From Sliema: Malta Cruise to Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon & Caves

Comino’s Blue Lagoon is the star here, but the boat ride is half the pleasure. From Sliema, you get broad sea views of St. Julian’s, Bugibba, St. Paul’s Island and Mellieha before reaching the bright water around Comino. I especially like the long free period at Blue Lagoon and the chance to use the boat as a base instead of carrying everything ashore.

I also like the seasonal Crystal Lagoon stop, where you can swim straight from the boat and use the waterslide. The main caution is crowding. The boat can carry up to 200 people, and Blue Lagoon itself can feel packed, even outside the heart of summer. You must also arrange a free QR code before stepping ashore.

Key points to know before booking

• About three and a half hours at Blue Lagoon: You have time for swimming, a short walk and a meal, but the shoreline gets very crowded.
• Crystal Lagoon is seasonal: The stop runs from May 1 to October 30 and depends on weather, sea conditions and the captain’s choice of a safe swimming spot.
• The boat is your best retreat: It offers shade, toilets, a bar, a waterslide and seating away from the crowded shore.
• A free shore QR code is required: Register at blcomino.com and select the afternoon time slot from 13:31 to 17:30.
• The return includes Comino caves: The cave visit is a scenic pass by, not a separate landing or extended cave tour.
• Bring food, water and sun protection: The onboard bar sells supplies, but food choices may be limited and Comino has little shade.

What this Sliema cruise is really offering

At $42.24 per person, this is best understood as a full-day boat outing and swimming platform, not a guided history tour. You leave from the Sliema Ferry area at 10:00 a.m., spend much of the day around Comino, and return to the same place after roughly seven and a half hours.

That distinction matters. If you want a guide walking you through Comino, this is not that kind of trip. The captain or recorded announcements may point out sights along the coast, but the focus is transport, swimming and free time.

For the price, you get a useful combination: a return cruise, a seasonal second swimming stop, use of the waterslide, boat facilities and a long stay at Blue Lagoon. You do not pay separately for the stops. Food, drinks, masks and snorkels are extra, with mask and snorkel rental listed at €5 per person.

The value is strongest if you plan to swim. If you only want a quiet sightseeing cruise, the crowded boat and noisy Blue Lagoon may not feel like the right match.

Leaving Sliema at 10:00 a.m.

The meeting point is Luzzu Cruises at Ferries 4, Triq Ix-Xatt, Sliema SLM 1023. Arrive at least 30 minutes early. That advice is important because the upper deck can fill before departure, especially on sunny days. If you arrive late, you may find yourself downstairs, where the view and fresh air are limited.

The cruise first passes the Sliema promenade, then heads along St. Julian’s and Balluta Bay. You continue past St. George’s Bay and Paceville, Bugibba, St. Paul’s Island and Mellieha Bay.

The sightseeing is from the water, so you get a wide view rather than a close visit. St. Paul’s Island has a special place in Maltese tradition, as it is associated with the shipwreck of St. Paul in AD 60. The boat does not stop there, but the offshore view gives the cruise some historical texture.

The sea can be rough on the way out. Several people have found the early ride uncomfortable in strong wind, and motion sickness is a real possibility. If you know you are sensitive, bring the medication you normally use and choose a seat with care. The skipper decides how to operate the boat, with safety taking priority over the advertised order of stops.

The brief Gozo stop at Mgarr Harbour

The boat pauses at Mgarr Harbour in Gozo for about five minutes. This is mainly a photo stop and a transfer point for passengers who have booked a separate Gozo visit.

You should not expect time to explore Gozo here. The harbour view is pleasant, but the pause is short. Keep your camera ready and listen carefully for departure instructions.

This part of the route can also create confusion. The boat may leave briefly to collect people taking a Gozo excursion, then return toward Comino. If you are staying with the main cruise, follow the announced schedule rather than assuming the boat will wait for you.

Crystal Lagoon or St. Nicholas Bay for 45 minutes

From May through October, the boat normally makes a 45-minute swimming stop at Crystal Lagoon or St. Nicholas Bay. The captain may choose between these spots because of wind, currents, jellyfish or other sea conditions.

