Malta: Comino, Blue Lagoon, + Sea Caves Day Trip

The main attraction here is simple: you get a full day on the water with 2.5 hours at the Blue Lagoon, plus time at quieter Santa Maria Bay. The boat also gives you a fine view of Comino’s cliffs, caves, and rock shapes without making you arrange several separate trips.

I like the generous swim stops and the relaxed feel aboard Seahorse Cruises. Captain Owen and crew members such as Liam and Clive receive especially warm praise for being friendly, helpful, and safety-minded. Food and drinks are reasonably priced, too. The catch is that the Blue Lagoon can be crowded, and reaching the shore means rocky paths and uneven footing.

Key points at a glance

• Long swimming stops: Enjoy 1.5 hours at Santa Maria Bay and 2.5 hours at the Blue Lagoon on the daytime sailing.
• Captain Owen and a friendly crew: The crew is often praised for good advice, a welcoming manner, and keeping the day relaxed.
• A boat made for swimming: Use the rear ladder, onboard platform, shower, toilet, and provided snorkeling masks.
• More than one lagoon: The route includes Crystal Lagoon, the Blue Lagoon, and views of Santa Maria Caves and Elephant Rock.
• Good value at $35: The price covers transport by boat, commentary, facilities, and several hours in the best swimming areas.
• Plan for crowds and rocks: Bring water shoes, swimwear, sunscreen, and cash, and arrange the required Blue Lagoon QR code if you plan to go ashore.

Why this Comino sailing trip works

Malta’s most famous swimming spots are at their best from the water. The sea around Comino shifts between bright blue, green, and clear glass depending on the sun and depth. A boat lets you see the coast from several angles, then gives you time to swim instead of rushing past the coves for photographs.

This trip is not only a quick Blue Lagoon shuttle. The route includes a cruise past St. Paul’s Island, Smuggler’s Cove, Crystal Lagoon, Santa Maria Caves, Elephant Rock, and Gozo Harbor. You get a broad introduction to the northern Maltese coast in one day.

At $35 per person, the value is strong if you want transport, several swimming hours, and a boat with basic facilities. Food and drinks cost extra, but the available prices are described as reasonable. You also avoid paying for a separate harbor transfer or trying to piece together Comino stops on your own.

The experience suits families, couples, and anyone who wants a calm day at sea rather than a loud party cruise. Music may be played onboard, but the overall atmosphere is described as chilled and family-friendly. If you want a small, private boat with only a handful of people, this is not the right choice. The boat can feel crowded, especially in summer.

Starting at Bugibba Jetty

Your meeting point is Bugibba Jetty, where you’ll look for the Seahorse Cruises vessel. The morning departure is listed for 10:30 AM, with boarding closing at 10:00 AM, so arrive early rather than treating the departure time as your boarding time.

The supplied information also gives a 17:15 boarding-closing time for the evening option. Since the daytime and evening schedules differ, check the exact departure details on your booking before setting out. The evening cruise does not include Santa Maria Bay or the Gozo Harbor photo stop.

The boat is the only sailing boat at the stated meeting point and is called Seahorse Cruises. Once aboard, you can settle on the front deck for sun, find a place toward the rear near the swim ladder, or stay inside when you need a break from the heat.

The crew provides live commentary in English and Italian. Captain Owen is frequently singled out for clear information and a reassuring presence. Liam is also praised as a capable captain, while Clive is associated with the optional speedboat outing into the caves.

St. Paul’s Island and Smuggler’s Cove

The first part of the trip is a sightseeing cruise lasting about an hour. You’ll pass St. Paul’s Island, an important landmark just off Malta’s coast. The route also takes in the remains of shipwrecks said to be nearly 2,000 years old, along with Smuggler’s Cove.

Smuggler’s Cove is known as a popular spot for underwater exploration. From the boat, the value is seeing the coastal formations and hearing the commentary rather than expecting a long stop. This section helps break up the swimming schedule and gives you context for the waters around Malta.

