Comino Blue Lagoon & Crystal Lagoon – 3 Bay Cruise

A 3-bay boat trip around Comino is interesting for one simple reason, you get to spend your day in water that looks unreal, Crystal Lagoon and Blue Lagoon included. What I like is the size, even though the boat can take up to 70 people, this specific cruise keeps it to about 45, so you are not playing deck Tetris all day.

Second, I like how the schedule is built around actual water time. You get 4 hours of swimming split across the stops, plus the option to hop off at Blue Lagoon to walk around Comino, or just stay onboard and enjoy the anchorage. One consideration: food and drinks are not included, so you will either bring snacks or plan on buying them onboard.

Key things I’d bet on before you book

• Limited to about 45 onboard so you have room to relax, sit, and move around.
• 4 hours of swimming time across Crystal Lagoon, Blue Lagoon, and Ħalfa Rock.
• Frequent snorkeling opportunities at each swimming stop, with crew advice on conditions.
• Blue Lagoon choice is real: go ashore or stay onboard when anchored.
• Crew and captain can adjust the route to improve the experience when conditions or crowds change.

A 3-bay Comino cruise that actually leaves room to breathe

This is not one of those long, slow boat days where you spend more time waiting than swimming. The core idea is a tight 6-hour loop from Marfa Bay, with three named water stops and anchoring time that favors getting in the water. If your idea of a good Malta day is sun, short swims, and time to do nothing in between, this fits.

The big practical win is the passenger limit. The boat has a capacity of 70, but your cruise runs with limited numbers, about 45. You feel that on the day. It is easier to find a spot on the upper deck, you are not constantly stepping over people, and you can actually listen to the guide while you are not stuck in a crowd.

You also have on-board basics that make a difference on a warm day. There are toilets plus a fresh-water shower, so when you rinse off after swimming, you can stay comfortable for the rest of the cruise. In hot weather, it turns what could be a sweaty mess into a day you actually enjoy.

Getting started at Bluewaves Watersports, then straight into clear water

You meet at the local provider office, Bluewaves Watersports. From there you head out and get going quickly, with the first stop at Crystal Lagoon. Expect a straightforward start, no drama, but also do not show up late, because boarding closes 15 minutes before departure.

Crystal Lagoon is the first anchoring stop, with about 1 hour for swimming and snorkeling. That timing matters. The earlier part of the day is usually when people have the most energy, and you get to use it before the sun has burned off your motivation. You also get a clean entry into what the whole day is about, water clarity, swimming breaks, and snorkeling that you can take at your own pace.

If you are the type who wants to be in the water right away, you will like how the plan moves early and gives you a full hour at the first lagoon rather than just a quick dip. If you are more cautious, that first hour is also useful as a warm-up, because you can test how you feel and decide how adventurous you want to be.

Crystal Lagoon to Blue Lagoon: how the schedule protects your swim time

Here is the rhythm that makes this cruise feel right: Crystal Lagoon for swimming and snorkeling for 1 hour, then the boat heads to the Blue Lagoon pier. You get a longer stop here, about 2 hours, and that is where the day really opens up.

At Blue Lagoon, you have two ways to spend that time:

• Stay onboard while the boat anchors, then swim and snorkel right from the boat.
• Go ashore on Comino and walk around.

This choice is a big deal, because Blue Lagoon can get busy. If you want the classic postcard water but also prefer space and easy access to the boat, staying onboard is often the calmer option. On the other hand, if you want to stretch your legs and explore on foot, the option is there. Just note the rules around stepping onto Comino Island. From Thursday, 1 May 2025, if you want to go ashore from Blue Lagoon and explore by foot, you must register and get an entry ticket through the official government system at www.blcomino.com.

Also, think about your comfort level with crowds. If you know you get annoyed easily when things get packed, the onboard option can save your mood. If you like people and walking around, the ashore time gives you a chance to do that without losing the swim focus.

ĠĦalfa Rock and the Santa Maria caves stop: more than just beach time

After Blue Lagoon, you cruise to Ħalfa Rock, where you anchor again for about 1 hour of swimming and snorkeling. This stop keeps the day from feeling repetitive. Crystal Lagoon and Blue Lagoon are the headline, but Ħalfa Rock helps break things up with a different feel and water access.

Then you cruise back while sightseeing on the way, including Santa Maria caves. On a boat day, the value of a cave stop is simple: it is a sight break that does not steal your swimming time. You still get that sea-views, rock formations feel, but without turning the day into a dry lecture.

One nice bonus is that the captain may adjust the route depending on conditions and crowd levels. In the best moments, this means you can sometimes get the better water with fewer people around. Even when things are busy, the crew can often reposition to a different anchoring spot if the original one is overcrowded. You should expect the captain to prioritize safety and comfort, and that flexibility shows up in how people describe the experience.

What onboard feels like: space, showers, and a bar with real options

The boat experience matters almost as much as the swimming. This one is described as clean and well looked after, and it is not treated like a floating cattle car.

Here are the on-board details that make it practical:

• Fresh water shower and toilets, so you can rinse off and cool down after swimming.
• A bar on board, with coffee, cocktails, soft drinks, and snacks.
• Sunbathing areas, including a top deck where you can watch the coastline and relax between swim turns.
• You can also rent a snorkeling mask for a small fee, listed as 3€ in one account.

Food and drinks are not included, but the bar pricing is described as reasonable in multiple accounts. People point out items like soft drinks around 2€ and water around 1.5€, plus a note that a mixed drink such as an Aperol Spritz can be around 5€. If you want to keep costs down, bring your own snacks too. You can buy drinks onboard, but having something to munch can help if you get hungry between swim stops.

