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

The best swim may be off the boat. This Seahorse Cruises outing pairs a relaxed sail from St. Paul’s Bay with clear-water swimming at Santa Maria Bay and the famous Blue Lagoon. I like the smaller, family-run feel, plus the generous time in two separate bays rather than one quick stop. The front deck, jump platform, showers, toilet, snack bar, and onboard masks make the day easy.

The main catch is the Blue Lagoon crowd, especially in peak season. The water and rock formations are beautiful, but the shore can feel packed and commercial. I would treat the boat as your base, not assume the beach itself will offer peace and quiet.

The five details that shape your day

• Santa Maria Bay gets 1.5 hours, giving you a calmer swim before the Blue Lagoon.
• Blue Lagoon gets 2.5 hours, but a free QR code is required to step ashore from May 1, 2025.
• The boat is Seahorse Cruises, the only sailing boat at St. Paul’s Bay Sirens Quay.
• Captain Owen and his family-run crew are praised for friendly service, safety, humor, and helpful local commentary.
• An optional speedboat trip costs €15, useful for reaching certain caves and rock formations.
• Food and drinks cost extra, and only cash is accepted onboard.

Setting out from Sirens Quay at 10:30

Your day begins at St. Paul’s Bay Sirens Quay, where you should find the Seahorse Cruises sailing boat. Boarding closes at 10:00 AM, even though the listed departure time is 10:30 AM. That half-hour gap matters, so arrive early rather than turning the first stop of your holiday into a race along the waterfront.

The boat is described as cozy rather than huge. You can sit on cushions at the front or along the sides, and the smaller size helps the trip feel less like a floating bus. Some departures may begin with more people onboard, particularly because the boat also serves passengers heading to Gozo, but numbers can drop after the Gozo stop.

Captain Owen welcomes people individually and gives commentary in English and Italian. His friendly style is a major part of the appeal. The tone is informal and social, with music at a moderate volume, a playlist that has been praised for its variety, and a crew that helps people around the boat and near the rocks.

This is not a silent luxury yacht experience. You share the space with other people, and the boat has a lively family atmosphere. If you want a polished, private charter, this is not that. If you want a pleasant day on the water without a 200-person vessel, it offers a sensible middle ground.

St. Paul’s Island and the northern Malta cruise

The first part of the cruise is as much about seeing Malta from the water as it is about swimming. The boat passes St. Paul’s Island, where you can see the remains of shipwrecks connected with almost 2,000 years of maritime history. The route also includes Smuggler’s Cove, a popular spot for underwater exploration.

The commentary gives these views more meaning than a simple transfer between bays. You get a sense of how the northern coast works as a chain of inlets, exposed rock, caves, and sheltered water. Still, keep your expectations in check. This is a scenic cruise, not a dedicated archaeological tour, and the stops are brief.

You may also pass the Crystal Lagoon during the outward or return route. It is included as a photo stop and scenic pass, with about 10 minutes listed for this part of the trip. That is enough for photographs and a look at the cliffs, but not enough for a proper swim or long visit.

Gozo Harbour in a ten-minute snapshot

The route continues toward Gozo Harbour, also known as Mġarr Harbour. You receive about 10 minutes for photographs and views of the traditional fishing village. It is a compact stop, so do not expect time to walk around, buy lunch, or explore Gozo itself.

This brief pause is useful because it gives the cruise a little local character. You see the harbor as an active working place rather than only as a ferry terminal. Boats, waterfront buildings, and the surrounding coast create a pleasant change from the open sea.

Some people on the boat may leave here for a half-day or full-day visit to Gozo. That explains why the boat can feel fuller at the start and more spacious afterward. The exact number of people remaining will vary by departure, but the Gozo stop can improve the amount of room available for the later swimming sections.

Santa Maria Bay is the quieter swimming stop

Santa Maria Bay on Comino is your first main stop, with about 1.5 hours at anchor. You can swim, use a mask, sunbathe on deck, or simply enjoy the water without going ashore.

This is where the boat setup makes real sense. The small beach can be pleasant, but the best advantage is having your own base on the water. You can return to the deck for shade, a drink, dry clothes, or a rest without losing your place on the beach.

