Getting to Blue Lagoon on Comino Island in Malta
What is the Blue Lagoon in Malta?
We simply called it a beach, although that's not entirely accurate. Malta's Blue Lagoon is actually a bay on the coast of Comino, whose waters are so clear and enclosed that it could be described as a natural swimming pool .
It consists of two beaches. On one side is the "normal" beach with sun loungers and parasols , as well as well-stocked kiosks where you can buy food or a cold drink. If you take a boat, you can reach the other side of the bay, on the Cominotto island side , for a fee of €5 . Here you will find a much more natural, unspoiled, and wild beach.
Everyone loves this paradisiacal spot, and it's a must-see for anyone vacationing on one of the archipelago's islands. A visit to the Blue Lagoon is simply a must! For this reason, the beach is always very crowded , especially in the area with amenities and everything else. A visit with children isn't recommended, firstly because the sun umbrellas sell out quickly, and secondly because the experience isn't particularly enjoyable for families.
To avoid the crowds, it's best to set off early in the morning or after 4 p.m. when people start leaving. During peak season (July-August), of course, there are still many people out and about after work.
Blue Lagoon Comino Malta: Service Costs
Due to the influx of tourists, parasols and sun loungers are snapped up in no time. But if you're lucky (or clever!) and manage to find some, the cost isn't a big problem. A parasol costs €5 for the whole day and a sun lounger €7.50.
This means that two people will pay a total of €20 to spend the day at Malta's beautiful and unmissable Blue Lagoon on Comino.
Getting to Malta’s Blue Lagoon by Ferry
The first step to reaching Malta's Blue Lagoon is arriving on the island of Comino. Fortunately, the journey is not only quick but also easy to organize and undertake.
From the island of Malta, you can take the ferry to Comino from several points:
from the coast of Sliema, which is closest to St. Julian's and Valletta,
from Bugibba in the northeast of the island
, from Cirkewwa in the north
From here, there are ferries to Comino , all departing at roughly the same times. There are convenient early morning departures, allowing you to arrive earlier than others and secure a spot at Comino's Blue Lagoon in Malta, so be sure to take advantage of them! Ferries also depart from Cirkewwa approximately every 45 minutes , giving you more flexibility to plan your trip accordingly.
The arrival port is located directly on the Blue Lagoon, so the most strenuous part of the journey is over as soon as you board the ferry. When you disembark, you've already arrived at your destination.
Keep in mind that the ferry journey from Malta to Comino's Blue Lagoon takes approximately 25 minutes on the outward journey and 35 minutes on the return journey, as the ferry lengthens the journey to pass by the caves.
The fare from Cirkewwa is €14 for adults and €7 for children between 5 and 12 years old . Children under 5 travel free.
The cost includes round-trip transportation , and be careful, because if you book online you are also entitled to a small discount!
How to Get to the Blue Lagoon in Malta by Boat
Another way to reach the Blue Lagoon from Malta is by boat . This way you not only get to your desired destination, but you can also have a truly memorable experience, so definitely do it!
Several companies offer this type of service, and lunch with drinks is often included in the price. Unlike ferry tickets, where you can choose your return time, boat trips require you to adhere to fixed schedules. They typically depart around 10:00 AM and return around 6:00 PM , giving you plenty of time.
There are many possibilities, but the route is more or less always the same:
- Excursion from Bugibba , from €30 for adults and €20 for children. The company Sea Adventures has boats with underwater hatches, so you can admire the seabed during the trip. The trip lasts all day, and it is advisable to reserve tickets, although you can also buy them directly at the pier.
- The excursion from Sliema costs €30-35 for adults and €20-25 for children. The trip lasts 9 hours in total, but the boat journey can take longer as Sliema and Comino are not exactly close together. The pier in Sliema is full of boats going to Comino, but not all of them are equally reliable.
Day trip from Valletta: It's also possible to start from the capital, but via Gozo. That's right, a day trip within a day trip: From Lascaris Pier, you can take the ferry to the island of Gozo, have the opportunity to explore it a bit, and then travel directly from there to Comino via the Mgarr Way.
