Comino is gorgeous from the water. This Malta sailing day trip blends scenic cruising with two anchored swim stops, plus sea cave and rock-formation sightings you can enjoy without rushing. It is built for people who want clear-water time, not a party scene.

I especially like the 2.5-hour Blue Lagoon window, which gives you real breathing room to swim, snorkel, and relax on the deck. I also like the Santa Maria Bay stop for a calmer Comino feel, along with live narration in English and Italian that keeps the voyage interesting while you take in the coast.

My one caution: the Blue Lagoon area can feel crowded, and Comino rules now require a free QR code if you step onto the lagoon shore. If you prefer skipping the crowds, you can stay on the boat and still enjoy the water.

Key highlights worth your attention

• Santa Maria Bay anchor time for swimming and snorkeling in a quieter cove vibe
• Blue Lagoon, 2.5 hours with anchoring away from the busiest spots
• Sea cave and rock sightings from the boat, including Santa Maria Cave and Elephant Rock
• Live commentary in English and Italian to turn scenery into context
• Onboard snack bar and facilities like showers and a proper toilet on board

From Bugibba Jetty to open water in one smooth morning

The day starts at Bugibba Jetty, with the boat leaving at 10:30 AM and boarding closing at 10:00 AM. It is one of those departures that rewards punctuality, because once you are moving, you settle in fast. The vessel is Seahorse Cruises, a sailing boat that meets right where the action is, so you are not hunting around town for the right pier.

That first stretch of sailing is where you get your bearings. You cruise past iconic coastline and landmarks while the guide talks in English and Italian, so even if you do not know much about Malta, you will start connecting the dots. I like this approach because you are not stuck watching a slideshow. You are out on the water, feeling the sea breeze, and the narration helps you notice details you might miss from shore.

If your plan is simply to maximize time in the water, the early sightseeing part still matters. It sets expectations for what comes next, and it makes the trip feel like more than a single swim stop.

St. Paul’s Island, Smuggler’s Cove, and the quick Gozo look

On the way toward the Blue Lagoon region, you pass St. Paul’s Island, where you can see remnants of shipwrecks from nearly 2,000 years ago. You also get views of Smuggler’s Cove, known as a popular diving destination. Even if you are not doing anything underwater beyond snorkeling, this section gives you a sense of why this coast became famous in the first place.

You will then continue to Gozo Harbor (Mgarr Harbour) for a 10-minute photo stop. It is short by design, so treat it as a palate cleanser rather than a full Gozo experience. You get a quick peek at the traditional fishing village feel, then back onto the boat to keep the day flowing.

One practical note: because time at each location is intentionally limited, this is not the best fit if you want a long, in-depth inland exploration of Gozo. It is a water-and-coast tour, with spot highlights more than slow travel.

Crystal Lagoon stop and photo stop rhythm

You will also have a 10-minute stop connected to Crystal Lagoon for photos and quick scenic viewing. Think of it like a preview card. You get the view, you take a few photos if you want them, and then you move on.

This kind of short stop is often divisive on tours, but in this case it makes sense. The core of the value is where you actually swim and snorkel, and the schedule protects that time.

If you are the type who hates rushed photos, you can still do this stop with your own pace. Grab one angle, snap what you want, then sit back and let the boat handle the momentum.

Santa Maria Bay: the calmer Comino swim window

Your first real water break is Santa Maria Bay on Comino, with 1.5 hours to enjoy the cove. The experience here feels more relaxed because it is a tranquil area with anchoring, so you can choose how you spend that time. Some people snorkel, some swim, and some just float and sunbathe on the boat’s deck.

A big plus is that you are not immediately thrown into the most crowded spot on the island. Santa Maria Bay gives you that first taste of Comino water, then you can shift into Blue Lagoon later with better expectations for what will be busy.

Here is my practical advice: if you want the cleanest-feeling swim time, use this earlier window for snorkeling. Later, when you are at Blue Lagoon, you can switch to swimming, drifting, or deck time depending on crowd energy.

Blue Lagoon time, QR code rules, and how to enjoy it without stress

Next comes the Blue Lagoon, where you get 2.5 hours. This is the heart of the trip, and it is why the day feels like a real Comino experience instead of a drive-by. The boat anchors in a serene location away from the crowds, which helps a lot with comfort once you get in the water.

One rule to know now: from 1 May 2025, you need a free QR code to step onto Comino’s Blue Lagoon shore. You are supposed to book a time slot 13:30 to 17:30. If you stay on the boat at the Blue Lagoon, you do not need the QR code. That means you can still enjoy the famous water even if you do not want to deal with the shoreline bottleneck.

This matters because the Blue Lagoon shore can involve rocky access. One reviewer noted it can be difficult to get down due to rocky paths, and they recommended water shoes and a decent ability to get into the water comfortably. I agree with that mindset. If you have any concern about footing, plan to swim from where the boat is set or keep your movements simple.

