Sliema: Cruise to Comino, Crystal Lagoon, and Blue Lagoon

I’m reviewing this Sliema to Comino day cruise for travelers who want postcard water without the hassle of independent ferries. You sail past Malta’s north coast, pause at Gozo, then spend time swimming at Crystal Lagoon (seasonal) and the Blue Lagoon at Comino, plus a quick sea-caves moment on the return.

Two things I really like about it: the balance of sightseeing plus swim time, and the way the crew keeps things moving smoothly. Many passengers also highlight the knowledgeable captain/crew—including one traveler who specifically praised Captain John Paul—and how well the day is organized around swim stops.

One consideration: the Blue Lagoon can be crowded and there’s limited shade, so if you hate the sun or don’t like waiting on busy docks, you’ll want to plan around that.

Key highlights at a glance

• Crystal-clear swim stops with one dedicated Crystal Lagoon swim window (seasonal)
• Blue Lagoon free time of about 3.5 hours (Option B is shorter on Blue Lagoon)
• Comino sea caves photo/brief visit on the way back
• Waterslide included, a fun extra when you’re already in the water
• Gozo choice: either a quick harbour photo stop or a longer visit depending on your option

You can check availability for your dates here:

Sliema to Comino in one day: how the 7.5 hours really plays

This cruise is built for a classic Malta day: get aboard in Sliema, enjoy sea views while the boat cuts along the north coast, then spend the middle of the day in the water at Comino. The total duration is listed as 450 minutes (about 7.5 hours), and most of the “magic time” is concentrated into the two lagoon stops.

What matters for your planning is the rhythm. You’re not rushing to multiple unrelated towns. Instead, you’re doing one long scenic stretch by boat, a short Gozo moment, then two swim-focused stops—so you end up with pictures and time to actually enjoy the water.

You also get a small sea-caves bonus on the return. It’s not a long hike or guided excursion, but it’s a nice “last view” of Comino’s coastline before you go back to Sliema.

Meeting Luzzu Cruises at Ferries 4: finding Mv Kataleya or Lady Shelley

You depart from Sliema, Ferries 4, and you’re looking for the Luzzu Cruises boat—either Mv Kataleya or Mv Lady Shelley. That sounds simple, but on busy days it helps to arrive early, because you’ll want to get your bearings fast and get checked in.

The good news: the process is described as organized, and passengers mention smooth boarding and efficient disembarkation. If you’re prone to stress at piers, this is the type of tour where arriving a bit early pays off.

The cruise host/greeter is listed as English, and many travelers mention captain commentary along the route. You’ll hear instructions for swim times and when to prepare to move.

The route drive-by: St Julian’s, St Paul’s Bay, Mellieħa, and the Gozo harbour photo stop

As the day starts, the boat passes several well-known parts of Malta’s north coast. You glide by St. Julian’s, St. George’s Bay, and Qawra before continuing through the calmer stretch around St. Paul’s Bay and onward toward Mellieħa Bay.

Then you reach Mgarr Harbour in Gozo for a short photo stop. Even if you don’t get off the boat for long, the timing works as a quick breath of change—another angle on the islands, and a chance to grab a few quick photos before you shift back to Comino.

In practice, the Gozo moment is short for some ticket options and longer for others (more on that below). Either way, the route itself is part of the value: you see coastlines from the sea without needing to coordinate transfers.

Gozo option choices: quick harbour photos vs 3 hours in Victoria

Your ticket choice changes the day.

• Some options keep it simple with a quick Mgarr Harbour photo stop.
• Option B adds about 3 hours of free time in Gozo, with an optional transport add-on to Victoria. The cost mentioned is €5 per person, and it’s handled onboard.

If you’re deciding between Gozo and pure water time, think about your Malta trip overall. One traveler said they skipped much of Gozo because they’d planned it the day before, and they preferred using extra time on Comino. Another traveler felt the Victoria time was a bit rushed, hinting that 3 hours in Gozo is enough to get a taste, but not a deep explore.

My practical take: if Gozo is your only chance to see the sister island, the longer option is worth considering. If you’re already doing Gozo separately, lean into the Comino time and focus on the lagoon swims.

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Crystal Lagoon swim stop: seasonal color from May to October

This is the part that often gets passengers talking.

