Blue water, small boat, big relax time. This Comino day trip on Seahorse Cruises mixes anchored swimming with the kind of easygoing hosting Captain Owen is known for, plus live commentary in English and Italian.

I especially like the two long swim stops (Santa Maria Bay and Blue Lagoon), because you’re not rushed and you get real time in the water. One thing to plan for: the Blue Lagoon shoreline can be crowded and rocky, and you’ll need a Comino Blue Lagoon QR time slot (unless you stay on board).

Key highlights worth caring about

• Two prime water stops: Santa Maria Bay (1.5 hours) and Blue Lagoon (2.5 hours)
• Quiet swimming options: anchoring away from the busiest beach areas so you can relax from the boat
• Captain Owen’s vibe: friendly, funny, and focused on keeping things smooth and safe
• Snorkel gear included with a deposit: masks available for a €10 deposit
• Onboard comfort and practicality: toilets, a shower near the side ladder, and plenty of deck space to lounge

Seahorse Cruises and the Comino-Blue Lagoon route in plain English

This is a classic Malta-and-Comino water day, but with one big advantage: you’re not only chasing beaches from land. You cruise past some of the island’s most famous spots, then you get to go in the water directly from the boat.

The day’s built around two anchors. First is Santa Maria Bay on Comino, where you spend time swimming and snorkeling in calmer water. Then it’s on to the Blue Lagoon for more swimming time, with dramatic rock formations and that famous turquoise look that people come for. You also get a scenic cruise around the way—plus photo stops along the route—so the trip doesn’t feel like just two pauses.

Meeting at Sirens Quay: the 10:00 boarding cutoff

You meet at St Paul’s Bay Sirens Quay. The boat is Seahorse Cruises’ sailing boat, and it’s noted as the only sailing boat there, which helps.

Boarding closes at 10:00 AM, and the sailing day described typically departs at 10:30 AM. That early cutoff matters because you’re not meant to wander around. If you’re late, you lose the day.

You’ll want cash with you, since only cash is accepted onboard. Also, pack light. No luggage or large bags and no coolers, and you can’t bring outside food or drinks.

Gozo Harbor and the cruise stops that give context fast

Before you hit the swim highlights, the cruise gives you the Malta/Gozo “scenery lesson” without turning into a museum day.

After leaving from Sirens Quay, the route includes a scenic cruise past St Paul’s Island, where you can see remnants of nearly 2,000-year-old shipwrecks. Then there’s Smuggler’s Cove, a well-known diving destination. You won’t be diving on this tour, but it’s cool to see why divers like it.

Later, there’s a Gozo Harbor photo stop (about 10 minutes) for a quick look at a traditional fishing village. This is the part where you get to glance at real local life, not just postcard shorelines.

There are also short, purposeful stops for passing scenic points and quick photos—like a Crystal Lagoon photo stop (around 10 minutes) and Mgarr Harbour (also around 10 minutes). The cruise pacing is designed so you don’t feel stuck waiting forever.

Santa Maria Bay on Comino: 1.5 hours anchored for easy swimming

Your first big water stop is Santa Maria Bay, also on Comino. You anchor here for about 1.5 hours, which is a sweet spot. Long enough to swim, rinse off, and actually relax. Short enough that you’re not bored waiting for the next stop.

Santa Maria Bay tends to feel calmer than the Blue Lagoon. The setup is simple: you’re on a boat with deck space, and you can choose to snorkel, swim, or just sunbathe while you’re sitting on something that moves gently instead of being stuck in beach heat.

Practical tip: bring your towel and sunscreen and keep your swim gear accessible. You’re going from boat lounging to water activity quickly, and it’s nice not to rummage.

Blue Lagoon reality check: QR code rules and a rocky shoreline plan

The Blue Lagoon is the headline, and it’s also the part that needs your brain switched to practical mode.

You’ll get about 2.5 hours here. The tour anchors you at a location described as serene and away from the crowds, which is a key difference from people doing a simple land-to-land hop-on hop-off plan.

Important Comino Blue Lagoon QR rule (effective from 1 May 2025):

• A free QR code is required to step onto Comino’s Blue Lagoon.
• You must book a time slot 13:30–17:30.
• If you stay on the boat, you don’t need the QR code.

So here’s the strategy I recommend. If you want photos and beach time, plan to handle the QR code requirement. If your priority is swimming and snorkeling from the boat, you can focus on the water without worrying about stepping onto the shoreline at all.

Also plan for terrain. The Blue Lagoon area is known to be crowded, and the main access can involve rocky, sometimes slippery ground. In other words: it’s not an easy “barefoot stroll” situation. If you’re bringing kids, wear good water shoes. If you’re older or less steady on your feet, you’ll likely have a better time spending most of your session in the water from the boat.

Onboard comfort: pillows, shade time, masks deposit, and the shower

The boat experience is part of the value. People consistently describe the Seahorse sailing boat as cozy, clean, and not overpacked compared to the huge group ships you can see around Malta.

You’re not stuck in a cramped tube. There’s deck space for sun and lounging, and seating is comfortable enough that the cruise actually feels like a break. Even the music gets mentioned in a positive way, with playlists that fit the day without blasting.

