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

The best part of this day trip is the route itself: a private bus from Sliema, a 30-minute speedboat ride, then a short walk across Comino before you reach the Blue Lagoon. You get more than a swim stop, but the main prize is still that clear Mediterranean water.

I like the easy transport arrangement and the friendly international setup. I also like that you see a bit of Comino on foot instead of stepping off the boat and staying beside the lagoon. The main catch is crowding: the Blue Lagoon can be packed, and the walk may feel brisk if you are not used to hills or warm weather.

Key points to know

• Comino is reached by private bus and speedboat: Transport is arranged from Sliema and returns to the same place.
• The island walk comes before swimming: Expect about 30 minutes of walking, views, and photo stops.
• Blue Lagoon time lasts about two and a half hours: You have time for swimming, relaxing, and a meal break.
• The group is adult and international: English Cafe Malta welcomes expats, students, interns, volunteers, digital nomads, local Maltese people, and tourists.
• Bring proper walking shoes: Flip-flops are specifically discouraged, and sports shoes are required.
• Food is not included: Food trucks are generally available, but carrying your own sandwich and water is the safer plan.

From Sliema to Comino by private transport

You meet at the doors of Burger King in Sliema at 9:45 AM, with the activity starting at 10:00 AM. That location is simple to find, and the return is made to the same spot, which saves you from arranging a second journey across Malta at the end of a long day.

The first leg takes about an hour by private bus. This is not the scenic highlight, but it makes the day easier. You do not need to work out a separate bus route to the northern part of Malta or worry about connecting with a public boat service.

The schedule is built for a full outing, with an expected return around 5:00 PM. That gives you a proper day at Comino rather than a quick photo stop. It also means you should plan around the entire day, since this is not an experience you can comfortably squeeze between other Sliema activities.

The tour is offered every two weeks on Saturdays. That limited schedule matters, so check the date before you build your Malta plans around it.

The 30-minute speedboat ride to Comino

After the bus journey, you board a private speedboat for roughly 30 minutes. The boat ride is part of the appeal. It breaks up the road transfer and gives you a more direct, lively way to reach Comino.

The boat is also practical. You are not simply being dropped at a meeting point and told to find your own ferry. The tour team handles the transport and the day’s movement, which is useful if you prefer a social outing with fewer decisions.

Conditions on the water can affect how comfortable the ride feels. Bring a light jacket, especially if the day is windy or cool. The suggested packing list includes one, and it is a sensible addition even when the forecast looks warm.

Keep your expectations in check. The boat ride is a transfer, not a dedicated sightseeing cruise with a long commentary program. Its value is the direct connection to Comino and the change of pace from the bus.

Walking across Comino before the Blue Lagoon

On arrival, the group takes a short hike across Comino. The walk lasts about 30 minutes and includes scenic views and photo stops before the main free-time period begins.

This is a useful part of the outing because you get a brief look at Comino rather than seeing only the water from a boat. It also lets you approach the Blue Lagoon gradually. You have time to take photos and see the island from a different angle before settling near the water.

The route is described as relatively easy, but easy does not mean effortless. One person found the pace fast and had trouble catching their breath. If you have a decent level of stamina, you should manage it, but do not treat this as a stroll in flip-flops.

Wear sports shoes or sturdy walking shoes. The tour specifically advises against flip-flops, and that is good advice for uneven ground, warm weather, and a group walking at a set pace. A hat, sunscreen, and water are equally important.

The hike may suit you less if you have a mobility impairment. The activity is not suitable for people with mobility impairments, and the provider also sets a minimum age of 18.

Two and a half hours at Malta’s Blue Lagoon

The Blue Lagoon is the main event. You have about two and a half hours for swimming, sitting by the water, taking photos, and eating lunch.

The water is famously clear, and this is the place to bring your swimwear and towel. If you want a proper swim rather than just a quick look, the schedule gives you a reasonable amount of time. You are not rushed straight back onto the boat after a few minutes.

The drawback is crowding. The Blue Lagoon is one of Malta’s best-known stops, and the area can be very busy. In a crowded setting, swimming may be less relaxing than the photographs suggest. You should come for the water and the setting, but not expect a quiet beach afternoon.

The shoreline also has limited space for everyone at peak times. Finding a comfortable place to sit may take patience, particularly when several boats and groups arrive together. A towel gives you something practical to sit on, while sunscreen and a hat help when shade is limited.

Food and drinks are not included. Food trucks are generally available at the location, but bringing your own lunch is recommended. A sandwich or panini, plenty of water, and a small snack will make the free-time period easier.