The cruise includes a swim/snorkel stop at Crystal Lagoon / St. Nicholas Bay, but it’s seasonal (May 1 to Oct 31) and weather permitting. In that seasonal window, you’re given around 45 minutes to swim and snorkel.

Forty-five minutes sounds short, but it’s timed right: you’re not waiting around for hours, and you get exactly the water moment people came for. One traveler described the Crystal Lagoon swim as the highlight, and others mention fun extras like sliding down into the water when the waters are right.

Practical note: with only 45 minutes, you’ll want your gear ready at the rail and your swim plan in your head. Don’t spend half the stop adjusting everything.

Winter reality check: when Crystal Lagoon isn’t available

From November to April, the cruise does not include the Crystal Lagoon/St. Nicholas Bay stop. Instead, it stops at the Blue Lagoon only.

This is important because it changes how much time you’ll have at each water spot. If you travel outside the May–October season, don’t expect that second lagoon stop for snorkeling. Your value then becomes the longer Blue Lagoon block, so it’s even more worth packing well and arriving ready to swim.

Also remember the captain can alter the route based on conditions. The tour runs rain or shine, but sea and weather factors can affect timing and stop choices.

Blue Lagoon at Comino: the big 3.5-hour free time block

This is the main event. After the earlier stops, you arrive at the Blue Lagoon for about 3.5 hours of free time. During this window, you can swim, snorkel, sunbathe, or explore Comino’s rugged coastline and viewpoints.

Crowds are part of the deal here. Several travelers mention it’s busy at surface level. The workaround is simple: once you get in the water and move away from the busiest docking zone, snorkeling conditions can feel more peaceful. One reviewer specifically noted that being about 20 meters out in the lagoon made a big difference.

Shade is limited. One passenger warned that you can end up exposed to the sun for the full time if you don’t stay mostly in the water. So if you’re not a “stay in the sun for hours” person, plan for lots of swim breaks, a hat, and sunscreen.

The QR code requirement to get off at Blue Lagoon

There’s a specific rule: to disembark at Comino’s Blue Lagoon, you need a free QR code from www.blcomino.com and you must choose the afternoon slot 13.31 – 17.30. This is one of those details that can turn a smooth day into a scramble, so do it early.

Comino sea caves moment: Santa Maria Caves on the return

On the way back toward Sliema, you get a quick stop linked to Comino’s limestone coastline—listed as Santa Maria Caves with a brief photo stop/visit time of about 10 minutes.

This isn’t a long guided cave tour. Think of it as a scenic closer: you’re already having a lagoon day, and this adds texture to the coastline so the trip doesn’t feel only like swimming.

Even in just a few minutes, it’s a nice way to end, especially if you’re the type who likes to collect one last “Malta angle” before heading back to the city.

On-board setup: seating, toilets, and the waterslide

One of the practical wins of this cruise is that it’s described as spacious and clean, with seating inside and outside. Some travelers also mention the staff staying on top of cleanliness, including keeping the toilets in good shape.

The tour includes use of a waterslide, and passengers repeatedly call out how much fun it is once you’re at the water stop. It’s one of those extras that doesn’t feel gimmicky once you’re already there for swimming.

There’s also mention of an onboard bar. A few reviews say the bar/kitchen are reasonably priced, while one traveler noted food could be improved—but overall, the onboard options weren’t a dealbreaker.

If you’re going with kids or a group, the waterslide is a strong “everyone can do it” activity, and it helps break up the waiting that can happen around crowded docks.

Food and drinks: what’s available and what to expect about cost

Food and drinks are not included in the base price, and alcohol is listed as not allowed. That means you’ll likely buy onboard if you want lunch or drinks while you’re at sea.

Still, multiple reviews mention drink prices are reasonable and that the onboard bar has hot and cold options. A couple of travelers mentioned specific drinks like a pineapple drink (described as delicious), which is exactly the kind of small onboard perk that makes waiting at a pier feel less dull.

Most practical tip: bring cash. Cash is specifically listed as something to bring, and that’s usually a hint that you’ll face fewer problems ordering and paying onboard.