You swim directly from the boat. This is one of the most enjoyable parts of the day if you are comfortable with open-water swimming. The waterslide adds a playful touch, and you do not need to carry beach gear down a path or hunt for a patch of sand.

Do not picture a private cove. Several boats may gather in the same area, and the water can become choppy. The captain may stop at a safer or calmer location nearby rather than the exact place shown in promotional photographs. That is a sensible tradeoff, but it means the exact swimming setting can vary.

Masks and snorkels are not included. You can rent them onboard for €5, or bring your own. The listing does not promise life jackets or snorkeling equipment for general use, so ask the crew if you need specific safety equipment.

If you are visiting outside May to October, Crystal Lagoon is not part of the normal plan. The cruise still goes to Comino, but you should not book in winter expecting the two-stop summer program.

Blue Lagoon and the new shore-access rule

The boat spends about three and a half hours at Blue Lagoon, with the itinerary also describing the shore portion as approximately three hours. In practical terms, expect a long afternoon window around Comino, with the exact departure time announced onboard.

Blue Lagoon is beautiful, but it is no longer a quiet secret. The water is clear and striking, yet the narrow shoreline fills quickly with people, umbrellas, boats and day trippers. In summer, finding a comfortable spot beside the water can be difficult. Even in October, you might need to place your belongings on rocks rather than claim a proper beach area.

There is little shade ashore. The boat is often the better base, especially if you want a seat, a toilet, a drink or a break from the sun. Some departures keep the boat available for swimming and resting, while others encourage people to go ashore. Ask the crew what access will be available on your date rather than assuming the upper deck will remain open throughout the stop.

You now need a free QR code to leave the boat at Comino Blue Lagoon. Register at blcomino.com before the trip and choose the afternoon slot from 13:31 to 17:30. This is not an optional extra. Without the QR code, you may be unable to step ashore.

The crew can help if you arrive without it, but arranging it yourself is easier. Take a screenshot in case your phone connection is weak. Put on any color-coded wristband only at the last moment, since one reported problem is that the dye can rub onto swimwear and bags when mixed with sunscreen.

Once ashore, you can swim, walk around Comino and buy food from the available stands. One useful walk takes you uphill for wide views, then onward across the island. Bring sturdy footwear if you plan to wander beyond the immediate swimming area, and do not expect a broad sandy beach.

The boat as your base for the afternoon

The boat is not simply a ferry that drops you off and disappears. Its facilities are a major part of the value. You have access to shade, toilets, seats and an onboard bar, and many people prefer returning to the boat when Blue Lagoon becomes too crowded.

Food and drinks cost extra. The snack selection can be limited, so pack something small if you need a real meal. Hot food is available on some departures, but the choices and service can vary. Water, a hat and sunscreen are more important than anything else you bring.

The waterslide and jump board are useful additions for swimmers. They give you a way to enjoy the sea from the boat without scrambling down rough rocks. This is especially handy for families, though the long cruise and wind can be tiring for an infant or a small child.

The upper deck offers the best views, but it may fill early. On busy departures, people have found themselves seated below because all the top seats were taken before sailing. Arrive early if the view matters to you, and do not assume the boat will feel spacious when full.

Comino’s caves on the return

The cruise includes a scenic pass by Comino’s sea caves on the way back. This is a short viewing stop rather than a cave walk or a small-boat exploration.

The caves are best seen from the water, where the rock openings, shadows and changing color of the sea come together. Keep your camera ready because the boat may not linger long. The return ride can be especially attractive later in the day, when the light softens over the water.

After the caves, the boat returns to Luzzu Cruises in Sliema. The stated end point is the same as the morning meeting point.

Crowds, comfort and the human side of the trip

The biggest weakness is capacity. The maximum group size is 200, and some departures feel heavily loaded. That affects everything: finding a good seat, entering the water, walking around Blue Lagoon and ordering at the bar.