What you will like most here is the change in water color and texture as you swim closer to the formations. The water can look almost unreal, and the boat’s setup makes it easy to enjoy without constantly wading around.

Also, the onboard snack bar is available for purchases while you cruise. So if your energy drops, you are not stranded. Just remember that lunch is not included, and you will want cash since only cash is accepted onboard.

The return cruise: sea caves, Elephant Rock, and photo moments

On the way back, the boat keeps the storytelling going and lines up the visual highlights you missed on the way out. You pass Santa Maria Cave and Elephant Rock, and later you get a 10-minute Santa Maria Caves photo stop with scenic passing and viewing.

This part is for people who like finishing strong. Even if you spent your best time snorkeling during earlier stops, you can still enjoy the caves from the boat. You are not forced to do more than what you want, and the deck time on the way back can be a welcome reset after being in the water.

If you are considering an add-on, one review mentioned an extra speedboat option (about 15€ per person) that lets you see more and go deeper into the caves. That sounds like a good match if you are cave-obsessed and want more than a photo stop. Just keep in mind it is not listed as a core included item, so check availability and ask what is actually covered before paying.

Snorkeling gear, platform access, and onboard comfort

This boat is set up for water time. You get snorkeling masks with a €10 deposit, which is a helpful detail because it reduces the need to bring your own gear. There is also a diving platform (the boat has that sturdy onboard step into the water setup), plus a shower near the side ladder and a toilet on board.

A few practical takeaways:

• Bring swimwear and plan to change at the boat if needed.
• Bring a towel so you are not stuck drying off with whatever you have in your day bag.
• Wear comfortable shoes for getting around the dock areas.

Onboard logistics are straightforward, and that helps. You are not managing a complicated system. You are just sailing, swimming, and then rinsing off when you are done.

Price value: why $35 can be a smart use of your Malta day

At $35 per person, this trip lands in the value zone if your goal is Comino water without adding expensive day-long transfers or multiple separate activities. You get two meaningful swim periods, not just one quick stop. That is the biggest driver of value.

Also, you are not paying extra for the basics like mask rental deposits (with the deposit model) or for the onboard access to the water platform. The guides provide live commentary in English and Italian, which turns the scenic parts into something more than dead time.

Where costs can creep up is predictable. Lunch is not included, and food and drinks are purchase-only on board. Plus, you may want to budget for water shoes if you do not already have them, and you might decide on that speedboat add-on if you want a more intense caves experience.

My bottom line: if you want anchored water time in Malta and you are okay with some crowd energy at the Blue Lagoon area, this is a strong way to spend a half to full day.

Who should book this trip, and who might prefer a different plan

I would book this if you:

• Want both Santa Maria Bay and the Blue Lagoon in one day
• Like the mix of sailing views plus real swimming windows
• Want family-friendly energy rather than a party boat vibe
• Appreciate safety and clear guidance from a captain and crew

It might not be your best match if you:

• Want lots of Gozo time beyond a quick photo stop at Mgarr Harbour
• Hate crowded shore access and want to step onto Blue Lagoon land for long periods
• Prefer tours that include lunch as part of the price

Should you book Seahorse Cruises to Comino, Blue Lagoon, and Sea Caves?

Yes, if your priority is water time and you want a well-paced day that does not waste the whole schedule in transit. The combination of anchored swimming at Santa Maria Bay and 2.5 hours in the Blue Lagoon, plus the cave and rock views on the return, is a solid payoff for the money.

I would also book if you value a crew that sounds calm and competent. Reviews specifically highlight captains like Owen and Liam, with praise for how informed and safe the experience feels.

Just go in with the right plan: bring what you need for water access, have cash ready for purchases, and decide whether you want to step onto shore (QR code rule) or enjoy from the boat.

If you want a chilled sailing day with Comino’s clear water as the main event, this is one you should seriously consider.

FAQ

What is the duration of the tour?

The experience is listed as 4 to 6.5 hours, and you are expected to return by around 5:00 PM.

Where do I meet, and what time does the cruise depart?

You meet at Bugibba Jetty. The cruise departs at 10:30 AM, and boarding closes at 10:00 AM.

How long do we stop at the Blue Lagoon and Santa Maria Bay?

You get a 2.5-hour stop at the Blue Lagoon and a 1.5-hour stop at Santa Maria Bay.

Is snorkeling gear included?

Snorkeling masks are included, but there is a €10 deposit.

Do I need a QR code to go to the Blue Lagoon shore?

Yes. From 1 May 2025, a free QR code is required to step onto Comino’s Blue Lagoon shore. The time slot mentioned is 13:30 to 17:30. If you stay on the boat, you do not need the QR code.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included, though food and drinks are available for purchase onboard.

What payment do they accept onboard?

Only cash is accepted onboard.

What should I bring, and what is not allowed?

Bring comfortable shoes, swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and cash. Not allowed: food and drinks, and luggage or large bags (also no coolers).