From Sliema: Full-Day Cruise to Comino and the Blue Lagoon

The water really is that clear. This $34 full-day cruise takes you from Sliema to Comino’s famous Blue Lagoon, where the white seabed and turquoise water make swimming and snorkeling the main event. I like the generous eight-hour schedule and the simple focus on getting you to the water, rather than packing the day with too many stops.

I also like having air-conditioning, toilets, a bar, and snacks aboard the boat. That matters after several hours in the sun. The main drawback is that the advertised eight hours does not always mean eight hours beside the lagoon. Boat loading, extra stops, and transfers can reduce your actual swimming time to roughly three or four hours.

• Blue Lagoon swimming: Clear water, a pale sandy bottom, and plenty of space for photos and snorkeling.
• Sliema departure: Meet opposite McDonald’s at the Sliema ferry terminal by 10:00 AM for the 10:30 AM sailing.
• Comfort aboard: Air-conditioning, toilets, a bar, snacks, and an upper deck give you options between swims.
• Possible extra costs: Snorkel gear, drinks, food, umbrellas, and an optional upper-deck sunbed may cost extra.
• Comino entry rule: From May 1, 2025, you need a free online QR ticket for the 1:30 PM to 5:30 PM island access period.
• Best for: Swimmers, sun-seekers, and visitors who want a straightforward day on the water for a modest price.

Leaving Sliema at 10:30 AM

Your day begins at the Sliema ferry terminal, not Valletta. The boat leaves at 10:30 AM, and you should arrive by 10:00 AM. The meeting point is opposite McDonald’s, a useful landmark in a busy waterfront area.

That early arrival matters. The boat can be crowded, and finding the right boarding point takes a little attention. Keep your confirmation handy, follow the operator’s directions, and do not assume that any nearby ferry berth is the correct one.

The boat ride gives you a broad view of Malta’s coast before Comino appears. Commentary is provided in English throughout the cruise, so you can learn what you are seeing rather than simply watching the shoreline pass. The amount of commentary can vary, but the crew generally point out sights and explain the route.

This is a large boat rather than a small private launch. That helps keep the price low and gives you indoor seating, toilets, and more stable facilities. The tradeoff is clear: you share the trip with a sizeable crowd, and the boarding process can feel less personal.

Why the Blue Lagoon is worth the trip

Comino’s Blue Lagoon sits between Comino and the smaller islet of Cominotto. The sheltered basin has clear turquoise water over a light seabed, which gives it the striking color seen in photographs.

I would come here primarily to swim. The water is also well suited to snorkeling, particularly if you want to look below the surface rather than spend the whole time on deck. Bring your own mask and snorkel if you have them. Equipment is available to rent aboard, but it costs extra, and the supplied information does not promise a large range of sizes or styles.

The lagoon is excellent for photographs, though the setting can feel very different from the quiet images used to sell Malta. Comino is popular, and the shoreline can become crowded. You may need patience when getting into the water, finding a place to sit, or taking a clear picture without people in the background.

That crowd is the central compromise. The water is beautiful enough to justify the trip, but you are not arriving at a private cove. If you want Malta’s best-known swimming spot and accept company, this works well. If peace and solitude matter most, the experience may disappoint.

How much time do you really get at Comino?

The published schedule runs from 10:30 AM to 6:30 PM, giving you eight hours from departure to return. That sounds like a full day at the Blue Lagoon, but the timetable needs some interpretation.

Some departures combine several groups or include additional stops, including St. Paul’s Bay and a drop-off in Gozo. On those sailings, the outward trip can take more than two hours. One reported schedule reached the lagoon around 12:45 PM, then left at about 4:15 PM, returning to Sliema after 6:00 PM. That works out to roughly three and a half hours at the lagoon and four hours aboard.

Other passengers have had closer to three or four hours in the water. I would therefore book this for the full boat-and-lagoon day, not on the assumption that you will spend all eight hours swimming.

This distinction is important if you are comparing cruises. The low price gives you practical transport to Comino, but the boat may serve more than one group or route. Check the current departure details when booking, and ask the crew early in the trip when and where you will rejoin the boat.

Life aboard the boat between swims

A boat with basic comforts can make or break a long sea day. Here, you have air-conditioning, toilets, a bar, and snacks, along with an upper deck where you can sit outside.

The air-conditioning is useful during the hottest part of the day, especially if you have been swimming and want a break from the sun. The upper deck is better for views and fresh air, though sun exposure builds quickly. Bring sunscreen and reapply it often.

Food and drinks are not included in the listed price, even though some packages or departures may offer a sandwich. One passenger specifically noted that the meal option did not include a vegetarian sandwich. If you need vegetarian food, ask ahead rather than relying on the onboard choice.

Lines for drinks can be long when the boat is full. If you are allowed to bring your own refreshments, a small supply can save time and money, but follow the operator’s rules. Do not count on buying everything quickly when everyone returns from the water at once.

Some departures offer an optional upper-deck sunbed for about €10. That can be worthwhile if you care about a better outdoor seat and plan to spend much of the cruise on deck. It is not necessary for enjoying the lagoon, so I would treat it as a comfort upgrade rather than part of the tour’s real value.

The Comino access ticket you must arrange

A major practical point applies from May 1, 2025: you need a free ticket to walk on Comino. You get it online at www.blcomino.com, then show the QR code to Comino officials when you arrive.

When ordering the ticket, select the 1:30 PM to 5:30 PM time slot. If you do not have the QR code, officials will not let you walk on the island. You can still swim beside the boat, but that is a much narrower experience.

This rule makes planning important. Do not wait until you reach the boat or assume that your cruise booking includes island access. Arrange the free ticket before departure and save the QR code where you can display it without an internet connection.

