A short boat ride can still feel like a whole getaway. This Malta coastal ferry cruise hands you a full day on Comino Island and one big, swim-focused stop at the Blue Lagoon. I like that the trip is comfort-first (modern air-conditioned catamaran, Wi-Fi, toilets) and that you get real time ashore on Comino rather than a quick photo stop. One thing to weigh: the schedule is tight and the Blue Lagoon now requires an access pass you must arrange in advance.

I love the way this cruise turns Malta’s coastline into the warm-up act. You’ll cruise along the northern shoreline with plenty of sea views, then head straight for Comino. I also like the free-time setup on Comino—no tour herding, just you, the water, and the small-island vibe.

The main drawback is practical, not scenic: sea conditions and crowding can make this day more intense than you expect. If you’re prone to seasickness, or if you’re sensitive to busy beaches, plan your approach carefully.

Key things to know before you go

• Two departure towns, same Comino goal: Pick Sliema or Buġibba (St. Paul’s Bay area) to match where you’re staying.
• The Blue Lagoon has a rules change: You need a government access pass for disembarking.
• It’s leisure, not guided: You spend your Comino time on your own.
• Optional motorboat is weather-dependent: Add-on trips to the caves/Crystal Lagoon cost extra and only run with good conditions.
• Fast cruising can be rough: If you get motion sick, bring your defenses and be ready for choppy moments.

From Sliema or Buġibba to Comino: what the day is really like

This is a single-day ferry cruise designed around one destination: Comino, with its famous Blue Lagoon swim stop. The overall duration is about 7 to 7.5 hours, so this is not a slow, lingering island-hopping cruise. Think of it as a “take the catamaran, get to Comino, enjoy the water, head back” day.

You’ll start on a modern, air-conditioned catamaran. That matters more than it sounds in Malta, where the sun can be relentless. Having a toilet on board and free Wi-Fi also helps, especially if you’re traveling with a group and want everyone to stay sane while you’re underway.

You also have flexibility in where you begin. The cruise leaves in the morning from either Sliema Ferries (Sliema) or from Buġibba Jetty (St. Paul’s Bay). When you book, you choose your preferred departure point and time, which is a big plus if you don’t want to cross the island first.

The route past Malta’s north coast and a quick Gozo stop

After boarding, the catamaran cruises along Malta’s northern coastline. You get shoreline scenery as you go—coasts, viewpoints, and that “wait, Malta is this pretty from the sea?” feeling.

There’s also a brief stop at St. Paul’s Bay to pick up passengers who boarded there. Then, after that, the boat makes a short stop at Mġarr Harbour in Gozo to drop off guests who are disembarking in Gozo. After the Gozo detour, the cruise proceeds directly to Comino.

Why this route can matter for you: if your plan is mainly the Blue Lagoon swim, you’re not stuck doing extra sightseeing delays. The boat is doing its job—moving you from mainland Malta to Comino efficiently—while still giving you coastal views along the way.

Blue Lagoon access pass: the May 2025 Malta rule you must plan for

Here’s the big practical change. Since a Malta government directive effective May 2025, you must obtain a government-issued access pass in advance to disembark at the Blue Lagoon. And yes, the daily pass allocation is limited. Without the official pass, you won’t be allowed to get off at the Blue Lagoon.

The pass is acquired through the official site blcomino.com. One extra detail that matters: for this trip, you’re required to book both the morning and afternoon time slots when applying for your pass. That’s not just “nice to have.” It’s tied to the way this cruise day is structured.

My advice: don’t wait until the day before. If your travel dates are fixed, get the pass as soon as the system allows. Then double-check that you selected the right time slots for your specific cruise.

Comino Island time: how to use your free hours well

Once you reach Comino, you step ashore and get leisure time. This is important: the cruise is not a guided tour of Comino. So you’re in charge of how you spend your day.

