Comino and the Blue Lagoon: the honest day-trip guide

The Blue Lagoon: what you actually get (and when)

The Blue Lagoon on Comino is one of those places where the photographs tell an accurate story — but only under specific conditions. The water really is that colour: a translucent turquoise-blue produced by a shallow sandy floor and clean limestone-filtered seawater. In the right light, at the right time of day, it is genuinely extraordinary.

The photographs consistently omit one detail: the boats. In July and August, up to 3,000 visitors per day crowd into a lagoon that is roughly 250 metres across. Dozens of motorboats anchor at the edges. The water becomes turbid from boat engines and swimmer activity. The bars on the tiny strip of beach charge €8 for a hot dog and €12 for a cocktail. The rocky shelves around the lagoon are packed like a London underground platform in rush hour.

None of this makes the Blue Lagoon not worth visiting. It makes it worth visiting at the right time and with the right expectations.

Honest summary: The Blue Lagoon in June, early July mornings (before 10:00), or September–October is one of the best swimming spots in the Mediterranean. The Blue Lagoon on a Tuesday afternoon in August is a logistical challenge best experienced with stoicism and a good hat.

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How to get to Comino and the Blue Lagoon

Day trips from Sliema / Bugibba / Mellieha / St Julian’s

The most common approach. Boats depart from multiple points around Malta’s coast and make the run to Comino in 45 minutes to 2 hours depending on the starting point. Most include swim stops at the lagoon and often a pass by the sea caves.

Comino Island and Blue Lagoon cruise from Sliema Blue Lagoon cruise with swim and snorkel from Bugibba Comino cruise from Mellieha: Crystal Lagoon, Blue Lagoon, Santa Marija Bay

Ferry from Ċirkewwa or Marfa (summer only)

In summer (typically June–September), a small public ferry runs from Ċirkewwa and/or Marfa (northern Malta) to Comino. This is the cheapest option (~€5–8 return) but the schedule is limited and the boat is small. Check the current schedule with the Gozo Channel or local operators — the service is not always consistent year to year.

Speedboat / powerboat

The fastest option, departing from St Julian’s or Sliema and reaching Comino in under 30 minutes. More expensive but gives more time at the lagoon.

Comino Blue Lagoon speedboat from St Julian’s

Private boat charter

For groups of 6–12 people, a private boat gives you schedule flexibility and the option to anchor away from the main crowd. See private boat charter to Comino for a cost breakdown.

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When to go: the honest seasonal breakdown

Period	Crowd level	Water clarity	Sea temp	Verdict
Late June	Moderate	Good	22°C	Good balance — book early
July–August (peak)	Very high	Poor midday	25°C	Beautiful at sunrise/sunset, chaotic 10:00–17:00
September	Moderate	Good	25°C	Best month overall
October	Low	Excellent	23°C	Quiet, water still warm, fewer boat services
November–March	Very low	Crystal clear	17°C	Cold for swimming; boat services often suspended
April–May	Low	Excellent	18–20°C	Cold for most swimmers but spectacularly clear water

If you are visiting in July or August: go early. The first boats arrive around 09:00. If you are on an 08:00 departure boat from Sliema, you can have an hour in the lagoon before the main crowd arrives. Alternatively, book an evening/sunset cruise:

Blue Lagoon sunset cruise from Comino (5 hours)

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What to do on Comino beyond the Blue Lagoon

Comino is tiny — 3.5 km² with a permanent population of approximately 4 people. There are no roads (no cars), no shops beyond a small kiosk at the lagoon, and one hotel (the Comino Hotel & Bungalows, currently closed for renovation as of 2026 — check current status). There are, however, some underrated alternatives to the main lagoon.

Crystal Lagoon

Adjacent to the Blue Lagoon, separated by a small rocky headland. Often significantly less crowded than the main lagoon even on busy days. The water is equally clear. Most boats make a stop here or at least pass by.

See Crystal Lagoon vs Blue Lagoon — where to actually swim for the full comparison.

