Comino and the Blue Lagoon are interesting because you get a real escape without the hassle of renting a car, just a fast, scenic boat day. I love the modern, air-conditioned catamaran ride with free Wi-Fi, and I love that your time is built around a proper swim stop in the Blue Lagoon. One drawback to consider is that this is not a gentle outing, some people get very seasick on the crossing, and the Blue Lagoon can feel packed.

You can also choose where you start, either Sliema Ferries in Sliema or Buġibba Jetty in St. Paul’s Bay. Plan ahead for the biggest gotcha, the Blue Lagoon access pass is now required by the Maltese government, and you can be turned away if you do not have it.

Key things I’d focus on before you book

• Two departure points in Malta, Sliema or St. Paul’s Bay, so you can match it to your schedule
• Air-conditioned catamaran, plus toilets and free Wi-Fi on board
• Blue Lagoon swim time with a regulated access pass, limited allocation, book in advance
• Leisure time on Comino Island, no tour guide, you set the pace for swimming and walking
• Optional motorboat add-on to Comino Caves and the Crystal Lagoon, only if conditions are good
• Not for seasickness-prone passengers, and mobility is limited by the nature of the ferry

Why Comino and the Blue Lagoon are worth your time

If you only know Malta from cities and forts, Comino feels like a different country. The Blue Lagoon is famous for its crystal-clear, turquoise water over a white sandy base, plus the kind of marine life you can notice while snorkeling. It’s one of those places where a quick swim turns into a long, happy hour, because the water is the main attraction.

Comino itself is refreshingly simple. There are no cars or urban sprawl to deal with, so you spend your time on foot. You can wander around and, if you like walks, you can follow trails linked to St. Mary’s Chapel, St. Mary’s Watch Tower, and St. Mary’s Battery. Even if you come in the warmer months, the island’s slow pace makes it feel like a breather.

One practical thing to know: this is a day trip with a scheduled boat return. That means you’re not settling in for all day on your own schedule. You’ll want to use your time on Comino efficiently, then return when the ferry tells you to.

From Sliema or St Paul’s Bay, it starts as a real coastal cruise day

This trip is built around a catamaran ride along Malta’s northern coastline. You leave in the morning from either Sliema Ferries in Sliema or Buġibba Jetty in St. Paul’s Bay. On board, you’re in a fully air-conditioned vessel, and you’ll have access to toilets and free Wi-Fi, which is handy if you want to check maps or just keep your phone working.

As the boat heads along the coast, you get a moving view of the shoreline attractions that dot the waterline. Then there’s a brief stop at St. Paul’s Bay to pick up passengers from that area. After that, the cruise includes a short call at Mġarr Harbour in Gozo, where guests who are disembarking in Gozo leave the boat. After that, it’s directly toward Comino.

In real-life terms, the boat portion matters for two reasons. First, it’s part of what you’re paying for, the scenic travel with a comfortable ride. Second, it can set the tone for how you enjoy the rest of the day. A few passengers reported rougher motion on the way out, even to the point of vomiting. If you’re even slightly prone to seasickness, you should treat that as a serious hint.

Blue Lagoon access pass rules you must handle before you go

Here’s the rule that can make or break the day: to step ashore at the Blue Lagoon, you need a government-issued access pass. Malta introduced this directive effective May 2025, and the daily allocation is limited. If you do not have the official pass, you won’t be allowed to disembark at the Blue Lagoon.

The pass is obtained through blcomino.com. The key detail is that, for this specific trip, you’re required to book both the morning and afternoon time slots when applying for your pass. That’s not optional fluff, it’s a government-mandated regulation for this arrangement.

So my advice is simple: don’t wait until you arrive in Malta to sort this out. Do it first, while you still have time to fix a mistake. If you’re the kind of traveler who likes last-minute plans, this is the one place where last-minute can cost you the main swim stop.

Also note that you should come prepared with swim stuff. You’ll have a refreshing swim stop, and you’ll want sunscreen and a towel so you can enjoy the water without rushing.

Comino Island time: swimming, snorkeling, and walking trails at your pace

Once you reach Comino, you step ashore and get leisure time. This is not a guided tour. Nobody is corralling you into a script. That’s good if you like freedom, and it’s also why you should think about your plan before you land.

Your Comino day usually revolves around the water first. You’ll have the famous Blue Lagoon swim stop with transparent turquoise water, and on that same day you can spend time doing things like sunbathing, swimming, and snorkeling. The water is the reason most people come, so give yourself enough time to do more than a quick dip.

Then there’s the walking side. Since Comino has no cars and a small feel, the trails and viewpoints can be a real payoff if you enjoy photography or light hiking. St. Mary’s Chapel, St. Mary’s Watch Tower, and St. Mary’s Battery are the named trail destinations mentioned for Comino exploration. Even if you do only part of the walk network, you’ll likely come away with better photos and a better sense of the island than if you only stay beach-to-water.

One optional add-on you might hear about is the motorboat trip to the Comino Caves and the Crystal Lagoon. It’s optional, and the fee is paid on location, about €15 per person. It also depends on favorable weather and sea conditions. Translation: it’s a nice possibility, but don’t build your whole day around it.

