Comino and its lagoons can feel like a postcard that gets overcrowded fast. This cruise uses a small boat setup and gives you real water time in Crystal Lagoon and Blue Lagoon, plus views that feel close to the action. I really like how the pace is built around swim stops, not endless sitting, and how the crew keeps things friendly and clear, with English guidance from Johnny. One thing to consider: if conditions are choppy, you may get less time in the water and more time viewing, because safety comes first.

You meet at Cirkewwa and spend the morning or afternoon working the island loop, passing spots tied to The Count of Monte Cristo and the cliffs of Comino. The big practical heads-up is the Blue Lagoon regulation that starts in May 2025, where stepping ashore requires a free QR code. If you simply stay on the boat during the Blue Lagoon stop, you do not need it, but you should decide which plan you want ahead of time.

Quick takeaways

• Small boat, max 24 passengers makes it feel personal and helps you get close to the caves and shorelines.
• Crystal Lagoon (45 minutes) is your main swim and snorkel slot with clear, shallow water you can see through.
• Blue Lagoon has a May 2025 QR code rule for anyone stepping onto the beach, with time-specific entry slots.
• Multiple Comino beaches in one outing, including Santa Maria Bay and a Santa Maria Caves photo stop.
• Onboard comfort includes shade, a toilet, swim noodles, and a free stand-up board to use.

How the day runs, from Cirkewwa to Comino and back

I like this tour because it feels like a “route with purposes.” You are not just cruising the horizon and hoping you find the good angles. You start at the meeting point behind the Cirkewwa Kiosk Cafe, down the stairs and around the corner to the left, and then you are immediately out toward Comino.

The total time is listed as 3 to 4 hours, with a sightseeing cruise segment between each key stop. That structure matters because you get movement, then you get a block of time where you can actually swim, snorkel, or get photos. When you compare it to longer all-day tours, this one is easier to pair with other plans in Malta.

The boat is designed for a calmer feel. It holds up to 24 passengers, and that shows in how the stops work. Larger boats often mean you watch from a distance. Here, you get closer access, and the crew can handle small logistics like where to swim and when to regroup without turning the whole thing into a circus.

Also, the crew is not vague about timing. I found that reassuring, because lagoon visits live or die by the clock, and you do have return plans to think about.

Comino Tower and the movie connection you can actually see

Right after you leave Cirkewwa, you pass Comino Tower, a landmark made famous by The Count of Monte Cristo. Even if you do not care about the movie angle, the tower is still a useful landmark. It signals that you are entering the Comino zone where the scenery starts looking dramatic fast.

As you go, watch the contrast between the golden shoreline and the water color changes around the island. Malta’s coasts can vary minute by minute depending on depth and sun angle, and the route takes advantage of that.

You also get a viewing pass of nearby bays, including San Niklaw bay, and you pass by a hotel on Comino. These passes are short, but they help you place what you later see at the water stops.

Crystal Lagoon, 45 minutes that actually feels like enough

Your first proper water stop is Crystal Lagoon, on the western side of Comino. You get a 45-minute window that includes swimming and snorkeling time, plus the chance to view marine life where the water is clear enough to notice movement near the surface.

This is the stop I would call the “trust the water” moment. The tour description highlights why the lagoon is famous for clear turquoise color, and in practice that matters because you can snorkel without feeling like you are guessing what is under you. If you enjoy seeing fish and getting a feel for the underwater texture, this is where you get it.

Two practical points so you can enjoy it more:

• Plan to start swimming early. The time is set, so once you are on board and underway, there is not a lot of slack.
• If you want stand-up paddleboarding, this is one of the scheduled windows. A stand-up board is free to use, and having that option here is great because calmer lagoon water often makes it feel more stable.

Snorkeling gear is listed as not included, so if you have your own, bring it. If you do not, you might still find some basic options onboard, but the only safe bet in your planning is to be ready to snorkel with what you have.

Blue Lagoon is the headline, and the QR code rule changes the plan

Next comes the main event: Blue Lagoon. You get about an hour of free time at this stop, with swimming and snorkeling opportunities. Sunlight reaching a shallow sandy seabed helps create those classic blue tones you came for.

Here is the big update effective 1 May 2025. If you want to step onto the Blue Lagoon beach area, you must present a valid free QR code. You get it in advance from www.blcomino.com, and it comes with time-specific entry slots: Morning, Afternoon, or Sunset. Make sure you book the correct slot that matches your tour timing.

Now the part that can save you stress: if you prefer to stay on the boat during the Blue Lagoon stop, you do not need a QR code and you can remain aboard. That is a smart choice for people who want the view and the water time without the entry hassle.

What this means for your decision-making is simple. Before you book, ask yourself:

• Do I want to walk on the sand and jump straight from shore?
• Or am I happy with swimming and snorkeling from the boat?

Also, the boat setup includes swim noodles free to use and shade on board, which helps if the sun is strong while you wait for your ideal moment to swim.

Halfa Rock, and the quick scenic pass that adds variety

After the main lagoons, the tour shifts to more sightseeing. You pass the island of Gozo and then head toward Ħalfa Rock (Gebla tal Halfa) for sightseeing, with a shorter 15-minute viewing slot.

This is not a long hike or a deep inland stop. It is a photo-friendly and view-friendly change of pace. It keeps the day from becoming only swimming and water time, and it helps you see more of the island character beyond the lagoons.

Short scenic stops are useful if you like variety, because you can keep energy for the next swim block.

Santa Maria Bay swim stop, plus caves and Elephant Rock photos

The tour continues to Santa Maria Bay, with another 45-minute window for swimming and snorkeling, plus optional on-shore time and sightseeing. Like Crystal Lagoon, this is built for active water time, so you will not feel like you are spending half your visit just waiting around.

