Coastal Ferry Cruise to The Blue Lagoon (Comino Island)

Blue water is only half the story. This 7 to 7.5 hour ferry trip combines a scenic ride along Malta’s northern coast with a full day of free time on Comino, making it an easy way to reach the famous Blue Lagoon without arranging several separate boat connections.

I especially like the two departure points, Sliema and Buġibba, and the chance to see Malta from the water before reaching Comino. The modern, air-conditioned catamaran also offers toilets and Wi-Fi, useful comforts on a long day at sea. The main drawback is the boat’s speed and size. Some passengers have found the ride rough enough to feel sick, and the Blue Lagoon itself can be extremely crowded in summer.

This is a ferry cruise, not a guided tour. You get transport, coastal views, and time ashore, but you are responsible for your own swimming, food, sightseeing, and return boarding. At $35 per person, it can be good value if you want a simple day on Comino, but you should prepare for a busy beach stop rather than a quiet island escape.

Key points to know before booking

• Comino access now requires a government pass: You must arrange an official Blue Lagoon access pass through blcomino.com before arrival, and the daily allocation is limited.
• Choose Sliema or Buġibba: Depart from Sliema Ferries or Buġibba Jetty, depending on the option and time selected when booking.
• The trip lasts 7 to 7.5 hours: Much of the day includes ferry travel, with the main free-time stop at Comino.
• The Blue Lagoon is free time, not a guided visit: You can swim, sunbathe, snorkel, walk, or seek out a quieter part of the island.
• A €15 cave trip is optional: Local motorboats may take you to the Comino Caves and Crystal Lagoon, weather and sea conditions permitting.
• Seasickness is a real concern: The boat has modern facilities, but some sailings have been fast and rough, especially on the outward trip.

Choosing between Sliema and Buġibba

Your day begins at either Sliema Ferries or Buġibba Jetty. Sliema is a practical choice if you are staying around Valletta, Sliema, or the central coastal districts. Buġibba suits you better if you are based near St. Paul’s Bay or Malta’s northern resorts.

You need to arrive 15 to 20 minutes before departure. That advice matters here because the boat may also collect passengers at another stop, and boarding can become confusing when several groups arrive at once. Have your booking details ready, follow staff directions, and avoid cutting the timing close.

The exact meeting point depends on the option you book, so check it carefully rather than assuming every departure uses the same pier. You should also bring only what you need. Oversize luggage and large bags are not allowed, and non-folding wheelchairs cannot be accommodated.

One practical weakness is that the boarding process may not always feel orderly. Reports of passengers waiting in the sun, unclear instructions, and slow ticket checks suggest that arriving early is more than a formality. It gives you time to sort out the pier and boarding queue without starting the day in a rush.

Cruising Malta’s northern coast

Once aboard, the catamaran follows Malta’s northern shoreline toward Comino. The journey is part of the attraction, not just a transfer. From the water, you get a different view of Malta’s coastal attractions, rocky edges, bays, and the chain of islands.

The boat is described as modern and fully air-conditioned, with toilets and free Wi-Fi. Those features are useful on a trip of this length, especially if you want a break from the sun. Crew assistance is available, and the onboard facilities make this a more comfortable option than a basic open boat.

Still, comfort depends heavily on the sea. A few passengers found the catamaran traveled very fast over the waves. One account described widespread seasickness during the first part of the journey, followed by a calmer return ride. If you are prone to motion sickness, this is one of the most important points to consider.

Sit where you feel most secure, keep water close, and bring cash for practical needs ashore. The supplied information does not promise a slow, gentle crossing, so I would not choose this trip if rough water usually ruins your day.

The brief stop at St. Paul’s Bay

The ferry makes a short stop at St. Paul’s Bay to collect passengers from the area. If you board in Sliema, this is part of your outward journey. If you board at Buġibba, it may be your original departure point instead.

This is not a sightseeing visit with time to explore. Think of it as a pickup stop, and do not expect to get off and visit St. Paul’s Bay. The benefit is convenience: the trip serves two useful parts of Malta, so you do not need to cross the island to reach the boat.

