Sliema: Cruise to Comino, Crystal Lagoon, and Blue Lagoon

Crystal water, island views, and a long day at sea. This Sliema cruise packs Gozo, Comino, the Crystal Lagoon, and the famous Blue Lagoon into about seven and a half hours. I like the mix of sightseeing and swimming, plus the boat’s slide, bar, toilets, and outdoor seating. The main drawback is simple: the Blue Lagoon can be very crowded, and the boat may feel packed before passengers leave for Gozo.

You have two ways to shape the day. Option A gives you more time around Comino, while Option B lets you spend about three hours in Gozo before a shorter Blue Lagoon visit. I especially like the chance to hike beyond the busy lagoon, and the final pass by Comino’s sea caves gives the cruise a strong finish.

Key points at a glance

• About 7.5 hours from Sliema: This is a full day on the water, not a quick harbor ride.
• Two different day plans: Choose extended Comino time, or trade some lagoon time for a Gozo visit.
• Crystal Lagoon is seasonal: The swim stop runs from May 1 to October 31, weather permitting.
• The Blue Lagoon gets crowded: Walk away from the main landing area for quieter swimming and better views.
• A useful boat setup: Outdoor and indoor seating, toilets, a bar, food service, and a water slide make the long day easier.
• Sea caves finish the trip: The Santa Maria Caves photo stop is a worthwhile final view from the boat.

Leaving Sliema for Malta’s north coast

The meeting point is at Sliema Ferries 4. Look for the Luzzu Cruises boat, either MV Kataleya or MV Lady Shelley. Arrive early if you want a better choice of seats, especially outside or toward the front.

The cruise begins with views of Sliema’s waterfront and the bays around St. Julian’s and St. George’s Bay. The boat then passes Qawra and crosses the calmer waters of St. Paul’s Bay. You also pass St. Paul’s Island and Mellieħa Bay before heading toward Gozo.

This opening stretch is more than transport. It gives you a broad look at Malta’s northern coast from the water, with commentary from the captain about the places along the route. Several people found the announcements useful, though the speakers downstairs can be loud and hard to understand at times. If you want a quiet conversation, sit outside or away from the main speakers.

The sea can be rough on the way north. Conditions vary, and the captain may change the route or landing points if weather makes the planned stops unsafe. The trip runs in rain or shine, so bring a light layer and do not assume the sea will be calm just because Malta is sunny.

The Gozo choice: five minutes or three hours

The boat reaches Mgarr Harbour in Gozo for a short photo stop, listed at about five minutes. This is enough for harbor views and photographs, but not enough to explore the island.

At this point, your chosen option matters. With the longer Gozo plan, you disembark and have about three hours on the island. An optional shuttle to Victoria costs €5 per person, payable onboard. The transfer is organized from the harbor, but the time in Victoria can feel short once transport is included.

Victoria gives you a quick taste of Gozo’s center, with time for food, churches, and market browsing. The tradeoff is clear: three hours sounds generous, but the ride to and from the capital reduces your actual time there. If Gozo is a main reason for visiting Malta, I would give it a separate day. If you want a sample of Gozo without arranging another excursion, this option is useful.

Choose the Gozo plan if you value a change of pace, town life, and a short cultural stop. Choose the longer Comino plan if swimming, snorkeling, hiking, and sea views are your priorities. Trying to treat both islands as a full visit will leave you wishing for more time.

Crystal Lagoon and St. Nicholas Bay from the boat

From Gozo, the cruise continues toward Comino. Between May and October, the boat normally stops at the Crystal Lagoon area or St. Nicholas Bay for about 45 minutes, weather permitting. From November through April, this stop is not offered, and the boat goes to the Blue Lagoon instead.

This is usually the most playful part of the day. You can swim and snorkel directly from the boat, and the water slide adds a bit of harmless fun. The crew keeps an eye on people using the slide and helps with ladders and busy boarding areas. You should bring shoes that handle rocks, since getting in and out of the water may involve rough surfaces.

The water is the star here. It is clear enough for snorkeling, and the boat’s position gives you room to swim without the full crush of the Blue Lagoon landing area. Some passengers wish the boat were closer to a beach, but this is primarily a swim-from-the-boat stop.

Bring your own mask if you have one, since snorkeling equipment is not listed as included. A towel, swimsuit, camera, comfortable shoes, and cash are the practical basics. Food and drinks are not included, although the boat has a bar and onboard food service.

Blue Lagoon: beautiful, busy, and worth planning around

The main stop at Comino’s Blue Lagoon lasts about three and a half hours on Option A. That is enough time to swim, eat, sunbathe, walk, and explore parts of the island. Option B gives you about one and a half hours here after the Gozo visit.

The water is remarkably clear and the color is the reason this cruise is so popular. You can snorkel, swim from the shore, or use the boat’s slide if it is operating. The crew positions the boat in a useful spot for water access, and you may prefer swimming from the vessel to squeezing into the busiest edge of the lagoon.

The Blue Lagoon itself can be crowded, especially in warmer months. The landing area fills quickly, and there is very little natural shade. If you plan to remain on shore for several hours, bring sun protection and enough water. The boat is a better refuge for anyone who wants shade, a toilet, or a quieter place to sit.

I recommend spending some time walking away from the main swimming area. Even a short hike can bring you to quieter corners and broad views over the water. One useful approach is to swim first, eat afterward, then use the remaining time to explore Comino’s paths. Three and a half hours may sound excessive if you only want a single swim, but it works well if you add a walk.

Food and drinks are available onboard, with prices described as reasonable. You can also bring your own food and drinks, but alcohol and drugs are not allowed. Cash is worth carrying for the bar, optional Gozo transport, and purchases on the islands.

