Comino looks totally different at dusk. This evening catamaran to the Blue Lagoon is all about calmer water for swimming and snorkeling, plus the comfort of a modern, air-conditioned boat with toilets and free Wi‑Fi—without any long, stuffy bus ride. The main catch: the Comino access pass is required for stepping ashore, and it must be booked in advance.

If you like your Malta time to feel relaxed, this plan fits. You leave Sliema Ferries at 4:30 PM, reach Comino around 5:45 PM, hang out in the lagoon for about 2 hours, then cruise back to Sliema in the dark—arriving around 9:15 PM.

Key things that make this cruise feel worth it

• Evening timing at Comino means clearer, calmer water after the day crowds thin out
• Catamaran comfort: air conditioning, toilets, and free Wi‑Fi while you’re on the water
• Anchored lagoon time: you’re not rushed—swim, snorkel, or explore Comino at leisure
• Best of sunset + night skies with a return cruise under stars
• Good value for $41 when you factor in the full cruise and dedicated Blue Lagoon time
• Extras exist, but are optional (like a cave add-on reported during the shore time)

The evening catamaran timing that makes Comino calmer

Comino’s Blue Lagoon is famous for a reason: the water can look unreal, especially when the sun gets low. The big win here is the when. Going in the evening glow helps you avoid the peak crush, so you can actually enjoy the water instead of treating it like a queue.

You also get two different moods. First, you’re in Comino while it’s still bright enough to see everything clearly and swim comfortably. Later, you’re on the water again for the night-sky return, which feels more peaceful than the daytime scene.

Boarding at Sliema Ferries: find the red boat and plan your seat

The cruise departs from Sliema Ferries on Triq Ix-Xatt. Your best move is to arrive 15 to 20 minutes early, and look for the red boat within the promenade area between the Ferries 1 bus stop and the Bouverie bus stop. If you’re unsure, head to one of the red ticketing kiosks and ask for the boat.

Once you’re on board, seat choice matters more than you might think for this route. One useful tip from feedback: if you want the most scenic views going out, aim for the left-hand side; for the return views back to shore, go for the right-hand side.

On board comfort: air-conditioning, Wi‑Fi, and the drink reality

This is a modern catamaran designed for comfort during the crossing. The boat is air-conditioned, has toilet facilities, and includes free Wi‑Fi, which is a nice touch if you want to share photos while you’re still on the move.

Food and drinks are where you need to be realistic. This trip doesn’t include a meal. Some people found there isn’t a full bar on board; instead, the setup is more like vending machines. You can bring your own food and drinks, so if you want something specific (snack, water, something salty), pack it and keep it simple.

Getting to Comino: the ride across the sparkling Mediterranean

You set out at 4:30 PM, cross the sea, and arrive at Comino around 5:45 PM. That means you get a proper travel window to settle in, take photos over the water, and check in with your swim plan before the lagoon time starts.

If you’re prone to seasickness, this part matters. The schedule doesn’t give you control over sea conditions, so if you tend to feel rough on boats, bring your motion sickness prevention ahead of time.

The core experience: 2 hours anchored in Blue Lagoon

The boat stays anchored in the Blue Lagoon, which is a big practical difference from tours that keep you moving. You’re scheduled for about 2 hours of free time in the lagoon area, and during that window you can:

• swim in the clear water
• snorkel (bring your own gear if you prefer)
• explore Comino at an unhurried pace

Because it’s free time (not a guided stop), you’ll want a simple plan. I’d decide ahead of time what you care about most—swimming, snorkeling, or just taking in the view from the water and shoreline. That way you don’t waste your limited window wandering.

The Comino access pass requirement you must get first

There’s one rule that can ruin your evening if you don’t handle it early. Since a Malta government directive effective May 2025, you need an official access pass to disembark at the Blue Lagoon. The pass is obtained through blcomino.com, and daily slots are limited.

For this specific cruise, you must book the evening timeslot when applying for your pass. If you show up without the official pass, you won’t be allowed to step ashore at the Blue Lagoon. This is not optional and it’s not a policy the operator controls.

Comino Island shore time: optional cave excursion and small comforts

Your shore time is flexible, but you’re still working inside a 5-hour overall tour. That’s why it helps to know what’s optional versus must-do.

From feedback, there may be an optional add-on cave excursion offered while you’re on Comino. One reported version costs 15€ per person, runs about 20 minutes of time ashore in a smaller boat, and can avoid a landing pass queue step because the pass scanning is already handled. If you already know you want just beach-and-water time, you can skip it.

