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

Blue water makes the whole day worthwhile. This 7.5-hour cruise from Sliema combines Malta’s best-known swimming spots with coastal views, a short Gozo stop, Comino’s sea caves, and a waterslide built into the boat. At $40 per person, it gives you a lot of scenery and sea time without the cost of arranging several separate trips.

I like the 45-minute swimming stop at Crystal Lagoon, when seasonal conditions allow, and the long break at Blue Lagoon, which gives you time to swim, eat, sunbathe, and walk around Comino. The main drawback is crowding. The boat can feel busy, and Blue Lagoon itself is a very popular place, especially during the long summer season.

Key points to know before booking

• Two swimming stops in the warmer months: Crystal Lagoon or St. Nicholas Bay usually comes first, followed by Blue Lagoon.
• Three and a half hours at Blue Lagoon: The long stop gives you time for swimming, food, snorkeling, and a walk on Comino.
• Gozo options vary: The standard trip includes a quick photo stop at Mgarr Harbour, while Option B gives you about three hours on Gozo and less time at Blue Lagoon.
• The boat has a slide and glass-bottom viewing area: You can jump or slide into the sea when conditions permit.
• Blue Lagoon requires a free QR code: Register at blcomino.com and choose the afternoon slot from 13:31 to 17:30 to get off the boat there.
• Bring cash and swimwear: Food, drinks, and some optional services are bought separately, and hotel pickup is not included.

Starting at Sliema Ferries

The boat leaves from Sliema Ferries 4, where you should look for the Luzzu Cruises boat, either MV Kataleya or MV Lady Shelley. The experience ends back at the same meeting point, so you do not need to arrange a separate ride home from another harbor.

There is no hotel transfer included. That keeps the price down, but you need to reach Sliema on your own and arrive with enough time to find the correct boarding point. The host language is English, although the onboard announcements may be repeated in several languages. That helps with basic information, but you may find the commentary a little frequent if you prefer a quiet ride.

The boat ride itself is part of the appeal. Instead of heading straight to Comino, you pass Malta’s northern shoreline by water, with views of Sliema Promenade, St. Julian’s Bay, St. George’s Bay, Qawra Bay, and St. Paul’s Bay. It is a useful way to see how Malta’s built-up coast gives way to open water and smaller islands.

The cruise north past Malta’s bays

As the boat moves north, you pass St. Paul’s Island and Mellieha Bay. These are mainly viewing stops rather than places where you get off, so set your expectations correctly. This is a sightseeing cruise with swimming breaks, not a series of shore excursions.

St. Paul’s Island is especially useful as a photo subject from the boat. The trip also gives you changing views of the coast that are hard to get from a road. If you sit outside, bring sun protection and keep your camera ready, because the boat does not linger at every point of interest.

The ride can be rough if the sea is unsettled. Even people who do not normally suffer from motion sickness may feel uncomfortable during a choppy crossing. If you are prone to seasickness, bring suitable medication, eat lightly before departure, and choose a stable seat rather than spending the whole ride at the highest exposed point.

A quick look at Gozo from Mgarr Harbour

The first scheduled stop is Mgarr Harbour in Gozo, where the boat pauses for about five minutes for photographs. The harbor is framed by Gozo’s hills and colorful boats, making it a worthwhile camera stop even though it is brief.

The standard version does not give you a full Gozo visit. You remain on board after the photo stop and continue toward Comino, which is the better choice if your main goal is swimming and relaxing. This arrangement also avoids trying to squeeze Gozo’s many sights into a rushed few hours.

If you specifically want to see Gozo, choose Option B if it is available for your date. It gives you around three hours of free time on the island, with optional land transport to Victoria available for €5 per person, purchased on the boat. The tradeoff is important: Option B reduces your time at Comino’s Blue Lagoon to about 1.5 hours.

That is a real choice, not a minor variation. Gozo and Comino offer different experiences. Gozo gives you more land time and a chance to see Victoria. Comino gives you the clear water, swimming, and beach atmosphere that most people expect from this cruise.

Crystal Lagoon or St. Nicholas Bay

From May through October, and only when weather conditions permit, the boat stops for about 45 minutes at Crystal Lagoon or St. Nicholas Bay. The captain decides which location works best. From November through April, this stop is not scheduled, and the boat goes to Blue Lagoon instead.

This first swim is often the most enjoyable part of the day because it feels less like a shore landing and more like a proper sea break. You can swim and snorkel directly from the boat, and the waterslide gives children and adults another way into the water. There are also areas at the back and upper part of the boat where you can jump in, subject to safe conditions and crew instructions.

Bring your own goggles and snorkel if you have them. Snorkels may also be available to hire, but having your own gear means you are ready as soon as the boat stops. Wear your swimsuit under your clothes. Changing after boarding can be awkward, and the best swimming time goes quickly.

The 45-minute limit is enough for a refreshing swim, but not enough for a slow, extended snorkel session. I would treat it as a lively first water stop, then save your longer rest and exploration time for Blue Lagoon.

Blue Lagoon and the long Comino break

The boat spends about 3.5 hours at Blue Lagoon on the main version of the cruise. This is the heart of the day. You can swim in the turquoise water, snorkel with fish, sit in the sun, buy food and drinks, or walk around Comino.

Blue Lagoon is beautiful, but it is not a quiet secret spot. The shoreline and water can be crowded, and the ground around Comino is rocky. Bring footwear you can walk in comfortably, especially if you plan to leave the water and explore beyond the immediate swimming area.