The bay is generally the calmer choice for swimming. Several details make it practical: the boat has a front jump platform, a side ladder, a nearby shower, and a toilet. The crew can also assist people around the rocks, although the activity is not suitable for people with mobility impairments.

You receive a snorkeling mask after paying a €10 deposit. Bring your own mask if you prefer a familiar fit, but the included option means you do not need to rent equipment elsewhere. Pack a towel, swimwear, sunscreen, and comfortable shoes. Rock shoes are especially useful around the water and at the Blue Lagoon.

Santa Maria Bay is not a long beach holiday stop. Ninety minutes goes quickly once you change, swim, take photos, and settle on deck. I would use the time for the water rather than planning a substantial walk.

Blue Lagoon: beautiful water, busy shore

The boat spends about 2.5 hours at the Blue Lagoon, the headline stop of the day. The water is strikingly clear, and the pale rock formations make the area one of Malta’s most photographed coastal spots.

The boat anchors away from the thickest shore crowds, which is a strong reason to choose this trip. You can swim directly from the vessel, use the platform, and enjoy the color of the lagoon without trying to claim a tiny piece of beach. The view from the water can be far more relaxing than the view from the crowded shoreline.

You can also go ashore, but from May 1, 2025, Maltese regulations require a free QR code to step onto the Blue Lagoon area. The booking information advises selecting the 1:30 PM to 5:30 PM time slot. No QR code is needed if you remain on the boat.

This rule is worth handling before departure. The QR code is not a paid add-on, but you need to check your ticket for the relevant details. If you do not plan to leave the vessel, you can avoid that step entirely.

The shore itself may not match the dreamy photographs. During busy periods, the lagoon can be extremely crowded, with food stalls, drink stands, and limited room on the rocks. Paths can be rocky and slippery, and reaching the main area may involve a short, uncomfortable walk. Comfortable footwear is not a minor suggestion here.

I would spend most of the Blue Lagoon stop swimming from the boat or viewing the water from the deck. If you want to walk ashore, bring patience and sensible shoes. The lagoon is worth seeing, but its popularity is part of the experience, for better and worse.

Caves, Elephant Rock, and the trip home

After the swimming stops, the boat cruises back toward Bugibba. The return is not dead time. The route includes views of Santa Maria Cave, Elephant Rock, and the Crystal Lagoon.

The boat can approach the caves closely, giving you a better angle than you might get from shore. The optional speedboat trip, available for an extra €15, takes you into certain areas that the main vessel cannot reach as easily. Several people have found this extra worthwhile, particularly if caves are a priority.

The speedboat is optional, so you can stay on the main vessel if you prefer a quieter ride. The main cruise already includes scenic views and cave passes. I would consider paying the extra if you enjoy fast boat rides and want a closer look at the formations, but it is not necessary for a good day.

Return is expected at about 5:00 PM, though the published duration can range from four to 6.5 hours depending on availability and conditions. The captain and operator can change the route, departure, or return point because of weather, tides, or other operating reasons.

Food, drinks, and what to bring

Lunch is not included, but food and drinks are available from the snack bar. Onboard prices are described as reasonable, with examples including beer for about €3, a hot dog for about €3, and an iced tea plus a Cisk beer for €5. Prices can change, so bring cash and do not rely on a card.

Food and drinks from outside are not allowed. Large bags, luggage, and coolers are also prohibited. You should arrive with a compact day bag containing:

• Swimwear and a towel
• Sunscreen
• Comfortable shoes or rock shoes
• Cash for snacks, drinks, deposits, and optional extras
• A phone or camera in a waterproof pouch

The boat has a toilet and a shower near the side ladder, both helpful after swimming. The mask deposit is €10, so keep that amount available if you want to use the provided equipment.

Is the $28 price good value?

At $28 per person, the tour offers strong value for a full day on the water. You receive the cruise, commentary, two substantial swimming stops, use of the diving platform, a shower, a toilet, and access to snorkeling masks with a refundable deposit arrangement. You also get the scenery around Gozo Harbour, St. Paul’s Island, Crystal Lagoon, Santa Maria Cave, and Elephant Rock.

