Crystal water, without the pack-boat feeling. This 3 Bay Cruise runs from Bluewaves Watersports near Marfa Bay and strings together key swim stops with cave sightseeing.

I love the fact that the boat holds up to 70, but you’re typically capped around 45 people, so you’re not fighting for deck space. I also like the crew setup, with friendly guides like Danny and Ali who keep things organized and help you time your swim breaks.

One thing to plan for: food and drinks are not included, so either snack before you go or budget for the bar onboard.

Key things I’d bet you’ll care about

• Limited group size on a large boat: it feels roomy for photos, sunning, and changing between swims
• Three anchored swim stops: Crystal Lagoon, Blue Lagoon, and Ħalfa Rock, with about 4 hours of swimming
• Onboard showers and toilets: fresh-water rinse beats the post-lagoon scramble
• Staying onboard can be the smart move: the Blue Lagoon beach gets busy, but you can still swim nearby
• Comino on foot may need a ticket: from May 1, 2025, stepping onto Comino from the Blue Lagoon requires registration at blcomino.com
• Bar and snacks available for purchase: coffee, soft drinks, cocktails, and small bites on the boat

A 6-hour Comino day planned for water time, not waiting around

This cruise is built around the stuff you came for: swimming and snorkeling in some of the clearest water around Malta’s sister islands. The whole trip runs about 6 hours, with roughly 4 hours set aside for the water. That ratio matters. You don’t want a day where the boat is mostly “cruising and waiting.”

It runs on a morning slot (bookable for 8:00–13:30), and it’s close to Comino. The boat leaves from the Bluewaves Watersports area near Marfa Bay and heads out quickly, with Comino Island off to your side right away.

One timing note that’s easy to forget: boarding closes 15 minutes before departure. If you show up late, you can lose your spot even if you booked. I’d treat it like a check-in for a flight.

Where you meet and what the ride feels like from Marfa Bay

You meet at the local provider’s office at Bluewaves Watersports. From there, you’ll head to the boat and get underway fast. The departure point is only a few minutes from Comino Island, so you’re not stuck doing a long transfer before you even see water.

Onboard, you get practical comforts that make the day easier: toilets and a fresh-water shower. Those two things sound small until you’ve been in salt water and you just want to rinse off before you relax again.

The tour runs with a live guide in English, and the crew is the kind that keeps the day moving in a smooth rhythm. In plain terms: they get you to the stops, anchor, give you the basics, and then let you enjoy the time you paid for.

And because the boat’s size is big (up to 70), it’s reassuring that they keep the passenger count limited. Multiple deck levels mean you can choose where you want to sit—shade or sun—without playing “find-a-seat” all day.

Crystal Lagoon: your first anchor for swimming and snorkeling

Your first real water stop is Crystal Lagoon. The boat anchors there for about 1 hour, and you’ll have time for swimming and snorkeling right from the boat.

I like this stop because it sets the tone. You go in expecting big views, and then the water delivers. It’s described as a crystal-clear swimming location, and that’s the point of starting here—get your best colors early, before the rest of the day’s crowds and chaos build up elsewhere.

This is also a good moment to get your gear sorted: mask position, breathing rhythm, and how comfortable you are floating off the side. If you’ve never snorkeled from a boat before, this is a friendly “first session” length.

You’ll also want to have the basics ready on your body and in your bag: towel, sunscreen, and swimwear within easy reach. The crew offers onboard amenities, but you’re still moving in and out of the water, and grabbing stuff shouldn’t become a second job.

Blue Lagoon: pier-side fun, or the calmer choice to stay onboard

The Blue Lagoon stop is longer: about 2 hours. The boat goes to the popular Blue Lagoon pier, and you’ll get a real choice about how you spend that time.

Option one is going ashore and exploring Comino by foot. Option two is staying onboard while the vessel anchors nearby and you swim or snorkel right from the boat. I’m a big fan of option two here, because the beach area can get busy.

There’s one major planning item if you want option one. Effective May 1, 2025, if you want to step on Comino Island from the Blue Lagoon and explore by foot, you must register and acquire an entry ticket through the official system at www.blcomino.com. If you don’t want extra paperwork or uncertainty, staying onboard is the easiest way to avoid problems.

If you do stay onboard, you still get the best part: the water experience. Reviews-style hints you can trust here: many people prefer staying on the boat at Blue Lagoon because they keep more personal space and spend less time navigating the busiest beach sections.

This stop is also where the boat’s setup really helps. You’ll have space to sunbathe, and there are areas on top where you can relax between swims. Some people even go for cliff-style entry spots when conditions are safe, but always follow crew directions.

Ħalfa Rock and Gebla ta Halfa: one hour of another swim vibe

Next up is Ħalfa Rock (Gebla ta Halfa). The boat anchors for about 1 hour for swimming and snorkeling again.

This stop is a nice change from the bigger, more famous lagoon areas. It feels more like an “anchor and explore the water” moment—less about the shore scene and more about the sea experience itself. The tour description places Gebla ta Halfa south of Gozo, and you’ll feel that you’re moving around Malta’s island world rather than just repeating the same kind of shoreline views.

In a 6-hour day, one-hour anchors hit the sweet spot. You get time to swim, but you don’t burn the whole day in the same water pocket. It’s enough time to feel refreshed before heading toward the final sightseeing moment.

