance so you are not disappointed) -
How to get to Comino/ Blue Lagoon from Sliema & St Julian’s?
The 222 bus runs from both Sliema and St. Julians, usually departing every 15 to 30 minutes. The journey takes approximately 80 minutes and can make up to 56 stops from Sliema, or 49 if you’re starting in St. Julian’s. To find timetables and stops for this route, please see this link. This bus tends to get full at saint julian, so allow a bit of cushion time. From Cirkewwa you can get a private boat trip, a self-drive boat rental, or a comino ferry to Blue Lagoon. ( booking in advance so you are not disappointed)
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How to get to comino/ Blue Lagoon from Budgibba, Saint Pauls, Qawra or Xemxija?
To get from Bugibba, Saint Pauls, Qawra, or Xemxija to your destination, take bus 221. It runs for about 30 minutes, making 41 stops in total. This bus tends to get full so plan a little cushion time. From Cirkewwa you can get a boat tour, a self-drive boat rental, or a ferry to comino Blue Lagoon. ( booking in advance so you are not disappointed)
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How to get to comino/ Blue Lagoon from Mellieha or Ghadira?
From Mellieha and Ghadira: all the busses with directions to Cirkewwa are a good option. It is only around 15 minutes journey. From Cirkewwa you can get a boat trip, a self-drive boat rental, or a ferry to comino Blue Lagoon. ( booking in advance so you are not disappointed)
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How to get to comino/ Blue Lagoon from Malta International Airport
Bus X1 is a great way to get from the Airport, it takes about 70 minutes and stops 24 times. Please check their timetable for more information.
Note– When taking the bus in Malta, keep in mind that it won’t always stop at every designated stop. There may be more listed on the timetable, but buses tend to make fewer stops. To ensure that your bus doesn’t pass by your stop, make sure to ring the bell as it approaches. The last stop of all the listed buses is Cirkewwa, where you will have to alight. Upon disembarking, you will be faced with two choices; either head towards Gozo or Comino. To find the departure point for Comino, once you’re off the bus, cross the Gozo Ferry boarding road and look for a small stall with a kiosk selling food and drinks next to it. It is right by the sea and it is from here that the Ferries are departing for the Blue Lagoon Comino.
Taxi – renting a taxi is another option to get to cirkewwa. Now a day there are a few companies that you can book via mobile applications, the 4 main companies are Ecabs, Bolt, Uber, and Cool
You can also get a local taxi, the service will be a little more personalized and the prices are the same, we usually use Saun Taxis – +356 7705 2138
see the below map for Cirkewwa start point
Places to visit while in Blue Lagoon and Comino
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- Movies filmed in Blue Lagoon Malta
- Cominotto
- Crystal lagoon Comino
- San Niklaw bay Comino
- Santa Marija Bay Comino
- Santa Marija Caves Comino
- Santa Marija chapel Comino
- Comino Tower ( Santa Marija Tower)
- Santa Marija battery Comino
- Comino Hotel
- Comino Old Bakery
- Elephants Rock (id- Darsa)
- Comino Cemetery
- Hermit Cave Comino
- Isolation Hospital
- Comino Feast
- Comino and its residents
- Comino Salvu
- Comino Veggie
- Activities you find in Blue Lagoon
- Fun & Interesting Facts
- FAQ
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Movies filmed in Blue Lagoon Malta
Brad Pit on Cominotto
Blue Lagoon Movie as a movie set- the blue lagoon is ideal for shooting movies, given that in the winter, you still get a fair share of sunny days. You get a combination of perfect conditions. Quite a few movies were filmed on the island of Comino. Amongst these are parts of Troy with Brad Pit, Swept Away with Madonna, Count of Monte Cristo, Blue Hamlet, Among Wolfs, and many more.
Troy movie set Blue Lagoon
But it was not always like that. It wasn’t always a tourist haven, a movie location, a must-do beach, a yacht charter mecca, or a snorkel’s paradise. Before, it was a pirate-infested channel where corsairs use to hide and attack the passing ships. For this reason, the Santa Marija Tower, aka the Comino Tower, was built in an area known as (fuq il mazz). From this position, they could see the lagoon of crystal lagoon and blue lagoon. In these times, it was not a sought-after job to work here as a guard in ( Sovereign Military Order of Malta) time.
More often than not, it was as forfeiture that the Order would sentence their knights here and not for them to make an extra scudo or two.
