Evening Catamaran Ferry Cruise To The Blue Lagoon

Comino’s Blue Lagoon takes on a different mood in the evening. This five-hour catamaran trip leaves Sliema at 4:30 PM, gives you about two hours near the lagoon, and returns under the stars. The sunset cruise is the main attraction, especially when the sea turns calm and the coast begins to glow.

I like the generous stop for swimming and the spacious catamaran, which gives you room to choose between a seat, a swim, or a quiet look at the water. I also like the simple route: no forced sightseeing script, just a scenic ride and free time at Comino. The main catch is that you now need a government access pass in advance to step ashore, and the lagoon can still be noisy and crowded with other boats.

Key points to know before booking

• Evening timing: Depart Sliema at 4:30 PM, reach the Blue Lagoon around 5:45 PM, and return at about 9:15 PM.
• Two hours at Comino: Use the stop for swimming, snorkeling, island time, or simply relaxing near the boat.
• Access pass required: Since May 2025, you need a free government pass, booked for the evening time slot, to go ashore.
• Spacious catamaran: The boat has air conditioning, Wi-Fi, toilets, and plenty of room, but food and drinks are not included.
• Best views: Sit on the left side going to Comino and the right side on the return for better views toward the coast.
• No guided tour: English-speaking crew assist with the trip, but you explore Comino independently.

Leaving Sliema at 4:30 PM

The trip starts at Sliema Ferries, along Triq Ix-Xatt, between the Ferries 1 and Bouverie bus stops. Look for the red boat. Red ticket kiosks along the promenade can help you find the correct boarding point, though it is wise to arrive 15 to 20 minutes early rather than sort out the location at the last minute.

If you want a good choice of seats, arrive earlier. One useful seating tip is to take the left side of the catamaran on the way out. On the return, the right side usually offers better views back toward Malta’s shore.

The boat is air-conditioned and has free Wi-Fi and toilets. Those are modest comforts, but they matter on a five-hour outing. The catamaran is described as spacious, so you are not confined to one seat for the entire trip. You can move around, watch the coast, and settle in for the ride to Comino.

There is no tour guide providing a running commentary. The English-speaking host or crew helps with the practical side of the trip, but this is a ferry cruise with free time, not a guided sightseeing tour. If you want historical explanations about Malta or Comino, bring your own guidebook or plan to enjoy the scenery without a formal talk.

The ride across Malta’s coastal waters

The outward journey runs from Sliema toward Comino and takes roughly 75 minutes. The route itself is part of the experience, especially as the afternoon light begins to soften.

This is not a rushed transfer. You have time to sit outside, watch Malta recede, and take photographs from the boat. The main pleasure is the open-water setting, not a list of narrated landmarks. If the sea is calm, the ride should feel easy and restful. If you are prone to seasickness, take that warning seriously and bring suitable prevention.

The boat offers no included meal or full onboard dining service. Food and drinks are not part of the price. A review describes vending machines and says passengers could bring their own food and drink. Pack sensibly, but avoid large bags, since luggage and large bags are not allowed.

A small drink token may be offered on some departures. One described trip included a nonalcoholic drink token that could be used for a cocktail-style drink served in a pineapple. Treat this as a possible extra rather than a guaranteed part of the booking, since the official inclusions list does not promise it.

Arriving at the Blue Lagoon around 5:45 PM

The boat reaches Comino at approximately 5:45 PM and remains anchored for about two hours. This timing is the heart of the trip. The busy daytime period is beginning to fade, and the low evening light can make the water and surrounding rock look especially striking.

The stop is flexible. You can swim from the boat, snorkel, explore Comino, or stay aboard and take in the view. The catamaran itself is a useful base because you can return to it when you want a break from the water.

The Blue Lagoon is beautiful, but do not expect solitude. A late afternoon visit may be calmer than the middle of the day, yet other boats can remain in the lagoon. One account described loud music from several boats and a crowded feel. That is an important reality check for anyone picturing a quiet private cove.

The mood also depends on the other vessels nearby. Some boats may play music, and one described evening included people enjoying a slide from a nearby boat. That can add energy for some people and spoil the peace for others. If your ideal evening is silent water and an empty shoreline, this excursion may not meet it.

The new pass for stepping ashore

Since May 2025, Malta requires an official government access pass to disembark at the Blue Lagoon. You arrange this separately through blcomino.com, and the daily supply is limited.

Choose the evening time slot when applying. Without the official pass, you cannot step ashore at the Blue Lagoon. This is a government rule, not an optional add-on from the boat company, so handle it before the day of your cruise.

The distinction matters. The boat can still take you to the lagoon, but landing on Comino requires the pass. If you want to walk on the island, use facilities on shore, or explore beyond the boat, this paperwork is essential. Keep the pass details available when you arrive, since the access process is part of the current system.

Swimming, snorkeling, and time on Comino

Two hours is enough for a proper swim without making the stop feel hurried. Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a sun hat. Comfortable shoes are useful if you plan to spend time ashore rather than staying in the water.

The water is the main draw. A September outing found it warm and clear enough for a refreshing swim, and the evening light adds a pleasant change from the hard midday sun. Snorkeling is also possible, though the trip does not list equipment rental or instruction, so bring what you need if you have your own gear.

You can also explore Comino during the free period. Since no guide accompanies you, set your own pace and keep an eye on the time. The crew gives you the schedule, but it is your responsibility to be back at the boat before departure.

