Comino & Blue Lagoon Cruise inc Photo Stop at Crystal Lagoon

Comino’s Blue Lagoon is the main event here: clear turquoise water, a pale sandy bottom, and plenty of time to swim instead of rushing through a quick photo stop. The cruise also passes Malta’s northern coast and pauses at Crystal Lagoon, giving you good views before settling in for a long afternoon at sea.

I like the generous time at Comino and the practical boat facilities. You can cool off in the air conditioning, buy a drink or snack, use the toilet, or head upstairs for fresh air. At $29 per person, it is a useful way to reach the lagoon without arranging separate transport.

The catch is the journey. This boat may combine several routes, so the ride can take two hours or more each way, and the lagoon can be very crowded in summer. You should also arrange the free Comino access ticket before you go if you plan to walk onto the island.

Key points at a glance

• Around four hours at the Blue Lagoon: The long stop gives you time to swim, snorkel, eat, and find a place to sit without treating the lagoon as a rushed photo opportunity.
• A 10-minute Crystal Lagoon photo stop: You see this smaller inlet from the boat and have a short window for pictures, but it is not a long swimming stop.
• Two useful departure points: Leave from Sliema Ferry at 10:30 or Bugibba Jetty at 11:30, with return times that vary by departure point.
• Comforts on the boat: Air conditioning, a bar, toilets, snacks, drinks, and an upper deck make the long ride easier.
• Comino now requires a free QR ticket to walk ashore: Choose the 13:30 to 17:30 time slot at blcomino.com, or you may be allowed only to swim beside the boat.
• Good value, with extras to budget for: Snorkel equipment, refreshments, sunbeds, and some umbrella arrangements cost extra.

Why the Blue Lagoon makes this cruise popular

The Blue Lagoon sits between Comino and the smaller island of Cominotto. Its shallow, bright water and white sandy bottom make it one of Malta’s easiest places for a swim that looks almost unreal in photographs.

The key advantage of this trip is time. Many boat outings give you a short stop, a few pictures, and a whistle to get back aboard. Here, the planned stay is about four and a half hours, though actual time can vary with the route and loading schedule. That is enough time for a proper swim, a second round of snorkeling, and a break in the shade or aboard the boat.

I would not expect a quiet beach. The Blue Lagoon is one of Malta’s best-known stops, and summer crowds can be heavy. The water remains the star, but the shore can feel tight, with umbrellas, chairs, boats, and people sharing the same small area.

That makes the boat itself important. If you prefer not to sit on the island, you can return aboard to use the air conditioning or upper deck. You can also buy snacks and drinks, though these are not included in the basic fare.

Choosing between Sliema and Bugibba

You have two starting points, and the right one is mainly a question of convenience.

From Sliema Ferry, departure is scheduled for 10:30, with return around 18:30. This is the longer option on paper and suits you if Sliema is near your accommodation or you want a later return.

From Bugibba Jetty, departure is scheduled for 11:30 and return around 17:30. This is useful if you are staying in the north of Malta. Check the exact meeting point on your booking because it can vary by option.

Allow extra time to find the dock. The meeting point is meant to be easy to locate, but the boat may serve more than one group or route. One practical issue reported on this type of outing is uncertainty about where to rejoin the boat, particularly at the end of the Blue Lagoon stop. Before walking off, listen carefully for the return instructions and confirm the pickup spot.

The cruise along Malta’s northern coast

The journey is part sightseeing cruise, part transport. The published plan allows about two hours each way, with commentary throughout. You will see the coast from the water and get views that are hard to match from a road.

The longer ride has a tradeoff. Some departures combine several groups and may stop at St. Paul’s Bay or Gozo before reaching Comino. That can stretch the outward journey to more than two hours. One account described reaching the lagoon at about 12:45 after leaving Sliema at 10:30, then spending roughly three and a half hours at the water rather than the full four and a half.

So think of this as a full-day boat outing, not a fast ferry. If you enjoy sitting outside, watching the coast, and taking photographs, the ride adds value. If you want the maximum possible swimming time, a direct transfer may suit you better, though it may not offer the same onboard facilities.

The commentary is in English. It is useful for orientation and helps turn the ride into sightseeing rather than dead time. The amount of guiding can vary, so I would still treat the views as the main feature of the crossing.

Crystal Lagoon: a short but worthwhile stop

Crystal Lagoon comes before the main Blue Lagoon stop and is scheduled as a 10-minute photo pause. This is a good chance to take pictures from the boat and see another of Comino’s clear-water inlets.

Do not confuse it with a long swim. Ten minutes passes quickly, especially if people are moving around for photographs. Keep your camera ready and stay aware of the crew’s instructions.

The stop works well because it gives you a second view of Comino before the main landing. It also breaks up the crossing. Still, if you are comparing cruises, do not choose this one solely for Crystal Lagoon. The Blue Lagoon is where most of your time is spent.

Four hours in the Blue Lagoon

Once the boat reaches the Blue Lagoon, you can choose how active or lazy the rest of the day becomes. Bring swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen. You should also bring snorkeling equipment if you already own it, since rental gear costs extra onboard.

The water is the reason to pack a mask and snorkel. The clear conditions and marine life make the lagoon more rewarding below the surface than from the shore alone. You can also rent basic snorkeling equipment for a small additional fee.

Bring footwear that will handle rocks if you plan to walk around the island. One useful tip from an earlier outing is to pack closed shoes, since some access points are rocky and hot underfoot.

You may spend part of the stop in the water, then return to the boat for a drink or air conditioning. The bar offers beverages, coffee, tea, and snacks. Prices have been described as reasonable by some customers, but food and drinks are not part of the $29 base price, so budget for them.