Cominotto island Malta
Cominotto island, cominotto beach
Cominotto is a small island situated to the west of the blue lagoon, and given that it makes up half of the blue lagoon, little to no information you can find on it, unlike its larger sister Comino Island
Cominotto is to the west of the blue lagoon, with its little small beach. Unlike the Comino side, this beach is tranquil, and it only gets a few people daily. There are no deck chairs here, nor umbrellas. Cominotto Beach is covered with white powder sand and seashells, while the sea around it has small boulders that attached numerous fish hiding under boulders make in it perfect for snorkeling and octopus spotting.
Cominotto Island cave/ where a scene of the movie Troy was filmed
- Cominotto Beach was used for part of the film shooting Swept Away starring Madonna and directed by GUY RITCHIE
- The movie seen Troy when Achilles’ mother is picking up sea shells for a necklace was also filmed here
- You can still find the remnant of a storeroom that was used by the British forces to store Black Powder
- The Cominotto Island conundrum,
There is a set of wide stairs from the reef up to a derelict building. It has an air of flamboyant ancient master craftsmen ship. There isn’t much information about them, and all the old-timers remember them there.
Another interesting fact is that on Cominotto Island, there use to be a room where gunpowder used to be stored. Unfortunately, nowadays, the elements had the better of it, and you can only find pieces of limestone bricks on the top of the island.
All in all, the blue lagoon is a natural phenomenon, with white sand, 2 small sandy beaches on either side, crystal blue water, and enough history and mystery to keep anyone and everyone entertained.
Even on such a remote island, you can still find numerous rabbits, countless lizards, and many sea birds that nest on the cliffs of Cominotto
Comiotto Cave-
There are a few caves on Cominotto but the most famous one, is the cave that crosses the island from one side to the other, and at the end of it there is a sandy beach. The cave is around 3 meter deep at its depends and it comes to a shallow end on the blue lagoon side. Water shoes and snorkel are advisable. This scene from the movie Troy, when Achilles’ mother was collecting seashells to do a necklace was filmed in the Cominotto cave.
Cominotto can only be reached either, by swimming across the blue lagoon ( check the lifeguard flags, the blue lagoon is prone to heavy currents) or by blue lagoon private boat charter and self-drive boat rental, where you can cast your anchor next to Cominotto beach, and swim and dive of the exclusive boat rental.
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Crystal lagoon Comino
Crystal Lagoon is located on the picturesque island of Comino, Malta. It is only a short distance from Blue Lagoon, making it the perfect alternative with just as crystal blue waters without the many tourists. Crystal Lagoon is a renowned diving and snorkeling spot in Malta. Its sheltered lagoon offers crystal clear emerald-turquoise waters with a depth ranging between 5 to 9 meters, creating ideal conditions for swimming and snorkeling. It is also a famous place for cliff diving and Deep water soloing. It is one of the best places for Comino subwing water sports. Comino’s crystal lagoon can be accessed by boat rental or bareboat hire, just find your patch of blue water and cast your anchor.
You can also get a skippered boat charter, or take a ferry boat from the north of Malta and then hike 15 minutes to the south of the blue lagoon. Unfortunately, only very few of the bigger cruises and catamaran passes from the crystal lagoon because it is much harder to maneuver big ships in the lagoon. Skippered Charters are the easiest option to visit crystal lagoon sir to the many caves, pigeon rock reef, P31 shipwreck, and the famous lovers’ cave. When booking a malta boat trip make sure you ask if you will be visiting these locations.
San Niklaw bay Comino
San Niklaw Bay
San Niklaw Beach is a small bay located on the north side of Comino Island. St. Nicholas Bay is an ideal spot for families looking to enjoy their Comino beach day with gorgeous, crystal-clear waters and two small sandy beaches. it’s definitely worth taking a dip in its stunning and family-friendly waters. St. Nicholas Bay is a popular beach, less crowded than The Blue Lagoon and therefore more tranquil. Comino and San Niklaw Bay are also well worth a visit during the winter months for lovely country walks and nature observations.
San Niklaw is home to the famous Comino Hotel. In recent years, there has been much discussion about rebuilding the Comino Hotel. Since 2019 San Niklaw Bay can not be accessed by land due to the dismantling of the hotel. The only way to visit this beautiful beach is by private boat charter or a malta boat rental. Note- you can only anchor on the east wall, the west side of the bay in a boat fareway. It is a well-known sport for snorkeling and diving, especially for octopuses and small colorful fish, especially on the east wall.
