From Sliema: Comino & Blue Lagoon Trip – Including Boat Ride

The best part of this day is the route itself: a bus from Sliema, a private speedboat ride across the Mediterranean, then a short walk over Comino to the famous Blue Lagoon. You get more than a beach transfer, but this is still a social day out rather than a quiet nature trip.

I like the easy Sliema meeting point and the mix of transport. I also like the chance to meet English students, expats, digital nomads, Maltese locals, and visitors from many countries. The main drawback is simple: the Blue Lagoon can be extremely crowded, and one 4-star review found the hike too fast for a beginner.

Key points to know before booking

• A 30-minute speedboat ride replaces a slow ferry crossing, giving you a more lively approach to Comino.
• The short hike crosses Comino before the swimming stop, so bring proper sports shoes, not flip-flops.
• You get about 2.5 hours at the Blue Lagoon, enough for swimming and lunch, but not a full quiet beach day.
• The group is international and adult-focused, with English as the tour language and no children under 18.
• Food and drinks are not included, so bring water and a sandwich, even though food trucks are generally available.
• The listed price is $34 per person, while the event information also gives an early booking price of €20, so check the current rate before paying.

From Sliema to the sea

Your day begins at the doors of Burger King in Sliema. The meeting time is 9:45 AM, with the activity starting at 10:00 AM, so arrive a little early and look for the tour team near the entrance.

The meeting point is practical rather than scenic. Sliema is well connected and easy to find, and returning to the same place saves you the nuisance of arranging transport from a different part of Malta.

The first leg is a private bus ride of about one hour. This is useful if you are staying in Sliema and do not want to work out a connection to the north of Malta. It also lets the group gather before reaching the coast.

The transport is part of the value here. You are not simply paying for access to the Blue Lagoon. The fee covers the bus, boat rides, coordination, and a guide who leads the group and manages the timing.

The 30-minute private speedboat ride

After the bus journey, you board a private speedboat for around 30 minutes. This is one of the more appealing parts of the day because the boat gives you a faster, more open-air ride than a standard road transfer.

The route provides scenic views as you approach Comino. On a boat, you feel the distance between Malta and the smaller island in a way you do not get from a coach or a crowded ferry deck.

A speedboat is also a reminder that comfort depends on the sea. If the water is choppy, the ride may feel lively. Bring a light jacket, as the event advice does, since the wind can make the crossing cool even on a sunny day.

The boat is not described as a sightseeing cruise with a long commentary. Think of it as an efficient and enjoyable transfer with views, not a full marine tour. You will spend about half an hour going out and another half hour coming back.

Walking across Comino

On arrival, the group takes a short hike across Comino. The walk lasts about 30 minutes and includes photo stops, scenic views, and time to see a little of the island before reaching the lagoon.

This short hike gives the day a better shape. You are not dropped directly beside the water and left to fight for a patch of shore. Instead, you get a brief taste of Comino on foot and a chance to see the island from more than one angle.

The trail is described as relatively easy, but that does not mean it is effortless for everyone. One person found the pace too quick and had trouble breathing, especially as a beginner. If you have a decent level of stamina, you should manage it, but do not treat the walk as a slow stroll.

Wear sports shoes. The instructions specifically warn against flip-flops, and that is sensible advice for uneven ground. Water, a hat, sunscreen, and a towel belong in your day bag. You will want your hands free for walking and photographs, so avoid bringing more than you need.

The guide leads the group across the island, which helps keep the schedule on track. The tradeoff is that a group walk has a set pace. If you prefer stopping often, wandering alone, or taking long photographs, this format may feel brisk.

Two and a half hours at the Blue Lagoon

The main stop is the Blue Lagoon, where you have about 2.5 hours of free time. This is enough time to swim, sit by the water, eat lunch, and take photographs without rushing straight back to the boat.

The water is the star attraction. The lagoon is known for its transparent Mediterranean water, and the setting is well suited to a swim. Bring your swimsuit and towel if you plan to get in, plus a dry layer for the boat ride home.

The beach itself is the part that requires realistic expectations. The Blue Lagoon is one of Malta’s best-known sights, and it can be very busy. One person found swimming less enjoyable because there were so many people around. You may have trouble finding a peaceful place to sit, and the water can feel more social than secluded.

That crowd is not a flaw unique to this tour. It is part of visiting Comino’s most famous swimming spot. The tour gives you a well-organized way to reach it, but it cannot make a popular lagoon private.

I would use the free time wisely. Have your lunch early or bring something easy to eat, then swim when you want. Food trucks are generally available, but the organizers recommend bringing your own meal. A sandwich or panini is easier and safer than relying on a queue when your beach time is limited.

The lagoon is also a good place to socialize. The group includes adults from many backgrounds, and the tour is designed around meeting people as well as seeing Malta. If you arrive alone, you are not expected to stay alone. If you arrive with friends, you can still use the free time at your own pace.

A social tour, not a silent escape

English Cafe Malta attracts an international crowd of expats, English students, Erasmus participants, interns, volunteers, digital nomads, Maltese locals, and tourists. That mix shapes the experience as much as the scenery does.

