Crystal Lagoon, Comino Malta – The Complete 2026 Guide
Introduction
Tucked between Malta and Gozo, Crystal Lagoon on Comino is a breathtaking, quieter alternative to Blue Lagoon, with turquoise waters, dramatic cliffs, sea caves, and unforgettable, crowd-free swimming and snorkeling experiences.
Expect dazzling visibility for snorkeling, sheltered coves for swimming, photogenic caves to explore, adventurous cliff-diving ledges, and exclusive anchorages where private boats linger away from Comino’s busiest daytime crowds in summer.
Experience Crystal Lagoon on a tailored private boat tour, a flexible self-drive boat rental, or an exciting jet ski safari, booking with iMalta Boat Trips for reliable service and local skippers.
This 2026 guide shares insider routes, safety tips, and planning advice so you enjoy secluded swim stops, snorkeling, dramatic caves, and smooth logistics tailored to winds, sea conditions, and seasonal patterns.
What is Crystal Lagoon?
Crystal Lagoon is one of Comino’s most stunning natural treasures, a sheltered bay carved into the western cliffs of the island and famous for its shimmering turquoise waters. Unlike the busier Blue Lagoon, which often fills up with ferries and crowds by mid-morning, Crystal Lagoon retains an untouched, secluded charm that feels like stepping into a secret paradise.
The Crystal lagoon is framed by dramatic yellow limestone cliffs that rise steeply from the sea, creating a natural amphitheatre of rock. Beneath the surface, sunlight reflects off sandy patches and boulders, giving the water its famous crystalline glow. This dazzling visibility makes Crystal Lagoon an exceptional spot for swimming, snorkeling, and underwater photography.
Where is Crystal Lagoon Located?
Crystal Lagoon lies on the western side of Comino, a tiny island nestled between Malta and Gozo. This part of Comino is wilder and more dramatic, shaped by towering cliffs, sea caves, and deep waters that have carved one of the most scenic bays in the Maltese archipelago.
Unlike sandy beaches or shallow coves, Crystal Lagoon is entirely framed by high limestone walls, giving it a natural sense of seclusion. The steep cliffs create a sheltered basin where the sea stays calm, making it an excellent anchorage point for small boats and an inviting playground for swimmers and snorkelers. Because of these cliffs, the lagoon is almost impossible to access directly from land, making it feel even more exclusive.
How to Get to Crystal Lagoon
Crystal Lagoon can only be reached by water, which makes visiting it feel like a special adventure. While there are several ways to get there, some options are far better if you want to maximize your time and avoid the crowds.
From Malta
There are a few ports and departure points in Malta, but the most convenient option is to make your way to Ċirkewwa on the northern tip of the island. You can check the location here: Ċirkewwa on Google Maps. From here, Comino is just a short boat ride away, meaning you can spend more time enjoying the blue waters of Crystal Lagoon rather than traveling.
The best way to experience it is by booking a 4-hour private boat tour. This gives you plenty of time to explore Crystal Lagoon, the Blue Lagoon, and Comino’s many caves and hidden bays in comfort.
From Gozo
If you’re staying on Gozo, the crossing to Comino is even shorter, making Crystal Lagoon very accessible. One option is to book a private boat charter with Outdoor Explorers Malta, a Gozo-based operator that offers tailored trips across to Comino and its lagoons.
Self-Drive Boat Rental
Another great choice for independent travelers is a self-drive boat rental. With no skipper on board, you can enjoy the freedom of navigating at your own pace, choosing when to stop for snorkeling, swimming, or cave exploring around Crystal Lagoon and beyond.
Jet Ski Safari
For something truly unique, fast, and fun, a 1-hour jet ski safari is one of the most exhilarating ways to reach Crystal Lagoon. Guided by a professional, you’ll skim across the water at speed and arrive at Comino’s most beautiful spots in style.
Shared Boats
There are also shared boat options that include Crystal Lagoon as part of a wider tour. These can sometimes work out cheaper, but they usually follow fixed schedules and often get crowded, which means less flexibility and privacy compared to private tours or rentals.
Pro Tip: Go very early in the morning, when boat traffic is minimal, and you may get the lagoon all to yourself. Sunset is also magical, as the golden light hits the limestone cliffs, turning them a warm orange — the perfect time for unforgettable photos.
Best Things to Do at Crystal Lagoon
Crystal Lagoon is not just a beautiful bay to admire from the surface — it’s a destination full of unique activities that make it one of Malta’s most exciting natural playgrounds. From relaxed swims in turquoise waters to thrilling cliff jumps and climbing challenges, here’s what awaits you.
Swimming in Crystal-Clear Waters
Swimming in Crystal Lagoon is like stepping into a natural infinity pool carved into Comino’s limestone cliffs. The sheltered setting ensures calm waters, and the clarity is unmatched — you’ll see straight to the sandy patches and rocks below. It’s an ideal spot for families, couples, and anyone who wants to relax in water that glitters under the Mediterranean sun.
Snorkeling in Crystal Lagoon
Snorkeling here is a must-do. The lagoon’s crystal-clear visibility and rocky seabed create the perfect environment for fish nurseries. Expect to see schools of silvery seabream, camouflage octopuses hiding in rock crevices, and even small clown crabs scuttling across the sand.
