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 room for swimming and snorkeling beside the boat. I like the long operating day and the simple plan, which gives you a practical way to reach Malta’s most famous swimming spot without arranging separate transport.

I also like the comfortable boat, with air-conditioning, toilets, a bar, snacks, and an upper deck. At $34 per person, it can be good value for a full day on the water. The catch is timing: combined routes and extra stops can cut your time at the lagoon to about three or four hours, and the boat may feel crowded.

Key points to know before booking

• Blue Lagoon time: The main aim is swimming and snorkeling in Comino’s clear water, though actual lagoon time can vary.
• Sliema departure: Meet opposite McDonald’s at the Sliema ferry terminal by 10:00 AM for the 10:30 AM departure.
• Comino access ticket: From May 1, 2025, you need a free QR ticket for walking on Comino. Choose the 1:30 PM to 5:30 PM slot.
• Boat comforts: You have air-conditioning, a bar, toilets, commentary, and an upper deck for fresh air and sunshine.
• Extra costs: Snorkeling equipment, drinks, snacks, and optional upper-deck seating may cost extra.
• Practical packing: Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, snorkeling gear if you have it, and closed shoes for rocky ground.

Starting at Sliema Ferry Terminal

The day begins at the Sliema ferry terminal, not Valletta. The departure point is opposite McDonald’s, and you should arrive by 10:00 AM for the 10:30 AM sailing.

That distinction matters. Sliema and Valletta face each other across the harbor, but they are separate departure points. If you head to the wrong side of the water, you could begin the day with a rushed transfer rather than a calm check-in.

The boat returns to the same meeting point at about 6:30 PM. Keep the full day free. This is not a quick harbor cruise with a short swim stop. It is an eight-hour outing, though not all eight hours are necessarily spent in the Blue Lagoon.

The host speaks English, and commentary is provided during the cruise. The information seems designed to point out the route and sights rather than provide a long, formal tour talk. If your main goal is time in the water, that straightforward approach will suit you.

The boat ride to Comino

The boat is built for a long day at sea, not just a short transfer. You have indoor air-conditioning, a bar, toilets, and an upper deck where you can sit outside. That choice of spaces is useful in Malta, where the sun can be strong and a shaded break can make the afternoon much more pleasant.

You may also find snacks and drinks for sale onboard. Food and beverages are not generally included, so budget a little extra if you do not bring your own supplies. One practical point from the trip reports is that the service line can become long when the boat is full. Bringing water and snacks, if allowed by the operator, can save time and money.

The boat may combine several routes or groups. On some departures, it stops at St. Paul’s Bay and drops people in Gozo before reaching Comino. That can stretch the outward journey to more than two hours. One reported schedule reached the lagoon around 12:45 PM after leaving Sliema at 10:30 AM.

This is the main weakness of the trip. The advertised eight-hour schedule sounds like a full day at the Blue Lagoon, but the boat may spend a significant part of the day in transit. On one reported outing, the group left the lagoon around 4:15 PM and reached Sliema after 6:00 PM, leaving roughly three and a half hours at the swimming area.

I would treat the cruise as a full-day sea outing with a substantial Comino stop, not as eight straight hours in the lagoon. That expectation will help you enjoy it rather than spend the return trip calculating lost swimming time.

Arriving at the Blue Lagoon

The Blue Lagoon sits between Comino and the smaller islet of Cominotto. The water is famous for its bright turquoise color, caused in part by the pale bottom and clear conditions. It is especially attractive from the boat, where you can see the contrast between the white seabed and the deeper blue around the basin.

The first thing you will want to do is swim. The water is the reason to book this trip, and it is well suited to a leisurely splash, floating, and snorkeling. Bring your own mask and snorkel if you have them. Equipment can be rented onboard for an additional fee, but availability and cost may vary.

Snorkeling is a better use of the stop than simply taking photographs. The lagoon has clear water and marine life, so a mask lets you see more than the surface view. If you are new to snorkeling, stay close to the boat and use the time at your own pace. No special skill level is required for a simple swim, but you should be comfortable in open water.

The area can be crowded, especially during the warmest part of the day. That is not a flaw unique to this cruise. Comino’s most famous swimming spot attracts many boats and day visitors, so the postcard view comes with plenty of company.

The boat itself may offer a more comfortable base than the rocky shore. You can return onboard for shade, air-conditioning, a drink, or a toilet break. That is one reason this outing works well for people who want the Blue Lagoon without spending the entire afternoon searching for a patch of dry land.

The new Comino walking ticket

There is an important rule for visits from May 1, 2025. Anyone who wants to walk on Comino needs a free ticket from www.blcomino.com.

When ordering it, choose the 1:30 PM to 5:30 PM time slot. You will receive a QR code, which Comino officials scan on arrival. Without that code, you cannot walk onto the island.

You can still swim next to the boat if you do not have the ticket. That keeps the trip possible for a last-minute booking, but it limits what you can do once the boat arrives. I would arrange the free ticket before departure rather than assume you can sort it out at the dock.

The ticket rule is especially important if you want to leave the boat, walk around, find a place on shore, or explore beyond the water. It is not an extra charge, but it is an extra step that can affect your day if forgotten.

Shore time, rocks, and what to bring

The Blue Lagoon is best approached as a water stop first. The shoreline can be rocky, and one useful tip is to pack closed shoes. They are more comfortable than bare feet when walking over uneven ground or getting in and out of the water.

