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

The best part of this trip is the generous time in the water: 1.5 hours at Santa Maria Bay and another 2.5 hours at the Blue Lagoon. You get a proper swim day, not just a quick photo stop, with Comino’s caves and rock formations passing by between stops. I like the friendly crew, especially Captain Owen, and I like the low $35 price, which includes the cruise, commentary, snorkeling mask, platform, shower, and toilet. The main drawback is the crowding. This is a popular boat, not a quiet private sail.

I also like that the cruise gives you both a calm bay and Malta’s famous Blue Lagoon in one outing. Food and drinks are sold onboard at reasonable prices, according to the practical reports from the boat, but you should bring cash and expect the Blue Lagoon itself to be busy and rocky. Water shoes will make getting in and out much easier.

Key points to know before you book

• Two long swim stops: Spend 1.5 hours at Santa Maria Bay and 2.5 hours at the Blue Lagoon.
• Seahorse Cruises boat: Look for the only sailing boat at Bugibba Jetty named Seahorse Cruises.
• Captain Owen and crew: The team is known for friendly service, useful information, and a relaxed family atmosphere.
• Gozo Harbor photo stop: The daytime cruise includes a 10-minute stop near Mgarr Harbour and its traditional fishing-village setting.
• Cash-only extras: Food and drinks are available onboard, but payment is by cash only.
• Blue Lagoon access rule: From May 1, 2025, you need a free QR code and a 13:30 to 17:30 time slot if you plan to step ashore at the Blue Lagoon.

Why this Comino cruise is good value at $35

At $35 per person, this is one of the more affordable ways to see Malta’s northern coast from the water. The price covers the sailing trip, live commentary in English and Italian, the Santa Maria Bay stop, the Blue Lagoon stop, use of a snorkeling mask with a €10 deposit, and basic facilities onboard.

The value comes from the time involved. This is not a short harbor ride with one quick swim. The full daytime trip lasts roughly 4 to 6.5 hours, depending on the operating schedule, and the main program returns to Bugibba at about 5 PM. You have enough time to swim, sit in the sun, eat something, and enjoy the views without being hurried from one stop to the next.

I would not call this a private sailing experience. The boat can feel crowded, especially in the summer months. Still, the price makes sense if your main goal is to reach Comino’s clear water without arranging several separate boat trips. You are paying for transport, sightseeing, swimming time, and simple onboard conveniences in one package.

Starting at Bugibba Jetty with Seahorse Cruises

You meet at Bugibba Jetty, where the vessel is identified as Seahorse Cruises. For the daytime departure, the stated sailing time is 10:30 AM, and boarding closes at 10:00 AM, so do not treat 10:30 as your arrival time. Reach the jetty early enough to find the boat and settle in before boarding ends.

There is also a separate boarding note giving a 17:15 closing time. That appears to relate to another departure schedule, possibly the evening cruise, so check the time shown on your confirmation before setting out. The daytime route described here is the one that includes Santa Maria Bay and Gozo Harbor.

The boat has a front deck for sunbathing and an aft area where you can sit with a breeze and a view. The atmosphere is relaxed rather than built around loud entertainment. Music may be played, but the trip is aimed more at families and people who want to swim than at a party crowd.

Captain Owen receives especially strong praise for making people feel safe and welcome. Liam is also named as one of the captains, while Clive may be involved with the optional speedboat outing. The crew gives commentary in English and Italian and helps explain the places along the route.

The first hour: St. Paul’s Island, Smuggler’s Cove, and the open sea

Once the boat leaves Bugibba, the first hour is largely a sightseeing cruise. You pass St. Paul’s Island, an important landmark off Malta’s northern coast, and can look toward the remains of shipwrecks said to be nearly 2,000 years old.

The route also passes Smuggler’s Cove, a well-known spot for underwater exploring. You will see it from the boat rather than take part in a separate guided underwater visit, but the stop helps put Malta’s rocky coast into context. This stretch is a good time to stay on deck, listen to the commentary, and get your bearings before the swim stops begin.

