Malta: Comino+ Santa Maria Bay, Blue Lagoon + Seacaves tour

Blue water, quieter swimming spots. Seahorse Cruises offers a relaxed boat day from St. Paul’s Bay, with time at Santa Maria Bay, the Blue Lagoon, and Malta’s coastal caves. I especially like the smaller, family-run feel and the chance to swim from the boat instead of fighting for a patch of sand. The main drawback is the Blue Lagoon itself, which can be intensely crowded in peak season.

I also like the useful balance between sightseeing and free time. Captain Owen keeps the mood friendly, explains the route in English and Italian, and gives you a choice between sunbathing on deck, swimming, snorkeling, or paying extra for a speedboat trip into selected caves. At $28 per person, this is strong value, though you should bring cash for onboard food, drinks, and optional extras.

Key things to know before booking

• Santa Maria Bay gets 1.5 hours: This is the quieter swimming stop, with a small beach and calmer surroundings than the Blue Lagoon.
• The Blue Lagoon stop lasts 2.5 hours: The water is beautiful, but the shore can feel like a crowded tourist zone in high season.
• You can stay on the boat: A diving platform, side ladder, shower, toilet, and deck seating make the vessel a comfortable base.
• Captain Owen sets the tone: His friendly welcome, clear commentary, humor, and careful handling of the boat receive especially strong praise.
• The boat is smaller than the huge cruise vessels: That usually means a more personal day, though the boat can feel full at departure.
• A Blue Lagoon QR code may be required: From May 1, 2025, you need a free QR code to step onto the Blue Lagoon area, with the stated booking slot from 13:30 to 17:30.

A relaxed start from Sirens Quay

Your day begins at St. Paul’s Bay Sirens Quay, where Seahorse Cruises is the only sailing boat at the meeting point. Boarding closes at 10:00 AM, despite the stated 10:30 AM departure, so I would arrive early rather than turn the first part of your holiday at sea into a sprint along the quay.

The boat heads out toward Gozo and Comino, giving you a long opening stretch for coastal views. Live commentary is provided in English and Italian, and the captain points out sights along the route. This is not a silent yacht charter. You get a social, easygoing cruise with music, conversation, and explanations of what you are seeing.

The boat can feel fairly full at the start. That is partly because some people leave at Gozo Harbour for a separate Gozo visit, which can open up more space later. The exact passenger mix changes from day to day, so do not expect an empty private charter. Still, the vessel is described as much less crowded than the large boats carrying 200 or more people.

That difference matters. On a giant vessel, you may spend the day searching for a seat and queuing for every small thing. On Seahorse, you can sit on cushions at the front or along the sides, order a drink without much fuss, and use the boat as your own floating base between swims.

St. Paul’s Island and the northern coast

The early sightseeing cruise passes St. Paul’s Island and the area around Smuggler’s Cove. The route includes views of old shipwreck remains said to be nearly 2,000 years old, along with a popular spot for underwater exploration.

You will not get a long shore visit here. Think of this section as a moving introduction to Malta’s northern coast, with the captain supplying context while the boat continues toward Gozo. If your main goal is swimming, the first hour may feel like a wait. If you enjoy seeing several coastal sights in one day, it gives the outing a useful sense of place.

The boat also passes the Crystal Lagoon, with a short photo and sightseeing stop of around 10 minutes. Its steep rock walls and clear water make a good camera subject, though you should not confuse a photo stop with free time to explore. Keep your phone ready and listen for the crew’s timing.

Gozo Harbour and a quick photo stop

The cruise continues toward Mgarr Harbour, Gozo’s main harbor. You get roughly 10 minutes for photos and views of the traditional fishing-village setting before the boat continues.

This is a brief stop, not a visit to Gozo’s inland villages or historic sites. That limitation is important. If you want a full Gozo day, this cruise is not a substitute. It gives you a harbor glimpse and a scenic pause, while keeping most of the day focused on Comino and swimming.

The Gozo stop also affects the feel of the boat. Some passengers get off here for longer visits, and the remaining group may have more room. That is one reason the return portion can feel less crowded than the opening cruise.

