Malta: Around Comino Cruise With Blue Lagoon stop

Comino’s best swimming spots come in one neat half-day package here: Crystal Lagoon, Blue Lagoon, and Santa Marija Bay, each with about an hour in the water. You also pass Elephant Rock and the Santa Marija Caves, so the boat ride is more than a simple transfer.

I like the small maximum group of 25 and the fact that masks and snorkeling equipment are supplied. Free wine for adults and water are thoughtful extras, too. The main drawback is that the famous Blue Lagoon can be busy, and three one-hour stops leave limited time at each place.

Key points

• Three separate swim stops: Spend about an hour at Crystal Lagoon, Blue Lagoon, and Santa Marija Bay.
• Snorkeling equipment included: Masks and gear are available for exploring the clear water.
• Cave and rock views: The route passes Elephant Rock and the Santa Marija Caves.
• Small boat group: The maximum is 25 people, a more manageable size than a large ferry.
• Useful onboard extras: Wine for adults over 18, water, fuel, and a restroom are included.
• Returns to Marfa Jetty: The four-hour outing begins and ends at the same meeting point.

Three Comino swimming stops in four hours

This is a straightforward sea day with a good rhythm. You board at Marfa Jetty, head around Comino, stop for swimming at three different bays, and return to the starting point after roughly four hours.

The plan gives you about one hour at each swimming location. That is enough time to get into the water, use the supplied mask, float around, and dry off before moving on. It is not enough time to settle in for a long beach afternoon, so think of this as a sampler of Comino’s coast rather than a full day on one island.

I like that the stops are not all alike. Crystal Lagoon is aimed at swimming and snorkeling, Blue Lagoon gives you the classic Comino setting, and Santa Marija Bay offers the chance to step ashore. That variety makes the trip more useful than a boat ride with only one stop.

The schedule also keeps the day simple. You do not need to arrange separate transport between bays or carry snorkeling gear from home. Bring your own food, though, because snacks are not included.

Crystal Lagoon: the first hour in clear water

Crystal Lagoon is presented as the first swimming stop, with about an hour to enjoy the water. Its clear turquoise sea makes it the natural place to begin snorkeling, and masks are provided for people who want to look below the surface.

I would use this first stop to get comfortable with the boat routine. You can swim, test the snorkeling equipment, and decide how much time you want to spend in the water at later stops. The surroundings are calmer than the famous name of Blue Lagoon may suggest, making this a pleasant opening to the trip.

The supplied equipment adds real value here. If you do not want to pack a mask, you can still take a look beneath the surface without renting gear separately. The description promises marine life, but it does not specify what species you will see, so treat snorkeling as an opportunity rather than a guaranteed wildlife encounter.

You should also remember that this is a boat-based swimming stop. The information provided does not promise a long beach visit at Crystal Lagoon, so plan on entering the water from or near the boat rather than spending the hour on land.

Blue Lagoon: famous, photogenic, and likely the busiest stop

Blue Lagoon is the headline stop for many people. The water is known for its strong blue color and clear swimming conditions, and you get about one hour there for swimming, snorkeling, or simply enjoying the view.

An important detail is that you have the option to be stopped on land at Blue Lagoon. That gives you more flexibility than a swim-only stop. You can choose to stay with the boat and swim, or step ashore if the conditions and timing suit you.

The trade-off is time. One hour passes quickly once you account for getting in and out of the water, drying off, and deciding if you want to walk on land. If photographs matter to you, have your phone or camera ready before arrival, but protect it carefully around the water.

Blue Lagoon is also the place where expectations need a little adjustment. Its fame means it may feel less quiet than Santa Marija Bay. You are coming for the color of the water and the chance to swim in an iconic setting, not for solitude.

Santa Marija Bay: the calmest change of pace

The final main stop is Santa Marija Bay, where you have another hour for swimming. The water is described as calm and clear, and this is the stop that gives you the clearest chance to spend time on land.

You can visit the beach, relax on the sand, look around the nearby area, or take a short stroll. After two water-focused stops, that change is welcome. It also makes Santa Marija Bay a better fit for anyone in your party who wants a break from snorkeling.

I like the balance here. Crystal Lagoon and Blue Lagoon are built around the sea, while Santa Marija Bay gives you a little room to stretch your legs. Still, the tour does not promise a long beach stay, so you should not expect enough time for an extended walk or a full beach session.

If you want to make the most of this stop, decide in advance if you prefer swimming or land time. Trying to do everything in one hour may leave both activities feeling rushed.

Santa Marija Caves and Elephant Rock from the water

The route includes views of the Santa Marija Caves. You pass in front of the caves by boat and see their limestone formations along the rugged coast. The boat does not enter the caves, so this is a sightseeing pass rather than a cave exploration.

That distinction matters when you compare this trip with a dedicated cave excursion. You get a pleasant view without giving up one of the three swimming stops, but you should not expect to walk inside or swim through the formations.

