Snorkeling in Blue Lagoon Beaches and Bays Trip Comino

The main draw is simple: Comino’s clear blue water looks made for swimming. This four-hour boat trip gives you time at several bays, plus views of caves, cliffs, and the coast between Malta and Gozo.

I like the generous hour planned at each stop, and I like that snorkeling gear, fuel, boat facilities, a light snack, and water are included. The main catch is that the beaches can change with the weather, and the final stop may feel less useful if you would rather spend longer at the best snorkeling spots.

Key points to know before you book

• Four hours on the water: The trip starts at 9:00 am and returns to the same meeting point.
• Four coastal stops: You visit the Blue Lagoon, Santa Marija Bay, Comino, and San Niklaw Bay, with about one hour at each.
• Snorkeling gear included: You do not need to bring your own mask and snorkel, though you do need your own towel and beachwear.
• Pickup costs extra: The listed price is $57.93 per person. Pickup is not included in that price and costs EUR 10 to 20 per group.
• Weather shapes the route: Beach locations can change, and poor weather can lead to a new date or a full refund.
• Small group size: The boat accepts a maximum of 25 people, which is more manageable than a large ferry crowd.

Four hours around Comino’s best-known bays

This is a short boat outing built around swimming, snorkeling, and coastal scenery rather than a long sightseeing cruise. You leave from Comino Ferries Co-Op Ltd. on Triq Il-Marfa in Mellieħa at 9:00 am, then spend the morning moving between beaches and coves.

The schedule allows about one hour at each stop. That sounds generous on paper, especially for a half-day trip, but the actual time in the water depends on boarding, anchoring, walking to shore, and weather. You should think of the hour as a relaxed stop rather than a full hour of uninterrupted snorkeling.

The route is also flexible. The beach locations depend on conditions at sea, so the boat may adjust the order or replace a stop. This is sensible for safety, but it means you should book this for the chance to enjoy Comino’s coast, not for one fixed beach plan.

The trip description also mentions views of Gozo, sea caves, and coastal grottos. Those sights add variety to the boat ride. Still, the four named stops are the clearest part of the plan, and the exact caves or Gozo views are not specified.

Blue Lagoon: the star of the morning

The Blue Lagoon is the reason most people choose a Comino boat trip. Its pale limestone edges and remarkably clear water create the bright blue color seen in Malta photographs. At the right time and in good weather, the water is excellent for a swim and a look below the surface.

You get about one hour here. Use it well. If swimming matters most to you, get into the water early rather than spending the whole stop taking photographs from the boat. The lagoon is also a good place to use the supplied snorkeling equipment, though the quality of the experience can vary with water conditions and how busy the area is.

The words pristine and peaceful need some caution here. The Blue Lagoon is famous, and its popularity can work against the calm mood suggested by photographs. This trip does not promise a private cove. You are paying for access to one of Comino’s finest settings, not solitude.

I would also bring water shoes if you have them, even though they are not listed as an inclusion. The supplied equipment covers snorkeling gear, but not towels, beachwear, or personal footwear. A towel is especially useful after repeated swims, since the boat returns to the water after each stop.

Santa Marija Bay offers a quieter change of pace

Santa Marija Bay gives the route a different feel from the famous lagoon. It is described as a sandy beach with calm, shallow water, golden sand, cliffs, and greenery around the bay. That makes it a useful stop for a slower swim or a little time on shore.

The shallow water may suit families and less confident swimmers. It can also be a better place to relax if the Blue Lagoon feels too focused on quick photographs and busy water activities. The bay is also associated with paddle boarding, though this trip specifically includes snorkeling equipment rather than paddle boards.

You have about an hour here, so decide in advance how you want to use it. If you have already spent a long time snorkeling, this is a good place to sit on the sand and enjoy the setting. If you want to stay active, use the calm water for another swim.

The supplied description mentions the historic Ghajn Tuffieha Tower near Santa Marija Bay. It does not say that the boat tour includes a visit to the tower, so do not book this as a land-based history outing. The cultural interest is an added backdrop, not a promised guided stop.

Comino is more than one famous lagoon

Comino is the small island between Malta and Gozo, and it is the setting for much of the trip. Its appeal comes from the rough limestone coast, open views, clear water, small beaches, and sea caves. You get the island experience without arranging separate transport between Malta and Comino.

The schedule lists Comino as a separate one-hour stop after Santa Marija Bay. The name is broad, so the exact landing point or activity is not clear. In practical terms, expect another chance to swim, snorkel, look along the shore, or see a different part of the island.

This stop is valuable because Comino’s coast changes quickly. One cove may have pale sand and shallow water, while another has rock shelves and a better view toward open sea. A boat lets you see several sides of the island in one morning.

The route also promises caves and grottos along the coast. These formations are one of the most enjoyable parts of a boat trip in this area, since the view from the water shows angles you cannot get from a beach. The tour does not specify whether the boat enters every cave or only passes them, so treat cave viewing as part of the coastal cruise rather than a guaranteed cave landing.

San Niklaw Bay may be the practical final stop

San Niklaw Bay is described as a small cove with calm water, sandy shores, cliffs, and vegetation. It provides another place for swimming and sunbathing, and the setting should feel more sheltered than the open coast.

The honest point is that not every stop will have equal appeal. One direct comment about the trip found the Blue Lagoon and caves especially impressive, while the final stop seemed less worthwhile than spending extra time at stronger snorkeling locations. That is useful advice if you care more about underwater time than collecting four separate beach stops.