The ticket requirement also makes the timing issue more important. If your boat reaches Comino later than expected, you still need the correct time slot. Keep the QR code and your phone charged for the arrival check.

Swimming, snorkeling, and the right gear

Pack the basics: swimsuit, towel, and sunscreen. I would also bring closed shoes or sturdy water shoes if you plan to walk on the rocks. One useful tip from the experience is to avoid relying on bare feet around the shore.

Snorkeling gear is not included. You can rent a mask and tube for a small additional fee, reported at around €10 for basic equipment. If you already own comfortable gear, bringing it is the better choice. A familiar mask is less likely to leak, and you will not lose time waiting at the rental counter.

The Blue Lagoon is best enjoyed at your own pace. Start with a swim, then use the boat or shore for a break before snorkeling. The clear water and marine life give you something to look at below the surface, but you should still expect a popular swimming area rather than a private snorkeling site.

Sun protection deserves more attention than it usually gets. The bright water reflects sunlight, and the upper deck offers little escape unless you move indoors. Use sunscreen before boarding, take breaks in the air-conditioned cabin, and keep your towel and belongings organized.

Finding the boat again at the end

The return arrangements deserve care. The cruise ends back at the Sliema meeting point, but you should listen closely for instructions about where and when to return to the boat.

A passenger nearly missed the return because the pickup location was not clear. That is an avoidable problem. Before leaving the boat, confirm the exact boarding place and departure time with the crew. Take a photograph of the boat if several vessels are moored nearby, and set an alarm on your phone.

Do not assume the boat will be obvious from the shoreline. Comino can be crowded, and more than one vessel may be waiting. Leave yourself extra time to walk back, especially if you have gone farther from the landing point or stopped for food.

The return journey may include more stops, which explains why arriving back in Sliema at 6:30 PM can feel later than expected. Keep evening plans flexible. This is not a good match for a fixed dinner reservation immediately after the cruise.

What the $34 price really buys you

At $34 per person, the cruise offers good value if you want transport to Comino, a full day around the water, and useful facilities aboard. You avoid arranging separate ferry transport and get a structured day with commentary, toilets, and a place to cool down.

The price is less attractive if you expect a quiet boat, included meals, included snorkeling gear, or eight uninterrupted hours beside the Blue Lagoon. Those extras are not part of the basic deal. Drinks, snacks, some food options, snorkeling equipment, and upper-deck sunbeds can add to the final cost.

I see this as a practical access-and-swimming package. The lagoon itself is the reason to go. The boat makes reaching it easy, while the facilities soften the rough edges of a long day in strong sun.

The value also depends on your priorities. A swimmer may consider three or four hours at Comino plenty. Someone hoping to lounge on an uncrowded beach all day may feel shortchanged by the route and crowd levels.

Who should book this Comino cruise?

I would recommend it to you if you want:

• A reasonably priced way to reach the Blue Lagoon from Sliema
• Several hours for swimming and snorkeling
• A large boat with air-conditioning, toilets, and a bar
• A simple English-language outing
• Flexible plans around an eight-hour sea day

Families and casual swimmers may appreciate the easy format, though the activity is not suitable for wheelchair users. Strong swimmers should bring their own snorkeling gear if possible. Sun-lovers may enjoy paying extra for an upper-deck sunbed, while heat-sensitive visitors will value the indoor cabin.

I would hesitate if you dislike crowds, need a precise return time, or want a small boat with a private feel. I would also think twice if the phrase full day at the Blue Lagoon makes you expect eight hours in the water. The actual lagoon time can be much shorter once sailing and extra stops are counted.

Booking details and cancellation flexibility

The host or greeter operates in English. The activity lasts eight hours on the stated schedule, with departure at 10:30 AM and return at 6:30 PM. You can cancel up to 24 hours ahead for a full refund, and the reserve-now, pay-later option lets you hold a place without paying immediately.

Those policies are helpful if your Malta plans are still moving around. They do not change the practical need to arrive at Sliema by 10:00 AM or arrange the free Comino QR ticket separately.

FAQ

Where does the cruise leave from?

The boat leaves from the Sliema ferry terminal, not Valletta. The meeting point is opposite McDonald’s, and you should arrive by 10:00 AM for the 10:30 AM departure.

What time does the cruise return?

The scheduled return is 6:30 PM at the same Sliema meeting point. Extra stops or route arrangements can affect how long the boat spends traveling.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

No. Snorkeling equipment is available to rent aboard for an additional cost. You may prefer to bring your own mask and snorkel.

Do I need a ticket to walk on Comino?

Yes. From May 1, 2025, you need a free ticket from www.blcomino.com. Choose the 1:30 PM to 5:30 PM slot and keep the QR code ready for scanning on arrival.

Are food and drinks included?

The basic activity includes bar and toilet facilities, but food and drinks are not generally included. Snacks, beverages, and some meal options are available to buy aboard. A vegetarian sandwich may not be available, so check before relying on the meal option.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen. Closed shoes are also useful if you plan to walk on the rocks. You should arrange your Comino QR ticket before departure if you want to walk on the island.

Should you book it?

Book this cruise if the Blue Lagoon is high on your Malta list and you want an affordable, uncomplicated way to reach it. The water is genuinely beautiful, the swimming time is worthwhile, and the boat’s basic comforts make the long day easier.

Go in with realistic expectations. You may share the boat with a large crowd, spend more time sailing than expected, and pay extra for gear, food, drinks, or a sunbed. Arrive early, secure the free Comino ticket, bring your own snorkeling equipment if you can, and confirm the return meeting point before leaving the boat. With those details handled, this is a solid-value day on Malta’s clearest water.