Comino’s water steals the show. I love the two anchored swim stops—1.5 hours at Santa Maria Bay and 2.5 hours at the Blue Lagoon—and I also like the way this trip turns into a real sightseeing cruise, with photo moments around Gozo and the Comino coastline. The main consideration is that Blue Lagoon can be crowded on shore, and the new QR code rule applies if you step off the boat onto Comino’s Blue Lagoon.

I also like the human touch here: the crew’s welcoming, and Captain Owen runs the day with a relaxed, safety-first vibe. It’s a smaller sailing experience with time to chill on deck, jump off the platform, and buy drinks from the snack bar instead of rushing from one place to the next. Do that, and this tour feels like a day on the water, not a cattle-car on a schedule.

Key highlights at a glance

• Santa Maria Bay anchor time: 1.5 hours to swim, snorkel, and sunbathe right from the boat.
• Blue Lagoon time (2.5 hours): long enough to swim, rest, and decide whether you want shore time.
• Comino + cave scenery: pass by Santa Maria Caves and other rock formations from close range.
• Family-run feel on a comfortable sailboat: smooth sailing, smaller groups, easy deck lounging.
• Cash-only onboard, with snorkeling gear available: masks provided with a deposit, showers and toilets onboard.

Where You Start: St Paul’s Bay Sirens Quay to Seahorse Cruises

This is an easy start if you’re already on Malta’s north side. Plan to meet at St Paul’s Bay Sirens Quay, where Seahorse Cruises is the only sailing boat there. Boarding closes at 10:00 AM, and the cruise leaves at 10:30 AM, so don’t show up late expecting a quick save.

Once you’re aboard, you’ll settle into a sailboat rhythm: shaded areas, front-deck seating, and time that feels more paced than pressured. The day runs long enough to count as a full excursion, with an expected return around 5:00 PM—but the exact timing can shift with weather and tides since the captain can alter the route.

The Sailing Portion: Scenic cruising toward Gozo and Comino

After the morning departure, the cruise heads out with sightseeing time built in. You’ll pass St. Paul’s Island, where you can spot the remnants of an almost-2,000-year-old shipwreck, plus Smuggler’s Cove, a known diving destination. Even if you’re not planning to get in the water there, it’s a great “look around and take it all in” stretch.

Then the route turns toward Gozo Harbor for a short photo stop (about 10 minutes). The goal here is simple: quick views of the traditional fishing village feel, enough time to get a few photos and move on without losing the rest of your swim day.

You’ll also get smaller photo-and-pass moments as you continue—this isn’t a “drive-by everything at 100 mph” tour. It’s more like the sailing legs connect the best water stops.

Crystal Lagoon and Mgarr Harbour: Quick Stops That Still Matter

Between the longer swimming breaks, you’ll have two short moments that are easy to overlook if you’re only focused on the main bays.

First up is a Crystal Lagoon photo stop that includes about 10 minutes for viewing and passing along scenic spots. Then later, there’s another short Mgarr Harbour photo stop, also about 10 minutes. These are brief, but they help break up the day and give you extra scenery beyond just Comino’s shoreline.

If your travel style is “I want photos, but I want swims more,” these timing choices make sense. You’re not trapped on land for long. You’re just collecting a few landmarks while the boat keeps moving toward the water highlights.

Santa Maria Bay (Comino): Quiet anchoring and 1.5 hours to enjoy

Your first real swim stop is Santa Maria Bay on Comino. You’ll anchor for about 1.5 hours, and the vibe here is calmer than what you’ll find at Blue Lagoon.

This is where you get the kind of time that changes how a place feels. Instead of “arrive, scramble, leave,” you can pick what fits your mood:

• Swim and snorkel at a relaxed pace
• Float and cool off
• Sunbathe on the deck
• Take your time deciding what you want to do next

The practical advantage is that you’re not stuck climbing on and off rocky paths for your whole experience. You’ll be able to return to the boat quickly, and that makes it easier if you want a low-stress day.

People often pick Santa Maria Bay as the easier stop if you want less crowd pressure. It’s also a good place to get comfortable with the water and settle in before the Blue Lagoon rush.

Blue Lagoon on Comino: 2.5 hours, crowd reality, and the QR code rule

The Blue Lagoon is the big draw, and it lives up to the reputation for color and water clarity. The trip gives you about 2.5 hours here, which is a long enough window that you can do more than a rushed swim.

One key planning point: in effect from 1 May 2025, you need a free QR code to step onto Comino’s Blue Lagoon as required by Maltese law. The tour info notes that you should book the QR time slot for 13:30–17:30. If you stay on the boat during your Blue Lagoon time, you do not need the QR code.

That’s the smart strategy for most people on this tour. Blue Lagoon on shore can feel packed, and once you step off, you’re also exposed to the usual tourist-stall pricing and lines. Staying with the boat gives you the main benefit—turquoise water—without the hassle.

From the boat, you can:

• Swim from the anchored position
• Snorkel with the provided masks (deposit required)
• Use the onboard platform for easy jumps
• Rest on deck between swims

The boat anchors in a serene spot away from the crowds, so you can enjoy the water without feeling like you’re constantly fighting for space.

Santa Maria Caves: Rock formations close to the route

Between the Blue Lagoon time and your return, you’ll get a Santa Maria Caves stop that’s mostly photo-and-pass. Expect about 10 minutes for a viewing moment and sightseeing as the boat moves through the area.

This is where the sailing portion earns its keep. You don’t just “look at caves from far away.” You get close enough to appreciate the rock shapes and how the shoreline breaks the water.

