Malta: Comino, Blue Lagoon, + Sea Caves Day Trip

The best part of this Malta boat trip is simple: you get a long stretch of time in the water without paying luxury-yacht prices. Seahorse Cruises takes you from Bugibba past St. Paul’s Island and Smuggler’s Cove, then gives you 1.5 hours at Santa Maria Bay and 2.5 hours at the Blue Lagoon.

I like the generous swim time and the practical setup. There is a swim platform, a nearby ladder with a shower, a toilet, masks available with a €10 deposit, and snacks and drinks for sale. Captain Owen and crew members such as Liam and Clive have earned especially warm praise for their friendly, capable service.

The catch is the crowd. This is a popular boat trip, not a quiet private sail. The Blue Lagoon itself can be hard to reach from shore, with rocky paths and plenty of people, so you may enjoy swimming beside the boat more than fighting your way onto the island.

What makes this Comino cruise worth considering

• Long water stops: Santa Maria Bay gets 1.5 hours, while the Blue Lagoon gets 2.5 hours, enough time to swim and relax without constant rushing.
• A useful boat setup: The swim platform, side ladder, shower, toilet, and snack bar make a long day at sea easier.
• A broad coastal route: You see St. Paul’s Island, Smuggler’s Cove, Gozo Harbour, Crystal Lagoon, Santa Maria Cave, and Elephant Rock.
• Friendly crew: Captain Owen, Liam, and Clive are singled out for warm service, safety, humor, and helpful advice.
• Good value at $35: The fare covers the cruise and main stops, while food and drinks cost extra. A speedboat add-on may also be offered for about €15 per person.
• Not a party boat: Music may be played, but the trip suits families and people who want a relaxed day on the water.

Leaving Bugibba for Malta’s northern coast

The boat leaves from Bugibba Jetty at 10:30 AM, but boarding closes at 10:00 AM for the daytime cruise. Treat that earlier time as the one that matters. The boat is called Seahorse Cruises, and the meeting point is the Bugibba jetty where it is described as the only sailing boat there.

The sailing portion gives you a useful first look at Malta from the water. Instead of spending the day at one beach, you get changing views of rocky shores, small bays, old wreck sites, and unusual stone formations. Live commentary is provided in English and Italian.

The boat is described as a sailing boat, but this is not a quiet private charter. It carries enough people to feel busy, especially in the high summer months. You can choose a place on the front deck for sun, or use the back deck for a more relaxed view of the coast.

Bring cash from the start. Only cash is accepted onboard, including at the snack bar. Food and drinks are not included, but the prices are described as reasonable. You cannot bring your own food, drinks, luggage, or a cooler, so pack lightly and check the rules before you arrive.

St. Paul’s Island and Smuggler’s Cove from the sea

Early in the cruise, the boat passes St. Paul’s Island. The area is linked with the biblical story of St. Paul’s arrival in Malta, though this tour focuses on the coastal view rather than a shore visit.

You may also see the remains of old shipwrecks in the water. The wrecks are nearly 2,000 years old, which gives the coastal cruise more substance than a simple ride past pretty rocks. Smuggler’s Cove is another highlight, known as a popular spot for underwater exploration.

These sights are viewed from the boat rather than explored on foot. That matters if you want a detailed visit to every location. This trip is built around a wide sampling of Malta’s northern coast, followed by long swimming stops.

Gozo Harbour and the ten-minute photo stop

The boat continues toward Gozo Harbour, also known as Mgarr Harbour. You get about ten minutes for a photo stop and views of a traditional fishing village.

Ten minutes is enough for a few pictures and a quick look at the harbor, but not enough for a proper visit to Gozo. I would treat this as a scenic introduction, not a substitute for a separate Gozo day.

The harbor stop is included on the daytime cruise. It is not included on the evening trip, along with Santa Maria Bay. Check the exact departure option carefully if you are comparing the daytime and evening versions, since the routes are different.

