From Sliema: Malta Cruise to Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon & Caves

The turquoise water around Comino is the main event here. From Sliema, Luzzu Cruises carries you past Malta’s coastal towns, St. Paul’s Island, and Gozo before giving you time to swim from the boat and explore Blue Lagoon. The return route includes a close look at Comino’s sea caves.

I like the 45-minute swim stop at Crystal Lagoon or St. Nicholas Bay and the freedom to use the boat as your base at Blue Lagoon. I also like the waterslide, shaded seating, onboard toilets, and the simple convenience of leaving from Sliema Ferry. The catch is crowding: the boat can fill to 200 people, and Blue Lagoon itself may feel packed even outside the main summer months.

Key points to know before booking

• About 7.5 hours from Sliema: The boat leaves at 10:00 am and returns to the same ferry point at approximately 5:30 pm.
• Two swimming stops from May through October: The first is at Crystal Lagoon or St. Nicholas Bay, depending on weather and sea conditions.
• Blue Lagoon time is long but not private: You get roughly three and a half hours in the Comino area, with the option to go ashore or remain on the boat.
• A free shore QR code is required: Reserve the 13:31 to 17:30 afternoon slot at blcomino.com if you want to leave the boat at Blue Lagoon.
• The waterslide is included: You can swim directly from the boat and use its slide during the swimming stops.
• Pack food, water, and sun protection: Drinks and some food are sold onboard, but the selection can be limited and Comino has few conveniences.

From Sliema to Comino by coastal cruise

Your morning begins at Luzzu Cruises, Ferries 4 on Triq Ix-Xatt in Sliema. Arrive at least 30 minutes early. That advice matters because check-in may feel hurried, and the best upper-deck seats can go quickly when the boat is busy.

The boat leaves at 10:00 am and follows Malta’s northern coast. You pass the Sliema promenade, St. Julian’s and Balluta Bay, St. George’s Bay and Paceville, Bugibba, St. Paul’s Island, and Mellieha Bay. These are mostly passing views rather than guided sightseeing stops, so think of this part as a scenic ride rather than a formal coastal tour.

Some departures use recorded announcements, while others may include more commentary from the captain. Do not count on a detailed guided talk at every point. If you want the best views, aim for an upper-deck seat, but remember that sunny top-deck spots may be gone before departure. The lower deck offers shelter, yet it is not the place to sit if your main goal is seeing the coast.

The open sea can be rough. Several departures have had choppy conditions early in the day, and seasickness is a real possibility when wind picks up. Sit where you feel most stable, bring medication if you normally need it, and avoid a heavy breakfast if the forecast looks poor.

A quick look at Gozo’s Mgarr Harbour

The cruise pauses at Mgarr Harbour in Gozo for about five minutes. This is mainly a photo stop and a transfer point for passengers who have booked a separate Gozo visit. You should not expect time to explore Gozo on this ticket.

The harbor gives you a brief look at one of Malta’s prettiest arrival points, with boats and steep coastal surroundings. Five minutes is enough for a quick photograph, not enough for a walk or meal. Keep your camera ready and listen carefully for the departure instructions.

Crystal Lagoon and St. Nicholas Bay swimming stop

From May 1 through October 30, the boat makes a 45-minute stop at Crystal Lagoon or St. Nicholas Bay, subject to weather and sea conditions. The captain chooses the safer and more suitable location on the day. That means the name Crystal Lagoon does not guarantee a precise anchorage there.

This is one of the strongest parts of the trip. You can swim directly from the boat instead of searching for a patch of shore, and the waterslide adds a bit of silly fun without extra cost. Some passengers also use a jump board or swim around the boat, depending on the vessel and conditions.

Do not assume the water will be calm every time. Strong currents, wind, jellyfish, or rough water can affect the choice of stopping point. A location that looks perfect from another boat may not be suitable when your captain arrives. The skipper has final say on safety, and that is the right arrangement.