Santa Maria Bay gives you breathing room

Santa Maria Bay is the first major stop, with about 1.5 hours to swim, snorkel, sunbathe, or sit on the boat. For many people, this is the best part of the outing.

The bay is smaller and quieter than the Blue Lagoon area. You might find a modest strip of sand, rocky edges, and clearer space for a swim. The boat anchors nearby, so you do not have to carry your belongings onto a beach or search for a new place to sit after swimming.

I like this stop because it gives you two good choices. You can walk ashore and enjoy the bay, or stay aboard and use the boat’s front deck, platform, and ladder. The onboard setup is especially useful if you prefer jumping or stepping directly into the sea rather than dealing with rough shore access.

The crew can help people on and off the rocks, but this is still a sea outing with uneven surfaces. Wear shoes that are comfortable around wet decks and rocks. The supplied advice calls for comfortable shoes, swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and cash. I would add sturdy water shoes if you have them, particularly for the Blue Lagoon shore.

Snorkeling masks are available with a €10 deposit. That saves you from packing equipment, though you may prefer your own mask if fit matters to you. The water is the main attraction here, not a formal guided snorkeling session, so you are free to set your own pace.

The Blue Lagoon is beautiful, crowded, and complicated

The boat spends about 2.5 hours at the Blue Lagoon. This is the visual centerpiece of the trip, with clear turquoise water and pale, dramatic rock formations around Comino.

The best way to understand the stop is to separate the water from the shore. The water can be breathtaking. The main beach and access areas can also be crowded, rocky, slippery, and lined with expensive food and drink stalls during the busy season. Some people love being in the middle of the famous scene. Others take a quick look, then return to the boat.

That is where Seahorse makes practical sense. The captain anchors in a calmer location away from the worst crowding, allowing you to swim from the boat or relax on deck. You still see the Blue Lagoon, but you do not have to spend the entire stop standing on a packed patch of shore.

If you want to step onto the Blue Lagoon area, pay attention to the QR code rule. From May 1, 2025, a free QR code is required under Maltese regulations. The stated slot for this trip is 13:30 to 17:30. No QR code is needed if you remain on the boat. Check your ticket for the exact instructions before departure, since this rule affects how you use the stop.

A short walk to the main Blue Lagoon area may involve rough and slippery ground. This is not an ideal setup for anyone with mobility difficulties, and the activity is specifically not suitable for people with mobility impairments. Even able-bodied visitors should take care, especially when the rocks are wet.

Caves, Elephant Rock, and the scenic return

After the swimming stops, the boat cruises back toward Bugibba, passing Santa Maria Cave, Elephant Rock, and the Crystal Lagoon. The route gives you another chance to view Comino from the water, this time with the day’s swimming behind you.

The cave approach is one of the more memorable parts of the trip. The boat gets close to the openings where conditions allow, giving you a better look than a distant pass from a large ferry. An optional speedboat trip, priced at €15 according to the supplied details, can take you farther into selected coastal areas and caves.

I would consider that extra if close-up cave scenery is high on your list. It is not essential to enjoying the main cruise, and the standard trip already includes scenic passes and photo stops. But the speedboat is repeatedly praised as a worthwhile add-on, especially for people who want a more active finish.

The captain’s handling of the boat near the caves is another strong point. The route depends on weather, tides, and sea conditions, so the precise path can change. The captain and provider can alter the route, start point, or end point when needed for safety.

Food, drinks, and life aboard Seahorse

Lunch is not included, but food and drinks are sold at the snack bar. Cash is the only accepted payment onboard, so do not rely on a card or phone wallet.

Prices are described as reasonable, with examples including beer around €3, a hot dog around €3, and an iced tea plus a Cisk beer for €5. Those prices make it easier to treat the boat as your base for the day instead of carrying a full picnic.

The supplied rules say not to bring food, drinks, luggage, or a cooler. Pack lightly. A small day bag with a towel, sunscreen, phone, wallet, and dry clothing is the sensible approach. Large bags would only get in the way on a boat where space matters.

