Blue Lagoon day, packed into seven hours. I love the air-conditioned catamaran comfort and the free day on Comino Island, where you can swim and wander at your own pace. My only caution is real: the ride can feel fast on rough water, and the Blue Lagoon can get crowded, so it helps to come ready for both.

This is a classic Malta day trip in the best sense: scenic cruising first, then a simple rhythm of stop, swim, relax, and go. I especially like that you can choose your departure point from Sliema or Buġibba (St. Paul’s Bay), which makes the whole day feel less like a logistics puzzle.

One key detail can make or break the day: Malta now requires an advance Blue Lagoon access pass to disembark at the lagoon. It’s not hard, but you have to do it before you arrive, and daily slots are limited.

Key things to know before you go

• Two departure ports in Malta: choose Sliema Ferries or Buġibba Jetty
• Air-conditioned catamaran with onboard basics: Wi‑Fi, toilets, and crew assistance
• You’ll get Comino time, not a guided tour: it’s free time on the island
• Blue Lagoon access pass required: limited daily allocation via blcomino.com
• Optional motorboat to caves and Crystal Lagoon: paid on location, weather-dependent
• Not for everyone: not suitable for mobility impairments; seasickness-prone passengers should think hard

A Catamaran Day to Comino: Comfort First, Reality Second

This cruise is built around one simple goal: get you from Malta to Comino for a Blue Lagoon swim day without spending hours figuring out transfers. The boat is a modern, state-of-the-art catamaran with air-conditioning, onboard toilet facilities, and free Wi‑Fi. That matters, because you’re out for about 7 to 7.5 hours, and you’ll be glad for comfort while you’re cruising the coast.

I also like that the experience is light on forced structure. There’s no guided script that tells you where to stand or what to photograph. You’ll cruise, then step ashore for leisure, so you can spend your time the way you actually want—swimming, sunbathing, snorkeling, or walking around.

Now for the reality check. Some people have reported rougher, faster riding conditions on the outbound and felt seasickness. If you know you’re sensitive to motion, take that seriously. The crossing isn’t marketed as a gentle ferry ride, and a calm day is not guaranteed.

Choosing Sliema or Buġibba: Pick the Start That Fits Your Day

The trip gives you two morning departure options, which is a big deal for comfort and value. You can leave from Sliema Ferries in Sliema, or from Buġibba Jetty in St. Paul’s Bay (in St. Paul’s Bay / St. Paul’s Bay area).

If you’re staying closer to Sliema, you likely avoid extra travel time getting to the port. If your hotel is nearer the north coast, Buġibba can feel like the easier start. Either way, you’re aiming for the same end result: Comino Island and the Blue Lagoon.

One practical tip: arrive 15 to 20 minutes early at your departure point. Boarding can involve ticket scanning and embarkation checks, and early arrival gives you breathing room if things get busy.

The Coastal Cruise to Comino: Scenic Sailing With a Few Stops

After you board, the boat cruises along Malta’s northern coastline, passing shoreline views with attractions along the water. It’s the kind of “look out the window” travel that actually works, because you’re not just waiting—you’re moving through the scenery.

The route also includes brief passenger handling stops. There’s a short stop at St. Paul’s Bay to pick up guests from that region. Then, after a brief stop at Mġarr Harbour in Gozo to drop off Gozo passengers, the boat continues directly to Comino.

This matters for your timing. You’re not waiting in port for long periods, but you’re also not going straight through with zero interruption. If you’re the type who needs precise plans, think of this as a day-trip ride with a couple of operational stops—simple, but not a nonstop express.

On the plus side, the boat setup helps you settle in quickly. With air-conditioning, Wi‑Fi, and toilets, you’re not stuck baking under the sun the whole time.

Comino Island Free Time: The Best Part Is What You Do With It

Once you reach Comino, you’ll step ashore and spend the day at leisure. This is not a guided tour, so you won’t have a leader herding you from viewpoint to viewpoint. That’s good news if you like flexibility, and it’s also why preparation helps: decide what kind of day you want before you land.

Here are the main ways people typically use their Comino time, based on what the trip offers:

• Blue Lagoon swimming and relaxing in the crystal-clear water
• Snorkeling if conditions suit you
• Sunbathing and taking breaks between swims
• Exploring other parts of the island on foot

And if you’re the walking-and-photos type, Comino is also known for trails and viewpoints—especially toward places like St. Mary’s Chapel, St. Mary’s Watch Tower, and St. Mary’s Battery. The important practical note: since the stop is leisure-based, you’ll want comfortable shoes and a realistic sense of how long your walking will take.

This “do it your way” structure is part of the value here. You’re paying for the boat and the access to Comino time, not for an included guide or planned stops.

Blue Lagoon Access Pass: The New Rule You Must Plan For

This is the one item that can turn a great day into a sad boat ride. Malta’s government now requires an access pass to disembark at the Blue Lagoon. You need to obtain it in advance through blcomino.com, and daily allocation is limited.

Even more specific: for this trip, you’re required to book both the morning and afternoon time slots when applying for your pass. In other words, don’t treat it like a single time window or a “maybe we’ll go” situation. The requirement is tied to disembarking at the lagoon, and you won’t be allowed to get off there without the official pass.

If you’re the kind of traveler who trusts last-minute plans, this is the moment to slow down and do the admin. It’s a small effort upfront that protects the entire day.

