Evening Catamaran Ferry Cruise To The Blue Lagoon

The turquoise gets quieter after 5 pm

A sleek cruise with real time in the lagoon, not just passing by

Evening Catamaran to the Blue Lagoon: what you should know

There is something about late light on Comino that feels like Malta just slowed down. This 5-hour catamaran ferry cruise sails from Sliema at 4:30 PM, reaches the Blue Lagoon around 5:45 PM, and then anchors there long enough for swimming and snorkeling before you head back under a starlit night sky. I like that it is built around the evening window when the water looks its clearest and the scene feels calmer.

Two standout parts for me are the long stretch of free time in the lagoon (about two hours) and the onboard comfort extras, like air-conditioning plus free Wi-Fi. The one thing to consider is that you cannot step ashore at the Blue Lagoon without a government-issued access pass, and that pass is required for this specific evening timeslot.

Key points that make this cruise special

• Quieter Blue Lagoon timing: you reach Comino after day-trippers thin out, so your swim time feels less rushed
• About two hours in the lagoon: enough time to swim, snorkel, and do a casual island wander
• Anchored stop, not a quick drive-by: the boat stays put, so you are not constantly cramming in transfers
• Catamaran comfort: air-conditioned cabin, toilets onboard, and free Wi-Fi
• Best views tip: sit on the left side going out and the right side on the way back for shore-facing views

How the evening schedule actually plays out

This cruise runs for about 5 hours with a very clear rhythm: departure from Sliema, arrival to Comino, anchored lagoon time, then a calm return at night.

Departure from Sliema Ferries at 4:30 PM

You board at Sliema Ferries (Triq Ix-Xatt, Sliema). The cruise typically leaves at 4:30 PM, and you should arrive 15 to 20 minutes early so you can get oriented and settle before departure. The meeting point is in the promenade area between the Ferries 1 bus stop and the Bouverie bus stop, and the operator notes you should look for a red boat. If you need help, the promenade has multiple red ticketing kiosks/booths you can approach.

Arrival at Comino’s Blue Lagoon around 5:45 PM

You head straight toward Comino, arriving at roughly 5:45 PM. That timing matters. The Blue Lagoon is famous, which means daytime can feel crowded. Arriving later shifts your experience toward the evening glow, with more comfortable pacing once tour groups start moving on.

Anchored in the lagoon until 8:00 PM

Once you’re there, the boat stays anchored. The practical benefit is simple: you can choose your own rhythm. Some people jump in right away for a swim. Others snorkel first, then take a slow walk on Comino. If you just want to relax, you can do that too, since the boat is not constantly re-positioning.

Return cruise to Sliema starting at 8:00 PM

At 8:00 PM, you cruise back to Sliema. The night part is one of the reasons this works better than a daytime ferry. You get the chance to watch the coastline under a darker sky, and the sea feels quieter than it does mid-afternoon.

You are scheduled to arrive back in Sliema at about 9:15 PM.

What you get during the 2 hours at the Blue Lagoon

The stop at Comino is where you will feel the value of this tour. You get around two hours of free time in the Blue Lagoon area, which is long enough to do more than one thing.

Swim and snorkel with less pressure

The water is the headline here, and the evening hours help. You have enough time to do a full swim, then come back for a second attempt at snorkeling or simply to cool down again. Because the boat remains anchored, you are not stuck racing from one activity to another.

Explore Comino Island at your own pace

This is not a guided tour. When you are on site, it is leisure time, so you control how you spend it. You might spend more time in the water, or you might do a slower walk to take in views from shore. You can also hire deckchairs on the island (one review notes this is 5 euros each).

A small add-on option you may see

There is also an optional small excursion mentioned by previous passengers to reach the caves by a smaller boat (not included). If you are curious, it is worth deciding early, since it can consume part of your on-island time.

The Blue Lagoon access pass rule you must follow (May 2025)

This is the big planning item, and it can make or break your trip if you wait too long.

Following a Malta government directive effective May 2025, you must obtain an access pass to disembark at the Blue Lagoon. The operator is clear: you will not be allowed to step ashore without the official pass.

Key points you should act on:

• Book the pass in advance via blcomino.com
• Passes have limited daily allocation
• For this specific trip, you need to book the evening timeslot when applying for the pass

Because this is a government-mandated rule, it is not something the tour operator can override on the day. I strongly recommend you do this first, before you even think about outfits or sunscreen.

Boarding, onboard comfort, and what you can expect on the catamaran

This cruise is on a modern catamaran with practical comforts that make the sea time feel easier.

Air-conditioning, toilets, and Wi-Fi

You get an air-conditioned boat, plus toilet facilities. Free Wi-Fi is included, which is handy if you want to check maps on your phone or share photos while you wait to disembark.

