Comino daydreams start fast, once you see the coast from the water. This Sliema cruise is one of the easiest ways to get serious time at Blue Lagoon while still seeing lots of Malta’s shoreline, from Sliema out past St Paul’s island. I also like that the boat feels like a real base of operations, with a waterslide and onboard facilities so you are not stuck only on the rocks.

The main thing to keep in mind is crowds, especially at Blue Lagoon in summer. If you hate squeezing in, you’ll want a game plan for shade, timing, and where you actually swim.

Key things to know before you go

• Plan for top-deck views early: it is the best way to actually enjoy the coastline as you pass bays and head toward Comino.
• Crystal Lagoon is seasonal: it runs from 01 May to 30 October, weather and conditions permitting.
• Blue Lagoon requires a QR code for shore time: register in advance at blcomino.com and pick the afternoon slot 13:31-17:30.
• You get real swim time: Crystal Lagoon is short and punchy, while Blue Lagoon gives you about 3.5 hours.
• The captain can adjust where you anchor: sea conditions matter, so the exact stop placement may change.
• Bring swim basics: food and drinks are for purchase onboard, and masks or snorkels are available to rent for €5 per person.

Why this Comino cruise feels like a Malta highlight circuit

This is not just a ferry ride with one beach stop. You get a long stretch of ocean time plus a full day’s worth of scenery from the boat. From the departure in Sliema, you pass the Sliema promenade, then keep cruising by areas like St Julian’s and Balluta Bay. Next up is St George’s Bay and Paceville, followed by Bugibba and Mellieha Bay, before you head around toward Comino and back.

One reason this works is that it turns “what should I do in Malta?” into a simple plan: sit on the water, enjoy the views, then spend your swim time on Comino. Even if you already walked the waterfront back home that morning, the sea-level perspective is a different experience.

If you care about photos, this route helps. You see Malta’s coastline roll by in long bands, not just postcard angles from one viewpoint.

Getting on board in Sliema: timing and what to expect on the boat

Check-in starts at the Luzzu Cruises dock at Ferries 4, Triq Ix-Xatt in Sliema SLM 1023. You should arrive at least 30 minutes before departure. That buffer matters because the boat can run full, and you want time for your mobile ticket and any Blue Lagoon shore setup.

The tour runs from 10:00 am for about 7 hours 30 minutes. The boat is skipper-led, and safety is the priority, which is reassuring when seas get choppy. The ship also has onboard facilities and seating areas where you can take breaks from direct sun. Based on how people describe the experience, this is one of those tours where it helps to treat the boat like your home base.

One practical detail: the onboard announcements can be a mixed bag depending on where you are sitting. If you want to catch descriptions of what you are seeing, try to position yourself where you can hear well, usually closer to where audio carries best.

Also, do not plan on the crew managing your day like a private guide. The ride is organized and the captain provides updates, but your best experience still comes from taking initiative: choose your deck spot early, then plan your swim time.

Crystal Lagoon (St. Nicholas Bay) is your seasonal swim and slide stop

Crystal Lagoon happens only in summer, from 01 May to 30 October, and only if weather allows. When it is running, the boat stops at Crystal Lagoon / St. Nicholas Bay for about 45 minutes.

This stop is built for quick water time. The tour description makes it clear you can swim from the boat, and the waterslide is available for passenger use during the cruise. So think of Crystal Lagoon as the “get wet and play” part of the day, not a long beach lounge.

A couple of smart considerations:

• Weather can change the vibe fast. If the sea is rough, the water near the anchorage can feel uncomfortable, and you may need to keep your expectations realistic.
• 45 minutes is tight if you want to both slide and swim and also take photos. I’d focus on one main goal: either sliding and floating around, or swimming and cave exploring nearby if conditions look calm.

If you are visiting outside May to October, you should not count on this stop. The itinerary will still focus on Comino, but Crystal Lagoon specifically is seasonal.

Blue Lagoon on Comino: your QR code, your timing, and where to swim

Blue Lagoon is the big payoff. The boat stop is about 3.5 hours, with time to explore Comino or stay on the boat as your base. You also get a chance to do the “marine playground” stuff from the boat, including using the waterslide.

Here is the critical logistics piece: to get off the boat at Blue Lagoon, you need to register for a free QR code at blcomino.com and choose the afternoon slot 13:31-17:30. These QR codes are described as mandatory for shore access in 2025, so treat it as part of your packing checklist.

Now for the real-life experience. Blue Lagoon can be crowded. That is the tradeoff for a world-famous spot. I recommend you plan like this:

• If you like calmer moments, use your first swim time fast, then decide whether you want to leave the boat or stay near it.
• If you care more about comfort than shore strolling, use the boat as a base and swim in the calmer access points around it.
• Bring sun protection seriously. When the island gets full, shade can be limited, and the crowd tends to grab the best spots first.

One more smart item: food and drinks are available onboard for purchase. That helps, but it also means it is worth bringing water and a snack if you want to stay flexible during your shore time.

Finally, the tour includes Comino sea caves. The caves are usually enjoyed from the water as you move through the area, and they are also called out as part of the experience during the return cruise.

