Malta: Around Comino Cruise With Blue Lagoon stop

A Comino cruise that gives you multiple swim stops, snorkeling gear, and cave views without a lot of hassle is a good Malta day plan. I especially like the 1-hour swim rhythm at Crystal Lagoon and Blue Lagoon, because you get time to float, swim, and then cool off without feeling rushed.

I also love that the boat includes snorkeling equipment and complimentary wine and water for adults 18+. The one drawback to know up front is that the Santa Marija caves are something you see from the boat, not something you go inside.

Key highlights at a glance

• Three scheduled swim hours at Crystal Lagoon, Blue Lagoon, and Santa Marija Bay
• Snorkeling gear included, with masks available for the clear-water stops
• Caves viewed from the water, plus a tour around the cave area from the boat
• Free wine and water on board (wine for ages 18 and over)
• Small-group feel, with a maximum of 25 people
• Restroom on board, so you do not lose time on the shore

A Comino cruise plan that keeps your day simple

Comino is one of those places where people come for the water, then spend the rest of the day trying to figure out timing, parking, and ferry schedules. This 4-hour boat format solves a lot of that. You leave from Marfa Jetty, get a clear sequence of stops, and you return to the same meeting point at the end.

What makes this tour especially practical is the structure. You get three separate swim blocks, each about an hour. That means you can go at your own pace, whether you want to do some snorkeling or just enjoy the sun and the look of the water.

You also get a couple of “bonus scenery” moments along the way. You pass by Elephant Rock, and you get Santa Marija cave views from the boat. It is not a land adventure, but it is a good way to see the dramatic coastline without adding transfer time.

Price and what you actually get for $51

At $51 for about 4 hours, the value comes from what is included, not just the ride itself. You are not only paying for boat transport. You also get fuel surcharge, snorkeling equipment, and a restroom on board. On top of that, there is complimentary wine and water for adults 18+.

Snorkeling gear is one of the big hidden costs when you travel. If you show up without gear, you end up paying for rentals or skipping the activity. Here, the equipment is part of the deal, and at Crystal Lagoon you are provided masks for exploring the water.

The other inclusion that matters for comfort is drinks. A free beverage sounds like a nice extra, and it is, but it also makes the middle of the trip feel less like waiting and more like enjoying. This tour feels like it is built for a relaxed half-day at sea.

Marfa Jetty, onboard comfort, and the small-group feel

The meeting point is Marfa Jetty, and the activity ends back where you start. That round-trip setup is underrated. You do not need to coordinate a separate return plan or worry about missing the last landing.

The boat ride is designed for a mixed group, and the tour caps at 25 people. That size is big enough to have a social atmosphere, but small enough that the schedule does not feel like a long-moving cattle line. In my mind, that is the sweet spot for a short, water-focused day.

Onboard comfort is also covered. There is a restroom on board, and you get a fuel-inclusive tour. You should still plan like you are on the sea for the whole morning or afternoon window, with sun protection and a towel ready for your swim stops.

Stop at Crystal Lagoon: clear water, masks, and an easy hour in the sun

Your first swim stop is Crystal Lagoon, and you get about an hour there. This is the water-stop for maximum clarity. The key idea here is simple: when the water is that clear, snorkeling becomes more rewarding, even if you are not an expert.

Masks are provided, and the stop is set up for both swimmers and snorkelers. If you want to keep it light, you can float and look down. If you want to be more active, you can use the provided mask to explore the marine life close to the surface.

One practical consideration is that an hour goes fast once you are in the water. If you know you will want a slower pace, plan to start with a quick swim early, then settle in for relaxing toward the end of the hour. This way you do not feel like you are always rushing to make time.

Crystal Lagoon is also a good “warm-up stop.” It sets the tone for the rest of the day, especially for people who might be a little unsure about getting comfortable in open water.

Blue Lagoon hour: famous color, swimming time, and optional land break

Next comes the Blue Lagoon. This stop also lasts about an hour, and it is the most famous name on the route. People go there for the look, and the water is described as clear and turquoise with iconic blue tones.

You can swim, relax, or snorkel during the hour. If you have never snorkeled before, this is a good place to try, because the stop is time-friendly. You can get your bearings quickly with the mask, then decide whether you want to stay mostly above the surface or move around more.

There is also an option to be stopped on land in Blue Lagoon. That matters if you want a quick stretch on a beach, photos from a different angle, or just the chance to reset your body outside the boat for a few minutes.

The main thing to watch is your energy. This stop is often where people feel tempted to keep swimming longer than planned. Because the cruise is built around set swim blocks, you will enjoy the day more if you treat each hour as a mini-plan, not a limitless free-for-all.

Elephant Rock and the Santa Marija caves views you get from the water

Between swimming stops, you get scenery. You pass by Elephant Rock, which gives you a landmark feel for the route. It is a small moment, but on a short cruise it is exactly the kind of sight that makes the ride feel more like an experience than just transport.

