Coastal Ferry Cruise to The Blue Lagoon (Comino Island)

Comino’s Blue Lagoon is worth the boat ride. I like the air-conditioned catamaran comfort and the big sightseeing sweep along Malta’s northern coast. You get a real day on Comino, not a quick stop, and the main swim is in some of the clearest water around. One thing to plan for, the Blue Lagoon can feel crowded, and the sea ride may be bumpy if conditions are choppy.

If you’re trying to do Malta’s best water day without stress, this cruise is built for it. You can choose your departure point from Sliema or St. Paul’s Bay (via Buġibba), and the schedule is designed to get you to Comino with enough leisure time to enjoy it your way. Just remember it is not a guided tour, and there is a new government access pass rule for disembarking at the Blue Lagoon that you must handle in advance.

Key highlights that make this cruise work

• Two departure points (Sliema Ferries or Buġibba Jetty), so you can match it to where you’re staying
• Modern catamaran comfort, including air-conditioning, toilets, and free Wi-Fi
• A long enough Comino island stop to swim, snorkel, sunbathe, or walk a short trail
• A dedicated stop at the Blue Lagoon for refreshing swimming in very clear water
• An optional motorboat add-on to the Comino Caves and Crystal Lagoon, usually around €15 per person and weather dependent

What you’re really paying for: value, not just transport

At about $35 per person for a 7 to 7.5 hour outing, you’re buying a practical shortcut to Comino. You are not just hopping on a boat and hoping for the best. This is structured as a full-sea-day experience: comfort on the water, an island base in Comino, then a swim stop at the Blue Lagoon.

That value comes from the setup. The catamaran handles the heavy lifting of moving you from Malta to Comino and back, while giving you free time to do your own thing once you’re there. If you want a simple plan with clear time on the water plus time on land, this is the kind of trip that fits.

Where the value can drop a little is in the “Blue Lagoon time” reality. The site is famous, and that usually means lots of people, plus extra friction from the required access pass process.

Departure from Sliema or St. Paul’s Bay, plus quick pickup stops

You get a real choice at the start: depart from Sliema Ferries in Sliema or from Buġibba Jetty in St. Paul’s Bay. When you book, you pick the departure time that matches your day.

After the catamaran heads along Malta’s northern coastline, it also stops briefly in St. Paul’s Bay to pick up passengers from that region. That matters because it keeps you on a route that gathers people without turning the day into a chaotic scavenger hunt.

Then you’ll have another brief stop at Mġarr Harbour in Gozo to drop off guests who are disembarking there. You should expect the day to feel like a shared route, not a private charter.

The scenic cruise along Malta’s northern coast

A big part of the “why” here is the coast itself. You’ll cruise along Malta’s northern shoreline with views of towns and seascapes that you simply don’t get from land routes. If you like watching coastline details slide past, this first leg sets the tone for the day.

The catamaran helps you enjoy it. It is described as modern and fully air-conditioned, with toilet facilities onboard. There’s also free Wi-Fi, which is handy if you want to look up walking routes on Comino during your free time.

Comfort on a fast sea route, and the seasickness reality check

This is the one practical concern that keeps showing up in real-world experiences: the ride can feel fast on choppy water. A few people described that motion made half the boat feel sick during the outward journey, and crew members handled it by distributing vomit bags and being supportive.

That doesn’t mean every trip will feel rough. But if you are even slightly prone to seasickness, plan ahead. Bring whatever you normally use for motion sickness, and consider sitting where you feel the most stable.

Also pay attention to the timing: you must arrive at the departure location 15 to 20 minutes before your scheduled departure time. If you’re running late, you can end up stressed at the dock, which is the last thing you want when the sea is already doing its thing.

Comino Island: the part that lets you shape your own day

After the sea route, you step ashore on Comino for leisure time. This is not described as a guided tour, so you are on your own to choose how you spend the hours.

Comino’s appeal is simple: no cars and not much urban clutter. That makes it a pleasant place to slow down, take photos, and choose between relaxing and walking.

If you like a bit of activity, Comino also has trails that connect areas such as:

• St. Mary’s Chapel
• St. Mary’s Watch Tower
• St. Mary’s Battery

The island can also be interesting in cooler months for hiking and photography. That said, this specific cruise is built for a “Blue Lagoon swim day,” so most people will focus on water time first.

The Blue Lagoon access pass rule (May 2025 onward)

Here’s a key detail you need to handle before you go. As of a government directive effective May 2025, you must obtain an official access pass in advance to disembark at the Blue Lagoon. The passes are acquired via blcomino.com.

The important catch: daily pass allocations are limited. And for this trip specifically, you are required to book both the morning and afternoon time slots when applying for your pass. That rule is stated as government-mandated, not the operator’s choice.

What this means for you: treat the pass like part of your booking, not an optional extra. If you show up without the correct pass setup, you will not be allowed to disembark at the Blue Lagoon.

Blue Lagoon swimming and snorkelling: what to expect when it’s at capacity

The Blue Lagoon stop is the main event: crystal-clear turquoise water, a white sandy base, and marine life. You’ll have time for swimming and snorkelling, plus plain old sunbathing and relaxing.

But the other reality is crowding. Some experiences described the lagoon as overcrowded, and suggested that walking a little farther can feel less packed. That’s good advice in general. Even within a famous spot, you can often find a calmer corner by moving slightly away from the densest shoreline sections.

Also, the boat is a ferry cruise, so it will not remain at the destination. You’re meant to use the island time while you’re ashore, not expect the boat to be a floating “stay as long as you want” base.

