Most people think Malta is all about the forts and cities. Then you hit the water, and the coast makes sense. This Sliema to Comino cruise is a long, scenic day with Blue Lagoon time and (in summer) a second swim stop at Crystal Lagoon / St. Nicholas Bay.

I like that you get real breathing room once you’re at Comino. You’re not just hopping on and off—you get about 3.5 hours at Blue Lagoon plus about 45 minutes at Crystal Lagoon in the season. The other win is the waterslide, which turns a boat day into something fun even if the sea is doing its own thing. The main drawback to plan for: the Blue Lagoon area can be very crowded, and you’ll want to work the timing (or stay on the boat when you need a break).

Key highlights you’ll actually feel

• Long Blue Lagoon break (about 3.5 hours): enough time to swim, wander, and recharge on the boat
• Crystal Lagoon / St. Nicholas Bay stop in season (01 May to 30 Oct): weather permitting
• Boat waterslide + facilities: included, so you don’t have to hunt for entertainment
• Comino sea caves on the return cruise: you get the views without adding extra stop time
• Max group size of 200: you still can feel the crowd, but you’re not going on a tiny boat with no options
• Shore access at Blue Lagoon needs a free QR code in 2025: choose the afternoon slot in advance

Price and value: what $42.24 buys you in real life

At about $42.24 per person for roughly 7.5 hours, you’re paying for three things: transportation by boat from Sliema, extended time at Comino’s water, and “free” activities onboard like the waterslide and use of boat facilities.

If you tried to DIY this—ferries, timing, and getting yourself to two different swimming spots—you’d spend time coordinating and likely money too. Here, the value is in the simple format: one departure from Sliema, scenic cruising along Malta’s north coast, and then a big chunk of your day spent where the water is the point.

The other value play is flexibility once you’re at Comino. You can swim, hang out on deck, use the boat as your base, or go ashore if you’ve got the QR code sorted.

The ride out of Sliema: where the coast shortcuts the obvious

The day starts at Luzzu Cruises in Sliema (Ferries 4, Triq Ix – Xatt, SLM 1023). You’ll want to arrive at least 30 minutes early. That’s not “just to be nice”—on boat days, a slow check-in can turn into a scramble in sun and wind.

Right away, you start seeing the coastline from the water. The cruise passes Sliema promenade and then heads along a string of well-known bays and areas: St Julian’s and Balluta Bay, St George’s Bay / Paceville, Bugibba, St Paul’s Island (with the classic shipwreck story from the year 60 AD), and Mellieha Bay.

What I like about this cruising segment is that it gives you Malta context fast. On land, these places can look separate. From the water, they read like one connected coastline—curves, bays, and that “wait, this is all right here” feeling.

Expect safety-first operation with the skipper in charge. The boat makes decisions based on conditions, so be ready for the day to be adjusted for wind, waves, and water conditions rather than a rigid script.

Crystal Lagoon / St. Nicholas Bay: the quick hit swim stop (seasonal)

In summer (01 May to 30 October), you get a stop at Crystal Lagoon / St. Nicholas Bay for about 45 minutes. It’s weather permitting, so think of this as the bonus stop. If conditions don’t cooperate, the cruise can choose the better spot that day.

This stop is short, so it works best if you’re ready to move quickly: rinse your hands, grab your essentials, and get into the water early. Even though it’s not long, it’s exactly the kind of stop that makes the boat day feel worth it. You’re not stuck in a bus; you’re at a swim location while the rest of the world is still just thinking about the beach.

One practical tip: if you’re the type who needs time to settle before swimming, do it on the boat first. The water time here is the payoff.

Blue Lagoon on Comino: QR code, crowd reality, and how to use your 3.5 hours

This is the main event. The boat stops at Blue Lagoon for about 3.5 hours, and you can spend that time exploring or using the boat as your base while you swim. There’s also a big deal if you want to get off at Comino Blue Lagoon: in 2025 you must register in advance for a free QR code at blcomino.com and choose the afternoon slot 13.31 – 17.30. The QR code is mandatory for shore access.

Crowd check: Blue Lagoon can get packed. Even on “good” days, you may find it hard to get a prime spot right at the waterline, and some shade areas can disappear fast once the larger groups arrive. Here’s how you keep this fun instead of frustrating:

• If you want the easiest swim access, jump in when you arrive, not later.
• If the shoreline is too packed, stay around the boat and treat the water as your “front yard.” Many people end up happier doing this than trying to fight for space on the rocks.
• If you’re traveling with kids or someone who gets tired easily, consider using the boat deck for breaks. It’s built for this type of day.

Also note that the cruise includes a boat stop for swimming and facilities, including the waterslide. That onboard option is handy if you want a planned activity without waiting in queues.

Comino sea caves views: getting the scenery without turning it into a hike

On the return cruise back toward Malta, you get scenic viewing of the Comino sea caves. This part matters because it adds wow-factor without eating into your swim time.

