Comino Blue Lagoon & Crystal Lagoon – 3 Bay Cruise

A day on Comino can feel like a crowd crush. This 3 bay cruise keeps things calmer with a small group limit and real swimming time at three different spots. You also get a friendly crew with the kind of practical know-how that helps you feel safe on the water, including route choices that can cut down on crowds. One thing to consider, the boat can bounce a bit, so if you get sea sick easily, bring your motion game plan.

I like that the schedule is built around water time, not just travel time. You get 1 hour at Crystal Lagoon, a longer Blue Lagoon window where you can either go ashore or stay onboard, then another hour at Ħalfa Rock, plus a scenic pass by caves on the way back. If you want food included, though, you will need to handle that separately since the cruise lists no meals or drinks as part of the price.

Key things to know before you go

• Small group feel: even though the boat can hold 70, you sail with a smaller number (reports put it around 30 to 45)
• 4 hours of swim time across three anchor stops
• Blue Lagoon choice: go ashore for Comino, or stay onboard to avoid the busiest beach areas
• Toilets and fresh water showers on the boat, not just a swim and pray setup
• Onboard bar and snacks are available to buy, with reasonable prices reported
• Comino Island foot access requires an entry ticket and registration via the official system (www.blcomino.com) starting May 1, 2025

A calmer Comino day: space, crew, and crowd-smart routing

Comino’s Blue Lagoon is famous for a reason, but that fame can come with lines, tight beach space, and boats stacked like toys. What I like about this cruise is that it is built for comfort: the boat may be rated for 70, yet you are typically capped much lower, which changes the whole mood.

You feel it the moment you board. There is room to move, you can find a spot without playing musical chairs, and you are not pressed shoulder to shoulder every time you want a better view or a quick photo. That matters because the whole experience is centered on being outside, on deck, and in the water.

The other big win is the crew. In real-world sailing, “friendly” is nice, but “professional and safety focused” is what you want when the sea has plans of its own. Names that come up again and again include Danny and Ali. More than personality, it is their practical decisions that stand out, like adjusting the order of stops to reduce crowding and finding alternative swim locations if one area gets packed.

If you want a smooth, low-stress day, this kind of crowd-smart thinking is worth more than it sounds.

From Bluewaves Watersports to Marfa Bay: how the timing works

Your start point is the Bluewaves Watersports office area. The cruise runs for about 6 hours, and the morning slot is listed as 8:00 to 1:30. You will head out from Marfa Bay, just a few minutes away from Comino Island, so you are not spending the whole morning watching the horizon.

A small detail with real impact: boarding closes 15 minutes before departure. That is not the moment to be “on the way.” If you are coming from Valetta or the ferry areas, give yourself buffer time, then show up early enough to park, buy anything you forgot, and settle.

Also note the weather reality. The captain can cancel or alter the tour based on sea conditions for safety. If that happens, you get an alternative date or a refund. In practice, this is comforting because it means the cruise is run with actual safety judgment rather than stubborn schedules.

Crystal Lagoon: 1 hour anchored for swimming and snorkeling

The first swimming stop is Crystal Lagoon, where you anchor for about 1 hour. This is the part of the day I think you should treat like a warm-up lap: get your timing right, settle your buoyancy, and do your snorkeling early if you care about seeing more than just the top shine.

The cruise description is simple here: swim and snorkel, then move on. That simplicity is good. It is not a long lecture. It is not a long queue. You just have time in water that is easy to relax in.

Practical note: you are on a boat, not a beach. So plan how you want to enter the water. If you like jumping from deck, the boat setup supports that style. If you prefer a calmer step-in, you still have options, but your best bet is to watch how others enter first, then copy the pace.

If you go in with a quick, focused attitude, you can easily get your favorite photos and still have time to float and unwind.

Blue Lagoon and Comino Island: the real decision is onboard vs ashore

After Crystal Lagoon, you cruise to the Blue Lagoon pier, where you get about 2 hours tied to the Blue Lagoon time window. Here is the key choice: you can go ashore and explore Comino on foot, or you can stay onboard while the vessel anchors and swim and snorkel again.

In my view, this is the cleverest part of the itinerary. The Blue Lagoon beach area can get busy fast, especially on a day-trip schedule. Staying onboard lets you enjoy the water without losing half your time to crowd logistics. Many people also end up choosing that approach, especially if they are focused on swimming.

If you do want to walk around Comino, there is an important update starting May 1, 2025: anyone stepping on Comino Island from the Blue Lagoon must register and acquire an entry ticket through the official government system at www.blcomino.com. Check that before you buy snacks or build a day plan around shore time.

What you will likely notice on arrival: the pier area is busier than the anchored swim area. If you want an easier flow, build your plan around staying in the water. If you want land time and photos on foot, go ashore, but treat it like a short add-on, not your whole day.

Ħalfa Rock at Gebla tal Halfa: another snorkel hour with character

Next up is Gebla tal-Halfa, also associated with Ħalfa Rock. You anchor here for about 1 hour for swimming and snorkeling.

This stop tends to feel different from the Blue Lagoon vibe. It is a second, separate water mood, and it is a nice reset after the busier pier area. The time is shorter than the Blue Lagoon window, so again, think “do the main activity early.”

Snorkeling is not guaranteed to be nonstop action, but it can be rewarding. In feedback from previous sailings, people have reported seeing fish and even at least one moray eel sighting. Even if your snorkeling is more about enjoying clear water and trying to spot movement than about full-on reef life, this is still a great hour for relaxing in place and getting a second swim rhythm.