If you are picky about packing, here is the easy middle ground: bring a light snack you can eat on the boat, then buy drinks onboard if you want something cold. It keeps the day flexible without turning your “cheap trip” into a snack calculator.

Swimming and snorkeling tips that keep the day fun

Because this cruise is built around anchoring, your best strategy is to treat each stop like a mini outing. Do not try to rush every swim or you will burn out before the good part of the day.

A few practical things to do:

• Use biodegradable sunscreen, because it is on the bring list and it is the right kind for marine areas.
• Pack a towel and a sun hat. You will want them after rinsing, and you will definitely want them during the boat travel time.
• Bring sunglasses. Between reflections on the water and bright stops, you will thank yourself.

Snorkeling is part of every swimming stop in the plan. Some people mention that the snorkeling is not always guaranteed to be full of fish, but you can still enjoy the clear water and the chance to see something like an eel. The biggest win is the water clarity and the easy access from the boat.

If you are someone who gets seasick, this is worth knowing. One account notes the boat can bounce, so if you are sensitive to motion, it is smart to plan ahead.

What to pack and what not to bring (so you do not waste time)

This cruise has a short list of do’s and don’ts, and it is worth following. You are on and off swimming gear all day, so it is easy to show up with the wrong stuff and end up stressed.

Bring:

• Sunglasses
• Sun hat
• Swimwear
• Towel
• Sunscreen, and choose biodegradable
• If you are prone to irritation, consider bringing extra sunscreen to reapply after swimming

Not allowed:

• High-heeled shoes
• Weapons or sharp objects
• Intoxication
• Bikes
• Unaccompanied minors
• Electric wheelchairs
• Scooter
• Explosive substances

Two more practical notes from the tour info:

• There is no wheelchair suitability. If mobility needs are a factor, you should double-check whether this style of boat access works for you.
• If you plan to step onto Comino Island, you must handle the entry registration for foot access via the official system mentioned earlier.

Timing and the 6-hour value: why $47 can make sense

At $47 per person for a 6-hour outing, you are paying for three anchored swimming stops, not a single viewpoint cruise. The key detail is that your swim time is about 4 hours total across Crystal Lagoon, Blue Lagoon, and Ħalfa Rock. That makes it easier to feel like you are getting something for your money, instead of paying for travel time only.

Also, the boat capacity being limited to about 45 changes the math. With more space onboard, you can actually relax. People frequently describe the atmosphere as calm and comfortable compared to bigger, more packed options.

Onboard costs are separate since food and drinks are not included. But because the bar exists, you are not stuck. You can buy coffee, soft drinks, and snacks when you need a break. And if you want to control spending, you can bring your own food and use the bar only for drinks.

There is another value lever here. The captain and crew often adjust where they anchor or how they move based on crowd and sea conditions. In practice, that flexibility can mean better water moments with fewer people around, which is a big deal for places like Blue Lagoon where it can get busy.

Who this cruise suits best, and who might want a different plan

This is a great match if:

• You want a short, focused day at sea with real swimming time.
• You like the idea of three different water stops rather than one long beach visit.
• You want a boat day where space matters, and you do not want to feel packed in.
• You can handle basic marine logistics, like packing a towel and using the right sunscreen.

It might be less ideal if:

• You hate uncertainty about conditions. The captain can alter or cancel the route for safety based on weather and sea conditions.
• You have strong motion sensitivity. The boat can bounce.
• You need wheelchair-friendly access. This cruise is not suitable for wheelchair users.

If you are traveling with friends, it is also a solid choice because the group size is moderate, yet you still get a lively atmosphere.

Should you book this Comino Blue Lagoon & Crystal Lagoon 3-bay cruise?

I think you should book if you want the sweet spot between classic Comino water and comfortable boat time. The combination of limited passenger numbers plus 4 hours of swimming is the core reason this works. If you stay on the boat at Blue Lagoon, you also buy yourself an easier, less crowded day while keeping the main experience.

I would book with a couple smart caveats in mind:

• If you plan to walk on Comino Island, make sure you handle the registration and ticket requirement for foot access before you go.
• Bring your own snacks if you do not want to spend on food. Drinks are available onboard, but nothing is included.
• If you get seasick, consider motion preparation ahead of time.

If you want a confident day plan with enough swimming time to feel satisfied, this cruise is one of the more practical ways to do Comino without turning it into an endurance event.

FAQ

What does the cruise include?

The cruise includes 3 swimming and snorkeling stops at Crystal Lagoon, Blue Lagoon, and Ħalfa Rock, plus toilets and fresh water shower on the boat, and sightseeing.

Is food included?

No. Food and drinks are not included, but there is a bar on board where drinks and snacks can be purchased.

How much time will I spend swimming?

The schedule provides swimming and snorkeling time at three stops for a total of about 4 hours.

What are the main swimming stops?

You will anchor at Crystal Lagoon, then at Blue Lagoon, then at Ħalfa Rock. You also do sightseeing on the way back, including Santa Maria caves.

Can I choose to go ashore at Blue Lagoon?

Yes. You can either explore Comino on foot, or stay onboard while the boat anchors and you swim and snorkel from there.

Do I need anything special to walk on Comino?

Yes, starting 1 May 2025, visitors who want to step on Comino Island from Blue Lagoon and explore by foot must register and acquire an entry ticket through www.blcomino.com.