Comino and the Blue Lagoon are hard to beat. I love the modern air-conditioned catamaran ride and the simple setup for a full day out at sea. I also like the freedom of a leisure stop on Comino where you can swim and snorkel at your own pace. One big thing to plan for: the Blue Lagoon landing now requires a government access pass, and without it you won’t be able to disembark.

This cruise runs about 7 to 7.5 hours, with morning departures from either Sliema or St. Paul’s Bay (Buġibba). You’re basically buying comfort, coastline views, and a reliable ferry-style route to one of Malta’s most famous swimming spots. Just remember the boat doesn’t linger at the lagoon, so your time on Comino needs to be timed with the rules.

Key highlights I’d circle before you book

• Air-conditioned catamaran + onboard comfort: Wi‑Fi, toilets, and crew help make the ride easier than the average boat day.
• Two departure areas to match your base: Sliema Ferries or Buġibba Jetty (St. Paul’s Bay).
• Comino time is free, not guided: you get leisure hours to explore the car-free island.
• Blue Lagoon access pass is mandatory: limited daily slots, and you must book the morning and afternoon time slots for your pass request.
• Optional speedboat add-on is weather dependent: Comino Caves and the Crystal Lagoon cost about €15 per person when offered.

Malta-to-Comino by catamaran: comfort first, views the bonus

The best part of this experience is the mix of “getting there” and “doing it.” The cruise is designed as a proper sea trip: you leave in the morning from the Malta north coast, and you spend the first stretch enjoying coastline views from a modern, air-conditioned catamaran. If your day plan is mostly water time, this kind of boat transport still matters because Comino is not a quick walk-and-go destination.

Onboard, you get practical perks that make a long day easier. There are toilet facilities, free Wi‑Fi, and the whole setup is meant for comfort rather than barebones ferries. The crew is there to assist, and the staff guidance tends to be the difference between a smooth boarding experience and a stressful one—so I’d treat the “arrive early” instruction seriously.

For most people, this cruise is a straightforward promise: morning departure, scenic cruising along Malta, a day on Comino with swimming, and a return route that keeps things moving.

Sliema vs Buġibba/St. Paul’s Bay: picking the right departure point

You have two starting options, and choosing the right one can save you time and hassle. Departures can be from:

• Sliema Ferries (Sliema)
• Buġibba Jetty in St. Paul’s Bay

If you’re staying around Sliema, the Sliema departure is often the simplest. If you’re based closer to the northern bay area, Buġibba/St. Paul’s Bay can cut down on added transit. Either way, you should plan to arrive 15–20 minutes early so boarding doesn’t turn into a scramble.

One more detail to keep in mind: the cruise route includes a brief stop at Mġarr Harbour in Gozo to drop off passengers heading to Gozo. That’s not your Comino moment, but it does mean the timetable feels like a multi-stop day at sea. It’s part of why the trip is built around a set schedule.

The Comino island stop: self-guided time that works for swimmers and walkers

Once you reach Comino, you step ashore for a leisure stop. This is not a guided tour. Translation: you’re free to decide what your Comino day looks like—swim, snorkel, walk, photograph, relax. The island is car-free and small enough that you can explore without a bus or taxi.

If you’re the kind of traveler who likes options, this self-guided format helps. Some people want to camp out near the best swimming areas. Others want to wander toward viewpoints or take in the island vibe before the afternoon rush.

Even though Comino is famous for summer swimming, it’s also described as worth visiting in winter for hiking and photos. The walking routes connect places like St. Mary’s Chapel, St. Mary’s Watch Tower, and St. Mary’s Battery. If you’re traveling in colder months, you might actually enjoy Comino more for the quiet and trails than for beach crowds.

Just remember: because the boat is a ferry cruise and will not remain at the destination, your return depends on timekeeping. You can roam, but don’t treat it like you can float the whole day and come back whenever.

Blue Lagoon access pass: the new rule you must not ignore

This is the single biggest planning issue for the day. Since a government directive effective May 2025, you must obtain a Blue Lagoon access pass in advance to disembark at the Blue Lagoon.

Key points you should treat as non-negotiable:

• Get the pass via the official site: blcomino.com
• Daily pass allocation is limited
• For this trip, you are required to book both the morning and afternoon time slots when applying for your pass
• You will not be allowed to disembark at the Blue Lagoon without the official pass

This matters because most people book a ferry cruise expecting it to be simple: arrive, step ashore, swim. Now it’s more like a ticketed entry system. If your pass timing doesn’t match your day, you could end up stuck with a Comino stop where the main lagoon experience is out of reach.

So I’d suggest doing this early—before you get too attached to a “we’ll figure it out on the day” mindset.

Swimming in crystal-clear water, plus the optional caves speedboat

Comino’s Blue Lagoon is the headline, and the cruise is built around that single moment. The water is described as transparent turquoise with a white sandy base and rich marine life. On a day like this, that combination is what makes swimming and snorkeling feel magical—you’re not just wading into water; you’re getting a clear view into the underwater world.

