Comino is a short boat ride away, in more ways than one. This cruise strings together the best coastlines north of Malta, with time in Crystal Lagoon (seasonal) or St. Nicholas Bay plus a longer Blue Lagoon stop for swimming, snorkeling, and sun.

I especially like the simple day-trip flow: you get scenic cruising past Malta’s bays, then you earn your swim time with two lagoons and a Comino caves photo stop. The waterslide on board also turns a crowded day into a fun one—yes, even when everyone is chasing the same turquoise water.

One thing to plan for: the boat can feel crowded, and you’ll hear frequent onboard announcements, so if you want quiet and ocean sounds only, bring a simple plan to tune it out.

Key things to know before you go

• Two swimming stops, not one: a short swim/snorkel at Crystal Lagoon (seasonal) plus longer time at the Blue Lagoon.
• Comino caves are quick but scenic: you’ll get a brief stop to see the coastline and grab photos.
• Blue Lagoon involves a QR code setup: you’ll need to register on blcomino.com and pick the afternoon slot to get off.
• You get a waterslide onboard: it’s included, and it’s a standout in the middle of the day.
• Gozo is limited unless you choose Option B: Mgarr Harbour is mostly photos, while Option B adds land time.

From Sliema: how the day-trip really works

This is a straightforward cruise day from Sliema, starting at Ferries 4 where you look for Luzzu Cruises boats (like Mv Kataleya or Mv Lady Shelley). You’re on the water for about 7.5 hours, so it’s long enough to feel like a proper outing, but not so long that you’ll lose the day to logistics.

What I like about the pacing is that the best parts are spaced out. You’ll cruise north past Sliema’s waterfront, then glide through St. Julian’s, Qawra, St. Paul’s Bay, Mellieha Bay, and onward toward Mgarr Harbour on Gozo. Even if your main goal is swimming, the travel segment gives you views you won’t get from a bus.

Also, the cruise runs rain or shine. Weather can change how stops operate, since the captain can alter timing and even swap stops based on sea conditions. That flexibility is normal for Malta lagoon days, but it’s still worth having a backup mindset: you’re booking a sea experience, not a guaranteed schedule.

Crystal Lagoon or St. Nicholas Bay (seasonal): your first taste of turquoise

Your first water break is short and sweet: about 45 minutes at the Crystal Lagoon area or St. Nicholas Bay. This stop is seasonal (May 1 to Oct 31) and only when weather allows. In November to April, the cruise does Blue Lagoon only, so if you’re traveling in the off-season, you’re going to spend more of your swimming time at the main lagoon.

This quick timing matters. Forty-five minutes sounds brief until you remember what you’re really buying: getting into the water at the most photogenic moment without losing your day to a single stop. It’s enough time to rinse the travel dust off, do basic snorkeling, and move on while the rest of the day still feels fresh.

What to do in this first bay:

• Bring snorkel gear if you have it, but you can also find snorkels for hire on board depending on the day.
• Expect clear water you’ll want to explore slowly, not aggressively.
• Use this stop for a calm swim, since Blue Lagoon can get busy later.

A practical tip: wear your swimwear underneath your clothes. It makes the short boarding-and-exiting routine much less annoying, especially with a schedule that keeps moving.

Blue Lagoon free time: swim, snorkel, and actually enjoy the island

The big moment is 3.5 hours of free time at the Blue Lagoon. This is where you’ll want to slow down and treat the lagoon like a mini beach day. Depending on the day, you can sunbathe, swim, snorkel, and hang out with the sea right there in front of you.

There’s also an important detail that affects your timing: to get off the boat at Blue Lagoon, you must register for a free QR code at www.blcomino.com and choose the afternoon slot 13.31–17.30. It’s not hard, but it is a must-do so you don’t waste your precious lagoon time.

On what you’ll find once you land:

• Plenty of spots to walk around the island and beach area.
• Opportunities to swim right from where you’re located.
• Food and refreshments available to buy on site, with pricing described as reasonable in people’s experience.

Now for the real-world downside. Blue Lagoon can be busy, and part of the “busy” is simply that the water is amazing and everyone wants the same angle. If you’re sensitive to crowds, go into it expecting lines for certain areas and packed swim zones. The upside is that the lagoon setup is built for visitors, so you’re not fighting the logistics while you’re trying to enjoy the water.

Comino’s Sea Caves: short stop, big coastline drama

After your Blue Lagoon time, you return toward Sliema with one extra visual payoff: a stop near Santa Maria Caves. It’s brief—around 10 minutes—but it’s timed for photos and a quick look.

Even in a short stop, Comino’s coastline has that dramatic feel: rocky edges, small pockets of sea, and caves that make the island look like a movie set. The best way to think of this part is as a bonus that completes the story of the day. You don’t come to Comino just for swimming—you come for the coast, too.

Bring your camera, because even with limited time, you’ll be able to capture the shapes that make Comino famous. If the sea is a little rough, focus on steady shots rather than rushing—this is one of those “watch your footing” moments.

Gozo’s Mgarr Harbour and Option B land time: what you’re getting

Gozo shows up on this cruise in two different ways, depending on which version you book.