You should book this if you like sharing a bus, boat, and island walk with other adults. The atmosphere is intended to be welcoming, and all nationalities are invited. It is a useful way to meet people if you have just arrived in Malta or are staying on your own.

The tour language is English. A French-speaking host was also available on one outing, which was a real help to French-speaking participants. No guide names are provided, so you should not book expecting a particular named guide. The important point is that the organizing team leads the walk and handles the logistics.

There is a clear age limit. The experience is not suitable for children under 18, so it is aimed at an adult social crowd. It is also not suitable for people with mobility impairments. The route includes a walk across Comino, and the organizers expect you to have a decent level of stamina.

What the $34 price covers

At $34 per person, the price is reasonable if you want transport arranged from Sliema and prefer a private boat connection rather than planning the day yourself. You receive private bus transport, private boat rides, a guided island walk, and coordination from the starting point until the return.

The cost does not include food or drinks. That is easy to handle, but budget for your own lunch and water. You should also bring sunscreen and any other beach supplies you need.

There is one price detail worth checking carefully. The event information lists a launching early bird rate of €20 for online tickets, while the supplied booking price is $34. These may reflect different booking stages or current pricing, so check the live availability page before you commit. Do not assume the lower promotional rate will still be available.

The value is strongest for people who want convenience and company. If you are comfortable arranging your own bus or ferry and spending the whole day at the lagoon, you may find a self-planned outing more flexible. If you want a prepared day with a private ride and a group leader, the price makes more sense.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later. Those terms are helpful when your Malta plans are still changing. Check the conditions shown at booking before relying on them.

The ride back to Sliema

After the Blue Lagoon, the group takes another 30-minute speedboat ride, followed by the one-hour private bus journey to Sliema. The expected return is around 5:00 PM, and the activity ends back at Burger King.

The return schedule gives you a full day without turning the outing into a late-night commitment. You have time to enjoy the lagoon, but you should not expect extra stops on the way home.

This final transfer is also where the group format becomes useful. You do not need to find the right boat departure or arrange a ride back from Comino. The team coordinates the return, which removes a fair amount of holiday-day stress.

What to pack for this particular day

Pack light, but do not leave out the basics. You will need items for a walk, a boat ride, and a swim, all in one outing.

• Water and a meal, such as a sandwich or panini
• Swimsuit and towel
• Sports shoes for the Comino walk
• Hat and sunscreen
• A jacket for wind or cooler weather
• Anything you need to keep valuables dry

Alcohol and drugs are not allowed, and littering is prohibited. These rules matter on a small island where rubbish and careless behavior quickly affect the setting.

Flip-flops are a poor choice for the hike. Wear proper shoes from the start and keep them on until you reach the swimming area. You can pack lighter footwear if you want, but the walking shoes should be easy to use on uneven ground.

The main strengths and limitations

The tour’s strongest point is its organization. The bus, boat, walk, lagoon time, and return are arranged in a clear seven-hour plan. You can focus on the day instead of solving each transport step yourself.

The social side is another major plus. The group can include people from across Malta’s international community, and the organizers aim to welcome solo participants as well as friends. The French-speaking host available on one outing also shows some flexibility in the team.

The main limitation is the Blue Lagoon itself. Clear water does not mean calm or empty water. Crowds may make swimming and sitting less relaxing, especially during a busy period.

The walking pace is the other consideration. The trail is short and described as easy, but one person found it fast enough to cause difficulty. If you are unsure about your stamina, ask the organizer about the pace before booking.

Should you book the Comino and Blue Lagoon trip?

Book it if you want a convenient day from Sliema, enjoy speedboat travel, like meeting an international adult crowd, and are happy with a short, brisk walk. The private transport and group coordination are especially useful if you are new to Malta or traveling alone.

Think twice if your ideal Blue Lagoon visit means quiet water, plenty of personal space, or a relaxed independent schedule. The lagoon may be crowded, and the group walk follows a set timetable.

For the best chance of enjoying it, bring your own lunch, wear proper shoes, arrive early at the Sliema meeting point, and check the current ticket price. This is a practical, social way to see Comino and swim at Malta’s famous lagoon, as long as you accept that the most famous places are rarely peaceful.

FAQ

Where does the tour start and finish?

The tour starts at the doors of Burger King in Sliema and returns to the same meeting point.

What time does the activity begin?

The meeting time is 9:45 AM, and the activity officially starts at 10:00 AM. The expected return is around 5:00 PM.

How long does the tour last?

The full experience lasts about seven hours.

Is food included?

No. Food and drinks are not included. You should bring water and a meal, such as a sandwich or panini. Food trucks are generally available at the location.

What should I wear and bring?

Bring sports shoes, a hat, sunscreen, swimwear, a towel, water, food, and a jacket in case it is windy or cold.

Is the tour suitable for children or people with mobility impairments?

No. The activity is not suitable for children under 18 or for people with mobility impairments.

Can I cancel or pay later?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Reserve now and pay later is also available, subject to the terms shown when you book.