If you like staying near the group, the boat gives you a base. If you want to explore a little, the bay timing gives you enough freedom to move along the shore area and find your own rhythm.

From there, you get two more cave and rock moments:

• A photo stop and short visit around Santa Maria Caves, with a 10-minute pass.
• A final photo stop at Elephant Rock, again around 10 minutes, before returning to Cirkewwa.

Cave access is where the small-boat advantage shows up. Bigger boats can sometimes feel like you are sightseeing from farther out. With a smaller group and a boat that can get close, you get the feeling of being near the rock formations, not just looking at them.

Boat comfort and crew guidance that make the logistics easy

This trip is run by Comino Land Charters Malta, and the crew matters. I like that they keep instructions clear and that you are guided in English and Maltese.

Johnny is specifically mentioned as a friendly, helpful guide, and that lines up with what you need on a day like this. You want someone who can tell you:

• how long you have at each stop
• where the best access points are
• when the group should be back on board

On a small boat, that kind of clarity reduces stress. You spend more time enjoying the water, less time worrying about where to go next.

Onboard essentials are also covered:

• Onboard toilet
• Shade for sunny moments
• Life jackets available if needed
• Free parking at the meeting point
• Marina fees and permits included for the lagoon areas

That last point is quietly important. Lagoon rules can change and can add costs. Having permits included means fewer surprises.

Price and value: why $32 can make sense here

At $32 per person, this cruise is priced like an easy add-on, not a big production. And the value is in the time and inclusions.

You are getting:

• swim time in Crystal Lagoon and Blue Lagoon
• a second swim stop at Santa Maria Bay
• cave and rock photo moments
• a small-group 24 passenger boat experience
• stand-up board and noodles free to use
• a toilet on board and shade

What is not included is also useful to know. Food and drinks are not included, though you can buy them at beach stops or onboard. Snorkeling gear is not included, so bring your own if snorkeling is a must-do.

Given that you have multiple water stops and a tight schedule in 3 to 4 hours, this feels like a strong value if your goal is lagoons without committing a whole day.

If your goal is only beach walking, you may decide to spend less time on-board activities and more time planning your own Blue Lagoon access. But if you want the route and the water time managed for you, this price becomes easier to justify.

What to bring (and what to plan around) for a smooth lagoon day

This is the practical part that makes or breaks comfort.

Bring:

• swimwear
• towel
• sunscreen
• beachwear
• cash

The cash note is not just random. Since food and drinks are not included, and some items are purchased while you are out, having cash helps you avoid getting stuck when you want a snack or a drink.

Also, plan your Blue Lagoon strategy around the QR code rule starting May 2025:

• If you want to step onto the beach, get your free QR code from blcomino.com and choose the correct time slot.
• If you prefer to stay on board during Blue Lagoon, you do not need the QR code.

Finally, be honest with yourself about sea conditions. The water ride can involve waves, and if conditions are rough, the crew may adjust how you experience certain stops, especially around swimming.

This tour is also listed as not suitable for pregnant women, wheelchair users, people with motion sickness, and people over 95 years. If any of those apply, it is worth choosing a different Malta outing.

Who this cruise is best for

I see this as a great fit for:

• Couples and small groups who want the Comino classics with less crowd energy
• Families with kids who like swimming and short, clear segments rather than long hikes
• Snorkelers who want a couple of main water stops without buying a full-day ticket
• Anyone who wants to see caves and rock formations without jumping into a bigger-boat crowd scene

If you hate changing plans when the sea gets choppy, you might feel frustrated by nature. But the crew’s job is to keep you safe while still giving you as much of the route as possible.

Should you book this Comino, Crystal Lagoon, and Blue Lagoon cruise?

Book it if your top priority is real swimming time in Comino’s lagoons, and you like the idea of a small boat that gets you closer to the action. The mix of Crystal Lagoon, Blue Lagoon, Santa Maria Bay, plus cave and rock moments makes the 3 to 4 hour format feel efficient.

Consider booking something else if:

• you need wheelchair access or a different kind of shore access
• you get motion sickness easily
• you are only interested in long shore time on Blue Lagoon and would rather manage the QR code and beach logistics yourself

If you go in with a clear plan for the Blue Lagoon QR code rule, you will get exactly what you came for: turquoise water, cave views, and a day that stays manageable.

FAQ

Where do I meet for the cruise?

You meet at Cirkewwa, at the boat behind the Cirkewwa Kiosk Cafe. Access the boat by descending the stairs behind the café and turning the corner to the left.

How long is the Malta Gozo, Comino, sea caves, and Blue Lagoon cruise?

The duration is listed as 3 to 4 hours. Starting times depend on availability.

What lagoon stops and swim times should I plan around?

The schedule includes a 45-minute stop at Crystal Lagoon, about 1 hour at Blue Lagoon, and 45 minutes at Santa Maria Bay, plus shorter sightseeing stops at Ħalfa Rock, Santa Maria Caves, and Elephant Rock.

Do I need snorkeling gear?

Snorkeling gear is listed as not included. The tour includes swimming time and snorkeling opportunities, so bring your own gear if you want to be fully set up.

Do I need a QR code for Blue Lagoon?

Effective 1 May 2025, if you want to step onto Comino’s Blue Lagoon, you must have a valid free QR code from www.blcomino.com with a time-specific slot. If you stay on the boat during the Blue Lagoon stop, you do not need the QR code.

What should I bring, and is the tour suitable for everyone?

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, beachwear, and cash. It is not suitable for pregnant women, wheelchair users, people with motion sickness, and people over 95 years, based on the tour notes.