The Comino sea caves and the return cruise around Malta’s bays

If you like “one more look, one more photo,” the return portion is where the cruise keeps paying off. On the way back to Sliema, you get scenic viewing of Comino caves from the boat.

Along the way, you also get another pass through Malta waters and bays. You’ll see the kind of coast that is hard to appreciate from land, including the areas the cruise describes along the route like St Paul’s island, with the note that St Paul shipwrecked there in the year 60 AD. Even if you are not a history person, it gives shape to what you are looking at and makes the route feel intentional rather than just transport.

For many people, the return cruise is also the most relaxing. After the swim-heavy middle of the day, you can sit back, watch the caves area from the water, and let the views do the work.

Crowds, seasickness, and how to make a packed day feel manageable

This is a big day trip with a maximum group size of 200 travelers. In peak season, Blue Lagoon can feel like a festival at sea level. The experience can still be great, but it is not the place to expect solitude.

Here are the practical fixes that usually make the difference:

• Arrive early and claim a deck spot: if you wait too long, you may end up where sun and views are harder to enjoy.
• Treat the boat like your comfort zone: if the shore is jammed, you can often still swim and relax around the boat.
• Pack for sun and wind: people describe strong sun and crowded conditions, and they also note that waves can make the ride rough at times.
• Consider seasickness support if you are sensitive. Some experiences mention choppy water and people feeling unwell when the sea turned rough.

Also, do not get surprised by small comfort details. For example, masks and snorkels can be rented onboard for €5 per person, but they are not included. If you have your own gear, bring it. If you are renting, budget a few minutes so you do not lose swim time.

If you care about hearing the details, keep in mind that onboard audio can be hard to understand in some positions. Earphones are never mentioned as available, so just plan to catch the key moments when you are near where announcements carry best.

Price and value: what $42.24 buys you, and where you spend extra

At $42.24 per person, this cruise is priced like a value product, and the reason makes sense. You are getting:

• A full-day boat experience
• Two Comino stops in summer, including the Blue Lagoon
• Scenic passes around Malta and caves views on the return
• Use of the waterslide and boat facilities
• Mobile ticket convenience
• A mostly fixed schedule with clear stop durations

What you do pay extra for:

• Food and drinks on the onboard bar
• Mask or snorkel rental at €5 per person (if you need it)
• Any personal shopping and snacks you decide to add

Is it worth it? For many people, yes, because you are buying time and access. This is one of the easier ways to reach Comino areas without coordinating separate boats. And the boat acts as a buffer against both sun and wind, especially when you decide to stay close during the Blue Lagoon stop.

One value tip: if you want to keep costs down, bring a snack and water strategy. That way onboard purchases are optional, not urgent.

Who this tour suits best, and who might prefer a different day

This works especially well if you want a classic Malta day out with minimal planning. It’s a strong fit for:

• Couples who want big scenery plus a long swim window
• Families who like the idea of the boat as a base, with time to hop in and out
• Beach-and-water people who care more about time in the sun than museums

It can be less ideal if:

• You strongly prefer quiet beaches or low crowds
• You get motion sick easily and do not plan for it
• You expect a small-group feel, because this can run full

There’s also a practical note for anyone with little kids or anyone needing shade. The island can be crowded and shade spots can go fast, while the boat itself often provides more controlled comfort. If you are traveling with an infant or a child with limited tolerance for wind and sun, build your day around breaks on the boat.

Should you book this Sliema to Comino cruise?

I’d book it if your goal is simple: spend a big chunk of the day at Comino, use the boat as your comfort base, and enjoy Malta’s coastline from the water. The combination of Blue Lagoon time, a waterslide, and the cave viewing on the return makes this feel like a full day, not just a stop-and-go ride.

I would hesitate if you are very crowd-averse, or if you do not want any day-trip tradeoffs. Blue Lagoon is famous for a reason, so it also brings the crowds that come with popularity. Still, you can manage that by showing up early, using the boat wisely, and planning your swim time.

If you want a “see the highlights” Comino day from Sliema, this is a solid pick.

FAQ

What is the duration of the tour?

The tour runs for about 7 hours 30 minutes.

Where does the cruise depart from?

It departs from Luzzu Cruises Ferries 4, Triq Ix-Xatt, Sliema SLM 1023, Malta, and returns to the same meeting point.

What time does the tour start?

The start time is 10:00 am.

Which stops are included for Comino and how long are they?

In summer, the cruise includes a stop at Crystal Lagoon / St. Nicholas Bay for about 45 minutes and a stop at Blue Lagoon for approximately 3.5 hours.

Is Crystal Lagoon included year-round?

No. Crystal Lagoon / St. Nicholas Bay is seasonal, running from 01 May to 30 October, weather permitting.

Do I need a QR code to get off at Blue Lagoon?

Yes. To get off at Blue Lagoon, you need to register to obtain a free QR code at blcomino.com and choose the afternoon slot 13:31-17:30.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are available to purchase from the onboard bar.

Can I rent snorkels or masks?

Yes. Masks and snorkels can be rented onboard for €5.00 per person.

What happens if the weather is poor?

This experience requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.