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

This cruise is interesting because in one long half day you get that classic Malta view, then you actually get to swim in it. I love the crystal-clear water swims and the extra fun of the boat waterslide.

The day moves fast, though. The boat can feel crowded, and if you dislike constant announcements over the speakers, this might annoy you a bit, especially on the first leg out of Sliema.

Key highlights worth planning around

• Two swim stops, Crystal Lagoon (or St Nicholas Bay in season) and the Blue Lagoon on Comino
• Waterslide included, plus easy, laid-back time to sunbathe and snorkel
• Gozo timing depends on your option, from a quick Mgarr Harbour photo stop to longer island time
• Comino sea caves and nearby cave viewpoints, mostly from the boat, with short photo stops
• You must plan for Blue Lagoon access, with a free QR code needed for a scheduled slot

Why Comino and Gozo in 7.5 hours feels like cheating (in a good way)

Malta has plenty of dramatic coastline, but Comino is the part people talk about. This cruise from Sliema is built for maximum water time with minimal logistics. You start on a ferry-style boat, head north along the bays of Malta, then spend your best hours in the two most famous swimming areas around Comino.

What makes it work for your day is the mix of “look, then do.” You get serious scenery while cruising past places like St Julian’s Bay and St Paul’s Island, then you jump into the water at two different tones of turquoise. That way, even if one swim area feels busy, you still likely have a second, different experience right after.

Also, this is one of the few ways to see the Comino caves without spending hours figuring out boats, schedules, and where to dock. You get cave views from the route and a short stop to photograph them, then you can get back to the point you came for, the water.

Sliema departures: finding Luzzu Cruises and settling into the boat

Your day starts at Luzzu Cruises in Sliema, the ferries area labeled Ferries 4. You’re looking for the Mv Kataleya or the Mv Lady Shelley. If you show up a little early, you can find your level and get comfortable before the boat fills up.

One practical detail I appreciate: this boat is multi-level, so you are not stuck in one spot. People mention roaming among levels including a glass-bottom deck, which is a fun way to watch the coastline and water without always being in direct sun. It also helps if you want to escape the noise for a bit.

Bring beach basics early, because once you’re in swim mode, you will be glad you have everything in one place. Have your towel, beachwear, and cash ready. Snorkels can be hired on board, so you do not have to pack them, but you do want to be prepared either way.

If you get motion sickness, plan for it. A couple of people call out rougher water on the way out. A small dose of prevention is much easier than trying to tough it out.

Cruising the north coast: bays, islands, and quick photo moments

The route is part of the experience. After leaving Sliema, you cruise north past St Julian’s Bay, St George’s Bay, and Qawra Bay, then through St Paul’s Bay and Mellieha Bay before you reach Gozo at Mgarr Harbour.

As a traveler, I like that the itinerary does not pretend you are going to do everything by land. Most of the value is in the boat ride itself, wide views out to sea, plus the sense of momentum that makes a half-day feel longer and more satisfying.

You also get a brief Mgarr Harbour photo stop. It is short, about 5 minutes, so treat it as a chance to capture the Gozo moment and hop back into the flow. If you want real Gozo time, you’ll need to choose the option that includes longer free time on the island.

Gozo options: quick stamps versus real island time

This trip has at least one clear fork in the road. In the basic flow, you stop at Mgarr Harbour mainly for photos and then continue on. That is great if your priorities are Comino swimming and cave viewpoints, because it protects time for the water.

But there is an alternative setup, often referred to as Option B. With Option B, you get around 3 hours of free time on Gozo, with the chance to buy optional transport to Victoria on the boat at €5 per person. Then Comino time changes, with about 1.5 hours at Comino’s Blue Lagoon.

So, the trade-off is simple:

• If you want to maximize swimming in the Comino lagoons, pick the option that keeps Gozo to a quick stop.
• If you want a taste of Gozo beyond photos, pick the option with the longer Gozo block.

Either way, you are not locked into a tour bus. The free time is on your terms, which is why this works well for couples and families with mixed interests.

Crystal Lagoon (seasonal) and St Nicholas Bay: your first taste of wow

This cruise schedules one swimming stop at the Crystal Lagoon area, or St Nicholas Bay depending on season and weather. The Crystal Lagoon / St Nicholas Bay stop runs from 1 May to 31 October, and outside that window you typically get Blue Lagoon only.

Timing matters here: you get about 45 minutes in the bay for swimming and snorkeling. That is not enough to plan a long snorkel session and then take forever, but it is enough to cool off, get a few good views, and feel the water yourself. For many people, this becomes the best first swim of the day, partly because it is a little less frantic than the most famous beach.

Also, this is the kind of water where you want to be ready to look down. People call out that the Crystal Lagoon swim can be even better than Blue Lagoon because it feels less crowded while still delivering the same turquoise punch.

If you have your own snorkel gear, great. If not, you can usually hire snorkels on board. Either way, wear swimwear under your clothes so you can change fast, and keep an eye on how the boat anchors, since footing can be tricky in rocky areas.

Blue Lagoon on Comino: where 3.5 hours can feel like both magic and chaos

This is the main event. You get roughly 3.5 hours of free time at the Blue Lagoon. That block is what turns a scenic cruise into a real beach day. You can sunbathe, swim, snorkel, and basically choose your own rhythm.

It is popular, which means you should expect crowds. Several people point out the Blue Lagoon can be busy, and it is fair to say it can feel touristy. The good news is the water is the star, and it is still worth it for most people if you manage your time.

You should also plan for the water-entry details. To get off the boat at Comino’s Blue Lagoon, you need to register for a free QR code at blcomino.com and choose an afternoon slot labeled 13.31 to 17.30. If you skip that step, you could end up stuck with a boat-based experience instead of full lagoon time.

