Comino Blue Lagoon & Crystal Lagoon – 3 Bay Cruise

Clear water, three bays, and room to breathe. This six-hour cruise from Marfa Bay combines the famous Blue Lagoon with quieter swimming stops at Crystal Lagoon and Gebla tal-Halfa. I like the limited passenger numbers, which keep the boat from feeling like a floating bus, and I like the generous four hours set aside for swimming and snorkeling.

The main consideration is the Blue Lagoon itself. It is beautiful, but the shore can become extremely crowded. You can go ashore for a walk, yet staying on the boat often gives you a calmer view and easier access to the water. The sea can also feel choppy, so this is not the best choice if you are prone to seasickness.

Key points

• Limited to 45 passengers: The boat can hold 70, but the operator keeps numbers lower so you have more space on both decks.
• Four hours in the water: Crystal Lagoon gets one hour, Blue Lagoon two hours, and Ħalfa Rock one hour.
• Three different swimming settings: You get a bright lagoon, Comino’s famous central stop, and a less predictable final bay near Gozo.
• A sensible Blue Lagoon choice: You can walk ashore, or remain on board and swim nearby after the drop-off.
• Useful boat facilities: Toilets, a fresh-water shower, upper-deck sunbathing space, and drinks and snacks for purchase.
• Flexible route planning: The captain may alter the order or replace a stop if sea conditions or crowds make another location better.

Starting at Marfa Bay near Comino

You meet at the Bluewaves Watersports office, close to Marfa Bay. The departure point faces Comino, so you are only a short boat ride from the island rather than spending much of the morning simply getting there.

That location matters. You reach the first swimming area quickly, leaving more of your six hours for the sea. Boarding closes 15 minutes before departure, so do not treat the stated departure time as the moment to arrive.

The boat is designed for 70 people, but the operator limits the group to 45. In practice, several outings had around 30 to 40 people aboard. That difference is important in Malta, where many boats pack in large numbers during summer. Here, you should have a reasonable choice of seats below or on the upper deck, along with room to move around.

The atmosphere is relaxed rather than formal. Music plays, the crew provides information about the stops, and the pace leaves time to swim instead of rushing from one photo stop to another.

Crystal Lagoon: your first hour in the water

The first stop is Crystal Lagoon, where the boat anchors for about an hour. The name tells you what to expect: bright, clear water and a rocky setting made for swimming from the boat.

This is a good opening stop because you can get comfortable with the sea before reaching the more famous Blue Lagoon. You can snorkel, swim, sunbathe, or simply watch the water from the deck. Some people use the opportunity for cliff jumping and freediving, though you should follow the crew’s advice and use care around rocks.

Bring your own mask and snorkel if you have them. A mask may also be available to rent for €3, but that detail can vary, so do not rely on it if snorkeling is central to your plans.

Do not expect a packed reef. The water is the star here, not a large collection of fish. You might see small sea life, and one outing included a moray eel, but this is mainly a clear-water swimming experience. For most people, one hour feels about right: enough time to swim well, without tiring you before the longer Blue Lagoon stop.

Blue Lagoon: beautiful water, busy shore

The boat then heads to the Blue Lagoon pier, the best-known part of the trip. You have two choices. You can leave the boat and explore Comino on foot, or stay aboard while the vessel anchors nearby for swimming and snorkeling.

The shore option gives you a chance to walk around Comino and see the lagoon from land. It also puts you close to food and other facilities on the island. Since May 1, 2025, anyone stepping onto Comino from the Blue Lagoon must register and obtain an entry ticket through the official government system at www.blcomino.com. Check that requirement before your trip if you plan to leave the boat.

The stay-on-board option is often the smarter choice in peak season. The beach and pier area can become packed, while the boat lets you enjoy the same remarkable water without searching for a patch of sand. You can swim straight from the vessel, return to your seat when you want shade or a rest, and use the on-board shower afterward.

Two hours here gives you plenty of choice. You can split the time between the water and the deck, take a walk, or spend the full stop snorkeling. The crew may drop off those who want to go ashore, then anchor close enough for those remaining on board to swim and enjoy the view.

I would decide before boarding which style suits you. If you want a short Comino walk and do not mind crowds, go ashore. If swimming, space, and comfort matter more, stay on board. Several people found the boat itself more pleasant than the crowded shore.

Ħalfa Rock and the final swim

The third swimming stop is Gebla ta Halfa, also called Ħalfa Rock, south of Gozo. The boat anchors for another hour of swimming and snorkeling.

This stop gives the trip a useful change of mood. Blue Lagoon is the famous name, while Ħalfa Rock feels more like a sea-based stop where you can settle into the water without the same shore traffic. It is also a good place for jumping from the boat, swimming around the hull, and using the clear water for snorkeling.

The exact feel of this stop depends on the sea and the number of boats in the area. The captain can alter the route or choose another location when conditions or crowd levels make that sensible. That flexibility is one of the better features of a small-group cruise. You are not locked into a poor swimming stop simply because it appears on a printed schedule.

One honest point: not everyone will feel the third stop is essential. After four hours in the water, you may be ready for a quieter ride back. If swimming is your main reason for booking, though, the extra hour is valuable and helps justify the six-hour length.

