Comino Day Cruise

Experience the Magic of Malta’s Comino on a Full-Day Cruise

Imagine sailing off Malta’s coast, feeling the warm sun, and catching the sight of rugged cliffs and turquoise waters. The Comino Day Cruise offers just that—an approximately 7.5-hour journey to explore two of Malta’s most iconic locations: the Blue Lagoon and the Crystal Lagoon. For a modest price of around $40.55 per person, you get a full day of swimming, sightseeing, and relaxing on a boat equipped with fun extras like a waterslide.

What we love about this tour is how it balances structured sightseeing with enough free time to truly enjoy the beaches and scenery. Plus, the boat’s facilities, including shaded areas and a waterslide, make the journey comfortable and fun, especially if you’re traveling with family or friends.

One potential consideration: the Blue Lagoon does get crowded, especially during peak times, which might make finding a peaceful spot a challenge. Also, weather can impact the experience—some reviews mention rough seas or cancellations, so keeping an eye on the forecast is smart.

This cruise suits travelers who want an affordable way to see Comino, enjoy swimming in crystal-clear waters, and prefer a guided day out with plenty of memorable sights. It’s perfect for those who like social boat trips with the option to explore the island at their own pace.

Key Points

• Affordable Experience: A full-day tour for just over $40, offering great value for the scenery and activities.
• Flexible Free Time: Extended stops at Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon allow for swimming, sunbathing, or just relaxing.
• Seasonal Highlights: The Crystal Lagoon stop is seasonal, running from May through October, weather permitting.
• Family-Friendly: With a waterslide and shaded areas, it appeals to families with kids and those seeking fun in the sun.
• Authentic Sights: Includes visits to stunning caves, sea caves, and historic sites like St. Paul’s Island.
• Variable Experience: Some reviews note overcrowding or weather-related issues; the captain can change plans based on conditions.

A Complete Guide to the Comino Day Cruise

Setting Out from Sliema: Comfort and Convenience

The adventure starts from Luzzu Cruises in Sliema, one of Malta’s most popular departure points. Expect to arrive at least 30 minutes early to get settled and avoid missing the boat. The boat itself is described as well-equipped, with shaded areas to escape the midday sun and facilities such as a waterslide that’s a hit with kids and adults alike.

Many travelers appreciate that the transportation is straightforward, with the cruise including round-trip transportation from Sliema Ferry. The group size is capped at 200 people, which helps keep the experience lively but not overcrowded.

Cruising the Coast: Sightseeing from the Water

The itinerary kicks off with a gentle cruise along the Sliema promenade, passing notable spots like St. Julian’s, Balluta Bay, St. George’s Bay, and the lively Paceville. The boat then glides past Bugibba, and eventually St. Paul’s Island, renowned for its connection to the shipwrecked saint—an interesting historical touch that adds depth to the voyage. We loved the way the crew pointed out these sights, making the journey as informative as it was scenic.

The cruise continues toward Mellieha Bay, offering views of some of Malta’s most recognizable beaches, before reaching the island of Gozo for a quick photos stop at Mgarr Harbour—ideal if you’ve booked the optional Gozo visit. Even if you skip the Gozitan side trip, this brief pause adds a bit of local flavor to the cruise.

The Highlights: Crystal Lagoon and Blue Lagoon

The Crystal Lagoon stop is seasonal (May to October), and weather permitting, it’s a favorite among travelers. You get about 45 minutes to swim and enjoy the water slide straight from the boat—an unexpected delight that gives you a chance to cool off and have some fun. Many reviews mention how much they appreciated this break, especially for swimming from the boat or enjoying the caves nearby.

The Blue Lagoon is the main event: a 3.5-hour stop that offers ample opportunity to swim, sunbathe, snorkel, or simply lounge on the beach. Visitors often describe the water as crystal-clear and the scenery as breathtaking. Some reviews highlight the crowded nature of the lagoon, especially during busy months, which can make finding a peaceful spot challenging. As one traveler noted, “The Blue Lagoon was overcrowded, so it was great that we could stay on the boat and swim around it.”

You can disembark at Blue Lagoon if you register online at blcomino.com—a simple process that’s free in 2025, but essential if you want to step ashore and explore the island or relax on the beach.

