Coastal Ferry Cruise to The Blue Lagoon (Comino Island)

The main draw here is simple: you get a full day on Comino Island after a scenic ride along Malta’s northern coast. The Blue Lagoon delivers clear turquoise water, and the catamaran gives you air conditioning, toilets, Wi-Fi, and a choice of departure points.

I like the easy $35 price and the freedom to spend your Comino stop your own way. I also like the option to leave from Sliema or St. Paul’s Bay, which can save you a cross-island transfer. The main caution is rough water and a fast ride, especially on the way out, plus heavy crowds at the Blue Lagoon in summer.

Key points to know before booking

• Two departure points: Choose Sliema Ferries or Buġibba Jetty in St. Paul’s Bay when you book.
• Blue Lagoon access is now regulated: You need a government-issued pass from blcomino.com, with both morning and afternoon time slots selected.
• The ride can be rough: Several passengers became seasick during a fast outbound crossing, so bring motion-sickness medication if you need it.
• Comino time is unguided: You get free time, not a walking tour or a guide.
• The quieter spots are beyond the lagoon: Walk farther around Comino if the main swimming area feels too crowded.
• The €35 fare has useful basics: Air conditioning, Wi-Fi, toilets, crew assistance, and the return cruise are included.

What this Malta to Comino cruise really offers

This is best understood as a ferry cruise with a long island stop, not a small-group sightseeing tour. You board a modern catamaran in the morning, enjoy views along Malta’s northern shoreline, and then spend the bulk of the day at Comino before returning by boat.

That distinction matters. You will not have a guide explaining each cove, monument, or trail. Instead, you receive transport, a scenic coastal ride, and several hours to choose your own pace.

At $35 per person, the setup is appealing if you want a straightforward day on the water without paying for a private boat. The price is less attractive if you expect personal service, a carefully managed boarding process, or a quiet boat with plenty of space.

The overall rating of 4.3 from 64 ratings suggests a generally positive experience, but the details point to a clear split. Smooth timing and helpful crew support can make this an easy outing. A rough crossing, hot waiting area, or crowded lagoon can quickly change the mood.

Choosing between Sliema and St. Paul’s Bay

You can board at Sliema Ferries or Buġibba Jetty in St. Paul’s Bay. Pick the departure point that fits your base in Malta, since getting to the wrong side of the island adds needless travel before a long day at sea.

The boat may make a brief stop at the other area to collect passengers. If you leave from Sliema, expect the route to continue toward St. Paul’s Bay. If you start at Buġibba, you may have a shorter wait before the coastal run continues north.

Arrive 15 to 20 minutes before departure. That is especially important here because boarding can feel less orderly at busy times, and the boat will not wait for late arrivals.

Do not bring large luggage or oversized bags. Small day-trip items are the sensible choice: swimwear, towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, comfortable shoes, a camera, and some cash.

The northern coast by catamaran

Once aboard, the ride becomes the scenic part of the outing. You cruise along Malta’s northern coast and pass shoreline attractions from the water, where the view is often more open than it is from a road.

The catamaran is air-conditioned, which is valuable in Malta’s hot summer weather. You also have toilet facilities and free Wi-Fi, though I would treat the Wi-Fi as a useful extra rather than the reason to book.

The boat is described as modern and state-of-the-art, but it is still a shared ferry rather than a luxury yacht. During the busiest periods, expect a large number of passengers and a transport-focused feel.

One point deserves special attention: the crossing can be uncomfortable in rough conditions. A July passenger described a very fast outbound ride over the waves, with many people becoming ill within about ten minutes. The crew handed out sickness bags and offered help, but the problem continued for much of the journey.

That is not a minor detail if you are prone to seasickness. Sit where you feel most stable, keep your eyes on the horizon when possible, and bring your usual remedy. Conditions can vary, so a calm return ride does not guarantee a calm outbound trip.

The brief stop at St. Paul’s Bay

St. Paul’s Bay functions mainly as a pickup point on this route. If you board there, your wait before the main cruise should be shorter. If you board in Sliema, the stop gives the boat a chance to collect passengers from the northwestern part of Malta.

