Comino looks unreal from a boat. I really like the long Blue Lagoon free-time block and the Crystal Lagoon swim stop in summer, plus the water-slide fun onboard. The main catch: Blue Lagoon can get crowded, so shade and space are the first things to go.

You’re not just getting dropped at one pretty spot. You cruise past Malta’s bays and head straight into Comino territory, with a sea-caves scenic moment on the way back that’s worth slowing down for. It feels like a full day at sea with the boat as your base, not a quick photo run.

One thing to plan: if you want to step ashore at Blue Lagoon in 2025, you’ll need a free QR code in advance for the afternoon slot. Also, while there’s an onboard bar, food and drinks aren’t included in the ticket price.

Key highlights at a glance

• Two Comino swim stops (summer): Crystal Lagoon at St. Nicholas Bay (seasonal) plus Blue Lagoon
• Big Blue Lagoon time: about 3.5 hours to swim, explore, and use the boat as your home base
• Water-slide onboard: built into the day, and it’s an easy way to cool off
• Scenic cruising along Malta’s north coast: Sliema, St Julian’s/Balluta Bay, Paceville area, Bugibba, Mellieha Bay, and more
• Comino sea caves viewed from the water: you’ll get the cave scenery on the return cruise
• QR code required to go ashore at Blue Lagoon (2025): free, but mandatory for getting on shore in that time window

Why this Sliema-to-Comino boat day feels different

This is one of those Malta trips where the payoff starts before you even reach Comino. From the start in Sliema, you cruise along the coastline and pass a string of bays and viewpoints you won’t see the same way from land. Even if you’ve been to Malta’s towns, this route gives you a water-level sense of scale—beaches, harbors, and cliffs all line up in a way photos can’t quite copy.

What I love most is how much time you get where it matters. Crystal Lagoon is a focused swim stop, but the Blue Lagoon block is long enough that you can follow your own rhythm: swim, rest on the boat, wander a bit, then swim again. In a day-trip world full of rushed arrivals, that freedom changes the whole experience.

The trade-off is crowd reality. Blue Lagoon is famous for a reason, and that popularity shows up fast. If you’re hoping for wide-open quiet, you’ll need to manage expectations and lean into the boat-as-base strategy.

Getting on board in Sliema: timing, comfort, and where you should be

The tour starts at Luzzu Cruises in Sliema (Ferries 4, Triq Ix-Xatt, Sliema SLM 1023). Departure is at 10:00 am, and you’ll want to arrive at least 30 minutes early. Mobile tickets are used, and confirmation comes at booking, so you’ll be ready to go as soon as check-in opens.

Boat comfort can vary depending on the day and how full it gets. The most practical tip: try to secure a spot up top if you want the best views and sun. When the boat is busy, you may end up farther down (and that affects how much scenery you actually see), so arrive early and move quickly.

On board, expect a proper day-trip setup: you can use the waterslide and boat facilities, and there’s an onboard bar for food and drinks. One thing that came through in feedback is that the information you hear may be more limited than you’d get from a live guide everywhere—there can be recorded-style audio—so don’t rely on narration for all the details. Bring curiosity, not a quiz.

Malta coast cruise before Comino: the bays you pass are part of the show

A big part of the value here is the cruise route. While you’re underway, you pass by:

• Sliema promenade
• St Julian’s / Balluta Bay
• St George’s Bay / Paceville
• Bugibba
• St Paul’s Island (linked to the shipwreck story in year 60 AD)
• Mellieħa Bay

Why you should care: each bay gives you a different coastline look—more urban shoreline in some stretches, more open-feeling coast in others. It also helps you orient yourself later when you’re actually swimming in Comino. You’ll start to recognize the water color changes and how the island geography shapes it.

If you’re traveling with kids, this cruising portion is also a built-in activity. Even before you hit the lagoons, the motion plus changing scenery keeps everyone interested without needing a strict schedule.

Gozo stops only exist to take a photo

This is not a Gozo day. You’ll get a photo stop at Mgarr Harbour for about 5 minutes, and those who booked to visit Gozo may disembark there. Everyone else stays on the boat and keeps the day rolling.

