A day on the water near Comino hits different. This Sliema cruise gives you big-bay views of Malta plus two Comino swim stops in summer—plus a waterslide to make it feel like more than a ferry ride. You’ll also get a short look at Gozo, and a scenic return cruise with sea-cave sightseeing.

What I like most is the way you get proper free time at the water (Crystal Lagoon is a full swim window, and Blue Lagoon is long enough to actually enjoy it). I also like the onboard setup for day-trippers—jumping in from the boat is easy, and the slide adds fun without extra cost. The one thing to weigh is crowds: Blue Lagoon can be packed, and time on shore means you may lose the best spots fast.

Another consideration is sea and weather. In rougher conditions, the ride can feel bumpy and the “swim from the boat” part still depends on conditions and crowd flow—so bring a backup plan (and maybe motion-sickness help).

Key things to know before you go

• Two Comino swim stops in summer: Crystal Lagoon/St. Nicholas Bay and Blue Lagoon (Crystal is seasonal, May–Oct).
• Water slide included: a built-in activity that works even if you’re not a “beach person.”
• Boat stays part of the experience: you can swim and jump from the boat, not just from rocks.
• Crystal Lagoon is weather-dependent: the stop happens only when conditions allow.
• Blue Lagoon shore access needs a free QR code in 2025: tied to an afternoon time slot.
• Captain safety-first style: itinerary timing and water access can be adjusted for wind, jellyfish, or currents.

Sliema to Comino by boat: what the ride actually feels like

This is a long, proper day out—about 7.5 hours from Sliema—so your biggest decision is how you want to spend those hours. The boat is your moving base. From the start, it’s set up for daytime sightseeing and swimming, not just transportation.

I’d think of it like this: the cruise part is there to show you the coast, while the stops are there to let you act like a vacation person. That means the views from the boat are a big part of the value. You’ll pass multiple coastal areas of Malta and get perspective you won’t get from a single shoreline viewpoint.

The onboard experience is also built for hands-on fun. The boat has a waterslide, and swimming from the boat is part of the flow. Even if you don’t get off at every stop, you’re not wasting your ticket—you can use the boat as a home base for hanging out, cooling off, and recharging.

One practical note: because the boat can be full (the tour caps at 200 travelers), you’ll want to plan your comfort. Some people find it fills up quickly, and top-deck seating isn’t guaranteed if you arrive late. If you care about sun and views, show up early and aim for the best spot you can manage.

And yes, there can be choppiness. Multiple people reference rough seas in less-than-perfect conditions. If you’re sensitive to motion, pack something for your stomach—this is open water on a daytime schedule.

The Malta coastline cruise: views you won’t recreate later

The cruise from Sliema isn’t random driving. You get a long sequence of “look left, look right” moments that help you understand where everything is.

As you head out, you pass the Sliema promenade, then cruise by St Julian’s/Balluta Bay, St George’s Bay/Paceville, and Bugibba. You also go past Mellieħa Bay, and you’ll cruise by St Paul’s Island, tied to the shipwreck in AD 60. That detail matters because it gives context to what you’re seeing—you’re not just staring at water; you’re looking at places with a story.

Here’s the real benefit for most people: these views set you up for the “Comino wow” moments later. If Malta’s coast is what you normally rush past, this portion slows the day down. You get to see how the shoreline changes—built-up sections, viewpoints, and the feeling of open water approaching.

It’s also a good time to position yourself for later. If you’ll be swimming, you can scope where you’ll want to be when it’s time to jump off. If you’ll be taking photos, this is when the boat is moving at a smooth pace and the coastline keeps feeding new angles.

Gozo at Mgarr Harbour: a five-minute reality check

There’s a short photo stop at Mgarr Harbour on Gozo—about 5 minutes. People who booked to visit Gozo disembark there; the rest of the group stays onboard during that window.

This is not a “Gozo day.” It’s a quick taste. If you want more than photos, you’d need a different itinerary. But that brief stop can still be a nice mental reset: you get the sense you’re leaving Malta’s main grid behind and moving into island geography.

