Malta: Around Comino Cruise With Blue Lagoon stop

Clear water, three swim stops, one easy boat trip. This Comino cruise packs Malta’s best-known coastal sights into about four hours, with time at Crystal Lagoon, Blue Lagoon, and Santa Marija Bay. I especially like the three one-hour swimming stops and the free wine and water, which add real value at the $51 price.

I also like that snorkeling equipment is supplied, so you do not need to pack your own mask. The main consideration is simple: three hours of the tour are spent at swimming stops, so this is not the right choice if you want a long sightseeing cruise or a full island tour.

Key things to know before you book

• Three separate swimming stops: You get about one hour at Crystal Lagoon, one hour at Blue Lagoon, and one hour at Santa Marija Bay.
• A quieter final stop: Santa Marija Bay gives you the option to step ashore, visit the beach, and take a walk.
• Caves viewed from the water: The boat passes Santa Marija Caves, but this outing does not take you inside them.
• Snorkeling gear included: Masks are supplied, useful for exploring the clear water without extra rental costs.
• Small group size: The boat carries a maximum of 25 people, giving the trip a more personal feel than a large sightseeing vessel.
• Free wine and water: Adults over 18 can enjoy complimentary wine, while water is available during the trip.

What the $51 Comino cruise actually gives you

At $51, this is a reasonably priced half-day outing focused on swimming, coastal views, and simple comforts. You are not paying for a full meal, private transport, or a long guided tour of Comino. You are paying for access to three attractive bays, fuel, a restroom on board, snorkeling equipment, a boat ride around the caves, and the chance to spend time at the Blue Lagoon.

I see the value in the structure. A standard visit to Comino can become awkward if you need to arrange transport, find a suitable swimming spot, and carry snorkeling gear. This cruise handles the boat movement and gives you three clearly defined places to swim. The free wine and water are small additions, but they make the ride feel less bare-bones.

The tradeoff is that snacks are not included. Bring something to eat if you need more than drinks, although you should plan carefully so food does not get in the way of swimming time. Private transportation is also not part of the package, so you need to make your own way to Marfa Jetty.

The maximum group size is 25. That is large enough for a social outing but much smaller than the crowded boats often used for major coastal excursions. A published rating of 5 from three reviews includes praise for the friendly crew, the relaxed mood on board, and the combination of free wine and water. That fits the kind of trip this is: casual, sociable, and built around a good afternoon at sea.

Leaving Marfa Jetty for Comino

The trip starts and ends at Marfa Jetty. That matters because you need to plan your own route to the departure point, but it also keeps the experience straightforward. There is no long coach transfer folded into the four hours. Once you meet at the jetty, the cruise gets to the water quickly.

The total duration is approximately four hours. The advertised Monday operating hours include an 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. departure period and a 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. period for the listed operating date range of June 25 through November 10, 2025. Check the exact departure time when booking, since the schedule information is presented in time blocks rather than as one fixed sailing.

The boat has a restroom, which is useful during a four-hour trip. The group limit of 25 should also help keep boarding and movement around the boat manageable, though the exact seating arrangement is not provided. You should arrive ready for a boat outing, with swimwear, sun protection, and a towel.

The crew provides water, and adults over 18 receive wine. The wine is a pleasant extra rather than the main reason to book. It suits the easygoing mood, but you should still pace yourself in the sun and on a moving boat.

Crystal Lagoon: the first hour in clear water

Crystal Lagoon is the first major swimming stop. You have about an hour here, which gives you enough time to swim, use the supplied mask, and settle into the pace of the cruise.

The appeal is the water itself. The lagoon is described as clear and turquoise, with underwater marine life that can be seen while snorkeling. You do not need to be an experienced snorkeler to make use of the equipment. You can simply float, look below the surface, and enjoy the setting from the water.

I like having Crystal Lagoon first because it starts the day with activity. You can get into the water early rather than spending the opening part of the tour only watching the coast from the boat. The one-hour limit also keeps the outing moving, though it may feel short if you want a long, slow swim.

The boat remains the base for the stop, and the admission cost is included. The supplied mask removes one small planning problem, but you should not assume that every piece of personal swim gear is provided. Bring anything you normally need for comfort in the water.

Blue Lagoon: the famous stop with the biggest name

The Blue Lagoon receives another hour. This is the stop most people are likely to recognize, thanks to its bright blue water and famous Comino setting. It is suited to swimming, relaxing, and snorkeling.

The important practical point is that the experience includes an option to be stopped on land at the Blue Lagoon. That gives you more choice than a simple boat-only swim stop. You can stay with the boat and swim, or step ashore if that fits your plans.

Do not expect the entire hour to feel like a quiet private cove. The Blue Lagoon is Comino’s best-known swimming area, so its popularity is part of the experience. The supplied information does not promise a private section, reserved beach space, or a calm, empty setting. I would treat this stop as the famous highlight, not the peaceful one.

The clear water makes a mask worthwhile, but you can also enjoy the lagoon without snorkeling. If your priority is taking in the color of the water and getting a classic Comino stop, this is the place that delivers it. If you prefer a slower shore visit, save some attention for Santa Marija Bay.

