Comino Blue Lagoon & Crystal Lagoon – 3 Bay Cruise

The best seat may be on the boat. This six-hour cruise from Marfa Bay gives you three long swimming stops, a look at Santa Maria Caves, and room to stretch out instead of packing people shoulder to shoulder. I especially like the limited capacity of about 45 people on a boat built for 70, and I like that you get around four full hours in the water.

The main consideration is simple: this is a water day, not a land tour. Blue Lagoon can be very crowded, and the boat may bounce in rougher conditions, so anyone prone to seasickness should think twice. Still, the friendly crew, clean facilities, reasonable onboard drinks, and flexible route make this a strong choice at $47 per person.

The details that matter most

• Limited passenger numbers: The boat holds 70 but is limited to about 45, giving you more space on the lower and upper decks.
• Four hours of swimming: Crystal Lagoon gets one hour, Blue Lagoon two hours, and Ħalfa Rock one hour.
• A smart Blue Lagoon choice: You can walk ashore or stay onboard, where you can swim near the lagoon without joining the crush on land.
• Useful boat facilities: Toilets, a fresh water shower, sunbathing areas, and an onboard bar make a long day easier.
• A route that can change: The captain may adjust the stops for sea conditions, safety, or crowd levels.
• Morning booking required: For this three-bay cruise, book the 8:00 to 1:30 morning slot, and arrive before boarding closes 15 minutes before departure.

Starting at Marfa Bay, facing Comino

You meet at the Bluewaves Watersports office at Marfa Bay. The departure point is only a few minutes from Comino, so there is little wasted time before the coast and open water take over.

That location matters. You are not spending the first part of the day crossing a large stretch of sea just to reach the main sights. The boat points toward Comino almost at once, and the cruise quickly shifts into its main rhythm: stop, swim, dry off, cruise, and repeat.

The boat’s size is one of its best features. It is large enough to feel stable and provide toilets, seating, a bar, and upper-deck sunbathing space. Yet with the passenger limit kept below its full capacity, you are not fighting for a place to sit or trying to squeeze past a crowd to reach the swimming ladder.

Several people particularly liked the calm atmosphere created by the extra room. That makes this a better fit for couples, families, and anyone who wants music and a social mood without the feel of a packed party boat. The crew, including Danny and Ali, has been praised for being friendly, helpful, and attentive.

Crystal Lagoon: your first hour in the water

The first stop is Crystal Lagoon, where the boat anchors for about one hour. This is a good opening stop because you can get into the water early, before the day’s main heat has fully settled in.

You can swim and snorkel directly from the boat. The water is the star here, with clear conditions that suit a quick first swim or a longer session exploring around the vessel. If you enjoy jumping from a boat, sunbathing between swims, or simply floating without a schedule, this hour passes quickly.

Bring your own mask if snorkeling matters to you. A mask may also be rented onboard for about €3, according to the information provided. Snorkeling conditions are pleasant, but you should keep expectations sensible. This is not presented as a specialist marine-life excursion, and the water may not be packed with fish. Some people have spotted fish and even a moray eel, but the main reward is the clear water and the freedom to swim.

The crew gives advice about water conditions, which is useful for less confident swimmers. You should still take responsibility for your own swimming ability and listen closely when the crew explains where it is safe to enter.

Blue Lagoon: two hours and an important choice

Blue Lagoon is the longest stop, with about two hours available for swimming, snorkeling, and free time. You have two options: step ashore near the pier and explore Comino on foot, or remain on the boat.

Walking onto Comino gives you a chance to see more of the island and look for food or drinks on land. It also lets you stretch your legs after sitting on the boat. The catch is crowding. Blue Lagoon is one of Malta’s most famous swimming spots, and the landing area can become very busy.

For many people, staying onboard is the better option. Once those who want to go ashore leave the boat, you can swim near the lagoon, use the deck, and enjoy the view without standing in the thick of the beach crowd. You still get the color and scenery of Blue Lagoon, but with a seat, shade options, toilets, and a fresh water shower close by.

