From Sliema: Comino, Crystal Lagoon, and Blue Lagoon Cruise

Crystal-clear water is only part of the story. This 7.5-hour cruise from Sliema links Malta’s northern bays with Gozo and Comino, then gives you time to swim at the Crystal Lagoon and Blue Lagoon. I like the useful mix of sightseeing and water time, and the boat’s slide adds a playful touch for families and anyone who enjoys an easy jump into the sea.

I also like the 3.5 hours at Blue Lagoon on the main option, which is enough time to swim, eat, sunbathe, and walk around Comino without racing back to the boat. The main drawback is crowding: the boat can feel full, and Blue Lagoon itself is a very popular place, especially in warm weather.

Key points to know before you book

• Two swimming stops from May through October: You get about 45 minutes at Crystal Lagoon or St. Nicholas Bay, followed by a longer stay at Blue Lagoon.
• Blue Lagoon gets the most time: The standard option allows 3.5 hours there, while the Gozo option reduces Comino time to 1.5 hours.
• Gozo is mostly a photo stop on the standard cruise: You see Mgarr Harbour for about five minutes unless you select the option with three hours on Gozo.
• The boat has three levels: There is a glass-bottom viewing area, a waterslide, and places to jump into the sea.
• Comino caves are part of the return trip: The boat pauses near the caves for photographs before heading back to Sliema.
• Bring cash and register for Blue Lagoon access: You need cash for purchases, and you must obtain a free QR code for the afternoon landing slot.

From Sliema to Malta’s northern coast

The day begins at Luzzu Cruises, Ferries 4 in Sliema. Look for the MV Kataleya or MV Lady Shelley. Hotel pickup is not included, so you need to make your own way to the waterfront.

Once aboard, the cruise heads north past Sliema Promenade and through St. Julian’s Bay, St. George’s Bay, and Qawra Bay. This opening stretch is less about getting off the boat and more about seeing Malta from the water. The coastline gives you a useful visual introduction to the island’s busy resort areas, rocky shore, and small bays.

The captain or guide provides information in English as the boat moves along. One practical downside is that announcements may be repeated in several languages, which can interrupt the quiet sound of the sea. I would treat the ride as a sightseeing cruise with commentary, not as a silent sailing trip.

The boat itself helps make the long day easier. It has three levels, including a glass-bottom section for looking into the water, and you can move around rather than staying in one fixed seat. Still, seating matters on the return journey. If you want a good place to sit back, claim a spot early.

St. Paul’s Island and Mellieha Bay

The route passes Qawra and St. Paul’s Bay before reaching St. Paul’s Island. The island is viewed from the boat rather than explored on foot, but it gives you another good photo point as you cruise through the bay.

Next comes Mellieha Bay, one of Malta’s better-known stretches of coast. Again, there is no long stop here. The value is in the changing views and in seeing how quickly the built-up parts of Malta give way to open water and more rugged northern shores.

If you are prone to seasickness, take the movement of the boat seriously. One part of the route can feel rough when the water is choppy. Medication may be worth considering even if you do not normally get seasick. Wearing your swimwear under your clothes also saves time when the first swimming stop arrives.

Mgarr Harbour: a quick look at Gozo

The boat crosses to Gozo and pauses at Mgarr Harbour for about five minutes. This is mainly a photo stop on the standard option. You can take in the harbor, surrounding hills, and boats, but you will not have time to explore the island at this point.

That distinction matters. The cruise includes Gozo in the route, but the standard trip does not give you a full Gozo visit. If your main goal is to see Victoria, Gozo’s inland capital, churches, villages, or countryside, this cruise is not a substitute for a dedicated Gozo day.

There is an alternate option with three hours of free time on Gozo and about 1.5 hours at Comino’s Blue Lagoon. Optional land transport to Victoria can be purchased on board for €5 per person. This version suits you if Gozo matters more than long swimming time, but it changes the balance of the day considerably.

I would choose the standard option if you have already arranged a separate Gozo visit or mainly want beaches and swimming. Choose the Gozo option only if you want a quick taste of the island and accept less time at Blue Lagoon.

The Crystal Lagoon stop, May through October

From Gozo, the cruise continues toward Comino. Between May 1 and October 31, and only when weather allows, the boat stops for about 45 minutes at the Crystal Lagoon area or St. Nicholas Bay.

This is often the most enjoyable swimming stop because it feels more focused. You can get into the clear water, snorkel, or use the boat’s slide. The shorter stop also keeps the activity moving, so you do not spend the whole morning sitting in one place.

The slide is one of the cruise’s most popular features. You can also jump from designated parts of the boat, including an upper level. If you prefer a quieter swim, you can simply stay aboard and watch others use the slide. Snorkels may be available to hire, but bringing your own goggles and snorkel is a good idea if you have them.

The stop is not guaranteed. It is seasonal and depends on weather and sea conditions. From November through April, the boat stops at Blue Lagoon only, with no Crystal Lagoon or St. Nicholas Bay swimming break.

Blue Lagoon: beautiful, busy, and worth planning for

The main event is Blue Lagoon, where the standard cruise gives you around 3.5 hours. That is enough time to swim more than once, sit in the sun, eat something, and walk around part of Comino.

The water is the obvious attraction. It is clear enough for swimming and snorkeling, and the pale sea against the rocky shore makes this one of Malta’s most memorable coastal stops. The boat’s slide and swimming platforms are fun, but you do not have to use them. Blue Lagoon also works for a slower afternoon.

You should know what kind of place this is. Blue Lagoon is highly popular, and it can feel crowded. The island is rocky rather than soft and sandy in many areas, so comfortable shoes help. Beach chairs can be hired, and food and refreshments are available on the island, but prices and quality may be better on the boat. Bringing cash gives you more flexibility.

