From Sliema: Comino & Blue Lagoon Trip – Including Boat Ride

Malta’s best water day starts in Sliema. This seven-hour outing combines private transport, a fast boat ride, a short walk across Comino, and about two and a half hours at the Blue Lagoon. I especially like the simple meeting point at Burger King in Sliema and the chance to reach Comino by private speedboat rather than joining a slower, more crowded sailing trip.

I also like the social setup. The group brings together English students, expats, Erasmus participants, digital nomads, Maltese locals, and holidaymakers from many countries. The main drawback is the Blue Lagoon itself: it can be so busy that swimming feels less relaxing, and the short hike may be brisk for beginners.

Key points to know before you book

• Private speedboat access: The boat ride takes about 30 minutes each way and gives the trip a more direct feel than a large ferry crossing.
• A short but active Comino walk: The hike lasts around 30 minutes, with scenic views and photo stops, but good walking shoes are important.
• Two and a half hours at the Blue Lagoon: You get enough time for swimming, resting, and taking photographs, though the area may be crowded.
• A strong social element: The group is built around meeting people, so it suits solo visitors and anyone who enjoys an international crowd.
• Easy Sliema logistics: You meet at the doors of Burger King at 9:45 AM and return to the same place around 5:00 PM.
• Bring your own lunch: Food trucks are generally available, but a sandwich, panini, water, and snacks make the day easier.

Meeting at Burger King in Sliema at 9:45 AM

The day begins at the doors of Burger King in Sliema. The suggested meeting time is 9:45 AM, with the activity officially starting at 10:00 AM. That is a useful arrangement if you are staying in Sliema, since you do not need to find a distant marina or arrange a second transfer across Malta.

I would arrive a little early. The meeting point is simple, but a central fast-food location can be busy and noisy. Look for the tour team rather than assuming the group will be obvious from a distance.

From there, private transportation takes you toward the boat departure point. The bus ride is listed at about one hour each way. That is a noticeable part of the day, but it also removes the hassle of planning Malta’s public transport connections, especially for a group heading to the northern islands.

The return follows the same pattern. After the boat ride back, you board the private vehicle and arrive at Burger King in Sliema at roughly 5:00 PM. The fixed start and end point make this easier to fit into a short Malta stay.

The one-hour bus ride: useful transport, not sightseeing

The bus is included as private transportation, along with the team coordinating the day. You should think of it as a practical transfer rather than a guided sightseeing drive. The supplied details do not promise commentary or stops during the road journey.

That is still valuable. Comino is not directly beside Sliema, and organizing a bus, boat, and return trip on your own could take more time than it is worth. Here, the transport is arranged as one outing, so you can focus on the island and the water.

The bus journey also affects the pace of the day. This is not a quick half-day visit. Around two hours are spent on road transfers alone, followed by an hour on the water. The reward is a full day away from Sliema with the main focus on Comino and the Blue Lagoon.

A 30-minute speedboat ride to Comino

The private speedboat ride is one of the more appealing parts of the trip. It takes about 30 minutes and provides a scenic approach to Comino. You get the open-water feeling of a boat excursion without committing to a long cruise.

Boat conditions can affect comfort, so bring a light jacket even on a warm day. The information specifically recommends a jacket if it is windy or cold, and that is sensible advice for an exposed ride across the water.

The boat is also part of the experience rather than just transport. You get a different view of Malta as the coast falls behind and Comino comes closer. Still, anyone prone to motion sickness should plan ahead, since the speedboat may feel more active than a large vessel.

The boat ride is private for the group, but that does not mean the entire outing is private in the luxury-tour sense. The trip is social and designed for an international crowd. You are joining a shared group experience with a guide and organized logistics.

Crossing Comino on a short 30-minute hike

Once you arrive on Comino, the group takes a short hike across the island. The walk is listed at about 30 minutes and includes scenic views and photo stops. It is not presented as a long trek, but it does add a welcome active section before the main swimming stop.

The trail is described as relatively easy for people with a decent level of stamina. I would still take the word stamina seriously. One participant found the pace fast and felt short of breath, especially as a beginner. That makes proper footwear more than a suggestion.

Wear sports shoes or sturdy walking shoes, not flip-flops. Flip-flops are awkward on uneven ground and give you little support if the group moves at a steady pace. You will also be happier wearing them during the walk before changing into swimwear at the lagoon.

The hike gives the day some shape. Instead of being dropped at the water and staying there, you see part of Comino on foot first. The walk is short enough for most reasonably active adults, but it may not suit anyone with mobility limitations. The trip is specifically not suitable for people with mobility impairments or children under 18.

Two and a half hours beside the Blue Lagoon

The main stop is the Blue Lagoon, where you have around two and a half hours of free time. This is long enough to swim, sit by the water, take photographs, eat lunch, and simply slow down after the morning transfers.

The water is the star. It is transparent and inviting, with the bright Mediterranean color that made Comino famous. If swimming is your main reason for booking, this is where the trip earns its keep.

But the Blue Lagoon is also Malta’s most popular water stop, and popularity has a cost. The area may be very crowded, and swimming can feel less peaceful than the photographs suggest. One participant found the water beautiful but said the crowds made swimming less enjoyable.

