Malta: Comino, Santa Maria Bay, Blue Lagoon & Sea Caves Tour

Blue Lagoon looks unreal from the water, and this Seahorse Cruises sailing trip gives you real time at Santa Maria Bay and the Blue Lagoon. You also get scenic cruising past the Comino coastline and cave areas, so the day feels like more than just a quick stop and go.

What I like most is the relaxed boat rhythm: live commentary in English and Italian, plus a crew that keeps things moving smoothly without rushing you out of the water. You get comfy onboard touches like toilets, a shower near the side ladder, and a place to cool down after swimming.

One big thing to plan for is the QR code rule for stepping ashore at Comino’s Blue Lagoon (required from 1 May 2025 during the stated time window). If you are not ready for that, or you want easy beach access, you may find the rocky, slippery shoreline parts less comfortable.

Key highlights at a glance

• 1.5 hours at Santa Maria Bay for quieter swimming and snorkeling compared with the main Comino beach
• 2.5 hours at the Blue Lagoon with an anchor spot chosen to help you enjoy the water without being packed on top of everyone
• Seahorse Cruises gullet comfort including cushions, onboard facilities, and a shower near the side ladder
• Sea caves and rock formations viewed up close from the water, plus an optional speed boat add-on for cave access
• Practical swimming setup like snorkel masks on a deposit and a platform to jump in from (bring swim shoes if you’re cautious)

Sailing the Comino and Gozo coast from Bugibba

This trip is built for water time. You leave from Bugibba Jetty and spend the day drifting between Malta’s islands, with swims planned at Santa Maria Bay and the famous Blue Lagoon at Comino. The overall duration sits around 4 to 6.5 hours, depending on which departure you book, and you should plan to be back around late afternoon for the main day schedule.

There are two timing styles. The daytime route sets sail around 10:30 AM (boarding closes at 10:00 AM) and typically returns by about 5:00 PM. There is also an evening sailing option with boarding at 5:15 PM, and in that version Santa Maria Bay is not included. If you care most about that extra, quieter bay, go for the main daytime departure.

The boat itself is a white and brown gullet operated by Seahorse Cruises. From what you get on board, it is very much a small-boat feel, not a giant cattle-ship. You can still meet people, but you are not forced into one tight space all day. That matters, because the real value here is your time in the water and your time relaxing onboard between stops.

Price and value

At about $35 per person, the value comes from the mix: two long swim stops plus cruising past notable sights. You are not just paying for one beach. You are paying for access to Comino waters, plus the scenic route that shows you St. Paul’s Island, Smuggler’s Cove area, Gozo harbor sights, and cave rock formations.

Food is not included, but you can buy it onboard. That can be cheaper and easier than hunting down meals during tight stop times, and the onboard snacks and drinks are reported as reasonably priced. If you like to control your budget, plan to bring cash and treat the onboard bar as your go-to during the cruise.

What Seahorse Cruises does well onboard

If you want a boat trip that feels organized and calm, this one is set up that way. The crew focuses on safety first, and you will feel it during boarding and around the swimming stops. You also get live commentary in English and Italian, so even if you miss details, you still get the story of where you are and what you are seeing.

Onboard comfort is practical. There is seating with cushions, and there are key facilities that help the day stay pleasant:

• Toilet access
• Shower near the side ladder for rinsing after salty water
• A platform where you can jump in for a quick, easy entry

You will also use a snorkel mask during the swim stops. Snorkeling masks are included with a €10 deposit, so bring cash for that deposit.

One small reality check: towels are not listed as included. Several people have wished towels were available onboard. If you do not want to improvise, pack your own towel.

The route past St. Paul’s Island and toward Gozo harbor

Your day starts at Bugibba Jetty. Once you are underway, the sailing portion is not wasted time. You pass sights that you might otherwise miss from shore, including:

• St. Paul’s Island with remnants from an almost 2,000-year-old shipwreck area
• Smuggler’s Cove, known as a diving spot

Then you reach Gozo harbor for a quick 10-minute photo stop. It is short on purpose. You are meant to use it for photos and orientation rather than a full sightseeing walk. The idea is simple: get a taste of the traditional fishing village look, then head on.

This is also where the cruise style matters. If you like a relaxed pace, you can chat with the crew or other passengers. If you prefer quiet time, you can do that too. Either way, you are not stuck waiting for the main swim stops.

Santa Maria Bay: the 1.5-hour swim stop that changes the whole day

Santa Maria Bay is the stop that often feels like the secret sauce. It is scheduled as a 1.5-hour anchor time, so you are not forced into the kind of short, rushed swimming window you get on some day cruises.

This bay is on Comino, and it is described as tranquil compared with the busier main areas. The practical upside is simple: you get a calmer place to snorkel and swim without feeling like you are competing for space. The boat anchors in a way that gives you the option to stay close to the waterline and come back to the deck when you want a breather.

What to expect during your Santa Maria Bay window:

• You can swim and snorkel
• You can sunbathe on the front deck
• You can treat it as your first longer “water session” of the day

Important catch: Santa Maria Bay is not included on the evening cruise. If you are choosing between departures, this is one of the clearest decision points.

If you want an easy transition, come prepared to move. Some areas around Comino involve rocks and uneven footing. Comfortable shoes help, but for slipperiness, swim shoes or rock shoes are a smart idea.

