A day on the water in Comino can feel either chaotic or calm—and this cruise aims for calm. I like the smaller group setup (capacity 70, limited to about 45) and the way the schedule gives you real time to swim (roughly 4 hours total across three water stops). The trade-off: it’s still a boat, so if you’re sensitive to choppy seas, the ride can be bouncy.

What makes this outing work so well is the pacing. You get anchored time at Crystal Lagoon, Blue Lagoon, and Ħalfa Rock, plus a bit of sightseeing on the way back with stops like the Santa Maria caves area. One thing to plan around: food and drinks aren’t included, and if you want to step onto Comino (not just swim nearby), you’ll need the current Comino entry ticket rules that apply from May 1, 2025.

Key things to know before you go

• Up to 45 people on board: plenty of space to sit, move around, and dry off without feeling packed in
• Three swimming anchors: Crystal Lagoon (1 hour), Blue Lagoon (2 hours), Ħalfa Rock (1 hour)
• You choose your Blue Lagoon plan: go ashore on Comino on foot, or stay on board for quieter water time
• Helpful crew and flexible routing: the captain can adjust the route to improve swimming conditions
• On-board comfort: toilets, fresh-water shower, and a small bar with drinks and snacks

Getting On Board at Bluewaves Watersports (and the quick rules that matter)

This starts at the provider’s office at Bluewaves Watersports near Marfa Bay, which is handy because you’re close to Comino compared with tours that run from farther along the island. The cruise duration is listed as 6 hours, and for the 3-bay option you’re advised to book a morning slot (8:00–13:30).

A small but important detail: boarding closes 15 minutes before departure. On island tours, that window tends to be the difference between relaxed and stressful. I’d show up early, get your bearings, and use the last minutes for sunscreen and towel time.

Here’s what you should bring based on the tour info:

• Swimwear + towel
• Sunglasses + sun hat
• Sunscreen (biodegradable preferred)

And a few “don’t bring” items are clearly stated: no high-heeled shoes, no weapons/sharp objects, no intoxication, and no bikes or scooters. If you’re coming with kids, note that unaccompanied minors aren’t allowed.

The Real Value: Smaller Boat, More Water Time

The best thing about this cruise is the boat size. The boat’s capacity is 70, but your departure is limited to around 45 passengers. In practice, that means you’re less likely to feel herded. Multiple accounts point to an atmosphere that’s easy to enjoy—music, space to lounge on upper areas, and enough room to move when you want to swim or snorkel.

This matters for your day because Comino is famous and, in peak season, that fame can feel like a crowd wave. When you have breathing room on the boat, you can treat each stop like its own little beach break instead of a rushed schedule.

You’re also getting about 4 hours of swimming time split across three anchors. That’s a big deal. Many boat tours promise “time at the lagoons,” but you spend a chunk of the day traveling or queuing. Here, the structure is built around water time first.

Crystal Lagoon: Your 1-Hour Start in Clear, Calm Water

Your first major stop is Crystal Lagoon. You’ll anchor for about 1 hour for swimming and snorkeling. This is the kind of timing I like on Comino days: you get your first hit of clear water while you’re still fresh and before the day’s heat makes everyone slow.

Crystal Lagoon is typically the moment where people go quiet—because when the water is clear, you notice everything: how the light moves, how the sea floor changes, and how quickly you can cool off. If you have snorkeling gear, this is also where you’ll likely want it most, since the hour is long enough to actually do something (not just test the surface).

Practical tip: at these anchored stops, you’ll see a mix of swimmers and snorkelers. If you want an easier entry, look for spots where you can get in without fighting waves. If you’re using rented gear (some reports note mask rentals and even pool noodles), go early in the session so you’re not stuck waiting when everyone else starts.

Blue Lagoon: 2 Hours to Decide Between Comino Foot Time or Staying Afloat

Next is the Blue Lagoon pier. This is the stop everyone recognizes on postcards—and it’s also the stop where crowds can be intense onshore. The good news is you’re not forced into one choice.