Deckchairs may be available for hire on the island at about €5 each, according to one described departure. This is not included in the $41 price, so bring a little extra money if a chair sounds useful. The price also does not cover food or drinks.

The stop is not especially suited to anyone with mobility impairments. Non-folding and electric wheelchairs are not allowed, and the boat experience involves boarding and moving around a marine setting. Ask the operator directly if your needs are more specific than the stated restrictions.

Sunset on the way back to Sliema

At around 8:00 PM, the catamaran leaves Comino for Sliema. This is often the most memorable part of the outing. The sun may be setting as the boat pulls away, and the return crossing gradually shifts from warm evening light to a darker Mediterranean sky.

The return journey takes about 75 minutes, with an expected arrival near 9:15 PM. You get a second look at Malta’s coast, now lit by evening lights rather than afternoon sun. One particularly appealing view described the Basilica of Our Lady of Mount Carmel glowing against the night sky, with a nearly full moon above it.

The atmosphere can be lively. Some boats may still be arriving at the Blue Lagoon as yours departs, and music can carry across the water. After that, the wider sea and night sky usually become the focus. Sit on the right side for the return if you want the better shore-facing views.

This final cruise is why the experience feels different from a standard daytime ferry. You are not simply returning after a swim. You are watching Malta change from a sunny coastal scene into a chain of lights, with the boat ride providing a calm ending to the evening.

Is $41 good value?

At $41 per person, the price is reasonable if you want transport, a scenic coastal cruise, and two hours at the Blue Lagoon in one outing. You are paying for a five-hour boat experience, not just a ride to Comino.

The value is strongest for people who would otherwise need to arrange separate transport and want the sunset and night crossing included. The air conditioning, toilets, Wi-Fi, and crew assistance also make the trip more comfortable than a basic open ferry.

The price is less attractive if you expect a full meal, guided sightseeing, water sports, or drinks. None of those are included. You may also spend extra on a deckchair, food, or an optional small boat trip to nearby caves. One described cave excursion cost €15 and lasted about 20 minutes. It was considered useful for people who had not seen the Blue Grotto by boat, but less worthwhile if that sight was already on their plans.

The access pass itself is government-arranged, but you still have to organize it. Factor that task into the value. The pass is free, yet a missed or unavailable time slot could affect your plans.

Who will enjoy this cruise most?

I would choose this trip if you want a relaxed evening on the water, a proper swim at Comino, and a return trip after dark. Couples, friends, and independent visitors who prefer free time to a guided schedule should find the format easy to use.

It also suits anyone who wants a Blue Lagoon visit without spending the hottest part of the day there. The evening departure gives you softer light and may reduce some of the daytime pressure, even though it does not guarantee an empty lagoon.

Families and younger people may enjoy the open schedule, the swimming time, and the general boat atmosphere. Still, the potential for loud music and party-style boats means this is not always a peaceful family outing.

I would think twice if you dislike boat motion, need step-free access, or want a quiet natural setting with no commercial activity. The tour is not suitable for people prone to seasickness, and the operator specifically excludes people with mobility impairments.

Practical packing and boarding advice

Arrive 15 to 20 minutes before the 4:30 PM departure. Use the red boat and check the position between the Ferries 1 and Bouverie bus stops before boarding time.

Pack lightly. Large bags and luggage are not allowed, while a small practical bag should hold the essentials:

• Swimwear and a towel
• Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a sun hat
• Comfortable shoes
• Motion-sickness prevention if you need it
• Water and food, since they are not included
• Any snorkeling gear you plan to use

Pets are not allowed. Non-folding and electric wheelchairs are also excluded. The trip is offered in English, and cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance. You can also reserve now and pay later, which helps if your Malta schedule is still shifting.

Should you book it?

Book this catamaran if you want two hours at Comino plus a sunset-to-starlight boat ride for $41. The schedule gives you enough time to swim, the boat has useful basic facilities, and the return after dark adds something special.

Skip it if you want a quiet, guided nature trip or if you are uncomfortable with open-water travel. Check the Blue Lagoon access pass first, plan for possible music and crowds, and bring your own refreshments. With those points settled, this is a good-value evening escape from Sliema.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran leave from?

It departs from Sliema Ferries on Triq Ix-Xatt, between the Ferries 1 and Bouverie bus stops. Look for the red boat or ask at one of the red ticket kiosks along the promenade.

What time does the cruise depart?

The scheduled departure from Sliema is 4:30 PM. You should arrive 15 to 20 minutes before departure.

What time does the boat return to Sliema?

The boat leaves Comino at about 8:00 PM and is scheduled to arrive back at Sliema around 9:15 PM.

How long is the whole experience?

The cruise lasts approximately five hours.

How much time do I get at the Blue Lagoon?

You get approximately two hours of free time at Comino’s Blue Lagoon.

Do I need a pass to go ashore?

Yes. Since May 2025, you need a government-issued access pass to step ashore at the Blue Lagoon. Apply through blcomino.com and select the evening time slot.

Is this a guided tour?

No. The crew provides assistance, but this is not a guided tour. Your time at Comino is independent.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not included. The boat has vending machines, and one described departure allowed people to bring their own food and drinks.

What facilities are available on the catamaran?

The boat has air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, and toilet facilities.

Is the cruise suitable for people with mobility impairments or seasickness?

It is not recommended for people with mobility impairments or those prone to seasickness. Non-folding and electric wheelchairs are not allowed.