A useful tip is to buy lunch on board if you prefer a cheaper and more predictable meal. Food and drinks are available from the cruise boat at reasonable prices, while the island’s food outlets can be more expensive. You can also pack your own simple supplies, though food and drinks are not included in the tour.

To leave the boat at Blue Lagoon, you must register for a free QR code at www.blcomino.com. The required afternoon slot is listed as 13.31 to 17.30. Do this before the trip so you are not caught out when the boat reaches Comino.

The Comino caves on the way home

After the Blue Lagoon stop, the boat begins the return journey to Sliema. Before heading back across open water, it pauses near the Santa Maria Caves and other Comino sea caves for about ten minutes.

This short visit is made for photographs rather than a full cave exploration. The boat gives you a different angle on Comino’s pale rock walls and openings in the coast. Keep your camera ready, since the stop is brief and conditions can affect the exact route.

The cave stop is a nice finishing touch because it adds scenery after the swimming portion of the day. It also means you do not have to choose between a beach trip and a coastal sightseeing cruise. You get a bit of both, though neither part is as detailed as a dedicated walking or cave tour.

What the $40 price really delivers

At about $40 per person, this cruise offers strong value if you want a full day on the water without arranging separate transport to Comino. The price covers the cruise from Sliema, the Gozo harbor stop, the seasonal swimming stop, Blue Lagoon, the Comino caves, and use of the waterslide.

You are paying for access and convenience more than luxury. Food, drinks, hotel transfers, beach chairs, and any optional transport on Gozo cost extra. The boat may also feel crowded, especially during busy periods, so do not expect a private sailing experience.

The value improves if you use the included time well. Swim at both stops, walk around Comino, take photographs from the boat, and use the upper deck or glass-bottom area. If you only want to sit on a beach, a cheaper local transport option might suit you better. If you want several coastal sights plus swimming in one day, the price is sensible.

The crew is another part of the value. They are described as friendly, helpful, and attentive, with the boat and bathrooms kept clean. That matters during a 7.5-hour outing, particularly for families. Snacks and drinks are sold aboard, and the staff can help with practical needs during the day.

Who will enjoy this cruise most

I would recommend this trip to families, couples, groups of friends, and first-time visitors who want to see several Maltese coastal sights in one outing. Children and teenagers are likely to enjoy the slide, jumping platforms, and swimming stops, while adults can use the boat as a floating sun deck.

It also suits you if you like a flexible day. At Blue Lagoon, you can swim, snorkel, eat, sunbathe, or walk around Comino. You are not locked into a guided activity every minute.

You may want another kind of excursion if you dislike crowds, need a quiet boat, or want a serious cultural visit to Gozo. The standard trip only gives you a short Gozo photo stop, and the loud multilingual announcements can bother anyone hoping for a peaceful cruise.

The activity is not suitable for wheelchair users. The captain may alter the route or change the pickup and drop-off point if weather conditions require it. The tour runs rain or shine, but swimming stops are always subject to safety and sea conditions.

Practical packing advice for a long day at sea

Wear your swimwear under comfortable clothes so you can get ready quickly. Pack a towel, beachwear, comfortable shoes, a camera, and cash.

Bring sunscreen and any snorkel gear you already own. The tour information specifically advises cash, and it is useful for food, drinks, rentals, and optional Gozo transport. Alcohol and drugs are not allowed on the boat.

Try to arrive ready for a full day outdoors. You will spend many hours in sun, wind, and sea air, and the boat ride can be tiring even when the schedule feels relaxed. If you want a seat for the return journey, get back to the boat early rather than waiting until the last minute.

Should you book this Sliema cruise?

Book it if you want good-value access to Comino, two possible swimming areas, a long Blue Lagoon stop, a Gozo harbor view, and a short cave visit in one day. The crew, waterslide, clean facilities, and generous Blue Lagoon time make it more than a simple ferry ride.

I would choose the standard option for a beach-focused day. Pick the Gozo version only if you specifically want three hours on Gozo and are happy with just 1.5 hours at Blue Lagoon. For the best experience, travel in the May to October season, register for the Blue Lagoon QR code ahead of time, bring cash, and accept that the most beautiful water comes with plenty of company.

FAQ

Where does the cruise depart from?

The cruise departs from Sliema, at Ferries 4. Look for the Luzzu Cruises boat, either MV Kataleya or MV Lady Shelley.

How long does the cruise last?

The full activity lasts about 7.5 hours. Check the available departure times when booking.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel transfers are not included, so you must reach the Sliema meeting point yourself.

Does the cruise stop at Crystal Lagoon all year?

No. The Crystal Lagoon or St. Nicholas Bay stop operates seasonally from May 1 through October 31 and depends on weather conditions. From November through April, the boat stops at Blue Lagoon only.

How long do you stay at Crystal Lagoon?

The swimming and snorkeling stop at Crystal Lagoon or St. Nicholas Bay lasts about 45 minutes.

How much time is provided at Blue Lagoon?

The standard option gives you about 3.5 hours at Blue Lagoon. The Gozo option gives you about 1.5 hours at Blue Lagoon.

Can you visit Gozo during the cruise?

The standard option includes a five-minute photo stop at Mgarr Harbour. An alternate option provides three hours of free time on Gozo, with optional transport to Victoria available for €5 per person.

Do you need a QR code for Blue Lagoon?

Yes. To get off the boat at Blue Lagoon, you need to register for a free QR code at www.blcomino.com and choose the afternoon slot from 13.31 to 17.30.

What should you bring?

Bring comfortable shoes, a towel, a camera, beachwear, and cash. Alcohol and drugs are not allowed.