Another small but important detail: the boat ride includes a waterslide, and people keep mentioning it as one of the best quick thrills of the day. You can use it either while you’re on the boat and moving between swim spots, or before you settle into the Blue Lagoon schedule. It is simple fun, and it breaks up the day if you are traveling with kids or just want a laugh.

Food and drinks are not included, but you can buy them. People mention snacks and drinks available for purchase at reasonable prices, and some recommend eating on board instead of at the island because it can be cheaper and the quality can be better.

If you want a more comfortable onboard experience during a crowded day, one solid tactic is to grab seats early on the return trip. It helps a lot if you want shade and a place to relax.

Comino sea caves and Santa Maria Caves: the scenery stop you remember later

The cave part is real, even if it is not a long guided hike. After your Blue Lagoon time, the boat stops to admire and take photos of Comino’s sea caves. Then you get a short photo stop to visit Santa Maria Caves, about 10 minutes.

What I like about this structure is it does not drag. You get just enough time to point, look, and take pictures without the schedule swallowing your swim time. And from the boat, the caves make sense as part of the coastline rather than a separate attraction. You can see why this area is famous: the rock shapes and sea channels create those dramatic pockets of turquoise water.

If you care about photos, keep your camera ready. A lot of the best angles are when you are moving and when the captain adjusts the approach for viewing.

Onboard comfort: crowd levels, bathrooms, and how to make the day easy

Let’s be honest, boats to the lagoons are not quiet. You are sharing space with everyone who also wants photos, swim time, and the waterslide. If you are sensitive to noise, you might find the repeated announcements in several languages annoying.

My practical advice is to use the boat like a floating base, not a place you stay glued to. Spend time on different levels, take breaks in shade, and treat the water stops as your main anchor moments.

People also note the crew keeps bathrooms clean, which sounds like a small detail until you are trying to enjoy a long day under strong sun. On top of that, the staff tends to be friendly and helpful, and the captain’s decisions matter. The operator reserves the right to alter or cancel the excursion or change pick up and drop off location based on weather conditions, and this is something you should accept as normal for an open-water route.

Also, pack smart for getting changed fast:

• A towel
• Beachwear
• Comfortable shoes for getting around on the boat and any rocky edges
• Cash for snacks or anything you might buy on board

Alcohol and drugs are not allowed, so if you’re traveling with a party group, plan for the vibe to be more family-friendly than you might expect.

Is this cruise worth $40: value math that actually helps

Price is about more than the number. At around $40 per person, the big value drivers are:

• Two major swim areas (Crystal Lagoon or St Nicholas Bay, plus Blue Lagoon)
• Time on Comino for real beach hours, not just a pass-by stop
• Comino cave viewpoints and quick photo opportunities
• A waterslide included
• Snorkeling options at the water stops, plus snorkels hire mentioned by visitors

Compare that to what you might spend if you tried to stitch together multiple ferries, boat transfers, and entry logistics on your own. This cruise bundles the hard parts into one ticket and keeps the day simple.

The trade-offs are crowding and limited time at each swim stop. You do not get hours and hours in Crystal Lagoon, and Blue Lagoon can get busy. But you do get a balanced “look and do” day without the stress of planning every leg.

If you are the kind of traveler who wants a guarantee of relaxation, you might struggle with crowd levels. If you want the best chance of seeing both turquoise swim spots in one day, this is strong value.

Who this cruise is best for, and who should think twice

This fits well for:

• Couples and friends who want Comino and Blue Lagoon without handling boats and schedules
• Families with kids who will love the waterslide and enjoy short, fun swim blocks
• Beach-and-snorkel travelers who want two water stops in one outing
• People who like boat views and want photo chances along Malta’s coastline

It might be less ideal if:

• You hate crowds and you get stressed in busy places
• You strongly dislike being on a group boat with announcements and a set schedule
• You need wheelchair-friendly access, since it is not suitable for wheelchair users
• You know you will struggle with choppy water, even with prevention

Should you book this Sliema to Comino cruise?

I think you should book it if your goal is simple: swim in famous turquoise water, see Comino caves, and get a waterslide moment without planning the day to death. The combination of Crystal Lagoon or St Nicholas Bay plus Blue Lagoon is the real win, and the timing is enough to feel like you did more than just pass through.

Skip it or pick a different option if crowds will ruin the day for you. Blue Lagoon is popular, and the boat ride can be packed. Also, if you want long Gozo time, double-check which version you’re selecting, because Gozo can be a quick photo stop or a longer free-time block depending on the option.

If you go in with that mindset, you will come away with exactly what people want from Malta’s lagoon corner: water you can’t quite believe is real, plus caves and coastline views to match.

FAQ

How long is the cruise?

The duration is listed as 7.5 hours.

Where does the cruise depart from and where does it end?

It departs from Sliema at Luzzu Cruises (Ferries 4). It returns to the same meeting point.

Which swimming stops are included?

You’ll have a stop for swimming at the Crystal Lagoon area or St Nicholas Bay (seasonal), and a stop at the Blue Lagoon.

Is the Crystal Lagoon or St Nicholas Bay stop seasonal?

Yes. The Crystal Lagoon/St Nicholas Bay stop runs from 1 May to 31 October and depends on weather conditions.

How much free time do you get at the Blue Lagoon?

You get about 3.5 hours of free time at the Blue Lagoon.

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

Yes. To get off the boat at the Blue Lagoon, you must register for a free QR code on blcomino.com and choose the afternoon slot 13.31 to 17.30.

Is food included, and can I bring alcohol?

Food and drinks are not included. Alcohol is not allowed, and you can bring cash for items you purchase.