Comino Blue Lagoon & Crystal Lagoon – 3 Bay Cruise

The main appeal here is simple: you get four hours of swimming across three different bays, without being packed shoulder to shoulder on a giant party boat. The boat can carry 70 people but limits numbers to 45, and recent departures have often had only 30 to 40 passengers.

I especially like the choice at Blue Lagoon. You can step ashore and walk around Comino, or stay on board and swim in the lagoon without joining the crowds on land. I also like the practical extras: a toilet, fresh-water shower, upper-deck sunbathing space, and reasonably priced drinks. The drawback is that the boat can bounce in rougher seas, so this is not the best pick if you are prone to seasickness.

Key points to know before booking

• Three swimming stops: Spend one hour at Crystal Lagoon, two hours at Blue Lagoon, and one hour at Gebla ta Ħalfa.
• Limited passenger numbers: The boat has room for 70 but usually takes no more than 45.
• A smart Blue Lagoon choice: Go ashore for Comino, or stay aboard for a less crowded swim.
• Useful onboard facilities: Toilets, fresh-water showers, sunbeds, a bar, snacks, and space to sit inside or outside.
• Flexible route planning: The captain may adjust the order or change a swimming spot if sea conditions or crowds make another option better.
• Best for active beach days: You need to manage steps, boat movement, and swimming access. The cruise is not suitable for wheelchair users.

Why this six-hour cruise works better than a rushed boat trip

At $47 per person, this is priced as a full half-day on the water rather than a quick sightseeing ride. That matters because the Maltese islands are best appreciated from the sea, and a short cruise can leave you spending most of your time getting from one bay to the next.

Here, the schedule gives you about four hours for actual swimming and snorkeling. The remaining time covers the boat ride, stopping at the Blue Lagoon pier, and sightseeing along Comino’s coast. You are not simply taking a photo from the rail before moving on.

The limited passenger count is the biggest value point. A boat that carries 70 but sells only 45 places gives you more room to find a seat, move between decks, dry off, and eat a snack without feeling boxed in. The lower deck has tables and indoor seating, while the upper deck offers space to stretch out and sunbathe.

The mood is friendly and relaxed rather than intensely focused on loud entertainment. Music is played onboard, but the boat is also suited to couples, families, and older passengers who want time in the water without a packed party setting.

Starting at Marfa Bay and facing Comino

You meet at the Bluewaves Watersports office, near Marfa Bay. The departure point is only a few minutes from Comino, so you get to the island quickly instead of spending a large part of the morning on a long transfer.

Boarding closes 15 minutes before departure. That rule matters here because the cruise follows a timed route, and the boat cannot wait while late passengers search for the office or finish breakfast. I would arrive with swimwear already on, sunscreen applied, and your bag organized before boarding.

Bring sunglasses, a sun hat, towel, swimwear, and sunscreen. Biodegradable sunscreen is specifically requested, a sensible choice when you will be swimming in small bays and near rock formations.

Food and drinks are not included in the $47 price. The boat does sell water, soft drinks, coffee, cocktails, snacks, and other refreshments. Prices have been described as reasonable, with soft drinks around €2, water around €1.50, and an Aperol Spritz at €5 on some departures. Still, I would bring your own food if you need a proper lunch, since the included experience is focused on swimming rather than a catered meal.

Crystal Lagoon: your first hour in the water

Crystal Lagoon is the first main stop. The boat anchors for about one hour, giving you an early chance to swim and snorkel before the day has fully settled into its rhythm.

The attraction is the clear water and the enclosed feel of the bay. You can use the hour for an easy swim, float near the boat, or try snorkeling around the rocky edges. Some people have spotted fish and even a moray eel, though this should not be treated as a dedicated wildlife trip. The underwater life can be modest, and the real reward is the water, rock scenery, and chance to get in quickly.

This first stop is also useful for testing your comfort level. The boat may be anchored away from a beach, so you should be comfortable entering the sea from the vessel and climbing back aboard. If you prefer a calm start, stay close to the boat and ask the crew about the best place to swim based on the day’s conditions.