Santa Marija Bay Comino
Santa Marija Bay
Santa Maria Bay, situated on the island of Comino, is an ideal spot for relaxation. With its tranquil atmosphere and white sandy beach, it is a great alternative to The Blue Lagoon comino which is reachable by a leisurely 25-minute walk. Santa Maria Bay may not be as picturesque as the Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon, but it offers a more suitable destination for those seeking a place to relax and families with young children.
Santa Maria Bay is renowned for its shallow and clear waters and its proximity to the only Comino’s police station. The bay is generally frequented by locals and their private boats as it takes a 25-minute walk from the Blue Lagoon to get there, which can become tiring in the summer heat. Santa Marija Bay has the biggest sandy beach on Comino island, and you have some natural shade with the tamarisk trees.
Behind the bay, you also have a big man-made pond for bird watching, it was dug up in 2021 with the cooperation of birdlife and ERA The Santa Marija Chapel is only a stone’s throw away. Santa Marija Bay is easily accessible with a private Comino boat charter, and it is a loved place for beginner snorkelers or families with kids that are looking for a scheduled bay with sand and shallow waters.
In Santa Marija bay it is not allowed to go inside the bay by a rented jetski. You are however allowed to go in with a self-drive boat hire rentals, or a skipped boat tour. Same as San Niklaw beach you can only anchor on the east wall of the bay
Santa Marija Caves Comino
Santa Marija Caves / Imnieri Caves can be found near Santa Marija Bay on the easter side of Comino Island. The area is home to a variety of different caves, with the largest one being called Cathedral Cave other worth noticing are the comino arch, Comino window, and Monte Cristo cave. To explore these caves, it’s best to use a private boat as they are only accessible this way.
There is only one cave that you can reach on foot. Monte Cristo cave is located along the North coast near Santa Marija Bay just before the cliff starts getting steep. You will need to pass through a small lagoon and then onwards to an outside cave. There are multiple air pockets, making them famous with divers and free divers. You can also find big schools of seabream here. If it is your first time avoid going anywhere near the cave if the seas are rough, Given that there is alt of air pockets and underwater caves this makes them extremely dangerous if you don’t know the caves.
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Smugglers Cave- Situated beyond the cliff face is an enchanting indoor pool that connects to the sea. It’s a haven for divers who use its underwater opening, while an overlying rocky window provides a spectacular close-up view of the surrounding cliffs.
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Comino Caves have become a popular site for outdoor activities, such as slacklining, cliff diving and Deep Water Soloing/Psychobloc. Located in Comino, Malta, these caves offer a thrilling and unique experience.
Santa Marija chapel Comino
Santa Marija Chapple
No one knows exactly when the first church was built but it seems to be very old. What we know for sure is that this chapel, which is part of the Diocese of Gozo, was built more than once. Comino Island has been abandoned for a long time due to the frequent collisions of the corsairs, and it has probably been looted by these sea robbers many times. But earlier, there could have been another chapel, a troglodyte, on this island. The activity on this island in the Middle Ages was concentrated around the church of Santa Maria, as the one that is there today was known in those times. A church in these areas was mentioned in a writing of 1296. After the comino church that was built in 1618 which we can still see today.
In the beginning,the Comino church was dedicated to the Ascension of our Lord Mary and that
Comino Chapple altar
was why this chapel was called the church of Santa Maria, and it is still called that today. The beach next to it is also called the beach of Santa Maria. It is said that this devotion was so great among the villagers of this small island, that when they repaired it they changed the dedication from that of Santa Maria, to the Return of the Holy Family from Egypt.
Back in the day when the weather was very bad masses were conducted at a distance; the priest and his attendants stood on Hondoq ir-Rummien beach adjacent to the Chapel of Our Lady of the Rocks on Gozo and the residents stood on a westerly premonitory in San Nicklaw Bay called Ta’ Hmara. Communication between the two groups was conducted using flags carefully timed to be raised in a predetermined order. Marija ( Salvu and Veggies untie ) once mentioned that she recalls attending such a mass when she was just 15 years of age. Marija Said was born in 1942.
In the winter there is a Comino mass held on Sunday morning at 10.00 am, and for the summer days there is a mass held at 7 pm. Dun Guzepp, the comino priest/chaplain crosses every weekend to carry out the mass. The Church is also open for other religious feasts, Easter, Good Friday, and Christmas.
