Coastal Ferry Cruise to The Blue Lagoon (Comino Island)

Blue water, tight schedule, big views. This is a practical half-day-at-sea plan: a modern catamaran ride along Malta’s coast, then real time on Comino Island to swim and snorkel in the Blue Lagoon.

I like two things most. First, you get an air-conditioned ride with free Wi-Fi and toilet facilities, so you’re not stuck suffering just to reach the good part. Second, you’re not herded around, you choose how to spend the Comino time, whether that is relaxing onshore or taking in the simple trails around the island. My main watch-out is that the day can feel like a busy water shuttle, and in rougher conditions some people feel sea-sick, so plan accordingly.

Key takeaways before you go

• Two departure points, one plan: choose Sliema or Buġibba Jetty in St. Paul’s Bay when booking.
• Blue Lagoon now needs a pass in advance: Malta’s May 2025 rule requires an official access pass, with limited daily allocation.
• Comino time is leisure, not guided: you get to roam, swim, and explore at your own pace.
• The boat won’t wait at the Blue Lagoon: it’s a ferry cruise, so you must plan your swim and timing.
• Optional speedboat adds flexibility: the Comino Caves and Crystal Lagoon motorboat trip is extra (about €15) and weather dependent.
• It’s not for everyone: mobility challenges and seasickness prone passengers may find it uncomfortable.

From Sliema or St. Paul’s Bay to Comino in one smooth ferry loop

Your day starts on a modern, air-conditioned catamaran run by Robert Arrigo & Sons Limited. You pick your departure point when booking: either Sliema (Sliema Ferries) or Buġibba Jetty in St. Paul’s Bay, and you’ll board with an English-speaking host or greeter.

The route is built around quick connections rather than sightseeing speeches. The catamaran cruises along Malta’s northern coastline, then stops briefly at St. Paul’s Bay to pick up passengers from that area. After that, you head on toward Comino, with a short stop at Mġarr Harbour in Gozo to drop off guests who are not staying for Comino.

That matters because the schedule feels efficient. You get to spend your time where you want it, but you should also expect a “move along” rhythm rather than long scenic stops.

The catamaran ride: comfortable, but pace and seas can matter

The onboard experience is designed for comfort. You get an air-conditioned cabin, plus free Wi-Fi, and there are toilet facilities onboard, which is genuinely helpful on a 7 to 7.5 hour day.

One of the best parts is also a potential reality check. A few people noted that the boat can be fast over waves at certain times, and that some passengers ended up feeling sick, especially on the return. If you’re seasickness prone, I’d treat this as a serious consideration, not a minor detail.

If you want to stack the odds in your favor, keep it simple. Bring sunglasses and plan to sit where you feel steadier, and pack your anti-nausea plan before you board, not after your stomach makes the decision for you.

Also note the human side of logistics. On some days, boarding can feel disorganized, with passengers waiting without clear guidance. So arrive early and be ready with your tickets and any required passes, because speed beats confusion when you’re boarding a crowded ferry.

Comino Island time: your best payoff is freedom on a car-free speck

When the catamaran arrives, you step ashore on Comino for leisure time. This is one of the reasons the trip works so well: you’re not trapped on a rigid tour timetable once you reach the island.

Comino has no cars and very little urban stuff, so the vibe is basically island time. You can stretch out, swim, snorkel, take photos, or simply wander without needing a car, bus, or map plan that depends on roads.

If you like walking, Comino also has trails worth targeting. The island is known for routes that lead toward St. Mary’s Chapel, St. Mary’s Watch Tower, and St. Mary’s Battery, and it’s especially appealing for hikers and photo lovers during winter when it’s less about the peak beach crush.

This is also where you should set expectations. If you arrive expecting a quiet, private beach experience, the Blue Lagoon can be crowded. The trade-off is that you’re visiting one of Malta’s most famous swim spots, and that usually brings company.

Blue Lagoon swimming stops with a May 2025 access pass rule

The main reason people book this ferry is the Blue Lagoon stop. Expect crystal-clear turquoise water, a white sandy base, and marine life that makes snorkeling a natural add-on.

But there’s a big rule change that affects your trip planning. Starting in May 2025, Malta requires an official government access pass to disembark at the Blue Lagoon. Passes are obtained via blcomino.com, and the daily allocation is limited.

The part that can trip people up is the application requirement: for this trip, you are required to book both the morning and afternoon time slots when applying for your pass. That doesn’t mean you’ll be swimming twice. It means the pass system is time-slot based, and your booking must match their requirements.

I strongly recommend doing this early. Don’t wait until the morning of your departure, because a sold-out allocation can derail the whole day.

Why the Blue Lagoon time feels tight (and how to handle it)

This is a ferry cruise, so the boat does not stay and turn into a full day at anchor. You get access to the swimming area, then you’re expected back in time for the cruise schedule.

