Coastal Ferry Cruise to The Blue Lagoon (Comino Island)

The big draw here is simple: you cross Malta’s northern coast by modern catamaran, then spend several hours at Comino’s famous Blue Lagoon. The water is remarkably clear, and you can swim, sunbathe, snorkel, or walk beyond the main bay before returning by boat.

I like the choice of departure points, either Sliema or Buġibba Jetty in St. Paul’s Bay, and I like having air-conditioning, toilets, and Wi-Fi on a boat that takes most of the day. The main caution is the sea crossing. Some recent departures have been very fast and rough, causing widespread seasickness, while the lagoon itself can feel crowded in high summer.

Key points to know

• Two useful departure points: Leave from Sliema Ferries or Buġibba Jetty, depending on the option you book.
• A full day on Comino: Plan on 7 to 7.5 hours from departure to return, with free time rather than a guided schedule.
• Blue Lagoon access now requires planning: Since May 2025, you need a government access pass to go ashore at the Blue Lagoon.
• The boat is comfortable but not always gentle: The catamaran has air-conditioning, toilets, Wi-Fi, and crew assistance, but rough seas can be unpleasant.
• The caves cost extra: An optional motorboat trip to the Comino Caves and Crystal Lagoon costs about €15 per person, paid locally.
• Good value for an independent day out: At $35 per person, the cruise covers transport and sightseeing, but food, drinks, entry fees, and the cave boat are separate.

A coastal cruise from Sliema or St. Paul’s Bay

This trip begins in the morning at either Sliema Ferries or Buġibba Jetty in St. Paul’s Bay. You need to arrive 15 to 20 minutes before your scheduled departure, since boarding is not the moment to arrive casually with a towel over your shoulder.

The route first follows Malta’s northern coast. From the water, you get a different view of the island’s shoreline and its coastal attractions. The boat also stops briefly at St. Paul’s Bay to collect passengers, so your exact time on board depends on your chosen departure point.

The catamaran is one of the stronger parts of the setup. It is modern, air-conditioned, and fitted with toilets and free Wi-Fi. That matters on a day when you may spend several hours aboard, especially if the sun is fierce or the sea breeze turns cool.

Still, comfort on paper does not guarantee a smooth ride. A few recent departures were described as extremely fast over the waves, with many people feeling sick within the first part of the journey. On another trip, passengers found boarding poorly organized and waited in the sun without clear instructions. I would arrive early, keep your ticket ready, and sit where you feel least affected by motion.

The St. Paul’s Bay and Gozo stops

The St. Paul’s Bay stop is brief and mainly serves as a pickup point. It is not a sightseeing visit, so do not expect time to get off, explore, or buy supplies there.

The boat then pauses at Mġarr Harbour in Gozo to let off passengers continuing their own plans on that island. You remain on the ferry and continue toward Comino. This distinction is important: the fare does not include land transport in Gozo, and this experience is not a Gozo tour.

The route gives you a useful overview of the Maltese islands from the water, but the cruise is transportation with sightseeing along the way, not a narrated coastal excursion. There is no tour guide, and the English-speaking crew is there for boarding and practical assistance rather than for a full commentary.

Arriving at Comino’s Blue Lagoon

The main stop is Comino, Malta’s small, largely car-free island. You step ashore and have free time to decide how to use the day. The famous Blue Lagoon is the obvious first stop, with transparent turquoise water, a pale sandy bottom, and marine life visible in good conditions.

Swimming is the star activity. Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a camera if you want photographs from the shore. The water is especially inviting on a hot day, but the main bay can become very crowded during the summer season.

I would not treat the Blue Lagoon as a quiet beach escape. Its fame brings a large number of people into a small area, and the most popular swimming spots may feel more like a shared public pool than a secluded island cove. You can improve the experience by getting your bearings quickly and walking farther from the busiest part of the bay.

There is also an important new rule. Since May 2025, you must obtain a government-issued access pass in advance to disembark at the Blue Lagoon. The pass is obtained through blcomino.com, and the daily number is limited. When applying for this trip, you need to reserve both the morning and afternoon time slots. Without the official pass, you will not be allowed ashore at the Blue Lagoon.

That pass is not included in the $35 price, and it is your responsibility to arrange it before the cruise. This is the single most important booking detail. Do it early, especially for summer dates, and make sure the date and time match your ferry plans.

Finding more space beyond the main bay

The good news is that Comino offers more than one swimming spot. If the Blue Lagoon feels packed, walk a little farther and look for a quieter place along the coast. The island is small, so you can use your free time to move away from the central crowd rather than spending the entire visit beside the busiest water.

The island also suits people who would rather walk than swim. Paths lead toward St. Mary’s Chapel, St. Mary’s Watch Tower, and St. Mary’s Battery. These sites give you a reason to carry comfortable shoes instead of relying only on flip-flops.

Winter can be a particularly appealing time for walkers and photographers. The sea may not invite a long swim, but Comino has no cars or urban areas, and the open setting is better suited to walking and pictures when the summer rush is gone. The cruise schedule and sea conditions still matter, so check availability before building a winter plan around it.

Because this is free time, you must manage your own day. There is no guide gathering the group for a walk, no formal history talk, and no escorted visit to the island sights. I see that as a benefit if you like freedom, but a drawback if you want context or a carefully planned route.