You cannot choose the route timing yourself, so keep your expectations flexible. San Niklaw Bay may be a pleasant finish, especially if conditions are good and you want a quieter swim. But if you would gladly trade a fourth stop for a longer stay at the best water, this schedule may feel slightly spread out.

What the $57.93 price really covers

At $57.93 per person, the price is reasonable for a four-hour boat outing if you value the included equipment and several swim stops. You are not paying only for transport. The fare covers use of the boat and its facilities, fuel, snorkeling equipment, a light snack, and one bottle of water.

That said, this is not a full-day cruise with lunch. Lunch is not included, and extra snacks can be purchased for an added fee per person. The overview refers to Maltese food onboard, but the listed inclusions only promise a light snack, so plan on eating before the 9:00 am departure or arranging food separately.

Pickup is another cost to weigh. The original price does not include hotel pickup. If you need it, the extra charge is EUR 10 to 20 per group, not per person. For a group sharing the fee, that may be fair. For one person, the meeting point in Mellieħa may be the better-value choice if you can reach it easily.

A mobile ticket keeps the arrival process simple. Confirmation is sent at booking, and the boat returns to the same meeting point. Since the trip lasts about four hours, you should have most of the afternoon free for another activity.

A small boat group helps, but this is still a shared trip

The maximum group size is 25 people. That is not a private charter, but it is more contained than a large sightseeing vessel. A smaller group can make boarding, getting snorkeling equipment, and hearing basic instructions less awkward.

The available details do not name a guide, so you should not book this expecting a particular host or a formal history talk. The focus is on the coast and water. Any commentary about caves, bays, folklore, or local history is secondary to the swimming schedule.

Service animals are allowed, and the activity is near public transport. Most people can take part, but the supplied information does not give detailed accessibility notes for the boat, beaches, or boarding. If you need step-free access or assistance moving from boat to shore, ask the operator before booking.

What to bring for a more comfortable morning

The boat supplies snorkeling gear, but you still need to bring the basics. A towel and beachwear are not included, and the light snack should not be treated as lunch.

Pack:

• A towel and swimsuit
• Sun protection
• Dry clothing for the ride back
• Water shoes if you prefer extra footing around rocky shores
• A waterproof case for your phone
• Any food you need beyond the included snack
• Motion-sickness medication if boat rides trouble you

You should also keep your valuables to a minimum. You will be moving between boat, beach, and water several times, and a simple day bag is easier to manage than a large backpack.

Who will get the most from this trip

I would recommend this boat tour to you if your main goals are clear water, several bays, and an easy way to see Comino in one morning. It works particularly well for people who want both swimming and scenery, rather than a single long beach stay.

Families may appreciate Santa Marija Bay’s calm, shallow water, while casual snorkelers will like having equipment supplied. The four-stop format also suits anyone who wants a quick taste of several coastal settings before deciding where to spend more time later.

I would be more cautious if you want a serious snorkeling session. The stops are divided into roughly one-hour blocks, and the final bay may not offer as much underwater interest as the Blue Lagoon or cave areas. A dedicated snorkeling trip with longer water time could suit you better.

This is also not the best choice for a quiet, private escape. Comino is popular, and a shared boat with up to 25 people will not deliver an isolated beach experience. The reward is variety and convenience.

Booking, weather, and cancellation details

You can cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the 9:00 am start time. Changes made less than 24 hours before departure are not accepted, and cancellations inside that period are not refunded.

Weather matters here more than it does on a museum tour. If poor conditions force the operator to cancel, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. The same applies if the minimum number of participants is not reached.

The trip is commonly booked about 21 days ahead. That does not mean you must book that early, but it is a useful sign that the morning departures can fill. If your Malta schedule is fixed, reserving ahead gives you more choice.

Should you book the Comino boat trip?

Book it if you want a compact half-day on the water with the Blue Lagoon as the headline stop, three additional coastal areas, supplied snorkeling gear, and a light snack included. The clear water, sea caves, and mix of beaches make it a good introduction to Comino.

Think twice if you want a long stay at one exceptional snorkeling site, a full meal, hotel pickup included in the base price, or a private boat. The four-stop plan favors variety over depth, and San Niklaw Bay may feel like a weaker use of time than the Blue Lagoon or cave areas.

For most people, the best approach is to treat this as a scenic swim-and-snorkel morning. Bring your own towel, allow for changing beach stops, and choose the meeting point unless the extra pickup charge is worthwhile for your group.

FAQ

How long does the boat trip last?

The trip lasts approximately four hours.

What time does the tour begin?

The scheduled start time is 9:00 am.

Where does the tour start?

It starts at Comino Ferries Co-Op Ltd., X8QH+2RG, Triq Il-Marfa, Il-Mellieħa, Malta.

Where does the activity finish?

The boat returns to the original meeting point.

Which places does the trip visit?

The planned stops are the Blue Lagoon, Santa Marija Bay, Comino, and San Niklaw Bay.

How much time is planned at each stop?

The schedule allows about one hour at each of the four stops.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included in the price.

Is food included?

A light snack and one bottle of water are included. Lunch is not included, and extra snacks cost more.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Pickup is not included in the original price. It can be arranged for EUR 10 to 20 per group.

Can I cancel for a refund?

Yes. You can cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Poor weather or failure to reach the minimum number of participants can also lead to a new date or full refund.