Malta’s lagoons are a different world. This Sliema cruise ties together Comino sea time, big-time views from the boat, and a return trip that shows you the Comino sea caves from the water. It’s a day that feels more like a floating scenic tour than a rushed swim stop.

I love the free time you get at both lagoons, especially the roughly 3.5 hours at Blue Lagoon where you can play it your way. I also like that the boat is set up for fun water moments, including onboard waterslide use during the day.

The main consideration is that Blue Lagoon can be very crowded, and getting onto shore depends on a required (free) QR code system for 2025 afternoon slots.

Key things I’d underline before you go

• Two Comino swim stops in summer: Crystal Lagoon (St. Nicholas Bay) plus Blue Lagoon
• Real hanging time at Blue Lagoon: about 3.5 hours, with the boat acting like your base
• Water slide included: a guaranteed onboard activity, not an optional extra
• Scenic Malta pass-bys: Sliema promenade, St Julian’s/Balluta Bay, Paceville area, Bugibba, and more
• Crystal Lagoon is seasonal: only runs from 01 May to 30 October, weather permitting
• Blue Lagoon shore access needs a free QR code (2025) for the afternoon window

Malta’s Comino day trip: views, swim time, and a boat that serves as your base

This is the kind of outing that works because the boat is doing half the job. You’re not just getting from A to B; you’re cruising along Malta’s coast, then swapping to Comino for the water and caves. If you like photos, you’ll get plenty. If you like swimming, you’ll get more than one chance.

The itinerary is built around pauses, not nonstop movement. That means you can stretch your legs, find your rhythm in the water, and decide whether you want to be social and active or quieter and shaded. And since the boat is equipped for passenger use (including the waterslide), you’re not stuck waiting for the next “official” moment.

Price and what you’re really getting for $42.24

At around $42.24 per person for an approximately 7.5-hour day, the value comes from what’s bundled: round-trip cruising between Sliema and Comino, plus two Comino stops in summer (Crystal Lagoon and Blue Lagoon), plus the waterslide and general boat facilities.

What’s not included is also important to know. Food and drinks are available to buy on board, but you shouldn’t plan on a full meal being part of the ticket. Masks and snorkels can be rented onboard for €5.00 per person, which helps if you want to explore the water without packing gear.

So the value equation is simple: you’re paying for transport + access + time in the lagoons. If you’re the kind of traveler who wants to spend hours on the water and not worry about boats, docking, or timing, this is a solid match.

Arriving at Luzzu Cruises in Sliema: don’t cut it close

The meeting point is Luzzu Cruises, Ferries 4, Triq Ix – Xatt, Sliema (SLM 1023). Start time is 10:00 am, and you’re advised to arrive at least 30 minutes before departure.

That advice matters because check-in can get busy when a boat is full. One thing I’d plan for: this experience can run with a maximum of 200 travelers, so early arrival helps you settle in without rushing.

If you care about views, you’ll likely want to aim for the best viewing area you can find on board. The drive-by coastline along the way is a big part of the fun, not a boring transfer section.

Malta coast pass-bys: Sliema, St Julian’s, Paceville, Bugibba, and St Paul’s Island

Once you leave Sliema, you get a string of coastal scenes as the boat cruises along. You’ll pass by the Sliema promenade, then cruise by St Julian’s and Balluta Bay while underway. After that, it swings past the St George’s Bay / Paceville area and onward toward Bugibba.

One of the more distinctive moments is the cruise by St Paul’s Island, tied to the shipwreck of St Paul in the year 60 AD. It’s not a long stop—this is “see it from the water”—but it adds context to a view you’d otherwise just glance at.

These onboard segments are worth it because they give you a different angle on Malta. You’re not staring at a map; you’re moving through the coastline.

The quick Gozo photo stop: 5 minutes to reset (not to explore)

There’s a short photo stop at Mgarr Harbour on Gozo for about 5 minutes. If you booked for Gozo, that’s when passengers who are going to Gozo disembark.

The big takeaway: this isn’t a full Gozo sightseeing window. It’s more of a brief glimpse and a chance to take photos, then the cruise continues.

If you’re traveling with kids, this short stop can be nice because it’s not a long waiting game—just enough time to stretch and grab a snapshot.

Crystal Lagoon at St. Nicholas Bay: summer-only swim plus cave-adjacent vibes

Crystal Lagoon is part of the trip only seasonally, and that’s a key planning detail. It runs from 01 May to 30 October, and only when weather permits.

When it’s operating, the boat stops at Crystal Lagoon / St. Nicholas Bay for about 45 minutes. During that time, you can swim from the boat and use the waterslide. This is a great stop for travelers who want water time that feels slightly calmer and more “swim-friendly” than a crowded beach—because you’re dealing with the water first, not just the land.

One practical note: if conditions aren’t ideal, the captain may choose the better spot on the day. That can affect how close the water feels or what part of the area is most reachable. It’s not unusual in this part of the world, where winds and currents can change quickly.