If you’re snorkeling, remember this practical truth: you’re not guaranteed a reef full of colorful fish every single time. Some spots are more about clear water and the pleasure of being in it.

Santa Marija caves: quick sightseeing on the return

On the way back, you’ll get sightseeing of places like Santa Marija caves. This isn’t framed as a long land tour. It’s more like a scenic beat—views from the boat that add variety beyond just swimming.

I like having at least one “look around” moment in a cruise like this. It keeps the day from feeling like a loop of only water, only sun, only rinse, repeat. Plus, caves are part of Malta’s coast identity, so you get that sense of place without adding bus time.

If you’re the type who likes to stop for photos, this is the moment to get your camera ready. Just don’t let photography replace the swim time. This is still a water-focused day.

Onboard comfort: space, showers, toilets, and the bar you’ll actually use

The boat matters. If it’s packed, the whole day becomes stressful. The big win here is the passenger cap: the boat capacity is 70, and you’ll be limited to about 45 so you can find a spot.

That extra space is practical. You can move around between decks, store things without squeezing everyone, and get a calm place to change out of wet swimsuits. Several people describe the boat as clean and well cared for, with an atmosphere that doesn’t feel like a loud cattle-car.

Comfort details you can count on:

• Toilets onboard
• Fresh-water showers onboard
• Sunbathing areas and places to relax between swim stops

Then there’s the food and drink situation. Since it’s not included, you might bring a snack or money for the bar. Either way, you’re covered.

From the information given, there’s a bar on the boat with items such as coffee, cocktails, soft drinks, and snacks. People also report example pricing like:

• Soft drinks around 2€
• Water around 1.5€
• Aperol Spritz around 5€

There’s also mention that you can rent a snorkel mask for about 3€, and that pool noodles can be available.

I like that it’s not just “buy drinks to survive.” It’s a real option to keep you going during the day without hunting down a separate meal stop.

Price and value: does $47 hold up for three swim anchors?

At about $47 per person, the value mainly comes from what’s included in that ticket:

• a 3-stop cruise with swimming/snorkeling at Crystal Lagoon, Blue Lagoon, and Ħalfa Rock
• toilets and fresh-water showers onboard
• sightseeing (like Santa Marija caves)
• an English live guide

Food and drinks are not included, so you may spend extra onboard if you want meals or cocktails. But even then, you’re buying a day with multiple water locations and onboard rinse facilities. In Malta, boat time like this often costs more when it’s more crowded. Here, the limited passenger count is a big part of why the price feels fair.

For value, ask yourself this: do you want one lagoon or three swim anchors? If you’re picking this cruise, you’re choosing variety and water time over a short, shore-heavy experience.

Also, if you want to avoid the stress of huge crowds, the limited group size is part of the product you’re paying for—not just a nice detail.

What to bring (and the rules that can affect your day)

Pack for the water first, then add everything else.

Bring:

• Sunglasses
• Sun hat
• Swimwear
• Towel
• Sunscreen (and use biodegradable sunscreen)

A simple dry bag helps if you want your phone and wallet protected during boarding and changing.

Avoid:

• High-heeled shoes
• Weapons or sharp objects
• Intoxication
• Bikes
• Unaccompanied minors
• Electric wheelchairs
• Scooters
• Explosive substances

Also note: the tour is not suitable for wheelchair users. If you rely on a wheelchair for getting around, you’ll want a different plan.

One more practical point: the day runs on water conditions. The captain can adjust or cancel for safety based on weather and sea conditions, with an alternative date or a refund if canceled. If you’re travel-planning tightly, I’d still keep some flexibility in mind.

Should you book this 3 Bay Cruise?

I’d book this if you want a swim-first day with multiple lagoon experiences and you care about not feeling packed onto the boat. The limited onboard size is a real advantage, and having showers/toilets onboard makes the day feel easier than more beach-only options.

I’d skip or at least think twice if:

• you need wheelchair access
• you’re set on spending long stretches on Comino’s shore without dealing with the May 1, 2025 Comino registration requirement
• you hate adding extra costs for drinks and snacks (since food and drinks are not included)

If you do book, my best tip is simple: plan for Blue Lagoon time both ways. If Comino on foot is a priority, arrive prepared for the entry rules. If you just want the clear water, staying onboard is often the calmer, more relaxed way to enjoy the same scene.

FAQ

How long is the 3 Bay Cruise?

The duration is about 6 hours.

Where do I meet for the tour?

You meet at the office of the provider, Bluewaves Watersports.

What stops are included on the cruise?

You visit Crystal Lagoon, Blue Lagoon (pier area), Ħalfa Rock / Gebla ta Halfa, plus sightseeing at Santa Marija caves.

Is swimming and snorkeling included?

Yes. The cruise includes stops specifically for swimming and snorkeling at the lagoon locations.

Are food and drinks included in the price?

No. Food and drinks are not included, but you can buy refreshments onboard.

Do I need a ticket to step onto Comino Island?

Yes, starting May 1, 2025, stepping onto Comino Island from the Blue Lagoon and exploring by foot requires registration and an entry ticket through www.blcomino.com.

What should I bring for the day?

Bring sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen (biodegradable sunscreen is recommended).

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?

No. The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users.

If you want, tell me your travel month and whether you’re planning to go ashore at Blue Lagoon. I can help you decide whether staying onboard is the smarter move for your day.