The sea breeze is one of the pleasures of the morning. It also makes the ride more comfortable than a day spent entirely on a hot beach. Bring sunscreen anyway, since the front deck has plenty of direct sun and the reflected light from the water is strong.

Gozo Harbor: a short but worthwhile photo stop

The daytime trip continues toward Mgarr Harbour on Gozo. The boat pauses for about 10 minutes so you can take photos and look at the traditional fishing-village setting around the harbor.

Ten minutes is not enough for a visit to Gozo itself. Think of this as a scenic stop from the water, not a substitute for a full Gozo excursion. If Gozo is a major priority for you, plan a separate day because this cruise gives you only a brief view of the harbor.

Still, the pause adds variety. You are not simply shuttling from Bugibba to Comino. You see another island, a working harbor, and a different style of Maltese coastal scenery before reaching the swimming areas.

Santa Maria Bay gives you room to slow down

Santa Maria Bay is the quieter swimming stop, with about 1.5 hours available. It is a welcome change from the intense activity around the Blue Lagoon. You can swim, snorkel, sit on the boat, or lie on the deck and do very little.

I would use this first stop to enjoy the water without rushing. The boat provides snorkeling masks, though a €10 deposit applies. Bring your own mask if you have one and prefer a familiar fit, but the included option is useful for a casual look below the surface.

The bay is not included on the evening trip. If Santa Maria is important to you, book the daytime departure and check the schedule carefully. The difference matters because the evening version may offer a shorter program and does not provide the same full route.

You should also remember that boat conditions and weather can affect the exact route and stopping points. The captain can change the plan because of wind, tides, or other operating concerns. That flexibility is sensible at sea, but it means no stop is an absolute guarantee.

Blue Lagoon: beautiful water and a busy shoreline

The Blue Lagoon is the main attraction, and the boat spends about 2.5 hours there. The water is famously clear and bright, with pale rock formations around the narrow inlet. From the boat, you get the best overall view of the color and the surrounding cliffs.

The vessel anchors away from the most congested part of the lagoon, giving you a calmer place to swim. You can use the onboard platform to enter the water, climb back up by the side ladder, and rinse off with the nearby shower. The toilet is another small but useful advantage, especially on a long day at sea.

The shoreline can be much harder to enjoy. Paths and rocks near the lagoon may be crowded, and getting down to the water can require care. I recommend water shoes, a towel, and only a small bag. If you are not comfortable on uneven rocky ground, stay on the boat and swim from the platform instead. Several people find that the boat offers a more pleasant place to enjoy the lagoon than the packed shore.

From May 1, 2025, Malta requires a free QR code if you want to step onto Comino’s Blue Lagoon area. You need to reserve a 13:30 to 17:30 slot. No QR code is needed if you remain on the boat at the lagoon, but check your ticket for the exact instructions. This rule is easy to overlook and can affect your plans once you arrive.

Santa Maria Caves, Elephant Rock, and the return cruise

After the main swimming stop, the boat turns back toward Bugibba. The return ride includes views of Santa Maria Cave, Elephant Rock, and the Crystal Lagoon. These formations are best appreciated from the water, where you can see their shape and position along the coast.

The route includes a short photo opportunity near the caves, followed by roughly an hour of scenic cruising. This is a good point to eat, dry off, and move into the shade if you have had enough sun. The boat’s snack bar sells food and drinks, and the prices are described as reasonable for an excursion. Bring cash because onboard payment is cash only.

An optional speedboat ride may also be offered for an extra fee. One reported price is about €15 per person, but it is not part of the standard package, so confirm the current cost and availability before counting on it. The ride can take you closer to caves and rock formations, but it is an extra activity rather than a required part of the cruise.

