From Sliema or Bugibba: Comino Blue Lagoon Round Trip Ferry

Comino’s Blue Lagoon is the star here, but the catamaran ride along Malta’s northeast coast is a pleasant part of the day too. You get about seven hours for the round trip and free time on Comino rather than a tightly managed island tour.

I like the choice of morning departures from Sliema or Bugibba, plus the Sliema afternoon sailing for softer evening light. I also like the roomy, air-conditioned boat, onboard toilets, WiFi, and snack machines. The catch is simple: the Blue Lagoon can become extremely crowded in summer, and boarding organization may feel strained when many people arrive at once.

Key points to know before booking

• 33-meter catamaran: Travel in air-conditioned comfort, or sit outside for open sea views.
• Two departure areas: Choose Sliema in the morning or afternoon, or Bugibba in the morning only.
• Independent Comino time: Once you arrive, you are free to swim, sunbathe, walk, or find a quieter corner of the island.
• Blue Lagoon permit required: You must obtain a Blue Lagoon Access QR code before booking the ferry.
• Afternoon extra: The Sliema afternoon option includes a free pineapple cocktail for each adult.
• Summer cave option: A Comino caves boat trip can be bought onboard from June through September on morning departures.

The boat ride from Malta to Comino

This is a ferry trip with a holiday feel, not a guided sightseeing cruise. The modern catamaran carries you from Malta toward Comino, giving you open views of the coast and the sea during the crossing.

The boat is 33 meters long and described as eco-friendly, with indoor air-conditioned seating and outdoor areas. That matters in Malta, where a sunny day can become tiring quickly. You can sit inside when the heat builds, then move outdoors when you want sea air and a better view.

Free WiFi is included, along with restrooms. Snacks and drinks are available for purchase, so you do not have to arrive with a full picnic. Still, food is not included in the $35 price, and you should plan for extra spending if you want refreshments during the day.

The ferry is one of the strongest parts of this experience. It gives you a reliable way to reach Comino without arranging separate transport, and the journey itself adds views of Malta’s northeast coast. The crew is described as friendly, and a staff member named Rambo is specifically praised for being helpful and professional. Staff availability can vary, but that detail suggests the human service is often a bright spot.

Choosing Sliema or Bugibba

Your departure point affects both timing and the shape of your day.

Sliema offers the most flexibility. You can choose a morning trip for a full day at Comino, or an afternoon sailing that lets you see the Blue Lagoon as the light changes. The afternoon option is also the one that includes the Golden Comino Escape: each adult receives a token for a free pineapple cocktail in Comino.

Bugibba has a morning departure only. This is useful if you are staying in or near northern Malta, since it avoids traveling to Sliema first. The tradeoff is less choice. You cannot use Bugibba for the afternoon or evening sailing.

The meeting point can vary by the option you book, so check your confirmation carefully. Do not assume that every departure uses the same boarding spot. You need to be at the correct point with your Blue Lagoon Access QR code ready before boarding.

Morning sailings for the fullest day

A morning departure is the practical choice if Comino is one of your main reasons for visiting Malta. You arrive with plenty of daylight left for swimming, sunbathing, a walk, or a paid boat trip around the caves during the June to September season.

The day is intentionally flexible. There is no detailed walking tour or fixed sequence of island stops. You get off at the Blue Lagoon, make your own plans, and return to the ferry later.

That freedom works well for different kinds of visitors. You can claim a place near the water, explore the island, or simply sit with a view and do very little. Families may appreciate not having to keep up with a guide, while independent sightseers can set their own pace.

The problem is that the morning arrival also puts you into the busiest part of the day. In July and August, the main Blue Lagoon area can become packed. Finding a comfortable spot may be difficult, and the rocks near the water can become hazardous when people crowd together.

Photos often show a calm, luminous lagoon with plenty of space. Reality can be far busier. At peak times, the experience is less about solitude and more about getting a place to sit, swim, and enjoy the color of the water amid a large summer crowd.

The Sliema afternoon and evening option

The afternoon sailing from Sliema gives you a different mood. Instead of rushing toward the lagoon early, you arrive later and can watch the light become warmer as the day moves on.

This option is especially appealing if you prefer a slower schedule or want a sunset setting. It is not the best choice if you want the longest possible time on Comino, but it may feel more relaxed than a full morning-to-evening outing.

Adults receive a free pineapple cocktail with this sailing. You get a token when boarding, then exchange it in Comino. It is a small extra rather than a reason to book the trip on its own, but it adds a festive touch to the evening departure.

The afternoon option requires the Evening Slot Blue Lagoon Access reservation. Do not select the morning access period by mistake. Your ferry time and your lagoon access time need to match.

Comino’s Blue Lagoon in real conditions

The water is the main attraction. It is famously clear and turquoise, and the lagoon is an excellent place for a swim when conditions are pleasant.

You are free to spend your time as you wish. Swim, sunbathe, walk around Comino, or simply enjoy the view from shore. The ferry does not lock you into a guided program, which is valuable if you already know how you want to use your day.

The setting also has limits. Blue Lagoon is not a quiet secret, especially in high season. The rocks can be crowded, and finding a comfortable patch of ground may take patience. Be careful around busy access points, particularly if you are carrying bags or moving over uneven rock.

Snorkeling may also disappoint you if you expect abundant marine life in the busiest swimming areas. Heavy summer use can affect the water close to shore, and sunscreen residue may be visible. You may find the lagoon more rewarding for its color and setting than for a rich underwater experience.