A few small paid comforts also pop up on Comino:

• Deckchairs can be hired (reported at 5€ each)
• Some people reported receiving a complimentary drink token from kiosk options on the island, including a non-alcoholic drink

These aren’t required to enjoy the day, but they help you set the tone—especially if you want to sit, stretch out, and let the evening sky do its work.

The return cruise at night: stars, lit landmarks, and quiet views

At 8:00 PM, you cruise back toward Sliema. The atmosphere shifts quickly: the water darkens, your sense of speed slows, and you start noticing what you missed earlier—shore lights, reflections, and the moon.

One standout detail from feedback: people enjoyed sailing past the Basilica of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, lit against the night sky, with a nearly full moon above. That kind of scenery is exactly why this itinerary feels more special than a simple daytime ferry.

You’re scheduled to arrive back in Sliema around 9:15 PM, which keeps the whole evening feeling compact but not rushed.

Price and value: what $41 really covers (and what costs extra)

At about $41 per person, this is priced like a mid-range excursion: not cheap in the way of a basic ferry, but also not a high-end private boat.

Here’s what you’re paying for:

• the scenic catamaran cruise from Sliema to Comino and back
• about 2 hours free time in the Blue Lagoon area
• air-conditioned comfort, toilets, and free Wi‑Fi on board
• crew support during the experience

What costs extra:

• the Comino access pass (required by government rule)
• food and drinks (no included meal; you can bring your own, and there may be vending options on board)
• optional add-ons like the reported cave excursion

A practical way to think about it: if you value dedicated boat time plus a real evening change of scenery, this price often feels fair. If you’re trying to do Comino as cheaply as possible, you might compare other ferry-only options—but you’ll lose the relaxed catamaran evening rhythm.

Who should book this cruise (and who should skip it)

This is a great fit if you want:

• a relaxed evening plan instead of a full-day grind
• dedicated swim time in a famous spot
• a return trip timed for night sky views

It may not be a great fit if:

• you have mobility impairments (the trip is not suitable for people with mobility impairments)
• you’re prone to seasickness (it’s not suitable for people who get seasick easily)
• you want a guided experience (this is not a guided tour; the Comino time is leisure)

If your idea of a perfect day is walking with a guide, asking questions, and learning the history on the spot, you’ll likely feel shortchanged here. If your idea is water, views, and breathing room, it hits the mark.

Tips that make a big difference on evening lagoon trips

A few small choices can save time and stress.

Bring the basics that actually help:

• swimwear and a towel
• sunscreen and sunglasses
• a sun hat
• comfortable shoes for the shore areas

Plan for motion:

• pack motion sickness prevention if you’ve ever felt seasick on boats

Think ahead about the pass:

• get the government access pass for the correct evening timeslot before you go
• treat it like a ticket to your own day—without it, you can’t step ashore at the Blue Lagoon

And one last practical note: on-trip signage and kiosk directions can be messy in high season. If you’re unsure where to go or what to do, prioritize asking the crew on board for clear guidance rather than relying on confusing or conflicting directions near the dock.

Should you book this evening Blue Lagoon cruise?

I’d book this if you want Comino with a calmer pace, a real amount of water time, and a return that feels scenic instead of just transportation. The evening schedule is the whole point, and the anchored lagoon setup makes the most of your short window.

Skip it if you strongly need a guided tour, you’re dealing with mobility limitations, or you know you get seasick. Also double-check the access pass requirement early—this is the one part that can turn a dream evening into a disappointment.

If you match those boxes, this is a satisfying, value-minded way to experience Malta’s Blue Lagoon at the hour when it feels most magical.

FAQ

What time does the cruise leave Sliema?

The boat departs from Sliema Ferries at 4:30 PM.

What time do you arrive at the Blue Lagoon on Comino?

You arrive at the Blue Lagoon area at approximately 5:45 PM.

How long do you have in the Blue Lagoon?

The schedule includes about 2 hours of free time in Comino/Blue Lagoon while the boat is anchored.

Is this a guided tour?

No. This trip is not a guided tour. The stop in Comino is at leisure.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not included. You can bring your own, and there may be vending options on board.

Do I need a Comino access pass to disembark?

Yes. Since a government directive effective May 2025, you must obtain an official access pass in advance to step ashore at the Blue Lagoon.

Where do I board the catamaran?

You depart from Sliema Ferries, Triq Ix-Xatt, Sliema, in the promenade area between the Ferries 1 bus stop and the Bouverie bus stop. Look for the red boat.

Is Wi‑Fi available on the boat?

Yes. Free Wi‑Fi is available on board.

Is the cruise suitable for people prone to seasickness or mobility impairments?

No. It is not suitable for people prone to seasickness, and it is also not suitable for people with mobility impairments.