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

The turquoise water around Comino is the main event here. From a boat leaving Sliema Ferry, you get Malta’s coastal views, a swim from the deck, and several hours to make Blue Lagoon your base. I like the long stop at Comino and the simple freedom it gives you: swim, walk, sit in the shade, or stay aboard.

I also like the seasonal Crystal Lagoon stop, where the boat’s waterslide and jump points add some fun. The catch is crowding. Blue Lagoon can be packed even outside the main summer months, and a full boat may leave you downstairs if you arrive late.

Key points to know before you book

• Blue Lagoon time: You get roughly three to three and a half hours at Comino, enough for swimming and a walk, but not a quiet beach day.
• Crystal Lagoon is seasonal: The stop runs from May 1 to October 30 and depends on weather and sea conditions.
• A free shore QR code is required: For 2025, choose the afternoon time slot from 13:31 to 17:30 at blcomino.com.
• The boat is your base: You can return for shade, toilets, drinks, and a place to sit when the island feels too crowded.
• The ride can be rough: Strong wind and open-sea conditions have caused seasickness, so check the forecast and bring suitable medication if needed.
• Do not be late at Blue Lagoon: The boat leaves at the stated time and may not check every passenger before departure.

Why this Sliema cruise works well

At $42.24 per person, this is a practical way to reach Comino without arranging separate transport. You get the outward and return cruise, coastal views, two Comino stops in the warmer season, use of the waterslide, and a boat with facilities for the day.

I see the value most clearly if you treat the vessel as a floating base rather than just a ferry. Blue Lagoon has limited comfortable space, little shade, and plenty of foot traffic. If you claim a place on the boat, you can swim from it, sit in shelter, buy a drink, and use the toilet instead of trying to carry everything around Comino.

The trip is also more scenic than a direct transfer. The route passes Sliema promenade, St Julian’s and Balluta Bay, St George’s Bay and Paceville, Bugibba, St Paul’s Island, and Mellieha Bay. The captain or recorded announcements may point out places along the way, though the amount of live commentary can vary.

The main compromise is capacity. The boat can carry up to 200 people, and a busy departure can feel more like public transport than a relaxed sailing trip. Arriving at least 30 minutes early gives you a better chance of finding a seat upstairs, where you can enjoy the sun, breeze, and views.

Leaving Sliema at 10:00

The meeting point is Luzzu Cruises at Ferries 4, Triq Ix-Xatt, Sliema. The stated departure time is 10:00, and you should arrive at least 30 minutes before then. Check-in can become hectic when many people arrive together, especially because the Blue Lagoon shore pass is an extra step that some people may not expect.

I would handle the QR code before leaving your accommodation. In 2025, you need a free pass from blcomino.com if you plan to get off at Blue Lagoon. Select the afternoon slot from 13:31 to 17:30. Keep the code easy to show on your phone.

Once aboard, choose your priorities early. If you want sun and a wide view, head upstairs. If you prefer shade or are sensitive to wind, the lower deck may be more comfortable, though the views are less open. With a maximum of 200 passengers, the best seats can disappear well before departure.

Malta’s northern coast from the water

The first part of the day is a moving tour of Malta’s coast. The boat passes the Sliema promenade, then continues by St Julian’s, Balluta Bay, St George’s Bay, Paceville, and Bugibba.

This is useful sightseeing rather than a series of formal shore stops. You stay aboard, so do not expect time to walk through these areas. Instead, use the passage to see Malta from a different angle and take photographs without dealing with roads, traffic, or parking.

St Paul’s Island adds a strong historical note to the route. Tradition places St Paul’s shipwreck there in AD 60, a story tied closely to Malta’s Christian past. The boat then continues by Mellieha Bay toward Comino and Gozo.

Commentary is not always extensive. Some departures have a captain who points out sights and gives updates, while other passengers have found the public-address system difficult to understand or relied mainly on recorded messages. If a place interests you, watch the shoreline and ask a crew member when practical.

The Gozo stop is mainly a transfer point

The boat pauses at Mgarr Harbour on Gozo for about five minutes. Passengers who booked a Gozo visit leave here, while this Comino cruise continues.

