Comino looks unreal from a small boat. I love the calm 24-person setup and the way Crystal Lagoon time is built in so you can actually swim (not just look). One possible drawback: the whole loop is fast, so if you want hours of uninterrupted snorkeling, you might wish you had more time.

This tour is a practical mix of big-name sights and real water time. You’ll bounce from stop to stop around Comino and nearby viewpoints, usually with enough time to change plans based on the weather and your energy. Also, it is not ideal if you’re the type who gets seasick, because you’re out on the water for the full outing.

If you’re planning a Comino day and want fewer crowds near the caves and beaches, this is a strong match. And if you’re traveling around the Blue Lagoon rules introduced in 2025, planning ahead matters—more on that below.

Key things to know before you go

• Small boat (around 24 people) keeps the vibe relaxed and helps you get close to sea caves
• Crystal Lagoon swim + snorkel time includes stand-up paddleboarding and float noodles
• Blue Lagoon may require a free QR code for anyone stepping into the water area since 1 May 2025
• Santa Maria Bay gives you another real beach window before the caves and rock photo stops
• You get multiple natural photo targets like Promising Rock, Santa Maria Caves, and Elephant Rock

Why this Comino cruise feels calmer than the big crowd boat days

This is the kind of Comino trip that doesn’t feel like cattle work. The boat is described as holding just 24 people, which changes everything: you’re not constantly elbowing for a view, and you can move around to find the best angle for photos.

I also like the comfort basics. There’s shaded seating, an onboard toilet, and life jackets are available if you need them (ask the crew). Even the meeting point setup is meant to make life easier, with free parking at the start.

The one thing to keep in mind is that you’re on a schedule. You’ll have multiple stops, but most are timed, so you won’t get a slow, pick-your-moment day. If you like to linger, you’ll want to manage expectations.

From Ċirkewwa to Crystal Lagoon: the first swim stop that actually delivers

You start from the boat behind the Ċirkewwa Kiosk Cafe. It’s accessed by stairs behind the café; once you’re down, you turn left to find the boat. After a quick sightseeing cruise (about 15 minutes), you hit the water-and-sun part of Comino.

The first big highlight is Crystal Lagoon on Comino’s western side. The stop is around 45 minutes, long enough to swim, snorkel, and reset without feeling rushed. The water here is known for its clear, turquoise look, and that clarity is exactly what makes snorkeling worth it instead of just doing a quick dip.

You also get complimentary extras that make the water time more flexible. Stand-up paddleboarding is included, and there are free swim noodles so you can relax and float instead of working every minute. If the idea of snorkeling gear sounds annoying, this is still a fun stop because paddling and floating are built in.

Practical note: if you’re taking photos underwater or you want to snorkel in the caves later, bringing a waterproof camera is an easy quality-of-life upgrade.

Blue Lagoon timing, plus the 1 May 2025 QR code rule

Blue Lagoon is the star name, and it gets the most attention for a reason. The tour gives you about 1 hour here, which is a solid window: enough to swim, snorkel, and then decide whether you want to relax on shore afterward.

Here’s the important part for 2025 onward. Since 1 May 2025, anyone wishing to step onto the Blue Lagoon area must present a valid QR code. The QR code is free, obtained in advance from www.blcomino.com, and it comes in time-specific entry slots (Morning / Afternoon / Sunset). Make sure you request the slot that fits your tour timing.

Good news: you can still enjoy the stop without doing the shore-entry part. If you prefer to remain on the boat while at the Blue Lagoon, you do not need a QR code and you’re welcome to stay aboard. That turns Blue Lagoon into a sightseeing-and-swim-from-the-boat option, which is useful if you’re unsure about entry logistics.

One more thing to expect: Blue Lagoon can be busier than the other spots on a given day. The advantage of this tour’s smaller boat approach is that you’re not locked into a crowd shuffle the whole time, and you still get quality time on the water.

Santa Maria Bay + caves: your best mix of beach time and rock photos

After the Blue Lagoon stop, you continue with scenery passes and reach Santa Maria Bay, with about a 45-minute stop. This is the other big swim-and-sun window, and the beach setting makes it feel more like a break than a race.

At Santa Maria Bay, you can swim, snorkel, sunbathe on the sandy shoreline, or take a walk around. If you’ve already used your energy snorkeling at Crystal Lagoon, this is also a great place to switch gears—float, rest, then go back in when you feel like it.

From there, the tour moves into the photo-focused portion around the caves and rocks. Santa Maria Caves is scheduled as a short visit (around 10 minutes), mainly for passing views and photos. Elephant Rock is also a quick stop (around 10 minutes), with time mostly for pictures as you approach and then head back.

I like this structure because it keeps the day from dragging. The trade-off is obvious: you won’t spend hours hanging around the caves. If your main goal is long cave snorkeling sessions, you might want a different kind of excursion. But for most people, the timing is just right to see a lot without feeling exhausted.

Promising Rock, Halfa Rock, and San Niklaw Bay: quick viewpoint fixes that add meaning

Not every stop is a swim stop, and that’s okay. Some of the most memorable Comino moments are the fast ones where the boat slides into a new angle.