Santa Marija Bay

On the north coast of Comino, a quieter beach with excellent snorkelling around the rocky edges. Accessible on foot from the Blue Lagoon area in about 25 minutes, or by boat. Almost entirely crowd-free even in August.

Sea caves

The limestone cliffs around Comino’s southwest shore contain a series of sea caves accessible by small boat. Crystal Lagoon and the Blue Hole cave system are the main ones. Most day trips pass the caves en route.

Walking the island

Comino has a few rough paths across its interior (scrubby Mediterranean vegetation, excellent for birdwatching in spring) and coastal paths to the disused Comino Tower (17th century, Knights of Malta). Walking the island takes about 2 hours total. Only viable if your boat drop-off gives you time on land.

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Practical tips for the Blue Lagoon

Arrive before 10:00 in summer. The crowd builds rapidly after 09:30.

Bring your own food and drinks. The kiosk on the sliver of sand is expensive and often has queues. A bottle of water, some pastizzi, and a piece of fruit from a Valletta bakery makes for a much better lunch than anything sold on-site.

Sun protection is essential. The limestone rocks around the lagoon reflect UV intensely. You will burn faster than you expect, even in October.

Wear water shoes or bring them. The entry points to the lagoon are rocky. Flip-flops come off in the water. Proper water shoes make moving around the rocky shelves comfortable.

Snorkelling gear. Bring your own or rent on board your boat. The sea caves and the edges of Crystal Lagoon have good marine life: damselfish, wrasse, sea urchins, occasional octopus.

Accept the crowds in summer. If you go in July or August, you will share the lagoon with hundreds of other people. This is a fact, not a tragedy. The water is still beautiful. Lower your expectations about isolation and raise them about swimming.

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What the Blue Lagoon costs

Method	Approximate cost per person
Day trip from Sliema (group boat)	€25–40
Day trip from Bugibba	€20–35
Day trip from Mellieha (shorter transfer)	€20–35
Speedboat from St Julian’s	€35–60
Public ferry (Ċirkewwa, summer only)	€5–8 return
Private boat (group of 8, split)	€40–80 per person
Sunset cruise (4–5 hours)	€35–55

Entry to the Blue Lagoon itself is free. The costs above cover the transport to and from Comino.

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Frequently asked questions about the Comino Blue Lagoon day trip

Is the Blue Lagoon really as beautiful as the photos?

Yes — but the photos are typically taken with no boats and no people, usually at dawn or after the last boats leave. In summer midday, the reality is different. The water is still very clear and very blue; the surroundings are just very busy.

Are there toilets on Comino?

Basic facilities exist near the Blue Lagoon kiosk in summer. Outside peak season they may not be staffed. Factor this in, especially on longer boat trips.

Can you stay overnight on Comino?

The Comino Hotel & Bungalows is the only accommodation. It was closed for renovation as of early 2026 — check current status before planning. No camping or wild sleeping is permitted.

Is the Blue Lagoon suitable for children?

Very much so. The lagoon is shallow (0.5–2 metres over sand) and calm. Children can wade, snorkel, and swim in safe conditions. The main concern in summer is sun exposure — the reflected light off the limestone is intense. Life jackets available on most boats.

What time do the boats stop running to Comino?

Most day trips return to Malta by 17:00–18:00. Sunset cruises return around 21:00. There is no overnight service.

Is snorkelling good at the Blue Lagoon?

The main lagoon is beautiful but often has heavy boat traffic in summer, which churns the sand and reduces visibility. Better snorkelling is found at Crystal Lagoon (adjacent) or around the sea caves on the far side of the island. Bring a mask and snorkel.

When are the Comino ferries suspended?

The public ferry from Ċirkewwa typically stops or reduces to weekend-only service in late October or November and may not run December–March. Private tour boats continue operating year-round (with reduced frequency). Check current schedules closer to your travel date.

Last reviewed: 2026-04-20