Two lagoons, one good sailing day. Seahorse Cruises takes you from Bugibba to Comino for two anchor swims—Santa Maria Bay first, then the famous Blue Lagoon—so you get calmer water at the start and peak postcard water later. I love how the boat anchors away from the densest crowds, but you do need to time your day well because boarding closes early and the lagoon scene can feel busy once you head down.

What also wins me over is the live English and Italian commentary, which gives you something to look for as you pass St. Paul’s Island (with the remains of ancient shipwrecks) and along the way toward Gozo Harbor. The crew keeps the pace relaxed, and the onboard essentials—snorkeling masks (with a deposit), a jump-in platform, showers near the side ladder, and toilets—help you spend your time on the water instead of figuring out logistics.

Key things I’d plan around

• Santa Maria Bay anchor swim (1.5 hours) for an easier first swim and snorkel in Comino.
• Blue Lagoon time (2.5 hours) with a calm anchoring spot and plenty of deck time.
• Comino Blue Lagoon QR code rule (May 2025) if you plan to step onto the shore; you don’t need it if you stay on the boat.
• Big-sight passes from the sailboat: St. Paul’s Island, Smuggler’s Cove, Gozo’s Mgarr Harbour (short photo stop), and cave-and-rock viewpoints.
• Onboard setup that matters: snorkeling masks with a €10 deposit, shower by the side ladder, and toilets.
• Cash-only snacks so bring cash and plan ahead for drinks and small bites.

Seahorse Cruises for Comino and the Blue Lagoon: what $35 buys you

This is a classic Malta day at sea, built around two swim-and-snorkel stops on Comino, plus a scenic cruise that actually gives you views as the day moves. At $35 per person, it’s not a luxury private charter. But it is good value if your goal is simple: get out on the water, see Comino and the Blue Lagoon, and come back with saltwater memories.

The biggest value is timing. You don’t just rush to the Blue Lagoon. You start with Santa Maria Bay (1.5 hours), then you get your longer 2.5-hour block at the Blue Lagoon. That means you’re not stuck only in the busiest part of the day, and you get options for an early swim when the mood is calmer.

Also, you’re on a real sailing setup from Bugibba. That matters because the cruise sections are part of the experience, not dead time. You’ll pass viewpoints like St. Paul’s Island and Smuggler’s Cove, and the narration helps you connect what you see with the island story.

Getting to Bugibba and staying on schedule

You start at Bugibba Jetty, and the trip runs about 4 to 6.5 hours, with a departure at 10:30 AM and an expected return around 5:00 PM. The provider notes that boarding closes at 10:00 AM, so don’t treat this like a casual meet-late situation.

There’s a lot going on time-wise: a morning cruise, photo stops, then two swim blocks, then the ride back with passes by cave areas and rock formations. When you start early and keep it moving, you get the full value of both swim stops.

One more thing: the boat is called Seahorse Cruises, and it’s described as the only sailing boat at the meeting point. Still, arrive early enough that you’re not guessing which vessel is yours.

Santa Maria Bay: why the first Comino stop feels different

Your first real break from cruising is Santa Maria Bay on Comino, with 1.5 hours to swim, snorkel, or simply float and sunbathe on deck. This is the kind of stop that works even if you’re not a hardcore snorkeler. You can just hop in, breathe, and enjoy the change from Mediterranean harbor heat to open-water breeze.

The practical advantage is that it’s your warm-up. You’re learning the ladder/jump-in routine, checking how buoyant the water feels, and figuring out where you can put your feet if you’re wading rather than swimming.

You’ll also see the difference in crowd energy. Santa Maria tends to feel more like a first anchor swim, while the Blue Lagoon is the main event. If your priority is pictures and quiet water, you’ll probably love Santa Maria Bay for that early calm.

Blue Lagoon (Comino): QR code rules and how to enjoy it

The Blue Lagoon stop is 2.5 hours, and it’s the highlight most people come for: bright water, dramatic rock edges, and that famous Comino look. The big planning twist is the QR code requirement in effect from 1 May 2025 if you plan to step foot on the Blue Lagoon shore.

Here’s the rule you can actually use:

• You do need a free QR code to step onto the shore.
• You should book a time slot 13:30–17:30 for that QR code.
• No QR code is needed if you stay on the boat at the Blue Lagoon.

So decide early which style you want:

• If you want shore walking and up-close lagoon time, get the QR code and plan your schedule.
• If you mainly want swimming from the boat, you can skip QR prep and just focus on water time.

Also, be realistic about the logistics once you’re on the lagoon side. The area can be busy, and getting down can be rocky. I recommend water shoes if you’re even slightly unsure about steps or slick rock. You’ll feel more relaxed when you’re not worrying about your footing.

The sweet spot? Spend time swimming from the boat, then only venture toward shore if you’re confident you’ll enjoy it. You’re not forced to do everything.

The sail-and-sightseeing cruise: St. Paul’s Island, Smuggler’s Cove, Gozo Harbor

This trip is not only about two swim stops. You also get a sightseeing run that shows Malta’s coasts from the water.

On the way out, you pass St. Paul’s Island, where you can see remnants of nearly 2,000-year-old shipwrecks. That’s the kind of detail you only notice when you’re close enough to really look, and the onboard narration helps you recognize what you’re seeing.

You’ll also be shown Smuggler’s Cove, known as a diving spot. Even if you never plan to dive, it’s worth seeing for the rocky shape of the coast and how the water moves around it.

