Comino & Blue Lagoon Cruise inc Photo Stop at Crystal Lagoon

Crystal-clear water is only half the story. This full-day cruise gives you a long stretch at Comino’s Blue Lagoon, plus a Crystal Lagoon photo stop and broad views of Malta’s northern coast. I like the generous swimming time and the easy onboard setup, with toilets, air-conditioning, a bar, snacks, and an upper deck. The main catch is simple: the Blue Lagoon can get crowded, and the journey may take longer than expected if the boat makes extra stops.

At $29 per person, this is a strong value if your main goal is swimming rather than a tightly packed sightseeing schedule. I also like the choice of departure points, Sliema or Bugibba, and the friendly, organized crew praised by many customers. You should, however, check exactly where you return to the boat on Comino, and bring the required free island access ticket if you plan to walk ashore.

Key points to know before booking

• Four to four and a half hours at the Blue Lagoon: Plenty of time for swimming, snorkeling, sunbathing, and a relaxed lunch break.
• Two departure points: Choose Sliema Ferry or Bugibba Jetty, with different sailing times and return schedules.
• Crystal Lagoon photo stop: A short ten-minute pause gives you a chance to take pictures from the boat.
• Comfortable facilities onboard: You have air-conditioning, toilets, a bar, snacks, drinks, and access to an upper deck.
• Snorkeling gear costs extra: Bring your own equipment or rent it onboard for an additional fee.
• Comino access rules matter: From May 1, 2025, you need a free QR ticket to walk on Comino between 1:30 and 5:30 p.m.

Why this Comino cruise works well for a beach day

The appeal here is wonderfully clear. You board a boat, spend much of the day at the Blue Lagoon, swim in bright turquoise water, and return to Malta by early evening. You do not need to arrange separate ferries, find your own way to Comino, or worry about fitting the island into a complicated day.

I like this format because it gives you time to settle into the place. Many boat trips offer a quick swim and a rushed photo, but this one is built around a long stay. You can swim, snorkel, sit in the sun, buy a drink, and return to the water without checking the clock every few minutes.

The Blue Lagoon sits between Comino and the smaller islet of Cominotto. Its pale sandy bottom helps create the famous clear color, and the water is suitable for swimming and snorkeling. The setting is excellent for photographs, but the real pleasure is having time to use the water rather than simply look at it from a boat.

The cruise earns a rating of 4 out of 5 from 731 customers, which suggests a generally dependable experience with some practical limitations. The strongest praise centers on friendly staff, good organization, comfortable boats, and value for money. The recurring concerns are crowding, long sailing times, and confusion about where to meet the boat again.

Choosing between Sliema and Bugibba departures

You can start at either Sliema Ferry or Bugibba Jetty. The Sliema departure leaves at 10:30 a.m. and returns at 6:30 p.m. The Bugibba option leaves at 11:30 a.m. and returns at 5:30 p.m.

That difference matters. Sliema gives you a longer overall day and a later return, while Bugibba offers a shorter schedule. Your best choice depends on where you are staying and which return time fits your plans.

The two-hour sightseeing cruise at the start can be enjoyable, especially if you like seeing Malta from the water. Several people praised the views along the north coast, with one customer noting that the route offered views toward Gozo and Comino. You may also stop at St. Paul’s Bay or make a Gozo drop-off, depending on how the boat combines different groups and bookings.

That arrangement can work in your favor if you want a broader coastal cruise. It can also test your patience if you mainly want to reach the lagoon. One customer reported leaving Sliema at 10:30 but arriving at the Blue Lagoon around 12:45 after extra stops. On the return, the same person spent about four hours onboard in total and only around three and a half hours at the lagoon.

So, treat the advertised day as a full boat excursion, not a direct transfer. The trip to Comino is part of the experience, but it may not be the fastest way to reach the water.

The two-hour cruise to Comino

The opening cruise gives you time to see Malta’s northern shoreline from offshore. Commentary is provided in English throughout the trip, and the crew points out sights along the route. This helps turn the transfer into a basic sightseeing cruise rather than dead time.