Your basic packing list should include:

• Swimwear
• Towel
• Sunscreen
• Snorkeling equipment, if you own it
• Closed shoes for rocky surfaces
• Money or a card for onboard food, drinks, and rentals

An umbrella may also be useful if you plan to spend time on shore, though rental charges can apply. One reported arrangement involved a deposit and a partial refund when the umbrella was returned, so ask about the exact terms before paying.

Sun protection deserves more attention than it often gets. The water reflects the light, and you may spend several hours outside with little shade. Apply sunscreen before boarding and bring it with you for a later application.

The boat’s air-conditioning gives you a useful escape from the heat. I would use the upper deck for views and sun, then move inside before you get tired. A long day on the sea is more enjoyable when you treat comfort as part of the plan.

Food, drinks, and optional extras

The base price is about $34 per person. For an eight-hour boat trip with transport from Sliema, commentary, toilets, and a full Comino stop, that is a reasonable price if you mainly want convenient access to the lagoon.

The value becomes less clear if you expect every minute to be spent swimming or expect lunch, snorkeling gear, and premium seating to be included. Those extras can change the final cost.

Snacks and drinks are available onboard, but they are not included in the standard package. Some trips have offered a sandwich for lunch, while meal choices may be limited. If you need vegetarian food, check ahead rather than assume the available sandwich will suit you.

Snorkeling equipment costs extra. A mask and tube have been reported at around €10, though you should confirm the current price onboard. If you already own a set, bringing it is the simpler choice.

An optional upper-deck or sunbed upgrade has also been sold for about €10. I would only pay for it if you care about having a dedicated sunny place to sit. The basic cruise already gives you access to the boat, and the upper deck may not be essential if you prefer shade or air-conditioning.

How much Blue Lagoon time should you expect?

The schedule promises departure from Sliema at 10:30 AM and return around 6:30 PM. That gives you a long day overall, but the exact balance between cruising and swimming can change.

Some departures provide around three to four hours in the lagoon. Others may feel shorter if the boat makes several stops along the way. The combined-route setup is useful for the operator, but it means the boat does not always travel directly to Comino.

I would book this trip if three hours of swimming and snorkeling sounds worthwhile. I would hesitate if your only aim is the maximum possible time in the water. A smaller, direct boat may suit that purpose better, though this particular experience is attractive because the price is low and the boat has more facilities.

Pay attention to the return instructions. One practical problem reported on the trip is uncertainty about where and when to reboard for Sliema. Listen carefully to the crew when you arrive, note the meeting point, and set an alarm on your phone. Missing the return boat would turn a pleasant day into a serious problem.

Who will enjoy this cruise most?

I think this cruise suits first-time visitors to Malta who want an easy route to Comino. You do not need to arrange your own boat, and the long operating window gives you time to swim, sit on deck, eat, and enjoy the sea.

It also suits couples, families with older children, and anyone who prefers facilities close at hand. The toilets, bar, snacks, and air-conditioning are practical advantages over a bare-bones boat transfer.

Snorkelers will get the most from the Blue Lagoon’s clear water. Photographers will enjoy the color contrast, though the crowd can make quiet pictures difficult. If you like sitting in the sun, the upper deck may be worth the optional charge.

I would be more cautious if you dislike packed boats, long transfers, or busy swimming areas. This is not a quiet nature escape. The scenery is beautiful, but the lagoon’s popularity is impossible to ignore.

The experience is not suitable for wheelchair users. Anyone with limited mobility should also ask the provider about boarding and shore conditions before booking, since the boat, rocky shoreline, and swimming access may present difficulties.

Cancellation and booking flexibility

You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. A reserve-now-and-pay-later option is also available, which helps if your Malta schedule is still shifting.

Still, booking the Comino walking ticket is a separate task. Do that as soon as your cruise is confirmed, select the 1:30 PM to 5:30 PM slot, and keep the QR code ready on your phone.

Is this $34 Comino cruise worth booking?

I would book it if you want a fairly priced, organized day at the Blue Lagoon and you are happy to share a large boat with other groups. The clear water, long stop, and onboard facilities make it a practical choice, especially for a first visit to Malta.

I would not book it expecting eight uninterrupted hours at Comino. Allow for a crowded boat, paid food and equipment, possible stops at St. Paul’s Bay or Gozo, and roughly three to four hours at the lagoon on some departures.

Bring your own snorkeling gear, pack water and sunscreen, wear closed shoes, arrange the free Comino QR ticket, and confirm the return meeting point before you swim. With those details handled, this is a good-value way to reach one of Malta’s most beautiful swimming spots.

FAQ

Where does the cruise leave from?

The boat leaves from the Sliema ferry terminal, opposite McDonald’s. It does not leave from Valletta. You should arrive by 10:00 AM for the scheduled 10:30 AM departure.

When does the cruise return to Sliema?

The scheduled return is around 6:30 PM, and the activity ends back at the original meeting point.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

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

Do I need a ticket to walk on Comino?

Yes. From May 1, 2025, you need a free ticket from www.blcomino.com to walk on Comino. Choose the 1:30 PM to 5:30 PM slot and keep the QR code available for scanning.

Can I still swim if I do not have the Comino ticket?

Yes. You can still swim next to the boat, but you will not be allowed to walk on the island without the QR code.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen. Closed shoes are also useful for walking on rocky ground, and snorkeling equipment can save you the rental charge if you already own it.