From Sliema: Comino & Blue Lagoon Trip – Including Boat Ride

Comino’s Blue Lagoon is Malta’s famous showstopper, but this outing adds a useful twist: you reach it by private speedboat and cross part of Comino on foot before settling in by the water. That short walk gives you more than a quick boat drop-off and a crowded swim.

I like the simple transport plan and the social spirit. You meet at Burger King in Sliema, ride by bus and boat, and spend the day with an international mix of students, expats, digital nomads, locals, and tourists. I also like the generous 2.5-hour break at the Blue Lagoon, which gives you time to swim, eat, and find your own patch of shore.

The main drawback is crowding. The Blue Lagoon can be very busy, and one outing included a hike that felt fast for a beginner. Bring sturdy shoes, water, and lunch, and expect an active group day rather than a quiet beach escape.

Key points to know before you book

• The day begins at Burger King in Sliema: Meet at 9:45 AM for a 10:00 AM departure, then return to the same spot around 5:00 PM.
• You get both bus and speedboat transport: Each leg takes about an hour by coach and 30 minutes by boat.
• The Comino walk lasts about 30 minutes: Expect an easy but brisk hike with scenic views, not a long island trek.
• The Blue Lagoon stop lasts 2.5 hours: Use the time for swimming, relaxing, food, and photographs.
• Bring a packed meal: Food trucks are generally available, but food and drinks are not included.
• This suits adults with decent stamina: The activity is not suitable for children under 18 or people with mobility impairments.

A full day from Sliema to Comino

This is a social island outing, not a private sightseeing charter. The English Cafe Malta team handles the transport, boat rides, timing, and group coordination, while you get a straightforward day outside Sliema.

The advertised price is $34 per person. An early-bird offer has also been listed at 20€ per person, so check the current rate before paying. At either price, the value rests mainly in the private transport and boat rides. You avoid arranging separate connections to Comino, and you have a guide and group leader keeping the day moving.

The activity runs every two weeks on Saturdays. That schedule matters if you have only a short stay in Malta, since this is not presented as a daily departure. The stated meeting time is 9:45 AM, with the event beginning at 10:00 AM and returning around 5:00 PM.

Meeting in Sliema at 9:45 AM

You meet at the doors of Burger King in Sliema. It is a practical public meeting point, but arrive early enough to locate the group without rushing. The return is to the same place, which keeps the end of the day simple.

The first part is a private bus ride of about one hour. This is useful if you are staying in or near Sliema and do not want to work out your own route to the northern coast. It also gives the group a chance to gather before reaching the boat.

The coach ride is transport, not a sightseeing tour. You should not expect a running commentary or major stops along the road. Bring water and settle in for the transfer.

The 30-minute speedboat ride to Comino

The boat trip takes roughly 30 minutes and is one of the more appealing parts of the outing. A speedboat gets you onto the water quickly, and the ride gives you a different view of Malta than you get from the road.

The boat is described as private transportation for the group. That does not mean you have a private boat for yourself, but it does mean the boat ride is arranged as part of the experience rather than left for you to organize separately.

Conditions at sea can change, so bring a light jacket even on a warm day. The organizers specifically suggest one if it is windy or cold. A hat and sunscreen are also sensible, since boat rides and open shore time offer little shade.

Walking across Comino before the lagoon

After arriving on Comino, you take a short walk across the island. The scheduled walking portion is about 30 minutes and includes a photo stop, hiking, and views along the way.

The trail is described as relatively easy, but the pace may feel quick if you are new to hiking. One person found it demanding as a beginner and felt short of breath. That is a useful warning: you do not need advanced fitness, but you should have a decent level of stamina and be comfortable walking in warm weather.

Wear sports shoes or other good walking shoes. Flip-flops are specifically discouraged. They are awkward on an uneven trail and can make the walk less comfortable, especially if the group keeps moving.

This short crossing adds value because you are not simply transported straight to a beach. You get a brief look at Comino away from the water’s edge and a chance to see the island from several angles. Still, keep expectations in proportion. This is a short guided walk, not a full exploration of Comino.

Two and a half hours at the Blue Lagoon

The main stop is the Blue Lagoon, with about 2.5 hours of free time. The water is known for its clear appearance, and the plan is simple: swim, sit by the shore, take photographs, eat, and enjoy the setting.

The long stop is a good fit if swimming is your priority. You will not be rushed in and out after a few photographs. You can also use the time to socialize, which is a central part of this activity.