Facilities include a toilet, a shower near the side ladder, a snorkeling mask with deposit, and a platform for entering the water. The front deck has cushions, while seating also runs along the sides. Music plays during the trip, and the mood is described as fun without being excessively loud.

The family-run character is a real part of the experience. Captain Owen welcomes people individually, keeps an eye on safety, and helps maintain a warm atmosphere. The crew is friendly and willing to assist around the rocks and boat ladders. This personal service is one reason the trip feels different from a basic transport boat to Comino.

What $28 buys you

At $28, you receive transport from Sirens Quay, the long scenic route, a 1.5-hour Santa Maria Bay stop, a 2.5-hour Blue Lagoon stop, live commentary, use of the boat’s facilities, and the convenience of having your belongings remain onboard.

That is good value if you want a full day of swimming and coastal sightseeing without arranging separate transport. You also get the comfort of a boat with a deck, toilet, shower, snack bar, and water-entry platform. The price is especially sensible for families and couples who would rather avoid a huge cruise vessel.

The value drops if you only want to reach the Blue Lagoon as quickly as possible. A simple transport boat may suit you better, and this excursion includes extended cruising that you may not care about. It also does not include lunch, the optional speedboat, or any paid Blue Lagoon shore access requirements.

The duration needs a little attention. The overall activity is advertised as roughly 4 to 6.5 hours, while the detailed schedule describes a morning departure around 10:30 AM and a return near 5:00 PM. Plan for a full day, and check the date-specific departure and return times when booking.

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure and reserve-now, pay-later booking add flexibility. The important practical point is to arrive before the 10:00 AM boarding cutoff.

Who will enjoy this boat day

I would recommend Seahorse Cruises to you if you want several swimming locations, a friendly crew, and a smaller boat rather than a giant floating bus. It works well for couples, families, and groups of friends who want freedom to swim or simply lie on deck.

It is also a good choice if you know the Blue Lagoon will be crowded but still want to see it. Staying aboard lets you enjoy the water without committing to the packed shore. Santa Maria Bay gives you the quieter contrast that the Blue Lagoon itself may not provide.

I would be cautious if you dislike boats, need fully accessible facilities, or want a quiet luxury charter. The boat can feel full early in the day, the sea route depends on conditions, and the shore at the Blue Lagoon is rough in places. This is relaxed and friendly, not private or formal.

Should you book Seahorse Cruises?

Book it if you want a value-focused day on the water, with two long swim stops and a personal crew. The strongest reasons are the comfortable boat, Captain Owen’s welcoming style, fair onboard prices, and the option to enjoy the Blue Lagoon from the water instead of being swallowed by its crowds.

Skip it if your priority is a long, uncrowded beach visit or a full exploration of Gozo. For most visitors who want Malta’s famous sea views, clear water, caves, and an easygoing family-run outing, $28 is a solid deal. Bring cash, arrive early, wear shoes suited to rocks, and treat Santa Maria Bay as the calm highlight rather than assuming the Blue Lagoon shore will be peaceful.

FAQ

Where does the cruise start and finish?

The cruise starts and ends at St. Paul’s Bay Sirens Quay. The boat is called Seahorse Cruises, and it is the only sailing boat at the stated meeting point.

What time should I arrive?

Boarding closes at 10:00 AM. The listed departure time is 10:30 AM, so arrive before the boarding cutoff rather than relying on the departure time.

How long do you spend at Santa Maria Bay?

You have about 1.5 hours at Santa Maria Bay for swimming, snorkeling, sunbathing, or relaxing on the boat.

How long do you spend at the Blue Lagoon?

The cruise includes a 2.5-hour stop at the Blue Lagoon. You can swim, snorkel, sit on the boat, or visit the shore if you have the required QR code.

Do I need a QR code for the Blue Lagoon?

From May 1, 2025, a free QR code is required to step onto the Blue Lagoon area. The stated time slot is 13:30 to 17:30. You do not need a QR code if you stay on the boat.

Is food included?

Lunch is not included. Food and drinks are available for purchase onboard, and only cash is accepted.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Snorkeling masks are available with a €10 deposit. The boat also has a diving platform, a shower near the side ladder, and a toilet.