Comino is tiny and car-free. That means the island experience is simple: walk, swim, snorkel, and enjoy the small-scale nature of it. You won’t be managing traffic or searching for parking. You’ll likely be sharing paths and beach access with other people, though—this is the Blue Lagoon’s world-famous draw.

Swimming and snorkeling at the Blue Lagoon

The headline stop is the Blue Lagoon: crystal-clear, turquoise water with a white sandy base and plenty of marine life. This is the part of the day you’re paying for. You’ll have time to sunbathe, swim, snorkel, or explore nearby parts of the island.

Practical note: since the Blue Lagoon disembark is regulated by pass, it can still feel crowded once people are in. If you want less pressure, you can look for calmer stretches by walking a bit away from the most obvious swim areas once you’ve had your first look.

A “choose your pace” island morning or afternoon

Comino also offers hiking routes for people who want something besides water time. There are trails that lead toward St. Mary’s Chapel, St. Mary’s Watch Tower, and St. Mary’s Battery. Even if you just do one short walk, it can break up the day and give you a different angle on the island.

If you want photos, the chapel and tower areas are where you’ll likely feel like Comino is a real island, not just a swim stop. In cooler seasons, Comino can be a good destination for hikers and photo lovers because there are no cars or urban clutter—just trails and views.

Optional motorboat: Comino Caves and Crystal Lagoon worth it?

During your Comino time, you can add an optional motorboat trip to the Comino Caves and the Crystal Lagoon. It’s not included in the cruise price. The fee is paid on location, and it costs about €15 per person.

It’s also weather- and sea-condition dependent. That’s a real factor in this part of the Mediterranean. If the water is rough, you may find the caves run isn’t available. If it is available, it’s a nice add-on because caves are the kind of thing you can’t really appreciate from shore without a boat.

My take on value: for most people, the Blue Lagoon swim is the must-do. If the weather looks good and you’re excited about exploring sea caves, the motorboat can be a fun way to extend the day beyond swimming. If you’re already happy with swimming time, you can skip it and keep things relaxed.

Comfort on board: modern catamaran perks and the reality of motion

The boat is built for comfort. It’s air-conditioned, fully equipped with toilets, and there’s free Wi-Fi. The crew provides assistance, and you’ll get help getting sorted.

That said, speed and sea conditions can turn “comfortable ride” into “hope you brought the right mindset.” Some people experienced rougher moments on the outward trip—enough that motion sickness hit more than a few passengers. The crew was able to hand out sickness bags, which is good service under pressure, but it doesn’t change the fact that the ride can be bumpy.

So here’s what you should do:

• If you get seasick easily, plan as if you will. Bring your own remedy and consider sitting where the movement feels least dramatic.
• Wear comfortable shoes and clothing you can tolerate in sun and spray. This is a day where you’ll be switching between indoor-air-conditioned boat time and outdoor water time.

One more practical detail: the cruise isn’t set up for mobility needs. It’s not suitable for people with mobility impairments, and it’s also not suitable for people prone to seasickness.

Crowd management and boarding flow: where the day can speed up or snag

The overall experience depends on how efficiently your particular sailing handles boarding. For the best chance of a smooth day, arrive early. You need to be at the departure location 15 to 20 minutes before your scheduled departure time.

On some departures, everything runs smoothly: on-time departures and clear timetable communication. On other departures, boarding can feel chaotic—ticket scanning and embarkation may cause delays, and passengers waiting in the sun can get restless fast.

I can’t control how your specific sailing goes. But I can tell you how to improve your odds:

• Have your ticket ready for scanning before you reach the counter.
• Know which departure point you chose (Sliema vs Buġibba).
• Bring cash for any add-ons like the optional motorboat, and keep it somewhere you can reach quickly.

If you’re traveling with kids or someone who hates uncertainty, build in extra patience. This is a popular route, and the bottleneck is usually early-day boarding, not the swim stop.

