From Sliema: Comino, Crystal Lagoon, and Blue Lagoon Cruise

The main draw is simple: this is a full day on Malta’s water, with two swimming stops and a long break at Comino’s famous Blue Lagoon. The cruise also gives you broad coastal views, a quick look at Gozo’s Mgarr Harbour, and a close pass by Comino’s sea caves.

I like the 45-minute Crystal Lagoon stop because it can feel calmer and more enjoyable than Blue Lagoon. I also like the boat itself, with several levels, a glass-bottom area, a waterslide, and reasonably priced food and drinks available to buy onboard. The trade-off is crowding, especially on a busy sailing and at Blue Lagoon, which is beautiful but very popular.

Key points to know before you book

• Two chances to swim: Stop at Crystal Lagoon or St. Nicholas Bay from May through October, then spend up to 3.5 hours at Blue Lagoon.
• A full coastal cruise: Pass Sliema Promenade, St. Julian’s Bay, Qawra Bay, St. Paul’s Bay, Mellieha Bay, and St. Paul’s Island.
• Fun onboard features: Use the waterslide, jump from designated areas, and look through the glass-bottom section.
• Gozo is optional: One option includes three hours on Gozo, while the standard plan gives you a brief Mgarr Harbour photo stop.
• The Blue Lagoon is crowded: You get plenty of time there, but the rocky shore and busy water may disappoint anyone seeking quiet.
• Bring cash and swim gear: Food and drinks are not included, and cash is specifically recommended.

What this Sliema cruise is really like

This is not a small, quiet sailing trip. It is a long day cruise designed to combine sightseeing, swimming, sunbathing, and easy access to Malta’s northern islands.

You board at Sliema Ferries 4, looking for the Luzzu Cruises boat, either MV Kataleya or MV Lady Shelley. From there, the boat heads north along Malta’s coast. The trip takes about 7.5 hours in total, so you should think of it as a day at sea rather than a quick transfer to Comino.

The English-speaking captain and crew provide information as the boat passes coastal sights. Announcements may be made in several languages, which is useful if you want context but less appealing if you hoped for a quiet ride with only the sound of the sea.

The boat has several levels where you can sit, move around, and find a place in the sun or shade. It also has a glass-bottom section, a waterslide, and places from which you can enter the water during the swimming stops. The bathroom is kept clean, an important detail on a long boat day.

The northbound route from Sliema

The first part is a sightseeing cruise along Malta’s northern coast. You pass St. Julian’s Bay, St. George’s Bay, Qawra Bay, St. Paul’s Bay, and Mellieha Bay. These are mostly passing views rather than shore visits, so keep your camera ready and do not expect time to walk around each place.

St. Paul’s Island appears offshore as the boat moves through St. Paul’s Bay. The island is tied to the traditional account of Saint Paul’s arrival in Malta, but this trip gives you a view from the water rather than a historical visit.

This section is useful because it lets you see how Malta’s resort coast, open bays, and rocky northern shore connect. It also gives you time to settle into the boat before the swimming begins.

If you are prone to seasickness, pay attention during this part of the trip. One passenger who normally does not suffer from motion sickness found rough water uncomfortable on the outward journey and recommended taking medication if needed. The cruise runs in rain or shine, although the captain can change the route or stops when weather conditions require it.

Mgarr Harbour gives you a quick Gozo glimpse

The boat reaches Mgarr Harbour on Gozo for a five-minute photo stop in the standard arrangement. It is a short pause, so you will have time to take pictures but not to explore the harbor or town.

Some departures offer an alternate Gozo plan. With this option, you get about three hours of free time on Gozo, followed by around 1.5 hours at Comino’s Blue Lagoon. Optional land transport to Victoria can be purchased onboard for €5 per person.

This choice matters. Gozo is not a small add-on you can properly see in half an hour. If you want time on the island, choose the Gozo option and accept the shorter Blue Lagoon stop. If your priority is swimming, sun, and Comino, staying onboard is the better use of your day.

For many people, the standard plan works well because it keeps the day focused on the water. You can visit Gozo separately if you want a fuller look at the island.

