BAY BOAT TOUR FIELD GUIDE
A six-hour boat cruise through Comino’s caves to the Blue Lagoon and Santa Maria Bay
A 6-hour, 15-minute daily cruise from Mellieha Bay that visits Smuggler’s Cave, Santa Maria Bay and the Blue Lagoon with extended stops for swimming and snorkeling.
A six-hour boat cruise through Comino’s caves to the Blue Lagoon and Santa Maria Bay.
Adventure brief
A six-hour boat cruise through Comino’s caves to the Blue Lagoon and Santa Maria Bay
This compact, sea‑borne circuit threads the cliffs and caverns off Comino, stopping for long swims in two of Malta’s most lucid anchorages. Over roughly six hours you’ll visit Smuggler’s Cave and the Santa Maria caves, pass Elephant’s Head Rock, and spend extended time snorkeling in Santa Maria Bay and the Blue Lagoon—an itinerary built around crystal water and easy access from Mellieha Bay.
Malta’s sparkling jewel, Comino Island, is a magnet for adventurers seeking vibrant blue waters and dramatic coastal formations. Oh Yeah Malta invites travelers on a 6-hour cruise uncovering the island’s most captivating spots, blending invigorating swims with scenic discovery. Departing from Mellieha Bay’s Tunny Net Jetty, this journey charts a course through iconic seascapes and hidden caves that have shaped local maritime lore.
First, the cruise navigates the striking Comino Caves, including Smuggler’s Cave—a natural cavern etched into limestone by centuries of sea and wind, once rumored as a pirate hiding place. Passing Elephant’s Head Rock, a colossal natural arch carved by waves, visitors glimpse a rugged natural monument unique to this Mediterranean outcrop.
Santa Maria Bay, Comino’s largest bay, offers the day’s first prolonged stop. Here, participants enjoy 1 hour and 45 minutes of snorkeling and swimming in remarkably clear turquoise waters. The calm bay, sheltered by rocky cliffs, creates an ideal environment for spotting marine life among the rocky seabed.
The second stop is the famed Blue Lagoon, known worldwide for its intensely clear water and vibrant coral reef. Guests spend approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes snorkeling or relaxing in this underwater playground. Additional highlights include passing Popeye’s Cave and Lovers Caves, spots rich with Maltese folklore and striking geological features.
Oh Yeah Malta’s trip offers more than just sightseeing; it’s an active immersion in one of Malta’s most pristine marine environments. The combination of swimming, snorkeling, and cruising tailored by a knowledgeable local operator makes this an authentic way to connect with the island’s coastal heritage. For visitors seeking a memorable day of outdoor adventure beyond Malta’s urban shores, this cruise anchors itself as an essential experience.
Route Schematic
Route schematic: key stops
A sequence of cave views and two long swim stops structures the day, with additional pass‑bys of smaller coves and rock formations.
Mellieha Bay — Tunny Net Jetty (Departure)
Boarding point and morning departure; the cruise leaves from Mellieha Bay Tunny Net Jetty at 09:30.
Comino — Smuggler’s Cave & Santa Maria Bay (First Stop)
Pass Smuggler’s Cave and the Santa Maria Caves, then anchor at Santa Maria Bay for the first swim/snorkel stop of approximately 1 hour 45 minutes on Comino’s largest bay.
Blue Lagoon (Second Stop)
A second scheduled stop at the Blue Lagoon offers about 1 hour 30 minutes for swimming and snorkeling in the lagoon’s clear water; guests may also disembark here to walk the island and catch a later boat.
Crystal Lagoon, Popeye’s Cave & Lovers Caves (Pass‑bys)
After departing the Blue Lagoon (around 15:00) the trip visits the crystal lagoon and Popeye’s Cave and passes the Lovers Caves as it continues around Comino.
Return to Mellieha Bay (Arrival)
The boat completes the circuit around Comino and returns to Mellieha Bay at approximately 16:00.
This trip is suitable for all ages but is not suitable for persons with no mobility; electric wheelchairs cannot be accommodated—plan accordingly and bring appropriate footwear for any short walks on uneven surfaces.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Extended swimming and snorkeling in crystal clear bays
The cruise includes substantial free time in the water: a long first swim stop at Santa Maria Bay and a second stop at the Blue Lagoon, designed for swimming and snorkeling in exceptionally clear conditions.
Smuggler’s Cave and Santa Maria Caves up close
The route threads Comino’s coastline, giving passengers close views of Smuggler’s Cave and the Santa Maria Caves—foreshore features that punctuate the cruise and reward short explorations from the boat.
Landmarks: Elephant’s Head Rock, Popeye’s Cave and Lovers Caves
Beyond swim stops the trip passes notable rock formations and small coves—Elephant’s Head Rock, the crystal lagoon and Popeye’s Cave—scenic markers encountered as the boat circumnavigates Comino.
What the day feels like
What the day feels like
You board at Mellieha Bay mid‑morning and settle into a leisurely coastal cruise. The vessel works east and south around Comino: quick cave viewings give way to a prolonged first swim stop in Santa Maria Bay (about 1 hour 45 minutes), then a second long stop at the Blue Lagoon (about 1 hour 30 minutes). In the afternoon the boat threads smaller features—the crystal lagoon, Popeye’s Cave and Lovers Caves—before looping back to Mellieha Bay around mid‑late afternoon.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who fares best on this outing—and who should reconsider.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Total outing lasts about 6 hours and 15 minutes; boarding is at Mellieha Bay Tunny Net Jetty with departure at 09:30 and an approximate return to Mellieha Bay around 16:00.
Sun protection (sunscreen), cap, sunglasses, swimwear, towel, and good shoes for walking; bring cash if you need purchases on shore or extras.
The trip is suitable for all ages and for families with strollers, but cannot accommodate electric wheelchairs and is not suitable for persons with no mobility.
Expect two long swim/snorkel stops (roughly 1 hr 45 min and 1 hr 30 min) and multiple pass‑bys of caves and rock formations; if you plan to walk on Comino, you can disembark at the Blue Lagoon and re‑board from there.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
Where does the cruise depart and at what time?
The cruise departs from Mellieha Bay Tunny Net Jetty and boards at 09:30.
How long is the trip?
The full excursion runs about 6 hours and 15 minutes.
How much time is spent swimming and snorkeling?
The itinerary includes approximately 1 hour 45 minutes of swimming/snorkeling at Santa Maria Bay and about 1 hour 30 minutes at the Blue Lagoon.
Is this trip suitable for young children or strollers?
Yes—this trip is suitable for all ages and is noted as suitable for families with strollers.
Can passengers with electric wheelchairs join?
No—electric wheelchairs cannot be accommodated and the trip is not suitable for persons with no mobility.
What should I bring with me?
Bring sun protection (sunscreen), a cap and sunglasses, swimwear and a towel, good walking shoes, and cash if you anticipate buying refreshments or extras.
How this guide was prepared
This field guide is synthesized using verified supplier specifications, route descriptions, and destination data. Some booking links may generate affiliate revenue for ADV Guides.
- Verified: 2026-08-25T01:02:26.219Z
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Availability, pricing, schedules and operating details can change.
Trip details and contextual sources were reviewed by ADV Guides Editorial.