I would choose a seat with a view if you want photographs. The upper deck is the natural place for open-air views and sun, while the air-conditioned interior is useful when the heat becomes too much. The boat has a bar and toilet facilities, so you are not stuck without basic comforts during the longer crossing.

There is a practical trade-off here. The boat may combine several groups and destinations, and that can create waiting or additional stops. A customer described a 90-minute wait before the trip really got moving, while another found the boat packed and the drinks line long. These experiences may not happen on every departure, but they explain why the journey can feel less direct than the simple timetable suggests.

I would not book this trip if your only priority is getting to the Blue Lagoon as quickly as possible. I would book it if you enjoy being on the water and want transport, commentary, coastal views, and a full swimming stop in one package.

A ten-minute look at Crystal Lagoon

The Crystal Lagoon stop lasts about ten minutes and is intended mainly for photographs. That is enough time to take pictures from the boat, admire the clear water, and get a quick sense of another attractive cove around Comino.

Keep your expectations realistic. This is not a separate swimming session or a long shore visit. You will have to be ready with your camera and pay attention to the crew’s timing. A ten-minute photo stop works best as a pleasant extra, not as the main reason to book.

Still, it breaks up the sailing and gives you another view of Comino’s coast before the longer stay at the Blue Lagoon. If you enjoy photographing sea color, rock formations, and small coves, have your phone or camera ready before the boat stops.

Four to four and a half hours at the Blue Lagoon

This is the heart of the outing. The planned stay is about four and a half hours, although the exact time can vary with the route and combined bookings. That is enough time to swim more than once, try snorkeling, eat, rest, and take photographs without turning the day into a race.

The Blue Lagoon is best suited to people who want water time. You can enter for a swim, float near the boat, or use the clear water to look for marine life. Snorkeling equipment is not included, but you can bring your own or rent a mask and tube onboard for an additional fee. One customer reported paying around €10 for basic snorkeling equipment, though prices can change.

The water and scenery are the main reward, but the shore can be busy. One customer called the lagoon crowded but still worthwhile, while another found it quieter outside the busiest period. You should expect a popular place, not a deserted cove. The famous water color attracts many boats, and the experience depends partly on the day and season.

You may also find paid beach facilities near the lagoon. Umbrellas and loungers can cost extra, and one customer paid €10 for an upper-deck sunbed on the boat. Another reported being offered an umbrella with a deposit, only to discover that umbrellas were not allowed in the Blue Lagoon area. Ask exactly where an item can be used before paying.

For comfort, bring your own towel, swimwear, sunscreen, and water shoes or closed shoes. One person specifically advised bringing closed shoes for walking on the rocks. That is sensible: rocky access can be uncomfortable with bare feet, and ordinary flip-flops may not give you much grip.

Food, drinks, shade, and the boat itself

The boat is not an all-inclusive resort, so plan to pay for food and drinks. Snacks, coffee, tea, soft drinks, and alcohol are available onboard, but they are not included in the $29 price. One customer found the prices reasonable, while another suggested bringing your own drinks if permitted, especially when the onboard queue is long.

A meal option may be available, but do not assume it covers every dietary preference. One customer noted that the sandwich offered did not include a vegetarian choice. If you do not eat meat, it is sensible to ask about food before departure or bring something suitable if allowed.

Air-conditioning is useful during the crossing, especially when the sun is strong. The upper deck gives you fresh air and open views, though access to a sunbed may cost extra. You will need to decide what matters more: paying for a reserved place in the sun or using the standard seating and saving the money for drinks or equipment.

The boat is described as spacious and comfortable by several customers, but it can also feel crowded at busy times. I would arrive ready to accept a lively shared excursion rather than expecting a quiet private charter.

Comino’s new walking-ticket rule

This is the most important practical detail. From May 1, 2025, you need a free ticket to walk on Comino. You obtain it online at www.blcomino.com and select the 1:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. time slot.

