From Sliema: Malta Cruise to Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon & Caves

Sliema to Comino feels like a postcard, then it gets real. This full-day Malta cruise is built around big photo-and-swim views you cannot get from the shore, plus a proper stretch of free time at the Blue Lagoon. The main thing to plan for is crowds, and the fact that you may need to move fast at key moments because the boat schedule is strict.

I also like that you get a genuine “boat as your base” setup, with on-board facilities and an included waterslide, so the day is more than just waiting on beaches. One possible drawback is that seas can be choppy at the start on some days, and if you sit in the wrong spot you will feel it in your bones.

Key Points I’d Focus On

• Two Comino lagoon stops in summer (Crystal Lagoon in the May to Oct season, plus Blue Lagoon)
• Free time that’s truly yours at Blue Lagoon, so you can swim, wander, or just float
• Waterslide access from the boat, plus jump-off opportunities
• Boat-based comfort that helps if you get tired of sun and crowds
• Comino sea caves viewing on the return cruise for extra scenery without extra effort
• QR code required for Blue Lagoon shore time in 2025 (free, but you must register)

Sliema to Comino by Boat, With Malta Views You Cannot Replicate

This is the kind of day trip that works because it blends three things in one: a scenic cruise around Malta, a swim-and-splash agenda at Comino, and just enough structure to keep the day smooth. You start in Sliema and spend most of your time on the water, watching Malta’s coasts slide by from a perspective most people never see.

The value is in the mix. You pay a single per-person price that includes transportation, lagoon stops, and boat facilities plus the waterslide. Then you get hours of open-ended time at Blue Lagoon, which is what most visitors actually want: time in the water, not a rushed checklist.

Just remember, this is also popular. Your experience can swing between relaxing and chaotic depending on how busy Comino is that day. If you hate crowds, you will still enjoy the views, but you will need a strategy.

Getting to Luzzu Cruises in Sliema and Staying On Schedule

Your day starts at Luzzu Cruises in Sliema (Ferries 4, Triq Ix – Xatt, Sliema SLM 1023). The tour starts at 10:00 am, and the guidance is to arrive at least 30 minutes early. I treat that as non-negotiable. When you are dealing with boat boarding, early beats stressed.

You’ll use a mobile ticket, and the tour runs in English. Once you’re on board, the ship is your moving base for the day. That matters because you can avoid overheating on land later, especially at Blue Lagoon where shade is limited.

Also note the tone of the operation: the skipper is always in charge, and safety comes first. On rougher water days, you might feel the ride more than you expect. If you are prone to motion sickness, plan ahead with the sort of remedy you trust.

The Malta Cruise Segment: From Sliema Promenade to St Paul’s Island

Before Comino, you cruise past some of the best-known coastline stretches around Malta. You pass the Sliema promenade, then glide along sights including St Julian’s and Balluta Bay, St George’s Bay and Paceville, and Bugibba. Later, you cruise by St Paul’s Island, tied to the shipwreck story from year 60 AD, and you continue toward Mellieha Bay.

What makes this part worth your time is simple: it is scenery with movement. You are not stuck waiting in a line. You also get the chance to get oriented. If this is your first Malta visit, you will quickly understand how the island is shaped, and why the Comino area looks the way it does.

One detail I think you should know: some information on board can come through prerecorded commentary rather than constant live narration. That does not ruin the day, but it does mean you should not count on on-demand deep explanations. If you want the “why” behind what you see, use the cruise as a visual intro, then learn details later from your own reading or shore time.

Island of Gozo Photo Stop: Short, But It Breaks Up the Day

There is a brief photo stop at Mgarr Harbour on Gozo. The time is about 5 minutes, and it is only for passengers who booked to visit Gozo disembark. So do not plan on a Gozo sightseeing experience during this trip.

In practice, this stop works like a quick reset, a chance to change your viewpoint and grab a photo without pulling you away from the main goal: Crystal Lagoon and Blue Lagoon.

If you are traveling with kids, this tiny Gozo pause can be helpful. If you are expecting more, it can feel like a tease. Keep your expectations aligned with what the schedule actually allows.

Crystal Lagoon at St Nicholas Bay in Summer (May to Oct): Swim Time That’s Mostly About Access

In the summer season, the boat stops at Crystal Lagoon / St Nicholas Bay for about 45 minutes. This is seasonal and weather permitting, running from 01 May to 30 October.

This stop is great for two reasons. First, you are not stuck searching for a good entry point. You swim from the boat, and the waterslide use is included. Second, the time is long enough to actually get water time in, not just a quick dip.

If you hate rough water, pay attention to conditions. At times, the water can feel choppy right when you arrive, and in those moments you may notice that swimming comfort depends on where the boat positions you. On some days, the captain may also choose the better spot to match winds, currents, or other sea factors. That flexibility helps safety and swim conditions, even if it means the exact “best-looking corner” is not guaranteed.

Practical tip: treat this as your warm-up lagoon. Use it to get comfortable with the water and your routine, then go hard at Blue Lagoon with your best gear and best energy.

Blue Lagoon Free Time and the QR Code Rule for Shore Access in 2025

This is the headline stop. The boat gives you about 3.5 hours at Blue Lagoon, with time to explore the island, go to the beach, or use the boat as your base.

Here is the important 2025 detail: if you want to get off the boat at Comino’s Blue Lagoon, you must register in advance for a free QR code at blcomino.com and choose the afternoon slot 13:31 – 17:30. Those QR-code shore access tickets are mandatory for getting on land.

If you show up without it, you risk losing the whole point of the stop. So I would handle this early, well before your day at sea.