At Blue Lagoon you get 2 hours total, and the plan gives you options:

• Explore Comino on foot, or
• Stay on board while the vessel anchors nearby and you continue swimming and snorkeling

If you care most about calm water time, I’d seriously consider staying on the boat. One theme from the experience notes is that the beach can get considerably busy, while the anchored swimming area keeps the vibe more relaxed. Plus, you’re still close enough to enjoy the views and jump in when you want.

If you want land time—maybe for a walk, photos, or a quick bite—this is your window. Just don’t forget the newer rule that applies from Thursday, 1st May 2025: stepping onto Comino from the Blue Lagoon and exploring on foot requires registration and an entry ticket through www.blcomino.com.

That’s the kind of detail that can ruin your day if it catches you at the pier, so I’d handle it before you arrive.

Ħalfa Rock: The Short, Sweet Snorkel Anchor

After Blue Lagoon, the cruise heads to Ħalfa Rock (listed as Gebla ta Halfa / Ħalfa Rock). You’ll anchor here for 1 hour for swimming and snorkeling.

This stop is a good “bridge” between the big famous lagoon (Blue Lagoon) and the sightseeing portion. The value is in variety: you’re changing scenery, not just repeating the same view.

One more reason I like a shorter third swim stop: it keeps energy up for the return. After you’ve spent time in multiple water zones, an hour can feel perfect—enough time to enjoy the moment, not enough to turn the day into a rinse-repeat of sun and salt.

Santa Maria Caves: The Sightseeing Bit That Adds Texture

Even though this is a swim-centered day, you still get sightseeing along the way back, including the Santa Maria caves area. This part isn’t described as a long tour on land—think of it as “watch the coast and sea formations from the boat” time.

In other experience details, people also mention passing rock and cave scenery like Elephant Rock. I’d treat this as a bonus layer: swimming gives you the color, and the cave/rock sightseeing gives you shape and drama.

If you’re the type who likes seeing where the water meets the cliffs, this is the time to step to the side of the boat and pay attention. The coast here has that Malta habit of looking different every time you move your angle.

On-Board Comfort: Toilets, Shower, and a Bar That Doesn’t Feel Gouged

This is the part many people underestimate until they need it.

The cruise includes toilets on board and a fresh water shower. That’s huge after swimming—because getting chlorine/salt off your skin makes the rest of the day feel easier, especially if you plan to sit in the sun again or if you’re going straight into dinner plans after.

There’s also a bar on board reported in the experience notes, with items like coffee, cocktails, soft drinks, and snacks. Price points mentioned include soft drinks around €2 and water around €1.5, plus an Aperol Spritz around €5. Mask rentals are also mentioned (around €3 in at least one set of experience details). If you want to keep things simple, buy what you need there rather than hunting for food on land during a busy stop.

I also like the practical vibe: there’s space to move, and because the boat isn’t jam-packed, you’re not stuck in one small area the whole ride.

Snorkeling Without the Stress: How to Think About What You’ll See

Snorkeling on Comino isn’t a guarantee of a shipwreck spectacle. What you can count on is water clarity, interesting rock textures, and the fun of being in shallow coastal zones.

A few practical notes help you make the most of it:

• Go in with the idea of time in clear water, not a checklist of fish.
• Use the stop where you can spend a full hour (Crystal Lagoon and Ħalfa Rock are your best bets) rather than rushing through at the last minute.
• If you’re new, start with easy entry and float position, then adjust.

Some experience notes mention that fish sightings can be limited, but swimmers still reported seeing creatures like a moray eel. So yes, you might see wildlife, but the main payoff is the visibility and the feeling of being surrounded by light-colored water.

Getting the Best Day: My Recommendations for Different Types of Travelers

This cruise fits a few clear types of travelers really well:

If you want the lagoons without the full-on chaos, this is a strong option because the boat limit helps keep things civilized.