Caves, rock formations, and the ride home

After the final swim, the boat cruises back toward Bluewaves Watersports. The return route includes sightseeing around places such as the Santa Maria Caves, with other rock formations and coastal views along the way.

This part is less active but gives your body a break. Keep your camera ready, though spray and bright sunlight make a dry bag sensible. The boat may also pass additional sights beyond the named stops, depending on the route and conditions.

The trip is not a full historical tour. The guide speaks English and gives information about the stops and sights, but the strongest part of the experience is the water, scenery, and relaxed time on the boat. If you want long archaeological commentary or a walking tour of Comino, this is not the right product. If you want to see the coast from the sea and swim repeatedly, it fits well.

What the boat is like for six hours

The limited capacity is the feature I would value most. Six hours on a crowded boat can feel long. Six hours with room to sit, move, dry off, and eat your own snack feels much more manageable.

The boat has lower seating and an upper deck with sunbathing space. It also has toilets and a fresh-water shower, both useful after swimming. The shower is especially welcome after the Blue Lagoon stop, when salt water and sunscreen begin to wear thin.

Food and drinks are not included in the $47 price. You can bring your own food, and you should do so if you want a proper meal without leaving the boat. The on-board bar sells water, soft drinks, coffee, cocktails, and snacks. Reported prices included water around €1.50, soft drinks around €2, and an Aperol Spritz for €5, though prices can change.

The bar adds convenience, but it should not replace planning. Bring a refillable bottle, snacks, sunscreen, and a towel. The boat’s music helps create a holiday mood, though anyone seeking a silent nature trip may find it more noticeable than expected.

The crew earns strong marks for being friendly, attentive, and willing to explain the conditions. Danny and Ali are two crew members praised for being helpful and welcoming. Advice about where and when to swim is useful, especially when wind or waves affect one side of a bay.

Is $47 good value?

At $47 per person, this is a strong value if you plan to swim. You get a six-hour outing, three named bays, about four hours in the water, coastal sightseeing, a less crowded boat, and basic facilities that many smaller vessels lack.

The comparison is simple. A short sightseeing cruise might cost less, but it will not give you four separate hours for swimming. A private boat would offer more control, but costs far more. This trip sits in the useful middle: shared, affordable, and still spacious enough to feel comfortable.

The value drops if you dislike swimming or want most of your time on land. The Blue Lagoon walk is optional and relatively brief compared with the time spent aboard. You are paying for access to the bays and the boat experience, not for a long Comino hike or a meal.

Book ahead in summer if you want this particular limited-capacity boat. For the three-bay schedule, select the morning slot listed from 8:00 to 1:30. The stated trip duration is six hours, so check the available departure time when booking.

Who will enjoy this cruise most?

I would recommend it to couples, families with older children, groups of friends, and anyone who wants several good swims in one day. It also suits people who prefer a calmer boat over a packed party vessel.

Strong swimmers will get the most from it, but you do not need to be an expert. You can remain on deck, use the stops at your own pace, and ask the crew about conditions. The boat has been used by families and older people as well as younger swimmers.

It is less suitable for wheelchair users, and unaccompanied minors are not allowed. High heels, bikes, scooters, weapons, sharp objects, explosive substances, and intoxication are prohibited. Pack light, wear swimwear, and bring sunglasses, a hat, towel, sunscreen, and biodegradable sunscreen.

If you get seasick, think carefully. One account described the ride as bouncy, and sea conditions can change. The captain may cancel or alter the trip for safety. In that case, you receive an alternative date or a refund.

Should you book the Comino 3 Bay Cruise?

Book it if your ideal Malta day includes clear water, repeated swims, a comfortable shared boat, and enough time to slow down. The limited passenger numbers, helpful crew, on-board facilities, and sensible stop lengths make this a better choice than many cramped island cruises.

I would especially book it if you are happy to stay aboard at the Blue Lagoon. That choice avoids the worst shore crowds while keeping you close to the lagoon’s best feature, its water.

Skip it if you want a quiet walking day, a detailed cultural tour, or a guaranteed calm sea. For most people who come to Malta hoping to swim around Comino and Gozo, though, $47 buys a full and well-paced day.

FAQ

How long is the Comino 3 Bay Cruise?

The cruise lasts six hours. Around four hours are set aside for swimming and snorkeling across three stops.

Which bays does the boat visit?

The planned stops are Crystal Lagoon, Blue Lagoon, and Gebla ta Halfa, also called Ħalfa Rock. The return route includes sightseeing around places such as the Santa Maria Caves.

Can I leave the boat at the Blue Lagoon?

Yes. You can explore Comino on foot, or stay on board and swim nearby. From May 1, 2025, anyone stepping onto Comino from the Blue Lagoon must register and obtain an entry ticket through the official government system.

Is food included?

No. Food and drinks are not included in the cruise price. Snacks and drinks can be purchased from the boat’s bar, and you may bring your own food.

What facilities are on the boat?

The boat has toilets, a fresh-water shower, lower seating, and an upper deck with space for sunbathing. Snorkeling equipment may be available to rent for €3.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The captain can cancel or change the route because of weather, sea conditions, or safety concerns. If the cruise is canceled, you receive an alternative date or a refund.