This is not a sightseeing visit with time to walk around. Think of it as a practical stop that connects two departure areas.

The route is useful for people staying near either Sliema or Buġibba. It also means the full journey can feel longer than a direct transfer to Comino, since the boat serves more than one boarding point.

Mġarr Harbour and the Gozo connection

The catamaran makes a brief stop at Mġarr Harbour in Gozo to let off passengers who are ending their journey there. You do not get land transportation in Gozo as part of this Comino outing, and you should not expect a Gozo tour.

For you, the stop is mainly part of the route. It adds a glimpse of the harbor and explains why the boat may not head directly from Malta to Comino.

If your main goal is Comino, this is not a reason to worry, but it is worth knowing that the journey includes passenger movements at Gozo. The itinerary is built around ferry transport, not a nonstop speedboat ride.

Arriving at Comino and the Blue Lagoon

Comino is tiny, largely car-free, and free of urban development. That gives the island its appeal. After leaving the boat, you can swim, sunbathe, snorkel, or walk beyond the main landing area.

The Blue Lagoon is the star attraction. Its transparent turquoise water and pale sandy bottom make it one of Malta’s most photogenic swimming spots. On a bright day, the color is the sort of thing that makes the long crossing worthwhile.

But the lagoon is also the busiest part of the island. In summer, the main area can feel packed, with people focused on swimming, sunbathing, and taking photographs. If you want quiet, do not plant yourself beside the first available patch of water.

Walk a little farther and look for another place along the coast. The island has paths and open areas where you might find more breathing room, though the exact conditions depend on the day and season.

You must now obtain an official government access pass before stepping ashore at the Blue Lagoon. The pass comes through blcomino.com, and the daily allocation is limited. For this ferry trip, select both the morning and afternoon time slots when applying.

This is a government rule, not an optional add-on from the boat company. Without the pass, you will not be allowed to disembark at the Blue Lagoon. Arrange it before departure rather than assuming your ferry booking covers access.

Free time, swimming, and walking on Comino

Because this is not guided, you control the rhythm of your day. You can spend nearly all your time in the water, find a place to sit with your towel, or use your comfortable shoes to explore the island.

Bring your own food and drinks if you want to control the cost and timing. Food and beverages are not included. Cash is also recommended, especially if you decide to buy something locally or join the optional boat excursion.

The island has routes leading toward St. Mary’s Chapel, St. Mary’s Watch Tower, and St. Mary’s Battery. These give you a reason to visit even if swimming is not your main interest.

Winter can be a particularly good time for walking and photography. The Blue Lagoon is still a scenic goal, but the island’s car-free setting and open paths matter more when you are not fighting summer heat and peak swimming crowds.

Mobility is an important consideration. This experience is not suitable for people with mobility impairments, and you should expect to move between the boat, shoreline, swimming areas, and island paths without a guided assistance plan.

The optional caves and Crystal Lagoon boat trip

While at Comino, you may have the chance to take a separate motorboat trip to the Comino Caves and Crystal Lagoon. It costs about €15 per person, is paid on location, and depends on favorable sea and weather conditions.

This is a sensible add-on if you want more time on the water and a closer look at Comino’s rocky coastline. It is not included in the $35 fare, so budget for it separately.

The optional trip also gives you an alternative to spending the whole day at the crowded Blue Lagoon. Still, do not count on it as a guaranteed part of your day. Poor conditions can cancel it, and the cost is not refunded as part of the main cruise because it is arranged separately.

Is $35 a fair price?

For $35, you receive the ferry cruise, the Comino stop, and the return transport. Air conditioning, toilets, Wi-Fi, and crew assistance add practical value, especially during a seven to seven-and-a-half-hour outing.

The price works best for independent visitors who would otherwise need to arrange separate transport to the coast and a boat to Comino. You get a simple package without paying for a guide or private charter.

