From Sliema: Comino Island and Blue Lagoon Cruise

One island, two swims, and a whole lot of salty fun. This Sliema to Comino and Blue Lagoon cruise turns a simple day on Malta’s water into a real change of pace, with onboard commentary, long chill time on Comino, and a bonus swim stop when the weather cooperates.

What I love most is the time you get in the Blue Lagoon and Comino to actually enjoy the water, not just pose for photos, plus the extra swim stop at Crystal Lagoon for dramatic cliffs and a water slide moment.

The main thing to plan for is the Blue Lagoon access pass. Since May 2025, you must arrange a government-issued pass in advance, and if you do not have one, you can be turned away from disembarking at the Blue Lagoon.

Key moments to know before you go

• 3.5 hours on Comino gives you room for swimming, snorkeling, and a slow walk inland.
• Blue Lagoon time is the headline, with crystal-clear turquoise water and a white sandy seabed in calm spots.
• Sea caves show up on the return trip, so you get a second payoff even if you’re waterlogged.
• Crystal Lagoon or St. Nicholas Bay (45 minutes) adds variety, usually with better swimming conditions at Crystal.
• A water slide onboard turns the cruise into more than a sightseeing ride.
• Crowds are normal in summer, so manage expectations and aim for early beach time.

Why this cruise feels like real Malta, not just a transfer

Comino is small, mostly quiet, and built for people who like being outside. No cars. No fuss. Just salt air, low hills, and sea time. That’s why this cruise works well for first-timers. You get a Malta overview from the water, then you land on Comino and do the fun part.

From Sliema, you start with a scenic cruise that tracks the coastline in a way you cannot get from land. You’ll pass by the Sliema promenade area, St. Julian’s Bay, St. George’s Bay, St. Paul’s Bay, St. Paul’s Island, and Mellieħa Bay. Even if you spend most of the day swimming, the drive-by views matter because they set the stage. Malta looks different from the sea, flatter and brighter, with coves and cliffs that feel more dramatic once you’re floating near them.

The day is also practical. You’re not stuck with a strict guided tour script. You get a commentary over the PA system, then you live your own schedule at Comino and during swim time. If you like to move at your own pace, that’s a big plus.

Leaving Sliema: what the morning ride is really for

The morning start from Sliema Ferries is designed to get you moving early enough to enjoy calmer water and better positioning for the day’s main swims. The cruise includes commentary over a PA system in English, so you get context as you go, even though you’re not traveling with a private guide.

You’ll also get a photo stop at Mġarr Harbour in Gozo. The purpose is simple: guests who want to disembark there can do so. For you, it’s a short pause, not a full Gozo detour. Then you head straight on to Comino.

This matters more than it sounds. By the time you reach Comino, you are not fighting a “where do we go first?” scramble. You arrive ready to swim.

Comino island time: 3.5 hours to do what you actually want

Once you reach Comino, you get about 3.5 hours on the island. That is enough time to split your day into real chunks:

• Swim and cool off, then
• snorkel if you brought what you need, then
• take a walk inland for views and photos.

Comino is only about 3.5 square kilometers, and it has very little development. That means you don’t feel trapped by buildings or crowds the way you can on bigger destinations. You also get the option to hike a little, not just lounge. There are trails that connect spots like St. Mary’s Chapel, St. Mary’s Watch Tower, and St. Mary’s Battery. Even if you only do a partial route, the change in elevation helps you see why people keep coming back.

If you like photography, Comino’s contrast works: pale sand, turquoise water, and rocky edges. If you’re the type who gets bored after 30 minutes of beach time, the walking option is the safety net.

Blue Lagoon: the swim stop that can make or break the day

The Blue Lagoon is the main event, and it lives up to the hype. You’re looking at crystal-clear turquoise water, a white sandy seabed in shallower areas, and marine life you may spot while snorkeling. In plain terms, it’s the kind of water where you want to lower yourself in slowly because it looks too pretty to rush.

A key practical point: the water can be busy in peak season, and your boat docking position may vary. Some people note that the Blue Lagoon can be packed with other boats, and that the docking point can be a little farther out than you’d ideally want. That is not a dealbreaker, but it’s worth knowing so you don’t build your day around the idea of stepping off right next to your dream spot.

Also, manage sun and shade. The tour includes toilets onboard, and you can buy snacks and drinks on the boat or on the island, but you should not count on shade at the waterline. One review mentions umbrellas being rented for around €15, so if you’re heat-sensitive, plan to pay for comfort or come prepared.

Most importantly, plan the access pass. Since May 2025, all visitors who want to disembark at the Blue Lagoon must obtain a government-issued access pass in advance through blcomino.com. The daily allocation is limited. For this cruise, you should select the afternoon slot when applying for your pass. If you cannot disembark because you do not have the required pass, the policy says there are no refunds. I’d treat the pass as the first step in your booking checklist.

Crystal Lagoon or St. Nicholas Bay: the bonus stop that adds variety

From May to October, weather permitting, the itinerary includes an additional 45-minute stop at either Crystal Lagoon or St. Nicholas Bay. This is where the cruise earns its keep. Without this stop, you’d be doing mostly one long island day. With it, you get a second flavor of Comino-area water.

Crystal Lagoon is the usual highlight. It’s known for turquoise waters framed by dramatic cliffs and caves, and it’s ideal for swimming and snorkeling. One review calls this stop the highlight, and another mentions people jumping from the boat and making use of a water slide moment. Even if you don’t slide, the cliffs and water color give you a different visual mood than the Blue Lagoon.

