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

The main attraction here is a full day at sea with two of Malta’s most famous swimming spots, reached aboard the traditional wooden gulet Hera. You get wide coastal views, a mid-morning snack, lunch, and plenty of time in the water rather than a quick photo stop.

I like the two-stop plan, especially the chance to see Crystal Lagoon before the afternoon crowds gather at Blue Lagoon. I also like the simple value: at $59, lunch, local wine and beer with the meal, soft drinks, water, and fresh fruit are included.

The catch is that Crystal Lagoon depends on the weather and sea conditions, and Blue Lagoon can be very crowded in summer. The boat may also feel packed, so this works best if you care more about swimming and scenery than having a quiet, spacious cruise.

Key points to know before booking

• The boat is the Turkish gulet Hera: Look for this traditional-design wooden vessel at Sliema Ferries, opposite the Basilica of Jesus of Nazareth.
• Crystal Lagoon is not guaranteed: If conditions prevent the stop, the boat goes to Santa Marija Bay instead.
• Blue Lagoon access now needs a pass: Since May 2025, you must obtain a government access pass in advance if you plan to step ashore.
• Lunch comes with drinks: You get a cold buffet, unlimited local wine and beer during lunch, plus water and soft drinks throughout the cruise.
• The Blue Lagoon stop is in the afternoon: Arrival is expected around 1:15 PM, with the boat returning to Sliema at about 5:00 PM.
• Space and comfort can vary: Bring a towel, sun protection, and cash, but leave large luggage at your accommodation.

Sliema to Comino aboard the Hera

Your day begins at Sliema Ferries at 9:30 AM. The meeting point is along Triq Ix-Xatt, in the area opposite the Basilica of Jesus of Nazareth. Look for the Hera, a wooden Turkish gulet with open decks, a covered rear area, a saloon, bar, toilets, swimming ladders, and freshwater showers.

That detail matters because Sliema’s waterfront is busy, and several boats may be preparing for different trips. The boat’s name is the useful landmark. If you need help, staff at the check-in booth can direct you.

The cruise follows Malta’s coastline toward Comino. From the deck, you get changing views of the shore, cliffs, coves, and open water. This is not a guided history tour, and no tour guide is included. Instead, the appeal is the boat ride itself, the sea views, and the chance to spend several hours away from city streets.

The gulet has a traditional look, but it is fitted for a long day on the water. You can sit on the open decks, find shade beneath the rear canopy, or use the saloon if you want a break from the sun. Still, do not assume every seat will feel equally comfortable. On busy dates, space can be tight, and some people may end up sitting on the floor.

I would arrive early enough to get your bearings and choose where you want to spend the day. If you want shade, do not leave that decision until the boat is full.

Crystal Lagoon: the morning’s best swim

The first planned stop is Crystal Lagoon on Comino’s western side. Its setting is the star attraction: clear turquoise water, high cliffs, sea caves, and broad views around the lagoon. The enclosed shape of the bay makes it a good place for swimming and snorkelling when conditions are suitable.

This is the stop that gives the cruise its strongest sense of place. Crystal Lagoon feels more natural and sheltered than a simple open-water swim. You can use the swimming ladders to enter the sea, look through the clear water, and explore the caves from the water if conditions allow.

Bring your own snorkelling equipment if you have it. The tour information specifically highlights the lagoon as a place for snorkellers, but equipment rental is not listed among the inclusions.

The important qualification is that the Crystal Lagoon stop depends on weather and sea conditions. If the captain cannot safely or sensibly take the boat there, the alternative is Santa Marija Bay. That is not a minor scheduling change. Anyone booking mainly for Crystal Lagoon should understand that the exact first stop is not guaranteed.

Santa Marija Bay as the backup stop

Santa Marija Bay is the alternative when Crystal Lagoon is not possible. It is described as a quiet bay with shallow, clear water, greenery around the shore, and good conditions for swimming and snorkelling.

