From Sliema: Full-Day Cruise to Comino and the Blue Lagoon

Blue Lagoon water time is the main event. This cruise gives you long snorkel sessions in the Blue Lagoon, plus an air-conditioned ride with snacks onboard. The trade-off is that boats can get packed and delays can happen when the day includes extra stops.

You depart Sliema at 10:30 AM from the ferry dock opposite McDonald’s and return around 6:30 PM, so you get a full stretch in the sun. The crew keeps things moving with English commentary, and there are bar and toilet facilities onboard.

If you want to walk on Comino, plan ahead after 1 May 2025: you need a free ticket and a scanned QR code from blcomino.com. Choose the 13:30 to 17:30 time slot, and if you miss the QR code requirement you can still swim next to the boat.

Key points to know before you go

• Long 10:30 AM to 6:30 PM day built around swimming: 8 hours total on the water circuit.
• Air-conditioned comfort plus bar and toilets: handy when the sun is doing its job.
• Snorkeling gear is extra: bring your own or rent onboard for an additional cost.
• Comino walking needs a free QR ticket after 1 May 2025: required for shore access, not for swimming nearby.
• Crowding is a real possibility: some days feel tightly packed on the boat and at the drink counter.
• Timing can shift: combined passenger drop-offs, reported stops in St Paul’s Bay and Gozo, can affect when you reach the lagoon.

What You’re Really Paying For at About $34

At around $34 per person, what you’re buying is simple: transportation from Sliema, commentary in English, and the chance to spend serious time in Comino’s Blue Lagoon. The schedule is set up so the day centers on swimming and snorkeling, not sightseeing by bus.

The boat experience matters too. You get air conditioning, plus snacks and other onboard amenities, and you’re not stuck doing everything outside. There are also bar and toilet facilities, so you’re not constantly looking for the next workaround.

One important reality check: snorkelling equipment is not included in the stated inclusions. If you show up without your own gear, you will likely be paying extra once you’re onboard, so build that into your day.

Finding the Right Sliema Dock (Opposite McDonald’s)

This cruise leaves from Sliema, not Valletta, which saves you time if you’re staying in the area. The boat departs at 10:30 AM, and you should be at the Sliema ferry terminal by 10:00 AM to check in and get settled.

The meeting point is specific: the ferry terminal located opposite McDonald’s. It’s a small detail, but it can make a big difference. If you’re even slightly late, you’ll feel it when the doors close and other groups start boarding.

At the end of the day, you return back to the meeting point in Sliema. So you’re not dealing with a mysterious “meet later somewhere else” puzzle after a long time at sea.

Boat Comfort: Air Conditioning, Upper Deck Air, and Packed Seating

The boat is designed for comfort during the sea ride, with air conditioning onboard. When you want a break from the heat, the upper deck gives you a better view and more open air.

That said, this is a popular day trip route. One theme in the feedback is that the boat can be very packed, which means you may have less room than you hoped, especially if you’re aiming for a specific spot.

If you plan to buy drinks onboard, expect lines at busy times. Even when the staff move quickly, the demand is high in peak lagoon hours, and that can make the onboard experience feel a bit crowded.

The Blue Lagoon Itself: Clear Water, White Sand, and Real Snorkel Time

The Blue Lagoon sits between Comino and the smaller islet of Cominotto. The water is clear turquoise, with a white sandy bottom and plenty of marine life, which is exactly why people come here.

What I like about the way this cruise is set up is that it’s not pretending you’ll spend the day doing five things. It’s built around the most enjoyable part, swimming and snorkeling in the calm, clear cove.

Even if you don’t rent gear, it’s still worth it for the “float, look around, take photos, repeat” rhythm. And if you do snorkel, you’ll find the conditions are the point. The lagoon’s clarity makes it easier to spot what’s going on underwater without turning the whole day into a wrestling match.

Comino Shore Access After 1 May 2025, and That QR Code Requirement

Here’s the one item you cannot wing. As of 1 May 2025, you need a free ticket to be allowed to walk on the island of Comino. That ticket is available online at www.blcomino.com.

After you book that free access ticket, you get a QR code. Comino officials scan it on arrival. If you do not have the QR code, you will not be allowed to walk on Comino. You can still swim next to the boat, so your day is not ruined, but your shore time could be limited.

When ordering your free ticket, you must choose a set time slot: 13:30 to 17:30. My practical advice is to plan around that window, not “sometime in the afternoon.”

Timing on the Water: When the Day Isn’t Straight Through

On paper, the cruise is designed to maximize your time for swimming and snorkeling. You depart Sliema at 10:30 AM and return around 6:30 PM, which gives you a long day outdoors.

In real life, some days run differently because boats can combine passenger groups and add stopovers. One reported pattern is that the boat may stop at St Paul’s Bay, drop off passengers for Gozo, and only then continue to the lagoon. That can push back your arrival.

