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

Malta’s best water day starts before breakfast. This 7.5-hour cruise from Sliema takes you along Malta’s coast to Comino, with stops at the Crystal Lagoon and Blue Lagoon, weather permitting. I like the traditional Turkish gulet, with its broad decks, shaded rear canopy, bar, showers, and toilets. I also like that the price includes lunch, unlimited mineral water and soft drinks, plus local wine and beer with the meal.

The main caution is simple: Comino’s Blue Lagoon can be extremely crowded, especially in August. There is also a new access-pass rule for stepping ashore, and the Crystal Lagoon stop may be changed to Santa Marija Bay when sea conditions are poor. That makes this a pleasant sea day, but not a quiet island escape every time.

Quick takeaways for this Comino cruise

• The boat is called Hera: Find the traditional wooden Turkish gulet at Sliema Ferries, opposite the Basilica of Jesus of Nazareth.
• Crystal Lagoon depends on weather: If conditions do not allow the stop, the boat goes to Santa Marija Bay instead.
• Lunch is included onboard: You get a cold buffet, a mid-morning snack, afternoon fruit, and unlimited local wine and beer during lunch.
• Blue Lagoon access has changed: Since May 2025, you need a government-issued pass to step ashore, and daily numbers are limited.
• Two swim stops are planned: Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, and shoes that are comfortable on a boat.
• The $59 price is reasonable: It works best for you if you want transport, food, drinks, and a full day at sea in one booking.

Finding Hera at Sliema Ferries

The cruise leaves Sliema Ferries at 9:30 AM. The meeting point is on Triq Ix-Xatt, in the area opposite the Basilica of Jesus of Nazareth. You are looking for Hera, a traditional-design wooden sailing vessel known as a Turkish gulet.

Do not arrive expecting a large modern ferry. The boat’s character is part of the appeal. It has open decks for sunbathing, a saloon, a bar, a rear canopy for shade, swimming ladders, freshwater showers, and toilet facilities. Ask the staff at the check-in booth if you are unsure where to go.

If you select hotel pickup, the 9:30 AM time is the boat’s departure time, not your pickup time. Your collection may be scheduled between 8:00 and 9:00 AM, depending on where you stay. Contact the operator several days before the cruise to confirm both the pickup point and time.

If you are staying within walking distance of Sliema Ferries, choose the option without transfers and make your own way to the boat. That is usually the simpler choice.

The morning sail from Sliema to Comino

Once Hera leaves Sliema, the first part of the day is a sightseeing cruise along the shoreline. The appeal here is the view from the water. You see Malta from a different angle, with coastal cliffs, inlets, and open sea replacing the usual roads and buildings.

I like that the cruise does not rush straight to a single swimming spot. The sailing itself is part of the outing, giving you time to settle into the day, find a place on deck, and enjoy the sea views. The crew serves a mid-morning snack, and mineral water and soft drinks are available throughout the cruise.

The boat has a bar, but not every drink is included. Alcoholic drinks outside the lunchtime allowance, spirits, liquors, and other unspecified beverages cost extra. Bring cash if you want to buy something at the bar or prefer not to rely only on the included drinks.

The gulet offers both sun and shade, though your preferred place may not always be available. One recent complaint described the boat as overfull, with some people having to sit on the floor. That is worth taking seriously, particularly in the busy summer season. If having a comfortable seat matters greatly to you, arrive early and ask the crew about seating before settling in.

Crystal Lagoon: cliffs, caves, and clear water

The first scheduled stop is Crystal Lagoon on the western side of Comino. This is the most dramatic swim stop of the day, framed by high cliffs and clear turquoise water. The sheltered setting gives you wide views in every direction, while the surrounding sea caves add something more interesting than a simple beach swim.

Crystal Lagoon suits you best if you enjoy swimming and snorkelling from a boat. It is also a good place for underwater exploration because the water is clear and the cliffs create a striking setting around the boat.