The crew gives guidance about water conditions at the stops. That is helpful because a bay can look calm from the deck while currents or wind make the water less pleasant. Follow the crew’s instructions, especially if you are traveling with children or are not a confident swimmer.

Blue Lagoon: choose the boat or the island

Blue Lagoon is the longest stop, with about two hours available. This is the centerpiece of the day, but it is also the place where your choice matters most.

You can leave the boat at the Blue Lagoon pier and explore Comino on foot. This gives you time to walk around the island, find a view, and buy food if you prefer to eat ashore. The tradeoff is crowding. The Blue Lagoon beach and shore can become extremely busy, especially in summer, and the walking option may feel less peaceful than the photographs suggest.

The other choice is to stay onboard. The boat anchors nearby, and you can swim in the lagoon while enjoying the view from the water. This is the option I would favor for most people who booked this cruise for swimming. You avoid the crush on land, keep access to your belongings, and get two full hours in the water or on the deck.

Staying aboard does not mean missing Blue Lagoon. You still see the famous water and rock walls, and you can jump or step into the sea directly from the boat. The boat’s upper deck is useful here, giving you a dry place to rest between swims.

If you do go ashore, keep an eye on the time and remember that boarding closes well before departure. The pier can be busy, and the route is not designed around a long independent visit to Comino. Think of the walk as a short taste of the island rather than a full hiking day.

Gebla ta Ħalfa and the quieter final swim

The final main stop is Gebla ta Ħalfa, also called Ħalfa Rock, in the southern part of Gozo. The boat anchors for about one hour of swimming and snorkeling.

This stop often feels different from Blue Lagoon because the focus is less on stepping ashore and more on open-water swimming around the boat. It is a good place for people who enjoy jumping from the boat, freediving, or looking below the surface with a mask.

The captain may alter the plan if the chosen area is too crowded or the conditions change. That flexibility can work in your favor. One departure changed the final swimming location and found a quieter patch of clear water instead. You should not expect a fixed route in every detail, but that is a strength when the coast is busy or the sea turns choppy.

The main caution is that this is still a boat-based swim stop, not a beach visit. You will not necessarily find a sandy entrance or shallow wading area. If you want an easy shore break, Blue Lagoon is the better opportunity, although the boat remains the more comfortable choice for avoiding crowds.

Santa Maria Caves and the ride back

After the swimming stops, the boat cruises back toward Bluewaves Watersports and passes other coastal sights, including Santa Maria Caves. The caves are a sightseeing stop rather than another long swim, so keep your camera ready and expect a view from the water.

The route may also include extra rock formations, small coves, and cliff-jumping spots. The exact sights depend on the sea and the captain’s decisions. The boat’s position gives you a useful view of Comino’s coast that you cannot get from a standard land visit.

This final part of the trip is a chance to dry off, shower, and settle in. The fresh-water shower is particularly welcome after several hours in salt water. You can also use the onboard toilet, buy a drink, and sit at a table on the lower deck.

The return ride can be bumpy. One passenger specifically found the boat bounced quite a lot, while the same boat movement is part of the fun for people who enjoy a livelier ride. If you get seasick, take practical precautions and choose a seat with care. The crew can advise you, but they cannot make a rough sea flat.

Crew, comfort, and the feel onboard

The crew is one of the strongest parts of this experience. Danny and Ali have worked recent departures, offering help with boarding, swimming conditions, and the sights along the route. The crew also provides information about each stop and may help you decide if it makes more sense to stay aboard or go ashore.

The boat itself is clean and well maintained. You have toilets, a fresh-water shower, seating indoors, an upper deck, sunbathing areas, and a small bar. Some departures have offered pool noodles and mask rental for about €3, though you should confirm current availability rather than assume every item is always stocked.

The limited passenger numbers change the feel of the day. You are not fighting for a patch of deck or standing in a crowded passageway. You can sit with your group, move around to take photographs, and find a comfortable place to rest between swims.

This is not a luxury yacht charter. You share the boat with other people, and the experience has music, movement, and a social atmosphere. But for the price, the facilities cover the basics well.