Santa Marija Bay: a calmer hour with time ashore

Santa Marija Bay is the final one-hour stop, and it offers the most flexible break in the schedule. You can swim in calm, clear water, step onto the beach, relax on the sand, explore the surrounding area, or take a short stroll.

That shore option changes the feel of the trip. Crystal Lagoon and Blue Lagoon are presented mainly as water stops. Santa Marija Bay lets you break up the swimming with dry land. After several hours around the water, that can be a welcome change.

I would use this hour according to your energy. If you have already spent plenty of time snorkeling, walk along the beach or sit on the sand. If the earlier stops were busy or active, Santa Marija Bay may feel more restful. The setting is described as tranquil, but the tour does not promise exclusive access or a private beach.

The one-hour limit still applies. You can have a swim and a short shore visit, but you should not plan a long hike or an extended beach day. This is a compact stop within a compact cruise.

Santa Marija Caves from the boat

During the cruise, the boat passes in front of Santa Marija Caves. You can see the limestone formations, rugged coast, and clear water from the sea.

This is a sightseeing moment rather than a cave exploration. The boat does not enter the caves, and you cannot get inside from this excursion. That distinction matters if cave access is high on your list.

Still, viewing the caves from the water adds a useful change of pace between swim stops. You get a look at Comino’s rocky coast without giving up one of the planned swimming hours. The cruise also includes a tour around the caves, so the formations are part of the route rather than a quick glimpse that you might miss.

For the best experience, keep your camera ready when the boat approaches the caves. The information does not specify how long the boat pauses there, so think of this as a scenic pass rather than a dedicated cave visit.

What is included, and what should you bring?

The inclusions are well matched to a short boat trip:

• Wine for adults over 18
• Drinking water
• Snorkeling equipment
• Fuel surcharge
• Restroom on board
• A cruise around the caves
• The option to stop on land at Blue Lagoon

Snacks are not included. Bring your own if you need food during the four hours, but remember that the provided information does not describe onboard meal service or a snack counter.

You should also bring your own towel, swimwear, sun protection, and any personal items you need for a day around salt water. The tour includes snorkeling masks, but the details do not say that fins, flotation devices, towels, or prescription swim goggles are supplied.

A mobile ticket makes the booking process convenient. Confirmation is received at the time of booking, and the departure point is near public transportation. Most people can take part, but the supplied details do not give more specific information about boat access or assistance. If you have mobility needs, ask the provider before booking.

Timing, weather, and cancellation rules

The cruise operates in the listed season from June 25 through November 10, 2025. The supplied hours show Monday departures in an 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. block and an evening 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. block. Confirm the exact time for your date because the schedule may affect how much sun and heat you encounter.

This is a weather-dependent activity. If poor weather forces cancellation, you are offered a different date or a full refund. The trip also requires a minimum number of participants, so a cancellation for that reason leads to the same choice of another date or experience, or a full refund.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Inside 24 hours, the amount paid is not refunded, and changes are not accepted. The cut-off uses local Malta time, so do not leave the decision until the last minute.

Who will enjoy this Comino outing most?

I would recommend this cruise to you if you want a simple way to see Comino’s best-known water stops without committing to a full-day boat trip. It suits swimmers, casual snorkelers, couples, friends, and families who can manage a four-hour outing built around water access.

The included equipment is helpful for first-time snorkelers. The group limit also makes this a better fit for you if you prefer a smaller boat setting to a large commercial cruise.

You may want a different experience if you dislike repeated swim stops, need a full meal included, or want to explore the Santa Marija Caves from inside. It is also not the best match if your main aim is a long walk across Comino, since only Santa Marija Bay includes a stated shore visit and each stop lasts about one hour.

The free wine may appeal to adults looking for a relaxed social trip. Families can still use the water and snorkeling portions, but wine is only for people over 18. Since snacks are not supplied, plan ahead for children or anyone who gets hungry after swimming.

Should you book the Comino cruise?

Book it if you want three well-spaced swims, clear water, basic snorkeling gear, cave views, and a friendly boat atmosphere for $51. The mix of Crystal Lagoon, Blue Lagoon, and Santa Marija Bay gives you more variety than a single-stop transfer, while the wine and water make the price easier to justify.

Skip it if you want privacy, a full cave visit, a substantial meal, or a long land-based tour of Comino. For the right kind of day, this is a practical and enjoyable choice: arrive at Marfa Jetty, get on the boat, swim in three beautiful places, and let the crew handle the route.

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 trip lasts approximately four hours.

How many swimming stops are included?

You receive three swimming stops, at Crystal Lagoon, Blue Lagoon, and Santa Marija Bay. Each stop lasts about one hour.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is supplied for use during the cruise.

Can I go ashore at the Blue Lagoon?

Yes. The experience includes the option to be stopped on land at the Blue Lagoon.

Can I enter Santa Marija Caves?

No. The boat passes in front of the caves and offers views from the water, but the caves cannot be entered from this trip.

What happens if the weather is poor?

If poor weather causes cancellation, you are offered a different date or a full refund. A full refund is also available when the minimum number of participants is not met and the activity is canceled.