You should not view this as a Gozo sightseeing stop. The short pause is for transfers and photographs, not for exploring the harbor or island. It does, however, give you a quick look at Mgarr’s busy waterfront and helps explain why the boat may leave Comino briefly later in the day to collect people returning from Gozo.

Crystal Lagoon and St Nicholas Bay

From May through October, the boat stops for about 45 minutes at Crystal Lagoon or St Nicholas Bay, subject to weather and sea conditions. The captain chooses the safer or more suitable location on the day. Strong currents, wind, or jellyfish can affect that decision.

This is the most active part of the cruise. You can swim directly from the boat and use the waterslide. A jump board is also available on some boats, according to the experience details. You do not walk onto a beach here, so you need to be comfortable entering the water from the vessel.

The water can look spectacular, but conditions matter more than photographs suggest. A sheltered cove may be calm one day and choppy the next. If the sea is rough, the stop may feel short or less enjoyable, particularly for young children or anyone who dislikes boat ladders and open water.

Snorkel masks and equipment are not included. You can rent a mask and snorkel onboard for €5 per person, or bring your own if you have space. Food and drinks are also extra, with an onboard bar available.

Three hours at Blue Lagoon

The boat spends about three to three and a half hours at Blue Lagoon. This is enough time for a swim, a walk across parts of Comino, and a meal or drink, but it is not enough to escape the island’s busiest areas for long.

Blue Lagoon is beautiful because of its clear, shallow-looking water and pale rock. Its popularity is also its weakness. Boats arrive throughout the day, and the small shore areas can fill quickly. Even in October and March, you may have trouble finding a comfortable place near the water. In July and August, expect an even busier scene.

Do not assume there is a broad sandy beach waiting for you. Much of the shoreline is rocky, and comfortable spots are limited. Some shade may be available on the boat, but shade on the island is scarce and often claimed early. Bring a hat, sunscreen, water, and footwear suitable for uneven rock.

The easiest plan is to use the boat in two stages. First, go ashore with only what you need for a swim and a short walk. Later, return to the boat for shade, a seat, and a calmer break. If the boat remains accessible during your stop, it can be much more comfortable than spending every minute on the crowded shoreline.

Some departures hand out colored wristbands for access. Keep sunscreen away from the band as much as possible, since the dye may transfer onto swimwear or bags. Put it on as late as you can, ideally when you are ready to leave the boat.

Comino walks and the search for a quiet view

You can explore beyond the main lagoon area during your free time. A walk toward higher ground gives you wider views over Comino and the sea. One useful approach is to continue past the busiest area and keep walking uphill, then onward for better viewpoints.

The island is not a polished resort. Facilities can be limited, paths can be rough, and food and drinks cost extra. In winter, when many island businesses are closed, you should bring everything you need for several hours outside, including drinking water and protection from the sun.

This free time suits independent visitors. You decide how long to swim, when to walk, and when to return to the boat. It suits less well if you expect a guided island tour, reserved loungers, or a quiet private cove.

The return route and Comino’s sea caves

Before heading back to Sliema, the boat passes Comino’s sea caves. This is a scenic finish, especially when the light catches the openings and the water below. The exact route and closeness to the caves depend on the skipper and sea conditions.

The captain is in charge of safety, and that matters here. The boat may change its position or skip a close approach if wind, waves, currents, or marine conditions make it unsuitable. You should see the caves as a viewing stop from the water, not a guaranteed swim inside every opening.

The return trip completes a day of about seven and a half hours. It can feel long after time in the sun, but the boat gives you a place to sit and rest. On rough days, the crossing back can be uncomfortable, so keep some water and a light snack with you.

Food, shade, toilets, and onboard comfort

Food and drinks are not included in the price. You can buy items at the onboard bar, but the range may be limited, and some people have found the snack selection more useful than the meal choices. Bring a packed snack if you need something specific.

The boat’s facilities are a major practical benefit. You have access to toilets, shaded seating, and a place to leave some belongings while you swim, though you should not leave valuables onboard. The boat is not responsible for items left behind.