You can join the comino ferry boat from Gozo to Santa Marija bay. In Winter on Sunday morning ( 9 .15 departure from mgarr harbor) or in the summer at 18.15 departure from mgarr gozo harbor. The mass takes around 45 minutes and of course, you will have around another 30 minutes to sail back to Gozo Island. Comino Ferry will cost you 15 euros per person, and kind under 3 years of age board for free
Comino Tower ( Santa Marija Tower)
comino tower reenactment
The importance of protecting vessels in the Comino channel from Corsairs/ Pirates was recognized for many years, but a real effort to build a fortified structure on the island started in 1616. This is the largest and most expensive tower of its kind built on the Maltese islands. The construction of the tower was overseen by Vittorio Cassar, a military engineer whose father was the renowned Girolamo Cassar. It was at the time funded by Grandmaster Alof de Wignacourt (1601-1622), whose insignia still adorns the facade. During the age of the Knights, St Mary’s Comino Tower had up to 30 soldiers guarding it, along with 6 cannons of different sizes.
When Britain was in charge, its main role was more related to keeping an eye on contraband & quarantine protocols. After being neglected and vandalized for a substantial amount of time, the tower was handed over by the Armed Forces of Malta. Din l-Art Helwa then carried out its restoration and conservation work. Comino’s Tower, which is opened frequently by the NGO members, provides an amazing view of the Blue Lagoon and the island. As a sign that the tower is open, they fly a flag over the tower.
The Comino Tower had a crucial part to play in The Count of Monte Cristo film filmed on location at Comino island in 2002. It is aligned with the Red Tower, Mellieha on Malta and the Garzes Tower, Mgarr on Gozo. The Garzes Tower, also known as Torri Garzes/St Martin’s Tower, was constructed in 1605 but destroyed by the British in 1848.
The view of the Comino tower from the Crystal Lagoon is breathtaking! Ask your skipper to dock at Crystal Lagoon jetty and make sure to take a 10-minute hike up to the tower. It’s definitely worth it!
Santa Marija battery Comino
In the 18th century, St Mary’s Battery and St Mary’s Redoubt were constructed as defensive structures. The former was located on the south side of Comino and equipped with two 24-pound and four 6-pound guns to guard the Malta-Comino Channel since 1715. The military fortification, designed by Philippe de Vendome, was partly restored by Din l-Art Helwa in 1996. It is open for visitors on select occasions. The second, St Mary’s Redoubt, built-in 1761 was sited somewhere along the Qala Santa Marija foreshore; unfortunately, no traces of this fortification remain and attempts to identify the site have proven fruitless. The comino Battrey it is now only one of three batteries on the Maltese islands.
There are a few caves under the battery and an arch that one can visit by boat, the caves used to be used by fishermen a long time ago, and you can still find the carved rocks where they use to tie their boats
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Comino Hotel
Comino Hotel
The Comino Hotel, built in 1962 by Mr Gaul, boasts an enviable location with stunning views of San Niklaw Bay on the gorgeous island of Comino. It is well-known as a hub of activity and offers two private sandy beaches to its guests. Aside from the serene sightseeing, visitors can avail the facility of two big swimming pools- one for adults and one for children. In Santa Marija Bay you can find the Bungalows/villas with not more than one hundred meters away from the sandy beach of Santa marija.
The Comino Hotel has been closed since 2019, with new owners HV Hospitality now taking over. They are planning on demolishing the hotel and rebuilding a new one from scratch
HV Hospitality, a part of Hili Ventures, recently revealed their plans for the new Comino Hotel & Villas on Comino Island in Malta. The project is set to cost between €110 million to €120 million and is focused on providing sustainable hospitality solutions.
World-renowned architect Antonio Belvedere, formerly of Renzo Piano Building Workshop, is leading the design team for this project. He is dedicated to crafting a design that harmoniously integrates with the surrounding environment.
The comino hotel beaches are still worth visiting and they are one of the stops we get to do on a private boat tour
Comino Old Bakery / il Forn Ta Kemuna
Comino Oven
At the top of the trail leading down to Santa Marija Bay is an interesting building complex. It has several rooms inside, one of them being a bakery, and it also has multiple outbuildings which served as housing for the family’s animals. The block was previously used to accommodate workers employed by Arthur Zammit Cutajar. Inside there is an example of a classic Maltese oven. It was used by the locals to bake their daily bread when the island still had a good number of residents.