Every boat tour and self-drive rental includes a free mask and snorkel, so you don’t need to worry about bringing your own gear. This makes it easy to jump straight into the underwater world and start exploring.
Pro Tip: Bring a small piece of white bread with you. The seabream absolutely love carbs — just like we do — and as soon as you drop some in the water, you’ll be surrounded by shimmering fish. This simple trick makes snorkeling extra fun, especially for children.
The best time for snorkeling is late afternoon, when the water is calmest and marine life comes out of hiding, giving you the chance to spot even more species.
Cliff Diving at Crystal Lagoon
Crystal Lagoon is one of Malta’s premier cliff diving locations. With natural ledges ranging from safe beginner-friendly jumps to towering drops of more than 20 feet, it offers something for every level of thrill seeker. The lagoon’s deep basin ensures safe landings, but always follow the golden rule: never swan dive if you’re unsure of the depth.
Many of the favorite diving points are on the northern side of the lagoon, and local skippers know the safest places to leap. For more adrenaline inspiration, you can also read our full Cliff Diving in Malta, Gozo, Comino & Blue Lagoon blog
Free Diving and Apnea in Crystal Lagoon
For those who enjoy pushing their limits underwater, Crystal Lagoon is an excellent place for free diving and apnea training. Depths vary from shallow 1.2-meter sections on the inner edge to more than 15 meters at the center, making it versatile for both beginners and more advanced divers.
Apnea enthusiasts appreciate the lagoon’s calm, sheltered conditions, while newcomers can practice holding their breath in a safe, controlled environment. The only challenge here is that the water is so clear, it can be deceptive — what looks shallow may in fact be much deeper.
Always ask your skipper for safe diving spots, and if you’re on a self-drive rental, check how much chain or rope it takes for your anchor to reach the seabed — it’s a quick way to gauge depth before diving.
Deep Water Soloing (Climbing) in Crystal Lagoon
Crystal Lagoon has also become one of Malta’s hotspots for climbing over water, known as Deep Water Soloing (DWS) or Psicobloc. This unique activity combines the thrill of climbing sheer limestone cliffs with the safety of plunging into turquoise waters below if you fall.
The north side of the lagoon is the most popular for climbing, offering routes that suit both intermediate and experienced climbers. Another excellent challenge is the traverse from Popeye Cave, where you can move laterally across the rock face before dropping into the sea.
Climbers love this location because it combines natural beauty with pure adventure — scaling honey-colored cliffs under the sun and finishing each climb with a refreshing jump into the lagoon.
Climber’s Tip: Always check the water depth before climbing, never climb alone, and stick to sections where you’re confident about both the rock holds and the water conditions.
Exploring Sea Caves at Crystal Lagoon
One of the biggest attractions of Crystal Lagoon is its network of sea caves, carved into the cliffs over thousands of years. These caves are dramatic, photogenic, and full of character, each offering a unique adventure. With private boat trips, our custom-built boats are designed to enter caves part of the way and explore the shallows safely. Skippers know the lagoon inside out, so you can enjoy these wonders up close — something that shared ferries and larger boats cannot do.
Lovers Cave
Lovers Cave is the most famous and most sought-after cave in Comino, and for good reason. Featured in the film The Count of Monte Cristo as the entrance to the Château d’If, it has a cinematic reputation that matches its natural beauty. The cave stretches around 40 meters deep, and at the very end lies a small, 10-meter white sand beach — a rare and magical sight inside the cliffs.
The cave can only be accessed by private charters or private boats. Visitors usually anchor outside and swim in, making it a thrilling but safe adventure. For safety, it’s always recommended to take a life ring or floatable object when swimming inside, both to stay visible to other boats and to make the swim easier.
Tunnel Cave
Tunnel Cave is another dramatic highlight of Crystal Lagoon. It runs beneath the cliffs, connecting the sheltered lagoon with the open sea. Swimming through the tunnel is an unforgettable experience, as the glow of blue light at the far end creates a surreal atmosphere. Snorkelers and apnea divers often attempt the full passage, but only on calm days when conditions are safe.
Popeye Cave
Located east of Crystal Lagoon, Popeye Cave is instantly recognizable thanks to its collapsed ceiling, which allows beams of sunlight to stream in and reflect off massive limestone boulders below. The cave got its nickname from the 1980s Popeye movie starring Robin Williams, in which Popeye had to battle a giant octopus. Locally, the cave is also known as L-Għar ta’ Bla Saqaf, Taħt il-Ħnejja, or Il-Bejta tal-Fenek.
Inside, there’s a rock formation affectionately known as the “Guardian of the Cave.” It can be difficult to spot at first, but once pointed out by an experienced skipper, you’ll never unsee it. This detail, along with the play of natural light, makes Popeye Cave one of the most photographed spots on Comino.
Frequently Asked Questions About Crystal Lagoon
Pro Tip: These caves can only be fully explored on a private boat trip with a skipper or a jet ski safari. Large ferries never enter the caves, so booking a small, custom experience is the only way to see them properly