What the boat is like in practical terms

The Seahorse boat is a sailing vessel with a front deck, rear seating, an onboard snack bar, a diving platform, shower, and toilet. The platform makes water access simple if you prefer not to scramble over rocks. The side ladder is used to get back onboard, so you should be reasonably steady on your feet in the water.

The boat is not designed for large luggage or coolers. Leave big bags behind and pack light. Comfortable shoes, swimwear, towel, sunscreen, and cash are the useful basics. The instructions also say not to bring food or drinks, so plan to buy refreshments onboard or confirm what is permitted before boarding.

The reviews consistently praise the crew’s warmth and helpful attitude. Captain Owen is often singled out for clear information and a reassuring manner, while the wider team is described as friendly and attentive. The atmosphere also suits families better than people looking for a high-energy party boat.

Who will enjoy this trip most

I would choose this cruise if you want a simple way to see Comino, swim in two different bays, and enjoy Malta’s coastline without organizing several transfers. It works especially well for families, couples, first-time visitors to Malta, and anyone who values a friendly crew over a private boat setting.

It is also a strong choice if you want a full day at sea but do not want to pay for a premium charter. The long Blue Lagoon stop gives you flexibility. You can swim, snorkel, sit in the sun, buy lunch, or remain aboard while the shoreline crowds move around you.

I would think twice if you dislike crowded boats, rocky access, or fixed group schedules. The Blue Lagoon is popular for a reason, but it is not peaceful on land during the busiest part of the day. You may prefer a smaller private trip if quiet coves and personal space matter more than price.

Small details that make the day easier

Arrive early at Bugibba Jetty, since boarding closes before the stated morning departure. Wear your swimsuit under your clothes and keep sunscreen close at hand rather than buried in a bag.

Water shoes are worth bringing. They help with rocky entries and exits at Comino, and they are more useful here than formal sandals. A dry bag can protect your phone, though large bags are not allowed.

Use Santa Maria Bay for a relaxed swim and save some energy for the Blue Lagoon. The day is long, and the sun is strong. If you want a front-deck seat, arrive early, but remember that the best seat depends on whether you want sun, shade, or a clear view of the coast.

The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure and allows you to reserve now and pay later. That flexibility is useful when your Malta plans depend on weather, but the captain can still alter the route or cancel the sailing if conditions are unsafe.

Should you book the Seahorse cruise?

Book it if you want good value, generous swimming time, and a friendly crew. At $35, the trip gives you a lot for the money, including both Santa Maria Bay and the Blue Lagoon, plus Gozo Harbor, caves, rock formations, and basic onboard facilities.

Do not book it expecting a private or uncrowded escape. The boat can be busy, the Blue Lagoon shoreline is often difficult, and the daytime route is too short for a proper Gozo visit. For most people, though, this is a practical and enjoyable way to see Malta from the sea. Bring water shoes, cash, sunscreen, and a QR code if you plan to step ashore at the Blue Lagoon.

FAQ

Where does the cruise leave from?

The meeting point is Bugibba Jetty. Look for the Seahorse Cruises sailing boat, described as the only sailing boat at the jetty.

What time does the daytime cruise depart?

The daytime cruise is scheduled to leave at 10:30 AM. Boarding closes at 10:00 AM, so arrive before boarding ends. Check your confirmation because separate information gives a different closing time for another departure.

How long do you spend at Santa Maria Bay and the Blue Lagoon?

The daytime trip includes about 1.5 hours at Santa Maria Bay and 2.5 hours at the Blue Lagoon.

Do I need a QR code for the Blue Lagoon?

You need a free QR code and a 13:30 to 17:30 time slot if you plan to step onto the Blue Lagoon area from May 1, 2025. You do not need a QR code if you stay on the boat.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are available to buy onboard, and only cash is accepted. Lunch is not included in the tour price.

What should I bring?

Bring comfortable shoes, swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and cash. Water shoes are especially useful because some access points around Comino are rocky. Large bags, coolers, food, and drinks are not allowed.