Golden Comino Escape to Blue Lagoon round trip ferry from Sliema

Comino turns a normal ferry ride into a real color show. This Golden Comino Escape trip is built for an easy afternoon: you sail from Sliema at 16:30, get time to swim in Blue Lagoon, then head back around 20:00 while the light turns golden.

What I like most is the mix of comfort and simple extras. You get a catamaran with free WiFi, restrooms, and air-conditioned seating, plus each adult receives a complimentary pineapple cocktail tokened at boarding.

The only real catch is logistics. Transport to the departure mooring in Sliema is not included, and the experience is unguided, so you’ll need to handle your own timing, swim setup, and on-the-water decisions once you arrive at Comino.

Key highlights at a glance

• Late start, sunset timing: depart 16:30 and return from Comino at 20:00
• Free pineapple cocktail for adults: a token is provided at boarding
• Catamaran comfort: indoor or outdoor seating, air-conditioned when you want it
• Free WiFi on board: helpful for messaging and sharing photos
• Unguided, self-paced time at Blue Lagoon: swim and relax on your schedule
• Round-trip from Sliema: no separate return ferry hunt needed

A half-afternoon catamaran to Comino, with pineapple in hand

This is the kind of trip you book when you want the Blue Lagoon experience without turning your day into a project. The schedule is straightforward: you leave Sliema in the late afternoon, spend the middle hours in and around the water, then sail back early evening.

The best part is that the trip is timed for atmosphere, not just sightseeing. Blue Lagoon is the star, and you also get the feel of Comino as the day shifts toward sunset. If you like travel that feels easy, this one fits.

And yes, there is a small party perk. Every adult ticket includes a complimentary pineapple cocktail in Comino, and the crew gives you a token on boarding. It is not a full bar package, but it is a fun touch that makes the afternoon feel special without extra planning.

Getting to the Sliema mooring, and what to do with your arrival time

The experience ends back at the same meeting point, so think of it as a single, round-trip move. Your main job is getting yourself to the mooring area in Sliema before departure.

You should make your way to the Sliema mooring directly opposite the Sliema Hotel by ST Hotels, at 59 The Strand, Sliema (meeting point is listed near WG53+82). Plan to arrive at least 25 minutes before 16:30 so you can find the right boarding spot without rushing.

Two practical notes that can save stress:

• Transport isn’t included, so you’ll want to map your route ahead of time from where you are staying.
• The trip is unguided, so there is no one waiting to shepherd you once you arrive at the dock area. You’ll want to be ready to board.

If you’re staying in Sliema, you’re in a good spot. The meeting point is described as near public transportation, so you should have options even if you don’t want to rely on taxis.

On board the Golden Comino Escape: WiFi, restrooms, and AC comfort

The catamaran aspect matters more than you might think. A speed boat can feel like a lot. A catamaran usually gives you better stability, and this one is set up so you can choose your comfort.

Here’s what you can count on on the boat:

• Free WiFi
• Restrooms
• Outdoor or indoor seating
• Air-conditioned comfort indoors

That air-conditioned option is a quiet win in Malta. Even when the day is pleasant, you may want a break from sun and salt wind during the sail out.

Because the trip is relatively short, you do not need to pack your entire day inside the ferry. But it is nice to know you can hop indoors when you want shade, then return outside when the views are calling.

Blue Lagoon time: swimming, crowds, and what the bottom can feel like

Your core experience happens at Blue Lagoon. The format is simple: cruise to the lagoon area, then you get time to swim in the clear water, relax in the sun, and enjoy Comino’s cliffs and shoreline as the light changes.

The tricky part is not the swimming concept. It is the reality on the beach and in the water.

Blue Lagoon is popular. Expect a busy feel at peak times, and plan to be flexible with where you lay down. One practical theme that fits this kind of stop is that the shoreline and entry can be less like a soft sand beach and more like pebbly footing. The water can be crystal clear, but you may find slippery stones and a bottom that does not feel sandy underfoot.

What that means for you:

• Consider bringing water shoes if you’re sensitive about footing.
• If you prefer to wade calmly, give yourself a bit of extra time to find an easier entry point.
• Bring a towel and something for shade, since you’ll want a comfortable base after swimming.

There is also the money-and-comfort layer to think about. On a popular beach like this, rentals are common. For example, beach seating can be rented by the day. One set of practical numbers you may see is around 15 euro per day for a package that includes beds and an umbrella. That’s not part of your ferry ticket, but it helps you budget if you want a more lounge-style afternoon.

