Coastal Ferry Cruise to The Blue Lagoon (Comino Island)

The best views come from the water. This seven to seven-and-a-half-hour ferry cruise links Malta with Comino in a simple day out, giving you a scenic ride along Malta’s northern coast and several hours to swim, sunbathe, or walk around Comino. I like the choice of departure points, either Sliema or St. Paul’s Bay, and I like that the boat has air conditioning, toilets, and free Wi-Fi.

The main catch is the Blue Lagoon crowd, especially in summer. The fast catamaran ride can also be rough, and several passengers became seasick on one outbound sailing. At $35 per person, this is a useful transport-and-swimming day, but it is not a quiet island escape or a guided sightseeing tour.

Key points to know before booking

• Two Malta departure points: Choose Sliema Ferries or Buġibba Jetty in St. Paul’s Bay when booking.
• The Blue Lagoon now requires a pass: Since May 2025, you need a government-issued access pass from blcomino.com to step ashore at the lagoon.
• You get free time, not a guided tour: The crew handles the crossing, but you explore Comino on your own.
• The catamaran can move fast: The return trip may be comfortable, but rough seas can make the outward crossing unpleasant for people prone to seasickness.
• The optional cave trip costs about €15: You can arrange a motorboat visit to the Comino Caves and Crystal Lagoon locally, weather permitting.
• The best value is flexibility: You are paying for a full-day boat transfer, coast views, and access to Comino, not a packed program of guided activities.

Choosing between Sliema and St. Paul’s Bay

Your day begins at either Sliema Ferries or Buġibba Jetty in St. Paul’s Bay. The right choice is mostly about convenience. Pick the boarding point closest to where you are staying, then arrive 15 to 20 minutes before departure. This matters because boarding can become untidy when several passengers arrive at once.

Sliema is a handy starting point if you are based around Valletta, Sliema, or the central harbor area. St. Paul’s Bay is more practical if you are staying in the north. The boat also makes a short stop at St. Paul’s Bay to collect passengers, so the exact order of the route depends on your chosen departure.

Allow time for the boarding process. One poor experience involved passengers waiting in the sun with unclear instructions, followed by confusion during ticket scanning. That may not happen every day, but I would keep your ticket ready, arrive early, and listen closely for staff directions rather than turning up at the last minute.

A scenic ride along Malta’s northern coast

Once underway, the main attraction is the ride itself. The modern catamaran follows Malta’s northern coastline, giving you a broad view of the shore and the attractions scattered along it. This is a good reason to choose the ferry instead of treating the outing as a simple point-to-point transfer.

You can sit back in an air-conditioned cabin, use the toilet facilities, and connect to the boat’s free Wi-Fi. The comfort is useful on a day that lasts most of the day, particularly when the sun is strong. You should still carry sunglasses, sunscreen, and a camera, since the best part of the crossing is looking outside.

The boat is described as modern and state-of-the-art, but do not confuse comfort with a calm cruise. It is a ferry, not a slow sightseeing vessel. On some sailings it travels quickly over the waves. One especially rough crossing left many passengers sick within the first ten minutes, and another passenger described someone becoming ill on the return journey.

If you are prone to seasickness, I would skip this outing or choose a calmer boat option. Bring cash for small purchases and keep your swimwear, towel, and sunscreen easy to reach. Large bags and oversize luggage are not allowed, so pack as lightly as possible.

The short stop at St. Paul’s Bay

The vessel pauses briefly at St. Paul’s Bay to collect passengers who are boarding there. This is not a sightseeing stop, so you will not have time to explore the town or get off for a walk. It is simply part of the ferry’s pickup plan.

That short pause can add to the overall travel time. If you board in Sliema, you will spend longer on the boat before reaching Comino, but you also get more time to look along Malta’s coast. If you board at St. Paul’s Bay, you avoid that first leg and may appreciate the shorter start.

Passing through Gozo at Mġarr Harbour

The catamaran then calls briefly at Mġarr Harbour in Gozo. The purpose here is to drop off passengers continuing to Gozo, not to provide a Gozo tour. You remain on the boat unless your booking is for disembarkation in Gozo.

This is worth understanding before you book. Gozo appears in the route, but land transportation in Gozo is not included, and no guided Gozo visit forms part of this day. The stop adds another view of the Maltese islands, though it may also make the journey feel less direct if your only goal is Comino.

After Mġarr Harbour, the ferry heads toward Comino. The crossing is part of the value here. You get a comfortable way to reach the island without arranging separate transport, while still enjoying the sea views between Malta and Gozo.

Arriving at Comino and the Blue Lagoon

Comino is small, car-free, and free of urban areas. That gives the island a very different feel from Malta’s built-up coastal towns. The Blue Lagoon is the main reason people come: its clear turquoise water, pale bottom, and marine life make it an obvious place for a swim.

You can spend your free time swimming, snorkelling, sunbathing, taking photographs, or walking away from the busiest part of the shore. Bring your own towel and sunscreen, and wear comfortable shoes if you plan to explore beyond the water.

The phrase Blue Lagoon can suggest a quiet natural pool, but in peak summer it is often the busiest part of the day. One useful tip is to walk a little farther from the main lagoon. You may find a less crowded place to sit or swim, though the water and shore conditions can vary.

Since May 2025, you cannot simply step ashore at the Blue Lagoon without an official government access pass. You must obtain it in advance through blcomino.com, and the daily allocation is limited. For this ferry trip, you need to book both the morning and afternoon time slots when applying for the pass.

This is a crucial part of planning. Your ferry ticket does not include the pass, and the pass is not arranged by the boat operator. If you arrive without it, you will not be allowed to disembark at the Blue Lagoon. Check the official government site before your travel date, then keep proof of the pass available.

