About Crystal Lagoon
Crystal Lagoon is a narrow inlet on Comino's west coast, a short way south of the Blue Lagoon, enclosed by high limestone cliffs. There is no beach at all: the cliffs drop straight into clear, mostly shallow water, and the walls are cut with sea caves and tunnels. The best known is Popeye's Cave, where the roof has collapsed and light falls into the water through a large opening.
It is a swim-from-the-boat spot. Most day cruises around Comino stop here for half an hour or so, and private charters anchor in it on calm days. Because you cannot easily get in from the land, it stays much quieter than its famous neighbour, even in August.
What Crystal Lagoon is like
The inlet is small and steep-sided, with water that is mostly 5 metres deep or less over a mix of rock and sand, so in good light you can see the bottom from the deck. Some of the smaller caves have patches of white sand inside. The cliffs give some shade in the morning and late afternoon, but there is nowhere to sit or leave anything, so you stay on the boat between swims.
From the coastal track above you get a good view down into the lagoon, but the way down is a scramble over sharp, loose rock, and the only other option is a high jump. It is not worth trying with children or bags.
When to go to Crystal Lagoon
The inlet opens to the south-west, towards the channel between Comino and Gozo. It is sheltered in northerly, north-easterly and easterly winds, and can get a little choppy in the common north-westerly. Avoid it in south-easterly, southerly, south-westerly or westerly winds, when swell runs into the inlet and the caves become unsafe.
Boat trips mostly run from June to October. Morning stops are calmer, before the busiest cruise boats arrive. Out of season the sea can be cold and rough, and fewer boats go.
Swimming and snorkelling at Crystal Lagoon
This is one of the better snorkelling spots around Comino, with clear water, small fish sheltering along the cliff walls and caves to swim into. Only go into caves in calm conditions, and look out for boats manoeuvring at the mouth of the inlet, as several can be anchored at once. Many boats let you jump from the deck or use a ladder; check how deep it is below you before jumping.
Bring a mask, a snorkel and water shoes, and a lycra top or reef-safe sunscreen, as you will spend a long time face down in the sun. Jellyfish appear in some summers. Comino is a nature reserve and bird sanctuary, so leave nothing behind and do not take shells or stones.
Things to do near Crystal Lagoon
The Blue Lagoon is a few minutes away by boat or a short walk along the cliff track, and the dive sites around this part of Comino, including Alex Cave and the P31 patrol boat wreck, are popular with dive centres. On land, Santa Marija Tower stands on the high ground nearby and is open in the warmer months. There are no facilities at the lagoon itself; the nearest kiosks and toilets are at the Blue Lagoon.
Frequently asked questions
How do I get to Crystal Lagoon?
The easiest way is a boat tour that stops in the lagoon. You can also walk about 700 metres from the Blue Lagoon, but getting into the water from the cliffs is difficult.
Is Crystal Lagoon a beach?
No. It is a rocky inlet with cliffs and no sand, so you swim from a boat.
Is Crystal Lagoon good for snorkelling?
Yes. The water is clear and mostly shallow enough to see the bottom, with sea caves to explore in calm weather.
Do you need the Blue Lagoon pass for Crystal Lagoon?
Not if you stay with your boat and swim from it. The pass is needed to go ashore at the Blue Lagoon, so check with your operator if your trip also lands there.
What is Popeye's Cave?
It is the largest cave at Crystal Lagoon, with a collapsed roof that lets daylight into the water. Boats often nose in and you can swim inside on calm days.
Can you get to Crystal Lagoon by boat?
Yes. Boat trips to Crystal Lagoon run with Aloha Boat Charters, Bulldog Cruises, Comino Land Charters and 8 others.