That tightness is why timing and pacing matter more than people expect. If you’re determined to snorkel for a long stretch, build in time for getting settled, changing, and returning before it gets hectic.

Also, remember what you want from the day. If your priority is one perfect swim session, you can spend less time walking and more time in the water. If your priority is photos and island wandering, plan to treat the Blue Lagoon as the highlight stop and use Comino time for everything else.

Crowds can be intense in the Blue Lagoon. If you want a calmer water experience, you can swim in ways that reduce time in the busiest edge areas, and you can walk a bit farther around Comino to find quieter stretches.

The optional motorboat to Comino Caves and Crystal Lagoon

There is an optional motorboat trip available once you’re on Comino. It covers the Comino Caves and the Crystal Lagoon, and it runs only when sea and weather conditions allow.

The price is paid on location and is about €15 per person. Because it depends on conditions, I treat it like a bonus, not a guarantee. If the water is rough or visibility is poor, you might not get this additional excursion even if you want it.

If you love boat-side experiences and you don’t want to lose time on longer hikes, this can be a fun add-on. If you’re happy with swimming, sun time, and simple island walking, you may be just as satisfied skipping the extra cost and keeping your schedule relaxed.

What’s included for your $35, and what you still need to plan

At around $35 per person, you’re paying for the main value drivers: the catamaran cruise and the day stop at Comino with leisure time. You also get the comfort extras onboard, including air-conditioning, free Wi-Fi, and toilet facilities, plus crew assistance.

What’s not included is where you need to think ahead. You will need a government access pass to disembark at the Blue Lagoon, and you get that from blcomino.com. Food and drinks are also not included, so plan to bring what you need or buy options during your time on Comino if available to you.

There are also possible extra costs. The motorboat trip to the Comino Caves and Crystal Lagoon is optional, and it’s about €15 per person. Entry fees to any sites are not included either, so if you want to visit specific points, budget accordingly.

I’d also plan around small but important practical items. Bring swimwear, a towel, sunglasses, sunscreen, comfortable shoes, and cash. And keep your bag small, because the trip does not allow oversize luggage or large bags.

Booking and onboard rules that affect real life

A few “know before you go” items make the difference between a smooth morning and a stressful scramble.

First, arrive at the departure location 15 to 20 minutes early. Boarding timing is where people get stuck waiting, especially if ticket scanning and embarkation feel chaotic.

Second, the boat setup is not for everyone. This ferry cruise is not suitable for people with mobility impairments, and it’s also not a good fit for anyone prone to seasickness.

Third, there are clear limits on what you can bring. Pets are not allowed, smoking is not allowed, and large bags or non-folding wheelchairs are not permitted.

Finally, this is not a guided tour. You’ll have staff and crew help onboard, but Comino time is leisure, so your success depends on your own pacing and priorities.

Who this Comino ferry cruise suits best

This trip fits best when you want a simple day plan with minimal decision-making.

You’ll likely love it if you:

• Want a fast, comfortable ride with air-conditioning rather than slow transfers.
• Plan to spend most of your time swimming and relaxing rather than following a scripted tour.
• Like having freedom on Comino and picking your own mix of beach time, snorkeling, and walking.
• Travel light and are okay with a schedule that does not include long pauses.

It’s not a great match if you:

• Get seasick easily, since fast motion over waves has affected some passengers.
• Need accessibility support, since it is not suitable for mobility impairments.
• Want a very structured, guide-led experience, because there is no tour guide.

Price value: is it worth $35?

For many people, yes, because you’re paying for the hard part: getting to Comino and the Blue Lagoon with comfortable transport. You’re also not paying extra for onboard basics like toilets and Wi-Fi.

The value equation changes once you account for what isn’t included. The Blue Lagoon access pass is required and must be arranged in advance. Food and drinks are also on you, and an optional speedboat can add cost if you decide to go.

Still, at this price point, the trip holds up when your goal is straightforward: see the Blue Lagoon and enjoy Comino without overcomplicating your day.

Should you book this coastal ferry cruise to the Blue Lagoon and Comino?

Book it if your priority is swimming and you’re comfortable with a day that is more ferry-focused than tour-focused. You’ll get a comfortable catamaran ride, a real block of Comino leisure time, and the Blue Lagoon as the anchor experience.

Skip it, or at least rethink it, if seasickness is a big issue for you or if you dislike the idea of a timed, regulated disembarkation. In that case, plan your swim strategy carefully and consider whether your travel style wants a calmer setup.

My practical advice: lock in the Blue Lagoon access pass early, arrive at the port on time, pack light, and keep your expectations realistic about crowds and schedule. If you do those things, this is a solid, good-value way to spend a day in Comino.