Comino feels close, but it still feels special. I like how this trip pairs an air-conditioned catamaran cruise with big northern-coast views, then gives you real Blue Lagoon swim stop time. The main tradeoff is that it is scheduled and can be rougher for people who get seasick or hate crowds at the water.

You can depart from either Sliema Ferries or Buġibba Jetty in St. Paul’s Bay, and I appreciate the practical onboard perks like free Wi-Fi and toilet facilities. One thing to think about up front: you will need a government Blue Lagoon access pass under the May 2025 rule, and you will not be allowed to step ashore without it.

Key things to know before you go

• Two departure points on Malta: choose Sliema or Buġibba when booking so you start from a location that fits your day.
• Blue Lagoon access pass required: limited daily allocation means you should grab your pass early at blcomino.com.
• Comfort on the boat, but timing rules apply: the ferry does not stay at the lagoon, so your fun depends on the schedule.
• Comino is leisure time, not a guided tour: you are free to swim, snorkel, sunbathe, or walk trails on your own.
• Optional motorboat excursion costs extra: Comino Caves and Crystal Lagoon can be added for about €15 per person when conditions allow.

The catamaran ride from Malta to Comino: comfort vs. motion

This is a half-day style day trip built around a fast, direct ferry rhythm. You board a modern, state-of-the-art catamaran that is fully air-conditioned, and you get basic comfort support like toilet facilities and free Wi-Fi. There is also crew assistance, which matters when the day is busy and everyone is trying to find their place.

What you feel most is the sea and the speed. On calmer stretches, it is easy to relax and enjoy the coast views. On bumpier days, the trip can feel more lively than you expect, and some people get hit with motion sickness quickly. If you are prone to seasickness, plan for that from the start, because you are not on a long sightseeing cruise where you can forget the waves. The boat is the link between your morning departure and your Blue Lagoon time.

A small but real practical note from the experience is how important it is to be early and organized at boarding. When check-in feels chaotic, it tends to create delays and stress, and that can add to your overall day pressure.

Where you start matters: Sliema Ferries or Buġibba Jetty

You get two official departure options, and you should pick the one that reduces your land time. The morning cruise departs either from:

• Sliema Ferries in Sliema
• Buġibba Jetty in St. Paul’s Bay

When you book, you choose your preferred departure point and time. The meeting point can vary depending on which option you select, so I recommend double-checking the exact location name on your confirmation.

Arrive 15 to 20 minutes before departure. That early buffer helps in two ways: you avoid last-minute rushing in the sun, and you get time to handle ticket scanning without turning your morning into a mini obstacle course.

The route includes Malta’s northern coastline views and a Gozo stop

After boarding, the cruise runs along Malta’s northern coastline, giving you time to look at the shoreline attractions as you travel. This part is not about learning facts from a guide. It is about being on the water and letting the coast scenery do the talking.

There is also a brief stop at St. Paul’s Bay to pick up passengers embarking from that region. Then the boat makes a short stop at Mġarr Harbour in Gozo, where guests disembarking in Gozo are dropped off. After that, it proceeds directly toward Comino.

Why that matters for your planning: you are on a schedule that can include short stops for people, not a boat waiting around. If the sea state is rough or if boarding at one point gets delayed, it can ripple through the timing. Build a little flexibility into your mindset, especially if you are traveling on a tight itinerary.

Comino time: what you can do once you step off

When you reach Comino, you get your main block of free time. This is not a guided tour, so no one is leading you by the hand. Instead, you choose what kind of day you want on the island.

Comino is small, and one of its big appeals is that it has no cars or urban sprawl, so you are really there for sea views and island atmosphere. If you want to swim and relax, the schedule is built for that. If you want to mix it up, Comino is also suited to walking.

You can consider exploring hiking trails that lead to:

• St. Mary’s Chapel
• St. Mary’s Watch Tower
• St. Mary’s Battery

Even if you only do a short walk, it changes the feel of the day. Instead of floating in a crowded swimming zone, you get a sense of the island’s scale and viewpoints. That also helps when the Blue Lagoon area feels packed.

The Blue Lagoon: swimming, snorkeling, and the pass rule that changed everything

The headline attraction is the Blue Lagoon, famous for its crystal-clear turquoise water and a sandy base. It is the kind of spot where a refreshing swim can turn into a long linger, and it is also a good place for snorkeling if conditions are friendly.