You also get Santa Marija caves in view. The caves are set along the rugged coastline, and you see them from the boat. A key detail is that you cannot enter the caves from the boat. You are getting the water-level perspective, and that still can be impressive, because you are close to the coastline and the limestone forms look different from sea level.

The tour includes a tour around the caves, so you are not just passing by while doing nothing. You are meant to look out and enjoy the coastline. If caves are a top interest for you, this setup is a nice compromise, because it keeps you on schedule and avoids extra transfer time.

If you are the type who dislikes water time between stops, this section can feel like “just looking.” But if you like the idea of scenic cruising paired with swimming hours, it fits perfectly.

Santa Marija Bay: calmer water, beach time, and a softer landing

The final swim stop is Santa Marija Bay, also about an hour. This one is described as calmer and clear. Compared to the more famous lagoons, Santa Marija Bay can feel like the place to slow down.

You can swim again, but you also get the chance to step ashore. The option to visit the beach means you can take off the swim gear, relax on sand, and enjoy the scenery at a different pace than on the boat.

This stop is a great closing act because it helps you land the day. After two swim-heavy stops, your body will often appreciate a calmer set of minutes. You can stretch, walk around a bit, and reset before boarding again.

Practical note: if you plan to enjoy the beach, bring something simple for drying off. Even though you are only there for an hour, wet towels and salty air can make the boat ride back feel cooler than you expect.

Snorkeling on this cruise: how to use the included gear well

You get snorkeling equipment included, and masks are provided at least at Crystal Lagoon. That means you do not need to carry bulky gear or spend time deciding what to rent. You just show up and use what is there.

To get the most from each snorkeling-capable stop, I suggest this approach. First, spend a few minutes getting comfortable with the mask and breathing. Then, focus on slow, controlled movement. When you move gently, you spend more time watching and less time fighting the current or water getting into the mask.

Second, treat the hour like two phases. Do a quick snorkel portion early, when you feel freshest. Then switch to swimming or floating for the rest of the time. It keeps your energy steady and helps you avoid that last-10-minutes scramble.

Third, keep an eye on your timing. Because the cruise is built around set swim blocks, returning to the boat on schedule matters. A relaxed snorkeling strategy is better than trying to force extra minutes at the end.

If you are only a basic swimmer, you can still get value. This kind of clear-water stop is often more about seeing the surface and shallow areas than about long underwater swims.

Drinks, age rules, and how to plan your day on the water

One of the most-liked parts of this tour is the simple comfort factor: free wine and water on board. Wine is for adults over 18, while water is available. It is a nice detail because it turns the boat time into part of the fun, not just the transfer between swim stops.

If you are traveling with people who are under 18, water is still part of the included plan, so you do not need to sort out separate purchases during the cruise.

Also remember that you are on the water for about 4 hours. Even if the swim stops are “only” an hour each, sun exposure can add up. I recommend you plan for heat, wear sun protection, and bring a cover-up if you want one for the boat ride.

Who should book this Comino around-the-lagoons cruise

This tour is a strong fit for people who want a half-day Comino experience with three swim moments, snorkeling gear, and scenic cave views. If you like structure, it is friendly. You get an organized sequence and you do not have to make separate decisions between stops.

It is also ideal if you value included basics. Restroom on board, snorkeling equipment, and drink support make the trip easier than cobbling together multiple activities.

You might want to think twice if you hate any kind of weather uncertainty. The experience requires good weather, and if it cannot run, you will be offered a different date or a full refund. You should also be comfortable with the idea that caves are view-only from the boat.

Should you book this Comino cruise with a Blue Lagoon stop?

If you want a practical, value-focused day on Comino, I think this is worth a look. The combination of three scheduled swimming hours, included snorkeling equipment, and free wine and water for adults makes the price feel fair for what you get.

Book it if you like clear plans, scenic cruising, and having your time on the water broken into manageable chunks. Skip it only if you are specifically looking to enter caves on foot or you know you cannot handle weather changes.

FAQ

How long is the Comino cruise with the Blue Lagoon stop?

The tour lasts about 4 hours.

Where does the tour start, and does it end at the same place?

It starts from Marfa Jetty and ends back at the meeting point.

What swim stops are included?

You get swim stops at Crystal Lagoon, Blue Lagoon, and Santa Marija Bay, with about one hour at each location.

Is snorkeling gear included?

Yes. The tour includes the use of snorkeling equipment. Masks are provided at Crystal Lagoon.

Are drinks included on board?

Yes. Wine and water are included, with wine only for adults over 18.

Can you enter the Santa Marija caves?

No. The caves are viewed from the boat. You cannot enter them from the boat, though you do get a cave-area tour while passing by.

What happens if the weather is not good?

The experience requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.