I would set your expectations correctly. This is not a quiet beach escape. It is a famous public spot with limited space and plenty of activity. If you can accept that, the long free-time period works well. You can swim when the water feels manageable, then move away from the busiest edge for a break.

Bring a towel, swimsuit, hat, sunscreen, and plenty of water. A towel is particularly useful because the schedule moves from walking to swimming and then back to transport. A jacket is also worth packing for the return boat, even if you leave Sliema in warm weather.

Lunch, food trucks, and the cost of convenience

Food and drinks are not included. Food trucks are generally available at the location, but bringing your own lunch is recommended. A sandwich, panini, fruit, and a refillable bottle are easy choices that keep you from depending on whatever is available when you arrive.

This matters because the Blue Lagoon stop is long enough to cover a meal. Buying food there may be convenient, but your choice could be limited, and busy conditions may make queues less appealing. Pack food before departure if you want a calm lunch beside the water.

At the listed price of $34 per person, the trip offers fair value if you want transport and coordination handled for you. The price covers private transportation, private boat rides, the team leading the outing, and the day’s logistics. It does not cover food, drinks, or personal beach items.

The supplied information also mentions a launching price of 20 euros for online early-bird tickets. Since those figures differ, check the current price and ticket conditions before paying. At the lower early-bird rate, the value is especially strong. At $34, it remains reasonable for a seven-hour day with a boat transfer, provided you value convenience and company more than luxury.

The social side of the English Cafe Malta outing

This experience is not only a trip to Comino. It is also a social event. The group welcomes people from many backgrounds, including language students, interns, volunteers, expats, Erasmus participants, locals, and tourists.

That can be a real advantage if you are visiting Malta alone. You have a built-in group for the bus ride, boat trip, hike, and time at the lagoon. The atmosphere is intended to be welcoming, and the team coordinates the practical details so you are not left trying to organize every movement yourself.

It also suits couples or friends who want an easy day with other people around. If you prefer quiet sightseeing, however, the social format may not be your favorite part. The guide speaks English, and one outing included a French-speaking host, which was especially helpful for French participants. A French host is not stated as a guaranteed feature on every date, so treat that as a possible bonus rather than something to book around.

The provider also runs other regular events, and this Comino trip takes place every two weeks on Saturdays. That schedule is useful if you are planning around a longer stay, but it gives you fewer date choices than a daily excursion.

Who will enjoy this Comino trip most?

I would recommend this experience to an active adult who wants the main sights without arranging several separate connections. It is particularly suitable for:

• Solo visitors who want a social group
• Adults under 18 restrictions do not permit children
• People comfortable with a short, steady-paced walk
• Swimmers who want a long break at the Blue Lagoon
• Visitors staying in or near Sliema
• Anyone who values private transport and organized timing

I would be more cautious if you have mobility limitations, dislike crowded swimming areas, or want a quiet beach day. The walk may feel fast if your fitness is limited, and the lagoon may not deliver the calm atmosphere shown in promotional photographs.

You should also be comfortable with a full seven-hour schedule. The trip is easy in terms of planning, but it is not passive. You spend time on a bus, then a speedboat, then a hike, followed by swimming and another return journey.

What to pack for the day

The packing list is short, but each item has a purpose:

• Sports shoes for the Comino walk
• Swimsuit and towel
• Hat and sunscreen
• Water
• A sandwich, panini, or other meal
• A light jacket for wind or cooler conditions

Avoid alcohol and drugs, and do not litter. Those rules are straightforward, but they matter on a small island where waste and careless behavior have a quick effect.

Keep your belongings practical. You will move between bus, boat, trail, and swimming area, so bulky luggage becomes a nuisance. A small day bag is the sensible choice.

Cancellation and booking flexibility

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The reserve-now-and-pay-later option also gives you flexibility if your Malta plans are not settled yet.

Spots are limited, so you need an online ticket before taking part. Check the date carefully because the event runs every two weeks on Saturdays rather than every day. Also confirm the current price, since the supplied information shows both a $34 price and a 20 euro early-bird offer.

Should you book this Blue Lagoon day trip?

Book it if you want an organized Comino day with a speedboat, a short walk, plenty of Blue Lagoon time, and an easy way to meet people. The private transport and same-place return are worth paying for when you do not want to manage Malta’s connections yourself.

Skip it if your ideal day means an empty beach, a slow hike, or a luxury boat outing. The Blue Lagoon can be crowded, and the walk may feel quick for beginners. For an active adult who accepts those limits, this is a practical and fairly priced way to see one of Malta’s most famous swimming spots.

FAQ

Where does the Comino and Blue Lagoon trip start?

The meeting point is at the doors of Burger King in Sliema.

What time should I arrive?

The meeting time is 9:45 AM, and the activity officially starts at 10:00 AM.

When does the trip return to Sliema?

The expected return time is around 5:00 PM, and the activity ends at the same Burger King meeting point.

How long does the trip last?

The full experience lasts about seven hours.

Is transportation included?

Yes. Private transportation by bus and private boat rides are included.

Is food included?

No. Food and drinks are not included. Food trucks are generally available, but bringing your own lunch is recommended.

What should I wear and bring?

Bring sports shoes, swimwear, a towel, a hat, sunscreen, water, and food. A jacket is also useful if the weather is windy or cool.

Is the trip suitable for children or people with mobility impairments?

No. The activity is not suitable for children under 18 or people with mobility impairments.