Blue Lagoon day trips are all about the water. From Sliema, this full-day cruise to the Blue Lagoon is built so you spend most of the day actually in it, not just staring at it.

I love the straightforward focus on swimming and snorkeling, with clear turquoise water in a shallow basin between Comino and Cominotto. I also like the practical onboard setup: the boat has air-conditioned comfort, a bar, toilets, and time to lounge above while you wait for your next swim window.

One thing to plan around: the boat can feel crowded, and the route can include extra stops that reduce how long you’ll have at the lagoon.

Key things that make this cruise worth your time

• 10:30 AM departure from Sliema ferry terminal (opposite McDonald’s): be there by 10:00
• Built around swim and snorkel time in the Blue Lagoon basin
• Comino walking requires a free QR ticket online (slot 13:30–17:30)
• Lagoon time can be shorter on combined sailings, so timing matters
• Onboard you’ll find bar/toilets, snacks, and a chance to relax on the upper deck
• Snorkel gear rentals and optional extras cost extra

From Sliema to Comino: the 8-hour day plan in plain terms

This is an 8-hour cruise that runs from 10:30 AM to 6:30 PM, leaving from the ferry dock in Sliema (not Valletta). The meeting point matters because you need to be at the terminal by 10:00 AM, since boarding and checks take time.

Once you leave Sliema, the day is basically in two phases: a longer stretch on the water with swimming and snorkeling, and a cruise-and-relax stretch on both sides of that swim time. If you’re the kind of person who hates rushing, good news: this trip is designed for repetition. You get multiple chances to get back in the water rather than one quick dip.

The one timing curveball is that some sailings can be combined with other pick-ups or drop-offs. That doesn’t change the destination, but it can shift how long you’re actually at the lagoon, so keep your expectations flexible.

The Blue Lagoon: where you’ll swim, snorkel, and take photos

The Blue Lagoon is the famous water area between the small island of Comino and the smaller islet of Cominotto. You’re dealing with a basin of clear turquoise water with a white sandy bottom and plenty of marine life, which is why snorkeling here tends to feel better than a lot of “just swim” stops.

For swimming, what stands out is that you can usually find areas where the water feels inviting because the bottom is sandy and shallow enough for lots of people to enjoy. For snorkeling, the clear water and marine life do the heavy lifting, but you’ll get the most out of it if you’re comfortable doing a few short swims rather than expecting to stay out for hours.

Photos are easier than you might expect. Even if you’re not a photographer, you’ll likely want a few quick shots because the color stays striking across different angles, especially when the water is calm. The biggest factor is daylight and water clarity, and Comino’s lagoon is known for exactly that.

Snorkeling gear: bring yours or plan for rentals

The tour notes that snorkeling equipment is not included, though you can rent it onboard for an added fee. The key practical point for you is this: if you have your own mask/snorkel (or you’re picky about fit), bring it so you can jump in immediately.

If you need to rent, expect the rental setup to be basic. One cost reference you’ll see on boats like this is around EUR10 for snorkel items (for example, mask/glass and tube). Even if it’s affordable, it’s still a reminder to pack smart and not assume you’ll have everything waiting for you.

Also, don’t forget that the boat can get busy. If you’re the first one ready to go, you’ll typically have an easier time getting your gear sorted quickly.

On-board comfort: air-conditioning, toilets, and the snack-and-bar rhythm

This cruise keeps you comfortable even when you’re not in the water. There’s air-conditioning, plus toilets and a bar on board, which makes the long day much less annoying.

The tour includes snacks and beverages as available onboard, but what you pay for can vary depending on how the day is run and what’s offered. A safe approach is to expect you’ll be able to buy drinks and food on the boat, and you may also see some lunch options like sandwiches, but it’s not a guarantee that you’ll have a perfect meal choice for every diet.

If you care about food options, go in with a bit of flexibility. One note to keep in mind: vegetarian sandwich options may be limited, so if that matters to you, bring a backup snack you know you’ll eat.

There are also optional extras that cost extra, like paying to sit on the top deck for more sunshine and open-air lounging. Some boats have paid sunbeds up top, and that can be worth it if you’re prone to getting cold below deck or you want less shade.

Comino walking ticket with QR code: the rule that can change your plans

Here’s the official wrinkle that can affect whether you step onto Comino itself. Starting 1 May 2025, you need a ticket to walk on the island of Comino. The ticket is free, but you must get it online at www.blcomino.com.

The crucial part: you’ll receive a QR code, and Comino officials scan that QR code on arrival. If you don’t have the QR code, you won’t be allowed to walk on Comino, though you can still swim next to the boat.