Then there’s a short moment in Mgarr Harbour on Gozo: a 10-minute photo stop to admire the traditional fishing village look. It’s brief, but it breaks up the water time with a real-on-land look at how Gozo lives.

This is one reason the sailing format works. The views aren’t just “from the dock.” They come with motion, light changes, and commentary that turns the coastline into something you can name and remember.

Santa Maria Caves and the rock formations: seeing the drama from water level

Even without a shore hike, you still get Santa Maria Caves and signature rock features. On the way back, you’ll make a 10-minute photo stop for Santa Maria Caves and also pass by rock formations like Elephant Rock and the Crystal Lagoon area.

Caves and rock scenery are much better from sea level. From the boat, you see the scale and shape the way it was meant to be viewed. Shore viewpoints can give you outlines, but boat-level angles show how the water has carved the edges and how sunlight hits the stone.

If you love photography, this is the part of the day when you’ll want to be ready with your camera and not stuck deciding what your best shot is. Look for angles where the rock lines pull your eye toward the cave openings. Even short photo stops are enough if you move with purpose and don’t wait for the perfect conditions.

Onboard comfort: deck time, showers, toilets, and snorkeling masks

The boat experience is about comfort between swims. You’ll have time on deck before the next anchor point, and the setup is meant for swimmers who don’t want to feel stuck.

Included onboard basics:

• Snorkeling masks are provided, but there’s a €10 deposit.
• There’s a shower near the side ladder.
• There are toilets onboard.
• You can use a jump-in platform for getting into the water.

That shower detail is small but important. Saltwater can dry your skin fast, and having a rinse spot means you’re not walking back into your day smelling like a maritime snack.

I also like that the trip isn’t described as a party-focused cruise. If you prefer a calmer boat atmosphere, this format tends to suit families and people who want “chill with views” instead of loud music and chaos.

Food, drinks, and the cash-only reality

Lunch is not included, and food and drinks are available for purchase onboard. That can work well if you treat it as an extra rather than something you’re depending on for your full day plan.

One rule that matters: only cash is accepted onboard. So bring cash with you before you leave. If you’re also getting a mask deposit (€10) and you want snacks or drinks, cash is your friend.

The good news is that the onboard snack bar is part of the ride back, so you’re not left hungry while the boat is cruising. The prices are described as reasonable, not a rip-off setup.

If you’re trying to keep costs down, go with a light breakfast and plan for drinks rather than a full meal onboard. It keeps the $35 value feeling real.

Sea shoes, swim gear, and what to pack

The trip is built around water, so pack like you mean it. Bring:

• Swimwear
• Towel
• Sunscreen
• Comfortable shoes
• Cash

You might also want to add one practical item that makes a difference: water shoes. The lagoon area involves rocky approaches, and water shoes help you move without stress.

Not allowed:

• Food and drinks
• Luggage or large bags
• Cooler

That’s worth noting because it affects what you bring for the day. Keep it simple: swim stuff and what you need for cash spending. Less baggage also makes boarding and deck time smoother.

When crowds hit, you still have control

Blue Lagoon is famous for a reason, which also means it can get crowded. You can’t escape that totally. But you can choose how much it affects your day.

Two practical strategies:

• Spend most of your time swimming from the boat instead of competing for shore access.
• Use Santa Maria Bay as your calm buffer, then decide how much shore time you actually want at the Blue Lagoon.

The boat’s anchoring approach also helps. You’ll anchor in a location away from the crowds, which means you still get that “I’m on the water” feeling even if the shoreline is busy.

Who this Malta Comino sailing trip fits best

This day trip is a strong match if you want:

• Two Comino swim stops in one go
• Time to relax on deck, not just rush through photos
• Sea-cave and rock scenery from the water
• Live narration in English and Italian

It’s also a solid choice for families and mixed groups because the boat setup includes showers, toilets, masks, and a calm pace. If you’re the kind of traveler who likes structure (set stops, set times) but still wants freedom to swim when you feel like it, this works.

If you hate crowds or you want a private feeling, consider that the Blue Lagoon is the main attraction. You’ll still get value from the cruise and Santa Maria Bay, but you’ll be sharing the day.

Should you book this Seahorse Cruises day trip?

I’d book it if your priority is simple: Comino water time plus sea-cave views, with a sailing day that doesn’t feel rushed. For $35, it’s a fair trade if you follow the QR rule (if you’re stepping onto shore), bring cash, and plan for rocky conditions with swim-friendly shoes.

I’d skip or choose something else if:

• QR code logistics will be a pain for you and you don’t want to stay on the boat during the Blue Lagoon.
• You need a guaranteed uncrowded shoreline experience.
• You prefer private transport or a strict food-included package.

If you’re on the fence, my best advice is this: decide which you really want at the Blue Lagoon—shore exploring or boat-based swimming. Then book with confidence.

FAQ

How long is the trip?

The duration is listed as 4 to 6.5 hours, with departure at 10:30 AM and an expected return around 5:00 PM.

Where does the tour start?

Meet at Bugibba Jetty.

How much time do you get at Santa Maria Bay and Blue Lagoon?

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

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Snorkeling masks are included, but there’s a €10 deposit. The boat also has a jump-in platform for water access.

Do I need a QR code for the Blue Lagoon?

Yes, in effect from 1 May 2025, a free QR code is required to step foot onto Comino’s Blue Lagoon. You should book the time slot 13:30–17:30. No QR code is needed if you stay on the boat.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included, and food and drinks are available to purchase onboard.

What payment methods are accepted onboard?

Only cash is accepted onboard.

Can I cancel for a refund?

There is free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.