Blue Lagoon and Comino caves: the 3.5-hour highlight (and the QR code rule)

Blue Lagoon is the star of the show, with the boat stopping for about 3.5 hours. That’s long enough to swim, wander a bit, and decide whether you want to be on shore or use the boat as a floating base.

Here’s the system detail that can trip people up: to get off the boat at Comino Blue Lagoon, you need to register in advance to obtain a free QR code from blcomino.com and choose the afternoon slot 13.31–17.30. These QR code tickets are mandatory to get on shore and are free of charge in 2025.

If you don’t do that step ahead of time, you may find yourself staying with the boat rather than walking around Comino.

What it’s like once you’re there

Blue Lagoon itself can get very crowded. That shows up as limited space near the water and intense competition for the best spots. Some visitors prefer to keep things simple: swim off the boat, relax on deck, and only go ashore if they can find a workable spot.

Also, shade can be a challenge at peak times. The boat typically offers a shaded option onboard, which is a smart reason to keep a little “boat time” in your plan—not just beach time.

Comino sea caves on the return

Even if you don’t spend the entire day exploring caves on foot, you’ll still get the Comino sea caves view on the return cruise. It’s a different perspective than seeing caves from land, and it’s one of those moments that makes the whole day feel like more than two swims.

Onboard comfort, bar reality, and rentals

The onboard setup is part of why this tour feels easy. You’re not just waiting for your stop—you’re living on a boat for hours. People tend to like that the waterslide is there for you, and that you can use the boat facilities while between swims.

Food and drinks: plan to purchase from the onboard bar. Some people find the snack options limited beyond drinks, so if you’re a big snacker, bring a strategy. If you want snorkeling gear, masks and snorkels can be rented onboard for €5.00 per person.

If you get motion sick, take it seriously. Rough seas can happen, and it can be a choppy ride at times. Having something on hand (like seasickness tablets) is a smart safety net.

Timing on the water: why being “on time” matters more than you think

This trip runs like a real boat operation, not a wandering bus tour. The schedule is tight enough that if you miss your departure time, you may be left behind at the lagoon. So it’s worth setting alarms for the moment you’re planning to return to shore areas.

Also, the captain is always in charge, and safety is paramount. That means you should expect the crew to make on-the-fly calls if conditions require it. It’s not a flexible “wander forever” day; it’s a managed schedule with the safety-first mindset of a working vessel.

Who this Malta cruise is best for (and who should reconsider)

This tour is best for you if:

• You want multiple water stops in one day without arranging separate boats
• You like the idea of the boat as your base: swim, slide, relax, repeat
• You enjoy coastal views while traveling rather than sitting in a transport-only mode
• You’re traveling as a family and want a fun onboard activity like the waterslide

It’s trickier for you if:

• You want a quiet, uncrowded Blue Lagoon beach experience (Blue Lagoon can be packed)
• You hate the idea of QR-code-based shore access on busy days
• You need constant shade on shore (shade can be limited once everyone lands)
• You’re sensitive to rough seas during open water segments

If you’re coming with very young kids, you’ll want to think about comfort on the boat during travel time and any windier moments. The boat itself can be more comfortable than the shore scene depending on the time of day.

Should you book Luzzu Cruises: my decision guide

Book this tour if your dream Malta day looks like: Sliema departure, hours of Comino water time, a waterslide bonus, and cave views on the way back. For the money, you’re getting transport plus meaningful time in two lagoons (in summer), and that’s where the value lands.

Consider a different option if your top priority is: quiet Blue Lagoon time on uncrowded shore, and you don’t want to deal with the QR-code shore requirement. The experience is designed for lots of people, and on the busiest days that becomes the main tradeoff.

If you do book, I’d treat it like a checklist trip:

• Register for the free QR code ahead of time for the Blue Lagoon afternoon window
• Arrive early at Luzzu Cruises in Sliema
• Bring swim basics and consider snorkeling rentals if that’s your plan
• Have a motion-sickness plan if you’re prone to seasickness

FAQ

How long is the Malta Cruise to Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon & Caves?

The duration is approximately 7 hours 30 minutes.

How much does the tour cost, and what language is it offered in?

The price is $42.24 per person, and it’s offered in English.

What stops are included during the day?

You’ll cruise past several spots around Malta, have a short photo stop at Mgarr Harbour on Gozo, then stop at Crystal Lagoon (St. Nicholas Bay, seasonal) and Blue Lagoon, plus cave sightseeing on the return cruise.

Is Crystal Lagoon always included?

No. Crystal Lagoon / St. Nicholas Bay stops are seasonal and weather permitting, from 01 May to 30 October.

Do I need anything to go ashore at Blue Lagoon?

Yes. To get off at Comino Blue Lagoon, you must register in advance to obtain a free QR code from blcomino.com and select the afternoon slot 13.31–17.30. A QR-code ticket is mandatory to get on shore in 2025.

Are food, drinks, masks, or snorkels included?

Food and drinks are not included, but they’re available to purchase from the onboard bar. Masks and snorkels can be rented onboard for €5.00 per person.

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