Snorkeling in Blue Lagoon Beaches and Bays Trip Comino

Comino is one of Malta’s easiest nature getaways, and this half-day boat outing hits the area’s best-looking swimming spots. You’ll spend time at Blue Lagoon, then hop through a few nearby coves where the water turns bright turquoise when the sun is right.

I like that this trip gives ampl e time at each stop, so you are not just snapping a photo and running. I also like that snorkeling equipment is included, plus you get a light snack and water onboard. One possible drawback is that the best beach access is weather dependent, so conditions can change the exact feel of each stop.

Key points to know before you go

• Blue Lagoon timing gives you a real chance to swim and snorkel, not just pass by
• Snorkel gear included means you can pack light and spend less on extras
• A calm, cove-style route with multiple bays, so you can choose how long to stay in the water
• Caves and grottos in the plan add variety beyond beach time
• Final stop is quieter and may not match the snorkel quality of earlier stops

A half-day Comino loop that feels like more than 4 hours

This is a 4-hour boat tour built for one goal: water time around Comino and the bays nearby. You start at 9:00 am, then work your way through several stops that are known for clear water and sheltered shorelines.

The smart part is the pacing. Each stop gets about an hour, so you can actually do a full swim cycle, snorkel a bit, then take a break on deck. That matters because snorkeling trips can feel rushed when the boat crew is constantly relocating. Here, the schedule gives you room to breathe.

The route also tries to mix in scenery. Even if you are not a history buff, limestone cliffs, sea caves, and little inlets do a lot for the vibe. It turns into a slow moving sightseeing day where the water is the star, not just the backdrop.

Price and value for $57.93, plus what can cost extra

At $57.93 per person, this is fairly strong value for a boat day that includes snorkeling equipment, a light snack, and one bottle of water. You are also covered for the boat and its facilities, including fuel surcharge.

A couple things affect the real cost. Pickup is not included in the base price, and it can run EUR 10 to 20 per group, depending on the arrangement. You can also add snacks for an extra fee, but lunch is not part of the deal. If you like eating proper meals on tours, plan to bring extra snacks or budget to buy something nearby after.

Also note what is not included: towel and beachwear. That sounds obvious, but it matters on a boat day. Having your own towel, swimwear, and a plan for drying off can make the difference between feeling relaxed and feeling annoyed.

The meeting point, the boat rhythm, and how to plan your morning

The trip meets at Comino Ferries Co-Op Ltd in Il-Mellieħa, with the address marker at Triq Il-Marfa, Il-Mellieħa, Malta. The tour returns back to the same meeting point.

Because it is a morning start, I suggest you arrive early enough to get sorted without stress. You’ll want to be ready for water time right away, since the first stop is the Blue Lagoon area.

This is a max 25 person group, which usually means you are not packed in like a big coach. Still, boats move on a schedule. Bring a small dry bag or waterproof phone pouch so you are not juggling wet items later.

If you are choosing whether to add pickup, decide based on how easy it is for you to reach Il-Mellieħa. Pickup can be worth it for families or anyone who does not want to manage transfers with beach gear.

Stop 1, Blue Lagoon: the reason most people book

The Blue Lagoon stop is the headline for a reason. This inlet is known for crystal-clear, turquoise water and pale sandy edges that look almost unreal when the sun is strong. The water sits between rugged limestone formations on the Comino side, which helps create a sheltered swimming feel.

You get about one hour here, and that is enough to do the whole routine:

• Get in, cool off, then snorkel around
• Swim a little, then reset on shore or boat deck
• Take a break before moving on

What I like about this stop is that it is not just a photo break. The tour is set up for swimming and snorkeling, and since snorkeling gear is included, you can actually use the time instead of waiting.

One practical thought: if you want the best underwater viewing, you will get more out of snorkeling early in the stop rather than saving it for the end. Light changes through the day, and you do not want to be rushing when everyone else is already climbing back onto the boat.

Santa Marija Bay: calmer water for a slower kind of swim

Santa Marija Bay is a different mood. It is positioned on the northern coastline side, with sandy shore and generally calm, shallow water. This can feel more relaxed than the Blue Lagoon, especially if you want an easy swim without wrestling with waves.

The bay is described as a good spot for swimming and even paddle boarding. Not everyone does paddle boarding, but the point is that the water sounds approachable for more than one kind of beach time.

You also get a nearby cultural hook, the Ghajn Tuffieha Tower area is mentioned as an attraction you can explore around this beach day. That means you are not stuck doing only water time. If the sun is intense, you can switch to a short walk and break up the day.

This stop is also a good fit if you are traveling with someone who wants variety. Snorkel fans can still get in the water, and shore lovers have something to do besides shade hopping.

Comino Island: caves, grottos, and that in-between feeling

Comino itself is the engine of the whole trip. Even beyond the Blue Lagoon name, Comino is treated as a nature focused island where water is clear and the coastline has plenty of character.