Practically, plan your expectations accordingly. If you’re someone who likes to wander, you won’t get time to explore Gozo on foot here. If you’re mainly after Comino’s water, it’s still a useful pause—just don’t confuse it with a full excursion.

Crystal Lagoon at St Nicholas Bay (summer): 45 minutes that fly

The Crystal Lagoon stop at St Nicholas Bay is seasonal and weather permitting—running 01 May to 30 October. If you’re traveling outside that window, you should assume Crystal Lagoon may not be part of the day.

When it is included, you get about 45 minutes on-site. That timeframe is short, but it’s set up for swimming rather than wandering. The stop includes time to enjoy the water from the boat and use the water slide.

This is also where conditions matter. The sea can be choppy, and the boat’s positioning can affect how easy it is to swim comfortably. Even when the stop happens, the captain has the authority to adjust placement based on wind, current, and other water factors.

If you’re the type who wants a calm swim, arrive ready for the reality of summer conditions. Still, Crystal Lagoon’s main draw is simple: it’s a swim stop. You’re trading “exploring a town” for “time in water,” and for many people, that’s exactly the right swap.

Quick tip: bring a towel you can dry off with and a dry bag if you want to keep your electronics safe. You’ll likely be moving between sun, water, and onboard surfaces.

Blue Lagoon and Comino sea caves: making 3.5 hours feel longer

The big headline is Blue Lagoon on Comino. The boat stop is around 3.5 hours, and you’ll have time to explore the island beach areas and/or use the boat as your base.

This is where the day turns into “vacation mode.” The water is the reason you came, and the schedule gives you enough time to actually enjoy it—rather than a quick dip and back onboard.

Shore time at Blue Lagoon needs a free QR code (2025)

For getting off at Comino’s Blue Lagoon, you need a free QR code in advance from blcomino.com, and you must choose the afternoon slot 13.31–17.30. Those tickets are mandatory to get on shore in 2025.

So don’t treat shore access like a casual decision on the day. If you want that beach time, do the QR code step before you arrive in Sliema. It’s free, but it’s not optional.

Crowds are part of the package

Blue Lagoon can be packed—especially in peak summer. You might find that shore time feels cramped, and shade spots can disappear quickly. If you prefer a calmer experience, consider staying close to the boat and using it as your swim hub.

Also, if you receive any access bands or similar items, plan for the possibility of color transfer to swimwear. Some people report that bracelets can shed color, especially when they touch sunscreen.

Comino sea caves: you get the look, not the hike

The day includes a visit to the beautiful Comino sea caves. You’ll see them as part of the tour flow—especially on the return cruise. This is one of those “don’t miss it” moments because it adds drama to the day. Instead of only flat beach views, you get rocky shapes, water textures, and cave openings that look different from the boat than they do in photos.

The key mindset: you’re not paying for a long walking tour. You’re paying for water access plus a cave-view cruise, with swim time built in.

Onboard life: waterslide, bar options, and what to pack

This tour is designed for day-at-sea comfort. The included features are practical: use of the water slide and boat facilities, plus food and drinks available onboard for purchase.

A few things to pack that will make the day easier:

• Swimwear you’re okay with: you may rinse off in saltwater and sun dries things fast.
• Sunscreen + hat: shade can be limited depending on where you spend time.
• A cover-up or quick-dry layer: sun to wind transitions can feel cold if the sea is breezy.
• Waterproof bag or dry pouch: you’ll be near water and moving between surfaces.
• Optional snorkel/mask: masks and snorkels can be rented onboard for €5.00 per person.
• Motion-sickness aid if you need it: rough seas are part of the risk.

The onboard bar sells food and drinks, but it’s not included. If you want “snack happiness,” budget for purchases or bring your own small supplies if the operator allows it (the provided info says what’s available onboard, but doesn’t guarantee outside food policy). Either way, plan for the fact that this isn’t an all-inclusive meal situation.

