Comino Blue Lagoon & Crystal Lagoon – 3 Bay Cruise

The best thing about this three-bay cruise is simple: you get four full hours in Malta’s clearest water, not a quick photo stop and a mad dash back to shore. The boat carries up to 70 people but limits bookings to 45, and the difference matters. You have room to sit, stretch out, and get into the water without feeling packed like sardines.

I like the generous swim times and the crew’s practical approach. Danny and Ali have earned praise for being friendly, helpful, and willing to adjust the route when one bay is too crowded. I also like the onboard toilets, fresh-water shower, bar, and upper-deck sunbeds. The main drawback is that this is a swimming day first, sightseeing trip second, and the boat can bounce in rougher seas.

Quick points to know before booking

• Up to four hours in the water: Spend one hour at Crystal Lagoon, two hours around Blue Lagoon, and one hour at Ħalfa Rock.
• Limited passenger numbers: The boat can hold 70, but the operator limits the cruise to 45 people.
• Stay aboard at Blue Lagoon: You can step ashore, but the beach and pier area can be very crowded. Swimming from the boat is often the calmer choice.
• Route changes can improve the day: The captain may switch locations if weather, sea conditions, or crowds make another stop better.
• Useful facilities onboard: You get toilets, a fresh-water shower, a bar, snacks for purchase, and room on the upper deck.
• Bring your own food: Food and drinks are not included, though you can buy refreshments onboard.

A six-hour day built around swimming

This is a Marfa Bay departure with Bluewaves Watersports, facing Comino and only a short distance from the island. The trip lasts six hours, but the useful detail is how that time is divided. About four hours are set aside for swimming and snorkeling, with the remaining time used for cruising between bays and viewing caves and rock formations.

That balance works well if you want a proper day on the water. You are not paying for a long boat ride with only 20 minutes to swim. At the same time, you should not book this expecting a quiet historical tour with long commentary. The focus is sun, salt water, cliff views, and time to relax.

The boat’s official capacity is 70, but the reduced limit of 45 is one of the strongest reasons to consider this trip. Several people found the boat comfortable with roughly 30 to 40 passengers on their departure. That leaves space on the lower deck, upper deck, and sunbathing areas, and it makes boarding the water less hectic.

Music plays during the trip, adding a holiday feel without turning the cruise into a party boat. The atmosphere suits couples, families, older visitors, and groups of friends. If you want complete silence, bring patience. If you like a little music with your swim, it should suit you.

Crystal Lagoon: your first hour in clear water

The first stop is Crystal Lagoon, where the boat anchors for about an hour. This is a good opening stop because you can get straight into the water before the strongest heat of the day.

You can swim, snorkel, float, or simply sit on deck and take in the cliffs. The water is the main attraction, with the pale rock and bright sea creating the classic Comino look. Snorkeling is possible, though you should keep expectations sensible. You might see small fish and other marine life, but this is not presented as a specialist wildlife trip. One person did spot a moray eel, which shows that the water can still offer a surprise.

A mask may be rented onboard for about €3, according to the onboard pricing described by past passengers. I would bring your own if you already have one, but the rental is useful if you want to keep your luggage light. Pool noodles may also be available, making the water easier for less confident swimmers.

The one-hour stop passes quickly. If you want a long snorkel session, get ready before the anchor drops and listen for the crew’s instructions. You can use the fresh-water shower afterward, which is a small but welcome comfort before the next stop.

Blue Lagoon: choose the boat over the shore

Blue Lagoon is the headline stop, and you get about two hours here. That gives you time to swim, snorkel, walk around Comino, or combine the two.

You have a choice. You can leave the boat at the Blue Lagoon pier and explore Comino on foot, or stay onboard while the boat anchors nearby. The shore option gives you a chance to walk and buy food, but the area can become very crowded, especially during summer and on Saturdays.

For many people, staying aboard is the better use of the stop. You avoid the scramble at the pier and can still swim in the lagoon with a clear view of the famous water. The boat gives you a place to sit, access to the bar and toilets, and a less frantic base for your belongings. You can swim directly from the vessel and return whenever you want.

This is also where the trip’s lower passenger limit pays off. A small boat with space around the deck feels far more pleasant than a packed vessel surrounded by people trying to photograph the same patch of water.

If you do want to walk on Comino, note an important rule. From May 1, 2025, visitors stepping onto Comino at the Blue Lagoon to explore on foot must register and obtain an entry ticket through the official government system at blcomino.com. Check the current requirements before you go. Staying on the boat avoids that shore entry step, but you still need to follow the operator’s boarding instructions.

Ħalfa Rock: a quieter final swim

The third swimming stop is Ħalfa Rock, also called Gebla tal-Halfa, south of Gozo. The boat anchors for about an hour, giving you another chance to swim and snorkel away from the busiest part of Blue Lagoon.

This final stop is valuable because it breaks up the day. After the bright, famous waters of Crystal Lagoon and Blue Lagoon, the quieter rock setting gives you a different feel. The stop can be good for jumping into the water, floating, and making one last serious swim before the return ride.

Do not expect identical conditions at all three bays. Wind and sea state can change during the day, and the captain may replace a stop with another location if the water is too rough or a spot is overly crowded. That flexibility is useful, but it means the exact experience can vary.

One person felt the final stop was unnecessary, while most of the available feedback praised the range of locations. My advice is to treat Ħalfa Rock as extra water time rather than a major landmark. If you are tired after four hours of swimming, you can rest on deck and enjoy the views instead of forcing yourself back into the sea.

