From Sliema: Comino Island and Blue Lagoon Cruise

Comino’s Blue Lagoon is the main event: clear turquoise water, a pale seabed, and a long stretch of time to swim or simply sit in the sun. The cruise also gives you fine views of Malta’s northern coast, Gozo’s Mġarr Harbour, and Comino’s sea caves.

I like the unusually long stop at Comino, and I like the optional summer swim stop at Crystal Lagoon, where the boat may open its water slide. The main catch is simple: Blue Lagoon is very busy in summer, and you must arrange a government access pass yourself before you can step ashore.

Key points to know before you book

• Three and a half hours at Comino: Enough time for a swim, lunch, photos, and a walk to Comino’s chapel, watch tower, or battery.
• A scenic route from Sliema: You pass St. Julian’s Bay, St. George’s Bay, St. Paul’s Bay, St. Paul’s Island, and Mellieħa Bay.
• Seasonal Crystal Lagoon stop: From May to October, weather permitting, you may get about 45 minutes for swimming and snorkeling.
• Blue Lagoon access pass required: Apply through blcomino.com and select the afternoon slot for this cruise.
• A lively, practical boat day: Toilets, crew assistance, food and drinks for purchase, and a water slide are included, but there is no hotel transfer or tour guide.
• Best for active swimmers: It is less suitable if you dislike boats, suffer from motion sickness, or need step-free access.

Sliema departure and the long northern Malta cruise

The day begins at the Sliema Ferries in the morning. You should arrive early enough to find your boat and secure a seat, since one useful tip is to arrive about 30 minutes ahead of departure, especially in the busy summer months.

The trip lasts about 7.5 hours, commonly running from roughly 10:00 to 17:30, though you need to check the exact departure time when booking. This is a full day on the water, not a quick transfer to Comino.

The first part is a sightseeing cruise along Malta’s northeastern shore. You will see the Sliema promenade, St. Julian’s Bay, St. George’s Bay, St. Paul’s Bay, St. Paul’s Island, and Mellieħa Bay. Commentary comes over the public address system in English.

This route adds real value to the day. If you only take a fast ferry to Comino, you miss the changing views of Malta’s built-up shoreline, open bays, and rocky coast. The commentary is not the same as having a personal guide beside you, though. It is general information delivered over the boat’s speakers, and some of it may be translated into other languages.

The boat also makes a brief photo stop at Mġarr Harbour in Gozo to let off people ending their journey there. You do not get a proper tour of Gozo on this booking, but the harbour gives you a quick look at the island’s attractive port before the boat continues toward Comino.

Arriving at Comino and planning your 3.5 hours

Comino covers only about 3.5 square kilometers and has no cars or urban development. That makes it a useful change of pace from Malta’s busier resort areas. The island feels spare and open, with rocky paths, low vegetation, small bays, and broad sea views.

You get approximately 3.5 hours at Comino. That is the strongest feature of this trip. You are not rushed into a 30-minute swim and back onto the boat. You can divide the stop between the water and the island itself.

The exact order of your time depends on the boat’s operating plan and the conditions at the Blue Lagoon. The stop is free time rather than a guided walk, so you must manage your own schedule and keep track of the return time.

If you want to swim, head for the water early. In summer, the Blue Lagoon can fill with boats and people, and the boat may need to stop farther from the shore. One practical benefit of the long stay is that you can wait for a slightly quieter moment, find a spot, and still have time for a walk.

If you prefer land to swimming, use part of the stop for Comino’s trails. Routes lead toward St. Mary’s Chapel, St. Mary’s Watch Tower, and St. Mary’s Battery. Wear comfortable shoes, since the island is better suited to walking shoes or sturdy sandals than bare feet.

What the Blue Lagoon is really like

The Blue Lagoon earns its fame through its water. The sea is clear and turquoise, with a pale sandy seabed that makes the color look especially bright in good weather. It is excellent for swimming, floating, and snorkeling close to the rocky edges.