The route may change because of weather, tides, or other operating conditions. The captain can alter the start point, end point, or course if conditions require it. That flexibility is sensible on a sea trip, but you should not treat every listed sight as a guaranteed stop in a fixed order.

Gozo Harbor and the first photo stop

The boat continues toward Gozo Harbor, where you get roughly 10 minutes for photographs and views of a traditional fishing village. This is a short scenic pause, not a visit to Gozo itself.

That distinction matters. If you want to spend time walking around Gozo, this cruise will not replace a full Gozo excursion. The harbor stop is useful for a quick look from the water and a few photographs, but it is intentionally brief.

The Gozo Harbor stop belongs to the daytime route and is not included in the evening cruise. This is one reason the daytime option offers better value if your main aim is to see several parts of the northern islands rather than only swim at the Blue Lagoon.

Santa Maria Bay: the quieter swimming stop

Santa Maria Bay on Comino is your first major stop, with about 1.5 hours to swim, snorkel, or relax. Compared with the Blue Lagoon, it is presented as the calmer part of the day.

You can use the boat as your base rather than fighting for space along the shore. The front deck is a good place to sunbathe, while the water beside the boat gives you an easy way to cool off. Snorkeling masks are available with a €10 deposit, so bring cash for that temporary charge.

Santa Maria Bay is not included on the evening sailing. If this quieter cove matters to you, book the daytime trip and check that your chosen departure includes it.

The stop also gives you a useful rhythm: you can swim early, dry off, eat or drink something onboard, and then continue to the busier main attraction. You are not forced to spend the entire day on land. That is a real advantage if you prefer a boat deck to a crowded beach.

The Blue Lagoon with time to choose your own pace

The cruise allows approximately 2.5 hours at the Blue Lagoon, the longest stop of the day. This is enough time for a proper swim, snorkeling, lunch from the boat’s snack bar, or a mix of all three.

The boat anchors away from some of the thickest crowds, giving you a more comfortable base than the narrow shore. You can jump from the onboard platform, use the side ladder, or stay on deck and watch the water. A shower near the side ladder lets you rinse off after swimming.

You do not have to go ashore to enjoy the Blue Lagoon. In fact, one of the practical advantages of staying aboard is avoiding the rocky paths and the crush near the main landing areas. The water beside the boat may feel more pleasant and less stressful than trying to find a place along the shore.

If you want to step onto Comino at the Blue Lagoon, you need a free QR code under the rule taking effect May 1, 2025. The suggested daytime slot is 13:30 to 17:30. No QR code is needed if you remain on the boat. Check your booking details and arrange the code before the trip if land access is important to you.

The Blue Lagoon is beautiful, but it is not a quiet secret. In summer, the shore can be extremely busy, and the rocky approach is difficult for anyone who is unsteady on their feet. Water shoes are a smart choice. You should also be reasonably comfortable entering and leaving the water from a boat ladder.

Crystal Lagoon, Santa Maria Caves, and Elephant Rock

After the main swimming stops, the boat continues its scenic cruise toward Bugibba. This part of the route includes views of Crystal Lagoon, Santa Maria Caves, and Elephant Rock.

Crystal Lagoon is listed as a short photo and sightseeing stop of about 10 minutes. The boat may pass close enough for photographs and views of the surrounding rock. Do not expect a long shore visit here. Its appeal is the color of the water and the shape of the cliffs.

Santa Maria Caves receive a similar short treatment on the return route. The boat passes the openings and rock formations, giving you a different perspective from the water. You may also have the option of paying extra for a speedboat ride. The extra outing is praised for reaching farther into the caves and adding some excitement, but it is not included in the $35 price.

Elephant Rock is another memorable formation along the coast. These sights are best understood as part of the cruise rather than separate attractions with long stops. Keep your phone ready, but do not spend the whole day behind a camera. The coast is most enjoyable when you occasionally put the phone away and watch the cliffs slide past.

What life is like onboard

The boat has a snack bar selling food and drinks, with prices described as fair. Lunch is not included, so carry enough cash for anything you want to buy. Only cash is accepted onboard.