You’ll pass by Gozo’s coastline and see Promising Rock (Gebla tal-Ħalfa), mainly for sightseeing and photos. This is the kind of landmark you’ll recognize for its shape even if you don’t know every name, and it gives your day a sense of place beyond just beach-and-water.

Then there’s Halfa Rock (also listed as Gebla tal-Ħalfa), with a short sightseeing cruise by it. The same idea applies: it’s quick, but it’s a real Comino moment, not just a random stop for the sake of filling time.

San Niklaw Bay is another pleasant break, with about 15 minutes for passing views. You’ll sail past the bay and also see the Comino Hotel from the water. These passes matter because they keep the day from becoming only swimming. You get structure, scenery, and photo variety without losing too much time.

What’s included on board (and what you should bring yourself)

One reason I’d consider this tour is the included “make it easier” items. You get complimentary stand-up paddleboard access, free swim noodles for floating, and onboard toilet facilities. Seating is shaded, and life jackets are available if you ask the crew.

What about snorkeling gear? It’s not listed as included, but snorkeling gear can be rented onboard. If snorkeling is a must for you, plan on handling that rental rather than assuming you’ll have everything ready in your bag.

Bring the essentials so you don’t end up paying for convenience you could avoid:

• Swimwear and a towel
• Sunscreen and beachwear
• Cash

Also, follow the onboard rules: no littering, no fireworks, no explosives, and no fires. That’s standard for any sea day, but it’s good to know because Comino’s natural areas are sensitive.

One last “small but helpful” detail: the tour is not suitable for people prone to seasickness. If you’re even mildly sensitive on boats, think about that seriously before you commit.

Price and value: is $27 a good deal for this kind of Comino day?

At $27 per person, the value is strong if your priority is water time and classic sights without a huge crowd. You’re paying for a loop that hits multiple swim windows (Crystal Lagoon and Blue Lagoon) plus another swim/beach stop at Santa Maria Bay, with repeated sightseeing along the way.

The included extras—SUP access, float noodles, shaded seating, and toilet facilities—also reduce the small add-on costs that can sneak up on island tours. When you compare that to tours where you pay extra for every comfort, this setup looks more reasonable.

Here’s who gets the best value: people who want a highlights day with swimming and snorkeling built in, but who don’t need a slow, all-day beach camp situation. If you’re someone who likes to see caves, rocks, and bays in one outing, this fits that style well.

Who this tour suits (and who should skip it)

This is a good choice for couples, friends, and anyone who wants a structured Comino day without dealing with major boat overcrowding. The smaller boat size helps you feel connected to the coast, and it also supports close-in views where sea caves are part of the experience.

It’s also a decent match if you like variety: lagoon swimming, a famous-name stop, a sandy bay reset, and quick rock/cave photo moments. The day has enough movement to keep it interesting, without turning into a nonstop sprint.

Skip it if you:

• Are pregnant (listed as not suitable)
• Have a history of getting seasick on boats
• Want long, uninterrupted time in any single spot

Should you book this Comino Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon and Sea Caves tour?

Yes, if you want a compact, well-paced Comino highlights day with a small boat and real swimming time. I’d book it when you’re trying to balance iconic stops with comfort—especially with the shaded seating, onboard toilet, and included float toys and paddleboard.

I’d hesitate or plan carefully if Blue Lagoon shore time matters to you. Since 1 May 2025, stepping into the Blue Lagoon area needs a time-specific free QR code from www.blcomino.com. If you’re happy staying on the boat and enjoying the water from there, that risk drops a lot.

If your travel style is calm, scenic, and water-focused—and you don’t need to linger for hours—this tour is a smart way to spend a Comino day.

FAQ

How long is the Comino Blue Lagoon and sea caves boat tour?

The duration is listed as 3 to 4 hours. Starting times depend on availability, so it’s worth checking the time slots when you book.

Where do I find the boat at Ċirkewwa?

Meet at the boat behind the Ċirkewwa Kiosk Cafe. Access it via the stairs behind the café, then turn left to reach the boat.

Can I swim and snorkel on this tour?

Yes. You get a Crystal Lagoon stop (about 45 minutes) for swimming and snorkeling, and a Blue Lagoon stop (about 1 hour) for swimming and snorkeling.

Is there a QR code requirement for Blue Lagoon?

Since 1 May 2025, stepping onto the Blue Lagoon area requires a valid free QR code obtained in advance from www.blcomino.com with time-specific slots. If you stay on the boat while at Blue Lagoon, you do not need a QR code.

Is a stand-up paddleboard included?

Yes. A complimentary stand-up paddleboard is included for you to use during the tour.

Do I need to rent snorkeling gear?

Snorkeling gear is not listed as included, but it can be rented onboard.

Is there a toilet and shaded seating on the boat?

Yes. The tour includes onboard toilet facilities and a shaded seating area.

What should I bring for the stops?

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, beachwear, and cash.

Who is the tour not suitable for?

The tour is not suitable for pregnant women, and it’s also not suitable for people prone to seasickness.