From Sliema: Malta Cruise to Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon & Caves

Malta’s best views come from the water. This full-day cruise from Sliema takes you past Malta’s northern coast to Comino’s famous Blue Lagoon, with a seasonal swim at Crystal Lagoon, a short look at Gozo’s Mgarr Harbour, and a cave-viewing trip on the way home. I like the long three-and-a-half-hour Blue Lagoon stop and the boat’s water slide, which turn a simple ferry ride into a day beside the sea.

I also like the easy departure from Sliema Ferry and the chance to use the boat as a shaded base, with toilets, a bar, and places to sit. The main catch is crowding. The Blue Lagoon can be packed even outside the peak summer months, and a full boat may leave you downstairs if you arrive late.

Key things to know before you book

• The Blue Lagoon stop lasts about three hours: You can go ashore, find a swimming spot, or remain on the boat and use it as your base.
• Crystal Lagoon is seasonal: The swim stop at Crystal Lagoon or St. Nicholas Bay runs from May 1 to October 30, weather and sea conditions permitting.
• The water slide is included: You can swim from the boat and use the slide without paying an extra fee.
• You need a free shore-access QR code: To get off at Comino’s Blue Lagoon in 2025, register at blcomino.com and select the afternoon time slot from 13:31 to 17:30.
• The ride can be rough: Strong wind and open-sea conditions have caused seasickness, so check the forecast and consider bringing motion-sickness tablets.
• The boat leaves on time: The return departure from Comino is not a loose suggestion. Be back at the stated time or you could be left behind.

Leaving Sliema at 10:00 am

The meeting point is Luzzu Cruises, Ferries 4, Triq Ix-Xatt, at Sliema Ferry. You should arrive at least 30 minutes before the 10:00 am departure. That extra time matters because check-in can become hectic, especially when passengers are also sorting out their free Blue Lagoon shore pass.

Sliema is a practical starting point. It is easy to reach by public transport, and the boat returns to the same place after roughly seven and a half hours. You do not need to arrange a separate transfer to Comino or worry about finding your way back from the island.

The boat can carry up to 200 people. On a busy day, arrive early if you want a good upper-deck seat. The top deck gives you the best views and sun, while the lower deck offers more shelter but less of the scenery advertised along the route.

The coastal ride past Malta’s northern bays

The first part of the day is a sightseeing cruise. As you leave Sliema, you pass the promenade and continue by St. Julian’s and Balluta Bay, St. George’s Bay and Paceville, Bugibba, St. Paul’s Island, and Mellieha Bay.

The coastline looks different from the sea. From the boat, Malta’s built-up waterfront gives way to bays, headlands, rocky shelves, and open water. St. Paul’s Island has a special place in Maltese tradition because it is identified as the place where Saint Paul was shipwrecked in AD 60.

How much you get from this section depends on your seat and the commentary. Some departures have a captain giving regular updates and pointing out sights. Other departures rely mainly on prerecorded announcements, and the public-address system can be hard to understand. If seeing the coast is important to you, board early and claim an outside position.

The sea may be calm, but it may also be rough during the outward crossing. Several people have reported a bumpy ride and seasickness in windy conditions. The crew normally warns passengers when the water is choppy, but the skipper has the final say on safety and on where the boat stops.

A five-minute look at Gozo’s Mgarr Harbour

The cruise passes Gozo before stopping briefly at Mgarr Harbour. This is mainly a photo stop, lasting about five minutes. Passengers who have booked a separate Gozo visit leave here, while this cruise continues toward Comino.

Do not book this experience expecting time to explore Gozo. You will see the harbor from the boat and may have a moment for photographs, but the stop is not a Gozo sightseeing tour. That short pause also explains why the schedule can feel a little unusual: the boat may later return toward Gozo to collect passengers before heading back to Sliema.

Crystal Lagoon or St. Nicholas Bay for 45 minutes

From May through October, the boat makes a 45-minute stop at Crystal Lagoon or St. Nicholas Bay, depending on conditions. This is one of the strongest parts of the day. Instead of searching for a small patch of shore, you can swim straight from the boat and return when you are ready.

