From Sliema: Full-Day Cruise to Comino and the Blue Lagoon

Comino Blue Lagoon is one of those Malta sights you understand instantly once you see the water. This day trip is built around maximum time in the sea, with a focus on swimming and snorkeling in the turquoise basin between Comino and Cominotto.

I also like the practical setup: you’re not just dropped off and left to figure it out. The air-conditioned boat, onboard commentary, and basic amenities make it easier to enjoy the day without turning it into a logistics puzzle.

One thing to keep in mind is that the boat can feel packed, and the schedule can stretch a bit if the cruise combines multiple groups and makes extra stops. That can shift when you actually reach the lagoon and how much time you get in it.

Key highlights to look for

• A full day tuned to water time, not constant sightseeing, so you can swim and snorkel for hours
• Air-conditioned comfort onboard, plus snacks, toilets, and ongoing English commentary
• Blue Lagoon snorkeling is the main event, with a sandy bottom and lots of marine life
• Comino island walking now needs a free QR ticket, booked online for the right time slot
• Crowds are common, so lines for drinks and space on the boat can get tight
• Optional add-ons help comfort, like top-deck sunbeds (extra cost) and rentals on board

Why Comino Blue Lagoon is a smart day trip from Sliema

The Blue Lagoon area is famous for a reason. It’s a natural basin of clear, turquoise water with a white sandy bottom, and it shows off both great swimming conditions and strong snorkel potential.

What makes this cruise appealing is the pacing. Instead of hopping around islands all day, this trip is designed to give you a solid window to get in and out of the water, over and over, without rushing.

Also, you get a boat day without the headache of organizing transport and timing yourself. Starting from Sliema (not Valletta) keeps it simpler for many visitors.

Getting to the lagoon: the 10:30 AM Sliema departure and timing reality

The boat leaves from the Sliema ferry terminal at 10:30 AM, and you should be there by 10:00 AM. The terminal is opposite McDonald’s in Sliema, which is a helpful landmark when you’re trying not to waste time hunting for the right dock.

The day runs until 6:30 PM back in Sliema, so on paper it’s a full day. In practice, the ride time can vary, because the boat may combine multiple tour groups and stop along the way before heading to Comino.

That matters for your expectations. If you’re the type who needs long, uninterrupted lagoon time, plan mentally for the possibility that you might not start swimming as early as you hoped.

Blue Lagoon time: swimming, snorkeling, and the best way to use it

The whole point here is the Blue Lagoon swimming and snorkeling experience. The lagoon sits between Comino and Cominotto, and it’s ideal for photos because the water clarity is excellent.

When you get there, your best strategy is to treat the lagoon like a loop. Swim for a while, snorkel when you feel like checking out marine life, then take a break on the boat or upper deck and come back again.

Snorkeling gear is available, but not included. If you want to avoid extra expense or fiddling, bring your own basic snorkel setup. If you rent onboard, you’ll likely see pricing in the neighborhood of about EUR 10 for basic items like a tube and mask.

Also pay attention to where you enter and exit. Some reviews noted closed shoes help for walking around rocky edges, so if the idea of barefoot on rocks makes you wince, pack something sturdier than flip-flops.

On-board comfort: AC, snacks, toilets, and the drink situation

This cruise is not just a ferry to Comino. There’s onboard comfort built in, including air-conditioning, a bar, toilet facilities, and snacks.

The reason I like that for a long sea day is simple. Malta sun plus saltwater can make you feel tired faster than you expect, and having a cool indoor space helps you reset between swims.

You can also buy drinks onboard. One practical note: if the boat is packed, lines for drinks can get long, so don’t wait until you’re dying of thirst. Grab what you need earlier during your breaks.

If you want to maximize comfort, there are options for the upper deck. Some passengers mentioned optional sunbeds on the top deck for about EUR 10, which can be worth it if you want a less squished spot while you wait for your next swim.

Detailed commentary, English host, and how the day feels organized

A big part of the experience is the vibe: you get detailed commentary throughout the cruise and an English host. That helps, especially if you’re new to Malta or you’re trying to make sense of what you’re seeing from the water.

It also reduces friction on a day where timing is everything. You know where you’re going, you hear what’s around you, and you can stay relaxed instead of guessing.

There’s one organization detail to watch. One person said they weren’t clearly told where they’d be picked up for the return and almost missed the boat. My advice: before you ever go ashore or spend long time in the water, locate the return meeting point with the crew and then double-check later.