If you’re trying to balance a day that includes swimming (which is time-sensitive) with sightseeing (which can turn into a long walk), this is a smart setup. You get the caves as part of the boat ride, so you can sit back, take photos, and enjoy without shifting into hiking mode.

The onboard experience: water slide, bar, and what’s not included

Your big onboard included wins are simple: boat facilities and the waterslide. You’ll also have a bar onboard where food and drinks are available to purchase.

What’s not included:

• Food and drinks (you’ll buy them onboard)
• Masks and snorkels (you can rent them onboard for €5.00 per person)

So I’d plan like this: bring your sunscreen and swim stuff, and decide in advance if you want to buy lunch drinks or come with a snack. If you’re prone to getting thirsty once you’re swimming, don’t assume you’ll want to leave the water and hunt for something. Build your rhythm around the boat stops.

One more important practical detail: the company notes they don’t accept responsibility for items left on the boat. Translation: keep valuables in your person or in your swim bag, and don’t rely on luck.

Timing that can make or break the day

This tour runs about 7 hours 30 minutes. Departure is listed as 10:00 am from Sliema, with the day shaped by the stop durations: a short start segment, a seasonal crystal stop, then the long Blue Lagoon stretch.

The order is what you’d expect for a water-focused day: cruising first, then the swim stops.

There’s also a Gozo element built in. The boat makes a photo stop at Mgarr Harbour on Gozo for about 5 minutes for passengers who booked to disembark. That’s not a full Gozo outing—it’s a quick taste while the boat is moving.

If you’re trying to avoid stress, treat this as a “be on time and be ready” trip. Some boat days are unforgiving if you miss departure at a stop.

Practical advice for choppy water and crowded decks

Even when weather looks decent, the start can feel rougher on open water. The important part is that the crew runs the boat with safety in mind, and you’re warned that conditions can change.

Here’s what you can do to make it easier:

• Consider seasickness tablets if you’re sensitive.
• Wear shoes with grip if you’ll be moving around the deck.
• Bring a small dry bag for your phone and any cash you might want for onboard purchases.
• If you want better views, aim to get to the top deck early. When the boat is full, the best seats go fast.

Crowds at Blue Lagoon can also affect comfort on land, especially around shade. The flip side is that the boat can act like your quiet zone. If you don’t need to be on the shore the whole time, you’ll likely enjoy the day more.

Who this tour is best for

This is a strong fit if you want a full day at sea without doing extra planning. You’ll love it if your ideal travel day looks like: a long swim window, a couple of scenic cruising segments, and time to choose your own pace.

It’s also a good option if you’re traveling with family because the boat is the base and you can move between deck, shade, and water. For smaller kids, just remember that some parts of the day can be windy or slow—bring what you need to stay comfortable.

If you’re the kind of traveler who wants a quiet beach with zero crowds, Blue Lagoon may feel like too much on peak days. In that case, you’ll do better by using the boat as your base rather than trying to find a secluded spot on shore.

Should you book Luzzu Cruises From Sliema to Comino?

I’d book it if you want an organized, relatively low-effort way to spend hours swimming at Comino, plus the bonus cave views on the way back. The waterslide and the long Blue Lagoon window make it feel like more than just transportation.

I would hesitate if:

• You’re strongly bothered by crowds and you need shoreline quiet.
• You’re traveling in a season where the Crystal Lagoon / St. Nicholas Bay stop may not operate, since that second Comino swim stop is seasonal (01 May–30 Oct).
• You missed the chance to handle the Blue Lagoon QR code in 2025 and shore time is important to you.

If you book, your best strategy is simple: get to the meeting point early, sunscreen up, pack a little patience for crowd waves, and use your time like a pro—swim when you arrive, then decide whether to stay on the boat or head to shore once things settle.

FAQ

Where does the cruise depart from in Sliema?

It starts at Luzzu Cruises, Ferries 4, Triq Ix – Xatt, Sliema SLM 1023, Malta.

What time does the tour start and how long is it?

The start time is 10:00 am. Duration is about 7 hours 30 minutes.

Do I get stops at both Crystal Lagoon and Blue Lagoon?

Yes, but Crystal Lagoon / St. Nicholas Bay is seasonal. In summer, you get one stop at Crystal Lagoon and one stop at Blue Lagoon. Blue Lagoon is the main longer stop.

When is the Crystal Lagoon / St. Nicholas Bay stop available?

It’s scheduled from 01 May to 30 October, weather permitting.

Do I need a QR code to get off at Blue Lagoon in 2025?

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

Is the waterslide included?

Yes. The boat has a waterslide for passenger use, and it’s included.

Are food and drinks included?

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

Can I rent masks and snorkels?

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

How big is the group?

This activity has a maximum of 200 travelers.

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