The setting is beautiful, but you should not expect a private beach. During the warmer months, the lagoon is crowded with boats, sun-seekers, and people standing or swimming in the shallow water. Shade is limited, and one available option is to rent a beach umbrella and chair for an additional fee.

The lagoon is best understood as a famous swimming stop, not a quiet wilderness beach. That distinction matters. If your main goal is to get into strikingly clear water, you will likely be pleased. If your ideal day involves a silent cove and an empty shore, this trip may feel too busy in summer.

Bring your own towel, swimwear, sunscreen, and cash. Food and drinks are not included, though you can buy them on the boat or at food and drink vans on the island. You can also use a credit card for some purchases, but carrying cash is still sensible because cash is specifically recommended for the trip.

Jellyfish can be present in the sea, so pay attention before swimming. The water slide is another fun feature, but it is part of the boat experience, not a separate attraction at the Blue Lagoon.

Crystal Lagoon or St. Nicholas Bay from May to October

From May through October, if the weather allows, the itinerary includes an extra 45-minute stop at either Crystal Lagoon or St. Nicholas Bay. This is one of the best reasons to choose this cruise instead of a basic Comino transfer.

Crystal Lagoon is framed by cliffs and sea caves. The boat may stop offshore and let you swim or snorkel from the deck. Some departures also use the water slide, allowing you to enter the sea directly from the boat.

The stop can be particularly enjoyable for confident swimmers. You may be in open water rather than stepping onto a beach, so you should be comfortable getting in and out of the sea from the boat. The water slide adds a playful touch, and the short stop keeps the pace lively.

St. Nicholas Bay offers a gentler alternative. It has two small sandy beaches and calm, shallow water. The provider chooses between Crystal Lagoon and St. Nicholas Bay according to conditions and the operating plan, so you cannot count on one particular stop.

This seasonal stop also explains why the experience can feel different at different times of year. In summer, you get more swimming variety and the chance to use the slide. In autumn and winter, the focus shifts toward the cruise, walking, photography, and the Blue Lagoon area.

The return cruise and Comino’s sea caves

After your free time on Comino, the boat heads back toward Sliema. The return route includes views of Comino’s sea caves, which are best appreciated from the water.

You can photograph the openings in the cliffs and see how the sea has cut into Comino’s rocky shore. Conditions affect how close the boat can go, and the operator may change the route if weather or other operating problems make that necessary.

The return ride is also a good time to rest. This is a long day, and the sun, swimming, and wind can wear you out. Toilets are available on board, and the crew can assist with general needs during the trip.

The crew and captain have received especially strong praise for being friendly, helpful, organized, and safety-conscious. The boat called Katalaya is specifically mentioned in one account, along with an enthusiastic captain and crew. You should expect a well-run sightseeing boat rather than a private charter or a formal guided excursion.

How much value do you get for $41?

At $41 per person, this is a strong-value way to combine transport, coastal sightseeing, Comino time, and a possible second swim stop. You are getting a full day rather than a short boat ride, and the 3.5 hours at the island gives you room to set your own pace.

The value is highest if you plan to swim or snorkel. The longer Comino stop and seasonal Crystal Lagoon visit give you several chances to enjoy the water. The boat’s slide, toilets, commentary, and crew assistance also make the day easier than arranging separate transport and beach time yourself.

The price is less compelling if you do not swim and dislike sitting on a boat for long periods. One part of the day can feel lengthy if your main interest is sightseeing on land. A shorter private boat might suit you better if you want a quieter experience or a more flexible route, but it will not usually offer the same simple, low-cost full-day format.

Food and drinks are extra, as are any chair or umbrella rentals. There is no hotel pickup, so you must make your own way to the Sliema Ferries. There is also no personal guide to lead you around Comino.

The Blue Lagoon access pass is essential

Since May 2025, anyone who wants to disembark ashore at the Blue Lagoon must obtain a government-issued access pass in advance. You arrange this independently through the official website, blcomino.com.