The captain’s boat handling matters here too—getting near a cave area takes good maneuvering and attention to safety. In plain terms, you’ll feel like you’re being steered with purpose rather than just floating by.

What’s Included Onboard (and what you’ll pay for)

This tour is built around value: long water time, practical onboard facilities, and gear that makes swimming simpler.

Included:

• 2.5-hour stop at Blue Lagoon
• 1.5-hour stop at Santa Maria Bay
• Live commentary in English and Italian
• Snorkeling masks (with a €10 deposit)
• A platform for water entry/jumps
• Shower (near the side ladder)
• Toilet

Not included:

• Lunch and drinks on your own
• The QR code is not included as a ticket item for stepping onto Blue Lagoon shore (but you don’t need it if you stay on the boat)

Onboard, there’s a snack bar where you can buy refreshments while cruising. Prices tend to be reasonable for a boat setting, and people note that quick drinks and snacks don’t feel wildly inflated compared with the shore. Cash is required for purchases.

If you’re hoping to bring a picnic, that’s not allowed. No food or drinks, no large bags, and no coolers.

Comfort, crew energy, and group size feel

This is the kind of sailing day where the details matter. The boat is described as clean and not overpacked, and many people like that it stays cozy rather than turning into a big crowd.

You’ll notice comfort in small things:

• seating and deck space that actually feel usable
• a smooth ride that’s relaxing instead of exhausting
• music kept fun (and not too loud)
• staff who help with getting on and off where needed

Captain Owen’s style comes through too: welcoming each person, giving safety reminders, and offering helpful explanations in multiple languages. If you enjoy learning a bit while you enjoy the view, you’ll probably like this part.

Also: it’s not just talk. You’ll feel the crew’s focus on keeping things safe while giving you freedom—swim when you want, relax when you want, and return when you’re ready.

Price and value: why this feels worth $28

At about $28 per person, this tour competes well with less satisfying “hop-on, hop-off” options. Here’s why the value feels real.

You’re paying for:

• 4 total hours of anchored water time (1.5 + 2.5)
• a full sailing day with sightseeing stops
• snorkeling masks and showers
• guided commentary and a captain who takes you into the right spots

If you tried to do this on your own, you’d still spend time and money getting to the bays, and you’d likely end up managing crowds, transfers, and gear with more friction.

One caution: the cost advantage depends on how you use it. If you plan to spend most of your time on shore at Blue Lagoon, expect to deal with crowd friction and tourist-stall pricing. If you treat the boat as your base and swim from the water, you’ll get more bang for your buck.

Tips so your day goes smoothly

If you want this day to feel easy, plan for the water and the rockiness.

Bring:

• Swimwear
• Towel
• Sunscreen
• Comfortable shoes
• Cash (only cash is accepted onboard)

Optional but strongly smart:

• A change of clothes for after
• Rock shoes if you’re sensitive to slippery, rocky entries—Blue Lagoon areas can be uneven and hard underfoot.

Plan your time:

• Boarding closes at 10:00 AM, and you leave 10:30 AM. Build in buffer time.
• For Blue Lagoon shore time, you’ll need the QR code in that 13:30–17:30 window. If you don’t want to deal with shore logistics, just stay with the boat.

If you have mobility concerns:

• This tour isn’t suitable for people with mobility impairments, mainly because moving around rocky swimming zones and getting on/off the boat can be tricky.

Who should book this sailing tour

This trip is a strong fit if you want:

• a relaxing sail + swim day rather than a land-heavy checklist
• time to snorkel and swim from the boat
• a more intimate group feel than the huge day boats

It’s also ideal for people who care about comfort and want onboard facilities like showers and toilets without fuss.

If you hate crowds and want to avoid shore hassle, you’ll likely be happiest using the boat as your base at Blue Lagoon. If you love walking around tourist areas and doing shore exploring, you can still go—but plan for crowds and the QR code requirement.

Should you book this Comino + Santa Maria Bay + Blue Lagoon tour?

If your goal is real swim time—Santa Maria Bay for calm water and Blue Lagoon for the famous color—this is a good booking. The itinerary gives you enough time in both places, and the boat setup helps you enjoy the water without turning the day into a scramble.

I’d skip it if you mainly want to explore Comino on foot for hours, or if mobility is an issue for you. But if you want a smooth, friendly sailing day run by Captain Owen and crew, with long water stops and practical included gear, it’s an easy yes for a Malta water day.

FAQ

Where does the tour start and how early should I arrive?

You meet at St Paul’s Bay Sirens Quay. Boarding closes at 10:00 AM and the sailing departs at 10:30 AM.

How long is the tour?

The duration is listed as 4 to 6.5 hours, with an expected return around 5:00 PM.

What are the main swimming stops?

You get 1.5 hours at Santa Maria Bay and 2.5 hours at Blue Lagoon.

Do I need a QR code for Comino’s Blue Lagoon?

From 1 May 2025, a free QR code is required to step onto Comino’s Blue Lagoon. No QR code is needed if you stay on the boat during the Blue Lagoon stop.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch and drinks are not included, and food/drinks are available for purchase onboard.

Are snorkeling masks included?

Yes. Snorkeling masks are included, but there’s a €10 deposit.

Can I bring my own food, drinks, or a cooler?

No. Food and drinks are not allowed, and coolers are not allowed either.

What payment method is accepted onboard?

Only cash is accepted onboard.

What should I bring and wear?

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and comfortable shoes, plus cash.

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