I would choose the onboard option if your priority is swimming rather than collecting another island walk. You can jump into the water from the boat, return for a drink, and use the upper deck for sunbathing. It is also easier for families or anyone who wants a comfortable base during the long stop.

If walking around Comino matters to you, note the new access rule. From May 1, 2025, anyone stepping onto Comino at Blue Lagoon and exploring on foot must register and obtain an entry ticket through the official government system at blcomino.com. This requirement does not make the boat stop impossible, but it adds one more thing to arrange before you leave.

The crew may also adjust the order of the route. One particularly good example involved going to Blue Lagoon first to avoid heavier crowds. That kind of change can make a real difference in summer, when the famous landing area becomes less pleasant.

Ħalfa Rock, a quieter final swim

The third swimming stop is Gebla tal-Halfa, also called Ħalfa Rock, south of Gozo. The boat anchors for about one hour of swimming and snorkeling.

This stop gives the day a different feel from Blue Lagoon. It is less about stepping ashore and more about enjoying the water from the boat. You can swim, snorkel, sunbathe, or take advantage of the clear water around the rock formations.

The captain may replace a crowded stop with another location. That flexibility is useful because a beautiful bay loses some of its charm when too many boats arrive at once. You are not promised a private cove, but the crew clearly keeps safety, sea conditions, and comfort in mind when choosing where to anchor.

For strong swimmers, the stop can also work well for freediving and jumping into the water. You should judge the conditions for yourself and follow crew instructions. The boat’s upper deck provides a good perch for people who prefer to watch rather than jump.

Santa Maria Caves and the cruise home

After the swimming stops, the boat cruises back toward Bluewaves Watersports. The return is not simply a straight ride home. The route includes sightseeing at places such as Santa Maria Caves, along with other rock formations and coastal views.

This part gives you a welcome pause after four hours in the water. You can rinse off with the fresh water shower, sit inside or outside, and watch the coast pass by. Some people find the final stop or sightseeing portion less essential than the lagoons, especially if they are already tired. That is fair. By this stage, you may have had enough sun and swimming for one day.

Still, the caves help round out the trip. You get more than repeated stops at similar swimming spots, and the crew may point out features along Comino and the nearby coast. Expect practical commentary in English rather than a formal historical lecture.

What the boat is really like for six hours

Six hours can feel long on a boat, but the schedule is broken up well. You get one hour at Crystal Lagoon, two at Blue Lagoon, one at Ħalfa Rock, and time spent cruising and sightseeing between them.

The passenger limit is the key comfort factor. A boat designed for 70 people with only about 45 aboard gives you room on the upper deck, lower deck, and around the tables. Several people appreciated being able to relax, eat their own snacks, and move around without squeezing through rows of bodies.

The boat has toilets and a fresh water shower. Those are not glamorous details, but they matter after several swims. The onboard bar sells drinks and snacks, and prices have been described as reasonable. Examples include soft drinks around €2, water around €1.50, and an Aperol Spritz for about €5. Food and drinks are not included, so budget for them or bring your own food.

Music plays during the cruise, creating a light holiday mood. The atmosphere seems more relaxed than a loud party cruise, though the volume can vary by day. If you want a quiet sailing experience, this may not be the perfect match. If you like a bit of music while sunbathing, it adds to the day.

The crew’s manner is another strong point. Danny and Ali are specifically praised for their helpful approach, while other comments describe the wider team as polite, professional, and attentive. You can expect information about the stops and advice about swimming conditions, but the focus remains on enjoying the water rather than sitting through constant narration.

Why the $47 price makes sense

At $47, this is good value if you plan to swim at every stop. You are paying for six hours on the water, three separate bays, around four hours of swimming time, sightseeing, onboard facilities, and a less crowded setup than many larger boats.

