Comino, Blue Lagoon and Caves. Tour A

Blue water, caves, and a full day afloat. This half-day cruise from Bugibba is a good-value way to see Comino, with time to swim at Santa Marija Bay, enjoy the Blue Lagoon, and view Malta’s coast from the water. I especially like the friendly, personal crew, including Captain Owen, and the chance to use both the boat’s sun deck and shaded deck. I also like that food and drinks are sold onboard at reasonable prices, so you do not have to pack a full picnic.

The main drawback is crowding. A maximum of 90 people can be on the boat, and some passengers found the seating tight, with no proper loungers available. The separate Tour A and Tour B arrangements can also be confusing at first, so listen carefully to the captain’s morning instructions.

Key points to know before booking

• Two proper swim stops: You get about 1.5 hours at Santa Marija Bay and two hours at the Blue Lagoon.
• Captain Owen adds a personal touch: He introduces himself, explains the day, and provides live commentary along the route.
• A smaller boat feel: The boat is not one of the huge ferry-style vessels, although it can still feel crowded when everyone boards.
• The Blue Lagoon now needs planning: From May 1, 2025, you need a free QR code and the correct 13:30 to 17:30 time slot to step ashore.
• Caves are viewed from the water: The boat passes close to Comino’s rock formations and caves, with photo opportunities along the way.
• Good value at $46.10: Food is not included, but cheap onboard refreshments and a long day on the water help make the fare reasonable.

Starting at Bugibba’s Sirens Quay

The meeting point is Sirens Quay, at 24 Triq San Geraldu in San Pawl il-Baħar. The supplied details give both 10:00 and 10:30 as departure times, with the meeting information listing 10:30 am. I would rely on the exact time printed on your confirmation and arrive early, especially because the boat can begin filling well before departure.

The early boarding rush is worth taking seriously. One passenger arrived about 30 minutes before departure and already found a substantial queue, with many people on the boat. If you want a seat on the upper deck or under cover, arriving early gives you a better chance.

The vessel has a sun deck, a shaded deck, toilets, a shower near the side ladder, and a swim platform. There are no proper loungers, according to one account, so this is more of a sit-on-the-deck cruise than a resort-style boat day. Bring a towel, sun protection, and something to cover your shoulders if you plan to spend much of the day outside.

The boat carries up to 90 people. That is not an intimate private cruise, but it is also not the sort of giant vessel that makes the coast feel completely distant. The character is somewhere between a family-run sightseeing boat and a busy summer excursion.

St. Paul’s Island and Malta’s northern coast

Once underway, the cruise follows the coast near St. Paul’s Island. The route includes views connected with nearly 2,000-year-old shipwrecks, giving the captain something interesting to explain while you settle into the boat.

You will also pass Ghadira Bay, Malta’s largest sandy beach, and cruise near Ahrax Point on Mellieha. The Red Tower of Mellieha provides another recognizable landmark from the water. These sections are not long shore visits, so think of them as a scenic introduction rather than a series of stops.

This is where the live commentary matters. Captain Owen has been praised for introducing himself to each group and explaining the plan at the start. The commentary, music, and close approach to coastal sights help break up the longer stretches between swimming stops.

The route also gives you a useful sense of Malta’s northern coast. From a boat, the cliffs, beaches, towers, and pale rock formations fit together in a way that is difficult to appreciate from a road. Keep your camera ready, but do not spend the whole time staring at the screen. Some of the best views arrive during short slowdowns near the coast.

Crystal Lagoon: the first big photo stop

As the boat enters Comino’s South Channel, it reaches the Crystal Lagoon. This area is known for clear water, caves, and striking views, and the boat allows time for photographs.

The Crystal Lagoon portion is primarily a viewing stop rather than the main swimming session described for this tour. Conditions can affect how clearly you see into the caves. One passenger found visibility reduced, which is a useful reminder that sea conditions, light, and boat traffic all influence the experience.

The crew brings the boat close enough to the rock formations for a good look, but this is not a guaranteed perfect cave photograph every day. If the water is choppy, the view may be less clear. Still, the combination of pale limestone, narrow openings, and bright water is one of the more memorable parts of the route.

