Malta: Comino+ Santa Maria Bay, Blue Lagoon + Seacaves tour

The real appeal here is not simply reaching Comino. It is having a comfortable boat as your base while you swim from the stern, stretch out on deck, or watch the coast slide past. Captain Owen and the Seahorse crew give the day a friendly, family-run feel, with music, commentary, and a little room to breathe.

I like the 1.5-hour stop at Santa Maria Bay, which gives you a quieter place to swim before the Blue Lagoon crowds. I also like the small-boat feel, reasonably priced food and drinks, and the chance to jump from the boat’s platform instead of hunting for a patch of sand.

The main catch is the Blue Lagoon itself. Its water and rock scenery are beautiful, but the shore can be extremely crowded in peak season. You will enjoy this trip most if you treat the boat as your calm retreat and the lagoon as one part of a wider coastal cruise.

Key points to know before booking

• Santa Maria Bay comes first: You get 1.5 hours for swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing in a quieter setting.
• Blue Lagoon time is generous: The boat stays for 2.5 hours, with the option to remain aboard away from the busiest shore.
• Captain Owen leads the day: Expect English and Italian commentary, a friendly welcome, music, and practical help around the boat.
• The boat is your best base: Use the front deck, side seating, diving platform, shower, toilet, and onboard snack bar.
• The route includes more than swimming: You pass St. Paul’s Island, Smuggler’s Cove, Gozo Harbour, Crystal Lagoon, Santa Maria Cave, and Elephant Rock.
• Plan for the QR code rule: From May 1, 2025, you need a free Blue Lagoon QR code if you want to step onto Comino.

A comfortable way to reach Comino

This trip leaves from St. Paul’s Bay Sirens Quay, aboard the only sailing boat there called Seahorse Cruises. Boarding closes at 10:00 AM, even though departure is listed for 10:30 AM, so arrive early rather than cutting it close.

The scheduled day runs to about 5:00 PM. That makes it roughly a six-and-a-half-hour outing, although the booking system may show a shorter duration depending on the selected departure. Ask at booking if your available time looks different from the main daytime schedule.

The boat matters here. You are not simply being dropped at Comino and left to find your own way around. Seahorse gives you a floating base with padded seating, a front deck, a side ladder, a platform for jumping into the water, a shower, and a toilet. That is a useful setup at Comino, where beaches and flat places to sit can disappear quickly during the busy season.

The boat can feel fuller at the start because some passengers use it as a way to reach Gozo. Once those passengers leave at Gozo Harbour, the boat may feel more open. The exact mix changes by departure, but this is not the sort of huge vessel carrying more than 200 people. It is smaller and more personal, though you should still expect a shared excursion rather than a private charter.

The morning cruise past St. Paul’s Island

The first hour is a sightseeing cruise toward Gozo and Comino. This is a good part of the day to settle in, claim a comfortable spot, and listen to the live commentary in English or Italian.

The route passes St. Paul’s Island, where you can look toward the remains associated with nearly 2,000-year-old shipwrecks. You also pass Smuggler’s Cove, a well-known place for underwater activity, and get views of the Maltese coast from the water.

This cruise gives the outing more shape than a simple beach transfer. You see the coast from a low, changing viewpoint, and the captain points out places that can be hard to understand from land. The boat’s music also helps keep the ride easygoing, though the atmosphere is more relaxed than formal. Captain Owen is described as friendly and humorous, and his welcome is one of the details that gives the trip its character.

The route also includes a short stop near Crystal Lagoon. It is mainly a scenic photo stop, not a long swimming break. Keep your camera ready, but do not expect to go ashore or spend a full hour there.

Gozo Harbour and the ten-minute photo stop

The boat continues toward Mgarr Harbour, Gozo’s main harbor. You get about ten minutes to take pictures and look toward the traditional fishing village setting before the route continues.

Ten minutes passes quickly, so this is not a visit to Gozo. You will not have time to explore the harbor streets, visit a church, or shop. Think of it as a brief coastal view and a useful moment for photographs.