The boat also has a toilet, a shower near the side ladder, and a diving platform. Since large bags, luggage, coolers, and outside food and drinks are not allowed, pack lightly. A small personal bag with your towel, sunscreen, phone, and cash is more useful than a bulky beach bag.

Bring comfortable shoes, swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and cash. Water shoes deserve special attention because of the rough ground around the Blue Lagoon. Comfortable footwear also helps while boarding and moving around the boat.

The crew is one of the strongest parts of the experience. Captain Owen is praised for giving good information and making passengers feel safe. The crew’s friendly style helps the long day feel easy, especially for families. The boat is not presented as a luxury yacht in the private-charter sense, but it does give you the basics needed for a comfortable swimming day.

Timing, crowds, and the best type of passenger

The daytime experience lasts about four to six and a half hours, with an expected return around 5:00 PM. The stated route includes roughly one hour of outward sightseeing, 1.5 hours at Santa Maria Bay, 2.5 hours at the Blue Lagoon, and about one hour returning past the caves and rock formations.

That is a full schedule, but it does not feel like a rushed checklist because the main stops are long. You get enough time to swim properly and still enjoy the ride between locations.

I would choose this trip if you want Malta’s most famous coastal sights in one outing and prefer having a boat as your base. It also suits you if you want to swim without spending every minute on a crowded beach.

I would hesitate if you dislike busy boats or want an intimate sailing experience. The vessel can be crowded, particularly in the high season. You should also think carefully about the rocky shore and boat ladders if you have mobility concerns, since the supplied details do not promise accessible facilities.

Is $35 a fair price?

Yes, for the daytime route, $35 is a good deal. You receive boat transport from Bugibba, commentary in two languages, a 2.5-hour Blue Lagoon stop, a 1.5-hour Santa Maria Bay stop, several scenic passes, a swimming platform, shower, toilet, and access to snorkeling masks with a deposit.

The price becomes even more useful if you planned to visit both Comino and the nearby coastal sights. You would otherwise need separate transport and would have less time to relax between stops.

Still, keep a little extra money aside. Lunch and drinks are not included, the snorkeling mask requires a €10 deposit, and the speedboat ride into the caves costs an additional €15 per person according to the supplied passenger information. The extra ride is optional, but it may appeal to you if the caves are a priority.

Should you book Seahorse Cruises?

Book this trip if you want a well-priced full day on the water, long swimming breaks, and a friendly crew led by Captain Owen. It is especially good for families and first-time visitors who want to see Comino’s main sights without arranging several separate outings.

Choose the daytime sailing, not the evening option, if Santa Maria Bay and Gozo Harbor are important to you. Arrange the free Blue Lagoon QR code in advance if you want to step ashore, and bring water shoes if you plan to explore the rocky edge.

Skip it if you want a private boat, very small numbers, or a quiet Blue Lagoon experience. For everyone else, the combination of time, scenery, facilities, and a $35 starting price makes this one of the more practical ways to experience Malta’s northern coast.

FAQ

Where does the cruise depart from?

The meeting point is Bugibba Jetty. Look for the Seahorse Cruises vessel, described as the only sailing boat at the meeting point.

What time does the daytime cruise leave?

The daytime sailing departs at 10:30 AM. Boarding closes at 10:00 AM, so arrive before boarding closes.

How long do you spend at Santa Maria Bay?

The daytime cruise includes about 1.5 hours at Santa Maria Bay for swimming, snorkeling, or relaxing on the boat.

How long do you spend at the Blue Lagoon?

You get approximately 2.5 hours at the Blue Lagoon. You can swim, snorkel, relax on the boat, or buy food and drinks from the snack bar.

Do you need a QR code for the Blue Lagoon?

A free QR code is required to step onto Comino’s Blue Lagoon under the rule taking effect May 1, 2025. No QR code is needed if you stay on the boat.

Is lunch included?

No. Food and drinks are available for purchase onboard. Only cash is accepted.

Are snorkeling masks provided?

Yes. Snorkeling masks are available with a €10 deposit.

What languages are used for the commentary?

Live commentary is provided in English and Italian.