Lately the NGO friends of the Earth is caring for the Bakery building
Elephants Rock ( id-Darsa)
Where is the Elephant Rock Malta?
elephant rock comino
Elephant Rock is located on the northern coast of Comino Island, allowing it to be naturally shielded from the south-westerly waves. It is well-known for its 30-meter-long underwater tunnel, often visited by experienced divers.
A breathtakingly realistic rock formation resembling an elephant’s head with its trunk delicately touching the water – even small details like the eye socket are clearly visible. Its sheer enormity and level of detail are amazing.
The Comino Elephant rock formation became well-known due to its appearance in the movie The Count of Monte Cristo, filmed by Kevin Reynolds in 2002. Numerous shots were taken on Comino Island with Santa Maria Tower portraying the Chateau d’If in the film. In the 2002 movie, ‘The Elephant Rock’ was featured as a key element in finding the hidden treasure. It served as a vital clue to solving the mystery.
Even though Comino’s “elephant rock” is not officially called that, maps mark it as id-Darsa, the Molar. When seen from the eastern side of Comino, it resembles a large molar tooth with its roots.
The only way to explore elephants rock is by boat, most cruises pass by it, and private boat charters stop their clients for a snorkel around it and a closer look.
Comino Cemetery
Is there a cemetery on Comino?
Comino Cemetry
Yes but it is in disuse
The walled Cemetery in the center of Comino is no longer in service and is currently in a state of disrepair. The deceased have been exhumed, with some entombed at the cemetery in Ghajnsielem on Gozo. In the 1960s, the corpses of Italian and German servicemen pilots who were interred in a cemetery during World War II were repatriated to their respective homelands.
Hermit Cave Comino
Hermit Cave
These are located in the center of Comino, next to the water pump located in ta’ lifrat valley. The peacefulness of Comino is especially captivating at dawn and dusk, explaining why it has been a desirable refuge for hermits. It is easy to imagine that two caves in the nearby hills have served as homes to those keen on a tranquil and spiritual lifestyle. Despite its peaceful atmosphere now, Comino has gone through a tumultuous past before being fortified. Saint Corrado and another notable character are famously associated with this island. Their influence still extends up to Qala, where Corrado is still revered today. During the late 1200s, Abraham Abulafia from Saragoza was exiled to an island due to his Kabbalistic teachings.
His ideas of being the Messiah and Son of God as well as his emphasis on Ascetism concerned both Jewish rabbis and Roman pontiffs alike. He was born in Saragossa and is believed to have spent his last days as a hermit on Comino island. Following his Messianic ideology, which attempted to merge Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, Sabbatai Zevi traveled extensively throughout the Mediterranean in order to promote it. Rabbi Judah Alkalai, who was once sentenced to death, managed to escape and take refuge in Comino. During his three years of stay there, he wrote a major work called Sefer Ha-Ot (The Book of the Sign), which was a poetic masterpiece
Isolation Hospital
The Isolation Hospital on Comino is the largest building, aside from the hotel. It was erected during the last decade of the 19th century by British military authorities to act as a quarantine station for soldiers coming back to Malta from infected ports in the Levant region.
Isolation Hospital
A regulation published in the official Malta Government Gazette on 6th February 1897 states that Comino and Cominotto islands should be used for keeping people under quarantine. Nobody is permitted to land on these islands or come within 300 yards of them.” The isolation hospital was designed to be ready to address any unexpected outbreaks, but few of these ended up happening so the facility is now largely left unused.
EDUCATION- part of the isolation hospital was used as a school
In 1948, an all-age class school was erected on the island to cater to the few children residing there. The class took place in one of the hospital halls and remained open until 1965 when no children of school age were inhabiting the island. In 1961, the residents of Comino got an opportunity to learn in an evening class that met four days a week. This initiative was praised by a visiting school inspector who fondly referred to the students as a “group of jolly people”.
The last student that attended the school was Salvu
Comino Feast (Festa Ta’ Kemmuna)
The traditional feast of the Island has been a prominent event for many years. After a 40-year gap, it was reintroduced in 2015 and the response from the public was overwhelmingly positive. This popular event is held annually on the 19th/20th of August and its latest occurrence it captivated an even larger audience. comino Ferries will work late on this day to bring people backward and forward for the Comino feast
Comino and its residents
Comino is a small island situated between Gozo & Malta and is renowned for its serenity & beauty. The island was allegedly named after cumin, an herb that grew abundantly in the region long ago. It was inhabited by farmers in the Roman era and has experienced changes in population over time, with some periods of being completely uninhabited. For example, the population was around 150 in 1799, 33 in 1881 and 77 in 1946. Today there is only 2 resident left Salvu Vella and (Evangelista )Veggie Buttigieg
Comino Salvu
Salvu driving his Polaris
Salvu is the more known figure of the two. Salvu ta Kemuna as he is more known was born in September 1951. He is a self-tough engineer creating numerous mechanical inventions.