For you, the practical point is simple: the backup still provides a proper swim stop, but it offers a different setting. Crystal Lagoon is known for cliffs, caves, and dramatic views. Santa Marija Bay is gentler and more peaceful, with shallow water that can suit relaxed swimming.

The schedule does not promise both Crystal Lagoon and Santa Marija Bay. You get one morning swim stop, selected according to conditions. The cruise then serves lunch before continuing to Blue Lagoon.

Lunch, drinks, and a long afternoon at sea

Lunch is served onboard between the morning stop and the Blue Lagoon. It is a cold buffet, not a restaurant meal, so you should set your expectations accordingly. Local wine and beer are unlimited during lunchtime, while mineral water and soft drinks are available throughout the cruise.

A mid-morning snack is included, followed by fresh fruit in the afternoon. This is useful because the trip lasts about seven and a half hours, and there are limited opportunities to buy food once you are underway.

The included drinks improve the value of the $59 price. You are not paying only for transport and a place to swim. You are also covering a full day on the boat, food, and several beverages. Liquors, spirits, and drinks outside the stated inclusions cost extra at the bar.

Drink selection may feel basic. The listed inclusions focus on water and soft drinks, and a practical account of the trip described only a narrow choice, including cola and Sprite. If you want something specific, bring cash and check the bar before setting out. Cash is also listed among the recommended items to bring.

Blue Lagoon at about 1:15 PM

The boat is due at Blue Lagoon around 1:15 PM. This is Comino’s famous stop, known for transparent cyan water, a pale sandy bottom, and marine life visible through the shallows.

The water is genuinely the reason to come. You can swim from the boat, snorkel, sunbathe, or spend time relaxing on deck. You may also take a walk through Comino’s countryside if you have the required permission to go ashore.

Here is the part that can surprise people: Blue Lagoon is not a quiet natural pool in the middle of the day during the busy season. In August, the shoreline can be crowded with sunbeds and umbrellas, leaving little open space. The water remains attractive, but the surrounding scene can feel far less peaceful than the photographs suggest.

I would treat the Blue Lagoon as a swimming and sightseeing stop rather than a secluded escape. The water is often the highlight, especially away from the most crowded edge of the bay. If you dislike crowds, you may prefer to stay aboard the gulet, where you can still enjoy the view and use the boat’s swimming ladders.

The new Blue Lagoon access pass

Since May 2025, anyone who wants to disembark at Blue Lagoon must obtain an official access pass in advance through blcomino.com. The daily allocation is limited, and you will not be allowed ashore without one.

For this cruise, choose the afternoon time slot when applying for the pass. The timing matches the boat’s planned arrival at about 1:15 PM.

This rule does not stop you from enjoying the lagoon from the boat, but it matters if you want to walk on land, reach the shoreline, or use facilities ashore. I would arrange the pass before the day of the cruise rather than assume it can be handled at the pier.

The pass is not included in the $59 price. It is a separate government requirement, so add this step to your planning.

What the gulet offers during the day

The Hera is designed for a day spent mostly onboard. The open decks give you room to sit in the sun, while the rear canopy provides shade. Swimming ladders make it easier to enter and leave the water, and freshwater showers are available after each swim.

Toilets are onboard, though cleanliness can vary when the boat is full. One especially negative account described the facilities as dirty and unhygienic. I would not book this expecting shore-based comfort. Use the facilities early when possible, and carry hand sanitizer as a sensible precaution.

The boat also has a bar area and a stylish saloon. These features give you options during the longer sailing periods, but the available space depends on how many people are aboard. On busy departures, comfortable seating may be limited.

Wear shoes that are easy to remove and bring a towel, swimsuit, sunglasses, hat, and strong sunscreen. The sun reflecting off the water can make the deck feel hotter than the temperature suggests. A light cover-up is also useful if you plan to sit in shade after swimming.

Timing, transfers, and meeting point details

The cruise leaves Sliema at 9:30 AM and returns at approximately 5:00 PM. The published duration is 7.5 hours, which includes sailing, both swim stops, lunch, and time at Blue Lagoon.