Snorkeling and swimming reality: how to make the most of your swim windows

You’ll have two chances to get in the water:

• About 45 minutes at Crystal Lagoon/St. Nicholas Bay (seasonal)
• About 3.5 hours at the Blue Lagoon

That longer time is where good snorkeling usually happens. Several passengers mention fish and good underwater viewing conditions. But you’ll get the best experience if you come prepared.

What I recommend, based on what people said: wear beachwear, bring a towel, and use comfortable shoes. One review bluntly said to take shoes for rocks—Comino’s coast isn’t always forgiving underfoot.

Also, the tour is not wheelchair-friendly. If you have mobility limitations, you’ll want to think carefully about stairs and ladders when it’s time to get into the water.

Crowds, timing, and finding your calmer pocket in the Blue Lagoon

Even when the Blue Lagoon is crowded, you can still find your own rhythm. People describe it as busy when boats arrive, but calm down once they’re further out in the lagoon and start swimming.

Here’s the traveler strategy that fits this cruise:

• Don’t feel like you must snorkel immediately at the busiest moment.
• Take a moment to get your bearings, then swim or float to a calmer pocket.
• If you’re staying on the boat between stops, use that time to rest and hydrate so you’re not spent once free time starts.

One traveler even mentioned dolphins during the return journey, which is the kind of bonus you can catch if you’re willing to look around while the boat heads back.

Price and value: why a $41 ticket can make sense

At $41 per person, this is positioned as a value way to see multiple islands and water stops in one day. The reason it can be good value is simple: you’re paying for transportation by boat, guided routing/commentary, a seasonal swim stop (in season), the Blue Lagoon time, cave views, and the onboard waterslide.

What you should consider adds up separately:

• Food and drinks are not included
• Some options involve optional transport costs on Gozo (Option B mentions €5)
• If you want snacks while onboard, cash helps

So the value math depends on you. If you’ll eat onboard anyway, budget for it. If you’re comfortable bringing what you need and keeping it simple, the base ticket can feel like a steal for what you get.

Who this cruise is best for

This is a great fit if you want:

• A single-day Comino plan with swimming as the main focus
• Scenic north-coast views from the water
• A mix of structured stops plus free time at the lagoon
• A fun onboard extra like the waterslide

It might be less ideal if:

• You get stressed by crowds and limited shade
• You want a slow, deep dive into Gozo’s towns (the Gozo time varies and can be rushed for some travelers)
• You have accessibility needs that make stairs or uneven boarding difficult

Should you book this Sliema to Comino lagoon cruise?

I’d book it if your Malta goal is water time first and logistics second. The combination of the north-coast cruise, a chance at Crystal Lagoon in season, and a big Blue Lagoon free-time block makes it a practical “one day, two lagoons, Comino coastline” plan.

I’d think twice if you’re highly shade-sensitive or hate crowd scenes. In that case, you’ll need to plan your swim schedule and use the water itself as your cooling strategy.

If you book, do two things early: sort your Blue Lagoon QR code for the 13.31–17.30 slot, and bring cash plus the basics (towel, beachwear, and shoes that handle rocks).

FAQ

FAQ

Where do I meet for the cruise?

You depart from Sliema at Ferries 4, looking for the Luzzu Cruises boat, either Mv Kataleya or Mv Lady Shelley.

How long is the cruise?

The duration is listed as 450 minutes (about 7.5 hours), depending on the available starting time.

Is the Crystal Lagoon stop included year-round?

No. The Crystal Lagoon/St. Nicholas Bay swim stop is seasonal from May 1 to October 31 and weather permitting.

What happens if I travel outside the May–October season?

From November to April, the cruise stops at the Blue Lagoon only (the Crystal Lagoon/St. Nicholas Bay stop is not included).

How much time do I get at the Blue Lagoon?

You’re listed as having about 3.5 hours of free time at the Blue Lagoon. Option B is different, with 1.5 hours at the Blue Lagoon.

Do I need anything to get off the boat at the Blue Lagoon?

Yes. To disembark at Comino’s Blue Lagoon, you must register for a free QR code at www.blcomino.com and choose the afternoon slot 13.31–17.30.

Is food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not included, though there is an onboard bar mentioned by travelers.

What should I bring?

Bring comfortable shoes, a towel, a camera, beachwear, and cash.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?

No. It’s listed as not suitable for wheelchair users.

What’s the cancellation policy?

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

You can check availability for your dates here: