Sliema: Comino, Crystal Lagoon & Blue Lagoon Cruise w/ Lunch

Comino day trips can be pure sun therapy. I like this one because it combines a classic Turkish gulet ride with two big swim stops. You start in Sliema and spend the day working your way around Comino’s famous water.

Two things I really like: you get a relaxed rhythm with a mid-morning snack plus an onboard cold buffet lunch, and the boat setup is built for time in the sea (swimming ladders, freshwater showers, shade at the rear). The Crystal Lagoon stop also has that special feeling of a sheltered lagoon with caves and cliffs.

One thing to consider: in peak months, the Blue Lagoon can feel very crowded, so expect tight spacing on the waterline and less comfort than you might hope if you arrive late or want to sit the whole time. Also, if you get seasick, this is not a great match.

Key things I’d circle before you book

• Two swim stops with a weather-based backup: Crystal Lagoon first, then Blue Lagoon, with Santa Marija Bay as the alternative if conditions don’t cooperate
• Onboard comfort that helps you enjoy the day: spacious decks, saloon, bar area, showers, and a rear canopy for shade
• Lunch value you can actually use: cold buffet lunch plus unlimited water and soft drinks, and local wine and beer at lunchtime
• Blue Lagoon now requires a government access pass: you need an official pass from blcomino.com before you can disembark
• Crowds are part of the package: especially in high season, when space on the shoreline can get tight
• Meeting point is clear: Sliema Ferries, opposite the Basilica of Jesus of Nazareth, looking for the gulet Hera

Getting on the Hera in Sliema: meeting point and onboard comfort

Your day starts at Sliema Ferries near Triq Ix-Xatt, opposite the Basilica of Jesus of Nazareth. When you arrive, look for the Turkish gulet with the name Hera. You check in at the staff desk at the pier area, in English.

The cruise runs about 7.5 hours, with departure listed for 9:30 AM and return around 5:00 PM. If you pick the optional transfers, the departure time still means the boat leaves at 9:30, while your hotel pickup can be anywhere between 8:00 AM and 9:00 AM, depending on where you stay.

Once you’re onboard, the boat setup is made for a sea day. You’ll have spacious decks to move around, a stylish saloon if you want a break, and a bar area if you want alcohol beyond what’s included. You also get practical extras like swimming ladders, freshwater showers, and a rear canopy for shade.

The Sliema to Comino sail: why the timing matters

The sailing between Sliema and Comino is part of the experience, not just the commute. As you move along the coast, you get ongoing seascape views, which helps the day feel longer in a good way.

Plan your energy for the middle of the day. The schedule is built around two swim moments, with Blue Lagoon arriving around 1:15 PM after lunch. That means you can treat the morning as the scenic phase, then settle into water time when the crowds and temperatures peak.

If the sea is choppy, it can affect both comfort and which stop you reach first. The operator notes that the Crystal Lagoon visit depends on weather and sea conditions, so it’s smart to keep your expectations flexible.

Crystal Lagoon: sheltered turquoise, cliffs, and the cave-factor

Your first swim stop is typically Crystal Lagoon on the west side of Comino. This lagoon is known for crystal-clear water and is especially popular for divers and snorkellers. You also get dramatic surroundings, with cliffs and wide views that make the stop feel more like a landscape moment than just a quick dip.

A fun detail here is the mention of sea caves inside the lagoon area. Even if you don’t go full snorkel-mode, you’ll likely see swimmers and snorkellers angling toward those cave sections, which adds energy to the water.

Do keep in mind the backup plan. If Crystal Lagoon can’t be visited due to conditions, you’ll head to Santa Marija Bay instead. Santa Marija Bay is described as secluded with crystal-clear, shallow water, plus lush greenery around it, which usually means an easier swim if you’re not looking for anything too rough.

Lunch onboard: a real sit-down break at sea

Lunch is served onboard after the first swim stop, with a cold buffet lunch included. It’s timed so you’re not starving, but you’re also not losing your day to long downtime.

What makes this feel like value is the drink mix. You get unlimited mineral water and soft drinks during the whole cruise, plus unlimited local wine and beer during lunchtime. If you don’t drink alcohol, you still benefit from the all-day water and soft drinks, which can otherwise add up fast on Malta day tours.

You’ll also get a mid-morning snack earlier in the day, and fresh fruit in the afternoon. Those small items matter when you’re in swim gear and under sun, because you want something easy between water stops.

For comfort, this is where I’d be practical: bring towel, sunscreen, and a sun hat. Even if you can shade yourself on the boat, you’ll still spend time out in the sun once you’re in the lagoons.

Blue Lagoon reality check: access pass + what to expect at 1:15 PM

You’ll arrive at the Blue Lagoon around 1:15 PM, and the water is the big reason people do this route. Expect transparent cyan water, a white sandy bottom, and marine life in the area, which makes snorkeling and floating especially fun.