Santa Maria Bay gives you room to slow down

Santa Maria Bay on Comino is the first major stop. The boat anchors here for about 1.5 hours, giving you time to swim, snorkel, sunbathe, or simply sit on deck with a drink.

This is the quieter part of the day. Santa Maria Bay does not have the same fame as the Blue Lagoon, and that can make it a better place to enjoy the water without feeling that you must immediately take a photograph and move on.

You can use the boat’s swim platform rather than climbing onto the shore. That is helpful if the beach access feels awkward or if you prefer to avoid rocky ground. Bring water shoes if you plan to get off the boat or walk near the water, since the coast is rocky.

The bay is not included in the evening cruise. If swimming at Santa Maria is important to you, choose the daytime departure.

The Blue Lagoon stop lasts 2.5 hours

The Blue Lagoon is the main event. Its clear water and pale rock formations are the postcard view most people associate with Comino. The boat anchors for about 2.5 hours, which is unusually generous for a sightseeing cruise.

You can swim from the boat, use the platform, snorkel, or stay on deck. The boat aims to anchor away from the thickest crowds, though the surrounding lagoon can still be very busy in summer. The water may look calm and inviting, but getting onto the island from shore can involve rocky paths and awkward access.

From May 1, 2025, you need a free QR code if you want to step onto the Blue Lagoon area. The stated booking window for this tour is 1:30 PM to 5:30 PM. You do not need the QR code if you remain on the boat.

That rule changes how you should plan the stop. If you are happy swimming from the vessel, the QR requirement is not an issue. If you want to walk ashore, arrange the code before the trip and keep it easy to access on your phone.

The Blue Lagoon is beautiful, but it is not the peaceful secret its name might suggest. I would not book this trip expecting solitude. The smarter plan is to enjoy the lagoon from the boat, take a swim, and accept that the famous shore area will be crowded.

Crystal Lagoon, caves, and Elephant Rock

The cruise also includes views of Crystal Lagoon, Santa Maria Cave, and Elephant Rock. Some of these are short photo stops or passing views rather than long shore visits.

Crystal Lagoon is especially good from the water, where you can see how the rock walls shape the bright sea. Santa Maria Cave adds a more enclosed, dramatic view to the return route. Elephant Rock is a distinctive natural formation that makes a good final photo.

The boat passes these sites as part of the coastal cruise, so keep your camera ready. You may not have much time to compose a picture once the boat moves on.

A speedboat ride may be offered as an extra for about €15 per person. The attraction is access to smaller cave areas and a faster, more exciting ride. It is not included in the $35 price, so ask the crew about the current arrangement and cost before committing.

What the boat provides during a long day at sea

The facilities are basic but useful. You have a toilet, a swim platform, a ladder with a nearby shower, and a snack bar. These details matter more than they sound when you are spending several hours offshore.

Snorkeling masks are available with a €10 deposit. Bring your own mask if you prefer a better fit, but the onboard option means you do not have to buy or pack extra equipment.

The boat has front and back deck areas, and there may be music during the cruise. The mood is relaxed rather than built around loud entertainment. Families and couples looking for a coastal day should feel more at home here than people searching for a full party boat.

Food and drinks are sold onboard, and the prices are described as reasonable. Since outside food and drinks are not allowed, bring cash for anything you plan to buy. Sunscreen, a towel, swimwear, comfortable shoes, and water shoes are the most useful items to pack.

Large bags and coolers are not allowed. Keep your belongings compact, especially if you want room to move between the deck and the swim ladder.

Is $35 a fair price for this Malta boat trip?

At $35 per person, the trip offers strong value if you want the main Comino sights in one day. The price includes the cruise, the Blue Lagoon stop, Santa Maria Bay, commentary, use of the swim platform, and the general boat facilities.

You are not paying for lunch, drinks, or the optional speedboat ride. The snorkeling mask requires a refundable-style €10 deposit, according to the activity details, so keep that extra cash in mind.

The real value is the time allocation. Many boat trips give you a short look at the Blue Lagoon and little else. Here, you have 2.5 hours there and another 1.5 hours at Santa Maria Bay. That gives you time to swim, dry off, eat something, and enjoy the ride without feeling hurried.

