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

The best part of this day cruise is the chance to combine Malta’s north coast, Gozo, and Comino without arranging several separate trips. You get bright blue water, a waterslide, coastal views, and a long stop at the famous Blue Lagoon. The boat’s captain gives running commentary, and on some departures, the captain named John Paul has been especially praised for his clear explanations and good humor.

I like the seasonal Crystal Lagoon swim, which gives you a quieter water stop before Blue Lagoon, and I like the choice between spending more time on Comino or making a short visit to Gozo. The main drawback is the crowding, especially in summer and around Blue Lagoon. The Gozo option can also feel rushed if you want to see much more than Victoria.

Key points

• Two different day plans: Stay on the boat for up to 3.5 hours at Blue Lagoon, or spend about three hours in Gozo and 1.5 hours at Blue Lagoon.
• Crystal Lagoon is seasonal: The 45-minute swim stop runs from May 1 through October 31, weather permitting.
• A good boat for mixed interests: You can swim, use the waterslide, sit in the shade or cabin, listen to commentary, or simply watch the coast.
• Comino is more than its lagoon: Use some of your free time for a short walk to quieter viewpoints and swimming spots.
• Gozo requires a choice: The optional €5 return transfer to Victoria is useful, but the stop is too short for a full island visit.
• Plan for sun and crowds: Blue Lagoon has little shade, and the water and shoreline can become very busy.

Sliema to Gozo by Malta’s northern bays

Your day begins at Luzzu Cruises, Sliema Ferries 4. Look for the MV Kataleya or MV Lady Shelley. The boats provide indoor and outdoor seating, toilets, a bar, and space to enjoy the coast as you move north.

The first stretch is sightseeing from the water. You pass St. Julian’s, St. George’s Bay, Qawra, St. Paul’s Bay, St. Paul’s Island, and Mellieħa Bay. This is a useful way to see Malta’s shoreline without spending the day in a vehicle. The captain points out nearby places and gives information about the coast as you go.

I would arrive early if you want a choice of seating. Several departures become crowded at the start, with the upper deck filling first. Once people leave for Gozo, the boat feels more spacious, but the early part of the cruise can be busy. For the best views, look beyond the upper seating area and try the front outdoor section when it is open and safe to use.

The crossing can be smooth, but sea conditions change. One part of the route may feel bumpy while the return is calm, or the other way around. The company operates in rain or shine, though the captain can change the route, stop, or boarding point if weather conditions require it.

Mgarr Harbour gives you a first glimpse of Gozo

The boat reaches Mgarr Harbour for a short photo stop of about five minutes. This is not a proper Gozo visit. It gives you a quick look at the harbor and a chance to take photographs before the day’s main swimming stops.

At this point, you need to know which version of the trip you booked. The standard plan keeps you on the boat and gives you the longest stay at Comino. Option B lets you leave the boat for about three hours in Gozo, then return for approximately 1.5 hours at Blue Lagoon.

If you choose Gozo, an optional transfer to Victoria costs €5 per person and is paid onboard. The transfer is organized from the harbor, which saves you from sorting out local transport yourself. Still, allow for the transfer time in both directions. In practice, the amount of time in Victoria can feel closer to a quick look than a full town visit.

Victoria is worth a dedicated day if you want to see Gozo properly. On this cruise, you may have enough time for lunch, a church, a market, and a short walk, but not for a broad tour of the island. I would choose the Gozo option if you have already had plenty of swimming time in Malta or if Gozo matters more to you than a long Blue Lagoon stop.

Crystal Lagoon is the day’s most playful swim

From May 1 through October 31, and only when conditions allow, the boat stops for about 45 minutes at Crystal Lagoon or St. Nicholas Bay. This stop is one of the strongest reasons to book during the warmer months.

You swim directly from the boat in clear turquoise water. The included waterslide adds a bit of fun without turning the whole trip into a loud party cruise. You can also snorkel, float, or stay onboard and watch the swimmers. The boat is positioned for water access, although you should not expect to step straight onto a broad sandy beach.

Bring secure footwear for rocky areas and ladders. Water shoes are useful, but the stated essentials are comfortable shoes, beachwear, and a towel. A camera is worthwhile, though you should protect it carefully around the water.

This stop disappears from the schedule between November and April. During those months, the boat goes to Blue Lagoon only. The winter version can still work well for coastal views, swimming if conditions suit you, and walking around Comino, but do not book in the cooler season expecting the separate Crystal Lagoon swim.

Blue Lagoon offers beauty, water, and very little quiet

Blue Lagoon is the central event. On the main plan, you get about 3.5 hours of free time. You can swim, snorkel, sunbathe, walk along Comino’s rough coastline, or remain near the boat.

The water is the star. Clear conditions make it easy to look below the surface, and snorkelers can spot fish. The boat’s slide is available at Blue Lagoon, too, so you can make repeated water entries without going ashore.

The famous name comes with a cost: Blue Lagoon can be extremely crowded. Several boats may arrive around the same time, and the shoreline has little shade. If you plan to spend the entire stop lying in the sun, bring strong sun protection and enough water. The onboard bar serves hot and cold drinks, and food and drinks are not included, so carry cash for purchases. You may also bring your own food and drinks, according to the information provided for the trip.

I would not spend all 3.5 hours in the most crowded patch. Swim first, then use some time to walk away from the main landing area. Short paths on Comino lead to quieter viewpoints and swimming spots, and several people have found that even a brief walk can change the feel of the stop. You do not need a formal hike to enjoy this. A little distance from the lagoon can bring better views and more breathing room.

The boat can remain a useful base. If someone in your party does not want to swim, the crew has looked after people who stayed onboard while others went ashore. The lower cabins, outdoor areas, toilets, and bar make the boat more practical than a basic water taxi.

