Comino & Blue Lagoon Cruise inc Photo Stop at Crystal Lagoon

Comino’s Blue Lagoon is the star here: clear turquoise water, a pale sandy bottom, and plenty of time to swim rather than just snap a quick photo and leave. The boat also pauses at Crystal Lagoon, giving you a fine camera stop before settling in for the main event.

I like the long stay at Blue Lagoon and the useful onboard comforts, especially the air-conditioning, bar, toilets, and upper deck. The main catch is that the trip can involve a long ride and shared boat movements, so your actual lagoon time may feel shorter than the headline schedule on busy days.

Key points at a glance

• About four and a half hours at Blue Lagoon: Enough time to swim, snorkel, eat, and find a quieter moment.
• Crystal Lagoon photo stop: A short ten-minute pause for views and pictures, not a full swimming stop.
• Two departure points: Choose Sliema Ferry or Bugibba Jetty, with different sailing times.
• Comfortable boat facilities: Air-conditioning, a bar, snacks, toilets, and an upper deck are available.
• Snorkeling costs extra: Bring your own equipment or rent it onboard for a small fee.
• Comino access now needs a free ticket: Choose the 1:30 pm to 5:30 pm slot at blcomino.com if you plan to walk on the island.

Why Blue Lagoon deserves the whole day

Blue Lagoon sits between Comino and the smaller island of Cominotto. The water is famously clear, with a white sandy bottom that gives it that bright blue-green color. You can swim straight from the boat, take photos from the shore, or use a mask and snorkel to look below the surface.

This is not a quiet, untouched cove in the middle of summer. Blue Lagoon is one of Malta’s best-known swimming spots, and the shoreline can get crowded. Still, the water itself is the reason to come. Four-plus hours gives you a chance to do more than make a quick stop. You can swim early, take a break on the boat, then return to the water when the shore feels too busy.

I would treat this as a water day rather than a sightseeing tour of Comino. The small island is attractive, but the strongest part of the experience is being on or beside the water. If you want museums, village streets, or a long guided walk, this is not the right outing.

The journey from Sliema or Bugibba

You choose between two departure points. From Sliema Ferry, the boat leaves at 10:30 am and returns at about 6:30 pm. From Bugibba Jetty, departure is at 11:30 am, with the return scheduled for about 5:30 pm.

The route itself is part of the appeal. You get a broad view of Malta’s northern coast from the water, and the cruise includes commentary in English. The ride can be pleasant and scenic, though it is worth setting realistic expectations. Some departures combine different groups and make additional stops, which can stretch the sailing time.

One past schedule had a departure from Sliema at 10:30 am but did not reach Blue Lagoon until around 12:45 pm. The boat also stopped at St Paul’s Bay and dropped people at Gozo before reaching Comino. On the return, the ride back to Sliema took more than two hours.

That does not ruin the day, but it matters if your priority is maximum swimming time. From Bugibba, the overall schedule is shorter, yet the exact time spent at the lagoon can still depend on boat operations and drop-offs. I would keep the day free rather than planning a tight evening appointment.

Crystal Lagoon in ten minutes

The Crystal Lagoon stop lasts about ten minutes. That is enough for photographs and a quick look at another attractive inlet, but not enough for a proper swim or long walk.

Have your camera ready before the boat stops. You will get a better result if you use the pause for wide views, rock formations, and the contrast between the water and the pale stone. Think of Crystal Lagoon as a scenic interlude, not a second Blue Lagoon.

The short stop also breaks up the boat ride. You can stretch your legs, look out from the deck, and get a preview of Comino before the longer stay at the main lagoon.

Four and a half hours at Blue Lagoon

The main stop is designed around free time. You are not pushed through a series of short activities. Once the boat is positioned at Blue Lagoon, you can decide how to use the hours.

A simple plan works well:

• Swim soon after arrival, before you get too settled on deck.
• Snorkel near the boat or along the edge of the lagoon.
• Take a break with a drink or snack.
• Walk on Comino if you have the required access ticket.
• Return to the water before departure.

The lagoon is especially good for swimming and underwater viewing because the water is clear and the bottom is pale. Bring your own mask and snorkel if you already have them. Equipment can be rented onboard for an extra charge, but your own gear saves time and avoids another cost.

The shore is not a soft resort beach in the usual sense. One useful tip from an earlier visit is to bring closed shoes for walking on the rocks. That is sensible advice for anyone leaving the boat to explore the edge of the lagoon.

You can also rent chairs and umbrellas in the beach area. An umbrella arrangement sold onboard has involved a refundable deposit, but it is important to ask exactly where it may be used. One traveler found that the boat’s umbrella could not be placed in the main Blue Lagoon area, where beach rentals were the permitted option.

What the boat adds to the day

This is more than a basic transfer. The boat has air-conditioning, a bar, toilets, and an upper deck. Snacks, coffee, tea, soft drinks, and alcoholic drinks are available for purchase. These facilities matter because a full day in direct sun can become tiring, especially if you have children or prefer not to pack a full picnic.

Food and drinks are not included in the stated price, so budget for them. Prices were described as reasonable by one recent visitor, but another practical point is that queues can build up at the bar when the boat is crowded. Carrying your own water is a good idea if permitted by the operator, and sunscreen is essential.

An optional upper-deck sunbed has been sold for about EUR 10. That may appeal to you if you want a more comfortable place to dry off or relax between swims. It is not part of the base fare, so decide on the boat after you see how much space and sun you want.

