From Sliema: Comino, Crystal Lagoon, and Blue Lagoon Cruise

Turquoise water and a boat slide, in one day. This Sliema cruise strings together Comino and the Blue Lagoon, plus a stop at Crystal Lagoon (seasonal) for short, refreshing swims. It is a classic Malta day, but it is built like a floating highlight reel.

I love that you get multiple water moments without spending your whole day commuting. The Crystal Lagoon/St. Nicholas Bay swim time (about 45 minutes) plus the longer Blue Lagoon break (about 3.5 hours) means you can actually swim, snorkel, sunbathe, and still have time for the island vibe.

One thing to consider is crowding, especially around Blue Lagoon. The boat can also feel busy, and the captain may adjust stops based on weather, so go in with flexible expectations and pack for sun and splash.

Key takeaways before you go

• Two lagoon swim windows: a quick 45-minute splash at Crystal Lagoon and a longer Blue Lagoon beach-and-snorkel window
• Comino caves stop: you get that famous rock-and-sea cave scenery on the way back
• Waterslide fun included: an easy win for families and anyone who wants a silly break from sunbathing
• Seasonal Crystal Lagoon logic: St. Nicholas Bay/Crystal Lagoon runs May to October, and the plan changes in colder months
• Blue Lagoon QR check-in: you need a free QR code online to get onto the Blue Lagoon time window
• Choose your version wisely: Option B trades some Blue Lagoon time for extra time on Gozo

From Sliema docks to the Maltese coast in 7.5 hours

This cruise runs from Sliema, with check-in at Ferries 4. Look for the Luzzu Cruises boat, specifically Mv Kataleya or Mv Lady Shelley, depending on your sailing. Once you are on board, you settle into a relaxed coast ride that gives you coastal scenery while the crew lines up the day’s swim stops.

The total time is about 7.5 hours, so it is not an all-day stretch that drags. It is long enough to feel like you got out of Malta’s main area, but short enough that you are not still thinking about logistics when you want dinner.

And yes, there is a waterslide on board, and it is exactly the kind of included extra that makes a “boat day” feel like a real outing. You also roam the boat freely, with multiple levels to choose from. If you like views, grabbing a seat early matters because the return trip can get busy.

The real value: two lagoon swims plus Comino caves

Most people book this for the water, and the pricing reflects that. At about $40 per person, you are paying for transport, guided routing, time in the best-known lagoon spots, and an included onboard water activity (the slide). Food and drinks are not included, but you do have time to plan around that, which is important for saving money.

Crystal Lagoon or St. Nicholas Bay (seasonal)

From May 1 to October 31, you stop at the Crystal Lagoon area, also described as St. Nicholas Bay. You get about 45 minutes in the bay for swimming and snorkeling. That is short, but it is a purposeful stop. You are not meant to treat it like a full beach day. You treat it like a quick, focused water break.

Why I think this stop is worth it: it gives you that bright, turquoise contrast before you reach the more famous Blue Lagoon. It also spreads the crowds out a bit in your personal day, since you do not wait until the Blue Lagoon to get your first real swim.

What to know: weather can affect whether this stop happens, and the captain can change the route. If you are going in shoulder season, understand you might not get the Crystal Lagoon bay stop.

Blue Lagoon (main swim window)

Blue Lagoon is where most of your time goes, about 3.5 hours. This is not just a swim point. You are getting a real island block of time, with space to walk, sunbathe, snorkel, and generally reset your day.

Blue Lagoon can be busy. That is not a bad sign, it is just the reality of one of the top sites in Malta. If you want a calmer swim, you do not wait for the peak moment. Get in early after you arrive, then take a slower island rhythm for the rest of the time.

One practical detail that matters: to get off the boat at Comino Blue Lagoon, you need a free QR code from www.blcomino.com. You also choose an afternoon slot labeled 13.31 to 17.30. That is not optional if your stop involves boarding the beach area under their system.

Comino cave scenery: the kind of photos you actually want

On the way back, you do a Comino caves photo stop at Santa Maria Caves, with about 10 minutes to view the coastline and caves. It is brief, but it is timed well, giving you that dramatic rock-and-sea scenery without turning your day into a hiking mission.