The result is that you might end up spending more hours on the boat than you expected, even if your total departure and return times still look reasonable. If you’re going for pure lagoon time, keep your expectations flexible and focus on enjoying the water once you get there.

Snacks, Drinks, and the Extras You Might Actually Need

The cruise includes snacks and amenities onboard, which is useful when you’re out for most of the day. There’s also a bar, and you can purchase beverages and additional items.

Snorkeling equipment is not included, though it is available at an additional cost onboard. So if you’re serious about snorkeling, you may want to come with your own gear. If you don’t, rent early so you’re not rushing later.

A few other costs show up in feedback. Umbrellas can be rented onboard, and one person reported needing them and paying around 15 to 20 euros with part of the money returned when you bring it back. Snorkel items like glasses and a tube were mentioned at about 10 euros in one account. None of these are in the core inclusions, so treat them as optional add-ons.

Also, consider footwear. One practical suggestion was to bring closed shoes for walking on rocky areas, even if your main goal is swimming.

The Lunch Question: What’s Included vs What You May Still Want

Food is one of those areas where expectations can get messy. The provided details say you’ll have snacks and amenities onboard, and there is a bar and toilets.

At least one review mentioned a free sandwich for lunch. But since the core inclusions don’t clearly guarantee a full meal plan, I’d treat lunch as “something available” rather than a guaranteed, structured menu.

If you have dietary needs, it’s worth being cautious. One person reported that the meal option did not include a vegetarian sandwich. That doesn’t mean every day is the same, but it is a good reminder to plan for at least one backup option on a long sea day.

Who This Cruise Suits Best (And Who Should Skip It)

This is a good fit if you want a swim-first day without doing your own boat logistics. It’s also a solid choice if you’re staying in Sliema and you like the idea of a straightforward return to the same dock.

You should also be comfortable spending hours in the sun and water. This isn’t a short sightseeing stop. It’s a “show up, swim, snorkel, relax on the boat” kind of day.

It is not suitable for wheelchair users, so mobility needs are a key filter. And if you dislike crowded boats, keep that in mind. Some people felt the vessel was packed.

Practical Tips That Make a Big Difference

If you do just a few things right, the day gets easier.

• Arrive early at the dock. Being there by 10:00 AM keeps you from getting stressed right before departure.
• Pack like you mean it: swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen are the basics you’re told to bring, and they are absolutely the right call.
• Handle the Comino QR code in advance. After 1 May 2025, shore access depends on it, and choosing the required time slot matters.
• Be ready for possible crowds. If you want a good spot, try to think ahead about where you’ll spend time on the boat.
• Bring closed-toe water shoes if you plan to move around. It’s a small thing, but it helps when surfaces are rocky.

Should You Book This Sliema to Comino Blue Lagoon Cruise?

I’d book it if you want maximum time in a clear, swimmable cove and you value convenience. For the money, you get a long day on the water, air-conditioned comfort, English commentary, and a schedule centered on swimming and snorkeling.

I would pause and read the fine print closely if you care a lot about having guaranteed, on-the-dot timing for lagoon arrival, or if you strongly dislike crowded boats. And if you’re planning to walk on Comino after 1 May 2025, handle the free QR code early, because without it you won’t be allowed to go ashore.

If your priorities are water time over shore time and you’re comfortable going with the flow, this cruise is a very reasonable way to experience Comino’s Blue Lagoon.

FAQ

How long is the cruise, and what are the departure and return times?

The cruise lasts 8 hours. The boat leaves Sliema at 10:30 AM and returns at 6:30 PM.

Where do I meet in Sliema?

You meet at the Sliema ferry terminal (not Valletta), located opposite McDonald’s. Aim to be there by 10:00 AM since the boat leaves at 10:30 AM.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

No. Snorkelling equipment is not included, but it is available for an additional cost onboard.

Are there bar and toilet facilities on the boat?

Yes. The cruise includes bar and toilet facilities.

Are snacks and drinks included?

Snacks and beverages are available on board, as part of the onboard amenities. The details provided do not list specific items as fully included meals, so plan on buying extras if you want more than snacks.

Do I need a ticket to walk on Comino?

Yes, as of 1 May 2025. You need a free ticket and a scanned QR code to walk on Comino, and you must get it online at www.blcomino.com.

What happens if I do not have the QR code?

If you do not have the QR code, you will not be allowed to walk on Comino. You can still swim next to the boat.

What time slot should I choose for the free Comino ticket?

When ordering the free ticket, you need to choose the slot from 13:30 to 17:30.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?

No. The activity is not suitable for wheelchair users.

What should I bring for the day?

Bring swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen.

Is free cancellation available?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.