Comino Salvu
Salvu left school without any certifications, only having completed the end-of-year exams. Despite this, he was always interested in engineering and mechanics, starting by fixing his own bicycle chain when it broke and making a new one at an early age. At the age of 20, he managed to successfully convert his father’s petrol-driven car to a diesel. His relatives and friends were worried that it may not work properly, however, he overcame those doubts and even repaired his father’s boat by stripping down the engine and resetting 
the points. With the help of his father, Salvu constructed a small frejgatina made out of plywood, which was later expanded into a 28-foot schooner that had an engine installed.
With a natural inclination towards machine mechanics and no formal education, he has earned the respect of many as an inventor and engineer. Taking into consideration that he grew up in the remote island of Comino, his success is quite remarkable.
Even from a young age, he had a knack for fixing up and bettering machines. According to him, living on Comino drove him to find ways of improving his circumstances and this was evident in the inventions that followed. These included different types of boats, hovercrafts, Solar panels with a sun tracker, as well as various vehicles. His most remarkable creation is the remote-controlled boat trailer, which has been well-deservedly honored for its quality. This trailer is equipped with an engine and a remote-controlled hydraulic system that enables the user to drive it with the boat attached and move it up/down the slipway. After setting off in their boat, Salvu can remotely control the trailer and return it to a parking spot. When they need to come back, the trailer can be summoned again for a safe return to the slipway.
Salvu with our skipper Justin
He is passionate about sustainable farming and has set up organic fields with solar-powered pumps to irrigate the crops and maintain a small pond. Additionally, he enjoys fishing and beekeeping, growing a variety of vegetables and fruits. For a number of years, he has been using chemical-free pest control methods on his fields. Additionally, he grows a wide variety of organic vegetables and produces enough to sustain himself. On occasion, when the weather is suitable, he goes fishing from the launch point in Santa Marija Bay.
Salvu has a genuine passion for computer science and has self-taught himself the subject. He often purchases equipment online for his inventive projects as well as his hobbies and interests. His new passion is for drones and drone photography. he has numerous quad copter and submarine drones
in 2018 Nas Daily did a video clip on Comino Salvu, this clip got over 18 million views
Comino Veggie
Veggie & Salvu
Veggie, is 10 years older than Salvu. She is very active and has multiple hobbies. As Salvu she is also in apiculture. Veggie also enjoys farming, caper picking to tending to her animals & pets. She is also one of the best cooks you will ever meet, sticking to traditional cooking cuisine, given the time needed for the food to cook slowly, and using local wild herbs and fresh produce.
Activities you find in Blue Lagoon
Jetski Blue Lagoon Malta
Where can you book a jetski in Malta / Comino ?
You can find Jetski rentals in the Blue Lagoon from April to October
Jetski rental
Are you looking for an exciting adventure on the waters of Comino Island, Malta? Look no further than jetski hire in Malta! Whether you are a daredevil looking for an adrenaline rush or just want to have some fun on the water with friends, Jetski rental at Comino Island is the perfect way to get your fill of adventure. With Jetski seedoo rental options available for 1 or 2 passengers, you can enjoy the crystal clear waters and stunning scenery of this beautiful Mediterranean island while zooming around on a Jetski. Make your vacation even more fun and adventurous with our jetskis and enjoy the beautiful scenery of this Mediterranean paradise.
While on a private Malta boat trip, you can ask the skipper to arrange for you a Jetski rental in Comino Malta. Remember you need to be 21 years of age or over, and you need to observe the maritime rules. prices are usually around 50 euros per session
Parasailing Comino Malta
You can find Parasailing in the blue lagoon main jetty, operational from May to October
Parasailing in Malta is a great way to experience the fun and adventure of soaring over the Mediterranean Sea. With up to three passengers in one lift, parasailing in Comino Malta is a great experience for families and friends alike. The Comino Blue lagoon parasailing prices are also very reasonable, 40 euros per person and you will even get free photos of your parasailing adventure. So come to Comino Island, Malta, and enjoy the thrill of parasailing!