Elephant Rock is another notable sight along the route. It is a natural rock formation that gives the cruise a recognizable landmark between swim stops. These views help break up the time on the boat and give you something to watch when you are not in the water.

The cave and rock viewing is best treated as an added bonus, not the main reason to book. The core of the experience is the three swim stops.

What the boat setup means for your day

The maximum group size is 25 people. That is a useful middle ground: large enough to keep the price down, but smaller than a crowded sightseeing ferry. A group of this size still means you will share boarding, swimming access, and the available space onboard, so do not expect a private cruise.

The boat includes a restroom, which is a practical benefit on a four-hour outing. You also get fuel included, so there is no surprise fuel charge added later.

Wine and water are provided. Wine is reserved for adults over 18, and water is available during the trip. The free wine is a pleasant touch, especially on a sunny afternoon, but it should not be mistaken for a meal or snack service. Food is not included, so bring snacks if you need something more substantial.

Private transportation is not included. You make your own way to Marfa Jetty, and the activity ends back at that meeting point. The departure location is near public transportation, which helps if you are staying elsewhere in Malta, but the supplied information does not specify a hotel pickup service.

The price: fair value for a short sea day

At $51, this trip offers solid value if you want several Comino swimming locations without arranging separate transport or equipment. The price covers the boat trip, fuel, snorkeling equipment, water, adult wine, cave viewing, and the option to stop on land at Blue Lagoon.

The strongest value comes from the three one-hour stops. A simple ride to one swimming area might cost less, but this outing gives you three different settings and returns you to Marfa Jetty within about four hours.

The price is less compelling if you mainly want a quiet beach day. You will spend time boarding, moving between locations, and sharing the boat with other people. Someone who wants to stay at Santa Marija Bay for half a day may get more from a beach-focused plan.

I would also factor in food costs. Since snacks are not included, you should budget for something before or after the cruise. The included drinks are helpful, but they do not replace lunch.

Who will enjoy this Comino cruise most

This trip suits you if you want a short, active outing with several chances to swim. It works particularly well for people who enjoy clear water, basic snorkeling, coastal views, and a relaxed boat ride without committing to a full-day cruise.

It is also a good fit for mixed groups. One person can swim at Crystal Lagoon, another can snorkel at Blue Lagoon, and someone else can spend more time ashore at Santa Marija Bay. The three stops offer enough variety to keep the day from feeling repetitive.

Families and casual swimmers may appreciate the simple plan, but the information does not provide specific age limits or detailed accessibility notes. Most people can participate, yet you should consider your own comfort with boarding a boat and swimming in open water before booking.

This is less suitable for you if you want a private experience, a full meal, long beach visits, or extensive cave exploration. The boat carries up to 25 people, snacks are not included, and the caves are viewed from outside.

Timing, weather, and cancellation details

The experience lasts about four hours and returns to the meeting point. Published operating information covers June 25 through November 10, 2025, with Monday times shown as 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Check the available departure time when booking, since the supplied schedule does not show a full weekly timetable.

Good weather is required. If poor conditions cancel the trip, you are offered another date or a full refund. The same applies if the minimum number of people is not met.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Inside that 24-hour window, refunds are not provided and changes are not accepted. The cut-off uses local time, so check the clock carefully if you are booking close to departure.

What to bring for the three stops

You do not need to pack a snorkeling mask, since equipment is included. Still, I would bring a swimsuit, towel, sun protection, and a secure bag for anything that must stay dry.

Water is supplied, and wine is included for adults, but snacks are not. Bring food if you expect to be hungry during the four-hour outing. Keep your supplies compact, since this is shared boat space rather than a private vessel.

A phone or camera can be useful for the Blue Lagoon, Elephant Rock, and Santa Marija Caves. Use a waterproof case or another secure method around the swim stops. The route is built around water access, so anything loose can become a nuisance quickly.

Should you book it?

Book this Comino cruise if you want three different swim stops in half a day, supplied snorkeling equipment, and a small group capped at 25 people. The $51 price is reasonable for the transport, drinks, gear, and variety.

Skip it if your priority is quiet time on one beach, private boating, a meal onboard, or entering the caves. For most people looking for an easy mix of swimming, scenery, and a little time ashore, this is a practical way to see several of Comino’s best-known coastal spots without making the day complicated.

FAQ

Where does the Comino cruise start and finish?

The cruise starts at Marfa Jetty and ends back at the same meeting point.

How long does the experience last?

The tour lasts approximately four hours.

Which swimming spots are included?

The cruise stops for about one hour at Crystal Lagoon, one hour at Blue Lagoon, and one hour at Santa Marija Bay.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included.

Is food included?

No. Snacks are not included, so you should bring or arrange your own food.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Water and wine are provided. Wine is available only to adults over 18.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes, if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience starts. Cancellations made less than 24 hours before the start time are not refunded.