Santa Maria Caves and the return ride

On the way back, the boat passes sights such as Santa Maria Caves. This part is for looking, listening, and taking photographs rather than getting ashore.

The caves and rock formations add variety to a day that otherwise centers on swimming. You may also see other coastal features around Comino, including striking cliffs and unusual rock shapes. The crew gives information about the stops and sights, and the route may include extra locations when conditions allow.

The return ride can be bouncy. If you are prone to seasickness, sit where the motion feels gentler, keep your eyes on the horizon, and avoid booking this as your only plan if rough water is likely. The captain has the right to alter or cancel the cruise for weather and safety reasons. In that case, the operator offers another date or a refund.

What the boat is really like

The boat is large enough to feel stable and social, but not so large that the day loses its personal feel. You can sit inside or outside, use the upper deck for sunbathing, and move around between stops.

The practical facilities are better than you might expect at this price. There are toilets and a fresh-water shower, both useful after swimming. An onboard bar sells coffee, cocktails, soft drinks, snacks, and water. Prices described by past passengers include soft drinks at around €2, water at about €1.50, and an Aperol Spritz at about €5. These figures can change, so bring some cash or confirm the current payment options.

Food and drinks are not included in the $47 price. I would pack food, especially if you plan to stay aboard at Blue Lagoon. If you go ashore, you can look for something there, but the pier area may be crowded and slow during the busiest hours.

The boat’s space is the real value here. You are not just paying to visit three named bays. You are paying for time in the water, a seat between stops, a bathroom, a shower, and a less cramped way to see Comino.

Crew, pace, and route decisions

The English-speaking crew includes Danny and Ali, names that come up often in connection with this cruise. Their role is more than giving directions. They explain the stops, advise you about swimming conditions, and help keep the day moving.

The most useful crew quality is flexibility. The captain has changed the order to reach Blue Lagoon before the largest crowds, and has switched a final stop when another location became too busy. You cannot count on a particular change, but you can expect safety and sea conditions to guide the route.

The pace is active without being rushed. You spend one hour at Crystal Lagoon, two hours at Blue Lagoon, and one hour at Ħalfa Rock. That leaves enough time to swim seriously, but not enough time to linger indefinitely at any one location.

Six hours may sound long if you are not a strong swimmer. In practice, you can alternate between water time, shade, food, music, and sightseeing. Still, this is not the right outing if you dislike sun exposure or want a short coastal ride.

Price, value, and who should book

At $47 per person, this is strong value for a six-hour cruise with about four hours of swimming. Comparable boat outings can cost more while carrying far more people and offering less time at each stop. The reduced passenger limit, onboard facilities, and three separate swim locations make the price easier to justify.

The value is best for you if you want:

• Plenty of swimming rather than a short photo stop
• A comfortable boat with space to move
• A choice between walking at Blue Lagoon and staying aboard
• A bar, toilets, shower, and sunbathing area
• A friendly English-speaking crew
• A flexible route that can respond to crowds and sea conditions

It is less suitable if you want a quiet sightseeing cruise, need step-free access, or dislike boats that may move sharply in choppy water. The cruise is not suitable for wheelchair users, unaccompanied minors, intoxicated passengers, or anyone bringing prohibited items such as weapons, sharp objects, bicycles, scooters, or explosives.

Bring sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and biodegradable sunscreen. High-heeled shoes are not allowed. Board early because boarding closes 15 minutes before departure.

For this particular cruise, book the morning slot from 8:00 to 1:30 as instructed by the operator. Availability and exact departure times should be checked before booking.

Should you book the Comino 3 Bay Cruise?

I would book this if your ideal Malta day means clear water, several long swims, a roomy boat, and a relaxed crew. The strongest choice you will make is probably staying onboard at Blue Lagoon, at least during the busiest part of the day. You still get the view and the water, without the crowd at the pier.

Pack food, bring a towel and reef-friendly sunscreen, and leave some room in your day for the route to change. If you want the best combination of comfort, swim time, and price around Comino, this cruise makes a persuasive case. If you want a land-focused visit to Comino or a calm boat ride with little motion, choose something else.

FAQ

How long is the Comino 3 Bay Cruise?

The cruise lasts six hours.

Which locations does the cruise visit?

The main stops are Crystal Lagoon, Blue Lagoon, and Ħalfa Rock, also called Gebla tal-Halfa. The return route includes sightseeing at places such as Santa Maria Caves.

How much swimming time is included?

You get about four hours of swimming and snorkeling: one hour at Crystal Lagoon, two hours at Blue Lagoon, and one hour at Ħalfa Rock.

Can I leave the boat at Blue Lagoon?

Yes. You may leave at the Blue Lagoon pier and explore Comino on foot, or remain onboard while the boat anchors nearby.

Do I need a ticket to visit Comino on foot?

From May 1, 2025, anyone stepping onto Comino from Blue Lagoon to explore by foot must register and obtain an entry ticket through the official government system at blcomino.com.

Is food included in the price?

No. Food and drinks are not included. Refreshments and snacks are available to buy at the onboard bar.

Does the boat have a toilet and shower?

Yes. The boat has toilets and a fresh-water shower.

What should I bring?

Bring sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and biodegradable sunscreen.

Is the cruise suitable for wheelchair users?

No. The activity is not suitable for wheelchair users.