Exploring Comino: The Island’s Hidden Charms

If you choose to get off at Comino, you’ll find a small, peaceful island with rugged scenery, some walking trails, and sea caves to explore. The cruise includes a visit to the sea caves, which many reviews describe as spectacular. The boat crew often points out interesting formations, adding to the sense of adventure.

Travelers who enjoy hiking or exploring will find about 4 hours on the island a good amount of time. Some reviews mention that walking to Santa Maria Bay for a quieter swim is a good alternative when the Blue Lagoon is too crowded.

Family & Comfort: Is It Suitable?

The boat’s comfort features, including shaded areas and a waterslide, make it suitable for families or travelers with young children. One review mentions traveling with a 4-year-old and an infant, noting that while Crystal Lagoon was perfect for swimming, the Blue Lagoon can get very crowded and overheated during peak hours.

The crew is praised for their helpfulness and providing interesting commentary about Malta and Comino’s sights. However, some reviews warn about rough seas or weather cancellations—so, it’s wise to check the forecast before your trip.

Food, Drinks, and Additional Tips

While food and drinks are not included, there’s an onboard bar with reasonably priced snacks and beverages, so you can grab a cold drink while soaking up the views. If you want to get ashore at Blue Lagoon, make sure to register online early, as the tickets are free but mandatory.

Practical Details & Booking

The tour departs from Luzzu Cruises in Sliema and is booked on a mobile ticket, making it easy to manage. The average booking window is about 16 days in advance, so plan ahead if you want to secure a spot during the busy summer months.

The cancellation policy is flexible—free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure—but note that bad weather can lead to cancellations, in which case you’ll get a full refund or a different date.

Who Is This Tour Perfect For?

This cruise is well-suited for budget-conscious travelers seeking a full day of sightseeing and swimming. It appeals especially to families, groups of friends, or solo travelers wanting an authentic Maltese experience without breaking the bank. If you enjoy social boat trips, scenic views, and free time to explore beaches, you’ll find this tour a good match.

However, if you’re looking for peace and quiet or luxury amenities, this might not be your ideal choice. The crowded Blue Lagoon during high season can be overwhelming, and weather-dependent cancellations are a possibility. But overall, the balance of sightseeing, swimming, and local charm makes it a popular and worthwhile outing.

FAQs

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, most travelers book about 16 days ahead, especially during peak months, to secure their spot.

What should I bring?
Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and a hat. If you want to get ashore at Blue Lagoon, remember to register online for your free QR code.

Are food and drinks included?
No, but there is an onboard bar where you can purchase snacks and beverages.

Is the tour suitable for kids?
Yes, children enjoy the waterslide and swimming stops, though keep an eye on them during busy or windy conditions.

What if the weather is bad?
Bad weather might lead to cancellations. You’ll be offered a different date or a full refund if that happens.

Can I disembark at Blue Lagoon?
Yes, if you register online in advance, you can get off the boat and explore or relax on the beach.

How long is the stop at Blue Lagoon?
Approximately 3.5 hours, enough time for swimming, sunbathing, or exploring.

Is there a Gozitan option?
Yes, there’s a brief stop at Mgarr Harbour if you have booked the Gozito option, but it’s optional.

What is the boat like?
The boat is described as comfortable with shade, a waterslide, and facilities to make your trip enjoyable. On some days, technical issues might mean a different boat is used, but the experience remains the same.

Final Thoughts

The Comino Day Cruise from Sliema offers a fantastic value for anyone eager to explore Malta’s stunning waters and islands. The free time at Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon means you can tailor your day to your preferences—whether that’s relaxing on the beach, swimming in the clear waters, or exploring the caves. The scenery, informative commentary, and family-friendly facilities make it an experience worth considering.

While crowds can sometimes be a downside, especially at the Blue Lagoon, the boat’s facilities and the option to stay onboard provide some relief. If your goal is to enjoy Malta’s iconic beaches without fuss, this tour delivers a fun, relaxed, and scenic day that captures the essence of the Maltese islands.

For those who want a cost-effective, well-organized, and memorable way to see Comino, this cruise hits the mark. Just remember to check the weather, book early, and enjoy the ride—you’re in for a day full of beautiful sights and good times.