The boat has been described as spacious and comfortable, but it can also feel busy. A larger vessel gives you more room than a tiny speedboat, yet it also carries more people. If you want a private, quiet outing, this is not that sort of cruise.

The price and what you receive

At about $29 per person, this is strong value if you want transport to Comino, a full-day boat outing, and several hours at Blue Lagoon. You are also paying for commentary, the Crystal Lagoon stop, toilets, and onboard food and drink facilities.

The value depends on how you measure the day. If you mainly need a simple ride to Comino, a cheaper ferry might be enough. If you want a boat setting, a coastal cruise, a photo stop, and a long block of swimming time, this package offers more.

Extra costs can include snorkeling gear, drinks, snacks, beach chairs, umbrellas, and an upper-deck sunbed. Those add-ons are optional, but the final bill can rise if you want a fully equipped day. I would bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, water, and your own snorkeling gear where possible.

The new Comino access rule

From May 1, 2025, you need a free ticket to walk on Comino. Get it online at blcomino.com before the trip and select the 1:30 pm to 5:30 pm time slot.

You receive a QR code, which Comino officials scan on arrival. Without it, you cannot walk on the island. You can still swim beside the boat, so this rule does not prevent you from enjoying the water, but it changes the practical planning.

Do not assume that booking the cruise automatically gives you the island ticket. Arrange the free pass yourself and keep the QR code easy to reach on your phone. This is one of the most important details for the current experience.

Timing, crowd levels, and comfort

Blue Lagoon can be crowded, particularly in the warmest months. The water remains attractive, but the beach area may feel busy, and finding a prime spot for an umbrella or chair can take patience.

The schedule offers a useful advantage: you are not limited to one quick swim. Even if the first hour feels crowded, the long stop gives you time to adjust. You might spend part of the visit aboard the boat, where there is air-conditioning, then swim again later.

The cruise is best suited to people who enjoy a relaxed but active day. Families can make good use of the long swimming period, and the bar and toilets reduce the need to leave the area. You should be comfortable with steps, uneven rocks, and getting in and out of the water. The activity is not suitable for wheelchair users.

English commentary and an English-speaking host or greeter are provided. The commentary helps put the coast and islands into context, but this is not a specialist historical tour. The focus stays on scenery, transport, and time in the water.

Small details that can make the day better

Arrive with your swimwear under your clothes if that is convenient. You will save time once the boat reaches Comino. Pack a towel that dries quickly, secure your phone in a waterproof pouch, and bring sun protection you can reapply.

Keep track of where and when you must reboard. One earlier passenger nearly missed the return boat after being unclear about the pickup location. Listen carefully to the crew’s instructions and return early, especially if you walk away from the landing area.

The cruise may pass through or stop at other places depending on the departure arrangement. That can add interest, but it can also mean you spend several hours aboard rather than at Blue Lagoon. If you want a short, direct crossing, ask the operator about the day’s routing before boarding.

The service has generally been praised for friendly, professional crew members and clear organization. That matters on a busy boat, where simple instructions about swimming, boarding, and departure make the day easier. Still, the experience can vary with crowding, weather, and how many groups share the vessel.

Who should book this cruise

I would choose this cruise if you want an affordable way to see Malta’s northern coast and spend most of the day swimming at Comino. It suits couples, families, and friends who prefer free time to a tightly guided schedule.

It is also a good match if you like having facilities nearby. You can cool off in the water, retreat to air-conditioning, buy a drink, and use the toilet without needing to leave the boat.

I would look elsewhere if you want a calm private charter, guaranteed uninterrupted time at Blue Lagoon, or a detailed tour of Comino’s interior. The boat may be crowded, the ride may include extra stops, and the advertised four-and-a-half-hour swim can be reduced by the day’s operating schedule.

Should you book it?

Book it for water, scenery, and value, not for a quiet island escape. The Blue Lagoon is genuinely beautiful, and the long swimming stop gives this cruise more substance than a quick sightseeing pass. At $29, it is a sensible choice if you pack well and accept the possibility of a busy boat or a longer transfer.

Before you go, confirm your departure point, arrange the free Comino walking ticket, bring sunscreen and closed shoes, and plan for extra costs if you need snorkeling gear or shade. If those details suit you, this is an easygoing full-day way to reach one of Malta’s most striking swimming spots.

FAQ

Where does the cruise depart from?

You can depart from Bugibba Jetty or Sliema Ferry. The meeting point depends on the option you book.

What time does the cruise leave from Sliema?

The Sliema departure is scheduled for 10:30 am, with a return at about 6:30 pm.

What time does the cruise leave from Bugibba?

The Bugibba boat is scheduled to leave at 11:30 am and return at about 5:30 pm.

How long do you stay at Blue Lagoon?

The planned swimming stop is about four and a half hours, although the exact time can vary with the boat’s route and other stops.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

No. You can bring your own equipment or rent snorkeling gear onboard for an additional cost.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Snacks, coffee, tea, soft drinks, and alcoholic drinks are available to buy onboard. The boat also has a bar and toilets.

Do you need a ticket to walk on Comino?

Yes. From May 1, 2025, you need a free ticket from blcomino.com. Choose the 1:30 pm to 5:30 pm slot and keep the QR code available for scanning.

Can wheelchair users take this cruise?

No. The activity is not suitable for wheelchair users.