Who will get the most from this cruise

I would choose this cruise if you want a full day of swimming with enough time at each bay. It suits couples, families with older children, small groups, and anyone who prefers a boat with room to move.

It is especially good for you if:

• You want several swimming locations in one outing.
• You prefer staying on a boat rather than sitting on a crowded beach.
• You enjoy snorkeling, swimming, freediving, or jumping from a boat.
• You want a social atmosphere without a maximum-capacity party boat.
• You value a toilet, shower, bar, and indoor seating.
• You want the option to walk around Comino at Blue Lagoon.

I would look elsewhere if your priority is a quiet private charter, a serious guided snorkeling trip, or a long hike across Comino. This cruise is also a poor fit for wheelchair users, and it may not suit anyone who finds boat movement uncomfortable.

The boat has steps and swimming access from the vessel, so you need enough mobility to board, move around, and get back into the boat after swimming. Unaccompanied minors are not permitted, and intoxication, weapons, sharp objects, bikes, scooters, and explosive substances are prohibited.

Timing, cancellation, and the small details that matter

For the three-bay cruise, book a morning slot from 8:00 to 1:30. Check the exact departure time when booking, because the activity lasts six hours and availability changes by date.

You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and the reserve-now-pay-later option lets you hold a place without paying immediately. The captain can cancel or change the route for weather, sea conditions, or safety issues. If the cruise is canceled, you receive an alternative date or a refund.

From May 1, 2025, anyone who wants to step onto Comino from the Blue Lagoon and explore on foot must register and obtain an entry ticket through the official government system at blcomino.com. This requirement applies to going ashore, not to simply staying on the boat and swimming from the anchored vessel.

Is the $47 price fair?

Yes, if you plan to use the swimming time. The price includes a six-hour outing, three swimming stops, sightseeing, crew assistance, and access to a boat with toilets and a shower. You also get the flexibility to visit Comino on foot or stay aboard at Blue Lagoon.

The value drops if you dislike swimming or expect a full guided tour of Comino. Much of the day is spent in the water, on deck, or moving between bays. Food and drinks cost extra, and snorkeling gear may also cost extra if you do not bring your own.

For an active half-day on Malta’s water, $47 is a sensible price. The limited capacity is what makes the cost feel fair. You are paying not only for the route but also for room to sit, swim, dry off, and enjoy the views without being crammed aboard.

Should you book the Comino three-bay cruise?

Book it if you want the classic Maltese lagoons with a practical, relaxed boat setup. The best plan is to bring your own lunch, wear swimwear from the start, bring biodegradable sunscreen, and stay aboard at Blue Lagoon unless walking around Comino is a priority.

I would make this my pick for a first Malta boat day if swimming matters more than sightseeing. You get Crystal Lagoon, Blue Lagoon, Ħalfa Rock, Santa Maria Caves, four hours in the water, and a boat that limits its passenger load.

Skip it if you need wheelchair access, dislike boat movement, or want a quiet private outing. For everyone else, especially anyone comparing crowded Blue Lagoon boats, this cruise offers a strong mix of time, comfort, and value.

FAQ

How long is the Comino three-bay cruise?

The cruise lasts six hours.

How much does the cruise cost?

The listed price is $47 per person.

Where does the cruise start?

You meet at the Bluewaves Watersports office near Marfa Bay.

Which bays does the boat visit?

The main swimming stops are Crystal Lagoon, Blue Lagoon, and Gebla ta Ħalfa, also called Ħalfa Rock.

How much time do I get to swim?

The schedule provides one hour at Crystal Lagoon, two hours at Blue Lagoon, and one hour at Gebla ta Ħalfa, for about four hours of swimming in total.

Can I get off the boat at Blue Lagoon?

Yes. You can leave at the Blue Lagoon pier and explore Comino on foot, or stay onboard while the boat anchors nearby.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not included, but refreshments and snacks are available to buy onboard.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

The cruise includes snorkeling stops, but equipment is not listed as included. Mask rental has been available for about €3 on some departures.

Is the cruise suitable for wheelchair users?

No. The activity is not suitable for wheelchair users.