From Sliema: Full-Day Cruise to Comino and the Blue Lagoon

Comino’s Blue Lagoon is the star here: clear turquoise water, a pale sandy bottom, and plenty of space for swimming and snorkeling. You get a full day on the water for $34, with a comfortable boat, toilets, a bar, and air conditioning when the sun gets too strong.

I like the simple plan and the long stop. You are not rushed from one sight to another, and you can spend your time in the water or stretched out on deck. The main catch is that the boat can be crowded, and some departures spend a large part of the day cruising or making additional stops instead of giving you the full advertised time at the lagoon.

Key points to know before booking

• Blue Lagoon time is the main event: Plan on swimming, snorkeling, and taking photos rather than a guided island tour.
• The boat leaves Sliema at 10:30 AM: Arrive by 10:00 AM at the ferry terminal opposite McDonald’s.
• Comino now requires a free walking ticket: From May 1, 2025, you need a QR code for the 1:30 to 5:30 PM access slot.
• Snorkeling gear costs extra: Bring your own equipment or rent a mask and tube onboard.
• Top-deck seating may cost €10 extra: Sunbeds can be purchased onboard, subject to availability.
• The boat returns to Sliema at 6:30 PM: Keep track of the boat’s departure point so you do not get left behind.

The Sliema departure at 10:30 AM

Your day begins at the Sliema ferry terminal, not Valletta. The meeting point is opposite McDonald’s, and you should be there by 10:00 AM. That extra half-hour matters, since the boat may be busy and the departure point can be confusing if you arrive at the last minute.

The listed schedule runs from 10:30 AM to 6:30 PM. On paper, that gives you eight hours from Sliema and back. In practice, the time at Comino can vary. Some departures have taken more than two hours to reach the lagoon because of stops at St. Paul’s Bay or passenger drop-offs in Gozo, followed by another stop on the return.

That is the first thing I would clarify before booking: is the boat going directly to the Blue Lagoon, and how long will it remain there? The advertised goal is maximum lagoon time, but the actual schedule can depend on how the operator combines passengers and routes.

The boat provides commentary in English during the cruise. The amount of information can vary, but you should receive basic explanations of the route and sights along the way. This is not a private guide-led outing, and no individual guide names are provided, so book it for the sea day rather than for detailed personal guiding.

The cruise across Malta’s northern waters

The cruise itself is part of the day, not just transportation. You can watch Malta’s coast from the boat, sit in the air-conditioned interior, or head to the upper deck for sun and open air.

The boat has a bar and toilet facilities, which makes the long ride easier. Snacks, beverages, and food can be bought onboard, but you should not assume that everything is included in the $34 price. The information is not fully consistent about lunch, and one food option may not include a vegetarian sandwich. If you have dietary needs, ask before ordering or bring a suitable snack.

A crowded boat changes the feel of the trip. You may find limited seating, long lines at the bar, and less room to move around during the busiest parts of the day. If having a sunbed or a quieter place to sit matters to you, ask about the optional top-deck area. Several people paid an extra €10 for upper-deck sunbeds and felt the added space and sunshine were worthwhile.

I would treat the boat as a practical day vessel, not a luxury yacht. It has useful facilities and protection from the heat, but the value comes from reaching Comino affordably and giving you a full day by the sea.

Arriving at Comino’s Blue Lagoon

The Blue Lagoon sits between Comino and Cominotto, where pale sand beneath the water helps create the famous turquoise color. The basin is especially appealing for swimming because the water is clear and calm enough for easy photos and relaxed time in the sea.

Snorkeling is the better reason to bring equipment. The area has marine life, and clear water lets you see more than you would from the shore. Snorkeling equipment is not included, though it can be rented onboard for an extra charge. If you already own a mask and tube, pack them and avoid another queue and fee.

The lagoon is beautiful, but it is not quiet or empty. Comino is one of Malta’s best-known swimming stops, and the shore can become very crowded. You will see plenty of people taking photos, buying drinks, and looking for a place to sit. That does not spoil the water itself, but it does mean you should not expect a private cove.

Bring a towel, swimsuit, and strong sunscreen. Closed shoes are a smart extra if you plan to walk over the rocks. An umbrella may also be useful, since shade can be limited. Umbrellas have been available for rent onboard, with a deposit system that returns part of the cost when the umbrella is brought back.

How much time will you actually get in the water?

This is the most important value question. The advertised cruise lasts eight hours, but that does not necessarily mean eight hours at the Blue Lagoon.

Some departures provide roughly three to four hours at Comino. Others have reached the lagoon around 12:45 PM after leaving Sliema at 10:30 AM, then departed around 4:15 PM and arrived back after 6:00 PM. That leaves about three and a half hours at the lagoon and roughly four hours spent on the boat.

For some people, that balance works well. You get a scenic cruise, air conditioning, toilets, and a chance to rest between swims. For others, especially anyone booking this strictly for beach time, the long transit will feel like a poor trade.

I like the flexibility of the format. You can swim, snorkel, sit in the sun, eat, and take a break without being pushed along by a guide. Still, you should ask at the Sliema departure point how much time is planned at Comino. If the answer is vague, prepare for a shorter lagoon stop.

The new Comino access rule

From May 1, 2025, you need a free ticket to walk on Comino. You must obtain it online at blcomino.com before the trip and select the 1:30 PM to 5:30 PM slot.

