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

A Comino day trip feels like you found a second planet. This one runs from Sliema with scenic cruising around Malta, then gives you major free time at Blue Lagoon. I especially like the combo of long lagoon time plus the boat setup, including a passenger waterslide and onboard facilities. One drawback to plan for is crowding, because this is a popular route and the boat and shore can feel packed in peak months.

What makes this tour genuinely practical is that you are not just “transported,” you get structured swim stops plus built in sightlines from the water. In addition to Crystal Lagoon in summer, you also get a Comino sea-caves cruise viewpoint on the way back. The main trade-off is that lagoon access depends on conditions and timing, so you should show up early and follow the QR code rules if you want to step onto the island at Blue Lagoon.

Key things to know before you go

• Long Blue Lagoon time means you can swim, sunbathe, and even use the boat as your base.
• Crystal Lagoon is seasonal (only May 1 to Oct 30, weather permitting), so don’t expect the same stops year-round.
• A free QR code is mandatory to get ashore at Blue Lagoon in 2025, with an afternoon time slot.
• Comino sea caves on the return gives you extra scenery without burning more of your swim time.
• Up to 200 travelers keeps it exciting, but it can also mean tight quarters and limited top-deck space.
• You can rent masks and snorkels onboard for a small extra fee if you want the full water experience.

Sliema Departure: the Malta scenery you cannot get from shore

The day starts in Sliema at the Luzzu Cruises ferries point (Ferries 4, Triq Ix – Xatt, Sliema SLM 1023). The departure time is 10:00 am, and you will want to be there at least 30 minutes early. That extra half hour matters because check-in can get busy, and the boat will not wait forever once it is time to leave.

From the water, you see Malta the way most people never do: coastlines, bays, and points that look totally different than they do from a bus window. The cruise passes the Sliema promenade, then tracks along St Julian’s and Balluta Bay, continues by St George’s Bay and Paceville, and goes past Bugibba. It also slips by St Paul’s Island, tied to the famous shipwreck story from 60 AD. Later you cruise by Mellieha Bay before you reach the Comino area.

This “wandering postcard” cruising is one of the best parts of the day because it breaks up the long boat time with constant scenery. It also sets you up mentally: once you reach Comino, you already feel like you traveled somewhere special.

What I liked about the onboard setup early on

The boat is not just for transport. It has passenger facilities, and it is equipped with a waterslide you can use during the day. That simple detail turns the ride into an event, even if the sea is a little choppy at the start. If you get seasick easily, this is also a good moment to take care of yourself early, because the out-and-back can bring wind and waves.

The Gozo Photo Stop: fast, not a full visit

You get one short stop related to Gozo: a photo stop at Mgarr Harbour for about 5 minutes. The idea is quick photos only, while passengers who booked to visit Gozo disembark. If you are hoping to explore Gozo streets or grab lunch there, this is not the format.

Think of it as a brief geographic waypoint, then the boat refocuses on Comino. Even so, it is handy for people who want at least a little “we were there” moment without losing time at the lagoon stops.

Crystal Lagoon in summer: St Nicholas Bay swim time

In summer, you can get a stop at Crystal Lagoon, specifically Crystal lagoon / St Nicholas Bay. The timing is about 45 minutes, and the stop runs from May 1 to Oct 30, weather permitting. That “weather permitting” line is not small print. It is the difference between a smooth turquoise stop and a rough water situation where the captain chooses a safer location.

What makes Crystal Lagoon worth it is that it is another chance to get in the water before you hit Blue Lagoon. You also get to swim directly from the boat, plus you can use the slide facilities since the boat is your base.

A practical consideration: you may not get the exact same spot every day

The experience uses a flexible approach at Comino. On some days, the captain may choose the better available spot due to winds, currents, jellyfish, and similar factors. So even if you plan around a specific viewpoint, keep your expectations anchored on the main prize: swimming time and Comino scenery.

Blue Lagoon Comino: QR code rules and how to make the most of 3.5 hours

This is the centerpiece: the boat stops at Blue Lagoon for about 3.5 hours. That is real time. You can switch from a swim to a stroll to another swim without feeling like you are constantly rushing.

But the key rule for 2025 is that if you want to get off the boat at Comino Blue Lagoon, you must register for a free QR code at blcomino.com and choose the afternoon slot 13:31 to 17:30. These tickets are described as mandatory to get on shore in 2025, and they are free. If you skip the QR code step, you may be stuck staying onboard or dealing with access limitations.

Use the boat as your plan B when it gets crowded

Blue Lagoon is famous for a reason, and it can also be packed. In busy periods, it can feel like everyone arrived at the same time to do the same thing. The smart move is to treat the boat like a base: swim around it, rest onboard when you want shade, and go ashore with a plan rather than wandering hoping for space.

Also, during times when the shore is crowded, do not underestimate how much you can enjoy the area just staying in the water and using the boat facilities. One review noted that the boat being your home base helps when the island access gets busy.