Some departures offer other paid options onboard. A sun lounger on the upper deck has been available for around €10, and an optional speedboat ride has also been offered. Treat these as extras, not core parts of the cruise. One account found the speedboat ride enjoyable but very short, at about 10 minutes.

The Comino access ticket you must arrange

A major practical change applies from May 1, 2025. If you want to walk onto Comino, you need a free ticket from blcomino.com.

When you request it, select the 13:30 to 17:30 time slot. The QR code is checked by Comino officials when you arrive. Without it, you may not be allowed to walk on the island, although you can still swim next to the boat.

This matters because a boat ticket and an island access ticket are separate things. Arrange the QR code before departure and keep it on your phone. If you expect to stay aboard and swim from the boat, the rule may affect you less, but I would still get the free ticket so you have the choice to go ashore.

The access rule also helps explain why you should pay attention to the timetable. A late arrival or a long return boarding process can reduce your time within the permitted window.

What the boat facilities mean in practice

This is a large boat rather than a small private charter. That brings useful comforts, but it also means you share the day with a sizable crowd.

Air conditioning is welcome after swimming in the sun. The upper deck gives you open air and better views, though optional sunbeds may cost extra. A bar and toilet are included facilities, which makes the long crossing easier, especially for families.

The boat can become busy. One earlier account described it as packed, with a long line for drinks. If you want a quieter seat or a preferred place on deck, arrive at the meeting point with time to spare.

Snacks and beverages are available, but do not assume lunch is included. Older departures sometimes included a sandwich, while more recent information describes food and drinks as purchases onboard. If you have dietary needs, bring something suitable or check the current food choices before sailing. A past meal option did not include a vegetarian sandwich.

Is $29 good value?

At $29 per person, this is strong value if your priority is reaching Comino, spending several hours at the Blue Lagoon, and having a boat with basic facilities. A full-day coastal cruise with commentary, toilets, a bar, and air conditioning costs more to arrange privately.

The price is less attractive if you want a small group, a direct crossing, or a carefully timed guided visit. Combined routes can mean a long ride and less than the advertised maximum time at the lagoon. You also need to allow for snorkel rental, food, drinks, possible sunbed charges, and other optional purchases.

The value comes from flexibility. You can swim, snorkel, sit on the boat, buy a coffee, or use the upper deck. You are not paying only for a transfer. Just remember that the low headline price does not cover every comfort.

Who will enjoy this day most?

I would recommend this cruise to you if you want a simple day on the water without planning several separate connections. It suits swimmers, casual snorkelers, families who appreciate onboard toilets, and anyone staying near Sliema or Bugibba.

It is also a good choice if you want plenty of time at the Blue Lagoon rather than a short stop at several places. The crew has generally been described as friendly, organized, and helpful, and the route is easy to understand once you are aboard.

You may prefer another option if you dislike crowds, need step-free access, or want a fast journey. The activity is not suitable for wheelchair users. The boat may be busy, and the combined route can make the day feel longer than expected.

Practical advice for a smoother outing

• Wear your swimwear under your clothes and keep a towel, sunscreen, and water close at hand.
• Bring a mask and snorkel if you have them. Rental is available, but it costs extra.
• Pack closed shoes if you plan to walk over rocky ground.
• Request the free Comino QR ticket and choose 13:30 to 17:30 before the day of the cruise.
• Listen for the exact return meeting point. Do not assume you will board from the same spot where you first stepped ashore.
• Keep some extra money for drinks, snacks, snorkel gear, an umbrella, or an upper-deck sunbed.
• If you want a quieter experience, avoid expecting the Blue Lagoon to feel empty in high season.
• Check the exact departure and return times for your chosen dock, since Sliema and Bugibba have different schedules.

Should you book the Comino Blue Lagoon cruise?

Book it if you want good water time at a low price and you are comfortable with a shared boat, a long crossing, and a popular swimming spot. The generous Blue Lagoon stop, Crystal Lagoon photo pause, friendly service, and useful onboard facilities make this an easy day out from Malta.

Skip it if you want a private feel or a guaranteed direct route. In that case, the combined stops and crowded lagoon may test your patience.

For most visitors who want to swim in Comino without spending much, I think it is a sensible choice. Get the free island ticket first, carry your own snorkeling gear if possible, and treat the boat ride as part of the sightseeing rather than an unavoidable delay.

FAQ

How long does the Comino and Blue Lagoon cruise last?

The activity lasts about 6 to 8 hours. The Sliema option is scheduled to leave at 10:30 and return at 18:30. The Bugibba option leaves at 11:30 and returns at 17:30.

Where can I board the cruise?

You can choose between Bugibba Jetty and Sliema Ferry. The exact meeting point may vary according to the option you book.

How much time do I get at the Blue Lagoon?

The planned Blue Lagoon stop is about four and a half hours. Actual time can vary because some departures combine routes or make additional stops.

Is Crystal Lagoon a swimming stop?

Crystal Lagoon is scheduled as a 10-minute photo stop. The main swimming and snorkeling stop is the Blue Lagoon.

Do I need a ticket to walk on Comino?

From May 1, 2025, you need a free QR ticket to walk onto Comino. Request it at blcomino.com and select the 13:30 to 17:30 time slot. Without the QR code, you may still swim beside the boat but may not walk on the island.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

No. Snorkeling equipment is available to rent onboard for an additional cost. You can also bring your own mask and snorkel.

Are food and drinks included?

No. The boat has a bar and offers snacks, beverages, coffee, and tea for purchase. Food and drinks are not included in the basic cruise price.