Here’s the key logistics change for your planning: since May 2025, Malta requires an official government-issued access pass to disembark at the Blue Lagoon. The pass is not included, and you must book it in advance on blcomino.com. The tour also specifies that you need to book the afternoon timeslot for this trip, and that there are limited daily allocations, so don’t leave it to chance.

Crowds can be the trade-off for fame. One person noted that in August, the Blue Lagoon can feel very packed, with lots of sunbeds and umbrellas close to the waterline. Another concern that shows up in peak periods is tight seating onboard, with some people ending up without a comfortable place to sit.

My advice: treat the Blue Lagoon as both a swim spot and a social scene. If you want a calmer moment, shift your position along the edge, and don’t assume every corner looks the same.

Also, a small but important comfort note: the boat has toilet facilities, and on busy days you may find conditions are more basic than a hotel restroom. If hygiene is a major concern for you, use it early in the day rather than waiting until you’re already deep in water time.

How much value $59 really gives you

At $59 per person for a 7.5-hour Comino cruise, the value comes from what’s bundled, not just the boat ride. You’re getting:

• Two swim stops (Crystal Lagoon, then Blue Lagoon, with a weather-based switch if needed)
• Lunch onboard, plus a mid-morning snack and afternoon fruit
• Unlimited mineral water and soft drinks for the whole day
• Unlimited local wine and beer at lunchtime
• Practical seawater-day gear like freshwater showers and ladders

If you’ve ever paid separately for a boat ticket, a sandwich, and drinks in a tourist pocket, this format makes more sense. Even the included soft drinks and all-day water help keep the day from turning into constant purchases.

The only way the value changes is if the day gets crowded and you end up spending the swim time more focused on logistics than relaxing. That’s why timing and planning matter. If you can travel outside high season, you’ll likely get a smoother experience at the Blue Lagoon.

What to bring and what to watch out for

The simple packing list is on point for this kind of day. Bring sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear, towel, and sunscreen. You’ll also want comfortable shoes, since you may need them for walking around the pier and boarding areas.

Bring cash. The pass for Blue Lagoon is booked separately online, but the bar is available for additional alcohol, and cash can still help on the ground if you need it.

A few things you should know:

• Not allowed: pets, oversize luggage, and non-folding wheelchairs, plus electric wheelchairs
• The boat is listed as wheelchair accessible, but the activity is also marked as not suitable for people with mobility impairments, so it’s worth checking directly with the operator before you commit
• The tour is not suitable for people prone to seasickness, so if waves are a trigger for you, rethink the plan

Who this cruise fits best

This is a good match if you want a classic Malta day plan: short commute, long sun-and-swim window, and minimal decision-making once you’re onboard. You’ll enjoy it most if you like being outdoors, don’t mind sharing famous water with other people, and are happy to hop between swim spots.

It’s also a solid option for groups of friends or couples because the boat gives you both open deck space and an interior saloon for breaks. If you’re the type who likes one main plan for the whole day, this works better than mixing multiple transport links and stops on your own.

If you’re chasing solitude, you may find the Blue Lagoon difficult in peak season. And if you’re sensitive to motion on the water, the seasickness note is a real warning, not a footnote.

Should you book the Hera Comino cruise?

Book it if you want two Comino swims, a straightforward onboard lunch, and the comfort extras that make sea time easier, like showers and shade. The $59 price works best when you actually use the included drinks and snack breaks instead of buying everything separately.

Skip or rethink it if you’re very space-sensitive, dislike crowded swim areas, or get seasick. And if you do book it, take the access pass requirement seriously, since you won’t be able to disembark at the Blue Lagoon without the official pass from blcomino.com.

FAQ

Where does the cruise depart from?

It departs from Sliema Ferries, Triq Ix-Xatt, Sliema, in the area opposite the Basilica of Jesus of Nazareth. You should look for the Turkish gulet named Hera.

What time does the tour run?

The cruise is listed as departing at 9:30 AM from the meeting point, with return to Sliema Ferries at approximately 5:00 PM. The total duration is about 7.5 hours.

Is lunch included?

Yes. You get a cold buffet lunch onboard, plus a mid-morning snack and fresh fruit in the afternoon.

Do I need a pass for the Blue Lagoon?

Yes. You need a government-issued access pass to disembark at the Blue Lagoon, and it is not included in the tour price. You can book the pass in advance at blcomino.com and you must select the afternoon timeslot for this trip.

What drinks are included?

You get unlimited mineral water and soft drinks during the entire cruise. During lunchtime, you also get unlimited local wine and beer. Other alcohol can be purchased from the bar.

What happens if Crystal Lagoon is too rough to visit?

If Crystal Lagoon is not possible due to weather or sea conditions, the tour heads to Santa Marija Bay instead for swimming and snorkelling.