Comino’s water looks unreal, so it’s tempting to overbook your day. This 3-bay cruise is built around time in the water, with about 4 hours for swimming and snorkeling, and it runs on a boat that’s kept to a smaller group than the maximum capacity. My favorite part is the relaxed pace, plus the chance to choose how you spend time at Blue Lagoon.

The big thing to consider: food and drinks are not included. You can buy snacks and drinks on board, but if you want a proper lunch plan, bring your own or plan to eat somewhere busy at the Blue Lagoon stop.

Key points before you go

• Smaller group feel: boat holds up to 70, but the tour is limited to about 45 for more space.
• 4 hours in the water: 1 hour at Crystal Lagoon, 2 hours at Blue Lagoon, and 1 hour at Ħalfa Rock.
• Easy access from Comino: departures are just minutes from Comino Island, with views facing the island.
• On-board basics: toilets, fresh water showers, and a bar setup for drinks and snacks.
• Route tweaks when conditions change: the captain may adjust timing and stops to improve the experience.

Why this 3-bay cruise feels calmer than other Comino days

Comino day trips can get chaotic fast. Here, the operator keeps the boat from filling up all the way, even though the vessel’s capacity is much higher. That one choice changes everything, from getting a seat you actually like to moving around without shoulder-checking strangers.

You also get a schedule that respects the water. Instead of cramming in one quick swim, you get three swim stops, and the total time in the bays adds up to real relaxation. The vibe stays more like a long beach day than a rushed checklist.

One more detail I like: the cruise is designed so you can handle the Blue Lagoon moment on your terms. You can go ashore, but you can also stay on the boat if you prefer calmer waters and fewer crowds.

Getting started at Bluewaves Watersports, then straight to the good part

You meet at the provider office at Bluewaves Watersports, and the tour begins from the Marfa Bay area. From there, you head toward Comino quickly, so your day doesn’t burn time in transit.

Once you’re on board, you’ll want to get your comfort set early. The boat offers space on both lower and upper levels, and several reviews call out how clean and well cared for it feels. There are sunbathing areas on top, and the smaller group size helps you actually use them.

Practical note: boarding closes 15 minutes before departure. I’d arrive early and treat the check-in like a real gate. You don’t want your Comino swim to start with stress.

Crystal Lagoon stop: 1 hour of clear-water swimming and snorkeling

The first swim anchor is at Crystal Lagoon, with about 1 hour to get in. This is where the day sets the tone. The water here is the kind of pale turquoise that makes you want to stay still just to watch it.

You’re not just floating either. You’ll have time to swim and snorkel, using the gear and setup available on board if needed. One review mentioned they rented a diving mask for a small fee, and the boat also has pool noodles available for extra comfort.

What this stop means for you:

• If you want an easy warm-up, Crystal Lagoon is a great first entry.
• If you’re snorkeling-focused, you get enough time to adjust, settle, and actually enjoy it.

Possible drawback: if you want a longer first swim, 1 hour can feel short. The tradeoff is that the rest of the day protects your total swim time.

Blue Lagoon, Malta: 2 hours plus a real choice (boat or land)

The famous Blue Lagoon stop includes about 2 hours, and this is the moment many people came for. The cruise anchors at the Blue Lagoon pier, and you get options.

Option A: explore Comino on foot.

Option B: stay on the boat and swim and snorkel where you are anchored.

This matters because Blue Lagoon can get crowded on land. Several people specifically recommended staying on the boat to keep the experience more relaxed, and they felt the water and swim time were the payoff. I like that the cruise gives you that decision without forcing it.

Also, a new rule affects anyone who wants to walk on Comino. Starting Thursday, May 1, 2025, if you want to step on Comino Island from the Blue Lagoon and explore by foot, you must register and get an entry ticket through the official system at www.blcomino.com. If you’re going for photos and a quick walk, check this early so you don’t get blocked by timing.

Little timing detail: if you do go ashore for food, expect it to be busy. Many people suggest buying snacks on board or bringing your own food planning if you want to avoid the rush.

Ħalfa Rock (South of Gozo): another hour to swim and snorkel

Next up is Ħalfa Rock, positioned south of Gozo. You anchor here for about 1 hour of swimming and snorkeling.

This stop feels different from the lagoons. It’s less about beaches and more about water you can move through, plus the chance to jump in from the boat and work on your snorkeling rhythm again after the Blue Lagoon activity.

What I think makes this stop worthwhile:

• It keeps the day from being just one pretty anchorage.
• It adds variety to your swimming plan, not just more time in the same kind of water.

What you might see underwater: reviews mention they saw fish and even a moray eel. It’s not guaranteed, but the point is, you’re in the kind of clear water where spotting something cool is realistic.

Santa Marija Caves on the return: quick sightseeing without the pressure

On the way back, you get sightseeing around Santa Marija caves. This isn’t framed as a long guided walk or a museum stop. It’s more of a look, a cruise-by, and a chance to appreciate the Maltese coastline from the water.

Why this is a good fit for a swim-heavy day: you’re not forced into an exhausting time sink. You’re already dressed for the sea, and this kind of sightseeing feels natural after your last swim.