One important current requirement is the Blue Lagoon access registration. To get off the boat at Comino, you must register for a free QR code at www.blcomino.com and choose the afternoon slot listed as 13.31 to 17.30. Check this before your departure, since it affects your ability to leave the vessel at the lagoon.

Santa Maria Caves on the return

The return route includes about ten minutes near Comino’s Santa Maria Caves, also called the Comino sea caves. The boat makes a photo stop rather than offering a long cave visit, so keep your camera ready and listen for the captain’s instructions.

This short stop works well after a day of swimming. The caves give you a different view of Comino, with pale rock, openings in the cliffs, and water close to the boat. The captain maneuvers for better sightlines, and the crew keeps the process moving so you are not stuck waiting at the end of a long day.

The boat then returns to Luzzu Cruises at Sliema Ferries 4. Sunset views are possible on later departures or depending on the season, though this is not guaranteed.

The boats, crew, and onboard comfort

The MV Kataleya and MV Lady Shelley are set up for a long day rather than a bare-bones transfer. You will find indoor and outdoor seating, two toilets on at least one of the boats, lower-deck cabins with glass sides, a bar, and food service.

The crew receives especially strong praise for being friendly, organized, and attentive. Staff help with ladders, supervise the slide, assist families near the water, and keep the boat clean during the day. The captain provides timing instructions and commentary about the coast, islands, and nearby sights.

There are a few comfort limits. The boat can be crowded at the start, before many passengers leave for Gozo. Upper-deck seats may fill quickly, so arriving early helps. For views, the front outdoor area is often better than sitting in the top seats behind other passengers.

Music plays at times, and announcements can be frequent. This gives the cruise a holiday feel, but it may not suit you if you want a quiet, low-key boat ride. It is not presented as a party cruise, though it is more lively than a simple ferry.

Is $41 good value?

At about $41 per person, this is good value if you want several Malta highlights in one day. The price covers the cruise from Sliema, the Gozo harbor stop, the seasonal Crystal Lagoon swim stop, Blue Lagoon time, the Comino caves, and use of the slide.

The value is strongest with Option A. You get the longer swim stop in season and roughly three and a half hours at Blue Lagoon, with time left for a walk. Option B can be worthwhile if Gozo matters to you, but you are giving up lagoon time and paying an extra €5 if you use the Victoria shuttle.

The price does not include hotel pickup, food, drinks, or the optional Gozo transport. You also need to organize your own route to Sliema. Still, compared with booking separate boat transport, lagoon access, and a Gozo visit, the package offers a lot for one day.

The main question is not the price. It is whether you enjoy a structured day with a sizable group. If you prefer private boat time or a quiet beach, this will feel busy. If you want an easy way to reach Comino, swim in clear water, and see the coast without arranging several connections, the price is sensible.

Who will enjoy this cruise most?

I would recommend it to you if you want a flexible mix of swimming and sightseeing. Families can use the slide and shallow-water areas, while active adults can hike Comino during the longer Blue Lagoon stop. The onboard toilets, seating, bar, and crew assistance also help make the day manageable for mixed-age groups.

It suits confident swimmers and people comfortable using ladders from a boat. Bring proper footwear if you dislike rocky entries. Non-swimmers can remain onboard, and the crew has looked after passengers who preferred not to get in the water.

This is less suitable for wheelchair users, as the activity is not suitable for wheelchair access. It may also disappoint you if you expect a detailed guided tour of Gozo. The captain’s commentary is informative, but this is primarily a cruise with free time, not a museum-style tour.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. Starting times vary, so check availability when booking.

Should you book the Sliema to Comino cruise?

Book it if you want a well-organized full day that combines Malta’s coast, Gozo, Comino, two swimming areas in season, and the sea caves. Option A is my pick for most people, especially if clear water and time on Comino matter more than a quick visit to Gozo.

Choose Option B if you specifically want to see Victoria and accept a shorter Blue Lagoon stop. I would not use it as your only Gozo visit, since the available time is limited.

Arrive early, sit outside for the best views, bring cash and rock-friendly shoes, and register for the Blue Lagoon QR code before departure. With those details handled, this is a strong-value way to see Malta from the water, provided you can tolerate crowds and a full day in the sun.

FAQ

Where does the cruise depart from?

It departs from Sliema Ferries 4. Look for the Luzzu Cruises boat, either MV Kataleya or MV Lady Shelley.

How long does the activity last?

The cruise lasts about 450 minutes, or seven and a half hours.

What places does the cruise visit?

The route passes St. Julian’s, St. George’s Bay, Qawra, St. Paul’s Bay, St. Paul’s Island, and Mellieħa Bay. It also includes Mgarr Harbour in Gozo, Comino, the Crystal Lagoon area or St. Nicholas Bay in season, the Blue Lagoon, and the Santa Maria Caves.

Is the Crystal Lagoon stop available all year?

No. The Crystal Lagoon or St. Nicholas Bay stop runs from May 1 through October 31 and depends on weather. From November through April, the boat stops at the Blue Lagoon only.

How much time do you get at the Blue Lagoon?

Option A includes about three and a half hours at the Blue Lagoon. Option B includes about one and a half hours after the Gozo visit.

What is the difference between the two options?

Option A gives you more time at Comino and the Blue Lagoon. Option B includes about three hours in Gozo, with optional transport to Victoria for €5 per person, and less time at the Blue Lagoon.

Do you need a QR code to leave the boat at Comino?

Yes. You must register for a free QR code at www.blcomino.com and choose the afternoon slot from 13.31 to 17.30.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not included, but the boat has a bar and food service. Cash is recommended.

What should you bring?

Bring comfortable shoes, a towel, a camera, beachwear, and cash. Rock-friendly footwear is particularly useful near the swimming areas.

Can wheelchair users join the cruise?

No. The activity is not suitable for wheelchair users.

Can you cancel the booking?

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