Passes are limited, so do not leave this until the morning of your cruise. For this particular sailing, choose the afternoon time slot when applying. If you arrive without the required pass, you may be unable to leave the boat at the Blue Lagoon, and no refund is issued for that reason.

This rule is separate from the cruise booking. Paying for the boat does not arrange the pass for you. Check the official website and your booking details carefully before departure.

Who will enjoy this boat day most?

I would choose this trip for a first visit to Malta when I wanted one easy day covering several highlights without organizing separate ferries, beaches, and coastal stops.

It suits:

• Swimmers and snorkelers who want clear water and several possible swim locations.
• Couples, solo visitors, and families who appreciate free time instead of a fixed guided schedule.
• Photographers who want Malta coast views, Comino trails, sea caves, and seasonal color in the water.
• People looking for a reasonably priced full-day outing from Sliema.
• Active families, including those traveling with young children, provided everyone can manage the boat and island access.

I would think twice if you have a mobility impairment, use a wheelchair, or are prone to seasickness or motion sickness. The boat ride is long, the island stop is not presented as step-free, and the swim stops require comfort around the water.

The atmosphere can lean young in summer. It is not described as a party or booze cruise, but a teen and twenties crowd may be part of the mix. That is fine if you want an energetic day. If you want peace and quiet, consider an autumn or winter sailing, when Comino is better suited to walking and photography.

What to bring and how to make the day better

Pack light. Oversize luggage and large bags are not allowed, and you have little reason to bring anything beyond your day’s essentials.

Bring:

• Swimwear and a towel
• Sunscreen
• Comfortable shoes
• Cash
• A phone or camera for the coast, caves, and Comino trails

Arrive early if you want a better seat. Keep your belongings organized, and listen closely when the crew explains departure times and meeting points. One practical warning from the operating experience is that the boat may move away during a swim stop to collect or manage other people, so listen carefully before leaving bags on board.

The provider can alter the route because of weather or unforeseen operating constraints. Crystal Lagoon or St. Nicholas Bay is not guaranteed, and conditions may also affect the cave viewing.

Should you book this Comino cruise?

Book it if you want a good-value, full-day combination of Malta coast scenery, Blue Lagoon swimming, and flexible time on Comino. The long island stop, friendly crew, clean boat, water slide, and possible Crystal Lagoon visit give it more substance than a simple ferry transfer.

Do not book it expecting solitude, a private beach, or a guided walking tour. Summer brings crowds, shade is limited, and the Blue Lagoon access pass is now your responsibility.

For most active visitors staying in Sliema, this is a practical choice at $41. Apply for the pass early, arrive about 30 minutes ahead, bring sun protection and cash, and treat the Blue Lagoon as a beautiful but busy swimming stop. That approach will give you the best chance of enjoying the day.

FAQ

How long does the Comino and Blue Lagoon cruise last?

The cruise lasts 7.5 hours. You get approximately 3.5 hours on Comino, including time at the Blue Lagoon.

Where does the cruise leave from?

The tour departs from the Sliema Ferries in the morning. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

Is a Blue Lagoon access pass required?

Yes. Since May 2025, anyone disembarking ashore at the Blue Lagoon must obtain a government-issued pass in advance through blcomino.com.

Which access pass time should I choose?

For this cruise, select the afternoon slot when applying for the Blue Lagoon access pass.

Is the access pass included in the cruise price?

No. You arrange and obtain the government pass yourself. The $41 cruise price does not include it.

Is there a swim stop besides the Blue Lagoon?

From May to October, weather permitting, the cruise includes an additional 45-minute stop at either Crystal Lagoon or St. Nicholas Bay.

Can I buy food and drinks during the trip?

Food and drinks are not included, but you can buy them on the boat or from snack and drink vans on Comino.

Is this a guided tour?

No. Commentary is provided over the boat’s public address system, but stops are free time and there is no personal tour guide.

Is the cruise suitable for wheelchair users?

No. The activity is not considered suitable for wheelchair users or people with mobility impairments. It is also not recommended for people prone to seasickness or motion sickness.