Also, if the sea conditions are a bit choppy, you’ll likely appreciate that this part is lighter than a land tour. The cruise format keeps the day doable.

Crew and captain choices, including the route tweaks people rave about

The crew is a major part of the experience. Many reviews call out friendly, helpful service, and the names that come up often include Danny and Ali. You’ll also hear praise about the professionalism and the feeling of safety on board.

The most interesting detail is that the captain may adjust the route based on real-world conditions. One review even described the captain changing the order of the stops to avoid the most crowded Blue Lagoon period. Another mentioned switching to another location when a final stop got overcrowded.

For you, that means the tour can feel smarter than a fixed script. If you’re going during peak season, that kind of flexibility can be the difference between crowded and comfortably spaced.

There’s also a calm, practical approach at the stops. The crew gives advice about swimming and water conditions, and they help with the little stuff that makes the day go smoothly.

What’s on board: toilets, showers, bar snacks, and small conveniences

A cruise is only pleasant if the basics work. Here, you get toilets and fresh water showers on board, which makes a real difference when you’re changing from saltwater back to normal life.

There’s also a bar setup. Reviews mention a range of drinks like coffee, cocktails, soft drinks, and snacks. Pricing examples show up too, like water around 1.50€ and soft drinks around 2€, plus an Aperol Spritz mentioned around 5€. You’ll also see that snacks are available for purchase.

If you want to keep costs predictable, I suggest you plan your food as either:

• bring snacks from home, and use the bar mainly for drinks, or
• buy snacks on board when you’re hungry, and skip a full lunch.

The cruise does not include food and drinks, so don’t assume you’ll be covered for a full meal.

Value check: is $47 worth it for 6 hours in Malta waters?

At $47 per person for about 6 hours, this cruise is priced like a solid midrange Malta activity. The value comes from how the time is structured, not just from the fact that you’re on a boat.

Here’s why the math tends to work for most people:

• You get three swim stops rather than one or two.
• You get a large portion of your day actively enjoying the water, around 4 hours of swimming time.
• The boat is limited to about 45 people, so you’re not paying for a crowded cattle-car experience.

You are paying separately if you want meals, but you do have on-board snacks and a bar. In other words, the cruise isn’t pretending to be all-inclusive, and you can tailor your spending.

If you compare Comino cruises that cost much more for similar time-on-water, the smaller-group approach here is a big reason people rate it highly.

What to bring, wear, and double-check before you meet at Marfa Bay

This is a sea day. Pack like one.

Bring:

• swimwear
• towel
• sunscreen (and use biodegradable sunscreen)
• sunglasses and a sun hat

Wear:

• comfortable non-slip sandals or swim shoes if you like them
• practical clothing you can rinse off

Avoid:

• high-heeled shoes
• anything sharp or weapons
• intoxication
• bikes and scooters
• electric wheelchairs

One more thing to consider: wheelchair access is not suitable, so if mobility support is needed, plan a different format.

If you get motion sick, take that seriously. One review mentioned the boat can bounce, so if you’re sensitive, bring what you need before you board.

Who should book this cruise, and who should choose something else

This is a great match if you:

• want serious swim time in three different bays
• prefer a smaller group feel over packed boats
• like snorkeling and want enough time to actually enjoy it
• want an easy day from Malta with minimal land walking

It may not be ideal if you:

• want a long land tour and guaranteed time on Comino beaches
• need wheelchair-friendly access
• need food included in the price and don’t want to plan snacks or purchases

For families, couples, and friend groups, the mix of swimming and short sightseeing usually works well. The bar and snack options also help if you want a relaxed, social feel rather than a strict gear-and-go water workout.

Should you book the Comino Blue Lagoon & Crystal Lagoon 3-bay cruise?

Book it if you want one of the best ways to spend a morning in Malta with lots of water time and a boat that stays comfortably spaced. The combination of three swim anchors, on-board basics like fresh showers and toilets, and a crew that can adjust the plan when conditions change makes it a strong value at this price.

Skip or rethink if food and drinks being included is a must for your budget, or if Comino land walking is central to your plan and you don’t want to deal with the new Comino Island registration requirement.

If you’re flexible, sunscreen-ready, and okay with buying snacks or bringing your own, this cruise is a very practical way to experience the famous Comino color without the chaos.

FAQ

How long is the 3 Bay Cruise?

The cruise runs for about 6 hours.

Where do I meet for the tour?

You meet at the office of the local provider, Bluewaves Watersports.

What stops are included?

The cruise includes swimming and snorkeling stops at Crystal Lagoon, Blue Lagoon, and Ħalfa Rock, plus sightseeing around Santa Marija caves.

Is food or drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not included, though there is a bar on board where you can buy refreshments.

Are there toilets and showers on the boat?

Yes. The boat has toilets and fresh water showers.

Do I need an entry ticket to walk on Comino Island?

From May 1, 2025, if you want to step on Comino Island from the Blue Lagoon and explore by foot, you must register and acquire an entry ticket through www.blcomino.com.

Is this tour wheelchair accessible?

No. It is not suitable for wheelchair users.