Blue Lagoon Swimming in Crystal-Clear Water (and Real Crowds)

The Blue Lagoon is the star. You’re looking at a picturesque bay with transparent turquoise waters and a white sandy base, plus marine life that makes snorkeling worthwhile. The water is the reason most people book, and when weather cooperates, it’s exactly what you hope for.

That said, consider the crowd factor. Some passengers have found the lagoon overcrowded, and that can affect how easy it is to find space to spread out a towel or get an uninterrupted swim. My advice is simple: don’t just park your day in one spot. If you notice congestion where you land, take a short walk along the shore to find a better patch of water and space to relax.

Also remember: the boat is a ferry cruise, so it won’t stay at the destination while you wander. Your time is scheduled, and you should plan your return to the boat with extra slack.

For your swim setup, bring what the day realistically needs:

• swimwear and a towel
• sunscreen and sunglasses
• a camera
• cash (helpful for optional add-ons)

And if you’re sensitive to sun or wind, pack accordingly. Even in a short stop, you can feel the effects quickly.

Optional Motorboat to Comino Caves and Crystal Lagoon

If you want more than the main lagoon swim, there’s an optional motorboat trip to the Comino Caves and the Crystal Lagoon. It’s paid on location (about €15 per person), and it’s always subject to favourable weather and sea conditions.

This option can be worth it if you love “extra texture” on the water—caves, rock formations, and the shift from open lagoon to more dramatic coastal scenery. It also lets you add variety without changing the main structure of your day trip.

The downside is the dependency on conditions. If the sea isn’t cooperating, the optional trip can’t be counted on. So I’d treat it as a bonus, not a promise.

Price and Value: Why About $35 Can Still Make Sense

At around $35 per person for a 7 to 7.5 hour trip, the price feels fair when you factor in what’s included. You’re getting a modern, air-conditioned catamaran, onboard Wi‑Fi, and toilet facilities, plus the core routing to Comino and time on the island.

But it’s not an all-in-one package, and you should budget for what’s missing:

• The Blue Lagoon access pass is not included
• Food and drinks are not included
• The optional motorboat is extra

That mix is exactly why I call this good value for the right traveler. If you can handle your own meals, pack the essentials, and secure the pass before you go, you end up with a simple, low-drama way to reach one of Malta’s most famous swim stops.

If you need a fully guided, all-inclusive experience with everything planned for you, you might feel the gaps more.

Organization on Board: Smooth Days and Less-Smooth Days

Overall, this cruise holds a solid rating of 4.3 from 64 bookings, which suggests many people get what they came for. I also like that the crew provides assistance, and you have toilets and Wi‑Fi to make the day easier.

That said, the day can vary depending on conditions and crowd flow. Some passengers have described smooth, on-time departures and clear communication. Others reported more chaotic ticket scanning and waiting in the sun without guidance, including unhelpful moments when they asked for clarity.

Then there’s the motion factor. A few riders reported seasickness on the outbound when the boat ran fast over waves. In at least one case, the crew responded with sympathy and vomit bags, but the key point for you is prevention matters. If you’re prone to seasickness, bring what you need and consider sitting where the motion feels least.

What to Bring (So Your Day Doesn’t Get Complicated)

This is one of those trips where your packing list directly affects your comfort. I’d keep it simple and practical:

• comfortable shoes (for Comino walking)
• swimwear and a towel
• sunglasses and sunscreen
• camera
• cash

A couple of rules also affect what you carry. Pets aren’t allowed, and oversize luggage or large bags aren’t allowed. Smoking is not allowed. If you’re traveling with gear, keep it compact so you don’t run into onboard restrictions.

Who This Comino Ferry Cruise Fits Best

I think this trip is a strong match if you want:

• a day trip to Comino without complicated connections
• onboard comfort on a modern catamaran
• time to swim and explore at your own pace
• a chance to add the caves/Crystal Lagoon option if conditions allow

It’s not the right fit if:

• you have mobility impairments (not suitable)
• you’re prone to seasickness (the crossing conditions can be an issue)

Also, if you hate crowds, you should have a plan for spacing out at the Blue Lagoon. The lagoon’s popularity is part of the deal.

Should You Book This Coastal Ferry Cruise to the Blue Lagoon?

I’d book this if you can handle the two big planning items: the Blue Lagoon access pass and being realistic about crowding. The included catamaran comfort and long enough Comino stop make it a solid way to spend your day in Malta’s most famous swim area.

I would skip it (or switch plans) if you know motion makes you sick. Even with crew assistance, the day can get miserable fast on rougher water. And if you’re expecting a guided, timed itinerary with hand-holding, remember: this is leisure time, not a guided tour.

If you’re ready for a simple, beautiful, swim-and-walk day—this is one of the most straightforward ways to get there.

FAQ

How long is the cruise to Comino Island and the Blue Lagoon?

The total duration is about 7 to 7.5 hours.

Where can I depart from for the cruise?

You can depart from Sliema Ferries in Sliema or from Buġibba Jetty in St. Paul’s Bay. The meeting point can vary depending on the option you book.

Do I need a Blue Lagoon access pass to step ashore?

Yes. A government-issued access pass is required to disembark at the Blue Lagoon, and it must be obtained in advance through blcomino.com.

Is food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not included.

Is this trip guided by a tour guide?

No. This is not a guided tour, and the Comino stop is at leisure.

Is the cruise suitable if I get seasick or have mobility issues?

No. It is not suitable for people who are prone to seasickness or for people with mobility impairments.