Snorkeling gear:

• Snorkeling masks are provided, but there’s a €10 deposit.
• There’s also a shower near the side ladder, which is genuinely useful after two swim stops.
• There’s a toilet onboard, so you’re not making the “should I go now” decision while you’re trying to enjoy the water.

Safety and crew support show up in the experience too. The captain is described as attentive, and crew members help with getting on and off the rocky spots when needed. That matters, because Comino isn’t designed for flip-flops and hopes.

Food and drinks: what you can buy, and how that affects the day

Lunch isn’t included. Food and drinks are available to purchase on board via the boat’s snack bar.

That actually fits the tour style. Because you’re swimming and sunning in two separate bays, a strict lunch schedule can feel awkward. By keeping meals flexible, you can eat when you’re hungry rather than when the clock says so.

Cash note: only cash is accepted onboard. That’s easy to forget if you’re used to card everywhere, so plan ahead.

From the onboard pricing people mention, drinks and snacks are described as reasonably priced. You’ll still pay tourist-island prices for convenience, but it’s not presented as a rip-off situation. If you want to keep your trip value high, treat purchases like a snack budget and plan to hydrate and eat once or twice instead of constantly buying.

The return cruise: caves, rock formations, and more photo windows

On the way back, you get more of the “Malta coast” storytelling without adding extra swimming pressure.

There are photo opportunities and passes by Santa Maria Caves, Elephant Rock, and the Crystal Lagoon area again. The phrasing in the day’s plan suggests the captain positions the boat to get you closer views of the coastal features, not just a quick drive-by.

This is also a nice wind-down moment. Your swim legs are tired, the sun is lower, and the water looks better in that late-day light. If you liked the cruise portion earlier, this return leg gives you one more chance to enjoy it.

Who this tour fits best (and who should reconsider)

This works best if you want a relaxed day with time in the water and a boat that helps you avoid the worst of the worst crowd problems.

It’s a strong match for:

• Couples and small groups who want a calmer feel than mega-ships
• People who like snorkeling and want to jump in from the boat
• Anyone who values an easy day structure: sail, see, swim, repeat

It may not fit as well if:

• You have mobility concerns. The tour isn’t suitable for people with mobility impairments.
• You hate uneven, rocky shoreline areas. You can still enjoy plenty by swimming from the boat, but people who want long beach walks may find Blue Lagoon access uncomfortable.
• You plan to spend most of the time on the Blue Lagoon beach. Then you must handle the QR code timing requirement.

Price and value: why a $28 ticket can feel worth it here

At about $28 per person, this is priced as a solid budget-friendly water experience—especially because the day includes two meaningful swim windows.

What makes the price feel fair:

• You get 2.5 hours in Blue Lagoon plus 1.5 hours in Santa Maria Bay
• Snorkel masks are available (deposit required)
• You don’t have to organize transport and multiple hop-on, hop-off stops yourself
• The boat itself is comfortable and described as not massively overpacked

What you trade off:

• No included lunch
• You’re not getting a private charter feel
• Blue Lagoon requires QR code planning if you step onto the shore

If you compare this to tours that only give brief “photo and move on” beach time, the math favors you. More water time, fewer logistics headaches.

Should you book the Comino+ Santa Maria Bay, Blue Lagoon + seacaves tour?

If your top goal is swimming and snorkeling with a calmer, more comfortable sailing vibe, I’d book it. The Santa Maria Bay stop plus the longer Blue Lagoon time makes it feel like a true day out, not a rushed sightseeing checklist.

Book with extra confidence if:

• You’re okay with planning around the Blue Lagoon QR code rule (or you plan to stay on the boat)
• You bring swim shoes or are comfortable on rocky footing
• You want a captain-led experience with lively, helpful hosting from Captain Owen and the onboard crew

Skip or reconsider if:

• You need full beach access with easy walking
• Your group can’t manage the QR code requirement if you’re planning to step onto the Blue Lagoon shore
• You or someone in your party has mobility limitations

FAQ

Do I need a QR code for the Blue Lagoon?

From 1 May 2025, you need a free QR code to step onto Comino’s Blue Lagoon. You must book a time slot between 13:30 and 17:30. No QR code is needed if you stay on the boat.

Where do I meet the tour?

Meet at St Paul’s Bay Sirens Quay. The sailing boat is Seahorse Cruises, and boarding is at that location.

What time does the tour start and when does boarding close?

The typical departure is at 10:30 AM, and boarding closes at 10:00 AM.

How long do you stay at Santa Maria Bay and Blue Lagoon?

You have 1.5 hours at Santa Maria Bay and 2.5 hours at the Blue Lagoon.

Are snorkeling masks included?

Yes, snorkeling masks are included, but there’s a €10 deposit.

Is lunch included in the price?

No. Lunch is not included, but food and drinks are available to purchase onboard.

What payment methods are accepted onboard?

Only cash is accepted onboard.

What should I bring for the water stops?

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and cash, plus comfortable shoes. Food and drinks, as well as luggage or large bags, are not allowed.