Masks and snorkels are not included, but they can be rented onboard for €5 per person. If swimming is a major reason for booking, bring your own equipment if you have it. The stop is short, so changing clothes, finding gear, and getting into the water can use much of your 45 minutes.

Three and a half hours around Blue Lagoon

The boat spends approximately three and a half hours at Blue Lagoon. This is not a tightly scheduled walking tour. You can go ashore to explore Comino and look for a place by the water, or treat the boat as your home base for the afternoon.

That flexibility is useful. The boat gives you shade, toilets, somewhere to sit, and access to food and drinks. At the shore, shaded places may already be occupied by the time you arrive, and the area around Blue Lagoon can become intensely crowded. If you prefer swimming rather than sitting on a packed beach, staying near the boat may be more comfortable.

The water is the reason people come here. It can be wonderfully clear and bright, and even a short swim gives you the classic Comino experience. But Blue Lagoon is not a quiet cove. Boats gather around it, the shore fills up, and finding a comfortable place for your towel can be difficult. Some people place their belongings on the rocks, but you should keep valuables with you and remember that the operator accepts no responsibility for items left onboard.

If you want to go ashore, arrange the required free QR code before the cruise. In 2025, the shore pass is free, but it is mandatory. Select the afternoon time slot from 13:31 to 17:30 at blcomino.com. This is an easy detail to miss, and the check-in process may be hectic if you arrive without the code.

The pass requirement also means you should not treat the boat ticket as automatic permission to walk onto Comino. Arrange the QR code early, save it on your phone, and keep the selected time in mind. The crew may help if you are stuck, but it is better to handle this before boarding.

The boat as your base

One practical advantage of this trip is that you do not need to spend the entire afternoon on Comino. Staying aboard gives you a shady place to sit, a toilet, and access to the bar. You can swim from the boat when conditions allow, then climb back aboard without carrying your towel and belongings across the island.

The waterslide is a clear bonus for families and anyone who enjoys a little activity between long stretches of sitting. It is also a good reason to bring a swimsuit, even if you had planned only to take photographs.

Facilities and boat size can vary by departure. The maximum group size is 200 people, and some passengers have found the vessel very full, especially on sunny days. One departure used a smaller boat because of a technical problem with the larger vessel. If the upper deck and open-air seating matter greatly to you, inspect the boat at check-in and ask staff about the arrangement before boarding.

Food and drinks cost extra. An onboard bar is available, and some departures have offered snacks, fruit, sandwiches, hot dogs, and drinks. The food range may be limited, so I would bring a packed snack and plenty of water. You can also buy food on Comino, but do not count on a wide selection or quick service during the short time ashore.

Returning past Comino’s sea caves

On the way back, the boat passes the beautiful Comino sea caves. This is a scenic viewing section rather than a separate cave walk or landing. Keep your camera out, since the best angle may last only a few minutes.

The return cruise follows the same general route back to Sliema and finishes at the original Luzzu Cruises departure point. The total day lasts about seven and a half hours, with much of that time spent cruising. I like this format because you see more of Malta than you would on a simple point-to-point ferry, but you should book it for the full day rather than expecting nonstop activity.

The exact return time matters. The boat leaves Blue Lagoon at the advertised time and may not conduct a full attendance check. Do not rely on a last-minute sprint from the shore. Be back at the boat early, especially if you have a hotel transfer, dinner reservation, or onward transport.

What the price gives you

At the listed price of $42.24 per person, this is good value if you want transportation, sightseeing, swimming, and several hours around Comino in one package. You get the cruise from Sliema, the seasonal second swimming stop, the Blue Lagoon stop, cave viewing, use of the slide, and access to the boat’s facilities.

The value drops if you mainly want a quiet beach day. You are paying for a popular route with a large boat and a fixed schedule, not a private cove or small-group sailing trip. Food, drinks, and snorkel rental cost extra, and you may need to pay for nothing more than your own picnic supplies.

The trip also compares well with arranging several separate ferry rides, especially if you want the Crystal Lagoon stop and coastal views. On the other hand, a basic ferry may suit you better if all you need is a ride to Comino and back.

