From Sliema: Comino Island and Blue Lagoon Cruise

Blue Lagoon trips are pure summer magic. This cruise pairs Comino Island time with a Blue Lagoon visit, plus a bonus swim stop for many months of the year. You also get a guided-by-PA style look at the coastline as you go.

Two things I really like: first, the schedule gives you solid time on Comino to swim and wander, not just a quick stop. Second, the added swim stop at Crystal Lagoon (when running) is built around fun water time, including a water slide on the boat.

One drawback to plan for: the Blue Lagoon can get busy, and in peak season you might be docking farther out, so expect a little extra hassle getting to the water. Also, there is a government access pass requirement for stepping ashore at the Blue Lagoon starting May 2025, so you will want to handle that in advance.

Quick hits before you go

• Comino Island for about 3.5 hours, which is enough for a swim and a countryside walk to viewpoints like St. Mary’s Chapel and the Watch Tower
• Blue Lagoon visit with classic turquoise water, but it can be crowded and shade is limited
• A scenic cruise that passes major bays and viewpoints along Malta’s north shore, with PA commentary on board
• Crystal Lagoon (May to October) adds a real swim highlight, often with water slide time from the boat
• You will see sea caves on the way back, but the day stays mostly leisure-driven (not a guided walking tour)

From Sliema Ferries to Comino and the Blue Lagoon

This is a straightforward sea day: you start in Sliema, cruise along Malta’s north coast, spend time on Comino, then hit the Blue Lagoon for swimming and beach time.

The trip is built for people who want ocean time without overplanning. You are not tied to a tour guide’s pace or a scripted museum run. Instead, you get a mix of scenery on the water, free time on the islands, and structured swim moments when the boat stops.

If you like your day trips to feel like a mini vacation inside one day, this works. The route also matters. As you move from Sliema toward Comino, you get passing views of places like St. Julian’s Bay, St. George’s Bay, St. Paul’s Bay, St. Paul’s Island, and Mellieħa Bay. Even from the water, that variety makes the cruise portion feel like more than just transportation.

The 7.5-hour flow, stop by stop

The whole experience runs about 7.5 hours from start to finish, and the provider notes that the exact order can shift for weather or operational reasons. Still, the day has a clear rhythm.

1) Morning departure from Sliema Ferries

You set off in the morning and settle in for commentary over a PA system. This is useful because you are moving through a coastline that can look similar if you only focus on the water.

2) A Gozo photo stop at Mġarr Harbour (for drop-off if needed)

The plan includes a brief photo stop at Mġarr Harbour in Gozo. The key detail here is that the boat can drop off guests who are disembarking for Gozo. After that, the cruise continues on toward Comino.

3) Comino Island: about 3.5 hours to enjoy the island

Once you arrive, you get your main island block of time. This is where you can swim, snorkel, relax on board, or step off for a countryside walk and photography.

4) Blue Lagoon stop for swimming and time on the water

The itinerary then focuses on the Blue Lagoon. Depending on the day, you may dock in a way that creates some walking-in-water, especially when there are lots of boats.

5) Sea caves and the coastal view return

On the way back to Sliema, you pass the Comino sea caves. Think of this as the day’s final visual payoff, before you head home.

6) Optional seasonal swim stop: Crystal Lagoon or St. Nicholas Bay

From May to October (weather permitting), you also get an additional 45-minute stop at Crystal Lagoon or St. Nicholas Bay. In practice, this is usually the portion that people remember most for pure water fun.

Comino Island time: swims, trails, and viewpoint walks

Comino is small, and that’s part of why it feels special. It covers only 3.5 square kilometers and is basically car-free and lightly developed, so your time there feels calmer than the busy Malta shoreline.

Your Comino window is long enough to do more than “just float.” You can:

• Take a swim and snorkel if conditions are right
• Relax on the boat between swims
• Walk some of the island trails for photos and a bit of gentle exploration

The route-based trail idea is simple: head toward sights like St. Mary’s Chapel, St. Mary’s Watch Tower, and St. Mary’s Battery. You do not need to be a hardcore hiker. You just need comfortable shoes and a willingness to walk at island pace.

One practical tip I want you to consider: Comino time is also your chance to reset your day before the Blue Lagoon gets crowded. If you start feeling “is it too much?” around mid-day, this island portion gives you an easy off-switch. Walk a bit. Find a quieter stretch. Take a slower swim.

The Blue Lagoon access pass you must plan for (starting May 2025)

This is the part that can make or break your day.

Malta’s government now requires an access pass for anyone who wants to disembark at the Blue Lagoon, effective May 2025. The cruise notes this is a government-mandated regulation, not something the operator controls. You are expected to arrange the pass yourself through the official site listed as blcomino.com.

Two details matter:

• The daily pass allocation is limited, so plan ahead
• For this cruise, you should select the afternoon slot when applying for your pass

And here is the consequence you should take seriously: no refunds are issued if you cannot disembark at the Blue Lagoon because you did not have the required pass.

Even if you are not planning to walk onshore much, you should assume you will want to step off to access the water and the easier swimming spots. Build this into your pre-trip checklist.

Blue Lagoon day realities: crowding, docking distance, and shade

Let’s talk about the honest version of the Blue Lagoon, the one you will experience.

The water reputation is real. You get the classic look: turquoise water, clear visibility in the shallows, and that white seabed effect that makes photos pop. It is also a magnet for boats. In busy periods, you may find the lagoon is packed with vessels.