There is one important current requirement. To leave the boat at Comino Blue Lagoon, you must register for a free QR code at www.blcomino.com and select the afternoon slot listed as 13.31 to 17.30. Check this before the day of departure, because the QR code is part of the access process.

Comino’s sea caves finish the coastal show

On the way back to Sliema, the boat makes a short stop at Comino’s sea caves, including the Santa Maria Caves area. Expect about ten minutes for photographs and a look at the rock formations from the water.

This is a scenic finish rather than a long cave visit. The captain positions the boat for views, and the stop gives you a final chance to use your camera before the return crossing. It also breaks up the journey home, which is helpful after a long swim stop.

The return route can be a lovely part of the day. The changing light on the water is especially attractive later in the season, when the sun sets earlier. Sightings of dolphins are possible but not promised, so treat them as luck rather than a planned feature.

What the boat is like during seven and a half hours

The total duration is 450 minutes, or about 7.5 hours. That is long enough to feel like a full day out, not just a short sightseeing cruise.

MV Kataleya and MV Lady Shelley are described as clean, comfortable boats with indoor and outdoor seating. Lady Shelley has two large toilets and glass-sided lower cabins. The onboard bar serves hot and cold drinks, and food is available for purchase, though one person found the food less impressive than the rest of the experience.

The crew’s strongest practical role is keeping the day moving. Boarding, departures, the Gozo transfer, and disembarkation are handled to a schedule. Crew members also supervise the slide and help people near the ladders and stairs. Announcements are frequent enough that you should listen carefully, but speakers downstairs can be loud or hard to understand in places.

The tone is fairly balanced. Music may play after the commentary, but this is not presented as a drinking cruise. You get a social boat outing with swimming and music, without the entire day being built around alcohol. Alcohol and drugs are not allowed.

English is the listed language, and the captain provides commentary about the places along the route. Some commentary may be given in several languages, depending on the departure. This is not a formal walking tour with a separate guide. The captain or onboard crew handles the explanations and timing.

Is the $41 price good value?

At $41 per person, this is a strong value if you want several water stops and a full day on the coast. The price includes the cruise from Sliema, the Gozo harbor photo stop, the seasonal Crystal Lagoon or St. Nicholas Bay stop, Blue Lagoon, the cave visit, and use of the waterslide.

It does not include hotel pickup, food, or drinks. The optional Victoria transfer is another €5 per person. These extra costs are modest, but bring cash because the practical information specifically advises carrying it.

The value depends on how you use the day. If you take the longer Comino plan, you receive a full coastal cruise and several hours around Blue Lagoon. If you choose Gozo, you gain a useful introduction to Victoria but give up time at Comino. Neither option replaces a full Gozo tour or a quiet visit to Blue Lagoon.

I consider the price especially good for families, couples, and groups with different interests. One person can swim, another can use the slide, and someone else can stay in the cabin or on deck. The main compromise is the number of people onboard, particularly in the busiest months.

Who should book this cruise?

I would book this for a first visit to Malta when you want to cover a lot in one day. It suits you if you want clear water, easy transport, coastal scenery, and a flexible stop where you can choose swimming or walking.

It is also a good choice if you prefer a boat-based day to a land tour. You avoid changing buses between Malta and Comino, and the crew keeps the schedule organized.

I would think twice if you dislike crowded bathing areas, need plenty of shade, or want a serious visit to Gozo. Blue Lagoon is popular for a reason, but it is not secluded. The Gozo option gives you only a short taste of Victoria, and the standard plan gives you much more Comino time than Gozo time.

For the best experience, bring a towel, beachwear, comfortable shoes, cash, sun protection, and a camera. Arrive early for a better seat, listen for the captain’s return instructions, and walk a little beyond the main Blue Lagoon area when the crowds build.

Final call: choose your priority before you board

Book this cruise if your priority is easy access to Malta’s famous swimming water, with a full day of scenery and a friendly, well-organized crew. Crystal Lagoon is the seasonal bonus, Blue Lagoon is the main attraction, and the sea caves provide a neat finish.

Choose the standard Comino plan if you want time to swim and walk. Choose Option B if you would rather see a little of Gozo and accept a shorter Blue Lagoon stop. If Gozo is high on your list, give it a separate day. If turquoise water is the goal, stay with Comino and make the most of the swim stops.

FAQ

Where does the cruise depart from?

The cruise departs from Luzzu Cruises at Sliema Ferries 4 in Sliema. Look for the MV Kataleya or MV Lady Shelley.

How long does the activity last?

The stated duration is 450 minutes, or about 7.5 hours. Starting times vary, so check availability when booking.

What places does the cruise pass?

The route passes St. Julian’s, St. George’s Bay, Qawra, St. Paul’s Bay, St. Paul’s Island, and Mellieħa Bay before reaching Gozo and Comino.

Is Gozo included?

The cruise includes a photo stop at Mgarr Harbour in Gozo. Option B includes about three hours of free time in Gozo, while the other option continues toward Comino.

How much does the Victoria transfer cost?

The optional return transfer from Mgarr Harbour to Victoria costs €5 per person and is available onboard.

Is the Crystal Lagoon stop available all year?

No. The Crystal Lagoon or St. Nicholas Bay stop runs from May 1 through October 31, weather permitting. From November through April, the boat stops at Blue Lagoon only.

How long do you stay at Blue Lagoon?

The main plan includes approximately 3.5 hours at Blue Lagoon. Option B includes about 1.5 hours there after the Gozo visit.

Do I need a QR code for Blue Lagoon?

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

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not included, but the boat has a bar serving hot and cold drinks and food for purchase. Bring cash.

Is the cruise suitable for wheelchair users?

No. The activity is not suitable for wheelchair users.