One more comfort detail: the ride is long enough that you should expect downtime. Even if you’re excited, you’ll spend time waiting for boarding, lining up, and settling into your swim windows. Bring something you can do in between—basic things like sunscreen reapplication, a book, or photo sorting make the time pass better.

Price and value: why $42.24 can be a good deal (and when it isn’t)

At $42.24 per person, you’re paying for a full-day water itinerary with multiple viewpoints and included swim-time access features. In summer, you’re getting two Comino stops: Crystal Lagoon/St Nicholas Bay and Blue Lagoon, plus cave sightseeing on the return.

That’s why it can be good value: you’re not just buying a boat ride to one place. You’re getting a day plan that includes:

• scenic cruising past multiple Maltese bays,
• a seasonal Crystal Lagoon swim stop,
• a longer Blue Lagoon stop,
• and the waterslide included.

So when might it not be worth it for you? If you’re someone who:

• wants quiet beaches and lots of space,
• dislikes crowds and fast turnarounds,
• expects snorkeling gear to be provided (snorkel/mask rental is separate),
• or gets seasick easily.

Also, if you specifically want a lot of shore wandering, Blue Lagoon can feel tight and busy, and getting off requires that QR code process in 2025. If you miss shore access, you may still enjoy the swim from the boat, but your expectations should match reality.

Think of the price as a trade: you’re paying for access to the best water spots plus the scenic ride, not for private space or a guided land tour.

Who this cruise is best for (and who should skip it)

This tour fits best if you want a classic Comino day: water first, photos second, and caves as a bonus.

It’s a great match for:

• families and groups who want a fun boat day with built-in attractions like the slide,
• people who enjoy swimming and don’t need a long beach promenade,
• anyone who wants an easy day from Sliema without complex transport.

It’s less ideal if:

• you need a quiet, uncrowded beach bubble,
• you’re extremely sensitive to sea motion and expect a perfectly smooth ride,
• you want guaranteed snorkeling equipment or a guided explanation at every step.

The operator runs with a captain in charge, safety first mindset, and the itinerary can shift depending on water conditions. That’s normal for sea days, but it does mean you should stay flexible.

Should you book Luzzu Cruises from Sliema?

I’d book this if you’re traveling in the May–October window and you want the most time-efficient path to Comino’s Crystal Lagoon and Blue Lagoon, with waterslide fun and cave views built in. The schedule gives you real swim windows, and the boat ride makes the coastline feel like part of the vacation, not just transit.

I’d hesitate if you hate crowds, really want shore exploration, or aren’t willing to do the Blue Lagoon QR code step for 2025. Also, if seasickness is a big issue for you, plan for rough-water possibilities and bring help.

If you go in with the right expectations—water time, crowds likely, flexibility required—it’s a solid day from Sliema.

FAQ

Where does the tour start and end?

It starts at Luzzu Cruises Ferries 4, Triq Ix – Xatt, Sliema SLM 1023, Malta and ends back at the same meeting point in Sliema.

What time does the tour depart from Sliema?

The start time listed is 10:00 am.

How long is the cruise?

The duration is approximately 7 hours 30 minutes.

Does the tour stop at both Crystal Lagoon and Blue Lagoon?

In summer (May–Oct) it includes two Comino stops: Crystal Lagoon (St. Nicholas Bay) and Blue Lagoon.

When is Crystal Lagoon available?

Crystal Lagoon is listed as seasonal and weather permitting from 01 May to 30 October.

Do I need a QR code to get off at Blue Lagoon in 2025?

Yes. To get off at Comino Blue Lagoon in 2025, you need to register for a free QR code at blcomino.com and choose the afternoon slot 13.31–17.30. It’s required to access the shore.

Is food included, and can I rent snorkeling gear?

Food and drinks are not included (available to purchase from the onboard bar). Masks and snorkels can be rented onboard for €5.00 per person.