You will receive a QR code, which Comino officials scan when you arrive. Without that code, you may not be allowed to walk onto the island. You can still swim beside the boat, but that is a major limitation if you want to reach the shore, find a place to sit, buy something, or explore on foot.

Do not leave this step until you are standing on the boat. Keep the QR code easy to access on your phone. The free ticket does not add to the tour price, but forgetting it could cut your day down to swimming from or near the boat.

The access period also helps explain why the schedule matters. Your planned time at Comino overlaps with the required afternoon slot, so you need to confirm that the boat’s arrival and departure fit within it.

Food, drinks, and optional extras

The $34 price covers the cruise, English commentary, and access to the boat’s bar and toilets. It does not cover snorkeling equipment, and drinks and snacks are generally extra.

You may find sandwiches and other food for sale onboard. One option has not suited vegetarian passengers, so I would bring a backup if you do not eat meat. Bringing your own water and a snack can also save time, especially when the bar line is long.

The optional top-deck sunbeds cost about €10 according to the available information. That is not essential, but it may make sense if you want to spend the boat ride in the sun rather than hunt for a seat. Just remember that top-deck comfort does not solve the main issue if the boat is full.

Your basic packing list should include:

• Swimsuit and towel
• Sunscreen
• Water and a snack
• Snorkeling gear, if you have it
• Closed shoes for rocky ground
• Phone access to your Comino QR code

Who will get the best value from this cruise?

I would recommend this trip to you if your priority is a low-cost day at the Blue Lagoon and you are happy with a shared boat. The $34 price is attractive for an eight-hour outing, especially when compared with arranging separate transport to Comino and paying for food or equipment on your own.

It suits swimmers, casual snorkelers, couples, families, and anyone who wants an easy way to reach the lagoon from Sliema. You do not need a full sightseeing program. The day is built around water, sun, and views from the boat.

It is less suitable if you dislike crowds, want a quiet beach, need a carefully timed itinerary, or expect a small-group cruise. It is also not suitable for wheelchair users. If you want detailed guiding, the English commentary may feel too light.

The trip can work for older children who are comfortable around open water, but the supplied information does not specify child supervision or special facilities. You should judge that based on your family’s needs and comfort with swimming near a busy boat.

Returning to Sliema at 6:30 PM

The activity ends where it begins, at the Sliema ferry terminal. The listed return time is 6:30 PM, though actual arrival can run later when the boat has made extra stops or faces delays.

Pay attention to where the boat will collect you at Comino. One important practical problem is that it may not be obvious where to return for the journey back to Sliema. Ask the crew before going ashore, note the boat’s appearance, and return early rather than cutting your swim close.

This is especially important because the Blue Lagoon has several boats and a busy shoreline. A few minutes spent getting clear instructions can prevent a stressful end to an otherwise pleasant day.

Is the $34 price fair?

For $34, this is a strong value if you see it as transport to Comino plus several hours at the Blue Lagoon. The boat facilities add comfort, and the long schedule gives you time to swim more than once, dry off, eat, and try snorkeling.

The price becomes less impressive if your boat spends four hours cruising and only three hours at the lagoon. Add snorkeling rental, drinks, food, an umbrella, and perhaps €10 for a top-deck sunbed, and the final cost can rise quickly.

Still, the core attraction costs nothing once you arrive: clear water, swimming, and the view between Comino and Cominotto. I would book it for convenience and access, not for included meals or a polished luxury service.

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure and the reserve-now-pay-later option make the booking more flexible. Those terms are useful if your Malta plans may shift, but they do not change the need to check the meeting point and Comino access ticket.

Should you book the Sliema to Blue Lagoon cruise?

Book this cruise if you want an affordable, straightforward day on the water and can accept a crowded boat, paid extras, and a possibly long journey to Comino. The Blue Lagoon itself is worth seeing, and the chance to spend several hours swimming and snorkeling gives the trip its value.

Think twice if you want guaranteed maximum time at the lagoon or a peaceful shore. Before you commit, confirm the route, ask how long the boat will remain at Comino, get the free QR code for the 1:30 to 5:30 PM access slot, and arrive at Sliema by 10:00 AM.

For a first visit to Malta, this is an easy way to see one of the country’s most famous swimming spots. Just book with realistic expectations: beautiful water, shared transport, and a busy day rather than a private escape.

FAQ

Where does the cruise depart from?

It departs from the Sliema ferry terminal, opposite McDonald’s. It does not depart from Valletta. You should arrive by 10:00 AM for the 10:30 AM departure.

What time does the cruise return?

The scheduled return is 6:30 PM at the Sliema ferry terminal. Actual arrival may vary if the boat makes additional stops or encounters delays.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

No. Snorkeling equipment is available to rent onboard for an additional cost. You can also bring your own mask and tube.

Do I need a ticket to walk on Comino?

From May 1, 2025, you need a free online ticket to walk on Comino. Select the 1:30 PM to 5:30 PM slot and keep the QR code available for scanning on arrival.

Are food and drinks included?

The boat has a bar and sells snacks, beverages, and food. The provided information does not clearly establish that all food is included, so bring a snack or budget for onboard purchases. A vegetarian sandwich may not be available.

Is the cruise suitable for wheelchair users?

No. The activity is listed as not suitable for wheelchair users.