Comino Blue Lagoon & Crystal Lagoon – 3 Bay Cruise

The best thing about this 3 Bay Cruise is simple: you get long swimming stops without being packed shoulder to shoulder on a boat. Bluewaves Watersports limits the 70-person vessel to about 45 people, leaving room to sit, stretch out, and move between the lower deck and upper sun deck.

I like the four hours of swimming time and the choice at Blue Lagoon. You can walk ashore for food and a look around, or stay on the boat and swim from a quieter position near the lagoon. The crew, including Danny and Ali, also gets good marks for friendly service and practical advice about water conditions.

The main drawback is that the Blue Lagoon itself can be extremely crowded, especially in summer. The boat ride can also bounce in rougher water, so this is not the best pick if you are prone to seasickness.

At a glance

• About 45 passengers on a 70-person boat: You get more elbow room than on many large Comino cruises.
• Three swimming stops: Spend one hour at Crystal Lagoon, two hours around Blue Lagoon, and one hour at Gebla ta Halfa.
• Stay aboard or go ashore: At Blue Lagoon, you choose between swimming from the boat or walking onto Comino.
• Useful onboard facilities: Toilets, a fresh-water shower, sunbathing space, and a bar with drinks and snacks.
• Good value at $47: The price covers a six-hour cruise and roughly four hours in the water, with sightseeing along the coast.
• Morning booking matters: For this three-bay cruise, book the morning slot listed as 8:00 to 1:30, and arrive before boarding closes 15 minutes before departure.

Why the smaller passenger limit matters

Comino is one of Malta’s most popular day-trip areas, and the famous Blue Lagoon can feel less like a quiet island cove and more like a busy transport hub in summer. The boat size makes a real difference here.

The vessel can hold 70 people, but the operator limits bookings to around 45. That leaves enough space for everyone to find a seat on the lower deck or settle on top for sunbathing. You are not promised solitude, but you are far less likely to spend the day squeezed beside strangers.

I also like the social balance. The boat has music and a relaxed holiday feel, but it is not described as a party boat. Families, couples, older people, and confident swimmers can all fit into the same outing. If you want a loud club atmosphere, this may feel too tame. If you want a pleasant boat day with room to breathe, the setup works well.

The starting point is Bluewaves Watersports at Marfa Bay, facing Comino Island. From there, the boat reaches the first stop quickly, so you are not spending half the day on a long transfer before seeing clear water.

Crystal Lagoon: a calm first swim

Crystal Lagoon is the opening swimming stop, with one hour set aside for swimming and snorkeling. This gives you an early chance to get into the water before the main Blue Lagoon stop.

The name fits the setting. The attraction here is the clear water and the rocky coast, not a sandy beach experience. You can swim from the anchored boat, use your mask to look beneath the surface, or simply float and take in the cliffs.

One hour is enough for a good first swim, though it can feel brief if you like to take your time. Bring your swimwear under your clothes and have your towel ready, since this is not a sightseeing-only cruise. You will spend a large part of the day in and around the water.

Snorkeling is included as an activity, but you should keep expectations sensible. The water is the main attraction, and you may see fish and other sea life, yet this is not presented as a specialist snorkeling expedition. One person reported seeing a moray eel, while others enjoyed the clear water more than a large amount of marine life.

If you do not bring your own mask, a mask may be available to rent for €3. That detail is worth checking when you arrive, especially if snorkeling is central to your plans.

Blue Lagoon: choose your own version of Comino

The two-hour Blue Lagoon stop is the centerpiece of the trip. This is where you get the most time, and where you decide how much land time you want.

You can leave the boat at the Blue Lagoon pier and explore Comino on foot. This gives you access to the island, food options, and a different view of the famous water. But the shore can become very crowded, and the land-based experience is not as peaceful as the photographs suggest.

You can also stay on board. In many ways, that is the smarter choice if your priority is swimming. Once passengers who want to walk ashore leave, the boat anchors nearby, giving you a place to sit, shower, buy a drink, and enter the water without joining the thickest crowd along the lagoon’s edge.

