Comino & Blue Lagoon Cruise inc Photo Stop at Crystal Lagoon

The water is the real star. This Comino cruise gives you a full day around Malta’s most famous swimming spot, with a short photo stop at Crystal Lagoon and several hours at the Blue Lagoon. I like the long swimming window and the boat’s air-conditioning, bar, toilets, and upper deck. I also like the low price, about $29 per person, which makes this an easy way to reach Comino without arranging separate transport.

The main thing to consider is the time spent getting there and back. The boat may combine several pickup points or groups, so the cruise can feel long if you are focused only on swimming. The Blue Lagoon can also become crowded, especially in summer, and extra costs apply for snorkel gear, sun loungers, umbrellas, food, and drinks.

Quick points before you book

• Four-plus hours near the Blue Lagoon: The main purpose is time in the water, not a fast sightseeing circuit.
• Crystal Lagoon photo stop: You get about 10 minutes for pictures before continuing to Comino.
• Two departure points: Choose from Sliema Ferry or Bugibba Jetty, with different start and return times.
• Useful boat facilities: Air-conditioning, a bar, toilets, snacks, drinks, and an upper deck make the journey easier.
• Bring a Comino walking ticket: From May 1, 2025, you need a free QR ticket to walk on Comino.
• Snorkel equipment costs extra: Bring your own gear or rent it on board for an additional fee.

Why the Blue Lagoon is worth a full day

The Blue Lagoon sits between Comino and the smaller island of Cominotto. Its appeal is simple: clear turquoise water over a pale sandy bottom, with good visibility for swimming and snorkeling. This is one of those places where the color of the water does much of the sightseeing work.

I like that the cruise does not try to cram in a long list of stops. You get a brief look at Crystal Lagoon, then the schedule gives the main part of the day to Comino. That is a sensible choice if your goal is to swim, float, take photographs, and enjoy the sea rather than collect quick views from a boat.

The water is also the strongest reason to bring a mask and snorkel. Marine life is part of the appeal, and snorkeling lets you see more than you would from the surface. You can bring your own equipment or rent basic gear on board for a small additional charge.

Still, keep your expectations realistic. The Blue Lagoon is famous precisely because it is beautiful, so it is not a quiet secret in the warmer months. You may find plenty of people in the water and limited space along the shore. I would treat the lagoon as a lively swimming stop, not a private beach escape.

Choosing between Sliema and Bugibba

There are two main departure choices, and the better one depends on where you are staying.

From Sliema Ferry, the boat leaves at 10:30 and returns at 18:30. This is the longer option, lasting about eight hours from departure to return. It suits you if you are based around Sliema or want a later finish.

From Bugibba Jetty, departure is scheduled for 11:30, with a return around 17:30. This version lasts about six hours and may be more convenient if you are staying in northern Malta. Check the exact meeting point for your booking, since it can vary by option.

The route itself is part of the experience. You get a sightseeing cruise on the way out and back, with views along the northern coast of Malta. Some departures have combined groups or additional stops, which can add to the time on the boat. That is useful to know if you are comparing this trip with a short direct boat transfer.

A few people have found the journey longer than expected, with the boat stopping to collect or drop off different groups before reaching the lagoon. On one reported schedule, the outward trip took more than two hours. That is not necessarily a problem if you enjoy being on the water, but it matters if you are booking this only for maximum swimming time.

Crystal Lagoon gives you ten minutes for photographs

The Crystal Lagoon stop lasts around 10 minutes. That is enough for a quick look, a few photographs, and a chance to appreciate the bright water and rocky coastline. It is not long enough for a proper swim or extended shore visit.

I would have your camera ready before the boat arrives. Ten minutes passes quickly, especially when people are moving around for views. This stop works best as a scenic pause rather than a separate destination.

The short stop also explains why the tour remains focused on the Blue Lagoon. You get a sample of another beautiful cove, then return to the main plan. If you want a full day of sightseeing around Comino’s smaller inlets, this is not that kind of cruise. If you want one strong photo stop before settling in for a long swim, it fits well.

What your time at the Blue Lagoon looks like

The advertised swimming period is about four and a half hours, though the exact amount of time can vary. Some departures have provided closer to three or four hours after accounting for the approach, group movements, and return schedule.

That is still enough time for a relaxed day. You can swim early, take a break on the boat, return to the water, and leave time for photographs. I especially like the flexibility of having the boat as your base. You are not forced to remain in the water all afternoon, and you can get shade or air-conditioning when the sun becomes tiring.

The lagoon offers three main ways to spend your stop:

• Swim in the clear water near the boat or shore.
• Snorkel above the pale bottom and look for marine life.
• Relax on board, use the upper deck, or buy a drink and snack.

There are no complicated activities to learn and no demanding walking route. That makes the trip a good match for families, couples, and anyone who wants a low-effort day at sea.

The shore itself may not feel like a conventional sandy beach. One older booking note recommends bringing closed shoes for walking on rocks. I would follow that advice, especially if you plan to leave the boat and explore the edge of the lagoon. Swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen are essential.

Boat comfort, food, and extra charges

The boat has air-conditioning, a bar, toilet facilities, and an upper deck. These features matter because a full day in the sun can be tiring. You can cool down indoors, get a drink, or sit above deck when you want open air.

Snacks, coffee, tea, soft drinks, and alcoholic drinks are available, but they are not included in the $29 price. Several people have found the prices reasonable, though queues at the bar can become long when the boat is busy. If you want to keep costs down, bring what the booking rules allow and do not assume that food is part of the fare.

Optional comfort items can also add to the total. Past booking details mention an upper-deck sun lounger for about €10. Umbrellas have been offered with a deposit system, with reported charges around €15 to €20 and part of the amount returned when the umbrella comes back. One important warning: an umbrella rented on the boat may not be permitted in the Blue Lagoon’s beach area, so ask before paying.

