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

Comino’s Blue Lagoon is the star here, but the best part of this Sliema boat trip is that you also reach Crystal Lagoon, Gozo, and Comino’s sea caves in one long day. I like the 45-minute swim stop at Crystal Lagoon and the useful choice between spending more time on Comino or taking a quick trip into Gozo.

I also like the clean, spacious boats, friendly crew, onboard bar, and waterslide. The main drawback is simple: Blue Lagoon gets crowded, especially in summer, and three or four hours there can feel too long if you want a quiet beach day rather than swimming, walking, or sitting in the sun.

Key points to know before booking

• Crystal Lagoon is seasonal: The swim stop runs from May 1 through October 31 and depends on the weather.
• You get a long Comino break: The main option gives you about 3.5 hours at Blue Lagoon, enough for swimming and a walk around the island.
• Gozo is optional: Option B gives you about three hours in Gozo, but only about 1.5 hours at Blue Lagoon.
• Captain-led commentary: Captain John Paul has been praised for clear instructions, local information, and good timing.
• The boat has useful extras: Expect an onboard bar, toilets, outside seating, and a waterslide at the swimming stops.
• Bring practical beach gear: Pack a towel, water shoes or comfortable shoes, beachwear, a camera, and cash.

What this Sliema cruise is really offering

This is not a quiet sailing trip. It is a full-day boat outing built around swimming, sun, short sightseeing stops, and easy access to Malta’s northern islands. You board at Sliema Ferries 4, look for the Luzzu Cruises boat, either MV Kataleya or MV Lady Shelley, and settle in for roughly 450 minutes on the water.

The route gives you a broad look at Malta’s northern coast. You pass St. Julian’s, St. George’s Bay, Qawra, St. Paul’s Bay, St. Paul’s Island, and Mellieħa Bay before reaching Gozo. The captain provides commentary as the boat moves along, pointing out places and explaining the day’s schedule.

At $41 per person, I consider the price good for the amount of time and the number of stops. You get the cruise, Gozo harbor, a seasonal Crystal Lagoon swim, Blue Lagoon, and Comino caves without arranging separate boats or ferries. Food, drinks, hotel transfers, and optional transport into Victoria cost extra, so the final price depends on how much you buy onboard.

The boat can feel crowded at the start, especially before people get off in Gozo. Once passengers spread out or disembark, the space feels easier to manage. If you want a good outdoor seat, arrive early and do not assume the upper deck is the only place with good views. Several people found the front outside area especially useful for photographs.

Leaving Sliema and following Malta’s north coast

The departure point is Sliema Ferries 4. You need to identify the Luzzu Cruises boat, since the company uses MV Kataleya or MV Lady Shelley. Hotel pickup is not included, so you are responsible for reaching Sliema.

The first part of the trip is mainly scenic cruising. You pass the waterfront around St. Julian’s and St. George’s Bay, then continue toward Qawra and St. Paul’s Bay. This is a good time to get comfortable, listen to the commentary, and take photographs before the swimming stops begin.

The boat has indoor and outdoor seating, glass-sided lower cabins on Lady Shelley, two toilets, and a bar serving hot and cold drinks. Food and drinks are not included, but prices have been described as reasonable. You can also bring your own food and drinks, though alcohol and drugs are not allowed.

The ride can be smooth, but conditions are not guaranteed. The crossing to Gozo has felt quite bumpy on some days, while the return journey has been calm on others. If you are sensitive to motion, choose a seat with fresh air and keep your first meal light.

Mgarr Harbour in Gozo: photo stop or longer visit

The boat reaches Mgarr Harbour for a short photo stop of about five minutes on the standard route. The harbor is a striking first look at Gozo, with boats, hills, and the island’s quiet coastal character. Five minutes is enough for a few photographs, but not enough to explore.

Your booking choice matters here. With the main option, you remain on the boat after the photo stop and continue toward Comino. With Option B, you get about three hours of free time in Gozo before returning to the boat for a shorter Blue Lagoon visit.

Option B includes optional transport to Victoria for €5 per person, paid in cash onboard. The transfer is organized from the ferry area, but the timing is tight. After the ride to Victoria and back, you may have only a little over an hour to see the town. That is enough for a quick walk, food, churches, or market browsing, but not enough for a proper Gozo day.

I would choose Gozo only if you specifically want a brief taste of the island. Gozo deserves a separate full-day visit if you want to explore it properly. If your priority is swimming and Comino, stay onboard and take the longer Blue Lagoon schedule.

Crystal Lagoon gives the day its best swim

From May through October, the boat makes a roughly 45-minute swimming and snorkeling stop at Crystal Lagoon or St. Nicholas Bay. The exact location depends on weather and sea conditions. From November through April, this stop is not offered, and the boat goes to Blue Lagoon instead.

This is more than a quick look from the rail. You can swim from the boat in clear turquoise water, snorkel, and use the waterslide. The slide is a small feature, but it adds a playful touch, especially for families and anyone who wants more than a simple swim.

The boat may not be right beside a sandy beach. You enter the water from the vessel, so bring a towel and footwear that can handle ladders, rocks, and uneven ground. Water shoes are a smart choice. Comfortable shoes are also useful if you plan to walk around Comino later.

The 45-minute stop passes quickly, but it is one of the most enjoyable parts of the schedule. You get a proper swim before reaching the busier Blue Lagoon, and the water around the boat can feel more relaxed than the shoreline. The crew supervises the slide and helps passengers use the stairs and ladders, which is useful when several people are getting in and out at once.

Blue Lagoon means beautiful water and serious crowds

The boat then heads to Comino’s famous Blue Lagoon. The main schedule gives you about 3.5 hours here. This is the time to swim, snorkel, eat, sunbathe, or walk along Comino’s rough coastline.

The water is the reason people come. On a clear day, the pale blue color is striking, and you can see fish while snorkeling. The boat may position itself away from the thickest shoreline crowd, allowing you to use the water from the vessel before or instead of walking onto land.

Do not expect an empty cove. Blue Lagoon is one of Malta’s most popular stops, and several boats can arrive at once. The shoreline can feel packed, with very little shade. If you plan to spend all three hours sitting in the sun, bring protection and pace yourself.

I would use the time in sections. Swim first, when you are fresh. Then have lunch or a drink, and use the remaining time to walk away from the main landing area. A short hike around Comino can lead to quieter viewpoints and better photographs. You do not need to treat the lagoon as your only attraction.

One useful detail is the free QR code requirement for getting off the boat at Comino Blue Lagoon. You must register at www.blcomino.com and choose the afternoon slot listed as 13.31 to 17.30. Check this before your trip, since it affects your ability to leave the boat and enter the main Blue Lagoon area.

Food and drinks are not included. There is an onboard bar, and you may find food and drink options at or near the stop, but bring cash. The boat’s facilities are handy for anyone who prefers to remain onboard, including older passengers or people who do not want to manage the rocky shore.

Comino’s sea caves finish the route

On the return to Sliema, the boat makes a photo stop at Comino’s sea caves, including the Santa Maria Caves area. The stop lasts about ten minutes, so think of it as a close view and photography opportunity rather than a long cave visit.

The captain positions the boat to give you a good look at the openings, rock walls, and clear water. This is an excellent final moment because it changes the mood from swimming and crowds to coastal scenery. Keep your camera ready, but do not expect to get off and explore the caves on foot.

The return cruise also gives you a chance to rest. Depending on the season and timing, the late afternoon light can make the sea look especially attractive. The boat may play music after the main commentary, and the mix of information and relaxed cruising keeps the trip from feeling like a nonstop lecture.

Option A or Option B: which schedule fits you?

The most important decision is choosing between more Comino time and a short Gozo visit.

Choose the longer Comino option if:

• You mainly want to swim and snorkel.
• You are visiting Malta in the warmer months and want both lagoons.
• You would like time to walk around Comino.
• You have already seen Gozo on another day.
• You prefer a simple schedule with fewer transfers.

