Comino & Blue Lagoon Cruise inc Photo Stop at Crystal Lagoon

Blue Lagoon clarity makes the day feel unreal. This is a straightforward Malta day cruise built around one thing: time in the water. You get onboard comfort with air-conditioning, snacks, and a bar, while the staff gives you running commentary as you cruise past Malta’s coast.

The big win is how the schedule protects your swim and snorkel time, not just sightseeing hours from a window. The trade-off is that the day is shared with other groups on the boat, so you may feel some crowding and occasional dead time while everyone gets sorted.

Key things to know before you go

• 4.5 hours at Blue Lagoon: long enough to swim, snorkel, and still find a calm corner.
• Two departure points: Sliema ferry dock or Bugibba jetty, with different return times.
• Crystal Lagoon is brief: a quick stop mainly for photos and a look at the color.
• Snorkel gear costs extra: bring your own if you want to avoid add-ons.
• Comino walking ticket rule (from May 1, 2025): free QR code needed to go ashore.

Why this Comino and Blue Lagoon cruise feels worth your time

This cruise is built for water lovers. The whole structure makes sense if you want to spend most of the day swimming and snorkeling in the Blue Lagoon’s clear, turquoise shallows. You’re not guessing where your time will go, because the day is heavily weighted toward the best part of the trip.

I also like how practical it is. You can cool off between swims, and you have indoor comfort plus an upper deck for fresh air when the sun gets intense. On top of that, the staff and commentary keep the cruise from feeling like a long ferry ride with no context.

Getting there: Sliema or Bugibba, and why timing matters

You’ve got two start options. Depart from Sliema ferry dock at 10:30 and you’ll return around 18:30. Or depart from Bugibba Jetty at 11:30 and return around 17:30.

That difference matters because it changes your rhythm. If you start from Sliema, you get a slightly longer overall return window. If you start from Bugibba, you may feel the day runs a touch tighter, so you’ll want to keep your swimming plan simple and not overthink gear and towels right at the lagoon.

The Crystal Lagoon photo stop: quick color, don’t expect a full break

Between Comino and Cominotto, the Crystal Lagoon area is known for its bright, shallow water. On this cruise, you get a photo-focused stop of about 10 minutes.

That short timing is not a flaw if you treat it as what it is: a color break. You’ll get your quick snapshots and a sense of the shallows, but you should not count on using this stop to relax, change, and snorkel at length. Your real work, so to speak, is saving your energy for the Blue Lagoon hours.

The main event, 4.5 hours in the Blue Lagoon

This is where the cruise earns its reputation. The Blue Lagoon sits between Comino and the smaller islet of Cominotto, with a white-sand bottom and plenty to see in the water. You get around 4.5 hours here, which is enough to do three things well: swim, snorkel, and take breaks without rushing.

Here’s how to use the time smarter. First, do your first swim soon after you arrive, while the water feels freshest and your body is still warm from the boat. Then swap to snorkeling once you’ve found a comfortable spot. If you plan to go back and forth between swimming and floating, set yourself a simple rhythm, like swim for a while, snorkel for a while, then return to the boat for shade.

Snorkeling gear is available onboard for an extra cost, but it’s not included. If you already have your own mask and snorkel, bring them, because it lets you move faster once you’re in the lagoon. If you don’t, the onboard rental option is a useful safety net, just be ready for additional charges.

Also, the water is very clear. That’s great for photos, and it also makes it easy to spot where you want to float. You’ll get the best results if you keep an eye on your footing when you enter the shallows, especially if you’re walking around rocks.

What it feels like onboard: air-conditioning, snacks, and a real bathroom

This cruise includes a bar and toilet facilities, and the boat setup is designed for comfort during the ride and the long lagoon stop. A lot of day trips in the Mediterranean try to sell you a long tour and then offer minimal comfort. Here, you get air-conditioning when you want it, plus snacks and beverages available onboard.

You’ll also have the option of getting a bit of fresh air on the upper deck. That matters because the sun hits fast, even when the water is cool. If you want to keep your day enjoyable, plan to use the boat as your reset point, not just as transport.

One note from real-world experiences: the boat can get crowded at capacity, and drink lines can take longer when many people are lining up at once. That’s not a reason to avoid the cruise, but it does explain why buying less often and spacing out your drink moments can make the day feel smoother.

Food and drink: plan for purchases, not a free lunch feast

Snacks and beverages are available onboard, but they are not described as a fully included meal. In practice, you should treat food and drinks as pay-as-you-go add-ons.

If you’re the type who gets hungry before you feel hungry, grab snacks when you can rather than waiting for a perfect moment. If you’re bringing a lighter snack strategy, you’ll still have onboard options to top up during the day.