But here is the big update you must follow. A government directive effective May 2025 requires an official access pass to step ashore at the Blue Lagoon. Daily pass allocation is limited, so you need to secure it in advance.

Two key points you should not gloss over:

• You get the pass through blcomino.com.
• For this trip, you are required to book both the morning and afternoon time slots when applying for your pass.

If you do not have the official pass, you will not be allowed to disembark at the Blue Lagoon.

This is also the part of the day where crowds can be an issue. The Blue Lagoon can feel busy, especially during peak hours. If you want a calmer swim moment, I suggest using your free time strategically, including walking a bit along the shoreline rather than staying fixed at the main landing area the entire time.

Optional motorboat to the Comino Caves and Crystal Lagoon

If you want more than swimming at the lagoon, there is an optional add-on: a motorboat trip to the Comino Caves and the Crystal Lagoon.

Important details:

• The motorboat trip is optional, not included.
• You pay the fee on location, about €15 per person.
• It is always subject to favourable weather and sea conditions.

That last line is not filler. Weather and sea state control these sorts of excursions, and you can end up with a different plan if conditions do not cooperate. If you hate uncertainty, treat this as a nice-to-have rather than a must-do. If you are flexible and you enjoy boat rides, it can be a fun way to see more of Comino’s coastline than the standard swim stop.

What you get for around $35: value check, plus what costs extra

At about $35 per person, this trip is one of the more budget-friendly ways to reach Comino because the day centers on a ferry cruise plus your island time. The value is strongest if you:

• want a simple, no-car day trip
• plan to swim and spend your time on the water
• appreciate onboard comfort (air-conditioning, toilets, Wi-Fi)

What is not included can change your real total, so I recommend thinking in layers:

• The government Blue Lagoon access pass (acquired via blcomino.com)
• Food and drinks (you bring money and you plan to buy or snack)
• Entry fees to any sites (if you add anything on your own)
• The optional motorboat trip (about €15 per person)

So yes, the base price is appealing, but your final cost depends on whether you buy the pass and whether you add the caves and Crystal Lagoon boat ride.

The good news is that the main product is clear: you are paying mostly for transport and island time, not for a guided program or a long multi-stop itinerary. If that matches your travel style, this feels like fair value.

Practical packing for a day built around sun and water

Bring the simple stuff, but bring it all. This is a swim day first, and your comfort depends on it.

What to pack:

• Comfortable shoes
• Sunglasses
• Swimwear
• Towel
• Camera
• Sunscreen
• Cash

Also, set yourself up for a smooth boarding and water day. The rules include no pets, no oversize luggage, no smoking, and no luggage or large bags. Non-folding wheelchairs are also not allowed. If you are traveling light, you will have an easier time at check-in and on board.

Finally, if you are worried about motion sickness, treat that as a planning issue before you leave. This trip is not positioned as a gentle, slow sightseeing float. It is a ferry that gets you there and back on schedule.

Who should book this Comino cruise, and who should skip it

This is a good fit if you want:

• an easy day trip to Comino without managing ferry schedules on your own
• a relaxed stop where you can swim, snorkel, and take photos
• air-conditioned comfort on the catamaran plus basic onboard conveniences like Wi-Fi and toilets

You should consider skipping it if:

• you are prone to seasickness
• you need accessibility support for mobility impairments

Also, keep your expectations aligned with the format. It is not a lecture, not a guided tour, and it is not a boat that stays parked while you wander. The day is about getting you to Comino, letting you enjoy free time, and then returning.

If you love structure and explanations, you might feel like something is missing. If you like choosing your own pace, this will feel natural.

Final verdict: should you book this Comino Blue Lagoon catamaran?

I think you should book it if you can handle the water schedule and you are ready for a swim-centered day on Comino. The value works when you want transport plus leisure time, and the onboard comfort helps make the journey feel less like a slog.

Book it with extra care if Blue Lagoon access timing is a big deal for you. The May 2025 access pass rule is real, and you must plan for both morning and afternoon slots for this trip.

Skip it if motion makes you miserable or if mobility access is a concern. In those cases, the day trip format becomes frustrating fast, even if the lagoon itself is beautiful.

If you want, tell me what month you are going and whether you get seasick. I can help you decide the safest way to time your swimming window and which departure point makes the most sense for your day.