When ordering the free ticket online, you must choose the slot 13:30 to 17:30. So if your trip’s timing gets adjusted due to combined routing, don’t wait until the last minute to secure the QR code. Handle it before your cruise day and you’ll avoid stress.

Timing and crowds: how to protect your lagoon time

The Blue Lagoon is gorgeous, but it can also get busy. That’s not a surprise; it’s the trade-off of a day trip that draws people for one shared reason: the water.

Crowding tends to show up in two ways:

1. The boat itself can feel packed, especially if it’s used for multiple combined itineraries.
2. You can spend time waiting for drinks, especially if the bar line is active right after a swim session.

The real risk for your day is not the crowd, it’s the minutes. If the cruise includes extra stops en route, you might arrive at the lagoon later than you hoped. That can cut down the time you have to swim and snorkel.

Here’s how you make the most of it:

• Swim early when the boat arrives so you get quality time before it fills up.
• If snorkeling is your priority, do at least one gear-setup swim quickly so you don’t lose momentum later.
• Have a backup plan for shade and comfort, since umbrellas and other items may require a rental fee.

One more practical tip from common on-the-water realities: wear closed shoes if you plan to walk on rocky edges. You’re surrounded by water, but getting in and out of the lagoon often involves stepping around uneven surfaces.

What to bring for a smooth Blue Lagoon day

This day is simple, but you’ll enjoy it more if you pack like you’re going to spend hours wet.

Bring:

• Swimwear
• A towel
• Sunscreen

And I’d strongly consider adding:

• Your own snorkel mask if you have one, since rentals cost extra and fit matters
• Closed shoes for rockier moments
• A small waterproof pouch for essentials if you’ll be out snorkeling

The boat does have toilets, which is a relief when you’re out for hours, but it still helps to be prepared so you’re not scrambling after each swim.

Price and value: what your $34 buys, and what it doesn’t

This cruise is priced around $34 per person, and that’s what makes it attractive for a lot of people. You’re paying for round-trip ferry-style transport, a full day of organized time in the water, and onboard basics like toilets plus bar facilities and commentary during the journey.

What’s not included is important: snorkeling equipment costs extra. So does anything beyond snacks and what you buy at the bar. If you show up without gear, the trip can still be worth it, but the final cost creeps up once you add rentals and optional deck comfort.

Where the value really shines is if your main goal is the Blue Lagoon itself. If you want a relaxed day built around swimming and snorkeling, this format does that well. If you want a long, leisurely “wander the island” kind of day, the Comino walking QR code rule and possible variability in lagoon time might make a different plan fit you better.

Who this cruise suits best (and who should skip it)

This works well for:

• People who want a low-stress way to reach the Blue Lagoon without arranging transport and entry logistics yourself
• Swimmers and snorkelers who want lots of time on the water rather than a short stop
• Anyone who likes the idea of relaxing on an air-conditioned boat between swim sessions

You might want to consider another option if:

• You’re sensitive to crowding or you dislike packed boats
• You’re counting on long island walking time on Comino without pre-booking the required QR code
• You need wheelchair-friendly access, since the tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users

Should you book this Comino Blue Lagoon cruise from Sliema?

If your dream day in Malta is water time first, this cruise is an easy yes. The price is low for what you get, and the whole day is organized around swimming and snorkeling in that famous basin between Comino and Cominotto. Add the air-conditioned boat, bar/toilet facilities, and enough downtime to recharge, and it becomes a practical way to enjoy the area without planning every move.

Book it if you’ll do the prep for the Comino walking QR ticket and you’re happy with a swim-focused itinerary. Don’t book it (or at least rethink priorities) if you need guaranteed long on-island walking time, want a quiet boat ride, or hate the idea that combined routing can slightly change your lagoon schedule.

FAQ

What time does the cruise leave Sliema?

The boat leaves the Sliema ferry dock at 10:30 AM and returns at 6:30 PM.

Where do I meet the group in Sliema?

You meet at the Sliema ferry terminal (Sliema, not Valletta), located opposite McDonald’s. Be there by 10:00 AM.

How long is the cruise?

The duration is listed as 8 hours.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

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

Can I walk on Comino during the cruise?

As of 1 May 2025, you need a free ticket to walk on Comino. You must request it online at www.blcomino.com and your QR code will be scanned on arrival.

What happens if I don’t have the QR code for Comino?

If you don’t have the QR code, you won’t be allowed to walk on Comino. You can still swim next to the boat.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen.

Is the cruise suitable for wheelchair users?

No, it’s not suitable for wheelchair users.

Is there free cancellation?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.