This is the better choice for a beach and boat day. You receive the Crystal Lagoon stop in season, then have roughly 3.5 hours at Blue Lagoon.

Choose Option B if:

• You want to see Gozo, even briefly.
• You do not mind reducing Blue Lagoon time to about 1.5 hours.
• You want to visit Victoria, eat lunch, or see a few town sights.
• You are treating this as a quick overview rather than a full Gozo visit.

Option B packs more places into the day, but it can feel rushed. The €5 return minibus to Victoria is useful, yet transport time reduces the time available in town. I would not choose it if Gozo is a major priority. I would book a separate full-day Gozo trip instead.

Who will get the most from this boat day?

This trip suits you if you want several Malta highlights without planning separate transport. Families can use the slide and swimming stops, couples can enjoy the coastal views, and active visitors can spend part of the Comino break walking away from the main lagoon.

It also works well for mixed groups. A strong swimmer can enter the water while someone else stays onboard with a drink. The crew has helped passengers with children and looked after older people who preferred to remain on the boat.

It is less suitable if you want silence, an uncrowded beach, or a carefully guided cultural tour. The commentary comes mainly from the captain, not from a dedicated guide walking around with the group. Speakers can be loud or difficult to understand from some seats, and announcements come regularly because the boat needs to keep everyone on schedule.

The boat is not suitable for wheelchair users. You should also be comfortable with steps, ladders, boat movement, and getting in and out of the water if you plan to swim.

Practical tips for a smoother day

Arrive early at Sliema Ferries 4. This gives you a better chance of finding the seat you want, especially if you prefer the front outside area or an upper-deck position.

Bring a towel, beachwear, a camera, comfortable shoes, and cash. Water shoes are better than bare feet around rocks and ladders. Sunscreen and a hat are sensible because Blue Lagoon offers little natural shade, though these items are not specifically listed as required equipment.

Keep valuables secure while swimming. The safest plan is to leave anything nonessential onboard and bring only what you need for the stop.

If the weather turns poor, the trip still operates in rain or shine. The captain can alter or cancel parts of the excursion, or change the pickup and drop-off location, according to sea conditions. That flexibility protects safety but means Crystal Lagoon is never guaranteed.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. The activity is conducted in English.

Should you book this Comino cruise?

I would book it if you want a good-value day on the water with two swimming areas, coastal sightseeing, a short Gozo option, and the Comino caves. The crew, organization, clean boats, and clear timing are the strongest parts of the experience.

Choose the longer Comino schedule if swimming is your main goal. Choose Option B only if a brief look at Gozo matters more than extra Blue Lagoon time. Most important, go with realistic expectations: Blue Lagoon is beautiful but busy, Crystal Lagoon is seasonal, and the boat can feel full before Gozo.

For $41, this is a practical way to see Malta’s northern coast and islands in one day. Just bring cash, arrive early, register for the Blue Lagoon QR code, and save some energy for a walk beyond the crowded landing area.

FAQ

Where does the cruise depart from?

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

How long does the experience last?

The listed duration is 450 minutes, or about 7.5 hours. Starting times depend on availability.

Is Gozo included?

The standard route includes a short photo stop at Mgarr Harbour. Option B includes about three hours of free time in Gozo, with optional transport to Victoria for €5 per person.

How long is the Blue Lagoon stop?

The main option includes about 3.5 hours at Blue Lagoon. Option B includes about 1.5 hours there.

Is the Crystal Lagoon stop available all year?

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

Do I need a QR code to get off at Blue Lagoon?

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

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not included, but the boat has a bar serving hot and cold drinks. Bring cash if you plan to buy anything onboard or use the optional Gozo transport.

Is the waterslide included?

Yes. Use of the waterslide is included, subject to operating conditions and crew instructions.

Is the cruise suitable for wheelchair users?

No. The experience is not suitable for wheelchair users. Comfortable shoes, a towel, beachwear, a camera, and cash are recommended.