That crowds-and-docking reality can change your experience. One practical issue is that the boat may dock a bit farther out than you expect, so you might walk or wade some distance to reach the best swim area. The silver lining is that once you are in, the water quality is the main event.

Shade is also a factor. There is limited shade around the lagoon unless you rent beach setup items. One rider cited a €15 umbrella and chair rental. If you hate sun time, consider budgeting for that or plan to use swim time earlier and take breaks smartly.

One more small caution: you might run into jellyfish in the sea. That does not mean your day is ruined, but it does mean you should be alert while swimming and avoid sudden panic if you spot something floating.

Crystal Lagoon and St. Nicholas Bay swim stop, the water slide moment

If your dates fall between May and October, you get an extra swim stop of about 45 minutes at either Crystal Lagoon or St. Nicholas Bay, depending on conditions.

Crystal Lagoon is the headline for most people. It is described as turquoise water surrounded by cliffs and caves, and it’s the perfect match for what this cruise is really good at: short, fun jumps from a boat into very clear water.

The water slide is included, and that is often the part that turns a normal swim stop into a full-on “this is why we booked” moment. You are not just idling on a beach. You are actively using the sea as the playground.

If the schedule instead uses St. Nicholas Bay, the feel is different. It is a calmer inlet with two small sandy beaches and shallow water. That makes it a good alternative if you want an easier swim than you might find in the busier Blue Lagoon area.

Either way, this swim stop is where the day’s tempo picks up. You go in, get your water time, then move on. If you do not swim much, this part might feel like a lot. If you love getting wet, it becomes the highlight.

Sea caves on the return and what to look for

On the way back, you pass Comino sea caves, which gives you a final reason to stay present even when you think the best photos are already taken.

From the water, caves read as dark cuts along pale rock. On a sunny day, you can often spot the contrast between the cave shadows and the bright light outside. It is not a long detour or a guided cave tour. It is more like a moving photo opportunity with the sea as the frame.

This also gives you a smart mental reset. After swimming and sun time, you are not stuck inside on the ride home. You still get a visual “ending” to the day before you pull back into Sliema.

Price and value: what $41 really buys you

For about $41 per person, you are buying a full day of sea-based sightseeing, island time, and organized swim stops.

Here’s what you get that matters:

• A sightseeing cruise with PA commentary over major coastal areas
• About 3.5 hours on Comino for swimming and walking
• Access to the Blue Lagoon area for swimming and relaxing
• A seasonal extra stop at Crystal Lagoon or St. Nicholas Bay
• A water slide at the swim stop portion
• Toilets on board, crew assistance, and the practical help of a working boat operation

And here’s what you are not paying for:

• Food and drinks
• A hotel pickup
• A tour guide
• The Blue Lagoon access pass you must arrange on your own for the disembarkation part

So the value logic is simple: this is a “buy time in the water and on the islands” experience. If you want a guided history tour, this is not the style. If you want a beach-and-sea day with minimal fuss, it’s solid.

Also remember the day’s structure. You are not paying for a long, complicated itinerary with lots of transfers. You are paying for transportation by boat plus time in the exact places you came for.

What to bring, and how to avoid a miserable sun day

The essentials are listed clearly, and I agree with them.

Bring:

• Comfortable shoes (you may walk on uneven ground on the island)
• Swimwear and a towel
• Sunscreen
• Cash

And pay attention to the rules:

• Pets are not allowed
• Oversize luggage is not allowed
• Large bags are not allowed

On a day like this, your comfort plan matters more than people think. You can do a lot of lounging, but you will also do water time, which means you need dryness options. A towel helps, and sunscreen helps even more than you expect, especially if you end up spending time hopping in and out of the water.

Two extra practical notes from real-world experience with this kind of setup:

• Expect crowds at Blue Lagoon in peak months, so arrive ready for a more “shared space” feel than a private beach
• Shade can be scarce, so plan your breaks around where you can sit without cooking

Who this cruise fits best (and who should skip it)

This is best for:

• People who want a sea day with swims and scenic cruising
• Couples and friend groups who like downtime and photos
• Active visitors who will actually use Comino’s trails and viewpoints
• Younger crowds too, since the vibe on water stops tends to skew social and playful when conditions allow water-slide time

It is not a good match if:

• You have mobility impairments or use a wheelchair
• You are prone to seasickness or motion sickness
• You want a fully guided, step-by-step shore experience

That last one is important. This is not described as a guided tour. There is commentary over PA on the cruise, and then you have free time at stops.

If you are someone who panics without a guide telling you where to go next, you will still be fine, but you will need to be comfortable making your own choices on Comino and around the lagoon.

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

I’d book it if your goal is a practical, value-minded day at Comino and the Blue Lagoon, with real swim time and a bonus Crystal Lagoon stop in many months. The mix of cruising views, about half a day’s worth of island time across Comino and the lagoon, and that water slide add-on makes it feel like a lot of vacation packed into one schedule.

I would hesitate or at least double-check planning if any of these apply:

• You cannot get the Blue Lagoon access pass in advance starting May 2025
• You hate crowded water areas and docking logistics
• You are sensitive to motion or seasickness

If you can handle sun and water crowds and you plan your access pass, this is a strong way to see Malta’s most famous turquoise water without spending a full day figuring logistics on your own.