So if you want beaches, viewpoints, and real Gozo exploring, this won’t be it. But if your goal is Comino and you’re simply curious about seeing Gozo from the harbor side, the quick stop can be a nice bonus between swim breaks.

Crystal Lagoon at St. Nicholas Bay: seasonal, short, and best for quick swimming

In summer (May 1 to Oct 30), you’ll stop at Crystal Lagoon / St. Nicholas Bay for about 45 minutes. This stop is designed for swimming right from the boat, and you can use the water-slide here too.

Two practical realities shape this lagoon time:

1. Sea conditions matter. Wind, currents, and how the water is behaving can influence how close the boat can position you.
2. The stop can be weather-flexible. The skipper chooses the better spot depending on things like sea conditions and safety.

In other words: you’re not signing up for a guaranteed perfect entry spot every single day. The upside is that you get a true second Comino swim experience rather than a single lagoon and done.

If you’re sensitive to waves, consider how you handled rough water on previous boat rides. You’ll cover open sea sections to reach Comino, and that’s when some people feel it most.

Blue Lagoon and Comino caves: your main free-time block

Blue Lagoon is the headline stop. The boat stays there for around 3.5 hours, and you have the kind of time that lets you do more than swim once. You can explore parts of Comino, head to the beach area, or use the boat as your base and hop in and out when you want.

A key detail for 2025: if you want to get off the boat at Blue Lagoon (Comino shore access), you must register in advance for a free QR code at blcomino.com and pick the afternoon slot 13:31 to 17:30. Those QR code tickets are mandatory to get on shore. If you don’t have it, you’ll be staying on/near the boat for your swim time.

Comino also brings sea caves into the mix. You’ll get a cave-focused scenic moment during the return cruise, so even if you don’t take any separate cave boat activity, you’ll still get that classic Comino look from the water.

Crowds and shade: plan like you’re sharing paradise

Blue Lagoon is often packed, and that affects how the time feels. Shade can be limited once the afternoon builds. One smart approach is to treat the boat as your comfort zone: towels and bags can be placed where allowed, and you can move between water time and rest time without fighting for the best spot on shore.

You may also notice how practical items behave around crowds. A couple of people noted color transfer from bracelets used for access, especially with sunscreen contact—so if you care about keeping swimwear pristine, plan to apply sunscreen carefully and keep gear protected.

Onboard experience: waterslide fun, bathrooms, and the realities of a busy boat

The waterslide is one of the simplest reasons to smile during this trip. It’s right there, ready when you want a break from swimming, and it adds a playful element that doesn’t require extra tickets.

Onboard facilities can be a major value factor too. Many day trips to lagoons end with you returning to a cramped tender and hoping for clean basics. Here, the boat acts like a moving base, with facilities and a place to sit and cool down when you’re tired.

Food and drink are the one area where you need to budget. The onboard bar sells snacks and drinks, but it’s not included. Some people found the snack options limited compared to what they expected. If you have strong snack preferences, bring a few simple items if your day plan allows (check what’s permitted and available onboard when you board).

One more practical note: if you’re prone to motion sickness, have a plan. Rougher starts can happen, and seas can turn bumpy enough that people get queasy. I’d rather be over-prepared than spending the best swimming hours feeling off.

Where the tour can feel imperfect (and how to work around it)

No lagoon day is perfect, and this one is honest about the parts that can shift.

• Stop positioning can change. Crystal Lagoon and swim spots can be chosen based on wind, currents, or jellyfish concerns. If you’re expecting the boat to park at the calmest patch every single time, you might be disappointed.
• Crowding at Blue Lagoon is real. Even with a long stay, the beach areas can feel tightly packed. If you want quiet, you’ll likely enjoy the boat-side swimming and cave scenery more than lounging ashore.
• Audio and information can be basic. Some days it can feel more like prerecorded updates than a full interactive commentary. That’s not a dealbreaker, but it matters if you want a story behind every bay.
• Overbooking risk exists. On busy days, seating can get tight and you may not end up where you want (especially if you want top-deck sun). Arrive early and keep an eye on where you’re placed.