Some people may leave the boat at Gozo for a half-day or full-day visit, depending on the trip arrangement. If that happens on your departure, the boat may feel less crowded afterward. The important point is to confirm your own booking details before assuming you can leave at Gozo, since the main excursion returns to Sirens Quay.

Santa Maria Bay gives you room to swim

Santa Maria Bay is the first main swimming stop, with about 1.5 hours at anchor. This is where the trip finds its best balance. You can swim, use a mask, sunbathe on deck, or simply enjoy the water without the pressure of getting off the boat.

The bay is described as quieter than the Blue Lagoon, with a small strip of sand and a more peaceful setting. It is a good place to start because you can get comfortable in the water before dealing with the busy Blue Lagoon area.

The boat’s position is especially useful. You can swim directly from the vessel, return to a shaded or padded place, and keep your towel and belongings nearby. The side ladder makes getting back aboard easier, though the experience still involves steps, rocks, and movement on a boat.

Bring sturdy footwear or water shoes. The coast around Comino is rocky, and wet surfaces can be slippery. Comfortable shoes are also listed among the essentials, so leave delicate sandals at home if you plan to explore near the water.

Snorkeling masks are available with a €10 deposit. The masks are convenient, but you should still bring your own gear if you prefer a particular fit. Sunscreen, swimwear, a towel, and cash belong in your day bag.

The Blue Lagoon is beautiful, busy, and best viewed with realistic expectations

The boat spends about 2.5 hours at the Blue Lagoon. That is enough time for a swim, a walk toward the shore, photographs, and plenty of time relaxing back on board.

The water is the star. It is clear and bright, framed by pale rock and dramatic formations. From the boat, the color can be striking, and the platform gives you a simple way to enter the water without scrambling down a crowded beach.

The shore is another matter. In high season, the Blue Lagoon can be packed, with limited room to sit and many people arriving at the same time. Food and drinks on land may also cost more than you expect. The best strategy is to enjoy the view, take your swim, and return to the boat when the shoreline becomes tiring.

This is where Seahorse earns much of its value. You do not need to spend all 2.5 hours squeezed onto Comino. You can swim from the boat, relax on the front deck, and still see the lagoon without joining the thickest crowd. If your main goal is an empty beach, this is not the right stop. If your goal is beautiful water with a comfortable place to retreat, it works much better.

From May 1, 2025, Malta requires a free QR code for anyone stepping onto the Blue Lagoon area on Comino. The suggested time slot is 1:30 PM to 5:30 PM. You do not need the QR code if you remain on the boat, but check the current instructions tied to your ticket before departure. This rule can affect your plans, especially if you expect to walk ashore spontaneously.

Caves, rock formations, and the ride home

After the main stops, the return cruise adds more scenery. The boat passes Santa Maria Cave and Elephant Rock, along with the Crystal Lagoon and other coastal formations.

The crew can take the vessel close to the caves when conditions allow. This is a strong part of the outing for anyone who likes seeing the coast from the water rather than only stopping at beaches. Some departures also offer an optional speedboat ride for €15, allowing you to reach certain areas more directly. That extra activity is not included in the $28 price, so budget for it separately if you want the faster, more active option.

The captain may alter the route because of weather, tides, or other operating conditions. That is normal for a boat trip, but it is worth keeping in mind if one particular cave or stop is your main reason for booking.

On the way back, the snack bar sells food and drinks. Cash is accepted onboard, and reviewers specifically found prices reasonable, with examples such as beer around €3 and a hot dog around the same price. Bring cash rather than assuming you can pay by card. Do not bring your own food, drinks, luggage, or cooler, since these are not allowed.

What the $28 price really includes

At $28 per person, this is strong value for a full daytime boat outing, especially because the price includes both major swimming stops, the sightseeing route, live commentary, the platform, toilet, shower, and use of a snorkeling mask with a refundable deposit.

You are also paying for convenience. A simple transfer to Comino may cost less, but it does not give you several hours aboard a boat with seating, a snack bar, and a place to swim away from the busiest part of the shore. You also get the views around St. Paul’s Island, Gozo Harbour, the caves, and Elephant Rock.