If you care about specific dietary needs, don’t assume the lunch will match every preference. The cruise is mainly about swimming time, so the food tends to be practical rather than customized.

The Comino walking ticket QR code, new from May 1, 2025

From May 1, 2025, you need a free ticket to walk on Comino. The ticket costs nothing, but you must get it online at www.blcomino.com. You’ll receive a QR code, and Comino officials scan it on arrival.

If you do not have the QR code, you won’t be allowed to walk on Comino. You can still swim from the boat area, so you are not totally blocked from enjoying the water, but you should know you might lose the option to stroll on land.

When ordering the free ticket, you must choose the slot 13:30 to 17:30. That timing matters because it aligns with when passengers are expected to access the island. If you’re trying to fit the land option into your swim plan, get the QR code sorted before your day.

Price and value: how $29 makes sense here

At about $29 per person, this cruise is priced in the value zone for a full day at Malta’s most famous swimming waters. The price becomes more reasonable when you focus on time allocation.

You’re not paying mostly for a cruise around the coast. You’re paying for the protected chunk of time at the Blue Lagoon, plus onboard comfort like air-conditioning and a place to sit between swims. If you had to recreate this with your own boat rental or multiple transport legs, it would likely cost much more for similar water time.

That said, value depends on how you handle extras. Snorkel gear costs extra if you need it. Umbrellas and sun items can add up. Drinks can also turn into an expensive line if you’re buying frequently.

If you go in with your expectations set, the base ticket feels like a bargain. If you treat the onboard extras as automatic, the final day cost can rise.

Crowd levels and boat size: what to expect when capacity hits

Many people come for the Blue Lagoon, and it can feel busy. The water is clear and beautiful, but you’ll share it. The best strategy is to act like you’re visiting a popular beach, not a private cove.

A practical trick is to use the boat comfort between swims. Don’t spend all 4.5 hours stuck in one exact spot. Move your swim areas gradually, take breaks when the light gets harsh, then return to the water when you want that calm feeling again.

Also remember this: the cruise can combine multiple tour groups onto the same boat. That’s often why the ride timing can feel longer than you expect, even though your lagoon time is the main focus. If you’re sensitive to waiting, pack patience and keep your expectations flexible.

What to bring so the day stays easy

This is a water day, so pack like you mean it. Bring swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen. If you like to snorkel, decide whether you want to rent onboard or bring your own gear.

One detail worth taking seriously is footwear. When you’re around rocks, closed shoes can help with comfort and safety. The lagoon is gorgeous, but the edges can be unforgiving if you’re wearing only sandals.

Bring a small bag you can secure on the boat so your essentials do not become a shoreline scavenger hunt.

Who this cruise is perfect for, and who should skip it

This cruise is great for couples, solo travelers, and families who want a simple, no-stress route to Comino’s Blue Lagoon with real time to swim. If you like your vacation days planned around one standout moment, you’ll probably love this format.

It’s also a good match if you’re comfortable buying add-ons onboard. Want snorkeling gear delivered to you right when you arrive? That option is available.

If you use a wheelchair, this trip is not suitable based on accessibility notes provided.

Should you book? My quick, honest take

If your priority is maximum time in the Blue Lagoon water, this is an easy yes. The schedule is designed to give you the hours that matter, and the onboard comfort makes the day feel manageable even if the boat is busy.

Book it if you’re flexible about crowds and okay with paying for snorkeling gear and drinks if needed. Skip it only if you need a quiet, private feel or you’re not prepared for a shared boat experience with occasional waiting.

If you do book, do two things to set yourself up: get your Comino QR ticket sorted before May 1, 2025, and plan your snorkel setup early so you’re not wasting lagoon minutes.

FAQ

What is the duration of the Comino and Blue Lagoon cruise?

The cruise runs for about 6 to 8 hours.

Where does the cruise depart from?

You can depart either from Bugibba Jetty or from Sliema Ferry dock, depending on the option you book.

What time does the boat return to Sliema or Bugibba?

If you depart from Sliema at 10:30, you return around 18:30. If you depart from Bugibba at 11:30, you return around 17:30.

How long do you spend swimming in the Blue Lagoon?

You get about 4.5 hours in the Blue Lagoon.

Is snorkelling equipment included?

No. Snorkelling equipment is not included, but you can rent it onboard for an additional cost.

Is there a ticket needed to walk on Comino?

Yes. As of May 1, 2025, you need a free ticket with a QR code to walk on Comino.

How do I get the free Comino walking ticket and what time slot should I choose?

You order it online at www.blcomino.com. When ordering, you must choose the slot 13:30 to 17:30.

Can I still swim if I don’t have the QR code?

Yes. Without the QR code, you won’t be allowed to walk on Comino, but you can still swim next to the boat.

Is the cruise wheelchair accessible?

No, it is not suitable for wheelchair users.