The long stop is a major advantage. You are not forced to rush from a quick photograph into another quick photograph. You have time to choose your own pace. Families can split the day between swimming and food, couples can find time to relax, and active visitors can walk around the island after cooling off.

Food and drinks are not included, but they are available to buy on the boat and around the Blue Lagoon area. Onboard food is reported to be reasonably priced, and some people prefer it to the food available at the lagoon. Bring cash, since it is specifically recommended for the trip and useful for purchases such as drinks, snacks, and optional Gozo transport.

To get off the boat at Blue Lagoon, you must register for a free QR code at www.blcomino.com. Select the afternoon time slot from 13:31 to 17:30. This is an easy detail to miss, so handle it before the day of the cruise rather than discovering the requirement at the water’s edge.

The Comino caves on the return journey

On the way back to Sliema, the boat pauses near Comino’s caves, including the Santa Maria Caves area, for about ten minutes. This is a photo and viewing stop rather than a cave walking excursion.

The boat’s position lets you see the openings and rock formations from sea level. It is a pleasant final contrast to the bright open water of the lagoons. Keep your camera ready, but do not expect a long, guided visit inside the caves.

The cruise then returns to Luzzu Cruises at Sliema. Because the full day includes several hours on the water, you should plan for sun, wind, and changing temperatures. A towel, camera, comfortable shoes, beachwear, and cash are the practical basics.

What the boat is like

The vessel has several levels, including a glass-bottom deck that gives you another way to view the water. The slide is one of the most praised features, particularly for families and anyone who wants more than a standard sightseeing ride.

There are toilets on board, and careful cleaning is a positive part of the experience. Still, the boat can become crowded, especially when everyone returns from a swim or tries to find a good seat for the trip home. If seating matters to you, choose your place early and think ahead for the return journey.

The boat has food and drinks for purchase at what is described as reasonable pricing. Alcohol and drugs are not allowed, and you should follow the crew’s instructions around swimming, jumping, and the slide. The captain can change or cancel parts of the excursion, or alter pickup and drop-off points, because of weather.

This is not a luxury yacht outing. It is a practical, social day boat with multiple decks, public facilities, announcements, and plenty of people sharing the same swimming stops. That is part of why the cost is accessible, but it also explains the occasional complaint about noise and crowding.

Is the $40 price good value?

At $40 per person, the cruise offers strong value if you want a full day on the water. The price includes the ride from Sliema, the Gozo harbor photo stop, the seasonal swimming stop, Blue Lagoon, the Comino caves, and use of the waterslide.

You still need to budget for food, drinks, optional snorkeling equipment, and any Gozo transport if you choose Option B. There are no hotel transfers, so local transport to Sliema is another cost to consider.

The value is best for someone who wants variety in one booking. You get a coastal cruise, island views, two possible swimming locations, a long Comino break, and a cave visit. Booking separate boat trips could cost more and require more planning.

The price is less compelling if you want silence, privacy, or a small-group sailing experience. A crowded boat and a busy Blue Lagoon may frustrate you, particularly in the high season. For a relaxed day, stay on board during the Gozo stop and use the extra time for swimming and sunbathing. For a Gozo-focused day, choose Option B and accept the shorter Comino stop.

Who will enjoy this cruise most?

I would recommend it to families, couples, friends, and first-time visitors who want to see several Maltese coastal highlights in one day. The slide, swimming breaks, glass-bottom section, and long stop at Blue Lagoon give the day enough variety to keep children and adults interested.

It also suits people who prefer an easy plan. You board in Sliema, follow a clear route, and return to the same place. You do not need to organize separate transport to Gozo or Comino.

You may want a different experience if you dislike crowded boats, loud announcements, or rocky swimming areas. It is also not suitable for wheelchair users. Anyone sensitive to motion should prepare for possible rough water, since the trip runs in rain or shine unless the captain changes the plan for safety.

Should you book the Sliema to Comino cruise?

Book it if you want good-value swimming time, classic Maltese sea views, and a full day with little planning. The seasonal Crystal Lagoon stop and the long Blue Lagoon break are the strongest reasons to choose it, while the slide and cave viewing add fun without raising the base price.

Choose the standard option if Blue Lagoon and Comino are your priority. Choose Option B only if spending several hours on Gozo matters more to you than having a long afternoon at Blue Lagoon.

For the best day, register for the Blue Lagoon QR code in advance, bring cash, wear swimwear under your clothes, pack a towel and sturdy shoes, and arrive ready for sun, wind, and crowds. This is a lively boat outing, not a private escape, but for $40 it packs a lot of Malta into one well-filled day.

FAQ

Where does the cruise depart from?

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

Where does the cruise end?

The cruise returns to the same meeting point at Luzzu Cruises in Sliema.

How long is the experience?

The cruise lasts about 7.5 hours. Starting times vary, so check availability when booking.

Is Gozo included?

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

How long is the stop at Crystal Lagoon?

The stop lasts about 45 minutes when Crystal Lagoon or St. Nicholas Bay operates. This stop is seasonal from May 1 through October 31 and depends on weather conditions.

How long do you spend at Blue Lagoon?

The main option includes about 3.5 hours at Blue Lagoon. Option B includes about 1.5 hours there because it gives you more time on Gozo.

Do I need a QR code for Blue Lagoon?

Yes. To leave the boat at Blue Lagoon, register for a free QR code at www.blcomino.com and choose the afternoon slot from 13:31 to 17:30.

Is food included?

No. Food and drinks are available to purchase on the boat and at Blue Lagoon, but they are not included in the tour price.

Is the cruise suitable for wheelchair users?

No. The experience is listed as unsuitable for wheelchair users.