Blue Lagoon: time in the turquoise water, plus the QR code rule

The Blue Lagoon is the headline, and it is also where you must plan a bit more. The trip gives you about 2.5 hours at the Blue Lagoon. That is enough time to swim, snorkel, and still work in a long sit on deck.

Two things to know before you go:

1) The Blue Lagoon can be busy, so choose how you use your time

The boat anchors away from the most crowded feel, which helps. You can swim right from the boat and choose your comfort level. If you want the easiest experience, spend part of your time enjoying the water from onboard, then decide if you want to venture toward the shore areas.

2) Comino Blue Lagoon QR code requirement (from 1 May 2025)

From 1 May 2025, a free QR code is required to step foot onto Comino’s Blue Lagoon under Maltese rules. The time window mentioned is 13:30 to 17:30, and you should book your time slot for that window. The good news is that no QR code is needed if you stay on the boat at the Blue Lagoon.

So if you want to avoid any QR hassle, you can still enjoy the water experience without stepping onto shore.

Snorkeling masks and how to make them work

You get snorkeling masks with a €10 deposit. If you do not snorkel often, keep your expectations simple: focus on short sessions and clear breathing. The water is why you are there. If conditions are calmer, you will likely enjoy it more.

Also, keep your entry method in mind. The boat platform makes it easy to get in quickly, but if you are more cautious on rocky areas, plan on staying closer to the boat and swimming in the shallower zones you can access comfortably.

Sea caves and Comino sights you see from the water

The scenic cruising is not just a transit between swim stops. You also pass classic Comino features that make the route feel like a real boat day.

On the way, you may spot or pass by places like:

• Santa Maria Cave
• Elephant Rock
• Crystal Lagoon areas

Then toward the end of the day, you get time for another photo stop around Santa Maria Caves. This is a quick window, but it gives you a chance to grab photos and soak in the rock formations.

Optional speed boat add-on

A number of people choose to add an optional speed boat ride for better access near the caves. It is described as an add-on around €15. If you love the idea of getting closer to cave areas and you do not mind an extra cost, this is the one add-on that matches the setting.

If you prefer to keep it simple, you still get plenty from the main sail and the time swimming.

Food and drinks onboard: how to budget without surprises

Lunch is not included, but food and drinks are available onboard for purchase. You are allowed to bring cash, not food. Large bags and coolers are also not allowed, so keep it light.

The onboard snack bar makes the whole day easier because you can eat without going ashore to find a meal. People have also reported that prices onboard can be reasonable, with examples like:

• Drinks and snacks priced around €5 in some cases
• Simple meal options and beer cited as low-cost compared with shore stalls

One practical downside: if you are picky about lunch, you might not love the limited options onboard. The compromise is that your longest swim stop at Santa Maria Bay and Blue Lagoon gives you time to decide whether you want a quick bite onboard or hold out for something else later.

What to bring so you stay comfortable

Pack like you’re going to swim twice:

• Swimwear
• Towel
• Sunscreen
• Cash (only cash is accepted onboard)
• Comfortable shoes for uneven shoreline bits
• A light layer if you get cool on return wind

Who this tour is best for, and who should rethink it

This is a great fit if you want:

• A boat day with two swim stops
• A less chaotic feel than huge group cruises
• Live English and Italian commentary
• The freedom to relax on deck between swims

It is not the best fit if you have mobility impairments, since the experience involves getting on and off and moving around rocky areas at stops.

If you love snorkeling, this route is built for it, especially with the mask setup and anchor time. If you are more about swimming and sunbathing, you still get what you came for, because the schedule gives you real time at each location.

Should you book this Comino, Santa Maria Bay, Blue Lagoon, and Sea Caves tour?

Book it if you want a classic Comino water day with enough time to actually enjoy the beaches and cave views from the boat. The strongest reason is the pairing of Santa Maria Bay and the Blue Lagoon, plus a sailing route that shows you more than just one point on a map.

You should think twice if:

• You hate QR code planning and you are determined to spend lots of time on shore at Blue Lagoon. You can still stay on the boat, but if shore time is your priority, it will affect your planning.
• You want a completely smooth, flat walking experience, because rocky entry zones are part of the reality around Comino.

If you book smart, you will end up with a memorable Malta day, with the water doing most of the heavy lifting.

FAQ

How long is the Comino, Santa Maria Bay, Blue Lagoon, and Sea Caves tour?

The duration is listed as 4 to 6.5 hours.

Where does the tour depart from?

The departure and meeting point is Bugibba Jetty.

What swim stops are included?

You get a 1.5-hour stop at Santa Maria Bay and a 2.5-hour stop at the Blue Lagoon, plus scenic cruising and cave/rock formation photo opportunities.

Is Santa Maria Bay included on the evening cruise?

No. Santa Maria Bay is specifically noted as not included in the evening trip.

Do I need a QR code for the Blue Lagoon?

From 1 May 2025, a free QR code is required to step foot onto Comino’s Blue Lagoon during the stated time slot (13:30 to 17:30). No QR code is needed if you stay on the boat at the Blue Lagoon.

Is lunch included?

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

Are snorkeling masks included?

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

What payment method is accepted onboard?

Only cash is accepted onboard.