A day on Comino turns into a water-color postcard fast, and this cruise is built around that. You get three lagoon stops with about 4 hours in the water, plus a boat that usually carries far fewer people than its 70-person capacity. The main thing to weigh is that you’ll be on a moving boat for most of the day, so if you get sea-sick easily, plan for a choppier ride.

I also like the way the schedule gives you choices. At Blue Lagoon, you can hop off for a walk or stay on board and swim/snab easy spots in the same area, which can feel calmer than the beach. One possible drawback: food and drinks aren’t included in the ticket, so decide if you want to budget for the bar or bring your own snacks.

Key points before you go

• Small-group feel: the boat can hold 70, but you’re typically capped around 45 for more room.
• Four hours of water time: Crystal Lagoon (1 hour), Blue Lagoon (2 hours), Ħalfa Rock (1 hour).
• You can choose your Blue Lagoon plan: foot time on land or stay on board and swim near the anchor.
• On-board comfort: toilets, fresh-water shower, and space to lie down on upper deck.
• Route flexibility: the captain may adjust stops when crowds or conditions shift.
• Bring real swim basics: sunscreen (biodegradable), towel, and a sun hat make a difference.

How the 3 Bay Cruise Works from Marfa Bay

This is a 6-hour 3-bay cruise run by Bluewaves watersports, focused on one thing: warm-weather swimming in the Maltese sea. You start at the provider’s office and head out from Marfa Bay, so you’re not spending your whole trip traveling.

The day is paced with a simple rhythm: ride for a bit, anchor for swimming, then cruise again. That matters because the best part of the route isn’t the “on the boat” time. It’s the repeated chances to get in the water and reset your brain for photos, sun, and a slow stretch of breathing.

A quick practical note: the captain can alter the route (or cancel) for weather and sea safety. If you’re booking a morning slot, keep expectations flexible and focus on the sailing itself as the core experience.

Crystal Lagoon: the calm hour that sets the tone

Your first big water stop is Crystal Lagoon, where you anchor for about 1 hour. This is your clean “wow” moment. The stop is short enough that you’re not bored waiting, but long enough to swim, rinse off, and still have time to float and soak in the color.

Snorkeling is part of the plan here. If you haven’t snorkeled much before, this first stop is a good one to build confidence because you’re not rushed into the next location right away.

The trade-off is simple: one hour goes quickly in sun, and the boat movement before/after means you’ll want to be ready to change into swim mode fast. Bring your towel and sunscreen where you can reach them without digging through a bag on deck.

Blue Lagoon at Malta: swim time, and the land choice

Next comes the Blue Lagoon pier, with about 2 hours set aside for swimming plus free time. This is the famous name stop, so it’s the busiest in most seasons. You get a choice that can seriously affect your day:

• If you want the full scene, you can go ashore and walk around.
• If you’d rather avoid crowds, you can stay on board while the vessel anchors nearby, then swim and snorkel right from the boat.

In my view, staying on the boat is the smart move for many people. You still get access to the water, but you skip the most crowded “beach time” that can feel like a line to take photos. On the other hand, if you’re the type who wants to wander, you’ll appreciate the option to step off and stretch your legs.

One extra consideration for 2025+ visitors: stepping onto Comino Island from the Blue Lagoon and exploring by foot requires registration and an entry ticket through the official government system at www.blcomino.com. If you’re aiming to walk around, make sure you plan that ahead, or you’ll lose the option when you arrive.

Ħalfa Rock (Gebla ta-Halfa): shorter stop, strong payoff

After Blue Lagoon, you cruise to Ħalfa Rock (Gebla ta-Halfa), which is listed as being south of Gozo. Here you anchor for about 1 hour for swimming and snorkeling.

This stop tends to feel different than the “pretty postcard beach” vibe. It’s more about rock forms, cliff-edge views, and a sense of getting out into a more open part of the sea. Even if snorkeling doesn’t turn into a wildlife parade for you, the scenery and the swim itself usually deliver.

If you’re planning your day like a pro, use this hour to do the “second session” you might not have wanted to fit in. After the longer Blue Lagoon time, this is the place to do one more swim loop, grab a few photos, and still be back on board with time to relax before the ride back.

Santa Maria caves and the scenic cruise back

Your return includes sightseeing time around Santa Maria caves. This is less about swimming and more about seeing the coast from the water—an angle you won’t get from a viewpoint.

You may also spot caves and points of interest as you head back, including mention of Santa Marija caves along the way. The main value here is variety: you get a water day, then you get a calmer stretch to look, rest, and take in the cliffs without having to manage your swim gear.

It’s also a good moment to refocus if you’re running low on energy. After three anchoring swims, you’ll probably welcome a slower pace where you can sit, watch the coastline, and cool down.

Boat comfort: space, showers, and a more relaxed feel

The boat is designed for up to 70 people, but this cruise limits numbers in practice, with groups kept to around 45. That one detail changes everything. You’re not constantly bumping elbows to find a seat, and moving to the right side of the deck for shade or sun feels possible instead of frantic.