The important phrase is scheduled stop. The captain makes the final decision based on weather and sea conditions. If Crystal Lagoon is not safe or practical, the cruise goes to Santa Marija Bay instead. This is not a minor change in scenery, but it is a sensible safety call.

Santa Marija Bay has shallow, clear water and a quieter feel. The bay is bordered by greenery and is a good choice if you prefer an easy swim or snorkel rather than a more enclosed lagoon with cliffs and caves. You should not book this cruise assuming Crystal Lagoon is guaranteed.

One past complaint focused on not receiving the advertised Crystal Lagoon stop. The practical lesson is to read the weather-dependent wording carefully. The two swim stops are part of the plan, but the exact location can change.

Lunch on the gulet, with the sea as your dining room

Lunch comes onboard after the first stop. It is a cold buffet, so this is not a restaurant-style meal with a choice of cooked dishes. For a day cruise, the useful part is convenience: you do not need to leave the boat, search for food, or spend your swim time waiting at a crowded beach café.

Local wine and beer are included during lunchtime. Mineral water and soft drinks are available throughout the day, while fresh fruit is served in the afternoon. This package adds real value to the $59 price because food and several drinks are already covered.

Expectations matter here. One low rating described the food as disappointing, while another simply found the whole outing great. Since the lunch is a cold buffet, I would treat it as practical cruise catering rather than the reason to book the trip. If you have strict dietary needs, the supplied information does not confirm special meal arrangements, so ask the operator before booking.

The boat’s bar is useful, but the included soft drink selection may be limited. One complaint specifically noted limited choices, with cola and Sprite available. Bring cash if you want more options.

Blue Lagoon at about 1:15 PM

Hera reaches the Blue Lagoon at around 1:15 PM. This is the famous stop, with bright turquoise water, a pale sandy bottom, and clear conditions that make swimming and snorkelling appealing.

The Blue Lagoon looks best from the water and from the quieter side of the bay. You can swim, sunbathe, walk through Comino’s countryside, or stay onboard and enjoy the boat. Staying on Hera may be the better choice if the shoreline feels too crowded or if you prefer shade, seating, and access to the onboard facilities.

Do not expect the Blue Lagoon to feel empty in summer. A September visit described the water as beautiful but said the area was packed in August, with sun loungers and umbrellas filling much of the waterfront. That is the tradeoff for visiting Malta’s most famous swimming spot. The water is the draw, but the shore can feel heavily developed and busy.

The new Blue Lagoon access-pass rule

Since May 2025, stepping ashore at the Blue Lagoon requires an official government-issued access pass. You must arrange this in advance through blcomino.com, and the daily allocation is limited.

For this cruise, select the afternoon timeslot when applying for the pass. Without the pass, you will not be allowed to disembark at the Blue Lagoon. You may still remain on the boat, but you should not assume that the cruise price includes permission to walk ashore.

This rule makes advance planning especially important. Check the official access website before your cruise date and secure the correct time slot. The pass is separate from the cruise booking and is not an optional detail to sort out after arrival.

Is $59 good value for a full day at sea?

At $59 per person, the cruise is priced as an all-in-one sea day rather than a bare boat transfer. You receive transport from Sliema to Comino and back, two planned swim stops, a snack, a cold buffet lunch, afternoon fruit, unlimited mineral water and soft drinks, and local wine and beer with lunch.

That is good value if you want a relaxed day without arranging separate ferry tickets, food, drinks, and beach transport. The Turkish gulet also gives the outing more character than a simple point-to-point ferry.

The value is weaker if you mainly want to spend time ashore at the Blue Lagoon. The access pass is separate, and the shore may be crowded once you arrive. You are paying for the full boat day, not just a few hours beside the lagoon.

The price also makes sense for couples and families who appreciate predictable costs. Just remember that spirits, liquors, and other drinks are extra, and the boat’s capacity may affect how comfortable the day feels during peak periods.

Comfort, swimming, and who should skip it

You need to be comfortable spending most of the day on a boat. The cruise lasts about 7.5 hours, with a return to Sliema at approximately 5:00 PM. Bring a towel, swimwear, sunscreen, sunglasses, a sun hat, comfortable shoes, and cash.

