Comino’s water looks unreal from a small boat. I love the low-crowd vibe (about 24 people) and the real time in the water at Crystal Lagoon and Blue Lagoon. The main thing to consider is the new QR code rule for stepping onto Blue Lagoon’s shore after 1 May 2025, so you’ll want to line up your timing.

I also like how the day is packed but not rushed: you’re cruising scenic coastlines, stopping for swims, and getting photo moments at Elephant Rock and the Santa Maria caves. Add shaded seating, an onboard toilet, and included paddleboards/noodles, and it feels like good value for a few hours on Comino.

If you’re prone to seasickness or you want a long, slow beach day, this isn’t the right fit. But if you want the highlights—Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon, caves, and bays—with a crew that helps you make the most of the water time, it’s a strong choice.

Key points before you go

• Small-boat touring (around 24 people) means you can get closer to the caves than on big day boats.
• 45 minutes at Crystal Lagoon plus swimming/snorkeling and included stand-up paddleboard time.
• Blue Lagoon has a QR code requirement if you step on the shore (staying on the boat avoids it).
• Santa Maria Bay is a proper swim stop, not just a quick look from the water.
• Elephant Rock and Santa Maria caves are timed for photos, with viewpoints that feel worth the effort.

Why a Comino small-boat tour beats the big-day rush

Comino can get crowded fast. This cruise fights that problem by keeping numbers down—only about 24 people on board. That does two things for your experience. First, you’ll spend less time fighting for space when the boat stops and people jump in. Second, the crew can maneuver so you actually get a good view when you’re near the formations and caves.

The second reason I like this style of tour: it’s built around water time. You’re not just cruising past pretty places like a postcard. You’ve got dedicated swim/snorkel windows at Crystal Lagoon and Blue Lagoon, plus another swim stop at Santa Maria Bay.

One more practical win: the boat has a shaded seating area and an onboard toilet. That matters more than it sounds when you’re out for a few hours in sun, salt spray, and party-sized sunshine.

Getting to Cirkewwa and finding the boat behind the kiosk

The tour starts at Cirkewwa (the meeting spot is behind Cirkewwa Kiosk Cafe). You access the boat by descending the stairs behind the café, then turning the corner to the left. It’s simple, but I’d still arrive a little early so you’re not doing last-minute gear shuffles with wet hands.

The good news: there’s free parking at the meeting point. If you’re driving into Malta’s northern area, that takes pressure off.

Crystal Lagoon: 45 minutes of clear-water swimming and snorkeling

Crystal Lagoon is the kind of place that makes you pause mid-sentence. You cruise along Comino’s golden shoreline to reach it, then you get a 45-minute stop for swimming and snorkeling. The selling point is the water clarity—turquoise that you can see through easily, which makes snorkel time feel more rewarding because you can actually spot what’s around.

This stop also includes stand-up paddleboarding (the paddleboard is complimentary) and free swim noodles for relaxing and floating. If you’re not an experienced snorkeler, that matters. You can still enjoy the water without having to be a gear-toting pro.

Timing note: because the stop is set and timed, you’ll want to be ready when the boat pulls in. Bring your towel and sunscreen (yes, earlier is better), and use that time to do one calm swim and one more focused look with snorkeling.

Blue Lagoon for an iconic swim, plus the new QR code rule (from 1 May 2025)

Blue Lagoon is the headline. Sunlight over the sandy seabed creates those famous blue hues, and you’ll spend about 1 hour there for swimming, snorkeling, or just relaxing along the shoreline.

Here’s the important update to plan around: from 1 May 2025, if you want to step foot on Blue Lagoon, you must present a valid free QR code. You get it in advance from www.blcomino.com, and you choose a time-specific entry slot (Morning / Afternoon / Sunset). Match the slot to your tour schedule.

The good workaround: if you prefer to stay on the boat during the Blue Lagoon stop, you do not need the QR code, and you’re welcome to remain onboard.

So how do you choose?

• If you want the beach-side experience, do the QR code setup before you go.
• If you want water time with minimal hassle, staying onboard can be the simpler plan.

Also: the stop time is fixed, so don’t assume you can grab everything leisurely. Blue Lagoon is iconic for a reason—and that means you’ll want to use your hour well.

Passing Gozo coastlines and Promising Rock (Halfa Rock) photo moments

Between the big swim stops, you’ll get scenic cruising and quick sightseeing. One of the best named viewpoints here is Promising Rock (Gebla tal-Ħalfa), also referred to as Halfa Rock. You’ll pass by Gozo’s coastline, then get about 15 minutes of sightseeing related to the rock formation and surrounding views.

This isn’t a long hike or a long stop. It’s more like a “get your camera out and enjoy the view” moment. If weather is decent, it’s perfect. If it’s a little overcast, you still get strong shapes and contrast because rock formations hold definition even when skies aren’t perfectly blue.

San Niklaw Bay and Comino Hotel views on the way

You’ll also sail past San Niklaw Bay and admire the area around the Comino Hotel from the water. This portion is brief—around 15 minutes of cruising and passing scenery—so think of it as a chance to reset before the next swim stop.

What I like about these in-between sections is the rhythm. You don’t feel like you’re stuck in one long transfer. You get movement, views, and then you’re back to swimming and looking at water colors.

Santa Maria Bay: the beach break that’s actually useful (45 minutes)

Santa Maria Bay is a major swim and hangout stop with about 45 minutes on shore (or in the water). This is where the trip feels most like a beach day. You can swim, snorkel, sunbathe, or take a short walk to explore the area.

A practical note: because this stop is long enough to do more than one thing, it’s a good one for travelers who don’t want to be in and out of the water repeatedly. You can do a snorkeling check early, then relax later, rather than racing a clock.