Who will enjoy this Comino cruise

I would recommend it most to you if you want an easy full-day outing from Sliema, enjoy swimming, and like having a boat nearby rather than spending every minute on shore. Families may appreciate the slide, toilets, shade, and the ability to return to the boat for a break.

It also suits first-time visitors who want a broad look at Malta’s northern coast without organizing several connections. The captain and crew may point out sights, but the amount of live information can vary. Bring your own interest in the places you pass rather than expecting a full history lesson.

This is less suitable for you if you dislike crowds, get seasick easily, need quiet, or expect a polished small-group experience. It may also be tiring for an infant or very young child because the ride can be windy and slow in rough conditions. A child who can swim and enjoys the water will get more from the day than someone who wants a calm beach and little boat time.

Practical tips for a smoother day

Arrive at least 30 minutes before the 10:00 am departure. That gives you time to find the meeting point and improve your chance of getting an upper-deck seat.

Bring a hat, sunscreen, water, a towel, and a light rain jacket if the forecast is uncertain. The sun can be strong, while the open-water ride may feel cool and wet when wind rises.

Keep your QR code ready before boarding. If you plan to leave the boat at Blue Lagoon, choose the 13:31 to 17:30 slot and save the code on your phone.

Wear swimwear under your clothes. The Crystal Lagoon stop lasts only 45 minutes, and changing after the boat leaves Sliema can waste valuable swimming time.

Use care with the colored access bracelets provided for Blue Lagoon. Some have shed color, especially when mixed with sunscreen, so put yours on as late as practical and keep it away from light-colored swimwear and bags.

Check the weather before the free-cancellation deadline. The trip requires good weather, and rough seas can turn a beautiful day into an uncomfortable one. If the operator cancels for poor weather or because too few people book, you are offered another date or a full refund.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time. Missing the boat because of a late arrival is not covered, so plan your trip to Sliema with extra time.

Should you book this Luzzu Cruises trip?

Book it if you want a reasonably priced, all-day Comino outing with two possible swim stops, a waterslide, coastal scenery, and a boat that remains available during your Blue Lagoon visit. The ability to stay aboard for shade and a toilet is especially useful when Comino’s shore is crowded.

Skip it if your ideal Malta day means silence, an uncrowded beach, or personal attention from a small crew. For the best chance of enjoying it, choose a calm-weather day, arrive early, arrange your QR code in advance, bring food and water, and treat Blue Lagoon as a beautiful but heavily visited place.

FAQ

How long is the cruise from Sliema?

The full experience lasts approximately 7 hours and 30 minutes. It starts at 10:00 am and returns to Luzzu Cruises in Sliema at the end of the day.

Where does the boat leave from?

The departure point is Luzzu Cruises, Ferries 4, Triq Ix-Xatt, Sliema SLM 1023, Malta.

Is Crystal Lagoon included?

Yes, a seasonal swimming stop at Crystal Lagoon or St. Nicholas Bay is included from May 1 through October 30, subject to weather and sea conditions.

How long does the boat stop at Crystal Lagoon or St. Nicholas Bay?

The swimming stop lasts about 45 minutes. The captain chooses the location based on conditions such as wind, currents, and jellyfish.

How long do you get at Blue Lagoon?

The boat stays near Blue Lagoon for approximately three and a half hours. You can go ashore or use the boat as your base.

Do I need a pass to go ashore at Blue Lagoon?

Yes. You must obtain a free QR code from blcomino.com and choose the afternoon slot from 13:31 to 17:30 in 2025.

Is food included?

No. Food and drinks are available to buy from the onboard bar, but they are not included in the ticket price.

Can I rent snorkeling equipment?

Yes. Masks and snorkels can be rented onboard for €5 per person.

Is the waterslide included?

Yes. Use of the boat’s waterslide and facilities is included in the experience.

What happens if bad weather cancels the cruise?

If the operator cancels because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund. The same applies if the minimum number of participants is not reached.