A strategy for the crowds

Blue Lagoon can get packed fast. Even when the water is gorgeous, busy conditions can mean crowded beaches and limited space near the waterline.

Here is how you beat the stress:

• Plan to enjoy the water from the boat too, not just the shore. Boat time keeps you away from the busiest walking paths.
• If you want shade, aim to get it where it is easiest. Some of the shade on land disappears quickly as the day progresses, so the boat’s shaded areas can become your best friend.
• Watch how you manage the bracelets used for access. One common snag is that these bands can stain or transfer color when they contact sunscreen. If you can, keep it simple: put it on when you really need it rather than hours earlier than necessary.

Don’t miss the caves on the way back

Even if you only care about swimming, you still get extra value: on the return cruise, you get scenic viewing of the Comino sea caves. That adds variety without changing your schedule.

On-Board Comfort: Waterslide Fun, Clean Facilities, and the Bar Reality

A big reason I like this tour concept is the included fun on board. The boat has a waterslide for passenger use, and many boats of this type also include jump-off options. You are not paying extra to add a little adrenaline to the day.

You also get practical comfort: several experiences mention a clean bathroom and space to sit. That matters because Comino days can be sun-heavy. If you need a break from heat, you can retreat to the boat and reset.

Food and drinks are not included. You can buy them from the onboard bar. Some passengers find the snack options limited, and a few mention that it is better to bring your own small snacks if you are picky or if you want more than basic bites. Also, snorkeling gear is not included. Masks and snorkels can be rented onboard for €5.00 per person.

My advice is straightforward: pack a small personal kit. Water, sunscreen, a hat, and whatever you need to feel comfortable for hours. Even though the boat provides a base, you are in direct sun at lagoon time.

Who Should Book This Comino Day Trip From Sliema

This trip fits best if you want a classic Malta day out with a strong water component. It is especially good if:

• you want two lagoon stops in a single outing during the May to Oct season
• you like the idea of swimming from a boat and using the boat as your home base
• you are traveling with family and want something that feels active but not complicated

It can be less ideal if:

• you hate crowds and want quiet beaches
• you get motion sick easily, especially if you are sensitive to rough conditions at the start of the day
• you require guaranteed prime seating or guaranteed shore time without advance QR prep

For families, the boat aspect helps. The boat offers comfortable shaded areas, and there is plenty of “move around and swim” time. But if you are bringing very young kids, keep in mind that the day includes long cruising stretches and you might be exposed to wind and sun depending on where you sit.

Price and Value: Why About $42 Makes Sense for This Day

At $42.24 per person, this is priced like a budget-friendly boat day with real experiences included. The money is not just for transport. You are also paying for:

• access to Comino lagoon areas (including two stops in summer)
• time on the water with scenic cruise segments around Malta
• included waterslide and boat facilities
• cave viewing on the return cruise
• an operational setup that keeps the day moving rather than waiting around

What you should account for separately is what is not included:

• food and drinks from the onboard bar
• mask and snorkel rentals (if you want them), at €5.00 per person

In other words, you can control your costs. If you bring snacks and keep your bar spending modest, this can feel like a smart deal. If you plan on buying meals and lots of drinks onboard, it becomes less “cheap,” but you still get a packed day with water time.

One more value note: the experience is capped at a maximum of 200 travelers, so it is not an endless floating crowd. Still, it can feel packed at the lagoons, especially at Blue Lagoon.

Small Details That Can Change Your Day

This is the part where I save you from avoidable frustration.

1) Be early. Boarding and departure are strict. If you miss timing at Blue Lagoon, you can lose shore access or risk being left behind when the boat departs.

2) Expect schedule flexibility. Conditions matter. The captain chooses where to position and stop based on what makes swimming safer and easier that day.

3) Bring the essentials. You are on the water and in sun for hours. Even with a boat base, your body still needs sun protection and water.

4) Plan around the QR rule. In 2025, shore access at Blue Lagoon requires that free QR code registration in advance.

If you keep those four in mind, this tour plays to its strengths.

Should You Book Luzzu Cruises From Sliema?

I think you should book this trip if your top priority is Comino lagoon swimming without the hassle of planning transport, timing, and entry logistics yourself. The waterslide and the long Blue Lagoon free time are real highlights, and the cruise route around Malta adds a satisfying “views all day” feel.

I would skip it or shop carefully if you strongly dislike crowds, or if you want a calm, uncrowded beach experience. Blue Lagoon can be busy. You will still see the beauty, but you may not get the solitude you imagined.

If you want a smoother experience, the best move is boring and effective: arrive early, register your QR code for shore time in 2025, and make peace with the fact that the boat is your hub. Then you will have a great day, even when the lagoons get popular.

FAQ

How long is the Malta cruise from Sliema to Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon?

The tour runs about 7 hours 30 minutes (approx.), starting at 10:00 am.

Where does the tour start and end?

It starts and ends at Luzzu Cruises in Sliema, at Ferries 4, Triq Ix – Xatt, Sliema SLM 1023, Malta.

Does the tour stop at both Crystal Lagoon and Blue Lagoon?

Yes, in summer it includes two Comino stops, one at Crystal Lagoon (St. Nicholas Bay) and one at Blue Lagoon. Crystal Lagoon stops are seasonal and run from 01 May to 30 October, weather permitting.

Do I need a QR code to get off at Blue Lagoon?

Yes. For 2025, shore access at Blue Lagoon requires a free QR code registration at blcomino.com, and you must choose the afternoon slot 13:31 – 17:30.

Is food included on the boat?

No. Food and drinks are available to purchase from the onboard bar. Masks and snorkels can be rented onboard for €5.00 per person.

What happens if the weather is bad?

The experience requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund. The cancellation option allows free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.