I would choose the boat option on a busy summer day. You still see the bright water and cliffs, but you retain access to the vessel’s toilets, fresh-water shower, seating, and upper deck. You can also avoid wasting your two hours looking for a place to stand on shore.

There is one important rule for visitors who want to step onto Comino. From May 1, 2025, anyone arriving at Blue Lagoon and exploring the island on foot must register and obtain an entry ticket through the official government system at blcomino.com. That requirement does not remove the option of staying aboard, but you should arrange the ticket before the trip if you plan to walk around.

The Blue Lagoon stop can also change with conditions. The captain has adjusted routes to reach a less crowded swimming place when a planned stop became too busy. That flexibility is useful, though it means the exact order or final swimming location may change for safety and comfort.

Gebla ta Halfa and the southern Gozo coast

The third swimming stop is Gebla ta Halfa, also written as Ħalfa Rock. It is south of Gozo and gets one hour for swimming and snorkeling.

This stop gives the day a different feel from the Blue Lagoon. Instead of focusing on the best-known name in the area, you get time around a rocky coastal site where cliff jumping, floating, and snorkeling may be the main ways to enjoy the stop. The boat’s size also makes it practical for people who want to jump into the water from above.

I would treat this as an active hour rather than a beach stop. There is no promise of a broad shore area or an easy walk onto land. You board the boat for the day, anchor at the site, and use the water around you.

Some people may find the final swimming stop less essential after several hours in the sun. One past passenger felt the last stop was not needed, while others liked the extra time in the water and the quieter setting. If you tire easily, pace yourself at Crystal Lagoon and Blue Lagoon. Malta’s sun can make a swim-heavy schedule feel more demanding than expected.

Santa Maria Caves and the ride back

After the main swimming stops, the boat cruises back toward Bluewaves Watersports and passes places such as the Santa Maria Caves. This part is for sightseeing rather than another long swim.

The caves and rock formations give you a chance to dry off, take photographs, and see the coast from the water. The crew provides information about the stops and sights, and the captain may show you additional coves or formations along the route.

Do not think of this as a museum-style guided tour. The focus is the sea, and the commentary supports the scenery rather than dominating the day. You get a good mix of movement, swimming, and short sightseeing moments.

The ride can be bumpy when the sea is unsettled. If you are sensitive to motion, sit near the middle of the boat, keep your eyes on the horizon, and avoid drinking too much alcohol before the return journey. The captain can alter or cancel the route when weather or sea conditions make it unsafe.

What the boat provides during six hours

The boat has facilities that matter more than they might first appear. A toilet means you do not need to leave the boat every time you need a break, and the fresh-water shower is useful after saltwater swimming.

There is also a small bar selling coffee, cocktails, soft drinks, water, and snacks. Prices reported on board include about €1.50 for water, around €2 for soft drinks, and €5 for an Aperol Spritz. Prices can change, but the onboard options appear reasonably priced for a full-day boat outing.

Food and drinks are not included in the $47 price, so bring your own food if you want a proper meal. You can also leave the boat at Blue Lagoon to find something ashore, but that means dealing with the crowds and using part of your two-hour stop.

The upper deck offers space to lie in the sun, while the lower deck provides more shade and a table area. Pack a towel, hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Biodegradable sunscreen is specifically requested, which is a sensible choice in a marine setting.

Music is part of the atmosphere. It adds a holiday feel, but the outing is not built around nonstop entertainment. The main event remains the water.

Is $47 fair value?

At $47 per person, the cruise is good value if you plan to swim. You receive six hours on the water, three named swimming stops, roughly four hours in the water, coastal sightseeing, and access to a boat with toilets and a shower.

The value becomes weaker if you mainly want to walk around Comino or spend time on a beach. The cruise is designed around swimming and snorkeling. At Blue Lagoon, land time is optional and the shore may be crowded, so a person seeking a slow island walk may prefer a different Comino arrangement.

Compared with a short boat transfer, this trip offers much more time and a wider range of stops. Compared with a private charter, it is far cheaper but less flexible. You follow a shared route, and the captain may alter the plan for sea conditions or crowd levels.