Snorkel rental costs €5 per person. Masks and snorkels are not automatically supplied, and life jackets or other equipment should not be assumed to be available for casual swimming. Follow crew instructions and use the designated access points.

Weather, seasickness, and family suitability

The skipper can adjust the route for safety, and the Crystal Lagoon stop is specifically weather dependent. Still, a rough crossing can make the day unpleasant. Several people have become seasick in strong wind, and the open sea offers little relief once the boat is underway.

Check the weather before the free-cancellation period ends. If you know you are prone to seasickness, consider medication approved for you and avoid a heavy meal before departure. Sit where crew advise, keep your eyes on the horizon when possible, and carry a plastic bag as a basic precaution.

Families can enjoy the waterslide and short swimming stop, but the full day is a long outing for a four-year-old or infant. The boat ride may be windy, and there is no guaranteed shade once you leave the boat at Blue Lagoon. Older children and confident swimmers will get more from the water activities.

The service allows service animals, is near public transport, and most people can participate. The crew is responsible for operating the boat, so listen carefully when conditions change or the departure time is announced.

Who gets the best value at $42.24?

I think the price is fair if you want a full day on the water and plan to use the boat as a base. A direct transfer might get you to Comino, but it would not provide the same coastal route, Crystal Lagoon swim, waterslide, cave viewing, or onboard seating.

The value is weaker if your only goal is a peaceful Blue Lagoon beach visit. You cannot control how many boats arrive, and the main swimming area may be crowded for most of your stay. A visitor seeking quiet should set expectations low or consider spending more of the day away from the central lagoon.

You also need to account for extras: snacks, drinks, a €5 snorkel rental, and anything you buy on Comino. The overall cost remains reasonable, but it is not an all-inclusive outing.

Booking, timing, and cancellation details

You receive confirmation when booking, and the activity starts at 10:00 from Luzzu Cruises in Sliema. Allow at least 30 minutes for check-in and choose your seat promptly if an upper-deck view matters to you.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Changes or cancellations inside that 24-hour window are not accepted, and missing the boat because your cruise ship arrived late does not qualify for a refund.

The experience requires good weather and a minimum number of participants. If the operator cancels for either reason, you are offered another date or experience, or a full refund.

Should you book this Comino cruise?

Book it if you want a well-priced day trip with long Blue Lagoon free time, a seasonal swim stop, and the convenience of returning to the same boat for shade and facilities. It is especially suitable for confident swimmers, independent sightseers, families with older children, and anyone staying in Sliema.

Think twice if you dislike crowds, rough seas, or large-group transport. Arrive early, arrange the free Blue Lagoon QR code before departure, bring water and sun protection, and be ready at the boat when the stated departure time arrives.

This cruise gives you a broad taste of Malta’s coast and Comino in one day. It does not promise solitude, luxury, or a quiet beach. Book it for scenery, swimming, convenience, and value, not for an empty lagoon.

FAQ

Where does the cruise depart from?

The cruise departs from Luzzu Cruises at Ferries 4, Triq Ix-Xatt, Sliema SLM 1023, Malta. You should arrive at least 30 minutes before the 10:00 departure.

How long does the full experience last?

The cruise lasts approximately seven hours and 30 minutes and returns to the same Luzzu Cruises departure point in Sliema.

Is the Crystal Lagoon stop available all year?

No. The Crystal Lagoon or St Nicholas Bay stop operates seasonally from May 1 to October 30 and depends on weather and sea conditions.

Do I need a pass to go ashore at Blue Lagoon?

Yes. For 2025, you must register for a free QR code at blcomino.com and select the afternoon time slot from 13:31 to 17:30 if you want to leave the boat at Blue Lagoon.

Are food, drinks, and snorkeling equipment included?

No. Food and drinks are available to buy from the onboard bar. Masks and snorkels can be rented onboard for €5 per person.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The activity requires good weather. If the operator cancels because of poor weather or because the minimum number of participants is not reached, you can choose another date or experience, or receive a full refund.