Comino & Blue Lagoon Cruise inc Photo Stop at Crystal Lagoon

The real attraction here is not the boat ride. It is the generous block of time at Comino’s Blue Lagoon, where the water is so clear that swimming and snorkeling become the whole point of the day. You can reach the lagoon from Sliema or Bugibba, then spend several hours in the water instead of being hurried through a short photo stop.

I like two things in particular: the low $29 price, and the useful onboard setup, with air-conditioning, a bar, snacks, toilets, and an upper deck. The main drawback is that the boat journey can take longer than expected, especially if there are extra pickups or drop-offs, leaving some passengers with closer to three or four hours at the lagoon rather than the advertised four and a half.

Key points to know

• Up to 4.5 hours at Blue Lagoon: This is built around swimming and snorkeling, not a packed sightseeing schedule.
• Two departure points: Choose Sliema Ferry or Bugibba Jetty, with different departure and return times.
• Crystal Lagoon photo stop: You get about 10 minutes for photographs before continuing to Comino.
• Snorkel equipment costs extra: You may bring your own gear or rent a mask and tube onboard.
• Comino access now needs a free ticket: For visits from May 1, 2025, reserve the 13:30 to 17:30 island access slot at blcomino.com.
• Extra comfort costs extra: Sunbeds, umbrellas, and snorkeling equipment are not part of the $29 fare.

Why this Comino cruise works best as a swimming day

Many boat trips to Comino try to cover too much. This one has a simpler purpose: get you to the Blue Lagoon and leave you there long enough to enjoy it. That makes it a good match for you if the main picture in your head is a swim in clear turquoise water, a little snorkeling, and a lazy afternoon in the sun.

The Blue Lagoon lies between Comino and the smaller islet of Cominotto. Its pale sandy bottom helps give the water its famous color, and the sheltered basin is well suited to swimming. You may also see marine life while snorkeling, though the best part of the setting is simply being in the water with the rocky Comino shore around you.

This is not a quiet, isolated cove. The Blue Lagoon is one of Malta’s most popular places to visit, and it can become very crowded. The boat gives you a comfortable way to reach it and plenty of water time, but it cannot make the lagoon private.

Choosing Sliema or Bugibba for departure

You can board at either the Sliema Ferry area or Bugibba Jetty. The choice is mostly about where you are staying and which return time suits your day.

From Sliema, the scheduled departure is 10:30, with a return around 18:30. This gives you a longer day and works well if you want a full outing from the central Malta resort area.

From Bugibba, departure is scheduled for 11:30 and return for about 17:30. This version is shorter and may suit you better if you are staying in the north of Malta or want to avoid crossing the island to reach Sliema.

Check the exact meeting point on your booking, since it depends on the option you choose. A past passenger nearly missed the return boat after being unclear about where to board again, so I would pay close attention to the crew’s instructions before leaving the boat.

The two options also explain why the activity is described as lasting six to eight hours. The length changes with the departure point, sailing conditions, and the day’s route.

The two-hour cruise to Comino

The outward ride is part sightseeing cruise and part transport. You get views along Malta’s northern coast, with commentary in English as the boat moves toward Comino. Several passengers particularly enjoyed the broad coastal views and the chance to see Malta from the water.

The boat has air-conditioning, a bar, toilets, and an upper deck. That matters because the journey can be long. You can sit inside when the sun is strong, head upstairs for fresh air, or buy a drink and snack without needing to wait until you reach land.

Allow some flexibility in your expectations. The scheduled sightseeing portion is about two hours, but the boat may handle more than one departure group or make additional stops. One account described a ride of more than two hours each way, with time spent stopping at St. Paul’s Bay and dropping people off in Gozo. That was not the smoothest use of a swimming day, but it is useful warning: your actual time at the lagoon can vary.

If your priority is maximum water time, ask the crew early about the route and the expected arrival at Comino. The trip is still inexpensive, but the value depends partly on how much of the day you spend at the lagoon rather than onboard.

A quick look at Crystal Lagoon

The Crystal Lagoon photo stop lasts about 10 minutes. This is a scenic pause, not a second swimming session.

The water here is also clear, and the stop gives you a chance to photograph the cliffs, small coves, and open sea before the boat reaches the Blue Lagoon. Ten minutes passes quickly, so keep your camera ready and do not expect time to get ashore.

This stop adds variety to the trip without taking much time away from the main destination. It is best treated as a viewpoint from the boat, not a major part of the day.

Four hours at the Blue Lagoon

The main stop is scheduled for about four and a half hours. That is the strongest feature of the trip. You have time to swim, snorkel, sit in the sun, buy refreshments, and take photographs without trying to cram everything into one rushed hour.

The lagoon has a white sandy bottom and clear water, which makes it especially attractive for a first swim in Malta. Snorkeling is a good use of your time because the water visibility can be excellent and marine life is present around the rocky edges.

Bring your own mask and tube if you already have them. Equipment rental is available onboard for an extra charge, with past prices around €10 for basic snorkeling gear. The exact amount can change, so check before paying.

You should also bring water shoes or closed shoes if you plan to walk over rocky areas. One passenger specifically recommended closed footwear, and it is sensible advice for a shore made up of rock as well as sand.