The brief Gozo transfer

The boat briefly stops at Gozo to let passengers on a different option get off. You remain onboard, and this process takes about 10 minutes.

This is not a Gozo visit. You will not have time to explore the island, and Tour A should not be confused with an itinerary that includes a land tour of Gozo. The short pause may feel like dead time, but it is part of the boat’s shared operating plan and should not take long.

This is also where the difference between Tour A and Tour B can create confusion. The captain and crew are friendly, but instructions could be clearer at the start. Pay attention when the day’s route is explained, and confirm which stops apply to your booking before leaving the quay.

Santa Marija Bay gives you room to slow down

Santa Marija Bay is the first proper shore stop, lasting about 1.5 hours. It is a secluded sandy beach on Comino and is especially well suited to snorkeling.

This stop gives the day a useful rhythm. Instead of spending the whole time seated on the boat, you can step ashore, swim from the beach, or simply stretch your legs. If you prefer quieter water to the main Blue Lagoon, Santa Marija Bay may be your favorite stop.

You can get on and off the boat during the visit. That flexibility is helpful if you want to swim directly from the vessel instead of walking onto the beach. The boat has a side ladder and a swim platform, making water access part of the experience.

Bring your own snorkeling equipment if you have it, since rental equipment is not listed among the inclusions. The tour promises access to the bay, but it does not promise a guided snorkeling session or equipment hire.

For many people, this is the most relaxed swim of the day. The Blue Lagoon attracts the biggest crowds and the strongest visual hype. Santa Marija Bay feels more like a chance to enjoy Comino itself, with less pressure to take the perfect photograph.

The Blue Lagoon and the new QR code rule

The boat spends about two hours at the Blue Lagoon, anchoring away from the thickest crowds. You can remain onboard and swim or snorkel from the boat, or you can step ashore if you arrange the required free QR code.

From May 1, 2025, Maltese regulations require a QR code to set foot on the Blue Lagoon area. The code itself is free, but you must book the correct time slot, listed here as 13:30 to 17:30, through the official booking link provided with your ticket.

This detail is easy to miss and can affect your day. No QR code is needed if you stay on the boat, but you cannot simply decide to walk ashore without it. Arrange the code before departure rather than trying to sort it out while the boat is already at Comino.

The boat’s position away from the busiest shore area is a real advantage. You get the color of the Blue Lagoon without having to spend every minute in the densest part of the crowd. You can swim from the platform, use the ladder, or go ashore with the QR code.

The water is the star here, but the stop is not silent or private. This is Comino’s best-known swimming area, and even an anchorage away from shore can feel active in high season. If you want a peaceful, empty lagoon, this is not the right expectation. If you want easy access to famous turquoise water at a modest price, it works well.

Comino’s caves on the ride home

The return route includes Elephant’s Head Rock and several well-known caves around Comino. The boat slows and passes close to the formations, giving you another chance for photographs and commentary.

This part is valuable because it lets you see Comino from several angles. You are not simply sailing to one swimming spot and turning around. The rock shapes and cave entrances provide a final sightseeing section after the swimming stops.

Visibility can vary. In less favorable conditions, the caves may not look as clear or dramatic as expected. The boat still visits the formations, but the quality of the view depends on weather, water movement, and light.

The return to port is scheduled for about 17:00, making the total day roughly 6 hours and 30 minutes. That is a substantial amount of time for $46.10 per person, particularly if you use both swimming stops and enjoy the scenic cruising.

Food, facilities, and what to bring

Food and drinks are available for purchase onboard, but lunch is not included. Several passengers found the prices surprisingly reasonable, which helps keep the total cost under control. You can buy refreshments without committing to a restaurant meal at one of the busiest parts of Comino.

The facilities are basic but useful:

• Sun deck
• Shaded deck
• Toilet
• Shower near the side ladder
• Side ladder
• Swim platform
• Food and drinks for purchase

The shower is useful after swimming, but it is not a full changing facility. I would bring a small dry bag or waterproof pouch for your phone, money, and QR code. You should also have water, swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and a light layer for the ride back.