What you can do during the lagoon time:

• Swimming
• Sunbathing
• Snorkelling
• Exploring other parts of Comino during your free time

There’s also an optional add-on: a motorboat trip to the Comino Caves and the Crystal Lagoon. It’s not included. You pay on location (about €15 per person), and it’s always subject to favourable weather and sea conditions. If the sea is rough, the add-on can change or be unavailable, so I wouldn’t build your whole day around it.

If you like “plan B” flexibility, that optional speedboat can be a great extra. If you prefer certainty, treat it as a bonus, not a requirement.

Onboard reality check: pace, seasickness risk, and boarding friction

This is where your expectations should match the ocean.

The boat can move quickly, and at least some recent experiences point to rougher-than-expected waves on certain stretches. If you’re prone to seasickness, this probably isn’t the day trip to gamble on. The activity is explicitly listed as not suitable for people prone to seasickness, and it’s easy to see why on a fast ferry-style route.

You should also plan for crowds at the lagoon. Even with a pass system, Blue Lagoon is a famous stop. That means you’ll want to protect your time: get your swim stuff ready, use the moments you have, and don’t wait until the last second to enter the water.

Finally, boarding organization seems to be the other stress point. Some accounts describe chaotic scanning and passengers waiting in the sun. The best countermeasure is simple: arrive early and keep your ticket/access pass info organized so you can move quickly through the line.

Value for around $35: what’s included, what’s extra, and what the price really buys

At about $35 per person for roughly 7–7.5 hours, you’re paying for transport plus a structured day at sea. The value is strong if you care about comfort and you want a hassle-free way to reach Comino.

What’s included:

• Sightseeing ferry cruise to Comino Island
• Morning departures from Sliema or St. Paul’s Bay
• Fully air-conditioned modern catamaran
• Free Wi‑Fi
• Toilet facilities
• Crew assistance

What is not included:

• The government-issued Blue Lagoon access pass
• Hotel pick-up/drop-off
• Land transportation in Gozo
• A tour guide (this is leisure time)
• Entry fees to sites (if any come up)
• Food and drinks
• The optional motorboat to caves/crystal lagoon (about €15 per person)

Here’s the honest value math: the cruise price is basically “you get the boat, you get the day structure, you get the comfort.” The lagoon experience itself now depends on the access pass. Food and drinks depend on you. So you’re not really paying for a full-service guided excursion—you’re paying for transport and a platform to swim.

If you’re okay with a self-guided day and you’ll bring snacks or plan your own food strategy on Comino, $35 can feel like a fair deal. If you want everything handled end to end, you may find the extras add up.

Who this Comino ferry cruise suits (and who should skip it)

This experience tends to fit best when your priorities are clear:

You’ll likely love it if:

• You want Comino and the Blue Lagoon as your main goal
• You like independent time instead of a formal guided tour
• You appreciate onboard comfort like air-conditioning, Wi‑Fi, and toilets
• You’re traveling from Sliema or the St. Paul’s Bay area and want an efficient day route

You should think twice if:

• You have mobility impairments. The activity is listed as not suitable for people with mobility impairments.
• You’re prone to seasickness. The activity is also not suitable for that.
• You hate crowds. The Blue Lagoon is popular, and the day is designed around maximizing shore time while the ferry schedules keep the group moving.

If you’re a hiker or photographer, Comino’s car-free trails (like routes connected to St. Mary’s Chapel, Watch Tower, and Battery) are a strong secondary reason to go—especially in cooler months when the island can feel more walkable.

Should you book this Blue Lagoon ferry cruise?

Book it if you want a comfortable, scheduled day trip to Comino, and you’re willing to do the one crucial planning step: get your Blue Lagoon access pass in advance with the required time slots.

Skip or choose a different format if you’re very sensitive to motion or you need a slow, fully guided, low-stress experience. The boat pace and the nature of this day (no lingering, self-guided time, high-demand lagoon) mean it’s not designed for people who want everything relaxed and effortless.

If you do book, I’d prepare in three practical ways: get your pass early, arrive 15–20 minutes before departure, and pack for both swimming and dry-waiting time on the ferry.

FAQ

How long is the Coastal Ferry Cruise to the Blue Lagoon?

The duration is listed as 7 to 7.5 hours.

Where can I depart for this cruise?

You can choose a departure from either Sliema Ferries in Sliema or Buġibba Jetty in St. Paul’s Bay (St. Paul’s Bay area). The time you depart depends on the option you book.

Do I need an access pass to step ashore at the Blue Lagoon?

Yes. Malta introduced a directive effective May 2025 requiring a government-issued Blue Lagoon access pass. You must get it in advance from blcomino.com, and you won’t be allowed to disembark at the Blue Lagoon without the official pass.

Is the Comino stop a guided tour?

No. This is not a guided tour. Your Comino time is at leisure.

What is included on the boat?

Included features are a modern, fully air-conditioned catamaran, free Wi‑Fi, toilet facilities, and crew/staff assistance, along with the sightseeing ferry cruise to Comino.

What should I bring, and what isn’t allowed?

Bring comfortable shoes, sunglasses, swimwear, a towel, camera, sunscreen, and cash. Pets are not allowed, and you also can’t bring oversize luggage or large bags. Smoking is not allowed.