Exploring beyond the crowded water

The best way to make Comino feel worthwhile is to use at least part of your free time away from the main swimming area. The island has trails leading to St. Mary’s Chapel, St. Mary’s Watch Tower, and St. Mary’s Battery. These give you a reason to visit even if the lagoon is too crowded for your taste.

You will need comfortable shoes for these paths. The tour does not include a guide or entry fees to any sites, so you are responsible for deciding how far to walk and what to visit. Bring water and sun protection, and keep your timing in mind so you return to the correct boarding point.

Comino can also suit a winter visit. The water may not be the main draw then, but the lack of cars and urban areas makes the island appealing for walkers and photographers. The experience changes with the season: summer is about swimming, while cooler months are better suited to trails and photographs.

The optional trip to the caves

While you are on Comino, you may be offered a motorboat trip to the Comino Caves and Crystal Lagoon. It costs about €15 per person, is paid locally, and depends on favorable weather and sea conditions.

This can add another water-based element to your day, but treat it as optional rather than essential. The main ferry price does not include it, and the schedule or availability may change with the sea. Carry cash, as the tour specifically advises bringing it.

If you are already uncomfortable on boats, I would not add this excursion. If the sea is calm and you want more time on the water, it may be a pleasant extra. Ask about the length and departure time before paying so you know how it affects your free time on Comino.

What $35 really buys you

At $35 per person, the price is reasonable if you want a straightforward full-day connection to Comino with a scenic ride included. You receive the ferry cruise, air conditioning, Wi-Fi, toilets, and crew assistance. You also avoid arranging separate boat transport to the island.

The value drops if you expect a small-group cruise, personal commentary, or a carefully planned guided day. This is a ferry cruise with leisure time at the destination. You pay for transport and access to a popular swimming spot, then choose how to spend the hours ashore.

Food and drinks are not included, nor are hotel transfers, attraction entry fees, the Blue Lagoon access pass, or the optional cave boat. Those extra costs are easy to overlook. I would budget for your own refreshments, the government pass if applicable, and the €15 cave trip only if you decide to take it.

The booking terms are helpful for uncertain plans. You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and reserve now while paying later. Still, a flexible booking does not remove the need to secure the Blue Lagoon access pass ahead of time.

Comfort, crowds, and customer service

The strongest part of the operation is the basic ferry service when it runs smoothly. A high rating of 4.3 from 64 ratings reflects that many people found the journey satisfactory, and one passenger specifically praised the boat for being on time and keeping passengers informed about the timetable. Another short assessment described the service as clear and smooth.

The weaker side is organization at boarding. Reports of unclear queues, sun exposure while waiting, and unhelpful answers show why you should arrive early and keep a little patience in reserve. App booking may not show every ticket option, so check the available departure choices carefully before paying.

Staff performance can vary. On one very rough crossing, the crew handed out sickness bags and tried to help affected passengers. That is a basic response, but it is useful when the sea turns unpleasant. The bigger issue is avoiding seasickness in the first place if you know you are susceptible.

At Comino, crowding is less a ferry problem than a Blue Lagoon problem. The water may be beautiful, but the most famous shore can feel packed. Walking a little farther is the practical answer, and it also lets you see more of Comino than the narrow strip beside the lagoon.

Who will enjoy this Comino day?

I would recommend this trip to you if you want:

• A simple way to reach Comino from Malta
• Several free hours for swimming and sunbathing
• A scenic boat ride along the northern coast
• The choice of Sliema or St. Paul’s Bay departure
• A self-guided day rather than a tightly scheduled tour
• A chance to add a cave trip or explore Comino’s walking trails

I would be cautious if you want a peaceful beach day. The Blue Lagoon can be crowded, and the ferry may be busy. I would also avoid it if you have mobility impairments, since the experience is not suitable for people with reduced mobility and includes stepping ashore and walking on an undeveloped island.

People prone to seasickness should think twice. The boat can move quickly over waves, and the outward ride has caused serious discomfort for some passengers. A calm forecast may help, but the supplied information does not guarantee calm water.

Should you book the Blue Lagoon ferry?

Book it if you value convenience, coast views, and several hours of independent time on Comino. The $35 price is fair for a full-day ferry connection with air conditioning and basic onboard facilities, especially if you choose the departure point closest to your accommodation.

Do not book it expecting a guided tour, a quiet lagoon, or a slow cruise. Secure your Blue Lagoon pass first, arrive early, pack light, and bring a towel, sunscreen, comfortable shoes, and cash. If you can handle a potentially fast crossing and are willing to walk beyond the busiest patch of shore, this is a practical and worthwhile way to see Comino.

FAQ

Where does the ferry leave from?

You can choose a departure from Sliema Ferries in Sliema or Buġibba Jetty in St. Paul’s Bay. The available departure point and time are selected when booking.

How long does the cruise last?

The total experience lasts about seven to seven and a half hours. Check the available starting times for the specific sailing.

Is the Blue Lagoon access pass included?

No. Since May 2025, you need a government-issued pass to step ashore at the Blue Lagoon. You can obtain it through blcomino.com, and daily numbers are limited.

Do I need to book more than one Blue Lagoon time slot?

Yes. For this trip, you need to select both the morning and afternoon time slots when applying for the access pass.

Is this a guided tour?

No. The ferry crew provides assistance, but there is no tour guide. Your time on Comino is free time for swimming, walking, sunbathing, or sightseeing.

Is food included?

No. Food and drinks are not included, so bring your own provisions or plan to buy them separately. Cash is also recommended.

Can I visit the Comino Caves and Crystal Lagoon?

Yes, an optional motorboat trip may be available locally for about €15 per person. It is not included in the ferry price and depends on favorable weather and sea conditions.