The water slide is included, and passengers can also use the boat’s swimming access. The stop works well for confident swimmers, families with older children, and anyone who prefers a quick swim without carrying a full beach load ashore.

There is an important qualification here. The skipper may choose the safer or better-protected location on the day. Strong currents, wind, jellyfish, and other sea conditions can affect the decision. A stop at St. Nicholas Bay is still part of the Comino swimming experience, but it may not look exactly like the Crystal Lagoon photographs used in promotion.

The sea can also be rough at this point. When conditions are windy, the boat may stop in water that feels more active than the calm turquoise area you imagined. This is a weather-dependent cruise, not a guarantee of glassy water.

Masks and snorkels are not included, but you can rent them onboard for €5 per person. Food and drinks cost extra and are available from the bar. Pack water and a snack if you want more choice than the onboard selection.

Three hours at Comino’s Blue Lagoon

The boat then spends about three and a half hours at the Blue Lagoon. This is your main block of free time, and you can use it in several ways.

You can get off and explore Comino, walk around the island, search for a place to swim, or treat the boat as your base. Staying onboard has real advantages. You have access to shade, toilets, seats, the bar, and the boat’s swimming facilities. Some people return to the boat because the shore is too crowded or lacks shade.

If you want to step ashore at the Blue Lagoon, you must obtain the free QR code in advance at blcomino.com. In 2025, select the afternoon slot from 13:31 to 17:30. This requirement is easy to overlook, and the check-in process can become confused when people arrive without the correct pass. Save the code before leaving Sliema rather than trying to arrange it on the boat.

The Blue Lagoon is beautiful, but it is not a quiet beach escape. The famous water is surrounded by small rocky areas, and usable shoreline space fills quickly. Even in March and October, the area can feel crowded. In July and August, expect much more pressure on the limited space.

There is also little natural shade on shore. If you leave the boat in the afternoon, the shady places may already be occupied. Bring a hat, sunscreen, and drinking water, and consider leaving some belongings on the boat rather than trying to find a safe place among the rocks.

The island is more enjoyable if you walk beyond the first landing area. One useful tip is to go uphill and continue forward for broader views. You may also find small food stands on the island, including fresh pineapple, but food availability should not be treated as guaranteed.

One practical warning: bracelets issued for Blue Lagoon access may run color when wet, especially against sunscreen. Put the bracelet on as late as possible and keep it away from light swimwear, bags, and towels.

The boat as your base, not just transportation

This cruise is more useful than a basic point-to-point ferry because you can return to the boat during your Comino stop. That gives you a shaded place to rest and a less awkward way to manage a long day in the sun.

The boat has an onboard bar, toilets, seating, and the water slide. Food choices can be limited, and reports range from praise for reasonably priced snacks and drinks to complaints about simple or unappealing hot food. Bring your own snack if you are particular about lunch, but remember that the supplied details confirm food and drinks are available to buy onboard.

Service can vary by departure. Some crews are described as friendly, professional, helpful, and clear with updates. Others have been criticized for weak communication, poor announcements, or not keeping the deck open for swimming. The safest approach is to see this as a scenic cruise with swimming facilities, not a highly personal guided excursion.

The maximum group size of 200 is large. That helps explain the low price, but it also means the experience can feel crowded. The boat shown in promotional images may not always be the boat used. A technical problem once led the operator to substitute a smaller boat, while still running the planned route.

Comino’s sea caves on the return

After the Blue Lagoon, the boat cruises past Comino’s sea caves before returning to Sliema. This is a viewing stop rather than a shore visit. Keep your camera ready, but do not expect a long cave walk or a separate landing.

The caves are best appreciated from the outside, where the water and rock formations create a final scenic chapter before the longer ride home. Depending on the light and sea conditions, this may be one of the prettiest parts of the return trip.