Optional motorboat to Comino Caves and Crystal Lagoon

If you want more than beach-and-swim, there is an optional add-on: a motorboat trip to the Comino Caves and the Crystal Lagoon. The fee is paid on location, and it’s typically around €15 per person.

Two things to know. First, it is always subject to favourable weather and sea conditions, so it can be unavailable if the sea is rough. Second, it’s optional, so if you’re prioritizing swimming and relaxing, you can skip it.

If you do consider it, bring cash since it’s paid on location.

Time, pacing, and why the schedule feels different from other Comino trips

This cruise lasts about 7 to 7.5 hours total. That is long enough to feel like an actual day out, not a quick island detour. It also means your biggest decisions are front-loaded: pass timing, swim priorities, and how much walking you want to do on Comino.

Because you’re sharing the route with pickups and a brief Gozo drop-off, the day is designed to stay on a workable timeline rather than follow personal whim. Think of it as a reliable “sea plus island” day, with clear anchors: depart, cruise, Comino shore time, Blue Lagoon swim, return.

If you hate feeling rushed, you’ll still want to plan your priorities ahead of arrival, especially if you aim for the Blue Lagoon during peak times.

What’s included, what’s not, and what you should plan to pay extra for

Included items make it easier to focus on the day, not logistics. The cruise includes:

• Sightseeing ferry cruise to Comino Island
• Two departure locations (Sliema and St. Paul’s Bay/Buġibba)
• Air-conditioned catamaran
• Free Wi-Fi
• Toilet facilities
• Crew assistance

Not included:

• The government-issued access pass for stepping ashore at the Blue Lagoon (from blcomino.com)
• Hotel pick-up and drop-off
• Land transportation in Gozo
• A tour guide (this is leisure time)
• Entry fees to sites
• Food and drinks
• The optional motorboat trip (paid on location, about €15 per person)

So yes, your base price is good for the transport, but you should budget for the access pass and either bring your own snacks or plan to buy food while you’re there, since meals and drinks are not included.

Comfort details that matter more than you think

Little things help on a long sea day. The catamaran is described as modern and air-conditioned, which becomes a big deal in Malta’s warmer months. You also get toilets onboard, so you don’t have to worry about a long “no breaks” stretch.

Free Wi-Fi is a nice touch too, mainly because it helps you quickly check how long to spend somewhere, or verify what part of Comino you want to walk to during your leisure time.

And you do get crew assistance. While not every experience described smooth boarding, crew support was noted as helpful when passengers felt unwell during rougher conditions.

Who this cruise suits best

This is a strong fit if:

• You want an easy, organized way to reach Comino and the Blue Lagoon
• You care about comfort on the boat and a structured day length
• You’re okay with leisure time rather than a guided tour
• You want optional add-ons, like the caves motorboat, without committing to it upfront

It may be less ideal if:

• You are prone to seasickness, because the catamaran ride can feel fast on choppy water
• You have mobility impairments, since the trip is not suitable for people with mobility issues
• You dislike crowds, because the Blue Lagoon can get packed

Practical tips to make your day smoother

Bring exactly what you’ll use. The essentials list is straightforward:

• Comfortable shoes (helpful if you walk trails)
• Sunglasses
• Swimwear and a towel
• Sunscreen
• Camera
• Cash (especially if you want the optional motorboat)

Also, plan the Blue Lagoon pass as soon as you book. The pass requires you to select both morning and afternoon time slots for this trip, and the daily allocation is limited. If you wait too long, you can run into problems you can’t fix at the dock.

If you’re sensitive to motion, choose a seat where you feel steadier and consider a seasickness remedy before you leave. It’s also smart to pack light. Oversize luggage and large bags are not allowed.

So, should you book this Comino Blue Lagoon cruise?

I’d book it if you want a day that combines comfort on the water with real time on Comino, and you’re willing to do the pass homework. The value is solid for the duration, and the catamaran comfort is the kind of practical upgrade that makes this trip feel easier.

I would hesitate if you’re seasickness-prone, dislike crowded swim spots, or you know you struggle with advance online steps. The Blue Lagoon access pass rule is not complicated, but it is strict, and you will need it set up correctly before disembarking.

If you handle the pass early, arrive on time, and come with a swim-and-relax mindset, this cruise is a very efficient way to experience Comino.

FAQ

Where does the cruise depart from?

You can depart from Sliema Ferries in Sliema or from Buġibba Jetty in St. Paul’s Bay. Your chosen departure point and time are selected when booking.

How long is the coastal ferry cruise to Comino?

The duration is listed as 7 to 7.5 hours.

Is the catamaran air-conditioned?

Yes. The boat is described as modern and fully air-conditioned.

Is Wi-Fi available onboard?

Yes. Free Wi-Fi is included on the boat.

Do I need an access pass for the Blue Lagoon?

Yes. You must obtain a government-issued access pass in advance to disembark at the Blue Lagoon, and the allocation is limited. You get the pass via blcomino.com, and for this trip you must book both morning and afternoon time slots when applying.

Is the stop at the Blue Lagoon a guided experience?

No. This is not a guided tour. Your time at Comino is leisure time.

Is food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not included.

Is there an optional trip to the caves?

Yes. There is an optional motorboat trip to the Comino Caves and the Crystal Lagoon. It is paid on location (around €15 per person) and depends on favourable weather and sea conditions.

What should I bring for the day?

Bring comfortable shoes, sunglasses, swimwear, a towel, a camera, sunscreen, and cash. You may also want to have what you need for seasickness if you’re sensitive to boat rides.