The experience can also depend greatly on the weather. A calm day makes the swimming stops far more enjoyable. Strong wind can make the ride rough and can turn a beautiful cove into an uncomfortable place to swim. The company says poor-weather cancellations may lead to another date or a full refund, but a trip can still operate in conditions that feel unpleasant to some people.

Announcements may be prerecorded, and the sound system is not always easy to understand. Pay attention when the crew gives departure times, especially at Blue Lagoon. The boat may leave exactly on schedule and may not conduct a full head count. Missing the return departure is your responsibility.

Crew service appears to vary by day. Some departures have a friendly crew, clear updates and useful comments about the sights. On other days, the staff may seem focused only on operating the boat. I would treat this as a practical cruise with a crew, not as a personal guiding service.

Who will enjoy this Malta boat day

I would recommend it to you if you want:

• A simple return trip from Sliema to Comino
• Plenty of time for swimming
• A boat with shade, toilets and a bar
• The fun of a waterslide and jump board
• A second swimming stop in the summer
• A lower-cost alternative to hiring a private boat

It is less suitable if you want quiet coves, a small group or detailed commentary. It is also a poor match for anyone who dislikes rough seas, crowded beaches or strict departure times.

Families can make it work, but plan carefully. The boat offers shade and toilets, which helps, but the ride can be windy and long for a baby. Older children who enjoy swimming will probably get the most from the slide and open-water stops.

Practical details that make the day easier

Bring a hat, sunscreen, drinking water, a towel and a waterproof bag. Keep valuables with you because the company accepts no responsibility for items left onboard.

Arrive 30 minutes early, especially if you want an upper-deck seat. Save your Blue Lagoon QR code in advance, select the afternoon slot, and listen for the exact return time.

The boat is near public transport, mobile tickets are accepted, and the tour is offered in English. Service animals are allowed, and most people can participate, though the operator retains control of the route and swimming stops.

Free cancellation is available until 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations inside that window are not accepted for a refund. If the cruise is canceled for poor weather or because too few people book, you should be offered another date or a full refund. There is no refund if you miss the cruise because your ship arrives late or you do not reach the meeting point.

Should you book this Comino cruise?

Book it if you want a full day on the water at a reasonable price and you are happy to share the experience with a large crowd. The long Blue Lagoon stop, seasonal Crystal Lagoon swim, boat facilities and cave viewing make it good value for an active day.

Skip it if your priority is peace and personal attention. For the best chance of enjoying it, go in calmer weather, arrive early, arrange the shore QR code before leaving Sliema, and use the boat as your shaded base when Blue Lagoon gets too busy.

FAQ

Where does the cruise depart from?

It departs from Luzzu Cruises at Ferries 4, Triq Ix-Xatt, Sliema SLM 1023, Malta.

What time does the cruise start?

The scheduled start time is 10:00 a.m. You should arrive at least 30 minutes before departure.

How long does the experience last?

The cruise lasts approximately seven hours and 30 minutes.

Is the Blue Lagoon shore QR code free?

Yes. The QR code is free in 2025, but you must register at blcomino.com and choose the afternoon slot from 13:31 to 17:30 if you want to go ashore.

Is Crystal Lagoon included all year?

No. The Crystal Lagoon or St. Nicholas Bay stop operates seasonally from May 1 to October 30 and depends on weather and sea conditions.

How long does the boat stop at the swimming lagoon?

The seasonal Crystal Lagoon or St. Nicholas Bay stop lasts about 45 minutes. The Blue Lagoon stop lasts approximately three and a half hours, with the itinerary also describing about three hours of free time.

Is food included?

No. Food and drinks are available to buy at the onboard bar, but they are not included in the ticket price.

Can I rent snorkeling equipment?

Yes. Masks and snorkels can be rented onboard for €5 per person.

Does the boat have a waterslide?

Yes. Use of the waterslide and boat facilities is included.

Does the cruise visit Gozo?

The boat makes a brief photo stop at Mgarr Harbour in Gozo and drops off passengers who have booked a separate Gozo visit. This cruise does not include a Gozo sightseeing tour.

What happens if bad weather cancels the cruise?

You should be offered a different date or a full refund if the experience is canceled because of poor weather.