How the ride and the crowd can affect your day

This is where I try to be straight with you. You’re on a ferry cruise, and that means the ride depends on the sea. Some passengers described a fast, rough outward crossing where many got sick and had trouble for hours. When motion gets bad, even a comfortable boat won’t magically fix it.

I’d treat this trip as a higher-risk day if you have a sensitive stomach. If seasickness tends to hit you easily, you may want to skip this one. At minimum, bring whatever you use to manage nausea, and don’t travel on a totally empty stomach.

The other variable is the Blue Lagoon crowd. The Blue Lagoon is popular for a reason, and that popularity can mean packed conditions during your swim time. One approach that works well is to plan your swim for when you’re on the water, not when you want perfect solitude. Once you’re there, you can always move along the shore if one spot feels too intense.

Now the good news: some passengers reported the process was on time and smooth, and the crew communicated the timetable. There were also accounts of crew members helping and handing out nausea bags when needed. So if you do go, understand this is a mixed group day, and your best bet is to show up early, stay flexible, and be ready for a bit of chaos with large groups.

Price and what you should budget beyond the ticket

At about $35 per person, this day trip can be good value if you want a ferry-style cruise plus a major swim experience in one package. You’re getting the coastal sightseeing cruise to Comino, plus the comfort of a modern, air-conditioned catamaran. You also get onboard basics that help on a day like this, including free Wi-Fi, toilets, and crew assistance.

But you should budget for the things not included, especially since the Blue Lagoon access pass is now required by law. The pass is not included, and you have to purchase it through blcomino.com. Food and drinks are also not included, so bring cash for snacks or money for meals once you’re on Comino. The optional motorboat to the Comino Caves and the Crystal Lagoon adds another cost, about €15 per person, and it’s only possible with good conditions.

So my value math looks like this:

• Core ticket covers the catamaran ride and your leisure time on Comino plus the arranged swim stop
• Your day cost will increase once you add the access pass and food
• If you want the caves and Crystal Lagoon by motorboat, add the optional fee

If your main goal is just swimming and walking, you can keep it simple. If you want to do every add-on, your budget should flex.

What to bring, and what will slow you down

Bring comfortable shoes because Comino involves walking. Bring sunglasses and sunscreen, because you’ll be outdoors for the cruise and the swim time. Pack swimwear and a towel for the water. A camera helps too, because the lagoon views and coastal angles are a big part of why people choose this day trip.

Bring cash. That’s not just for snacks, it’s also useful for the optional motorboat, since that fee is paid on location.

And avoid what’s not allowed. Pets are not permitted. Oversize luggage and large bags are not allowed, and smoking is prohibited. Non-folding wheelchairs are also not allowed. If you’re traveling with lots of stuff, keep it minimal so boarding and moving around is easier.

Who should book this cruise, and who should skip it

This is a great fit for you if you:

• Want a day centered on swimming and snorkeling in the Blue Lagoon
• Like a low-pressure day with leisure time on Comino, not a strict guided itinerary
• Prefer traveling by a modern, air-conditioned catamaran with toilets and free Wi-Fi

This is not a good fit if you:

• Are prone to seasickness, because the crossing can feel rough for some people
• Need mobility-friendly conditions, since it’s not suitable for people with mobility impairments

It’s also worth noting that it’s not a hotel pick-up and drop-off kind of tour, so you’ll plan on getting to your chosen departure point yourself.

Final verdict: should you book this Coastal Ferry Cruise to the Blue Lagoon

I’d book this if your dream day is a classic Comino experience: quick arrival, Blue Lagoon swim time, then free exploring on foot. The catamaran comfort and the straightforward leisure setup make it a sensible way to do it without over-planning.

I would hesitate if you hate boats or get seasick, because that can turn a beautiful lagoon day into an exhausting one. I’d also treat the access pass rule as non-negotiable. If you do not want the pressure of planning passes and time slots, this is exactly the kind of trip where that pressure can ruin the main highlight.

If you’re willing to plan ahead for the pass, pack for sun and swimming, and keep your expectations realistic about crowds, this can be a very satisfying Malta day.

FAQ

What are the departure options for this Blue Lagoon cruise?

You can depart either from Sliema Ferries in Sliema or from Buġibba Jetty in St. Paul’s Bay. You choose your preferred departure point and time when booking.

How long is the cruise?

The duration is listed as 7 to 7.5 hours.

Is this cruise guided?

No. The Comino stop is at leisure, and there is no tour guide included.

Is the catamaran air-conditioned?

Yes. The boat is fully air-conditioned.

Is there Wi-Fi on board?

Yes, free Wi-Fi is available on the boat.

Do I need a Blue Lagoon access pass?

Yes. You need a government-issued access pass to step ashore at the Blue Lagoon, and you must obtain it in advance through blcomino.com.

Do I need to buy an optional motorboat trip?

No. The motorboat trip to the Comino Caves and the Crystal Lagoon is optional, with a fee paid on location (approximately €15 per person), and it depends on favorable weather and sea conditions.

What should I bring for the day?

Bring comfortable shoes, sunglasses, swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, a camera, and cash.

What is not allowed on board?

Pets, oversize luggage, smoking, and luggage or large bags are not allowed. Non-folding wheelchairs are also not allowed.

How early should I arrive at the departure point?

You should arrive 15 to 20 minutes before your scheduled departure time.