Crystal Lagoon is the best swimming stop for many people

From May 1 through October 31, and only when conditions allow, the boat stops at the Crystal Lagoon area or St. Nicholas Bay for about 45 minutes.

This is one of the strongest parts of the experience. The water is clear and inviting, and you can swim, snorkel, or use the boat’s waterslide. Several levels of the boat give you different ways to enter the sea, including jumping from designated spots and sliding straight into the water.

The Crystal Lagoon area can be more enjoyable than Blue Lagoon because the stop is shorter and the mood is more focused on swimming. It also gives you a chance to get into the water before the longer Comino break.

Bring your own goggles or snorkel if you have them. Snorkels may also be available to hire, but the trip specifically advises bringing your own equipment. Wear your swimwear under your clothes so you are ready when the boat stops.

The 45-minute limit passes quickly. You will not have time for a long snorkel session, a leisurely meal, and extended sunbathing. Get changed before the stop and keep your gear close.

From November through April, this stop is not offered. During those months, the boat stops at Blue Lagoon only, so the experience becomes more dependent on the weather, water conditions, and the crowd at Comino.

Blue Lagoon offers time, color, and crowds

The Blue Lagoon stop lasts about 3.5 hours on the main option. That is enough time to swim, snorkel, sunbathe, explore parts of Comino, and buy food or drinks on the island.

The water is the star. It is turquoise and clear, with fish visible in the shallows. The boat’s long stop means you do not need to rush straight back onboard after one swim. You can split your time between the water, the rocky shore, and a snack break.

The downside is the Blue Lagoon’s popularity. You should expect a busy setting, crowded water, and limited peace during the central part of the day. The shore is rocky, not a wide sandy beach, so comfortable footwear is useful when walking around Comino.

Food trucks, refreshments, and beach chairs are available at Blue Lagoon, but these cost extra. Prices onboard are described as reasonable, and buying lunch on the boat may offer better value than waiting until you reach the lagoon. Bring cash, since it is listed among the recommended items.

A practical point is easy to miss: to get off the boat at Comino Blue Lagoon, you must register for a free QR code at www.blcomino.com and select the afternoon slot from 13:31 to 17:30. Check this before your sailing. The code is free, but the registration is part of the current access arrangement.

Comino caves finish the day on a scenic note

On the return journey, the boat stops near Comino’s sea caves, including the Santa Maria Caves, for about ten minutes. This is a photo stop and short visit rather than an extended cave tour.

The caves are best appreciated from the boat, where you can see the openings, rock walls, and changing color of the water. Have your camera ready because the pause is brief.

This final stop breaks up the return voyage and gives you one more view of Comino beyond the swimming areas. It also means you are not simply retracing the route without anything new to see.

The boat’s slide and layout add real value

The waterslide is not the main reason to book this cruise, but it adds a playful touch that makes the day work well for families and groups of friends. You can also enter the water from the rear of the boat and from an upper level, using the designated areas.

The boat has three levels, including a glass-bottom deck. You can move around during the cruise instead of sitting in one fixed place for the whole day. That matters on a 7.5-hour outing, especially when you want to switch between shade, sun, views, and swimming access.

The boat can feel crowded. If you want a good seat for the return journey, claim one early rather than assuming you can find the same spot later. On a full sailing, movement around the deck may be less comfortable, and the Blue Lagoon itself adds another layer of crowding.

This is also not a luxury yacht experience. You are paying for transport, access to several swimming locations, coastal views, and a full day of activities. The boat is practical and entertaining, but you should not expect a private or silent cruise.

Food, drinks, and what to pack

Food and drinks are not included in the $40 price. You can buy snacks and drinks onboard, and the available prices are described as reasonable. You can also purchase food at Blue Lagoon, although bringing cash gives you more flexibility.

Pack lightly but prepare for both a boat day and a beach stop:

• Comfortable shoes for Comino’s rocky ground
• Towel and beachwear
• Camera
• Cash
• Goggles or snorkel if you have them
• Motion sickness medication if rough water affects you

Alcohol and drugs are not allowed. The boat runs in changing weather, so a light extra layer may also be useful, though the supplied details do not promise any particular onboard shelter or seating arrangement.