The catch is popularity. The Blue Lagoon can be crowded enough that swimming feels less relaxing, especially if you imagined a quiet natural pool. Space around the water may also feel limited, and the experience is more about enjoying Malta’s best-known coastal spot than finding solitude.

Food trucks are generally available at the location, but food and drinks are not included. I would bring a sandwich or panini, water, and perhaps a small snack. That saves you from depending on availability and gives you more control over your break.

Pack your swimming suit under your clothes if that is convenient, along with a towel. A waterproof bag would also be practical, though it is not specifically listed as required. Keep the advice simple: protect yourself from the sun, carry enough water, and do not expect the tour price to cover lunch.

Returning by boat and coach

The return follows the same basic pattern. You take another 30-minute speedboat ride, followed by about an hour on the private coach back to Sliema.

The overall timing gives you a full seven-hour outing, but only about three and a half hours are spent on the island and at the lagoon. The rest is transport. That is normal for a Comino day trip from Sliema, and the private arrangements make the transfers easier than piecing them together yourself.

The return to Burger King is expected around 5:00 PM. Since timing can depend on transport and sea conditions, avoid booking a tightly timed evening plan immediately afterward.

The social side of English Cafe Malta

This activity is designed for people who enjoy meeting others. The group can include expats, English students, Erasmus participants, interns, volunteers, digital nomads, Maltese residents, and tourists. The provider welcomes all nationalities and says the event is aimed at adults aged 18 and over.

That makes the outing particularly useful if you are traveling alone or have recently arrived in Malta. You have a built-in group for the bus, boat, walk, and lagoon stop. The social side may be less appealing if you want a quiet, self-directed day.

The group atmosphere can also help with language practice. The event is conducted in English, and a French-speaking host has been available on at least one outing, which may help French-speaking participants. No individual guide names are provided, so you should book this for the format and organization rather than for a specific named guide.

The organizer also runs other events, so this trip appears to be part of a wider social program rather than a one-off sightseeing product. That is useful if you want to meet people through several activities during your stay.

What the price includes, and what it does not

At the listed $34 per person, you are paying for private coach transport, private boat rides, and the team’s coordination and guiding. You are not paying for food, drinks, or a private experience at the lagoon.

I think the price is fair if you value convenience and company. A self-arranged trip might give you more freedom, but it would require you to organize the route, boat transport, and timing yourself. The value here is the simple door-to-door structure from Sliema and the group leadership.

The early-bird price of 20€ changes the calculation and makes the outing particularly attractive. Because prices can change, check the current rate and availability when booking. The activity has limited spots, and it runs only every two weeks on Saturdays.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. You can also reserve and pay later, which helps if your Malta schedule is still shifting.

Who should book this Comino day trip?

I would choose this outing if you want a social, organized day and do not want to arrange your own transport. It is a good match for solo adults, students, younger groups, expats, and anyone who likes mixing sightseeing with time to swim.

It also suits you if the Blue Lagoon is high on your Malta list and you want a reasonable amount of time there. The short Comino walk adds variety without turning the day into a serious hike.

I would look elsewhere if you want a peaceful beach day, a private boat, extensive walking, or a slower pace. The lagoon is popular, the group may move briskly, and the day includes long transport periods. It is also not suitable for children under 18 or people with mobility impairments.

Bring sports shoes, a hat, sunscreen, swimwear, towel, water, food, and a light jacket. Do not bring alcohol or drugs, and expect the organizers to enforce a no-littering rule.

Should you book it?

Book this trip if you want an easy route from Sliema to Comino, a fast boat ride, a short island walk, and several hours at the Blue Lagoon with an international group. The well-organized schedule and friendly host support are the strongest reasons to go.

Skip it if crowds spoil the appeal of Malta’s famous lagoon or if you need a gentle, unhurried pace. The best value comes when you see the Blue Lagoon as one part of an active social day, not as a secluded beach retreat.

FAQ

Where does the Comino and Blue Lagoon trip begin?

The meeting point is at the doors of Burger King in Sliema.

What time should I arrive?

The meeting time is 9:45 AM, and the event officially starts at 10:00 AM.

When does the trip return to Sliema?

The expected return time is around 5:00 PM, at the same Burger King meeting point.

How long is the trip?

The full activity lasts about seven hours.

How much time is spent at the Blue Lagoon?

The scheduled free-time stop at the Blue Lagoon lasts about 2.5 hours.

Is food included?

No. Food and drinks are not included. Food trucks are generally available, but you are advised to bring your own lunch and water.

Is the trip suitable for children or people with mobility impairments?

No. The activity is not suitable for children under 18 or people with mobility impairments.