Comino sea caves: the scenery you get without losing your swim time

On the way back, the cruise includes scenic viewing of the Comino Caves. You get this from the water while the day is already winding down. It is a nice pairing: Crystal and Blue Lagoon give you time in the water, and the caves give you something to look at when you want a break from sun and salt.

This also keeps the day balanced. You are not spending the entire trip switching between land attractions. You get water time, then scenery time.

Pace and timing: what 7 hours 30 minutes really feels like

The tour runs about 7 hours 30 minutes total. You board in the morning, you cruise out with multiple coastal view stretches, then you hit Comino with staggered swim windows:

• Crystal Lagoon / St Nicholas Bay: about 45 minutes (seasonal, May 1 to Oct 30)
• Blue Lagoon: about 3.5 hours
• A Gozo photo stop: about 5 minutes for those booked for Gozo

That schedule is why the day works for many people: you get multiple water moments without a long, exhausting land program. Still, keep in mind that you are on a boat for a big chunk of the day. If you are traveling with small kids or anyone who struggles with long sitting and sun exposure, plan breaks carefully. The boat itself can provide shade, but once you step ashore, shade may be limited.

Price and value: why this can be a steal at $42.24

At $42.24 per person, this is a value play if you care about water access and iconic scenery. You are paying for:

• a full boat cruise from Sliema to Comino and back
• structured time at Crystal Lagoon (in summer) and Blue Lagoon
• a waterslide and boat facilities
• Comino caves viewing on the return

You are not paying extra to get those core experiences lined up. Food and drinks are not included, so you will want cash or card for the onboard bar. Masks and snorkels can be rented onboard for €5.00 per person if you want them. That optional cost is normal for a day built around swimming.

The real value depends on whether you handle the main downside well: crowds and limited space. If you are flexible, arrive prepared, and use the boat as your base, you get a lot of fun and scenery for the money.

Who should book this Comino cruise from Sliema

This tour fits best if you want:

• one-day Comino with serious lagoon time
• the convenience of leaving from Sliema and returning to the same point
• a fun boat experience, not just a bus-style transfer

It is also a good match for swimmers. You can jump in from the boat, use the slide, and spend meaningful time at both lagoon areas.

Skip or adjust expectations if you hate crowding or motion

If you are extremely sensitive to waves, consider planning for rougher seas and bring your own seasick remedy. And if you prefer quiet beaches, you will likely find Blue Lagoon crowded at popular times. You can still have a great day, but your strategy has to be: swim in and around the boat, then move on shore with a plan if you want to explore.

Also note that the cruise has a maximum of 200 travelers. That number helps keep it from feeling like an endless ferry line, but it still means you should expect a busy vibe.

Should you book Luzzu Cruises to Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon, and Caves?

I think you should book this if you want the classic Comino highlights with enough free time to actually enjoy the water, not just pose for a photo. The combination of scenic cruising from Sliema, a seasonal Crystal Lagoon stop, a long Blue Lagoon window, and a waterslide makes it a strong “day at sea” value for the price.

Book it with a little smart realism: you will share space, Blue Lagoon can be intense in peak times, and the QR code rule for shore access in 2025 is non-negotiable if you want to step off. If you show up early, bring swim essentials, and treat the boat like your comfort zone, this can turn into one of Malta’s most memorable days.

FAQ

What time does the cruise start from Sliema?

The tour starts at 10:00 am, and you should arrive at least 30 minutes before departure.

Where is the meeting point?

You meet at Luzzu Cruises Ferries 4, Triq Ix – Xatt, Sliema SLM 1023, Malta. The tour ends back at the same meeting point.

How long are the stops at Crystal Lagoon and Blue Lagoon?

Crystal Lagoon / St Nicholas Bay stop is about 45 minutes (seasonal in summer). Blue Lagoon stop is about 3.5 hours.

Is Crystal Lagoon included year-round?

No. The Crystal Lagoon stop is described as seasonal, running from 01 May to 30 October, weather permitting.

Do I need a QR code to get off at Blue Lagoon in 2025?

Yes. To get off at Comino Blue Lagoon in 2025, you must register to obtain a free QR code from blcomino.com and choose the afternoon slot 13:31 to 17:30. These tickets are mandatory to get on shore.

What is included onboard besides transport?

The tour includes use of the waterslide and boat facilities, plus it includes access to the lagoon stops and scenic viewing of the Comino Caves on the return cruise.

Can I rent snorkeling equipment?

Yes. Masks and snorkels can be rented onboard for €5.00 per person.

How many people are on this cruise?

The experience has a maximum of 200 travelers.

What happens if weather is poor or the tour is canceled?

This experience requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.

Is the tour refundable if I miss the departure?

Refunds are not issued if the activity is missed due to late or non arrival of a cruise ship.