The best small tip is to wear your swimwear beneath your clothes. You will be ready for the Crystal Lagoon stop without searching through a crowded bag or waiting for a changing area.

Who will get the most from this day

I would recommend this cruise to you if you want a simple, good-value day on the water without arranging separate transport to Comino. Families can use the slide and swimming stops, couples can enjoy the coastal views and long Blue Lagoon break, and groups of friends can make a full day of swimming and sunbathing.

It also suits you if you want to see several Maltese bays from the sea. The route provides more than a direct boat transfer, with views of Sliema, St. Julian’s, St. Paul’s Bay, Mellieha Bay, Gozo, and Comino.

You may want a different experience if your main goal is solitude, a quiet sail, or a detailed visit to Gozo. The boat may be crowded, announcements can continue throughout the trip, and Blue Lagoon is one of Malta’s busiest water stops.

For Gozo, choose the option with three hours ashore. For swimming, stay onboard for the standard plan and take advantage of the Crystal Lagoon stop and longer Blue Lagoon time.

Is the $40 price good value?

At $40 per person, the value is strong if you use the whole day. The fare includes the cruise from Sliema, the coastal sightseeing route, Mgarr Harbour, the seasonal Crystal Lagoon or St. Nicholas Bay stop, Blue Lagoon, Comino caves, and the waterslide.

You are also getting a boat with several decks and a glass-bottom section, plus the convenience of spending one day at Malta’s most famous swimming locations without arranging separate ferries.

Extra costs include food, drinks, beach chairs, any snorkel hire, and the optional €5 land transport to Victoria on the Gozo version. Those expenses are easy to control if you bring your own towel, snorkel, and cash for only what you need.

The value drops if you dislike crowded boats or plan to spend the whole day quietly reading. It rises sharply if you want a mix of sightseeing, swimming, photographs, and relaxed time beside clear water.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. The activity is not suitable for wheelchair users. Departure is from Sliema Ferries 4, and the boat returns to the same meeting point unless weather conditions force a change.

Should you book this Comino cruise?

Book it if you want a full, active day with two possible swimming stops, a waterslide, coastal views, and several hours at Blue Lagoon for $40. The Crystal Lagoon stop is particularly worthwhile when it is running, and the cave visit adds a scenic finish.

Choose the Gozo option only if three hours on Gozo matters more to you than extended time at Comino. Otherwise, stay onboard after the short Mgarr Harbour photo stop.

I would skip it if crowds, boat announcements, or rocky swimming areas will spoil the day for you. For everyone else, this is an efficient way to combine Malta’s northern coast, Comino’s clear water, and a taste of Gozo in one outing.

FAQ

Where does the cruise leave from?

The cruise departs from Sliema Ferries 4. Look for the Luzzu Cruises boat, either MV Kataleya or MV Lady Shelley.

How long does the experience last?

The cruise lasts 7.5 hours. Starting times vary, so check availability when booking.

Is the cruise conducted in English?

Yes. The host or greeter language is English.

Does the cruise stop at Crystal Lagoon?

From May 1 through October 31, the boat stops at the Crystal Lagoon area or St. Nicholas Bay for about 45 minutes, weather permitting.

Does the cruise visit Crystal Lagoon in winter?

No. From November through April, the boat stops at Blue Lagoon only.

How long do I get at Blue Lagoon?

The main option includes about 3.5 hours at Blue Lagoon. The Gozo option includes around 1.5 hours at Blue Lagoon after three hours of free time on Gozo.

Can I spend time on Gozo?

Yes, depending on the option you book. The Gozo option gives you about three hours of free time. Optional land transport to Victoria can be purchased onboard for €5 per person.

Is food included?

No. Food and drinks are available to purchase onboard, and refreshments are also available at Blue Lagoon.

Do I need a QR code for Blue Lagoon?

Yes. To get off the boat at Comino Blue Lagoon, register for a free QR code at www.blcomino.com and select the afternoon slot from 13:31 to 17:30.

Is the cruise suitable for wheelchair users?

No. The activity is not suitable for wheelchair users.