Your QR code will be scanned by Comino officials when you arrive. If you do not have the code, you will not be allowed to walk on the island. You can still swim next to the boat, but you lose the option of going ashore.

This rule changes how you should prepare. Do not assume that booking the cruise automatically gives you permission to walk around Comino. Arrange the free ticket before the day, save the QR code where you can access it, and check the meeting instructions carefully.

The rule is especially important if you want to stretch your legs, find a different swimming spot, or explore beyond the boat. If you are happy to stay in the water and use the boat’s facilities, the missing ticket will not prevent you from swimming.

Where this trip offers real value

At $29 per person, the price is attractive for a full-day boat outing with transport from Malta, commentary, a Crystal Lagoon stop, and several hours at the Blue Lagoon. You also get access to a bar and toilet, which makes the long sailing period easier.

The value is strongest for couples, families, and first-time visitors who want a straightforward day at Comino without piecing together separate transport. The crew is repeatedly described as friendly, helpful, professional, and organized. That matters when the boat is busy and the day involves several timing points.

The value is weaker if you expect every comfort to be included. Snorkeling equipment, umbrellas, sunbeds, food, and drinks cost extra. You should also allow for the chance of a slower route or additional stops.

Think of the price as covering the main experience, not every add-on. Bring your own snorkeling equipment if you have it, pack snacks if allowed, and skip paid extras unless they genuinely improve your day.

Who should book this cruise?

I would recommend it to you if you want:

• A long, relaxed swim at the Blue Lagoon
• An affordable way to reach Comino from Sliema or Bugibba
• A boat trip with air-conditioning, toilets, commentary, and refreshments
• Time for snorkeling without being hurried
• A social, shared excursion rather than a private charter
• A simple full-day plan with minimal transport planning

I would be more cautious if you dislike crowds, long boat journeys, or paid extras. This is also not suitable for wheelchair users, and walking on Comino requires the separate free QR ticket.

Families may like the flexible schedule because you can alternate between swimming, sitting onboard, buying refreshments, and resting in the shade. Couples seeking a quiet escape may find the lagoon too busy at peak times. Water lovers will get the most from the trip, while serious sightseeing fans may prefer a tour with more time on land.

Should you book the Comino Blue Lagoon cruise?

Book it if your ideal Malta day involves bright water, a long swim, simple transport, and plenty of time to relax. The crew receives strong praise for being kind and organized, and the $29 starting price gives you a lot for the main experience.

Before you go, choose the departure point that suits you, arrange the free Comino walking ticket, bring sunscreen and a towel, and decide if you need your own snorkeling gear. Also keep your return instructions close at hand, since one customer nearly missed the boat after not being told clearly where to meet again.

This is not the most private or direct way to see Comino. It is an affordable, practical day cruise that gets the important part right: you have enough time to enjoy the Blue Lagoon instead of merely stopping for a photograph.

FAQ

How long does the Comino and Blue Lagoon cruise last?

The experience lasts about six to eight hours. The Sliema option leaves at 10:30 a.m. and returns at 6:30 p.m. The Bugibba option leaves at 11:30 a.m. and returns at 5:30 p.m.

Where can I board the cruise?

You can board at either Bugibba Jetty or the Sliema Ferry. The meeting point depends on the option you book.

How much time do I spend at the Blue Lagoon?

The planned swimming stop lasts about four and a half hours. The exact time can vary if the boat combines different groups or makes additional stops.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

No. You can bring your own snorkeling equipment or rent it onboard for an additional fee.

Do I need a ticket to walk on Comino?

Yes. From May 1, 2025, you need a free QR ticket from www.blcomino.com to walk on Comino. Select the 1:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. time slot. You can still swim next to the boat without the ticket, but you cannot walk on the island.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and suitable footwear for rocky areas. You may also want your own snorkeling equipment if you prefer not to rent it onboard.