The optional caves and Crystal Lagoon trip

During your Comino stop, you may be offered a separate motorboat trip to the Comino Caves and Crystal Lagoon. It costs about €15 per person, is paid locally, and only runs when weather and sea conditions are suitable.

This option adds a second layer of water scenery to the day, but it is not part of the base fare. Bring cash, since cash is specifically recommended for the trip, food, drinks, and other purchases. You should also leave room in your schedule and energy for the extra ride rather than assuming it is guaranteed.

If your main aim is to swim and relax, you can skip the motorboat and use the time to explore Comino on foot. If you want to see more coves from the water and do not mind paying extra, the caves may be worth considering.

How the $35 price compares with the experience

At $35 per person, this is a reasonably priced way to reach Comino while adding a coastal cruise. You are paying for the ferry ride, the scenery, crew assistance, and access to a full day of free time on the island. The air-conditioning, toilets, and Wi-Fi make it more comfortable than a bare-bones transfer.

The value depends on what you expect. If you want a simple way to get from Malta to Comino and back, the price is attractive. If you expect a small boat, personal service, a guide, meals, reserved beach space, or a quiet lagoon, the deal looks less generous.

You also need to budget for items outside the fare:

• Food and drinks
• The Blue Lagoon government access pass
• The optional cave and Crystal Lagoon boat, about €15
• Any entry fees for sites
• Hotel pickup and drop-off
• Transport in Gozo

This is not an all-inclusive beach day. It is a transport-and-free-time package, which is exactly why independent visitors may find it useful.

Boarding, comfort, and practical concerns

The operator is Robert Arrigo & Sons Limited, and the advertised host language is English. The crew provides assistance, but this is not a guided tour, so keep your questions focused on departure times, boarding, and the return plan.

Bring only what you need. Oversize luggage, large bags, pets, smoking, and non-folding wheelchairs are not allowed. Comfortable shoes are worthwhile if you plan to walk to the chapel, tower, or battery.

The boat is not a hotel lounge, and a ferry day can expose small weaknesses in organization. On one recent departure, ticket scanning and boarding were described as confused, with passengers waiting in the sun and receiving unclear directions. That does not mean every sailing will be chaotic, but it is a good reason to arrive early and confirm the meeting point shown for your specific booking.

The experience is not suitable for people with mobility impairments or those prone to seasickness. The shore stop, walking paths, boarding arrangements, and movement of the boat can make the day difficult if you need steady, step-free access. If you often feel ill at sea, bring whatever approved remedy you normally use, sit in a position that feels comfortable, and reconsider whether a long ferry ride is a wise use of your day.

Who will enjoy this Comino day trip

I would choose this cruise if you want a straightforward day outside Malta’s towns and prefer to set your own pace. It works well for swimmers, sunbathers, casual snorkelers, photographers, and walkers who do not need a guide.

It is also useful if you are staying near Sliema or St. Paul’s Bay, since you can choose the departure point that saves you the most ground travel. The 7 to 7.5-hour duration gives you enough time for a swim and a walk, though the return schedule means you still need to keep an eye on the clock.

I would think twice if your ideal day means solitude, a quiet beach, or a small-group sailing. The Blue Lagoon is popular for a reason, but popularity brings crowds. I would also avoid this choice if seasickness is a serious concern or if you want a fully organized excursion with a guide and included refreshments.

The overall rating is 4.3 from 64 ratings, which fits the experience’s character. The strongest points are the scenic route, punctual operation on many sailings, helpful crew on some difficult crossings, and the beauty of Comino itself. The weaker points are rough sea conditions, occasional boarding confusion, and the fact that the main lagoon can be heavily crowded.

Should you book the ferry to Comino?

Book it if you want a reasonably priced, independent day at Comino and you are comfortable handling the access pass, food, timing, and optional extras yourself. The modern catamaran and two departure locations are useful, and the Blue Lagoon remains a striking place to swim.

Before paying, secure the government pass for both required time slots. Then check the meeting point, arrive 15 to 20 minutes early, pack light, and bring cash. If you are prone to seasickness or want quiet coastal scenery without crowds, choose a different outing. If you want Malta’s classic Blue Lagoon experience with the freedom to swim or walk as you please, this ferry provides a practical route there.

FAQ

Where does the ferry leave from?

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

How long does the experience last?

The cruise and Comino visit take about 7 to 7.5 hours. Check the available starting times for your chosen date.

Is the Blue Lagoon access pass included?

No. Since May 2025, you must obtain a government-issued pass through blcomino.com before going ashore at the Blue Lagoon. Daily capacity is limited.

Do I need to book more than one access-pass time slot?

Yes. For this ferry trip, you need to book both the morning and afternoon time slots when applying for the Blue Lagoon pass.

Is this a guided tour?

No. You have free time on Comino and explore independently. There is no tour guide, though English-speaking crew and staff provide assistance.

Is the motorboat to the caves included?

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

What should I bring?

Bring comfortable shoes, swimwear, a towel, sunglasses, sunscreen, a camera, and cash. Large bags, oversize luggage, pets, smoking, and non-folding wheelchairs are not allowed.