Malta: Around Comino Cruise With Blue Lagoon stop

Comino shines in four focused hours. I like this plan because you get three dedicated swim stops and snorkeling gear without wasting time hopping around Malta. You also pass big Comino landmarks like Elephant Rock and the Santa Marija caves from the water.

I also like the small group feel, up to 25 travelers, plus the comfort touches like a restroom on board. The only real catch is simple timing: each lagoon is about one hour, and the caves are view-only from the boat.

Key highlights before you go

• Three separate lagoon swims with about an hour at each stop
• Snorkeling equipment included so you can explore underwater fast
• Free wine and water on board, wine only for adults 18+
• Elephant Rock plus Santa Marija caves viewed from the boat
• Restroom on board for a smoother half day

Why Comino in a single cruise works so well

Comino is tiny, and the best part is the water. This tour makes sense because it targets the three most famous swimming areas and gives you real time in each one, not just a photo stop.

If you want the classic Blue Lagoon look, you get it. If you also want clear water that feels more relaxed, you get that too with Crystal Lagoon and Santa Marija Bay. You end up doing a “greatest hits” loop, and it still stays to about 4 hours.

There’s also a nice “see it and swim it” balance. You’re not only staring at the horizon. You’re in the water with included snorkeling gear, then back on board to reset with wine and water.

Your 4-hour loop from Marfa Jetty, what the timing means

The cruise runs for about 4 hours and starts from Marfa Jetty, then returns back to the meeting point at the end. That matters because a lot of Comino outings on the island can feel longer than they need to, especially if you spend time in transit.

This one is built around three one-hour swims. Practically, that’s enough time to get in, swim, and snorkel a bit without feeling rushed at every location. It is not enough time to spend a whole afternoon at one bay, but that’s the trade you make for variety.

You also get a moving scenery show between stops. On the way, you’ll pass by Elephant Rock and admire the Santa Marija caves from the water. You will not enter the caves from the boat, but the pass-by gives you a different perspective than a beach viewpoint.

Stop 1: Crystal Lagoon swim, clear water and an easy snorkeling setup

Crystal Lagoon is the first swim stop, and you get about one hour there. The big draw is the water clarity, which makes snorkeling feel straightforward even if you are not fully confident in open water.

The tour provides snorkeling masks, so you can gear up quickly once you’re in the water. I like this approach because you are not scrambling for equipment on arrival. You just get your mask, hop in, and focus on what you came for.

What to expect here is more “relax and explore” than “big beach time.” You’re likely swimming, floating, and looking around at what’s under the surface. If you enjoy that calmer vibe, this is where you’ll probably want to slow down and take a breath between swims.

One practical consideration: since the stop is an hour, decide early if you want to snorkel right away or save it for later. If you waste the first 20 minutes, the last part of your swim can feel short.

Stop 2: Blue Lagoon swim, famous water with optional shore time

The Blue Lagoon stop is also about one hour, and it is the headline location. This is where the water is known for its striking blue look, and the setting is built for relaxing in place or snorkeling while you drift.

You’ll have plenty of time to swim, and there’s also an important extra: there is an option to be stopped on land in Blue Lagoon. That means you might get a chance to step ashore and enjoy the beach for a bit, depending on how the timing and conditions work out on the day.

I like that the plan doesn’t force you into only one mode. You can be in the water the whole time, or you can use the optional shore moment to change it up, stretch your legs, and get dry for a minute.

The main thing to keep in mind is that Blue Lagoon is famous. Even if you do not get “beach time” on your run, you still get a solid swim block. In other words, you’re not paying for a promise of shore access, you’re paying for a real swim stop with a possible bonus.

Stop 3: Santa Marija Bay, calmer swimming and a chance to step out

Santa Marija Bay is the final swim stop, again about one hour. Compared with the flashier lagoon names, this one leans more toward calm and easy pacing.

The plan here includes time in the water and also a chance to go ashore. You can relax on the beach, stroll around a bit, or simply take a breather after your two earlier swims.

I find this order works. Crystal Lagoon gives you clear-water snorkeling first, Blue Lagoon ramps up the wow factor second, and Santa Marija Bay brings things down to earth. By the time you reach the last stop, you’re probably ready for something less intense and more “hang out” than “hunt for the best view.”

Like the other stops, it is time-boxed. So if you want to do beach time, do it early enough that you do not end up sprinting back to the boat at the end.