This is the sort of stop that works even if you are not a hardcore photographer. The caves and sea formations are visually striking, and 10 minutes is often enough to get a few solid shots and move on without feeling rushed.

Also, the cruise itself gives you repeated sea views along the route. You will pass plenty of coastline, and that keeps the day from feeling like a long waiting game between swim stops.

What the itinerary feels like, step by step

This day has a simple rhythm: cruise north for views, photo stop for Gozo, quick water at Crystal Lagoon or St. Nicholas Bay (seasonal), longer island time at Blue Lagoon, then cave scenery on the return.

Here is how the route typically unfolds, and what it means for you:

Sailing past St. Julian’s, Qawra, and St. Paul’s Bay

After departing Sliema, you cruise north and sail past areas like St. Julian’s, Qawra, and St. Paul’s Bay. This is mostly sightseeing time. It is also your chance to get oriented on what you are actually seeing from the water, which makes later land days on Gozo or Comino feel more meaningful.

St. Paul’s Island and Mellieha Bay

As you continue, you pass St. Paul’s Island and Mellieha Bay. Again, this is view time, and it helps you understand how Malta sits in the Mediterranean, with coves and bays like natural amphitheaters.

Mgarr Harbour photo stop in Gozo

You get a quick photo stop at Mgarr Harbour in Gozo, about 5 minutes. It is not a land tour. It is a look and snap, and that is it.

If you book the option that adds more Gozo time, you may disembark. Option B offers about 3 hours of free time on Gozo, plus an optional land transport to Victoria you can buy on the boat for €5 per person. That is a real decision point in the booking.

For me, this is how I would decide: if you want sea time to dominate, prioritize the longer Blue Lagoon time. If you want a break from water swimming and you have interest in Gozo’s main hub area, Option B can add variety.

Blue Lagoon logistics that save you stress

The Blue Lagoon stop can feel like chaos if you show up without a plan. The trick is to treat it like a mini schedule.

Plan your arrival moments

Once you arrive, your first job is quick setup: get your swim gear ready and get into the water early while you still have room to move. The water is the main event, and you will enjoy it more before things get crowded.

Snorkeling and gear reality

Snorkeling is part of the experience. You can bring your own goggles and snorkel if you have them, but there is also the option to hire snorkels onboard, which helps if you forgot or packed light. That is handy for first-timers who do not want to buy gear just for one day.

Motion sickness and boat conditions

If you are sensitive to waves, take it seriously. The cruise involves choppy moments at times, and one reviewer specifically warned that the ride could trigger motion sickness. If this is you, bring your usual remedy and consider sitting where the motion feels gentler.

Onboard extras: slide, decks, and comfort basics

This cruise is not only about getting to the lagoons. It also has a fun, self-contained onboard feel.

Waterslide (included)

The slide is included, and people really notice it. It becomes a kind of community activity, and it is a fast way to cool off between swim stops. Families tend to love it, but adults do too, especially on a hot Malta day when you want a short burst of action.

Multi-level boat layout

The boat has three levels and includes a glass-bottom deck. If you like watching the sea life or just enjoy a bit of novelty during the ride, that glass-bottom area is worth checking out whenever you get a quiet moment.

Bathrooms and crew attention

The crew keeps the boat running smoothly and keeps things clean. You might not care about bathroom maintenance on a normal day, but on a long boat outing it actually matters.

What to bring so the day runs smoothly

Bring the essentials the operator asks for:

• towel
• beachwear
• comfortable shoes (you will want something for walking around dock areas and on Comino)
• camera
• cash
• a little flexibility for weather

Also, I suggest you wear your swimsuit under clothes if you can. It saves time when you jump in, especially at the Crystal Lagoon swim stop.

Price and value: what $40 buys on this route

At roughly $40 per person, this feels like one of those Malta deals where you pay for the transportation and the timed swim access, not for luxury add-ons. Food and drinks are not included, so your best value comes from planning your spending.