That said, the overall tone from people who enjoyed it is consistent: the experience is well run, the staff are friendly, and the day feels like good value for the combination of cruising plus lagoon time.

Value check: is $42.24 fair for what you get?

At $42.24 per person, you’re paying for a full day of boat time: a long Blue Lagoon stop, a second Comino swim stop in the summer season, and the cruise route along Malta’s north coast. You also get included use of boat facilities and a waterslide, which can otherwise add costs on other tour styles.

Where the price doesn’t cover everything is exactly what you’d expect: food and drinks are sold onboard, and snorkeling gear like masks/snorkels can be rented for €5 per person. So if you want to snorkel for real, factor that into your day budget.

If your goal is to see Comino’s water and caves without renting a private boat, this ticket structure makes sense. The value gets even better when you treat the boat as a base—spend your money on a drink or two onboard, not on trying to recreate the entire day elsewhere.

Who should book this Sliema-to-Comino cruise

This trip is a great fit if you want:

• One-day access to Comino without planning transport
• Plenty of swim time and the freedom to choose when you’re on the boat vs. in the water
• A day that works for families, since the waterslide and the long lagoon block keep kids interested
• A scenic Malta coastal cruise route that feels like more than just transportation

It may be less ideal if you:

• Want a calm, uncrowded beach day
• Are very sensitive to boat motion (open sea sections can feel rough)
• Need a very guided, story-heavy experience from start to finish (some info can be audio-based)

Still, most people who care about Comino itself tend to feel the day was worth it—especially when they show up early, plan for crowds, and keep their expectations aligned with a shared lagoon day.

Practical tips that make a big difference

A few small moves can turn this into an easy day:

• Get to the meeting point early. You want the best chance at top-deck views and the smoothest check-in.
• If you plan to go ashore in 2025, set up your QR code. Pick the afternoon slot 13:31 to 17:30 before your trip.
• Pack for sun and crowds. Bring sunscreen, a hat, and keep gear organized so you can move fast between swim and rest.
• Treat the boat like your refuge. When shore gets crowded or shade disappears, the boat becomes the smartest place to reset.
• Consider seasickness prevention. If you’ve been affected on boats before, prepare for choppy moments.

Should you book this tour?

I’d book it if your priority is Comino water time and you’re okay with a classic popular-lagoon crowd level. The long Blue Lagoon stay, the onboard waterslide, and the mix of cruising plus cave scenery make it a strong choice for a first Comino day from Sliema.

Skip it (or book with extra caution) if you’re chasing a quiet retreat, dislike packed spaces, or know you’re very sensitive to rougher sea conditions. In those cases, you’d probably enjoy a different style of trip that gives you more control over where you swim and how you spend your time.

FAQ

FAQ

How long is the cruise from Sliema to Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon?

The trip lasts about 7 hours 30 minutes (approx.).

When does the tour depart from Sliema?

The start time is 10:00 am.

Where do I meet the tour, and where does it end?

You meet at Luzzu Cruises (Ferries 4, Triq Ix-Xatt, Sliema SLM 1023, Malta), and the activity ends back at the same departure point in Sliema.

What stops are included during the day?

The boat route includes sailing past Malta’s bays, a photo stop at Mgarr Harbour on Gozo for about 5 minutes, a seasonal stop at Crystal Lagoon / St. Nicholas Bay for about 45 minutes, and a Blue Lagoon stop for about 3.5 hours, with Comino sea caves viewed on the return cruise.

Is Crystal Lagoon included year-round?

No. The Crystal Lagoon stop at St. Nicholas Bay is seasonal and runs from 01 May to 30 October (weather permitting).

Do I need a ticket to get ashore at Blue Lagoon in 2025?

Yes. To get off at Blue Lagoon, you need a free QR code registered in advance via blcomino.com and you must choose the afternoon slot 13:31 – 17:30. It’s mandatory to get on shore.

What’s included on the boat, and what do I need to pay for separately?

Included are the two Comino stops in summer, scenic cave views on the return cruise, use of the water slide and boat facilities, and convenient boat cruises from Sliema. Food and drinks are not included, and masks/snorkels can be rented onboard for €5.00 per person.

What should I know about weather?

This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.