Elephant Rock and Santa Marija caves, what you can see from the boat

Between the swim stops, you’ll get scenic pass-bys that add context to the area. You pass by Elephant Rock, a well-known formation around Comino that gives you a sense of place as you cruise.

You also see the Santa Marija caves from the water. The key detail is that you cannot enter the caves from the boat, so this is a view-only experience. Still, seeing limestone structures from the sea is its own kind of payoff, especially after you’ve been in the water at multiple stops.

Why this matters: it turns the trip into more than just swimming. You get the sense that you’re moving through a coastal world with landmarks, not only hopping between swims.

If you’re the type who gets restless without sights, these pass-bys help fill the “in-between” moments. If you were hoping for a cave visit, you’ll want to set expectations now: it’s a look, not a tour inside.

What’s included on board, and why it changes the day

This is one of those tours where the included items actually help your comfort. You get wine and water on board, and the wine is only for adults over 18. You also get the snorkeling equipment, plus a restroom on board.

That restroom detail sounds small until you are on a boat and the clock is moving. It makes the half day feel easier, especially if you plan to swim at all three locations.

The tour also includes a “tour around caves,” which aligns with the pass-by viewing experience. And there is a fuel surcharge included, which is just one less add-on you have to worry about later.

What’s not included is snacks. So if you get hungry, you’ll want to plan ahead based on your own eating habits. The tour is about four hours, but three swim stops can build appetite fast.

Price-wise, these inclusions are part of why this feels like a practical value. You are not only buying access to Comino water. You’re buying a ready-to-use experience with gear and basic comfort.

Price and value: is $51 a fair deal?

At around $51 for roughly 4 hours, the value depends on what you prioritize. If you want multiple swim locations in one morning or afternoon window, it’s a strong setup.

You are paying for three separate swim blocks, plus snorkeling equipment, plus wine and water for eligible adults, plus restroom access on board. That package matters because it reduces the number of things you’d otherwise have to pay for separately or figure out yourself.

You also get a limit on group size, up to 25 travelers, which usually means a more manageable experience than very large boats. One of the most positive elements from past experiences with this tour is the friendly, relaxed vibe on board, and that matters for comfort.

The main “value trade” is that the caves are view-only and each stop is time-boxed to about an hour. If you wanted long beach time or a cave visit on foot, you may feel like you need something else. But if your goal is water, snorkeling, and iconic spots, the pricing lines up well with the time and inclusions.

Who should book this Comino cruise

This tour is a great fit if you want Variety without hassle. You get clear-water swimming, the famous Blue Lagoon water experience, and a calmer final bay. You also get snorkeling equipment without having to hunt for gear.

You’ll likely enjoy it if you like structured time on the water. Each stop has an obvious purpose, and you always know what comes next. That helps a lot when you only have a half day.

It also suits people who care about basic comfort. A restroom on board and included drinks reduce friction, and the small group limit helps keep the vibe friendly.

If you are the type who wants to stretch one spot for hours, you might find the one-hour stops too short. But if you want “see, swim, reset” across multiple places, this is a very workable plan.

Should you book Barbarossa Excursions around Comino?

If you want the Comino highlights with snorkeling, and you like the idea of one smooth loop from Marfa Jetty, I think this is a good choice. The included snorkeling gear, free wine and water, and the no-stress schedule make it feel like an easy win.

I would only hesitate if your dream day is mostly one long beach session or if you specifically want to enter Santa Marija caves. This trip gives you incredible views from the boat, but it does not turn into a cave walk.

One more practical note: the tour requires good weather. If conditions are poor, your day may change, so build in flexibility.

If that all sounds like your kind of Comino, book it and plan to spend your time in the water, not in logistics.

FAQ

How long is the Comino cruise?

The tour is about 4 hours.

Where does the tour start?

It starts from Marfa Jetty, and it ends back at the meeting point.

What swimming stops are included?

You get swimming stops at Crystal Lagoon, the Blue Lagoon, and Santa Marija Bay.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, and masks are provided for snorkeling.

What drinks are included on board?

Free wine and water are included. Wine is only for adults over 18.

Do you see the Santa Marija caves on this tour?

You pass in front of the Santa Marija caves and can admire them from the boat. You cannot enter the caves from the boat.

Can you get onto land at the Blue Lagoon?

There is an option to be stopped on land in the Blue Lagoon.

How many people are on the tour?

The maximum group size is 25 travelers.

When does this tour operate, and can I cancel for free?

It operates during 06/25/2025 to 11/10/2025, with listed Monday time windows of 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM and 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance, and the experience may require good weather.