Evening Catamaran Ferry Cruise To The Blue Lagoon

The Blue Lagoon looks best after the crowds thin. This five-hour evening cruise appeals to me for two clear reasons: the sunset sailing from Sliema and roughly two hours at Comino for swimming, snorkeling, or quiet time by the water. The modern catamaran, free Wi-Fi, toilets, air conditioning, and helpful onboard crew add real comfort. The main drawback is that the Blue Lagoon may still be noisy and crowded, even in the evening, and you must arrange a government access pass before stepping ashore.

At $41 per person, this is a fair price for a direct boat ride, coastal views, and a full evening at one of Malta’s most famous spots. I like that you return to Sliema beneath the night sky instead of racing back in daylight, but you should treat this as a leisure cruise with free time, not a guided visit.

Key points to know before booking

• The boat leaves Sliema at 4:30 PM: Arrive 15 to 20 minutes early and look for the red catamaran near the Ferries 1 and Bouverie bus stops.
• You get about two hours at Comino: The boat reaches the Blue Lagoon around 5:45 PM and departs at 8:00 PM.
• An access pass is required: Since May 2025, you need an official government pass to disembark at the Blue Lagoon, with the evening time slot selected.
• The return ride is part of the reward: Sunset, moonlight, and Malta’s lit shoreline give the cruise a pleasant second act.
• Bring your own swim kit: Pack swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, and motion sickness prevention if you need it.
• This is not a guided tour: You are free to use your time at Comino as you wish, with no tour guide leading you around.

Leaving Sliema on the 4:30 PM catamaran

Your evening begins at Sliema Ferries, on Triq Ix-Xatt. The departure point sits along the promenade between the Ferries 1 bus stop and Bouverie bus stop. Look for the red boat, or ask at one of the red ticket kiosks nearby if you need help finding the correct boarding area.

You should arrive 15 to 20 minutes before departure. That is not just a polite suggestion. Sliema’s waterfront can feel confusing when several boats and kiosks are operating nearby, and one person reported receiving poor directions from kiosk staff. Go straight to the red catamaran rather than relying on the first person you see.

The boat leaves at 4:30 PM, giving you a scenic run across the Mediterranean before reaching Comino at about 5:45 PM. The catamaran is described as spacious, and the air conditioning is welcome on a warm Maltese afternoon. You also have toilets and free Wi-Fi onboard, useful features on a five-hour outing.

For the best shore views, one useful seating tip is to sit on the left side going toward Comino and the right side on the return. You can also arrive around half an hour early if you want a better chance of choosing your preferred seat.

What the catamaran offers, and what it does not

This is a comfortable ferry-style cruise rather than a luxury sailing trip. You get a modern catamaran, coastal scenery, air conditioning, Wi-Fi, toilets, and crew assistance. That is enough for most people who want a pleasant ride without paying for a private boat.

Do not expect a full bar or a restaurant. Drinks may be available from vending machines, and you can bring your own food and beverages. Food and drinks are not included in the listed price, so pack something if you know you will want a snack during the five-hour outing.

The boat itself sets the tone. It gives you a stable place to sit, move around, and watch the coast, but this remains a shared public cruise. Music from other boats can carry across the lagoon, particularly during the busy summer season. If you want absolute peace and quiet, the setting may not deliver it.

The crew provides assistance, but there is no guide explaining the history or geology of Comino. That is a plus if you prefer freedom. It is a limitation if you want a structured commentary or someone to lead you to the best spots.

Arriving at the Blue Lagoon around 5:45 PM

The biggest change to your planning is Malta’s Blue Lagoon access system. Since May 2025, anyone stepping ashore at the lagoon needs an official government access pass from blcomino.com. Passes are limited, and you must select the evening time slot when applying.

This matters even if you have already paid for the boat. The cruise operator cannot replace the government pass, and you will not be allowed to disembark at the Blue Lagoon without it. Arrange it in advance rather than treating it as a minor detail on the day of departure.

Once at Comino, the boat remains anchored while you have about two hours of free time. The schedule gives you enough time for a swim, some snorkeling, a short look around the island, or a relaxed drink by the water. You decide how active or lazy the stop becomes.

The evening timing is the main attraction. The Blue Lagoon is famous for clear, bright water, but it is also one of Malta’s most popular places. Later hours can feel more relaxed than the middle of the day, when boat traffic and beach activity are usually at their strongest.

Still, do not assume that evening means empty. A late summer departure can overlap with party boats and other cruises. Loud music from nearby vessels may spoil the peaceful mood for some people. One French visitor found the lagoon too crowded and noisy, while other passengers considered the sunset setting one of the best parts of the experience. Your tolerance for music and crowds matters here.

Two hours for swimming, snorkeling, and Comino time

You can use the stop in several ways. The obvious choice is swimming in the clear water around the Blue Lagoon. Bring your own towel and swimwear, and remember sunscreen even during an evening outing. The Maltese sun can remain strong late in the day.

Snorkeling is also possible, but the activity is self-directed. No equipment or guided snorkeling session is listed, so bring what you need if you plan to spend much of your time in the water. Comfortable shoes are useful if you want to walk around Comino rather than staying close to the boat.

You might also choose a slower plan: swim once, find a place to sit, and watch the light change across the water. The lagoon can be more enjoyable when you do not try to squeeze every possible activity into the two-hour stop.

Deckchairs may be available for hire on Comino for about €5 each, based on one passenger’s experience. A complimentary non-alcoholic drink may also be available from one of the island kiosks, but remember which kiosk issued it if you receive a token. These extras are not part of the formal inclusions, so carry some money and do not count on them as guaranteed features.