On-board essentials are included: toilets and a fresh-water shower. Those two are worth their weight in sunscreen because chlorine-free rinsing helps you feel human when you get back to shore.

From reviews, you’ll also find a few “small but real” comforts on board: clean and maintained spaces, room to lie down on upper decks, and a bar/café setup. The bar can mean coffee, soft drinks, cocktails, and snacks, so you’re not stuck without options if you don’t bring anything.

And yes, there’s usually music on board. It isn’t the kind of loud, stop-everything-for-a-bass-drop environment you might fear. It tends to match the casual, vacation pace.

Price and value for a $47, 6-hour day

At about $47 per person for roughly 6 hours, the value comes from how the time is used. You’re not paying for a long lecture or a half-day bus ride. You’re paying for three anchored swimming stops and a boat that stays comfortable while you’re waiting.

What’s included matters:

• 3 swimming/snorkeling stops
• Toilets and fresh-water shower
• Sightseeing

What’s not included is also clear: food and drinks. That means your cost isn’t only the ticket. If you’re the “snack between swims” type, you’ll likely buy something on board. Reviews give real examples of bar pricing (like soft drinks around 2€ and water around 1.5€), and a small snack setup exists. If you want to control spending, bring simple snacks and plan to use the bar for drinks only.

The “limited to 45” factor also boosts value. Many Malta boat days feel like cattle movement. Here, the spacing is built into the experience, so you can actually relax between swims.

What to bring (and what to skip) for an easy swim day

The essentials are straightforward. Bring:

• sunglasses and a sun hat
• swimwear and a towel
• sunscreen, specifically biodegradable sunscreen
• anything you need to feel safe and comfortable in open water

Don’t bring:

• high-heeled shoes
• weapons or sharp objects
• anything that crosses into unsafe or intoxicated behavior

If you get sea-sick, consider planning for it even though nothing in the basics says the ride is guaranteed smooth. One review notes the boat can bounce, so treat “comfy on the water” as personal, not universal.

Also keep your footwear simple. The boat experience is about getting to swim fast, not dressing up.

Who should book this cruise (and who should rethink it)

This tour fits best if you want a water-focused day without drowning in logistics. It’s ideal for couples, friends, and families who can handle open-water conditions and want the flexibility to snorkel and swim at multiple spots in one go.

You’ll also like it if you care about crowd control. The smaller practical group size, plus the option to stay on board at Blue Lagoon, helps you keep your day from turning into a waiting game.

It’s not a great match if you use a wheelchair. The tour is listed as not suitable for wheelchair users, so you should look for a different format.

If you’re on a tight schedule and want maximum time in the sea rather than time in transit, this morning slot structure helps. Just know the pace is anchored around swimming windows.

Should you book the Comino Blue Lagoon & Crystal Lagoon 3 Bay Cruise?

Yes, if you want three serious swim stops with real time in the water and a boat that doesn’t feel packed. The best reasons to book are the limited passenger feel, the repeated anchoring for swimming/snorkeling, and the included on-board basics like toilets and fresh-water shower.

I’d hold off or plan carefully if you’re sensitive to choppy rides or you’re determined to spend most of your Blue Lagoon time on land. For that land-focused plan, the Comino entry ticket rule is crucial starting May 1, 2025, so make sure you’re ready before you arrive.

If you want my quick decision rule: book it for the sea time, not the shore wandering.

FAQ

How long is the 3 Bay Cruise?

The duration is listed as 6 hours.

Where do I meet for the cruise?

You meet at the office of the local provider, Bluewaves watersports.

What stops are included in the cruise?

The cruise includes stops at Crystal Lagoon, Blue Lagoon, and Gebla ta Halfa (Ħalfa Rock), plus sightseeing around Santa Maria caves.

How much time do you spend swimming at each stop?

Crystal Lagoon includes 1 hour for swimming and snorkeling. Blue Lagoon includes about 2 hours for swimming/snorkeling and free time. Ħalfa Rock includes 1 hour for swimming and snorkeling.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not included in the ticket price.

What amenities are on the boat?

The cruise includes toilets and fresh-water shower on the boat. Reviews also note a bar/café on board, where drinks and snacks can be purchased.

Do I need a ticket to explore Comino Island on foot?

If you want to step on Comino Island from the Blue Lagoon and explore by foot, you must register and get an entry ticket through www.blcomino.com (rule effective from Thursday, 1st May 2025).

What should I bring for the trip?

Bring sunglasses, sun hat, swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and biodegradable sunscreen.

Is this cruise wheelchair accessible?

No. It is listed as not suitable for wheelchair users.

What if the cruise is canceled due to weather?

The captain reserves the right to cancel or alter the tour based on weather and sea conditions. If the cruise is canceled, you’ll receive an alternative date or a refund.

If you want, tell me your travel month and whether you plan to go ashore at Blue Lagoon. I’ll suggest the best strategy for water time and comfort.

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