That distinction helps you choose wisely. Book this for a beautiful sea day and a chance to swim in a famous Maltese setting. Do not book it expecting an empty beach, a quiet nature retreat, or guaranteed snorkeling conditions.

Optional Comino cave trip

On morning departures from June through September, you can buy tickets onboard for a boat trip around the Comino caves. This is not included in the $35 fare, so treat it as an optional add-on.

The cave trip can add variety if you have already spent enough time in the lagoon. It also gives you another way to see Comino from the water. Since the exact price and schedule are not provided here, ask the crew onboard before committing.

If your priority is keeping costs down, skip the extra and enjoy the lagoon independently. The ferry already provides the essential transport, and you do not need to add a second boat activity to have a worthwhile day.

What the $35 price really covers

At $35 per person, the value comes from simple convenience. You get round-trip catamaran transport, a long stay on Comino, air conditioning, outdoor seating, toilets, and free WiFi. For someone who wants an easy route from Malta to the Blue Lagoon, that is a fair package.

The price does not include food, drinks, or the optional cave boat trip. You also need to arrange the Blue Lagoon Access reservation separately, though the access permit itself is not described as an added charge in the information provided.

You are paying for transport and free time, not a guided island experience. That is good value if you like to make your own plans. It is less compelling if you expect lunch, reserved seating on the rocks, a guide, or a full program of included activities.

The summer crowd is the biggest value question. A comfortable ferry cannot solve overcrowding at the destination. If your only goal is to photograph an empty lagoon, this trip may leave you disappointed. If your goal is to swim, see Comino, and enjoy a boat ride without complicated planning, the price makes more sense.

The Blue Lagoon access rule you cannot skip

You must reserve Blue Lagoon Access before booking the ferry. This is mandatory, and the required time depends on your sailing:

• Morning ferry: choose the Morning Slot or Afternoon Slot.
• Afternoon Sliema ferry: choose the Evening Slot.

Apply through the Malta Tourism Authority website at www.blcomino.com. You receive a QR code by email, either instantly or after processing, and must show it electronically or in print.

Ferry staff check the QR code before you board at Sliema or Bugibba. Officials also scan it before you leave the ferry at Blue Lagoon, then provide a wristband for your visit.

This is more than a minor booking detail. Without a valid QR code, you can be refused boarding and will not receive a ferry ticket refund. Get the access confirmation first, then reserve the ferry and select your departure point.

Who will enjoy this Comino trip most

I would choose this experience if you want independent time, a comfortable boat, and a straightforward route to the Blue Lagoon. It suits couples, families, and small groups who do not need a guide directing every hour.

The morning option is best for swimmers and people who want the longest stay. Bugibba is convenient for northern Malta, while Sliema gives you the widest choice of departure times.

The Sliema afternoon option suits anyone who prefers a later start, warmer evening light, and the included pineapple cocktail. It is also a good fit if you want a scenic sea outing without dedicating the whole day to an early start.

You should think twice if crowds make you miserable, if you need guaranteed shade or a sandy beach, or if your main interest is underwater wildlife. The Blue Lagoon is beautiful, but peak season can turn the shoreline into a tight, noisy space.

Booking, cancellation, and practical planning

The activity lasts seven hours, though the exact departure time depends on the option and date you select. Availability shows the current starting times.

The host language is English. You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and the reserve-now-pay-later option lets you hold a place without paying immediately.

Bring the QR code, allow time to find the correct meeting point, and keep your ferry confirmation accessible. Since boarding organization can be difficult when large numbers arrive, arriving prepared is more useful than relying on last-minute help.

Food and drinks can be bought onboard, but they are not included. A small amount of planning here will help you avoid unnecessary purchases, especially if you expect to spend most of the day on Comino.

Should you book it?

Book this ferry if you want an easy, independent day at Comino and value a comfortable ride more than a guided program. The 33-meter catamaran, air conditioning, toilets, WiFi, and choice of Sliema or Bugibba departures make the transport side especially practical.

Choose a morning sailing for the longest island visit, or choose the Sliema afternoon departure for sunset light and the free pineapple cocktail. Just secure the correct Blue Lagoon Access QR code first.

I would not book it expecting peace and quiet in summer. The lagoon can be crowded, seating can be awkward, and snorkeling may be underwhelming near the busiest shore. For a fair price and a well-equipped ferry to one of Malta’s most striking swimming spots, though, this remains a solid choice if you arrive with realistic expectations.

FAQ

Where does the ferry depart from?

You can depart from Sliema or Bugibba, depending on the option you book. Bugibba offers morning departures only, while Sliema has morning and afternoon choices.

How long does the experience last?

The stated duration is seven hours. Starting times vary, so check availability for your chosen date and departure point.

Do I need a Blue Lagoon Access QR code?

Yes. You must reserve Blue Lagoon Access before booking the ferry and present the QR code before boarding. It is also checked before you leave the ferry at Blue Lagoon.

Is food included?

No. Food and drinks are available for purchase onboard, but they are not included in the activity price.

Is the Comino caves boat trip included?

No. Tickets for the caves boat trip are available to buy onboard from June through September on morning departures.

What is included with the afternoon Sliema departure?

The Sliema afternoon departure includes a free pineapple cocktail for each adult in Comino. You receive a token when boarding.