You can inform your skipper on a private boat charter and he can help you get to do parasail in Comino.
Banana rides, Crazy Sofa water sports Comino
crazy sofa
They are operated at blue lagoon main jetty, from April to October
Are you looking for an adrenaline-filled adventure? Look no further than the banana ride & Crazy Sofa rides at Comino Island, Malta! .If you’re looking for an adrenaline rush or just want to have fun, then Comino crazy sofa ride is perfect for you! You’ll get a thrilling 10-minute ride as the skipper takes you at top speed across the waves.
This crazy sofa water sport is a fun and affordable way to experience the thrill of a lifetime. Hang on tight and experience the ultimate thrill by jumping across the waves on a sofa! This water sport is super fun and is not something you want to miss out on during your family or friends vacations. Enjoy this giggly, exciting, wild ride of a lifetime! Get ready for an unforgettable experience!
This is the most affordable of all the water sports, you can rent a crazy sofa ride for just 15 euros per person. While on a private Malta boat tour, you can stop and experience a crazy sofa ride, starting in blue lagoon comino. Participants need to have a minimum age of 8 years old, pregnant women are not permitted to going the experience
Comino / Blue Lagoon Kayak
Kayak Comino
Comino Island in Malta is the perfect destination for a fun and affordable kayak rental adventure. With its crystal clear waters, multiple caves, and stunning scenery, Comino Island offers the ideal environment for an unforgettable Kayaking experience. Blue Lagoon Kayak rentals are available from June to September. The blue lagoon kayaks are sit on top kayaks and are rented without a guide.
You can also join a Kayak tour from Gozo. these sit in kayak trips will hail from Hodoq, cross the Comino channel, and explore the north coast of Comino, including blue lagoon.
Enjoy paddling around the Comino island’s coves and lagoons, explore hidden caves, and snorkel with colorful fish – there is something for everyone at this beautiful Mediterranean paradise!
Just like self-drive bareboat rentals, kayaks can be rented without a license, although proof of ID has to be presented.
Snorkeling Blue Lagoon Comino
You can rent Snorkeling Equipment from the Blue Lagoon for 10 euros per mask
long fins, free dive
Comino Island, Malta is a popular destination for snorkeling and diving. The crystal clear waters of the Comino make it an ideal destination for those looking to explore the underwater world. Comino Island is home to a variety of marine life, including colorful fish and octopuses. Swim to Comiotto side for the best views and stick to rocky areas. Fish prefer rocky areas as habitat. With its stunning views, Comino Island is the perfect place for a snorkeling or diving adventure. Renting equipment is easy, with one company offering rentals of masks, and snorkels so you can get out there and explore!
Note: On Bare Boat Rentals and also with skippered boat trips we give free snorkel equipment to our guests, we also stop our guests in the best locations for snorkeling, away from the crowds.
Subwing Water Sport Malta
On our Half-day Comino Malta boat charter, we offer Subwing Water sports. This water sport allows you to snorkel, dive and do tricks with ease ( check out the below video). This water sports excursion is only available with our private boat charters. You need to book in advance for subwing water sports. This excursion is held between July and September when the water temperature is at its highest. We have got you covered with the necessary gear, including a go pro mount. Have a great time exploring Comino Island and the Crystal Lagoon area with Malta Subwing Water sports!
Comino Spirals
Multiple spirals are located in the north of Comino, by rocks carefully places in geometric patterns. These beautiful Comino spirals can be found hidden under trees just a few minutes walk from the famous Blue Lagoon. These spirals create an enchanting atmosphere and are perfect for taking a leisurely stroll, meditating, or just enjoying the scenery. They are also a short walk from the sea.
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Fun & Interesting Facts –
- The population of Comino is 2 people, both born and bred on the island.
- Comino island- its name is given by the Spanish. The literal translation is Cumin.
- Blue Lagoon is not an actual lagoon.
- Blue Lagoon is known by locals, as Bejn il Kmiemen, the literal translation between the Cominos
- Under British rule, The British military and Navy used comino as a target practice. Local residents were moved to gozo for the training maneuvers
- At one point the island was turned into a massive prison, 1799 around 150 Pro-French sympathizers were exiled on comino
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Blue Lagoon Toilets
Yes, Blue lagoon has WC and shower amenities.
