Planning a boat trip to Comino? You can visit the famous Blue Lagoon in several ways, from full-day cruises and catamaran trips to smaller boats and excursions that also include Gozo. The right choice depends on where you are staying, how much time you want at Comino and the experience you prefer.
Having enjoyed Comino cruises ourselves, we know how much difference the boat can make. During Malta's hot summer months, shaded seating and a comfortable place to return to after swimming or exploring ashore can make the day much more enjoyable.
In this guide, we help you compare Comino cruises and Blue Lagoon boat trips, understand their main differences and choose an excursion that suits your plans before booking.
Affiliate disclosure: Some booking links on this page may earn us a small commission at no extra cost to you. Always check the latest tour details, inclusions and cancellation terms before booking.
Explore Comino cruises and Blue Lagoon boat trips with comparisons, departure points and local tips✍️ Written by Albert and Benjamin Magro, Malta locals sharing practical advice from living in and exploring the Maltese Islands.
Every Comino boat trip offers a slightly different experience. Use the comparison table below to find the cruise type that best suits your plans before exploring the individual excursions.
| Cruise Type | Best For |
|---|---|
| Full-day Blue Lagoon cruise | Spending several hours swimming and relaxing at Comino. |
| Gozo and Comino cruise | Visiting both islands in one organised day. |
| Catamaran cruise with food and drinks | Enjoying a lively sailing experience with a buffet and drinks. |
| Small-group boat trip | A shorter excursion with fewer passengers and swimming stops. |
| Private boat charter | Greater privacy, flexibility and time with your own group. |
Cruise boats and visitors enjoying the turquoise waters of Comino's Blue LagoonExplore our selection of Comino cruises and boat trips, from full-day Blue Lagoon excursions to smaller group experiences and private charters. Each offers something different, helping you choose the trip that best suits your plans.
Enjoy a memorable day exploring Comino and the Blue Lagoon with Sea Adventure Excursions, departing from Buġibba. Swim in turquoise waters, admire the sea caves and enjoy the Crystal Lagoon when conditions allow.
With shaded seating, waterslides, toilets and an onboard bar, you can swim and explore Comino while returning to a comfortable boat whenever you need a break.
🎯 Best for: Families, couples and visitors wanting a full-day Comino experience with good onboard facilities.
ℹ️ Good to know: The Crystal Lagoon swimming stop is seasonal and weather-dependent. Facilities may vary between boats.
Depart from Sliema and enjoy a scenic cruise along Malta's beautiful coastline, with views of Valletta's historic fortifications and other coastal landmarks as you travel towards Comino. Once at the Blue Lagoon, enjoy time swimming in the clear turquoise waters, exploring the island or simply relaxing in the sunshine.
With shaded seating, toilets and refreshments available on board, you can return to the boat whenever you want a break from the sun.
🎯 Best for: Visitors staying around Sliema who want plenty of time at the Blue Lagoon.
ℹ️ Good to know: You need a free Blue Lagoon landing pass if you plan to go ashore. Check the arrangements before travelling.
Discover Gozo and Comino in one day on an organised excursion combining a scenic boat journey with a sightseeing bus tour around Gozo. Enjoy island views and visit highlights such as Victoria, the Citadel, and Qala Belvedere, without arranging separate transport.
Finish your island adventure with a stop at the Blue Lagoon, where you can swim, relax, and admire the turquoise waters.
🎯 Best for: Visitors who want to see both islands without planning separate boat and bus journeys.
ℹ️ Good to know: The Gozo bus tour is not guided, and the Blue Lagoon stop is approximately one hour.
Mġarr Harbour in Gozo, with colourful boats and Our Lady of Lourdes Chapel overlooking the waterfrontEnjoy a memorable day sailing from Sliema aboard the Spirit of Malta catamaran, visiting beautiful bays around the Maltese Islands to swim and relax. Depending on weather and sea conditions, the itinerary may also include a stop at Comino's famous Blue Lagoon.
With a buffet lunch and open bar included, you can enjoy the day without arranging your own food and drinks. After lunch, the atmosphere becomes livelier with music and dancing.
🎯 Best for: Couples and groups of friends looking for a lively, sociable day at sea.
ℹ️ Good to know: This is not a quiet sightseeing cruise. Under-17s need parental supervision, and it may not suit visitors with reduced mobility.
Explore Comino's beautiful coastline on a small-group boat trip departing from Ċirkewwa. Discover turquoise waters, admire the sea caves and enjoy swimming stops around the Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon and Santa Marija Bay, depending on sea conditions.
With up to 15 passengers, this three-hour excursion offers a more personal experience than a large cruise boat. Enjoy beautiful coastal views, time for swimming and comfortable seating between stops.
🎯 Best for: Couples, families and visitors who prefer a shorter trip with fewer passengers.
ℹ️ Good to know: This is a three-hour excursion from Ċirkewwa, not a full-day cruise. Stops depend on sea conditions.
Explore Comino and Gozo at your own pace aboard Lady Emily, a private boat charter with your own skipper. Enjoy the freedom to discover the Blue Lagoon, admire sea caves and visit beautiful coastal spots around both islands, with an itinerary tailored to your group's preferences and sea conditions.
With flexible itineraries and a private skipper, you can enjoy swimming and sightseeing without joining a larger organised cruise.
🎯 Best for: Families, friends and private groups wanting more flexibility and privacy.
ℹ️ Good to know: Charters last approximately four to seven hours. Confirm your preferred itinerary, inclusions and final price before booking.
The best Comino cruise depends on how you want to spend your day, who you are travelling with and the experience you prefer. Here are a few practical suggestions to help you decide.