A small boat trip to nearby caves may also be offered for about €15 per person. It takes roughly 20 minutes and uses part of your time ashore. That could be worthwhile if you have not seen Malta’s caves by boat, but it is less appealing if you already have a separate cave excursion planned.

The 8:00 PM return beneath Malta’s night sky

The boat leaves the Blue Lagoon at approximately 8:00 PM and is scheduled to reach Sliema around 9:15 PM. This return is more than simple transport back to town. The sun may be dropping as you leave, and the coast begins to take on a different character under the evening sky.

One particularly attractive detail is the view toward Sliema and Valletta after dark. The Basilica of Our Lady of Mount Carmel can appear beautifully lit from the water, and a bright moon can add to the scene. You may also pass other boats still enjoying the lagoon, giving the return journey a lively finish rather than a quiet one.

This is where the cruise earns its evening price. A standard daytime ferry gets you to Comino, but this outing gives you sunset and nighttime views as part of the same trip. If you enjoy photography, keep your phone or camera ready on the return. The light changes quickly, and the best view may last only a few minutes.

The return can also be the time to relax. After swimming and walking, you can sit indoors in the air conditioning or stay outside for the breeze. The scheduled arrival at 9:15 PM leaves the rest of the night open for dinner in Sliema or nearby Valletta, though you should allow for possible timing changes at sea.

Is $41 a fair price?

At $41 per person, the value depends on what you want from the evening. You are paying for a five-hour round trip, coastal scenery, the catamaran ride, about two hours at Comino, and the unusual chance to see the Blue Lagoon around sunset and after dark.

You are not paying for a meal, hotel transport, a guide, snorkeling equipment, or the government access pass. Those exclusions make the final cost higher if you need to buy drinks, hire a chair, arrange transport, or book an extra cave trip.

I consider the price reasonable for someone who wants a simple, organized way to reach Comino without planning separate ferry connections. The air conditioning, toilet, Wi-Fi, and direct schedule also add practical value. You can book without paying immediately, and cancellation is allowed up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund.

The value is weaker for anyone expecting a quiet private cruise. The lagoon remains a popular stop, and nearby boats may play loud music. You also need to handle the access pass yourself, which adds one more task before departure.

Who will enjoy this evening cruise most?

I would recommend this trip to swimmers, couples, friends, and families who want a relaxed evening by the water rather than a guided sightseeing program. It suits people who like to choose their own pace and do not need constant commentary.

It is also a good fit if you have already spent the daytime sightseeing in Malta and want a change of rhythm. The later departure avoids using your entire day, while the return under the stars gives the outing a special finish.

People prone to seasickness should think carefully before booking. This is a boat trip of several hours, and motion sickness prevention is specifically recommended. Those with mobility impairments may also find it unsuitable, and non-folding or electric wheelchairs are not allowed.

The trip is not ideal if your priority is silence, a personal guide, or a carefully planned cultural program. There is no guided walk on Comino, and the atmosphere at the lagoon can shift from calm to noisy depending on the other boats nearby.

Practical packing advice for the five-hour trip

Pack lightly. Large bags and luggage are not allowed, so bring only what you need for the boat and the water.

Your basic kit should include:

• Swimwear and a towel
• Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a sun hat
• Comfortable shoes
• Motion sickness prevention if needed
• A small amount of money for optional drinks, deckchairs, or a cave boat

You can bring food and drinks because they are not included. The boat may have vending machines, but do not expect a full onboard bar. Keep your belongings compact and easy to carry between the catamaran and the shore.

Most important, complete the access pass process before you arrive at Sliema. Choose the evening slot, check that your details are correct, and keep the pass available when you reach Comino. The boat ticket alone does not guarantee permission to step ashore.

Should you book the Blue Lagoon evening cruise?

Book it if you want an easy evening trip from Sliema, two hours at Comino, warm clear water, and a return ride with sunset or moonlit coastal views. The cruise received especially strong praise for the spacious catamaran, efficient onboard staff, beautiful evening light, and memorable return journey.

Skip it if you dislike shared boats, loud music, or busy swimming spots. The Blue Lagoon remains popular even later in the day, and this is free time rather than a guided experience.

For most visitors, the best reason to book is the timing. You get the famous lagoon without giving up a full day in Malta, then return to Sliema at night. Just arrange the government pass early, arrive at the red boat with time to spare, and bring your own swimming gear.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran depart from?

It departs from Sliema Ferries on Triq Ix-Xatt, between the Ferries 1 bus stop and Bouverie bus stop. Look for the red boat or ask at one of the red ticket kiosks along the promenade.

What time does the cruise leave Sliema?

The scheduled departure is 4:30 PM. You should arrive 15 to 20 minutes before departure for boarding.

What time does the boat reach the Blue Lagoon?

The catamaran is scheduled to reach the Blue Lagoon at approximately 5:45 PM.

How long do I have at Comino?

You have approximately two hours of free time at the Blue Lagoon, with departure scheduled for 8:00 PM.

Do I need an access pass for the Blue Lagoon?

Yes. Since May 2025, you need an official government access pass to step ashore at the Blue Lagoon. You can obtain it through blcomino.com, and you must choose the evening time slot.

Is this a guided tour?

No. This is not a guided tour. You have free time at Comino and can swim, snorkel, explore, or relax as you choose.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not included. You can bring your own food and drinks, and vending machines may be available onboard.

What facilities are available on the boat?

The catamaran has air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, toilet facilities, and crew assistance.

Can I bring luggage or a wheelchair?

Large bags and luggage are not allowed. Non-folding wheelchairs and electric wheelchairs are also not allowed.

Can I cancel the booking?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later.