Also keep in mind that facilities exist. There are toilets and places to eat and drink, including small serving spots. Still, since food and drinks are not included with your tour, you should plan either to buy something on site or eat before you go.

The sunset cruise back to Sliema at 20:00

The return timing is one of the best features of this experience. You leave Comino and get back to the Strand in Sliema around 20:00, which means you’re not stuck out late.

This matters for value and energy. A lot of day trips can drain you, even when the highlight is only a couple hours long. Here, you get the highlight, then you are back in time for dinner plans or a relaxed evening walk.

The cruise itself is part of the reward. You’re not just transporting yourself between points, you’re also getting that after-swim, after-sunset feel while sailing with Comino behind you.

Price and value: what you pay for, and what you still need to budget

The price is $42.14 per person, and the trip is typically booked about 8 days in advance. That timing suggests it’s a popular afternoon option, not a last-minute gamble.

To judge value, I look at what’s included versus what you would otherwise spend:

• Included: catamaran cruise round trip, free pineapple cocktail for each adult, free WiFi, restrooms, and air-conditioned seating options.
• Not included: food and drinks (available to purchase on board), and you handle your own transportation to the departure point.

So where does your extra money usually go?

• If you want a more comfortable beach setup, you may rent beds and an umbrella.
• If you get hungry, you’ll be buying food and drinks either on board or during your time in the lagoon area.

When you add those likely add-ons, this ticket still tends to feel fair because the big pieces are already covered: the boat, the timing, and at least one fun drink perk.

If you want a low-spend outing, you can do that too. Bring a simple snack plan for yourself, or decide to eat before you depart. The tour is unguided, so you are in charge of your choices on the ground.

Who should book this Blue Lagoon ferry

This trip is a strong fit if you want an iconic Maltese stop with low effort. I’d especially recommend it for:

• Couples or friends who want an afternoon together with minimal planning
• Travelers who like self-paced time instead of a strict guided schedule
• People who want comfortable transport and don’t want to spend the whole day on ferries and buses
• Anyone who values that late-afternoon timing and a more relaxed return

It may be less ideal if you hate crowds. Blue Lagoon is famous for a reason, and that also means you should expect a lively scene. If you’re chasing total quiet, you might find it hard to get the kind of solitude you want.

Quick tips to make this trip smoother

• Arrive 25 minutes early at the mooring near Sliema Hotel by ST Hotels, 59 The Strand.
• Since it’s unguided, plan your own swim time. Don’t wait until you’re already at the water to think about entry or gear.
• Pack for the water and the sun. Even if you can cool off indoors on the ferry, your time at Blue Lagoon will be outdoors.
• If your feet don’t love pebbles, think about water shoes. The lagoon area can have a pebbly feel at the shoreline.
• Budget for drinks and snacks, since food and drinks are not included.
• Keep an eye on weather. The experience requires good weather, and the operator may offer a different date or a full refund if canceled due to poor conditions.

Should you book Golden Comino Escape to Blue Lagoon?

I think you should book this if you want an easy, comfort-focused round trip to one of Malta’s most famous swimming spots. The included pineapple cocktail, the catamaran comfort with air-conditioned seating, and the simple return to Sliema at 20:00 make it feel like a well-paced way to spend a few hours without overcommitting your day.

Skip it or reconsider if:

• you need a guided experience, since this one is unguided
• you’re not willing to handle getting to the departure mooring on your own
• you prefer quieter beaches, because Blue Lagoon is a magnet

FAQ

What time does the Golden Comino Escape ferry leave Sliema?

The ferry departs daily from the Strand in Sliema at 16:30.

When does the trip return from Comino to Sliema?

The scheduled return from Comino is at 20:00, bringing you back to the Strand in Sliema in the early evening.

How long is the excursion?

The duration is approximately 4 hours 30 minutes.

Where is the meeting point in Sliema?

The meeting point is at the Sliema mooring directly opposite the Sliema Hotel by ST Hotels, at 59 The Strand, Sliema (near WG53+82).

Is food included in the ticket price?

No. Food and drinks are available for purchase on board the catamaran, but they are not included.

Is this tour guided?

No, the trip is unguided.

What’s included on board?

You get the catamaran cruise from Sliema to the Blue Lagoon and back, free WiFi, restrooms, air-conditioned indoor comfort plus outdoor seating, and a free pineapple cocktail for each adult with a token given on boarding.

Do I need to bring my own transport to the departure point?

Yes. Transport to and from the vessel is not included, so you’ll need to make your own way to the Sliema departure mooring.

Is there free cancellation, and does weather matter?

There is free cancellation if you cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The experience requires good weather, and if it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.