The extra boarding stop can add to the sense of a shared public ferry rather than a small private cruise. That is not necessarily bad. It helps keep the fare at a reasonable level, but it also means the day is built around a set timetable and several passenger groups.

Passing through Mġarr Harbour in Gozo

The ferry then pauses at Mġarr Harbour in Gozo to drop off passengers who are ending their journey there. You remain on the boat unless your booked option says otherwise.

Mġarr is Gozo’s main harbor, and the stop gives you a quick view of the island’s working waterfront. But again, this is a transfer point, not a Gozo excursion. There is no land transportation in Gozo included, and this cruise does not provide time to tour the island.

This detail matters because the route may look like a Malta, Gozo, and Comino tour at first glance. It is not. Your destination is Comino, and the Gozo stop is simply part of the ferry’s passenger schedule.

The extra stop can also extend the time before you reach the Blue Lagoon. If you are booking mainly for swimming, keep your expectations realistic. The day includes scenic transit and passenger transfers before your main free-time period begins.

Arriving at Comino and the Blue Lagoon

Comino is tiny, car-free, and free of urban development. That gives the island its appeal. Instead of roads and city streets, you have rocky paths, open views, and access to several historic points and walking routes.

The Blue Lagoon is the main draw. Its clear turquoise water, pale seabed, and marine life make it an excellent place for a swim or snorkel. You can sunbathe near the water, take photographs, or simply spend the day at your own pace.

The catch is popularity. In the busy season, the Blue Lagoon can feel packed, and the immediate shoreline may offer little peace. I would treat the famous bay as a place to see and swim, not necessarily the best spot for a quiet afternoon.

If the crowd is too much, walk farther from the main lagoon and look for a less pressured place along the island’s coast. One useful tip from the experience is that a short walk can make a difference. You will not escape all visitors, but you may find more room and a calmer setting away from the central swimming area.

Bring sturdy, comfortable shoes rather than relying only on flip-flops. The trip specifically recommends comfortable footwear, and it will help if you decide to walk beyond the main landing area.

What to do during your free time

You are not assigned to a guide or a fixed activity once you reach Comino. That freedom is one of the best parts of the trip, provided you are comfortable making your own plan.

You can:

• Swim in the Blue Lagoon
• Snorkel in the clear water
• Sunbathe and rest beside the bay
• Walk the island’s trails
• Photograph the coast and small coves
• Visit St. Mary’s Chapel
• Walk toward St. Mary’s Watch Tower
• See St. Mary’s Battery

The chapel, watch tower, and battery give you reasons to look beyond the water. They also make Comino more worthwhile in cooler months, when swimming may be less appealing. The island’s lack of cars and city development suits hikers and photographers, though the tour still centers on a day at leisure rather than a formal walking program.

There are no included entry fees to attractions, and no guide is provided. If you want historical explanations or a carefully planned route, you will need to prepare independently. If you prefer to set your own pace, you can spend an hour in the water, take a walk, and return to the shore without following anyone else’s schedule.

The optional Comino Caves boat trip

During the Comino stop, you may be offered a motorboat trip to the Comino Caves and Crystal Lagoon. It costs about €15 per person, paid locally, and it depends on suitable weather and sea conditions.

This can add variety to a day that might otherwise focus almost entirely on the Blue Lagoon. The caves and Crystal Lagoon offer a different view of Comino’s coast, and a small motorboat can reach places the main ferry does not.

It is not included in the $35 fare, so keep extra cash with you if you are interested. You should also regard it as an optional possibility, not a guaranteed part of the program. Sea conditions may cancel it, and the information provided does not specify the exact length or departure schedule.

Because your main ferry has a fixed return time, keep track of the clock before accepting any additional boat ride. The crew can assist, but you are responsible for getting back to the correct departure point.

Is $35 a fair price?

At $35 per person, the price covers a full-day ferry outing, coastal sightseeing, the ride to Comino, air conditioning, Wi-Fi, toilets, and crew assistance. It does not cover lunch, drinks, site entry, hotel transport, the government access pass, or the optional cave boat.