The price becomes even more attractive if you compare it with a simple return boat transfer to Comino. This outing gives you a second bay, a longer stay at the Blue Lagoon, a comfortable onboard base, and the chance to swim away from the most crowded section.

The extras can raise your total. Lunch and drinks cost more, the speedboat costs €15, and you may need to arrange the Blue Lagoon QR code if you want to step ashore. Even with a snack and the optional speedboat, the overall cost can remain reasonable for a day that combines transport, sightseeing, and swimming.

The value depends on what you want. If you only want to stand on the Blue Lagoon shore, a simple transfer may be enough. If you want a more relaxed boat day with two bays and a friendly crew, the added cost makes sense.

Who will enjoy this cruise most?

I would recommend it to couples, families, and small groups who want a relaxed day with plenty of water time. You do not need to organize separate transport to Comino, find a beach chair, or carry snorkeling equipment from Malta.

It also suits people who like a social boat atmosphere. Captain Owen and the crew are repeatedly praised for warmth, humor, safety, and personal attention. That family-run approach is part of the experience, not just a service detail.

This is less suitable for anyone who needs step-free access or finds rocky entries difficult. The boat involves ladders and water access, and the Blue Lagoon shore can be slippery. It is also not the best choice for someone seeking a quiet, uncrowded beach at the lagoon itself.

I would also think twice if your main goal is a full Gozo visit. The harbor stop lasts only about 10 minutes, and passengers who want to explore Gozo properly should choose a Gozo-focused outing instead.

Practical timing and booking advice

Plan to reach Sirens Quay before 10:00 AM because boarding closes then. Look for the Seahorse Cruises vessel, described as the only sailing boat there, rather than waiting for a generic tour boat.

The listed price is $28, but availability and starting times should be checked before booking. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours ahead for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later if you want to keep plans flexible.

The trip operates with English and Italian commentary. Bring cash because only cash is accepted onboard. Weather and tides can alter the route, start point, or return point, so keep some flexibility in your final day plan.

Should you book Seahorse Cruises?

Book this tour if you want a friendly, smaller-scale boat day, two swimming locations, and the freedom to use the vessel as your base. Santa Maria Bay is the better place for an easy swim, while the Blue Lagoon supplies the famous scenery and the biggest visual payoff.

I would not book it expecting an empty Blue Lagoon beach or a full visit to Gozo. Instead, choose it for the boat, the swimming platform, the cave views, the helpful crew, and the chance to enjoy Comino from the water. At $28, that is a very fair package, especially for anyone who prefers a relaxed sail over a crowded high-capacity cruise.

FAQ

Where does the tour start?

The tour starts at St. Paul’s Bay Sirens Quay. The boat is called Seahorse Cruises.

What time should I arrive?

Boarding closes at 10:00 AM. The listed departure time is 10:30 AM, so arrive before boarding closes.

How long is the tour?

The experience is listed as lasting from four to 6.5 hours depending on availability and starting time. The expected return is approximately 5:00 PM for the full-day departure.

How long do you stay at Santa Maria Bay?

The boat anchors at Santa Maria Bay for about 1.5 hours. You can swim, snorkel, or relax on the deck.

How long do you stay at the Blue Lagoon?

The Blue Lagoon stop lasts about 2.5 hours. You can stay onboard or swim and visit the area.

Do you need a QR code for the Blue Lagoon?

A free QR code is required to step onto Comino’s Blue Lagoon area from May 1, 2025. No QR code is needed if you remain on the boat.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Snorkeling masks are available with a €10 deposit. You should bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and comfortable shoes.

Is lunch included?

Lunch is not included. Food and drinks are available for purchase at the onboard snack bar.

Can you pay by card onboard?

Only cash is accepted onboard. Bring enough cash for food, drinks, deposits, and any optional extras.

Is the tour suitable for people with mobility impairments?

The activity is not suitable for people with mobility impairments. Access involves the boat’s ladders, swimming platform, and rocky areas around the bays.