An interesting fact about the blue lagoon is that the white room, which now serves as a restroom, used to be a station for the water police. You can still make out some of the words on the lintel stone above the door.
Food for thought, there was more water police on Comino than in the rest of Malta.
Do you need a license to rent a boat in Malta?
Bare boat rental to crystal lagoon
The short answer is No, you do not require a license for a self drive boat in Malta
If you’re looking for an exciting adventure, consider a Bareboat charter in Malta. You don’t actually need a boat license and your previous experience will be sufficient. However, keep in mind that towing water skiers or towables requires a special kind of permit.
For those planning to buy a boat in Malta, having a Nautical Licence is essential if they intend to drive a ship with an engine or engines of combined power up to 30HP.
Rent a boat in Malta with or without skipper ?
You can rent a boat without a boat license in Malta as long. However, you will require some experience before the rental. These are called self-drive boat rentals or some might also call them Bare Boat Hire. Most likely it will a 6 meter, 18 foot maximum boat and it will carry a maximum of 5 clients
- A general rule with self-drive boat rentals is that you always keep away from other boats,
- Study the reefs in the area and ask your renter to point them out.
- Don’t go inside caves, boats are tricky to reverse
- check the weather forecast (https://www.windfinder.com/forecast/luqa )
- If in doubt always give way to other boats
- Always anchor in the sandy areas or a least shallow enough that if the anchor get struck you can retrieve
- Plenty of slack when anchoring,
- When at anchor keep in mind that the wind might change direction, so make sure that your diameter is clear from any other obstacles
- Always get someone to help you when mooring
A safer option is to rent a boat with a skipper. The boat will be bigger, the engine will be 
more powerfull- 200HP horsepower or more. In other words, faster and much more fun. The skippers know the area well so you will be able to do all the nice places without wasting time searching for them or worrying about depth, reefs, tide, and sea currents. Price-wise with Skipper you expect that it will be around 25 euros more per hour. But it is worth it, you get a stress-free charter and be able to do nicer places like caves and shallow lagoons. Also you have more power in the engine, so you can get from one place to the next faster, saving valuable time.
How old do you need to be to drive / rent a boat in Malta?
You need to be a minimum of 18 years old to rents a self-drive boat in Malta, you will need to present a valid Identity card or passport. Previous experience is mandatory. If you have any qualifications, experience or training bring it to the rental office or better yet whats app it in advance. This way the company can show you what self drives boats are available and you can choose the boat most suited for you. If you lack experience or have zero experience, book a boat with a skipper. This way you can still explore all the islands, most likely with a bigger and faster boat.
How much is it to hire a boat in Malta?
Prices start as low as 150 euros
Whether you want to captain a boat yourself or go for professional guidance influences the price of your boat charter. With an economical budget as low as 150 euro (including fuel) for 5 people, you can rent a self-drive boat in Malta and have a memorable half-day experience. Charter a boat with a skipper and have a stress-free vacation. Skippered boats are bigger and faster. Prices start at around 199 euros for a tour of Comino, blue lagoon, crystal lagoon, and Caves. Before renting a boat, always be sure to read customer reviews and ensure the quality is top-notch
When to Rent A Boat In Malta ?
April to October
April to October are the most ideal months for sailing with calmer waters and plenty of sunshine. Even during off-season months, you can still find blissful sunny days to enjoy a boat trip, Malta still get an approximately five sunny days each week even in December and Jannuary!. ( speak with your provider so he can pick the sunniest days for you) In the Winter months the boat charter will be focused on more cruising, visiting more locations, around the coast. While in the summer there will be more stops for snorkeling and swimming Select form one of our exclusive boat trips.
Where can you do Jet ski in Malta?
Blue Lagoon Comino
Malta is an amazing location for jetskiing! You can find several operators in the northern part of the island, especially at Comino and Blue Lagoon. Here you can rent a jetski and get ready to have an awesome time on the water! FEEL THE EXPLORER VIBE! The stunning blue waters and nearby islands definitely make it a special experience. Get the chance to rent jet skis or jet bikes for 20 minutes slots when you’re on a boat charter.
Jetski Fun
Do you need liciense for jet ski rental in Malta?
Short andwer is No, no licence requiered
Renting a jetski in Malta is both easy and fun! A competent instructor will be present to guide you while you explore the designated area. To comply with Maltese regulations, anyone using a personal watercraft has to be 18 years old or older and must carry valid photo identification.