If you love swimming, the schedule is built for it. Three anchors and a total of about 4 hours in the water gives you enough time to actually enjoy each place, not just dunk your toes.

If you’re trying to balance photos with relaxation, Blue Lagoon is your easiest decision point: ashore for photos and walking, or stay on board when you want quieter swimming.

Where it may be less ideal:

• Wheelchair users: the tour is listed as not suitable for wheelchair users.
• Sea-sickness prone travelers: at least one report mentions the boat can bounce. If you know you react to motion, plan accordingly.

Also, if you’re traveling with kids, there’s a bit of good news: one experience note mentioned crew letting kids drive the boat near the end. It sounds dependent on the moment and safety, but it’s a nice “memory moment” possibility.

Price and Value: Is $47 Fair for a 3-Bay Comino Day?

At $47 per person for a 6-hour cruise, the value comes from what’s included: you’re paying for transport by boat, three swim/snorkel anchors, toilets + fresh water shower, and sightseeing. Food isn’t included, but you’re also not paying inflated prices for a bundled lunch you might not eat.

How I think about the math:

• If you’d otherwise hire a separate boat or do multiple one-off trips to reach Crystal Lagoon and Ħalfa Rock, the bundled stops become more attractive.
• If you’re the type who spends time in the water, the “4 hours of swimming” structure is the main reason the price feels reasonable.

The bar can also keep your costs manageable since reported drink prices aren’t wildly out of reach. If you’d rather control food and drink spending, bring a plan for snacks, or choose to disembark at Blue Lagoon only if it genuinely helps your day.

The Comino Entry Ticket Rule You Shouldn’t Ignore (May 1, 2025)

This is the most important admin detail for anyone who wants to walk around.

Effective Thursday, 1st May 2025, if you want to step on Comino Island from the Blue Lagoon and explore on foot, you must register and get an entry ticket via www.blcomino.com.

If you’re thinking, I’ll just swim and skip the land portion, you’ll avoid that ticket requirement. If you do want land time, treat the ticket as part of your packing list, not a last-minute chore.

Should You Book This 3-Bay Comino Cruise?

I’d book it if you want lagoons + real swim time in a smaller-feeling group. The limited passenger count is a practical advantage on a famous island. The structure—Crystal Lagoon first, Blue Lagoon next with a choice to stay aboard, then Ħalfa Rock—keeps your day from feeling like one long wait.

I’d think twice if you’re wheelchair dependent, or if you’re very sensitive to boat motion. Also, if your priority is food and you hate buying on board, plan ahead since food and drinks aren’t included (though a bar is available).

If you decide to go, pack for water time, arrive early so you’re not rushing at the boarding cutoff, and decide now whether you want your Blue Lagoon moment on land or on deck. That one choice can shape the whole vibe of the day.

FAQ

Is this a 3-stop cruise with swimming?

Yes. It includes swimming and snorkeling stops at Crystal Lagoon, Blue Lagoon, and Ħalfa Rock (Gebla ta Halfa).

How long is the tour?

The duration is listed as 6 hours.

Where does the cruise start?

You meet at the office of the local provider, Bluewaves Watersports (near Marfa Bay).

How much time do you spend swimming at each bay?

The schedule lists 1 hour at Crystal Lagoon, 2 hours at Blue Lagoon, and 1 hour at Ħalfa Rock.

What’s the Blue Lagoon option?

You can either explore Comino on foot or stay onboard while the boat anchors and you swim/snorkel.

Do you get food included?

No. Food and drinks are not included.

Are toilets and showers available?

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

Is there a bar on board?

A bar with drinks and snacks is mentioned in the experience details provided, including items like soft drinks and cocktails.

Do I need an entry ticket to walk on Comino?

From Thursday, 1st May 2025, anyone stepping onto Comino Island from Blue Lagoon to explore on foot must register and get an entry ticket through www.blcomino.com.

Is the tour suitable for wheelchair users?

No. It is listed as not suitable for wheelchair users.