The price does not include lunch, drinks, the €10 mask deposit, or the optional €15 speedboat ride. It also does not guarantee an uncrowded Blue Lagoon beach. I would compare the trip with the cost of a basic Comino ferry, then ask yourself what you value more: the lowest possible fare, or a full day with a boat as your base.

The family-run approach is part of the appeal. Captain Owen and the crew are repeatedly described as welcoming, helpful, and attentive to safety while still giving people freedom to swim and relax. That personal touch is not a substitute for a perfect route or empty lagoon, but it can make a long day on the water feel easier.

Who will enjoy this trip most

This excursion suits you if you want a mix of swimming, coastal scenery, and downtime. It is especially good for couples, families, and small groups who prefer a calmer boat to a very large cruise vessel.

You will get the most from it if you:

• Like swimming directly from a boat
• Want Santa Maria Bay and Blue Lagoon on the same day
• Prefer a relaxed schedule over constant guided activity
• Appreciate onboard food and drinks at reasonable prices
• Want photographs of caves, harbors, and rock formations
• Are happy to stay aboard when the Blue Lagoon shore is too crowded

It is less suitable if you need step-free access, since the activity is not recommended for people with mobility impairments. It may also disappoint you if your only goal is a quiet, empty beach or a long visit to Gozo. The Gozo stop is about ten minutes for photographs, not a land tour.

Practical advice for a better day

Arrive at Sirens Quay early. Boarding closes at 10:00 AM, and the boat is called Seahorse Cruises. Look for the sailing boat at the meeting point rather than waiting until the last minute.

Wear a swimsuit under comfortable clothes, bring a towel and sunscreen, and pack water shoes or sturdy footwear. Keep your bag small, since large bags and luggage are not allowed.

Bring cash for the snack bar and any optional extras. Do not count on card payment. If you want to step onto the Blue Lagoon shore, arrange the free QR code in advance and check the time slot connected with your ticket.

For the best experience, use Santa Maria Bay as your longer, calmer swim and treat Blue Lagoon as a scenic highlight with a crowd attached. At the lagoon, spend some time on the boat. You can still swim in the famous water without forcing yourself into the busiest stretch of Comino.

Should you book Seahorse Cruises?

I would book this trip if you want a friendly, fairly priced day on the water with two swimming stops and plenty of time to relax. The strongest features are the smaller boat, Santa Maria Bay, Captain Owen’s warm approach, the platform for swimming, and the chance to enjoy Blue Lagoon without staying on its crowded shore.

I would choose something else if you want a dedicated Gozo tour, a quiet beach-only day, or a fully accessible boat. The Blue Lagoon is not peaceful at the shoreline in peak season, and weather or tides can change the route.

For most people, the $28 price makes sense because the boat itself is part of the experience. Go for the coast, the caves, the swimming, and the easy family-run atmosphere. Let the boat be your refuge when Comino gets crowded.

FAQ

Where does the cruise start and finish?

The cruise starts and ends at St. Paul’s Bay Sirens Quay. The boat is called Seahorse Cruises.

What time should I arrive?

Boarding closes at 10:00 AM. The listed departure time is 10:30 AM, so arrive before boarding closes.

How long is the excursion?

The main daytime schedule runs from the morning departure until about 5:00 PM, or roughly six and a half hours. Availability may show different durations and starting times.

How long do you stay at Santa Maria Bay?

The stop at Santa Maria Bay lasts about 1.5 hours. You can swim, snorkel, sunbathe, or remain on the boat.

How long do you stay at the Blue Lagoon?

The boat spends about 2.5 hours at the Blue Lagoon. You can swim from the boat or step ashore if you have the required QR code.

Do you need a QR code for the Blue Lagoon?

From May 1, 2025, you need a free QR code to step onto the Blue Lagoon area on Comino. You do not need one if you remain on the boat.

Are snorkeling masks included?

Masks are available with a €10 deposit. The tour also includes access to the boat’s swimming platform.

Can you buy food and drinks onboard?

Yes. Food and drinks are available at the onboard snack bar. Only cash is accepted, and bringing your own food, drinks, cooler, luggage, or large bags is not allowed.

Is the boat suitable for people with mobility impairments?

No. The activity is not suitable for people with mobility impairments. It includes access by ladders and swimming from the boat.