The crowd level is the chief limitation. At busy times, the famous water can feel less peaceful than the photographs suggest. You may find people gathered around the most convenient swimming areas, along with paid chairs and umbrellas on the beach. Still, the long stop helps. You can swim when you arrive, relax when the lagoon is busiest, then get back in the water later.

If you want to walk on Comino, there is an important new rule. From May 1, 2025, you need a free access ticket from blcomino.com. Choose the 13:30 to 17:30 time slot and keep the QR code available for scanning by Comino officials. Without it, you can still swim beside the boat, but you will not be allowed to walk onto the island.

That rule makes planning more important than it once was. Do not assume that paying for the cruise automatically gives you permission to go ashore.

Food, drinks, shade, and paid extras

The $29 fare covers the cruise, commentary, and access to the main Comino outing. It does not cover snorkeling gear, food, drinks, sunbeds, or umbrellas.

The onboard bar sells snacks, coffee, tea, soft drinks, and alcohol. Prices have been described as reasonable, but food is still an extra, so bring a little spending money. If you need a specific meal, do not assume a sandwich or meal option will suit your diet. One past passenger found that the available meal did not include a vegetarian sandwich.

The upper deck gives you more sun and open air. A sunbed has previously cost about €10, which some passengers considered worthwhile for the long day. Umbrella charges have varied, with reports of roughly €15 to €20 and a refundable portion depending on the arrangement. Ask exactly what is included before handing over a deposit, since umbrellas may not be allowed in every part of the Blue Lagoon shore.

You should pack swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen. I would also add a hat, drinking water, a waterproof phone pouch, and a small bag for wet clothing. Those last items are practical suggestions for a full day by the water, not included tour equipment.

How good is the value at $29?

At $29 per person, this is a strong-value way to reach Comino if you mainly want a boat transfer and several hours at the Blue Lagoon. A dedicated boat trip to the island can cost more, while a public ferry may not give you the same onboard facilities or the same organized schedule.

The value is best when you use the boat as your base. You can return for a drink, use the toilet, cool off in the air-conditioning, and then go back into the water. That is more convenient than spending the entire day carrying everything around the shore.

The price looks less attractive if you expect a fast, direct ride or a full guided tour of Comino. Commentary is included, but the focus is not on a detailed land tour. The Crystal Lagoon stop is short, and your main activity is swimming.

There are also several possible add-ons. Snorkel gear, food, drinks, sunbeds, and umbrellas can raise the final cost. Even with a snack and equipment rental, the day can remain affordable, but you should compare the total rather than judging the headline price alone.

What the crew and organization are like

The strongest praise centers on the crew. The service has been described as friendly, professional, helpful, and well organized. Instructions are generally clear, and the meeting point has been easy to find for many passengers.

The boat is described as spacious and comfortable, though one older account found it packed to capacity and noted long lines for drinks. Expect comfort, not solitude. On a popular summer sailing, the upper deck and bar may be busy.

The English commentary helps you follow the route and understand the sights along the coast. It is useful background, though the amount of explanation may vary depending on the day and the crew. If you want a guide-led cultural tour, this is not the right format. If you want an easy day on the water with basic information and a friendly crew, it fits better.

Who should book this Blue Lagoon trip?

I would suggest it to:

• Swimmers who want several hours in the water.
• Families who value toilets, snacks, and air-conditioning onboard.
• Couples and friends looking for a low-cost day on the sea.
• First-time visitors to Malta who want to see Comino without arranging several separate transfers.
• Anyone who prefers a relaxed schedule over a short, tightly timed island visit.

You may want another option if you dislike crowded swimming spots, need guaranteed quiet, or want a short direct boat ride. It is also not suitable for wheelchair users.

This trip can work for children who are comfortable around the water, but the information provided does not specify child pricing, lifeguard arrangements, or special family equipment. Check those details before booking if they matter to you.

Final verdict: book it for the water time

Book this cruise if your main goal is a long Blue Lagoon swim at a modest price. The friendly crew, useful onboard facilities, and generous stop make it a practical choice, especially when you bring your own towel, sunscreen, and snorkeling gear.

Go in with realistic expectations. The lagoon may be crowded, the ride may include extra stops, and several useful comforts cost more. Reserve the free Comino access ticket if you plan to walk ashore, listen carefully to the return instructions, and treat the boat ride as part of the day rather than a quick shuttle.

For a straightforward Comino outing with plenty of time in clear water, this is a sensible buy.

FAQ

How long does the Comino and Blue Lagoon cruise last?

The activity lasts about six to eight hours, depending on your departure point and schedule. From Sliema, the listed times are 10:30 to 18:30. From Bugibba, the listed times are 11:30 to 17:30.

Where can I board the boat?

You can choose between Sliema Ferry and Bugibba Jetty. The exact meeting point depends on the option booked.

How much time do I get at the Blue Lagoon?

The scheduled swimming stop lasts about four and a half hours. Actual time can vary if the boat has additional pickups or drop-offs.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

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

Do I need a ticket to walk on Comino?

Yes. From May 1, 2025, you need a free ticket from blcomino.com to walk onto Comino. Select the 13:30 to 17:30 time slot and keep the QR code ready for scanning.

Are food and drinks included in the price?

No. Snacks, coffee, tea, soft drinks, alcohol, and other beverages are available from the onboard bar for an additional charge.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen. Closed shoes can also be useful if you plan to walk over rocky areas.