St. Nicholas Bay is the quieter alternative. It’s a peaceful inlet with two small sandy beaches and calm, shallow water. If you want a more relaxed swim with less surge and fewer “race to your spot” vibes, this is the option you’d hope for in calmer conditions.

Onboard experience: commentary, water slide, and basic comfort

This is not a booze cruise, so don’t expect a party atmosphere. The vibe is more casual sightseeing plus swimming. The boat is described as clean, and people repeatedly mention feeling safe. The crew and captain are also noted for being friendly and helpful, and the communication on timing seems consistent, which matters on a day with multiple swim opportunities.

A couple of practical onboard wins:

• You get commentary over a PA system (English).
• There are toilet facilities available.
• You can use a water slide during the cruise.

That slide is a small detail, but it changes the feel of the day. It gives you an activity even if you’re not in the mood to swim at every stop.

What you’ll see on the way back: Comino sea caves

On the return trip to Sliema, the cruise passes by Comino sea caves. You don’t control the exact viewing angle because it’s a boat pass-by, but you still get a second set of “wow” visuals without using up your limited time on shore. If you skipped walking on the trails earlier, this cave pass helps balance the day.

It’s also a good time to recover. After swimming and potentially snorkeling, being out of the sun for a bit can feel like a gift, even if you still want to watch the scenery.

Timing and what 7.5 hours means in real-life terms

The duration is about 7.5 hours. That sounds long until you remember the day includes travel from Sliema, a Gozo photo stop, Comino time, Blue Lagoon time, a possible extra swim stop, and the ride back.

For me, the best way to think about it is as a structured half day on the water. You’re not locked into one beach spot all day, but you also don’t have a full-day commitment with a packed itinerary. You’ll get a major Malta highlights taste plus active time in the water.

It’s also a good match if you want one big Comino day but still want energy for dinner and an evening stroll in Malta.

What to bring, and what to skip

This cruise is simple on paper, but comfort is everything once you’re in the sun.

Bring:

• Comfortable shoes for any walking or uneven ground
• Swimwear and a towel
• Sunscreen (you’re outdoors a lot)
• Cash (snacks and drinks are available onboard or on the island)

Skip:

• Pets (not allowed)
• Oversize luggage, and large bags

Also, think about your swim approach. If you’re snorkeling, you might want gear, but the tour data does not list any equipment included. So plan based on what you already have.

One more note from people who did the trip: there can be jellyfish in the sea. That doesn’t mean you should panic, but it does mean it’s smart to be cautious and ready to move if you feel any stings.

Who this cruise is best for

This is best for you if:

• You want a one-day Comino hit without complicated planning
• You like swimming and snorkeling and want real time to do it
• You want scenic coastline views from the water
• You’re okay with a shared, somewhat busy Blue Lagoon environment

It is not a great fit if:

• You’re prone to seasickness or motion sickness (this one can be rough for you)
• You need wheelchair access or mobility accommodations (it’s not suitable for mobility impairments or wheelchair users)

If you want total solitude or private beach access, this style of cruise will never fully deliver that. But if you want value, time in the water, and a well-run day, it delivers.

Price and value: why $41 can be a good deal if you plan well

At about $41 per person for a 7.5-hour cruise, the value is mostly in what’s included:

• sightseeing cruise
• commentary over the PA system
• Comino and Blue Lagoon stops
• a bonus swim stop at Crystal Lagoon or St. Nicholas Bay (seasonal)
• a water slide
• toilets
• crew assistance

What you need to budget for separately:

• the government-issued access pass to disembark at the Blue Lagoon
• food and drinks (available to buy)
• hotel pickup and drop-off (none included)

So the money question becomes simple: will you actually use the swims? If you swim, snorkel, and enjoy the island walking, you’re paying for time and access, not just a ride. If you hate water and won’t get in, this might feel like a long day.

In other words, the price is fair if you’re there to do the Comino thing. It’s less attractive if you mainly want views from a seat and want shade and comfort all day.

Tips that make the day smoother (and more fun)

These are small but they matter:

• Get your Blue Lagoon access pass sorted ahead of time, and pick the afternoon slot you need for this cruise. Limited daily allocation is the trap here.
• Bring a towel and sunscreen. You will not regret it once the sun hits.
• Plan for crowds at Blue Lagoon. If you’re hoping for empty-water magic, go with the mindset of finding your own calm spots within the busy area.
• If you want nicer swimming conditions, Crystal Lagoon is the stop most people point to as the highlight when it’s available.
• If you’re heat-sensitive, consider that shade may cost extra once you’re there, with umbrellas mentioned around €15 in some cases.

And if you’re thinking, I just want a great day with minimal stress, this is one of those Malta activities where being prepared saves you from disappointment.

Should you book this Sliema to Comino and Blue Lagoon cruise?

Book it if you want one of the most efficient ways to experience Comino’s water and get real time to swim, not just a quick splash. The combination of 3.5 hours on Comino, Blue Lagoon time, and a bonus Crystal Lagoon or St. Nicholas Bay stop makes the day feel full without feeling rushed.

Think twice if you are seasick-prone or you need mobility support. Also, treat the Blue Lagoon access pass as mandatory planning, not optional admin. If you can’t or won’t arrange it in advance, this cruise can turn into a very expensive disappointment.

If you’re ready to trade phones-for-photos and time-in-the-water for a true Malta sea day, you’ll likely have a great time.