The comparison with a short sightseeing cruise is important. Those trips may offer a quick look at the coast but leave you wanting more time in the water. Here, swimming is the main event, and the itinerary gives you enough time to settle into each place rather than rushing in and out.

The price is less attractive if you dislike swimming, sunbathing, or sitting on a boat for long periods. You can walk ashore at Blue Lagoon, but most of the day still revolves around the sea. This is not the right outing if your main goal is a detailed tour of Comino’s inland paths.

Onboard purchases add to the total, though the reported drink prices are modest. A mask rental is another optional cost. Since food and drinks are excluded, bringing snacks can keep the day inexpensive.

Who should book this cruise?

I would choose this trip if you want a comfortable swimming day around Comino and nearby coastal sites. It suits couples, families, groups of friends, and solo visitors who prefer a boat with room to move.

It is also a good pick if you want flexibility. You can go ashore at Blue Lagoon, stay onboard, snorkel at every stop, or spend part of the day on the upper deck. The crew can change the route when conditions or crowds make another bay a better choice.

You should look elsewhere if you use a wheelchair, since the activity is not suitable for wheelchair users. It is also not suitable for unaccompanied minors, and bikes, scooters, electric wheelchairs, weapons, sharp objects, explosives, and high-heeled shoes are not allowed.

Sea conditions deserve honest attention. The captain can cancel or alter the cruise for weather, rough water, or other safety concerns. The boat may bounce, and anyone who gets seasick should prepare carefully or select a calmer activity.

Practical tips for a better day

Bring sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and biodegradable sunscreen. You will spend a large part of the day exposed to sun, even when you are not in the water.

Arrive early. Boarding closes 15 minutes before departure, and the three-bay cruise requires the morning time slot listed as 8:00 to 1:30. Confirm the exact start time when booking because availability can vary.

I would bring snacks and a refillable water bottle, then use the onboard bar when you want something cold or a coffee. If snorkeling is important, bring your own equipment or plan for the small mask rental fee.

At Blue Lagoon, decide in advance what matters most. Go ashore if you want a short Comino walk and access to land-based food. Stay on the boat if you want more space, easier swimming, and a better chance of avoiding the thickest crowd.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later. If weather cancels the cruise, you are offered another date or a refund.

Should you book the three-bay cruise?

Yes, if your ideal Malta day includes clear water, repeated swims, a friendly crew, and enough room to relax. The limited passenger count, four hours of water time, onboard shower and toilet, and flexible approach to crowded bays give this trip more comfort than its modest price suggests.

I would book it for the morning, bring food, and plan to stay onboard at Blue Lagoon unless walking on Comino is a major goal. Skip it if you dislike boats, struggle with sea conditions, or want a land-heavy cultural tour. For an active, sun-filled day near Comino, this cruise offers a very strong balance of time, scenery, and cost.

FAQ

How long is the Comino three-bay cruise?

The cruise lasts six hours.

Where does the cruise depart?

The meeting point is the Bluewaves Watersports office at Marfa Bay, facing Comino Island.

Which bays does the cruise visit?

The cruise includes Crystal Lagoon, Blue Lagoon, and Gebla tal-Halfa, also known as Ħalfa Rock.

How much time is spent swimming?

You get about one hour at Crystal Lagoon, two hours at Blue Lagoon, and one hour at Ħalfa Rock, for around four hours of swimming time.

Can I walk onto Comino at Blue Lagoon?

Yes, you can choose to explore Comino on foot from the Blue Lagoon pier. From May 1, 2025, you must register and obtain an entry ticket through blcomino.com before stepping onto the island.

Can I stay on the boat at Blue Lagoon?

Yes. You may stay onboard, swim near the boat, and use the vessel’s facilities instead of going ashore.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not included, but drinks and snacks are available to purchase onboard.

Does the boat have a toilet and shower?

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

Is the cruise suitable for wheelchair users?

No. The activity is not suitable for wheelchair users.