If you get restless, you can also use this stop for cliff-style jumping spots if conditions allow and if you feel confident. The boat setup makes it easy to choose a more active mode.

Santa Maria caves on the way back: scenery without the pressure

On the return cruise, you also get sightseeing, including passing by Santa Marija caves. This part is not described like a long guided hike or a strict stop-and-stare moment. Instead, it works as bonus scenery during your trip back to Marfa Bay.

That is the right kind of add-on for a water-focused half-day. Your legs and shoulders usually need less exercise at this point, and the caves give you Malta’s coastline flavor without demanding a big extra commitment.

If you are tired, you can just sit, watch the shoreline, and let your mind decompress. If you are energized, it is still an easy time to take photos from the boat deck.

Space and comfort: toilets, fresh showers, and a bar that actually helps

This cruise is often praised for how it feels aboard. The boat is not described as a party barge, but it does have the basics that make a swim day more civilized.

Included amenities:

• Toilets on board
• Fresh water shower after swimming
• Sightseeing while cruising

And then there are the extras people talk about:

• A bar with coffee, cocktails, soft drinks, and snacks is available to buy
• Drinks are often reported as reasonably priced, including an Aperol Spritz mentioned at €5
• Snacks and simple drink runs help you avoid the “hangry” spiral between swim stops
• Some reports mention rental options like diving masks for a small fee and pool noodles available onboard

For me, the biggest comfort win is the fresh shower. On a day with multiple water entries, being able to rinse off salt and sunscreen is worth real money and real energy.

Also, the limited crowd helps here too. You are less likely to feel trapped inside when you want to change, rinse, or just get fresh air.

Swimming and snorkeling tips that make the day easier

Even with good crew support, you can make your day smoother with a few habits.

Bring and use what the cruise suggests:

• Biodegradable sunscreen (not just any sunscreen will do)
• Sun hat and sunglasses
• Swimwear, towel

Plan your rhythm:

• Do one snorkel session early at each anchor stop, then switch to floating and relaxing
• If you are choosing Blue Lagoon ashore time, keep it short and treat it like a walk, not an all-day plan

If you are sea-sick prone:

• Expect the boat to move some. One note from experience feedback points out that the boat can bounce. Bring your motion comfort strategy. Pack something like ginger chews if that works for you, and sit where you feel the least rocking.

Finally, keep your entry choices realistic:

• The tour rules list items not allowed, including intoxication and sharp objects
• You do not want to be the person who makes disembark and onboard rules harder for everyone else

Value at about $47: what you are really paying for

The headline price is $47 per person for a 6 hour cruise with three swimming anchor stops. Value on these trips is rarely about the ticket alone. It is about what you get for your time.

Here is what you are buying in plain terms:

• Three water stops: Crystal Lagoon, Blue Lagoon, and Gebla tal Halfa
• Around 4 hours total of swimming and snorkeling time
• Toilets and fresh water showers, which you usually do not get on cheaper boats
• Onboard sightseeing, including Santa Marija caves

Then add the small practical upgrades:

• You are capped to avoid overcrowding
• You can use the bar for coffee, drinks, and snacks rather than searching for food on land

If you compare this to other Malta boat days that cost more but give you less actual water time, it starts to look like a smart buy. The best sign is that the cruise duration feels right for swimming without turning into a full-day endurance event.

Who this fits best, and who might want a different plan

This is ideal for people who:

• Care most about swimming time and not just sightseeing stamps
• Want a less crowded boat experience than the usual Comino rush
• Like the flexibility to stay onboard at Blue Lagoon instead of fighting pier crowds
• Prefer a crew-led, safety focused outing with practical decision-making

It might not fit as well if:

• You rely on a wheelchair. The tour states it is not suitable for wheelchair users
• You strongly want a fully packaged meal plan. Food and drinks are not included, though you can buy options on the boat or dismount at Blue Lagoon for food
• You get very motion-sick. The boat can bounce, so you may want a calmer alternative itinerary if that is your trigger

If you are traveling with kids, the listing says unaccompanied minors are not allowed. If you bring children, you will want to plan swim safety and keep an eye on any restrictions.

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

If your ideal Malta day looks like multiple swim stops, clear water time, and a boat ride that does not feel packed, I would book this. The combination of space, crew quality, and a schedule that actually protects swimming time makes it a strong pick.

I would be extra thoughtful if you:

• Need full accessibility for a wheelchair
• Get sea sick easily
• Want meals fully included

But for most people who come to Malta to be in the water, this cruise hits the right balance of iconic spots and time well spent.

FAQ

What is the duration of the 3 bay cruise?

The tour duration is listed as 6 hours.

Where does the cruise start and meet point?

You meet at the office of the local provider. The starting location listed is Bluewaves Watersports.

What bays are included in the cruise?

It includes stops for swimming and snorkeling at Crystal Lagoon, Blue Lagoon, and Gebla tal Halfa.

How much time do you spend swimming?

The plan includes about 1 hour at Crystal Lagoon, about 2 hours around Blue Lagoon, and about 1 hour at Ħalfa Rock, for roughly 4 hours of swimming time.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not included.

Are toilets and showers available on the boat?

Yes. The cruise includes toilets and a fresh water shower on the boat.

Do I need a ticket to visit Comino Island on foot?

Yes, starting May 1, 2025, stepping on Comino Island from the Blue Lagoon and exploring by foot requires registration and an entry ticket through www.blcomino.com.

What should I bring for the tour?

Bring sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen (biodegradable sunscreen is required).

How does boarding time work?

Boarding closes 15 minutes before departure time.

Is there a live guide and what language?

There is a live tour guide, and the tour is in English.