Here is the value logic I use:

• You get transport from Sliema.
• You get multiple major sightseeing passes by sea.
• You get timed swim access at Crystal Lagoon (seasonal) and a longer Blue Lagoon island block.
• You get an included waterslide.
• You get Comino cave photo time.

Compared to renting boats yourself or combining several separate transfers and admission-based tours, this is an efficient way to hit the big-name sites within one day. The biggest trade-off is time density. You will not have hours and hours in every place. You have the highlights, in the right order.

Who this cruise is best for (and who should pick something else)

This experience is a strong fit if you want:

• swim-and-snorkel time without planning a boat rental
• a low-stress day with set stops and a clear schedule
• a family-friendly option thanks to the included waterslide
• a good first taste of Comino and the lagoon look

It is less ideal if:

• you need a wheelchair-accessible itinerary, since it is not suitable for wheelchair users
• you hate crowds and want a quieter, exclusive water experience
• you want deep exploration of Gozo beyond a short stop, because land time depends on which option you choose

If you are the type who likes to get in the water, then relax, this cruise matches your rhythm nicely.

My booking advice: choose the right season and the right time balance

Two variables decide whether your day feels perfect: the season and which version you book.

Season: Crystal Lagoon is May to October

The Crystal Lagoon or St. Nicholas Bay stop is seasonal from May 1 to October 31. In November through April, the plan becomes Blue Lagoon only. If Crystal Lagoon is a must for you, plan your dates accordingly.

Time balance: Option B vs longer Blue Lagoon

Option B gives extra Gozo free time (around 3 hours) but trades it against shorter Comino Blue Lagoon time (about 1.5 hours there). If your top priority is extended lagoon swimming and beach time, you probably want the option with the longer Blue Lagoon window.

If your top priority is mixing in a Gozo island walk, Option B makes sense, especially because you can also purchase optional transport to Victoria from the boat for €5 per person.

Should you book this Sliema to Comino and Blue Lagoon cruise?

Book it if you want a high-value Malta sea day that hits the big lagoon sights in one go, without the hassle of arranging separate transport. The included waterslide, the two swimming windows (when Crystal Lagoon is operating), and the Comino caves photo moment make this feel like more than just a taxi to the water.

Skip it or think twice if you are very crowd-sensitive, or if you already know you want a slower, more private experience. Blue Lagoon is popular, and this style of cruise concentrates people into the best-known spots.

My bottom line: if you plan to swim early, bring a towel and beachwear that dries fast, and accept that weather can shuffle the exact bay stop, this is a solid, efficient way to spend a day in Malta’s famous sea.

FAQ

How long is the cruise from Sliema?

The duration is about 7.5 hours, depending on the starting time available for the date you choose.

Where do I meet the cruise in Sliema?

You depart from Ferries 4 in Sliema. Look for the Luzzu Cruises boat, Mv Kataleya or Mv Lady Shelley.

What swim stops are included?

You get a stop at the Crystal Lagoon or St. Nicholas Bay (seasonal, weather permitting), and you also stop at the Blue Lagoon.

Is the Crystal Lagoon stop available year-round?

No. The Crystal Lagoon/St. Nicholas Bay stop runs from 1st May to 31st October and only if weather conditions allow.

How much time do I get at Blue Lagoon?

You get about 3.5 hours of free time at Blue Lagoon. There is also an option where you get about 1.5 hours at Blue Lagoon if you choose the version that adds more Gozo time.

Do I need a QR code to get off at Blue Lagoon?

Yes. To get off the boat at Comino Blue Lagoon, you must register for a free QR code at www.blcomino.com and choose the afternoon slot 13.31 to 17.30.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not included. You should bring cash in case you want to buy refreshments during the day.

What should I bring for the day?

Bring towel, beachwear, comfortable shoes, a camera, and cash.

Is this tour suitable for wheelchair users?

No, it is not suitable for wheelchair users.

What if it rains or the captain changes the plan?

The tour runs rain or shine. The captain can alter or cancel the excursion and also change pick up or drop off locations based on weather conditions.