Comino and Blue Lagoon cruise: the honest guide (2026)

The honest truth about the Blue Lagoon

Let’s get this out of the way: the Blue Lagoon is real. The water is genuinely that colour — an improbable turquoise so vivid it looks like a filter was applied. The limestone cliffs of Comino are dramatic. The snorkelling is good. On the right day at the right time, this is one of the most beautiful swimming spots in the Mediterranean.

The problem is 3,000+ daily visitors between late June and early September, all arriving by boat between 09:30 and 16:00, all wanting to float in the same small cove. In those conditions, the water turns murky from boat engines and feet, the beach (a small strip of sand) is standing-room-only, hot food costs €8, and the Blue Lagoon stops looking like an escape and starts looking like a pool party.

The timing section of this guide is the most important thing you’ll read before booking.

When to visit the Blue Lagoon

High season (July–August)

Arrive before 09:30: The first group boats from Sliema and Bugibba typically arrive around 10:00. If you’re on a private charter or one of the earliest departures, you’ll have 30–60 minutes of relative calm. The water is crystal clear. This is when the photos happen.

Arrive after 16:30: Most day-trip boats start their return journeys around 15:00–16:00. By 17:00, the lagoon population drops significantly. The light is also at its best — golden afternoon sun rather than harsh midday glare. This is when the sunset cruise to Comino works brilliantly.

The 11:00–15:00 window: This is when the Blue Lagoon is at its worst. If your only option is a standard group boat that arrives in this window, know what you’re getting into. It’s still worth going — just with adjusted expectations.

Shoulder season (May–June, September–October)

The sweet spot. May and June are warm enough to swim (water reaches 19–22°C by June), the crowds are moderate, and the boat services are all running. September is arguably the best month overall — water temperature peaks at 25°C, crowds have dropped noticeably from August, and prices are lower. October is cooler but still often swimmable.

Low season (November–April)

Comino is largely deserted from November to March. The public ferry service from Marfa is reduced or suspended; access is mainly via private charter or organised tour boats. The lagoon is empty and beautiful, but swimming is for the hardy (water temperature 15–17°C). Some visitors specifically prefer this period — the island feels genuinely wild and undiscovered.

Departing from Sliema

Sliema is the most popular departure point for Blue Lagoon cruises. The journey takes about 60–75 minutes on a standard group boat.

Book the Sliema to Comino Blue Lagoon cruise

The standard group tour from Sliema typically includes 2–3 hours at the Blue Lagoon (sometimes Crystal Lagoon and the sea caves too), with drinks available on board. These tours typically land you at the main beach during peak hours unless you specifically choose a morning or afternoon departure.

For a more complete island tour:

Book the Sliema cruise to Comino, Crystal Lagoon and Blue Lagoon

Departing from Bugibba

Bugibba is in the north of Malta, closer to Comino than Sliema, making the journey about 45 minutes rather than 75. This means earlier arrival at the lagoon for the same departure time — a meaningful advantage in peak season.

Book the Bugibba Blue Lagoon cruise with swim and snorkel

The afternoon departure from Bugibba (arriving Blue Lagoon around 15:30–16:00 as the crowds disperse) is one of the better options for summer visits:

Book the Bugibba afternoon Blue Lagoon swim with sunset cruise

Crystal Lagoon — the underrated alternative

Crystal Lagoon is on the northern side of Comino, about a 5-minute walk from Blue Lagoon. It’s shallower, slightly less dramatic in colour, but significantly less crowded because it’s less photographed and many tour boats don’t stop there.

The smart approach for July–August visitors: orient your boat trip to include Crystal Lagoon as a first stop (where you swim), then visit Blue Lagoon briefly for photos before it fills up, then return to Crystal Lagoon as the afternoon crowd arrives at Blue.

Santa Marija Bay (on the northern coast of Comino) is another virtually unknown alternative — a small sandy bay with almost no visitors even in peak season. Getting there requires either a private charter, a kayak, or a 15-minute walk from the Blue Lagoon area.