The fare does not cover everything. You must pay for food, drinks, any attraction entry, the optional €15 motorboat ride, and the government access pass process is your responsibility. There is also no hotel pickup or drop-off, so include your own transport to the selected meeting point.

I would call it good value for a self-directed beach day, but not a bargain for anyone seeking a polished, small-scale cruise. The larger ferry format keeps the price down, yet it can also bring crowded boarding and a busier onboard atmosphere.

Timing, service, and the practical weak points

The best part of the operation is its basic clarity: choose your departure point, arrive early, ride to Comino, enjoy free time, and return on the scheduled ferry. One passenger specifically praised the punctual service and clear timetable information.

The weaker point can be the boarding process. At busy times, ticket scanning and boarding may feel confusing, with people waiting in the sun and unclear directions. That means you should arrive early, keep your booking details ready, and ask staff for confirmation if the queue is not obvious.

Crew support appears to vary by circumstance. During a rough crossing, staff were described as helpful and supplied sickness bags. At a crowded boarding area, some passengers found the assistance less polite or less accurate than expected.

The app may not show every ticket option, so pay close attention when comparing departure choices and booking. Check the selected meeting point, time, and access requirements before you pay.

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure and the option to reserve now and pay later make the booking less rigid. Those terms help if your Malta plans are still moving, but they do not solve the need to obtain the Blue Lagoon pass in advance.

Who should book this cruise?

I would recommend it to you if you want:

• A reasonably priced day on Comino
• A coastal ride rather than a simple point-to-point transfer
• Free time instead of a fixed guided program
• A departure option near Sliema or St. Paul’s Bay
• Swimming, sunbathing, snorkeling, and light island walking
• Basic onboard comforts such as air conditioning and toilets

I would think twice if you:

• Get seasick easily
• Need step-free or mobility-friendly access
• Want a quiet, intimate boat
• Expect a guide or detailed commentary
• Dislike crowded swimming areas
• Want food, drinks, or hotel transport included

Families and independent couples may find the flexible format useful, provided everyone is comfortable on the water. Hikers and photographers may prefer the cooler months, when Comino’s trails become a stronger part of the experience.

Should you book the Malta to Comino ferry?

Book it if you see Comino as a full-day outing and you are happy to manage the day yourself. The scenery, clear water, choice of departure points, and $35 price make a strong case.

Before booking, obtain the Blue Lagoon access pass, check both required time slots, and prepare for a potentially rough ride. If seasickness is a serious concern, this is the biggest reason to choose a different boat option.

My practical verdict: good value for an independent Comino day, with real summer crowd and seasickness risks. Go beyond the first Blue Lagoon shore, carry light, and keep your expectations focused on transport plus free time rather than a guided cruise.

FAQ

How long does the ferry cruise to Comino last?

The full experience lasts approximately 7 to 7.5 hours, including the coastal cruise and free time on Comino Island.

Where can I board the catamaran?

You can choose Sliema Ferries in Sliema or Buġibba Jetty in St. Paul’s Bay when booking. The exact meeting point depends on the option selected.

Do I need an access pass for the Blue Lagoon?

Yes. From May 2025, you need a government-issued access pass to step ashore at the Blue Lagoon. Apply through blcomino.com, where daily availability is limited.

Which time slots must I select for the access pass?

For this trip, you must select both the morning and afternoon time slots when applying for the pass.

Is this a guided tour?

No. This is an unguided ferry cruise. You have free time on Comino to swim, sunbathe, snorkel, walk, or explore independently.

Is food included?

No. Food and drinks are not included, so bring money and plan your own refreshments.

Is the motorboat trip to the caves included?

No. The optional motorboat trip to the Comino Caves and Crystal Lagoon costs approximately €15 per person, is paid on location, and depends on sea and weather conditions.

What facilities are available on the catamaran?

The boat has air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, toilet facilities, and assistance from the crew and staff.

Is the cruise suitable for people prone to seasickness?

It may not be suitable. The trip can become rough, and some passengers experienced serious seasickness during a fast outbound crossing. If you are prone to it, consider another option or bring your usual motion-sickness treatment.