The boat must also collect passengers who booked the Gozo portion, so the schedule can include a return toward Gozo before the final run to Sliema. Pay close attention to the announced departure times at Comino. The boat has been known to leave at exactly the scheduled time without a full attendance check.

What the $42.24 price really buys you

At $42.24 per person, this is good value if you want transport, several hours at Comino, a seasonal swim stop, and a full coastal cruise in one package. You are paying for a full day on the water rather than a short transfer, and the included slide and boat facilities add useful extras.

The value is strongest for people who would otherwise need to arrange separate transport to Comino, find a place to sit, and pay for their own boat ride around the coast. The boat gives you a base, shade, toilets, and a return journey from the same Sliema departure point.

The value is weaker if you expect a small-group sailing trip, quiet swimming coves, detailed live guiding, or a generous lunch. The boat may be full, the Blue Lagoon will probably be crowded, and the food and snorkeling equipment cost extra.

The experience is often booked around 15 days ahead, so advance planning makes sense in the warmer months. You should also check the weather before the free-cancellation deadline. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before departure, but changes or cancellations inside that period are not accepted. If poor weather or insufficient numbers force the operator to cancel, you should be offered another date or a full refund.

Who will enjoy this Malta boat day?

I would recommend it to you if you want an easy way to see Comino without arranging several separate journeys. It suits swimmers, families with older children, couples who want a simple day at sea, and first-time visitors who want to combine coastal views with the Blue Lagoon.

It is less suitable if you dislike crowds, get seasick, need a quiet beach, or want a carefully guided cultural tour. Infants and very young children may find the long, windy crossing tiring, especially when the sea is rough. Most people can participate, and service animals are allowed, but the boat environment remains exposed to weather and movement.

To get the best day, arrive early, pack sunscreen, a hat, water, and a snack, save your QR code before boarding, and bring motion-sickness medicine if you are prone to nausea. Wear swimwear under your clothes and secure loose items before the boat begins moving.

Should you book the Sliema to Comino cruise?

Book it if your priority is a full day of swimming and scenery at a reasonable price, with the convenience of leaving from Sliema and returning to the same spot. The 45-minute Crystal Lagoon or St. Nicholas Bay stop, the long Blue Lagoon visit, the slide, and the cave cruise create a generous day for the money.

Skip it if you want peace and personal attention. Comino’s Blue Lagoon is heavily visited, and a large boat can feel more like public transport than a relaxed yacht. Your best chance of enjoying this trip is to treat the boat as a practical base, not as a private cruise, and to plan around the crowds and the weather.

FAQ

Where does the cruise depart from?

It departs from Luzzu Cruises, Ferries 4, Triq Ix-Xatt, Sliema SLM 1023, near Sliema Ferry.

What time does the cruise start?

The scheduled start time is 10:00 am. You should arrive at least 30 minutes before departure.

How long does the experience last?

The cruise lasts approximately seven hours and 30 minutes and finishes back at the Sliema departure point.

Is the Crystal Lagoon stop available all year?

No. The stop at Crystal Lagoon or St. Nicholas Bay is seasonal and runs from May 1 to October 30, weather permitting.

How long does the boat stop at Crystal Lagoon?

The scheduled swimming stop lasts about 45 minutes.

How long do you have at the Blue Lagoon?

The boat stops at the Blue Lagoon for approximately three and a half hours, giving you free time to explore, swim, visit the shore, or use the boat as your base.

Do I need a pass to get off at the Blue Lagoon?

Yes. In 2025, you need to register for a free QR code at blcomino.com and choose the afternoon time slot from 13:31 to 17:30.

Is food included?

No. Food and drinks are not included, but they are available to purchase from the onboard bar.

Can I rent snorkeling equipment?

Yes. Masks and snorkels can be rented onboard for €5 per person.

Is the water slide included?

Yes. Use of the water slide and the boat’s facilities is included in the cruise price.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The experience requires good weather. If the operator cancels because of poor conditions, you should be offered a different date or a full refund.

Can I cancel my booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before departure are not accepted.