The limited passenger number is the strongest part of the price calculation. You are paying not only for the route but also for space. A cheaper boat packed to capacity may save money but provide a less comfortable day.

The crew and the tone of the trip

Danny and Ali are named as members of the crew, and the service style is one of the most praised parts of the outing. The crew helps with boarding, gives advice about swimming conditions, explains the stops, and keeps the day moving.

The crew is also willing to adapt. A captain may change the order or substitute a quieter swimming location when crowding makes a planned stop less appealing. That cannot guarantee an empty lagoon, but it is a useful sign that the schedule is not treated as more important than safety and enjoyment.

The tone is friendly rather than formal. You should expect simple information about the coast and stops, not a long lecture on Maltese history. That suits this particular activity, since most people will be watching the water, swimming, or drying off between stops.

Who should book this cruise?

This is a strong match for you if you:

• Want several long swimming sessions in one day
• Prefer a boat with fewer passengers than its full legal capacity
• Like having a choice between going ashore and staying aboard
• Enjoy snorkeling, cliff jumping, sunbathing, and coastal scenery
• Want toilets, a shower, and drinks available during the trip
• Are traveling as a couple, small group, or family with older children

It is less suitable if you use a wheelchair, since the activity is not suitable for wheelchair users. Unaccompanied minors are not allowed, and bicycles, scooters, electric wheelchairs, weapons, sharp objects, and explosive substances are prohibited.

You should also think twice if you dislike boat motion. The sea can be choppy, and a six-hour outing is a long time to feel unwell. High heels are not allowed, which is easy enough to solve with flat sandals or water shoes.

Practical tips for a smoother day

Book the morning slot requested for the three-bay cruise, listed as 8:00 to 1:30. Boarding closes 15 minutes before departure, so do not arrive at the last moment.

Meet at the Bluewaves Watersports office at Marfa Bay. The departure point faces Comino, and the first stop is only a short cruise away.

Bring your own lunch or substantial snacks if you do not want to rely on the onboard bar. Bring a towel, swimwear, sun hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and biodegradable sunscreen. A light cover-up is also useful between swims, though it is not specifically required.

If you are deciding what to do at Blue Lagoon, I would stay on board during the busiest part of summer unless walking on Comino is important to you. You can still swim in the lagoon, use the boat’s facilities, and avoid the heaviest shore crowds.

The tour allows free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later. The captain may cancel or alter the trip because of weather, sea conditions, or safety concerns. In that case, you receive an alternative date or a refund.

Should you book the Comino 3 Bay Cruise?

Book it if you want a swimming-first day with good space, three stops, and a friendly crew. The $47 price is sensible for six hours, especially when you count the shower, toilet, bar, sightseeing, and long time in the water.

I would choose this cruise over a packed boat if comfort matters to you. I would also choose it if Blue Lagoon is on your list but you would rather see it from the water than fight for space on shore.

Skip it if you want a quiet walking tour of Comino, dislike boat motion, or need wheelchair access. For most confident swimmers and sun-seekers, though, this is a well-balanced way to experience Malta’s famous lagoons without spending the whole day pressed against a crowd.

FAQ

How long is the Comino 3 Bay Cruise?

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

What bays does the cruise visit?

The route includes Crystal Lagoon, Blue Lagoon, and Gebla ta Halfa, also called Ħalfa Rock. The return journey includes coastal sightseeing such as Santa Maria Caves.

How much does the cruise cost?

The stated price is $47 per person.

How many people are allowed on the boat?

The boat has capacity for 70 people, but the operator limits the group to about 45 passengers.

Can I go ashore at Blue Lagoon?

Yes. You can leave the boat at the Blue Lagoon pier and explore Comino on foot, or stay aboard and swim near the anchored vessel.

Do I need a ticket to walk on Comino?

From May 1, 2025, visitors who step onto Comino from Blue Lagoon and explore on foot must register and obtain an entry ticket through blcomino.com.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not included, but drinks, coffee, cocktails, and snacks are available to buy on the boat.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Snorkeling is part of the activity, but equipment is not listed as included. A diving mask may be available to rent for €3.

Is the cruise suitable for wheelchair users?

No. The activity is not suitable for wheelchair users.