The freshwater showers are useful after swimming, and the toilets mean you do not have to depend on shore facilities. Still, one complaint described the toilets as dirty and unhygienic. I would keep expectations practical and bring anything small that helps you feel comfortable during a full day at sea.

The cruise is not suitable for people prone to seasickness. Take that warning seriously. Even on a calm day, a long boat ride with several hours on open water may be tiring if you are sensitive to motion.

The activity is listed as wheelchair accessible, but it is also marked as unsuitable for people with mobility impairments. Non-folding and electric wheelchairs are not allowed. If you use a wheelchair or have difficulty with steps, ladders, or boarding, contact the operator before booking and explain your needs clearly.

Pets and oversize luggage are not allowed. Pack a compact beach bag rather than a large suitcase.

Who will enjoy this Comino outing most?

I would choose this cruise if you want a simple, social day on the water with food and drinks included. It suits swimmers, snorkellers, sun seekers, and first-time visitors who want to see Comino without working out a complicated transport plan.

It is also a good fit if the Turkish gulet matters to you. The boat gives the day a traditional feel, with open decks, a shaded rear area, a bar, and room to enjoy the scenery between stops.

I would be more cautious if you want peace and quiet, a gourmet lunch, guaranteed access to Crystal Lagoon, or a relaxed Blue Lagoon beach visit in August. The most famous parts of Comino are popular for good reason, but popularity brings crowds.

English is the listed language for the host and greeter. There is no tour guide included, so expect staff assistance and logistical help rather than a narrated historical tour of Malta or Comino.

Should you book Hera’s Comino cruise?

Book it if you want a well-priced, full-day boat outing with two swim opportunities, lunch, drinks, and a distinctive gulet. The clear water and coastal scenery are the strongest reasons to go, and the package covers more than many basic boat excursions.

Before paying, check three things: the weather forecast, the Blue Lagoon access-pass system, and the pickup details if you need a transfer. If you dislike crowds, consider staying onboard at the Blue Lagoon rather than rushing ashore.

For $59, this is a fair choice for an easy Comino day. Just treat the itinerary as weather-dependent, expect summer crowds, and remember that the Blue Lagoon pass is your responsibility.

FAQ

Where does the cruise depart from?

The cruise departs from Sliema Ferries on Triq Ix-Xatt, opposite the Basilica of Jesus of Nazareth. Look for the Turkish gulet named Hera, or ask staff at the check-in booth for help.

What time does the boat leave Sliema?

The boat departs at 9:30 AM and returns to Sliema Ferries at approximately 5:00 PM.

Is hotel pickup included?

Pickup and drop-off are optional. If you choose transfers, the pickup time is separate from the 9:30 AM cruise departure and may fall between 8:00 and 9:00 AM. Confirm the exact time and location with the operator several days beforehand.

Will the cruise definitely stop at Crystal Lagoon?

No. The Crystal Lagoon stop depends on weather and sea conditions. If the stop is not possible, the boat goes to Santa Marija Bay instead.

How many swim stops are included?

The cruise includes two swim stops. The planned locations are Crystal Lagoon or Santa Marija Bay, followed by the Blue Lagoon.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A cold buffet lunch, a mid-morning snack, and fresh fruit in the afternoon are included. Local wine and beer are included during lunchtime.

Are drinks included?

Unlimited mineral water and soft drinks are included throughout the cruise. Local wine and beer are included during lunch. Spirits, liquors, and other drinks are not included.

Do I need a pass to visit the Blue Lagoon?

Yes. Since May 2025, you need a government-issued access pass to step ashore at the Blue Lagoon. You must obtain it in advance through blcomino.com and choose the afternoon timeslot for this cruise.

What should I bring?

Bring comfortable shoes, sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and cash. Pets, oversize luggage, non-folding wheelchairs, and electric wheelchairs are not allowed.