For the standard experience, Mgarr Harbour is basically a photo stop (about 5 minutes). You’ll get a quick pause to see Gozo from the water and grab a few images, but it’s not a true visit. It’s best for travelers who want Gozo in the itinerary without spending hours on land.

If you choose Option B, you get 3 hours on Gozo with optional transport to Victoria available to purchase on the boat for €5 per person. You’ll also have a slightly different distribution of time later: 1.5 hours at Comino Blue Lagoon rather than the longer main lagoon block.

So which is better?

• Pick the standard option if your top goal is the full Blue Lagoon time and a more relaxed swim schedule.
• Pick Option B if you strongly want a real look at Gozo’s island vibe, even if it means fewer hours at Comino’s main lagoon.

Either way, you should expect Gozo time to feel time-limited. This is still a cruise day built around the lagoons first.

On board: waterslide, decks, and how to make the ride comfy

This cruise doesn’t just move you around the islands. It also gives you activities and space while you’re in transit.

The biggest included highlight is the waterslide. People describe it as a top moment, especially on a hot day when you want a quick burst of fun without leaving the boat. It’s also one of the easiest ways to cool off before you hit the water stops.

You’ll also find that the boat has multiple levels, and at least one level includes a glass-bottom deck. That’s great for passing views where you can actually see water color change beneath you, plus it’s a nice way to keep kids and adults engaged when the boat is moving.

Other comfort notes that matter:

• The crew keeps things organized and the boat clean, including the bathrooms.
• Snacks and drinks are available to buy, and prices are described as reasonable.
• If you’re prone to motion sickness, the trip can feel choppy at times on the way out, so consider your usual medication strategy.

Small prep wins:

• Bring a towel and cash (since cash is specifically advised).
• Use comfortable footwear for the boat-to-shore moments.
• If you’re bringing your own snorkeling gear, bring goggles.

Price and value: what $40 buys you in Malta waters

At around $40 per person, this cruise offers a lot for a Malta day trip—mainly because you’re getting multiple headline experiences bundled together:

• A cruise from Sliema through key bays and toward Gozo
• A short lagoon swim at Crystal Lagoon/St. Nicholas Bay (seasonal)
• 3.5 hours at Blue Lagoon during standard options
• A Comino caves photo stop
• The included waterslide
• No need to coordinate separate boat tickets or ferry schedules yourself

Where the value really shows up is that your day is structured around time-on-water moments that people come for. You’re not just looking at postcards from shore. You’re getting real swim time in two different water settings, and the boat handles the movement between them.

The main “cost” isn’t money—it’s time and crowding. You’re sharing the day with others, and the boat announcements can be constant. If you’re going in expecting a calm, private escape, you might feel the friction. If you’re going in expecting a classic, organized lagoon day, it’s strong value.

Who should book this cruise—and who should skip it

I’d book this if you:

• Want the Malta lagoon highlights without complicated planning
• Enjoy swimming and snorkeling, even if it’s not for hours at a time
• Like the idea of a short scenic cruise plus a long beach-lagoon block
• Travel with kids or groups who will actually use the waterslide

I’d think twice if you:

• Are extremely crowd-averse at beaches and swim areas
• Want quiet time on the water and dislike frequent announcements
• Need wheelchair access (this option isn’t suitable for wheelchair users)

It also fits couples well, especially if you like a day of sea views and an easy itinerary. You can keep things simple: swim, eat something you buy there or on board, and rotate between relaxing and exploring the island on foot.

Should you book this Comino and Blue Lagoon cruise?

Yes, if your priority is maximum lagoon time with minimal planning. The standard experience is built around two water stops—one shorter and one longer—so you get variety without eating your whole day on one shoreline. The waterslide plus time at the lagoons is an especially good mix of fun and scenery for the price.

I’d consider booking with a small mindset tweak: this is a popular lagoon day, so plan for crowds and accept that the boat ride has a busy feel. If that doesn’t bother you, you’ll come away with exactly what you came for—turquoise water, swimming moments, and Comino’s caves as a final flourish.

FAQ

How long is the cruise from Sliema?

The duration is about 7.5 hours.

Where do I meet the boat in Sliema?

Departure is from Sliema at Ferries 4. Look for Luzzu Cruises boats such as Mv Kataleya or Mv Lady Shelley.

What is included for swimming and on-board activities?

You’ll have a stop for swimming and snorkeling at the Crystal Lagoon area or St. Nicholas Bay (seasonal), a stop at Blue Lagoon, a Comino caves visit, and use of a waterslide. Food and drinks are not included.

Is the Crystal Lagoon/St. Nicholas Bay stop available year-round?

No. The Crystal Lagoon/St. Nicholas Bay stop runs seasonally from May 1 to Oct 31, weather permitting. In November to April, the boat stops at Blue Lagoon only.

Do I need to register for Blue Lagoon to get off the boat?

Yes. To get off at Comino Blue Lagoon, you must register at www.blcomino.com and choose the afternoon slot 13.31–17.30 to obtain a free QR code.

Is this tour suitable for wheelchair users?

No, it is not suitable for wheelchair users.

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