The tour description also points to sea caves and grottos, plus a mention of Santa Marija caves. I read that as the route aiming to show you more than open water. Expect scenic passage by rocky coastlines, with opportunities to see cave like formations from the boat or near shore where conditions allow.

A key detail comes from the overall feedback: the Blue Lagoon and caves are the parts people call out as stunning. That lines up with the idea that Comino is not only a beach, it is a coastline full of interesting shapes.

One thing to keep your expectations flexible: cave viewing and close access can shift with conditions. If the water is choppy or visibility is less ideal, you might get more scenery than underwater time. Still, the coastline views are the kind you remember, especially from a boat with time to pause.

San Niklaw Bay: quiet and pretty, but not the best snorkel bet

San Niklaw Bay is the final stop, about one hour. This cove sounds like a calm, sandy shoreline surrounded by cliffs and greenery, a classic “sit and relax” place.

But the feedback you should take seriously is this: the final stop may be the one you could skip if your main goal is top tier snorkeling. The review note specifically suggests staying longer at earlier destinations with better snorkel quality.

So I would treat San Niklaw Bay as a bonus stop for comfort and views, not as the place to count on the best underwater time. If you are the type who wants to snorkel longer, plan your schedule around doing your most serious snorkeling earlier, then use San Niklaw Bay to rest, swim lightly, or just enjoy the scenery.

What’s included onboard, and what you should bring anyway

In plain terms, you get:

• Use of the boat and facilities
• Fuel surcharge covered
• Snorkeling equipment included
• Light snack and one bottle of water

Not included:

• Extra snacks (available for an additional fee)
• Lunch
• Towel and beachwear
• Pickup in the base price

Here is how I’d handle packing so the day runs smooth. Bring swimwear you can put on quickly. A small towel and some way to dry off helps, since boats are not set up like a beach club. Sunscreen matters too, even if you spend most time in the shade of the cliffs. The water is bright, and Malta sun can catch you fast.

If you care about photos, keep your phone in a waterproof pouch. You will be on open water and near caves where you might want to take pictures without worrying about splashes.

Also bring an extra set of dry clothes if you can. It is a small comfort that makes the ride back feel better.

Weather and beach changes: how to stay flexible

The tour is clear that beach locations are weather dependent. That means the plan can shift if sea conditions or visibility are not ideal. The good news is that if the experience is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered another date or a full refund.

On a day like this, I recommend you treat it like a water plan, not a rigid checklist. If the sea is calm, you get more out of every stop. If conditions are rougher, you might spend more time on deck and less time in the shallows.

The practical move is to keep your schedule open and pick travel days where you have buffer time.

Who this trip fits best

This works especially well if you:

• Want a short, focused boat day instead of a full day out
• Like snorkeling but do not want to rent gear or deal with logistics
• Enjoy scenic coastline routes with caves and grottos as part of the fun
• Prefer smaller group energy, max 25

It is also a solid option if you want a mix of swim time and sandy bay time. Blue Lagoon and the calmer coves give you choices without requiring advanced planning.

If you are only interested in the single best snorkel spot for long sessions, you may wish you had more time at the earlier stops. Still, the structure of the day does a nice job of balancing swimming and scenery, rather than forcing one kind of activity.

Final verdict, should you book this Comino snorkeling trip?

I think you should book if your priority is a snorkel friendly half-day with multiple bay settings and strong scenery value. The best part is the combination of time at the stops plus equipment included, and the fact that the Blue Lagoon plus caves are the moments the tour is built around.

You might want to consider your priorities first if you are chasing the single best snorkel conditions for hours on end. The last stop can feel more like a calm cove break than a snorkel payoff, so plan your snorkeling effort earlier.

If the weather is questionable on your dates, book anyway but stay flexible. With weather driven changes and weather based cancellation options, this is the kind of tour where you do not want to over-plan your day around it.

FAQ

How long is the boat tour?

It runs for about 4 hours.

Where does the tour start and end?

It starts at Comino Ferries Co-Op Ltd in Il-Mellieħa and ends back at the same meeting point.

Is pickup included in the price?

Pickup is not included in the original price. It’s listed as EUR 10 to 20 per group.

What snorkeling gear do I get?

Snorkeling equipment is included for use on the trip.

What stops are included during the tour?

You visit the Blue Lagoon, Santa Marija Bay, Comino, and San Niklaw Bay.

Are the beach locations guaranteed?

No. Beach locations are weather dependent.

What food and drinks are included?

You get a light snack and one bottle of water. Lunch and extra snacks are not included.

Is the cost only for the boat, or are other fees covered?

Admission tickets are listed as free for the stops.

How big is the group?

The tour has a maximum of 25 travelers.

What is the start time?

The tour starts at 9:00 am.