💡 Our local advice: We have enjoyed spending time both ashore at Comino and relaxing aboard the boat. During Malta's hot summer months, having somewhere shaded to return to for a drink, a meal or simply a break from the sunshine makes a real difference, especially after swimming or exploring the island.
Comino cruises depart from several locations around Malta, including Buġibba, Sliema and Ċirkewwa. Choosing the right departure point can save travelling time and make your day more convenient, especially if you are staying close to one of these areas.
💡 Our local experience: We have taken Comino cruises from both Sliema and Buġibba, and each offers something different. We found Buġibba more convenient, with a shorter journey and lovely views of Malta's northern coastline. Departing from Sliema takes longer, but seeing Valletta's historic fortifications and Malta's coastline from the sea is a memorable part of the experience.
💡Before booking: Always check the exact boarding point, departure time and return location. Some operators use different jetties, even within the same town.
A Comino cruise lets you enjoy the Blue Lagoon from the sea, with some trips offering time to swim, relax aboard or explore the island on foot.
If you plan to go ashore at the Blue Lagoon, you need a timed QR landing pass. This is separate from your cruise ticket, so check whether your operator arranges it or whether you need to book it yourself through the official Blue Lagoon booking website.
Make sure your landing pass time slot matches your cruise's arrival and time ashore.
Blue Lagoon fee update for 2027: Malta's October 2026 Budget announced a €5 eco-contribution for tourists visiting Comino from 2027, to be collected through the Blue Lagoon booking system. The QR landing pass is currently free. Check the official booking website for the latest arrangements before travelling.
💡 Our local tip: When we visited Comino, we enjoyed spending time swimming and exploring ashore, but we also appreciated being able to return to the boat. During summer, having somewhere shaded to relax, eat or enjoy a cold drink can make your visit much more comfortable. Just make sure your cruise allows you to return aboard during the stop.
For more information about swimming, facilities and visiting Comino, read our Blue Lagoon Malta guide.
Boats and swimmers in the turquoise Blue Lagoon watersBoth options take you to Comino, but they offer different experiences. The ferry is ideal for visitors who want to explore the island independently, while an organised cruise is better for those who enjoy a longer journey at sea, swimming stops and onboard facilities.
💡 Our local advice: We have enjoyed travelling to Comino by both ferry and organised cruise. For a relaxing summer day, we prefer having a boat to return to for shade and refreshments. However, if your main aim is to explore Comino on foot, including its quieter bays and walking paths, an independent ferry gives you more freedom to plan your visit.
For ferry departure points, tickets and return times, read our Comino Ferry Guide.
Comino Ferries Co-op passenger boat crossing the sea to CominoMay, June, September and October can be lovely months for a Comino cruise, with generally pleasant weather and fewer crowds than in peak summer. July and August are ideal for warm-water swimming, but expect stronger sunshine and a busier Blue Lagoon.
💡 Our local advice: Even when the sun is shining, wind and sea conditions can affect your Comino cruise. Check the forecast before travelling, particularly if you are prone to seasickness. A calm day generally makes the journey and swimming stops more enjoyable.
What if the weather changes? Operators may adjust routes, change swimming stops or cancel cruises if sea conditions are unsuitable. Always check the cancellation policy before booking.
Summer crowds enjoying the Blue Lagoon's turquoise watersBefore booking your Comino cruise or Blue Lagoon boat trip, take a moment to check a few important details. These can make a real difference to your day, especially during Malta's busy summer months.
💡 Our local tip: If you are travelling with children or older visitors, choose comfort as well as price. During Malta's hot summer months, shaded seating, toilets and easy access to refreshments can make a long day at sea much more enjoyable.
Planning your trip to Comino? Here are answers to some common questions about cruise durations, Blue Lagoon access, onboard facilities and weather conditions.
How long does a Comino cruise take?
Most full-day Comino cruises last around six to eight hours, depending on the departure point and itinerary. Shorter excursions, including three-hour small-group boat trips, are also available. If you choose a combined Gozo and Comino excursion, remember that the total duration includes time spent visiting Gozo.
Can I go ashore at the Blue Lagoon?
Yes, as long as your cruise allows passengers to disembark. You will need a timed Blue Lagoon QR landing pass, which is separate from your cruise ticket. Check whether your operator arranges the pass or whether you need to book it yourself, and make sure the time slot matches your visit.
Are Comino cruises suitable for children?
Yes, many Comino cruises suit families with children, especially boats with shaded seating, toilets and family-friendly facilities. However, some catamaran cruises have age restrictions or a livelier atmosphere. Check the operator's age rules, swimming arrangements and onboard facilities before booking.
Do Comino cruises include food and drinks?
Food and drinks depend on the cruise you choose. Some excursions include a buffet lunch and drinks, while others have an onboard bar where you can buy refreshments. Check what is included in your ticket, as you may need to bring your own food and water.
Can Comino cruises be cancelled because of bad weather?
Yes. Strong winds or rough seas can affect Comino cruises, even on sunny days. Operators may change the route, adjust swimming stops or cancel the excursion for safety reasons. Before booking, check the cancellation and refund policy, including whether they offer an alternative date or a refund.
Whether you prefer a full-day Blue Lagoon cruise, a combined Gozo and Comino excursion or a smaller boat trip, choosing the right experience can make all the difference. Before booking, compare departure points, onboard facilities, and time at Comino, then enjoy discovering these beautiful islands from the sea.
Looking for more ways to enjoy the sea? Explore our Malta boat tours guide for other cruises and coastal excursions around the Maltese Islands.