Private charters to Comino

For the best Blue Lagoon experience, a private charter is the superior option if you have 4+ people. You control the arrival time, you can anchor in Crystal Lagoon rather than the overcrowded main beach, and you’re not herded back to the boat at a fixed time.

Book a private charter to Crystal and Blue Lagoon with caves

For a full comparison of private vs group tours, see the private charter Malta guide.

What to bring

• Snorkelling gear: Some operators provide it, but bringing your own fins and mask gives you better control over quality.
• Water shoes: The Blue Lagoon beach is small and rocky approaches are more common than sand. Water shoes make the entry much easier.
• Cash for the kiosks: Food and drink at the Blue Lagoon kiosks is overpriced (€6–10 for basic snacks) but there are no alternatives. Budget accordingly.
• Sunscreen (reef-safe): The lagoon is a marine environment. Reef-safe sunscreen matters here.
• Dry bag: Keep your phone, cash and documents dry even if you don’t plan to swim far.

How long to spend at Comino

Most group tours allow 2–3 hours at the Blue Lagoon, which is adequate for a swim, a snorkel, and some photos. To explore Comino properly — the old chapel, the cliffs, the quieter bays — you’d need a full day and ideally a private charter with more flexibility.

Comino itself is tiny (3.5 km²) and almost entirely uninhabited. There’s one small hotel (closed much of the year). The landscape is scrubby limestone heath with impressive sea views. Walkers who explore beyond the beach find something genuinely wild and peaceful even in peak season.

From Gozo: the reverse route

If you’re staying in Gozo, you can reach Comino via private charter or tour boat from Mġarr. The journey is shorter (about 20 minutes) and you typically share the tour with fewer people as it’s a smaller market.

For day trips from Gozo combining Comino and the Blue Lagoon with a Gozo boat tour:

Book the Gozo boat tour: Around Comino, Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon with lunch

Frequently asked questions about the Comino Blue Lagoon cruise

How far is the Blue Lagoon from Sliema?

By boat, approximately 60–75 minutes from Sliema Ferries to the Blue Lagoon depending on the vessel’s speed and the sea conditions. From Bugibba: about 45 minutes. From Mellieha: about 35 minutes.

Is the Blue Lagoon water really that colour?

Yes. The turquoise colour is real — it comes from the shallow limestone seabed, the water clarity, and the light angle. However, by midday in summer, boat engine activity and the sheer number of swimmers can cloud the water noticeably. Morning visits have the clearest water.

Can you swim at Blue Lagoon?

Yes. Swimming is the main activity. The water is calm (it’s a sheltered bay) and generally shallow near the shore (2–5 metres). There’s a small sandy beach area and rocky approaches with metal ladders. Snorkelling is excellent — visibility can reach 30+ metres in good conditions.

Is the Blue Lagoon suitable for non-swimmers?

Yes, but with caveats. The lagoon itself is calm and shallow. However, the boat boarding and disembarking can involve ladders and slight movement, which requires reasonable mobility.

Is it safe to go to Blue Lagoon in October?

Yes. The sea is still warm in October (22–23°C), the lagoon is far quieter than summer, and it’s still beautiful. Boat services run less frequently but are available. Some operators reduce their schedules by mid-October.

Does the Comino ferry still run?

A small public ferry runs from Marfa (Malta) and Mġarr (Gozo) to Comino in high season. In winter, it’s reduced or suspended. Most visitors use tour boats rather than the public ferry.

Can I camp on Comino?

Technically no. Camping on Comino is not permitted. The only accommodation is the Comino Hotel (operated seasonally). Day visitors must return by boat in the evening.

How do I avoid the worst of the Blue Lagoon crowds?

The most effective strategies: (1) Arrive before 10:00 — book an early morning charter or the earliest available group departure. (2) Visit in shoulder season (May–June, September–October). (3) Focus on Crystal Lagoon or Santa Marija Bay rather than Blue Lagoon proper. (4) Take an afternoon/sunset departure to arrive after 16:30.

Last reviewed: 2026-04-20