I consider the fare reasonable if your priority is straightforward transportation to Comino from Malta. A separate day at the Blue Lagoon can require more planning, and this option gives you a scheduled ride plus a return connection.

The value drops if you expect a private cruise, personal service, or a small group. The boat can feel like a coach on water, especially when it is full. You are paying for access and convenience, not a quiet luxury sailing.

You should also add the cost of food and drinks, since none are included. Cash is recommended, and it is sensible to carry enough for the optional €15 motorboat trip if you may want it. Most importantly, the government access pass is separate and must be obtained in advance.

The Blue Lagoon access pass is essential

From May 2025, anyone stepping ashore at the Blue Lagoon needs an official government-issued access pass. You can obtain it through blcomino.com, but the number of daily passes is limited.

When applying for this trip, you must book both the morning and afternoon time slots. Do this before your ferry day. Without the official pass, you will not be allowed to disembark at the Blue Lagoon.

This new rule is easy to overlook because the ferry ticket itself does not include the pass. I would handle this as soon as your travel date is fixed, then keep proof of the pass with your booking information.

The regulation is not controlled by the ferry operator. It is a Malta government requirement, so complaints at the pier will not solve the problem if you arrive without the correct authorization.

Who should book this ferry cruise?

I would recommend it to you if you want:

• A simple, scheduled trip from Malta to Comino
• A full day built around swimming and free time
• Scenic coastal views without hiring a private boat
• A choice of departure point in Sliema or Buġibba
• The freedom to walk and explore without a guide
• A reasonably priced outing with basic onboard comforts

I would think twice if you dislike crowded beaches, need a quiet boat ride, or suffer badly from seasickness. The Blue Lagoon is beautiful, but its fame brings heavy demand, especially during summer.

Families and independent sightseers may like the flexibility, but anyone needing step-free access should note that the trip is not suitable for people with mobility impairments. Pets, smoking, large bags, and oversize luggage are also not permitted.

For cooler months, the trip has a different appeal. Swimming may be less important, but Comino’s walking paths, chapel, tower, battery, and open coastal views can make the island a rewarding day out for hikers and photographers.

Final decision: book it for access, not solitude

This ferry cruise earns its strong overall score because it solves a practical problem: it gets you from Malta to Comino, gives you a full day there, and includes the basic comforts needed for a long ride. The scenery is attractive, the Blue Lagoon is genuinely beautiful, and the departure choices are useful.

I would book it if you accept that this is a shared ferry trip with free time at a very popular bay. Arrive early, secure the Blue Lagoon pass, bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, comfortable shoes, and cash. If you are sensitive to rough water, choose another way to reach Comino or plan carefully for seasickness.

The best approach is to enjoy the lagoon briefly, then walk away from the busiest patch of shore. That small change can turn a crowded stop into a more satisfying island day.

FAQ

How long does the Coastal Ferry Cruise to the Blue Lagoon last?

The experience lasts approximately 7 to 7.5 hours, including the ferry journey and free time on Comino Island.

Where can I board the ferry?

You can choose a departure from Sliema Ferries in Sliema or Buġibba Jetty in St. Paul’s Bay, depending on the option selected when booking.

How early should I arrive for boarding?

You should arrive at your departure location 15 to 20 minutes before the scheduled departure time.

Is the Blue Lagoon access pass included?

No. You must obtain the government-issued access pass separately through blcomino.com. The daily number of passes is limited.

Do I need more than one time slot for the access pass?

Yes. For this trip, you must book both the morning and afternoon time slots when applying for the Blue Lagoon pass.

Is this a guided tour?

No. This is a ferry cruise with free time on Comino. There is no tour guide, and you explore the island independently.

Is food or drink included?

No. Food and drinks are not included, so you should bring money and plan accordingly.

How much does the optional cave trip cost?

The optional motorboat trip to the Comino Caves and Crystal Lagoon costs approximately €15 per person, paid locally. It depends on favorable weather and sea conditions.

Is the cruise suitable for people with seasickness or mobility impairments?

The experience is not suitable for people prone to seasickness or people with mobility impairments.