Comino island access rules from May 1, 2025: the free QR ticket you must book

Here’s the key logistics change that can affect your day: starting May 1, 2025, you need a ticket to walk on Comino.

The ticket is free, but you must get it online at www.blcomino.com. When you order it, you need to choose the slot 1330 hrs to 1730 hrs.

You’ll receive a QR code, and Comino officials scan it on arrival. If you don’t have the QR code, you won’t be allowed to walk on Comino. You can still swim near the boat, so you’re not locked out of the water entirely, but you should know you may lose access to island walking.

This is one of those details that sounds small until you’re standing at the rules table. Set a reminder to get it in advance so you can focus on the lagoon instead of sorting out permission.

What to bring for a smooth Blue Lagoon swim day

This trip’s packing list is straightforward, but it’s also the difference between a fun day and a miserable one.

Bring:

• Swimwear
• A towel
• Sunscreen

I’d add one more common-sense item even though it’s not listed: something for your phone and QR code access. You need the QR code for Comino walking, and you don’t want it buried under sand, water, and towels.

Also consider footwear. If you plan to walk on rocky areas, closed shoes can help you feel steadier getting in and out.

Renting on board: snorkels, umbrellas, and what it costs

Snorkeling equipment is available onboard for an extra cost. Based on what passengers reported, basic snorkel items can be around EUR 10.

Umbrellas are another common request. One guests mentioned umbrella rentals around 15 to 20 euros, with a partial refund (about EUR 5) if you return it. That can matter if you burn easily or if the boat deck seating fills up.

If you’re planning to spend most of your time in the water, you might not need a rental. But if you want a shaded place to cool down between swims, it can make the day more comfortable.

Price and value: what $34 covers, and how extras change the final bill

At around $34 per person for an eight-hour day, this cruise is priced for real value compared to private boat charters. You’re paying for transportation, onboard amenities, and the main event access to the Blue Lagoon area.

What you do not get included:

• Snorkeling equipment (available at extra cost)

What you do get included:

• Bar and toilet facilities (so you can manage breaks without hunting for land stops)
• Detailed commentary during the cruise
• The full-day cruise focus on Comino and the Blue Lagoon

Then there are optional comfort upgrades. For example, top-deck sunbeds can cost extra, and rentals like umbrellas and snorkel gear add to your spending. If you plan to bring your own snorkel setup and skip the extras, you’ll probably keep your final cost close to the advertised price.

One more value lens: time. Some departures can include extra stops to drop off other passengers, which can reduce your actual lagoon time. If your top priority is maximum time in the water, arrive early, stay flexible, and treat the schedule as a guide, not a promise.

Who this cruise fits best, and who should think twice

This is a great fit if you want:

• Swimming and snorkeling as the main activity
• A day on the water with onboard comfort like air-conditioning
• English guidance and a simple start point in Sliema

It’s less ideal if:

• You hate crowds. The boat can get packed, and that can mean less space for relaxing between swims.
• You need wheelchair access. This cruise is not suitable for wheelchair users.
• You’re extremely time-sensitive about getting to the lagoon at a specific hour, because the schedule can stretch with combined groups and additional stops.

If you’re a confident swimmer who enjoys snorkeling and you can roll with a busier boat day, you’ll likely find this worth it.

Should you book the Sliema to Comino Blue Lagoon cruise?

I’d book it if your goal is a straightforward Malta day of clear-water swimming and snorkeling with onboard comfort, plus an easy Sliema departure point. The price-to-experience ratio is strong, especially if you plan to spend most of your day in the lagoon and don’t need many add-ons.

I’d hesitate if you know you’re sensitive to crowds or you strongly need long, guaranteed lagoon time. In that case, build in flexibility, and before the day starts, get clear on timing and the return boarding point with the crew. Also, if you want to walk on Comino, don’t forget the free QR ticket for the correct slot.

FAQ

Where does the cruise start and when does it leave?

The boat leaves from the Sliema ferry terminal, located opposite McDonald’s. The departure time is 10:30 AM, and you should arrive by 10:00 AM.

How long is the cruise?

The cruise runs for 8 hours, returning back to the meeting point at 6:30 PM.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

No. Snorkelling equipment is not included, but it is available onboard for an additional cost.

Do I need a ticket to walk on Comino?

Yes, starting May 1, 2025 you need a free ticket to be able to walk on the island of Comino. You must order it online at www.blcomino.com, then use the QR code that is scanned on arrival.

What should I bring for the day?

Bring swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen.

Is the cruise suitable for wheelchair users?

No, it is not suitable for wheelchair users.