Alcohol and drugs are not allowed, and littering is prohibited. Those rules are especially important at a busy natural site where waste can quickly spoil the experience for everyone.

An adult group with an international feel

English Cafe Malta builds this outing around its social community as much as the sightseeing. The group can include expats, English students, Erasmus participants, interns, volunteers, digital nomads, Maltese locals, and tourists.

That mix is useful if you are traveling alone or want to meet people during your stay. The activity is designed for all nationalities and age groups among adults, with English used throughout. You should expect a shared group experience rather than a private outing for just your own party.

The social side is one of the strongest reasons to choose this trip. You are not only arranging transport to Comino. You are joining an organized day with a host and an international crowd, which can make the bus and boat journeys more enjoyable.

The group format has a tradeoff. You will not control every departure, pause, or walking speed. If you prefer to explore Comino alone, choose your own swimming spot, and leave whenever you wish, a self-planned visit may give you more freedom.

A French-speaking host was available on one outing, which was helpful for French participants. The listed tour language is English, though, so you should not book expecting French guidance every time.

What the $34 price covers

The listed price is $34 per person. It includes private transportation, private boat rides, and the team that coordinates and leads the day.

That is a fair value if you want transport from Sliema, a boat connection, group leadership, and logistics handled in one booking. The cost is not just for access to the Blue Lagoon. It also covers the convenience of not piecing together bus and boat arrangements yourself.

Food and drinks are extra, as are any personal purchases at Comino. Bring your own meal if you want to keep the day’s cost predictable.

The supplied information also refers to a launching price of 20 euros for online early-bird tickets. Since that is different from the listed $34 price, check the current booking page before paying. The lower figure may apply only to a limited promotion or earlier sales period.

You can reserve now and pay later, and cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund. Those terms are useful when your Malta schedule is still changing, but you should still confirm the current availability and price for your date.

Packing for the heat, water, and walk

The right gear makes a noticeable difference on this trip. Pack:

• Water
• A sandwich, panini, or other meal
• Sports shoes
• Swimwear
• A towel
• Hat
• Sunscreen
• A light jacket

Do not rely on flip-flops for the island walk. They may be fine for the water’s edge, but the tour asks you to wear proper walking shoes for the route across Comino.

A waterproof bag can also be useful for keeping your phone and other small items dry, though it is not listed as a required item. Since only the listed essentials are guaranteed, keep your belongings simple and easy to carry.

Bring enough water for the bus, boat, walk, and beach time. The day is about seven hours long, and warm sun can make a short walk feel harder than expected.

Who should book this Comino trip

This outing suits you if you want a simple day from Sliema with transport included and a chance to meet other adults. It is a good fit for solo visitors, students, expats, and anyone who prefers a planned social activity over arranging every connection independently.

You should also enjoy it if your main goals are clear water, photographs, a short island walk, and a few hours at the Blue Lagoon. The route gives you a little more variety than a direct beach transfer.

It is less suitable if you need a slow, private pace or quiet swimming conditions. The hike can feel fast for beginners, and the lagoon may be crowded. It is also not suitable for children under 18 or people with mobility impairments.

The tour is led in English. If you are comfortable joining an international group and following a shared schedule, that should not be a problem. If you need another language, check in advance rather than assuming a French-speaking host will be present.

Is the Blue Lagoon trip worth booking?

Book it if you want the easy version of a Comino day: meet in Sliema, ride by private bus and speedboat, walk across the island, and spend a solid block of time at the Blue Lagoon. The organized transport and social group are the best reasons to choose it.

Skip it if your priority is solitude, a relaxed unhurried hike, or complete control over your beach time. The lagoon can be crowded, and the walking pace may challenge beginners.

For most active adults who want a friendly, well-organized outing at a moderate price, this is a useful way to see Comino without handling the transport yourself. Pack lunch, wear real shoes, and treat the Blue Lagoon as a popular beauty spot rather than a deserted beach.

FAQ

Where does the activity 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, with the activity ending back at the original meeting point.

How long is the full experience?

The activity lasts about seven hours.

How do I reach Comino?

You travel by private bus from Sliema and then take a private speedboat for about 30 minutes.

How much walking is involved?

The itinerary includes a short hike across Comino lasting about 30 minutes. Proper walking or sports shoes are required.

Is food included?

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

Is the trip suitable for children?

No. The activity is not suitable for children under 18.

Can I cancel for a refund?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later.