Snorkeling equipment is extra as well. Rental has been reported at around €10 for a mask and tube. If you already own comfortable gear, bringing it is the simpler choice.

These extras do not ruin the value, but they change the real cost. At $29, the basic cruise is inexpensive. Add lunch, drinks, a lounger, an umbrella, and snorkel hire, and the day becomes less of a bargain. I would decide in advance which extras you truly need.

The crew and onboard organization

The strongest praise is directed at the crew. Staff are described as friendly, helpful, professional, and organized. The commentary is in English and provides information during the cruise, including explanations of the route and sights along the coast.

That kind of support is valuable on a busy boat. Clear instructions help you understand where to meet, when to return, and how the stops work. A few operational details still deserve attention, especially at the end of the day. One booking note describes nearly missing the return boat because the pickup location was not clear.

I would listen carefully to the return instructions and, if you go ashore, confirm exactly where and when you must come back. Do not rely on simply seeing the same boat in the same place. With several groups and possible boat movements, a few minutes of attention can prevent a stressful finish.

The boat has been described as spacious and comfortable, though older feedback also reports crowded conditions and long lines for drinks. Expect the experience to vary with the season and the number of people booked. The service is generally a strength, but this is a popular shared cruise rather than a private charter.

The new Comino walking ticket matters

From May 1, 2025, anyone who wants to walk on Comino needs a free ticket from www.blcomino.com. You select the 13:30 to 17:30 time slot, then receive a QR code that Comino officials scan when you arrive.

This is an important practical detail. If you do not have the QR code, you will not be allowed to walk on the island. You can still swim beside the boat, but your options on land will be restricted.

I would arrange this before the cruise rather than trying to handle it at the last moment. Keep the QR code easy to open on your phone. The ticket is free, so there is no reason to skip it if you want to step ashore.

The rule also changes how you should think about the day. This is not only a boat ride with an optional swim. If you want to walk around Comino, you need to prepare for that part separately.

Who will get the most from this cruise

I think this trip works best for you if you want an affordable, straightforward day on the water. It is especially suitable if:

• You care more about swimming and snorkeling than guided sightseeing.
• You want several hours in one attractive location.
• You prefer a boat with toilets, drinks, air-conditioning, and seating.
• You are staying near Sliema or Bugibba.
• You want a family-friendly outing without a demanding walk.
• You are comfortable sharing the boat with a large group.

It is less suitable if you want a quiet beach, a private boat, or a tightly timed direct transfer. It may also frustrate you if you dislike waiting for other groups or spending several hours traveling to and from the lagoon.

Wheelchair users should note that this activity is not suitable for them. You should also be comfortable managing steps, boat movement, and rocky areas if you plan to go ashore.

Is $29 good value?

At about $29 per person, the price is strong for a full-day or half-day boat outing with transport to Comino, a Crystal Lagoon stop, commentary, and access to onboard facilities. The long stay at the Blue Lagoon is the main value.

You are not paying for a luxury yacht or an all-inclusive beach package. Food, drinks, snorkel gear, loungers, and umbrellas cost extra. The boat may also spend a substantial amount of time collecting or dropping off groups, so part of your payment covers the transport operation rather than time in the water.

For many people, that tradeoff makes sense. Reaching Comino independently can require more planning, while this cruise gives you a set departure, a return boat, and a clear focus on the Blue Lagoon. I would call it good value if you use the facilities, swim for several hours, and keep optional purchases under control.

The price is less attractive if you only want a short look at the lagoon. In that case, a direct transfer or shorter boat service might suit you better, though the information provided here does not give prices for those alternatives.

Small details that make the day easier

Bring swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen. Add closed shoes if you plan to walk over rocks, and bring your own mask and snorkel if you already have them.

Carry water if permitted, but remember that drinks and snacks are available at the bar. If you want an upper-deck sun lounger, ask about the cost before paying. The same applies to umbrellas, since their use at the lagoon may be restricted.

Keep your return time in mind from the moment you arrive. I would also take a photograph of the boat or meeting area if you go ashore, then confirm the pickup instructions with staff.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. That gives you some flexibility when the weather forecast or your wider Malta plans are still changing.

Should you book the Comino Blue Lagoon cruise?

Book it if your priority is a long swim in beautiful water at a low starting price. The crew is a major plus, the facilities are useful, and the schedule gives you far more lagoon time than a quick sightseeing boat.

Go in knowing that the Blue Lagoon may be crowded, the boat can feel busy, and the journey may include extra pickups. Arrange the free Comino QR ticket if you want to walk on the island, watch the return instructions, and budget for any food or equipment you plan to buy.

For a relaxed day built around swimming, snorkeling, and coastal views, this is a sensible Malta choice. For solitude or a private experience, choose something smaller.

FAQ

Where does the cruise depart from?

You can choose between Bugibba Jetty and Sliema Ferry. The exact meeting point depends on the option booked.

What time does the Sliema departure leave and return?

The Sliema boat leaves at 10:30 and returns at about 18:30.

What time does the Bugibba departure leave and return?

The Bugibba boat leaves at about 11:30 and returns at about 17:30.

How long do you stay at the Blue Lagoon?

The planned swimming period is about four and a half hours, but the exact time can vary by departure and boat operations.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

No. You can bring your own equipment or rent snorkeling gear on board for an additional fee.

Do you need a ticket to walk on Comino?

Yes. From May 1, 2025, you need a free QR ticket from www.blcomino.com to walk on Comino. Select the 13:30 to 17:30 time slot.

What should you bring?

Bring swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen. Closed shoes are useful if you plan to walk on rocky areas.