The trade-off is capacity. The boat can feel crowded, especially during the busiest months. If you want privacy, quiet, or full control of the route, you should consider a private charter instead. At this price, you are buying a shared day on a well-used route.

The crew can make or break the day

The strongest part of the experience is the crew. Captain Owen is praised for being informative, calm, and safety-minded. Liam is also singled out as a strong captain, while Clive is associated with the optional speedboat ride and a fun approach.

That does not mean every departure will feel identical. Crew assignments can change, and sea conditions can affect the route. Still, the attention given to the captain and staff suggests that the service is a major part of what you are paying for.

The crew may include family members helping onboard, adding to the informal feel. This is not a polished hotel-style operation. It is a friendly boat trip with a personal tone, which many people will find appealing.

The captain and provider can alter the route, departure point, or timing because of weather, tides, or other conditions. That flexibility is sensible in Malta’s open water, but it means you should not treat every stop as guaranteed in bad conditions.

Who should book the Seahorse Cruises trip?

I would choose this tour if you want to see the famous Comino waters without arranging several separate boat rides. It works especially well for families, first-time visitors, couples, and anyone who wants a full day at sea without a party atmosphere.

It also suits you if swimming is a main goal. The long stops let you spend real time in the water instead of collecting quick photographs from the deck.

You may want another option if you dislike crowds, cannot manage rocky access, or want to spend more time exploring Gozo on land. The Gozo Harbour stop lasts only about ten minutes, and the Blue Lagoon can be difficult to reach from shore.

The trip returns to Bugibba at about 5:00 PM, making it a substantial day out. The advertised duration can vary from four to 6.5 hours depending on the departure option, so confirm the exact schedule when booking.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now while paying later. Those policies are useful if the weather forecast is uncertain, but they do not remove the need to arrive early for boarding.

My verdict: a strong-value day on Comino

Book this trip if you want a friendly, practical cruise with serious swimming time and a broad view of Malta’s northern coast. The $35 price is hard to fault for the route, facilities, and hours spent at the two main bays.

Go in with realistic expectations. The Blue Lagoon is crowded, the boat is shared, and some stops are short scenic looks rather than full visits. Bring cash, water shoes, sunscreen, and a towel, then use the boat as your base instead of battling for a patch of shore.

For a first boat day in Malta, Seahorse Cruises offers a well-rounded route and a good chance of coming away with the island’s clearest water, most unusual rocks, and best coastal views in one outing.

FAQ

Where does the Malta Comino boat trip begin?

The tour begins at Bugibba Jetty. The boat is called Seahorse Cruises and is described as the only sailing boat at the meeting point.

What time does the daytime cruise leave?

The daytime cruise departs at 10:30 AM. Boarding closes at 10:00 AM, so arrive before that cutoff.

How long is the tour?

The activity lasts between four and 6.5 hours depending on the departure option. The daytime cruise is expected to return to Bugibba at about 5:00 PM.

How long do you stay at Santa Maria Bay?

The boat anchors at Santa Maria Bay for about 1.5 hours. You can swim, snorkel, sunbathe, or relax on the boat.

How long do you stay at the Blue Lagoon?

The Blue Lagoon stop lasts about 2.5 hours. You can swim from the boat, snorkel, relax on deck, or visit the shore if you have the required QR code.

Do you need a QR code for the Blue Lagoon?

You need a free QR code from May 1, 2025, if you want to step onto the Blue Lagoon area. No QR code is needed if you stay on the boat.

Is food included?

No. Food and drinks are available to buy onboard, and only cash is accepted. Outside food, drinks, luggage, and coolers are not allowed.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Snorkeling masks are available with a €10 deposit. The tour also provides a swim platform, a shower near the side ladder, and a toilet.

Is Santa Maria Bay included on the evening cruise?

No. Santa Maria Bay and the Gozo Harbour stop are not included in the evening cruise. Choose the daytime option if you want both stops.