What you should bring for a Blue Lagoon day

You’ll be out in the sun and in the water. This trip is practical about what you need, so don’t overthink it. Bring:

• Swimwear and a towel
• Sunglasses and sunscreen
• Comfortable shoes (you may walk more than you expect)
• A camera
• Cash

Also note what’s not allowed: pets, oversize luggage, smoking, and large bags (plus restrictions around non-folding wheelchairs). If you’re bringing a day bag, keep it compact. You want to move fast once you’re on and off the catamaran.

Price and value: is $35 a fair deal for Comino?

At around $35 per person, this cruise is positioned as a value swim day. You’re paying for the transportation between Malta and Comino plus the comfort package on board—air-conditioning, toilets, and free Wi-Fi. You’re also getting a meaningful chunk of time on Comino rather than a rushed dock-and-go stop.

The value picture gets clearer when you compare what’s included vs what’s optional:

• Included: ferry cruise, comfort facilities, and your Comino leisure time
• Not included: the Blue Lagoon access pass, food/drinks, and the optional motorboat add-on

If you already planned to spend most of your day swimming, you’re not paying extra for a guide or structured activities—you’re paying for the boat and access to the island. That can be a great fit if you’re flexible, independent, and okay with crowds in exchange for an unforgettable water view.

Who should book this cruise (and who should skip it)

You’ll likely love this if you want:

• A simple day trip centered on swimming at the Blue Lagoon
• A comfortable catamaran ride with basic onboard perks
• Free time on Comino to set your own pace
• The option to add a motorboat cave trip if conditions allow

You may want to skip or think twice if:

• You’re prone to seasickness (the ride can be rough on some departures)
• You need mobility-friendly access (this one isn’t suitable)
• You hate crowds and want a quiet, secluded beach experience

If you want a calm, guided, slow experience on Comino, this isn’t that format. This is a “get there, swim, and explore at your own pace” day.

Should you book the Coastal Ferry Cruise to the Blue Lagoon?

I’d book it if Comino’s water is your top priority and you’re prepared for a practical day: bring swim gear, plan for the access pass, and arrive early for boarding. The catamaran setup is comfortable enough to make the travel part enjoyable, and Comino’s car-free vibe makes the free-time island experience feel natural.

But if you’re very sensitive to motion, or you’re allergic to crowds, treat this as a high-expectation gamble. In that case, consider whether you’re better off with a different timing strategy or a different style of trip.

Bottom line: for most visitors who want the Blue Lagoon without extra hassle, this cruise is a solid match—just don’t forget that access pass is mandatory, and the day can get busy once everyone reaches the same swim goal.

FAQ

How long is the Coastal Ferry Cruise to the Blue Lagoon?

It runs about 7 to 7.5 hours total. Check availability for the specific starting times.

Where can I depart from?

You can depart from Sliema (Sliema Ferries) or from Buġibba Jetty in St. Paul’s Bay. You choose your preferred departure point and time when booking.

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

Yes. A government-issued access pass is required to disembark at the Blue Lagoon. You must get it in advance from blcomino.com, and there are limited daily passes.

Is the Blue Lagoon access pass included in the price?

No. The access pass is not included, and it must be acquired separately from blcomino.com.

Is the boat air-conditioned and are there onboard facilities?

Yes. The catamaran is fully air-conditioned and has toilet facilities. There is also free Wi-Fi on board.

Is this a guided tour?

No. It’s not a guided tour. Your time on Comino Island is at leisure.

Is the motorboat trip to Comino Caves and the Crystal Lagoon included?

No. The motorboat trip is optional, costs about €15 per person, and is paid on location. It also depends on favorable weather and sea conditions.

What should I bring for the day on Comino?

Bring comfortable shoes, swimwear, a towel, sunglasses, sunscreen, a camera, and cash.

Is this tour suitable for seasickness or mobility issues?

No. It’s not suitable for people prone to seasickness or for people with mobility impairments.

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