If you like photos, this bay also gives you a better chance to capture that Comino feel—bright water plus sandy edges—without the strict timing pressure of a shorter photo stop.

Santa Maria Caves and Elephant Rock: timed viewpoints with real photo power

Your final stretch focuses on rock formations and cave areas.

You’ll have a Santa Maria Caves stop that’s more of a short photo and viewing window (about 10 minutes). Then there’s Elephant Rock, another 10–15 minute sightseeing/photo moment on the way back.

Even with short timings, this is where a smaller boat can make a difference. With fewer people on board, the boat can often get into the right positions for better views. If your goal is seeing formations up close from the water, the size helps.

One tip I’d take seriously: if you plan to swim near cave areas, bring a waterproof camera. You may get opportunities to swim into the caves, and having a way to shoot underwater makes those moments far more memorable later.

What’s included on board (and what you’ll need to pay for)

This tour is built to keep the gear and comfort pieces handled.

Included:

• Complimentary stand-up paddleboard
• Free swim noodles
• Life jackets available if you ask the crew
• Shaded seating area
• Onboard toilet facilities
• Experienced crew
• Time at Crystal Lagoon (45 min) and Blue Lagoon (1 hour) for swimming/snorkeling
• Halfa Rock sightseeing pass (about 15 minutes)
• San Niklaw Bay pass (about 15 minutes)
• Santa Maria Bay (45 min) swim stop
• Photo/viewing time at Santa Maria Caves and Elephant Rock

Not included:

• Food (you can buy it at beach stops)
• Drinks (you can buy onboard or at beach stops)
• Snorkeling gear (snorkel gear can be rented onboard)

Plan to bring what the tour asks for: swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and beachwear, plus cash. Cash is useful because not everything is included and you may want snacks or drinks during stops.

Also, a quick heads-up: this cruise includes safety gear as needed, but it’s not suitable for pregnant women. It’s also not suitable for people prone to seasickness, since you’re on open water moving around.

Price and value: what $27 buys you on Comino

At about $27 per person, this tour sits in a sweet spot for short time on the island. You’re paying for more than just transportation. You’re buying:

• three distinct water moments (Crystal Lagoon, Blue Lagoon, Santa Maria Bay),
• structured sightseeing (Halfa Rock/Promising Rock, Santa Maria Caves, Elephant Rock),
• included fun items (paddleboard and noodles),
• and onboard comfort basics (shade and toilet).

You also avoid some common big-boat problems. With fewer people, the swim stops feel more usable, and you’re less likely to feel like you’re waiting your turn to get in the water.

Is it a deal? For a 3–4 hour Comino hit focused on the main highlights, it’s priced like a practical, go-for-it tour—especially if you’re already planning to swim and snorkel.

Who this Comino cruise fits best

I’d point this tour toward you if you:

• want Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon but don’t want a full day,
• like snorkeling and water time more than long walking tours,
• want great photos of Elephant Rock and cave viewpoints,
• appreciate a smaller group and a crew that helps you get set.

It’s less of a match if you:

• get motion sick easily,
• are pregnant (it’s marked not suitable),
• want a long beach lounge day with zero schedule pressure.

Quick tips to make the experience smoother

These are the little things that help you have a good time instead of a frantic one:

• Bring what the tour lists: towel, sunscreen, swimwear, and beachwear.
• Bring cash for food and drinks at stops.
• If you plan to step onto Blue Lagoon after 1 May 2025, get your QR code in advance from www.blcomino.com and choose the correct time slot.
• If you’re sensitive to motion, be honest about it before you book.
• If you care about photos during cave moments, plan a waterproof camera.

Also, I liked the idea of using the included flotation gear. The swim noodles make it easy to relax between looking for fish or taking a few photos.

Should you book this Comino Blue Lagoon and caves boat tour?

I think this is a strong booking if your priority is the classic Comino circuit—Crystal Lagoon, Blue Lagoon, Santa Maria Bay, plus cave and rock views—without spending your whole day on a boat with a huge crowd.

Do book it if you can handle a short cruise schedule, you’re comfortable with ocean movement, and you’ll manage the Blue Lagoon QR code timing if you plan to walk onto the shore after 1 May 2025.

Skip it if you want a relaxed all-day beach drift, or if seasickness is a real issue for you.

FAQ

Where does the Comino tour start and end?

It starts behind the Cirkewwa Kiosk Cafe. You reach the boat by going down the stairs behind the café and turning left. The tour ends back at the same meeting point.

How long is the tour?

The duration is listed as 3–4 hours. Starting times can vary, so you’ll want to check availability for the exact schedule.

Do I need to bring snorkeling gear?

Snorkeling gear is not included, but you can rent snorkeling gear onboard. You will want to have a towel and swimwear regardless.

What’s included in the price?

The price includes a stand-up paddleboard, swim noodles, shaded seating, onboard toilet facilities, and time at key Comino spots for swimming/snorkeling and sightseeing. Life jackets are available if you ask the crew.

What’s the Blue Lagoon QR code requirement for?

From 1 May 2025, if you want to step onto Blue Lagoon’s shore, you need a free QR code in advance from www.blcomino.com. If you stay on the boat during the Blue Lagoon stop, you do not need the QR code.

How much time do you spend at Crystal Lagoon and Blue Lagoon?

Crystal Lagoon has a 45-minute stop. Blue Lagoon has a 1-hour stop.

Is there onboard comfort like a toilet or shade?

Yes. The boat has a shaded seating area and free onboard toilet facilities.

Is the tour suitable if I get seasick?

No. It’s specifically listed as not suitable for people prone to seasickness. It’s also not suitable for pregnant women.

If you tell me when you’re going (and whether you plan to step onto Blue Lagoon shore), I can help you sanity-check the QR timing so your swim hour goes smoothly.

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