Seating and views: a simple trick

One helpful tip from past experience: if you care about scenic angles, sit on the left-hand side going out and the right-hand side coming back for the best shore-facing views.

Drinks: no full bar, but there is a small setup

You should not plan on a classic cocktail-bar experience. One review notes there were vending machines rather than a full bar onboard. That lines up with the fact that food and drinks are not included.

There may also be small included touches. For example, one passenger described a complimentary drink token usable for a cocktail served in a pineapple. If you want to rely on anything extra like that, treat it as a pleasant bonus, not a guarantee, but it does show the operator sometimes adds small value.

What to pack for a late afternoon sea swim

Comino is a swim-and-sun stop, so bring what keeps you comfortable once you’re in the lagoon.

Bring:

• Swimwear and a towel
• Sunglasses and sun hat
• Sunscreen
• Motion sickness prevention (especially because this is a sea crossing and the operator flags seasickness risk)
• Comfortable shoes for walking around Comino if you plan to explore on land

Not allowed:

• Pets
• Luggage or large bags
• Non-folding wheelchairs and electric wheelchairs

Also consider whether you need a bag for essentials. Since the rules limit luggage/large bags, keep it light so you are not stressed when boarding.

Price, value, and what you are really paying for

At $41 per person, this is not an ultra-cheap add-on, but it also is not priced like a private charter. The value comes from combining three things in one ticket:

1. A scenic catamaran crossing from Sliema
2. About two hours at the Blue Lagoon where you can actually swim and snorkel, not just stand around
3. A night-time return cruise that changes the feel of the day

If you only want a quick stop, you might find cheaper day trips. But if you care about the timing, then the evening shift is where this makes sense. The late arrival and return give you better photo opportunities and a more relaxed pace, especially compared with the midday surge that Comino is known for.

One practical note: the $41 price does not include the government access pass to step ashore. Budget for that separately, and make sure you reserve the correct evening timeslot.

Who this cruise suits best, and who should skip it

This tour is a strong match for people who want the Blue Lagoon experience without building an entire day around it.

It fits well if you:

• Want swim time plus some island exploring, with the boat staying anchored
• Prefer an experience that leans scenic and relaxed rather than tightly structured
• Like being on the water during the softer evening hours
• Value comfort features like air-conditioning and onboard facilities

It is not a good fit if:

• You have mobility impairments (the activity is listed as not suitable)
• You are prone to seasickness
• You need to bring pets or bulky luggage (these are not allowed)

Common friction points to watch before you go

Even when the views are excellent, this kind of experience can have a couple of sore spots.

The lagoon can feel busy and loud

The Blue Lagoon is popular. Even in the evening, you can still encounter lots of boats nearby, and the atmosphere may not be the quiet, spa-like version you imagine. If you are sensitive to noise or want a silent escape, plan your expectations accordingly.

The key admin step is the access pass

Most problems for people happen before they even reach the lagoon. If you forget the pass, or if you booked the wrong timeslot, you can lose the chance to disembark. This is the one item I would never wing.

On-island timing matters

You only get about two hours. If you want to snorkel and also do some wandering, move at a steady pace. If you decide last minute to try an optional cave excursion, you may feel rushed.

Should you book the Evening Catamaran Ferry Cruise to the Blue Lagoon?

I’d book it if you want a real evening experience on Comino, with enough time to swim and snorkel, plus an easy ride back under the night sky. The timing and the anchored stop are what make it feel like more than a simple transfer.

I would think twice if you hate crowds, are very noise-sensitive, or have any history of feeling seasick. In those cases, you might end up spending more energy managing discomfort than enjoying the lagoon.

Finally, if you book, do the access pass early. That one step protects your whole day, and it is the difference between Blue Lagoon time and waiting around.

FAQ

What time does the catamaran leave Sliema?

The cruise departs from Sliema at 4:30 PM, with a return departure at 8:00 PM and an estimated arrival back in Sliema at around 9:15 PM.

How long do I have in the Blue Lagoon on Comino?

You get approximately 2 hours of free time in Comino’s Blue Lagoon while the boat is anchored.

Is this a guided tour?

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

Do I need an access pass to get ashore at the Blue Lagoon?

Yes. Since May 2025, you must obtain a government-issued access pass in advance to disembark at the Blue Lagoon. You need to book the evening timeslot, and you will not be allowed to step ashore without the official pass.

What is included in the price?

Included features are the scenic coastal cruise, about 2 hours of free time at Comino, an air-conditioned boat, free Wi-Fi onboard, toilet facilities, and crew assistance. Food and drinks are not included.

What should I bring and what can’t I bring?

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, a sun hat, comfortable shoes, and motion sickness prevention. Pets are not allowed, and luggage or large bags are not allowed as well.