Because the boat has limited lounging space, pack light. A bulky beach bag can become awkward when the deck is full. If sitting in the sun for hours does not suit you, try to board early enough to claim a shaded place.

Service is the strongest part of the trip

The crew receives the most consistent praise. Captain Owen is singled out for greeting people personally and explaining the plan, while the wider crew is described as kind, welcoming, and helpful.

That family feel makes a difference on a busy boat. Crew members help with boarding, water access, and general questions, and the tone appears more personal than strictly commercial. The boat is kept clean, and the operation is generally described as well organized.

There are limits. The confusion over Tour A and Tour B suggests that the morning briefing could be sharper. One passenger also had to wait for the return shuttle, although that appears to be an isolated logistics complaint rather than the central pattern of the day.

A single poor rating involved a last-minute cancellation and difficulty finding the destination. Since the experience depends on good weather and a minimum number of bookings, cancellations are possible. The stated policy offers a different date or a full refund if the operator cancels for those reasons.

Is $46.10 good value?

At $46.10, this is one of the more affordable ways to combine Comino’s main sights in one outing. You get roughly 6.5 hours, live commentary, coastal views, cave visits, a 1.5-hour stop at Santa Marija Bay, and about two hours at the Blue Lagoon.

The value is strongest if you plan to swim. A person who stays seated for the entire day may find the price less compelling, since the heart of the trip is access to the water and beaches. Food costs extra, but reasonable onboard prices reduce the need to arrange lunch in advance.

The tour also saves you from piecing together separate transport to Comino, a beach visit, and a cave cruise. It is not a private boat, and the deck may feel crowded, but the price reflects that shared format.

Who should book Tour A?

I would recommend it to anyone who wants a straightforward day on the water without paying for a private charter. Families, couples, and groups of friends can all make good use of the swimming stops, while the shaded deck and onboard toilet make the long day more manageable.

It suits you especially well if:

• You want both Santa Marija Bay and the Blue Lagoon
• You enjoy swimming or snorkeling
• You like coastal scenery and cave views
• You appreciate friendly service more than luxury seating
• You want food and drinks available without leaving the boat
• You are comfortable sharing the vessel with up to 90 people

I would think twice if you dislike crowded boats, need a proper sun lounger, or want a quiet private experience. It is also a poor fit if your main goal is to explore Gozo, since this option only makes a short stop to let other passengers disembark.

Final verdict: a strong-value Comino day with a few caveats

I would book Comino, Blue Lagoon and Caves Tour A if swimming and scenery are your priorities. The route covers the right highlights, the two long water stops give you real time on Comino, and the crew’s warm service adds value that is hard to measure on a timetable.

Book early enough to secure a comfortable place on deck, check your exact departure time, and arrange the Blue Lagoon QR code before the morning of the trip. If you can accept a busy boat and basic seating, $46.10 buys a generous day of Malta’s clearest water, famous caves, and northern coast views.

FAQ

Where does the Comino, Blue Lagoon and Caves Tour A start?

It starts at Sirens Quay, 24 Triq San Geraldu, San Pawl il-Baħar, Malta. The activity also ends back at this meeting point.

How long does the tour last?

The tour lasts approximately 6 hours and 30 minutes. The planned return to port is around 17:00.

What time does the tour depart?

The information gives both 10:00 and 10:30 am as departure references. Check your booking confirmation for the exact time and arrive early.

How long is the stop at Santa Marija Bay?

The stop at Santa Marija Bay lasts approximately 1.5 hours. You may access the island and get on or off the boat during this stop.

How long does the boat stay at the Blue Lagoon?

The boat stays at the Blue Lagoon for about two hours. You may swim or snorkel from the boat, or step ashore if you have the required QR code.

Do I need a QR code for the Blue Lagoon?

You need a free QR code to step onto the Blue Lagoon area from May 1, 2025. The listed time slot is 13:30 to 17:30. No QR code is needed if you remain on the boat.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included, but food and drinks are available to buy onboard.