Optional hotel pickup and drop-off are available, but the 9:30 AM time on your ticket refers to the boat’s departure, not your hotel pickup. Pickup can take place between 8:00 and 9:00 AM, depending on where you are staying. Contact the operator a few days before the cruise to confirm your pickup location and exact time.

If you are staying within walking distance of Sliema Ferries, you must make your own way to the boat. In that case, choose the option without transfers. This is usually the simpler and cheaper choice, provided you are comfortable reaching the waterfront yourself.

The host or greeter speaks English. Staff and crew are available to assist, but this is not a sightseeing tour with a guide explaining every landmark along the coast.

Is $59 good value?

At $59 per person, the trip offers reasonable value if you plan to use the included food, drinks, and swim stops. A full day on a traditional boat, transport to Comino, a mid-morning snack, buffet lunch, unlimited water and soft drinks, wine and beer with lunch, and afternoon fruit make the price easier to justify.

The value weakens if you mainly want a quiet boat ride or guaranteed time at Crystal Lagoon. Sea conditions can change the first stop, and Blue Lagoon may be crowded. You are paying for access to the Comino area and a full day on the water, not for an exclusive charter.

The trip also makes sense for someone who wants to avoid arranging separate transport, food, and swimming plans. You board once in Sliema, stay with the boat, and have the day organized for you.

Who should book this cruise?

I would recommend it to you if you want:

• A straightforward full-day cruise from Sliema
• Two planned swimming opportunities
• A traditional boat rather than a basic ferry
• Food and drinks included in the price
• A first visit to Comino with little planning
• The option to swim from the boat instead of spending the whole day ashore

I would think twice if you need a guaranteed Crystal Lagoon visit, dislike crowded boats, or want a peaceful Blue Lagoon experience in August. People prone to seasickness should also be cautious, since the trip involves many hours on the water.

The activity is described as wheelchair accessible, but it is not suitable for people with mobility impairments, and non-folding and electric wheelchairs are not allowed. If you need accessible boarding or extra assistance, confirm the details before paying.

FAQ

Where does the cruise depart from?

It departs from Sliema Ferries on Triq Ix-Xatt, in the area opposite the Basilica of Jesus of Nazareth. Look for the Turkish gulet named Hera.

What time does the boat leave Sliema?

The cruise departs at 9:30 AM. If you book hotel pickup, your pickup time will be earlier and can fall between 8:00 and 9:00 AM.

When does the cruise return?

The boat is expected to return to Sliema Ferries at approximately 5:00 PM.

Is Crystal Lagoon guaranteed?

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

What is included for lunch?

A cold buffet lunch is included. Unlimited local wine and beer are available during lunchtime, while mineral water and soft drinks are included throughout the cruise.

Are drinks included all day?

Mineral water and soft drinks are included throughout the cruise. Local wine and beer are included during lunch. Liquors, spirits, and other drinks are not included.

Do I need a pass for Blue Lagoon?

You need an official government access pass if you plan to disembark ashore at Blue Lagoon. Passes must be obtained in advance through blcomino.com, and the afternoon time slot is required for this cruise.

Can I stay on the boat at Blue Lagoon?

Yes. You can relax aboard the gulet, use the swimming facilities, or enjoy the view without going ashore. A pass is required only if you want to disembark.

What should I bring?

Bring comfortable shoes, sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and cash. Oversize luggage is not allowed.

Is hotel pickup included?

Pickup and drop-off are optional. If you stay within walking distance of Sliema Ferries, you must make your own way to the departure point.

Should you book it?

Book this cruise if you want an easy, food-included day around Comino and are happy to share the water with a large crowd. The strongest features are the traditional Hera, the morning swim stop, the included lunch and drinks, and the chance to see Blue Lagoon without organizing separate transport.

Skip it if your priority is quiet space, guaranteed Crystal Lagoon access, or a pristine Blue Lagoon shoreline. For most people, the best approach is to book with realistic expectations: enjoy the clear water, use the boat as your base, obtain the Blue Lagoon pass early, and accept that Malta’s most famous lagoon is popular for good reason.