For many, this is an unforgettable experience, but for others, the time constraints make it a bit tiring. Therefore, it's not necessarily recommended for families with children or those who don't want to adapt too much.
If you're looking for relaxation, you should take the ferry from Cirkewwa instead: in just 25 minutes you'll be at Malta's Blue Lagoon without having done a single minute of work!
Ferry Services vs Organised Day Tour
| Ferry Services | Organised Day Tour |
| Cheaper (approx. €13 – €15 for a round-trip ticket) | More expensive (approx. €30 or more) |
| The skipper includes a visit to the caves on your way there or on your way back. | A more convenient way to get to Comino’s Blue Lagoon since there are departure stops within walking distance from places like Sliema and Buġibba. Some companies even offer pick-ups from your hotel. |
| Longer journey, especially if you’re not staying in Mellieħa and have opted to use public transport to get to the pick-up points in Ċirkewwa or Marfa. | Some companies offer later starts to the day, allowing you to enjoy a sunset tour instead. |
| The last trip from Comino Island is usually at around 18.00 PM or 19:00 PM (depending on the company and how many people are still on the island). | You don’t need to book your free access ticket to the Blue Lagoon if you’re staying on board or just swimming. |
| You need to pre-book your free access ticket to the Blue Lagoon to set foot on shore. | Most tour companies include stops at the Comino Caves as well as other places that are only accessible by private boat. |
Visiting the Blue Lagoon in Malta: Worth It or Not?
Reaching the Blue Lagoon of Comino in Malta is generally not a walk in the park. You have to get up early, head straight for the ferry (or boat), and be on the go all day: the question of whether it's worth it is perfectly normal!
Also, because the archipelago is full of beautiful beaches: Why go there at all? Is it really unavoidable?
The truth is, Malta's Blue Lagoon is beautiful, a true postcard scene, but it does have its drawbacks. First of all, the space: the "beach" is really very narrow , and it's packed with parasols and sun loungers. When it's crowded, people are often standing shoulder to shoulder, and the loungers are practically attached to each other. If that makes you uncomfortable, you should consider changing your destination or arriving very, very early in the morning.
Furthermore, you should bear in mind that most of the available space consists of rocks . There is some sand, but that's the most sought-after area, and it fills up immediately. The rest is rocky, so you should bring sandals or suitable shoes. Again, if you're looking for comfort, this isn't exactly ideal.
In short, it might be a more intense experience than you expect, but the sea certainly won't disappoint. It's so crystal clear, clean, and clear that you can see the seabed with the naked eye, making you feel like you're in a true paradise on earth.
If you're looking for a place where the turquoise water is so beautiful it makes you feel like you're on a postcard, then it's worth braving the crowds and rocks to spend a few hours in the enchanting waters of Malta's Blue Lagoon.
If you want to make the most of this place, remember that you can literally "bypass" the problem by going to the other side of the lagoon and using the Cominotto on the beach for a fee of €5. Some people even buy a mattress and a waterproof bag to put their belongings in and then swim to the beach of this secluded island ! It sounds crazy, but it's only a 150-200 meter swim.
If you're an adventurous person, this is definitely one of the things you absolutely must do on your trip to Malta!
And if you choose a learning holiday in Malta with us, you can experience such adventures every day of your stay, especially with our leisure program!
Insider Tips from a Local
- The ferry to Comino Island drops passengers off at the Blue Lagoon before returning to the main island, Mġarr Harbour. If you're taking this service, it's worth spending a few extra euros for the optional detour around the Comino Caves on the return journey - a short but memorable experience.
- Water shoes are highly recommended, as the rocks surrounding the Blue Lagoon are sharp and uneven. Skip the flip-flops if you plan to explore the cliffs or wander along the rugged paths.
- Notably, Comino offers other fantastic swimming spots beyond the Blue Lagoon. The Crystal Lagoon is perfect for snorkeling and cliff jumping, while Santa Marija Bay, on the northern side, is a peaceful sandy beach. You can also check out San Niklaw Bay for a quieter swim.
- Are you visiting during winter? You might still spot a few swimmers, but the island is just as rewarding for a scenic hike. Follow one of the walking trails or visit the Santa Marija Tower, an impressive historical landmark.
- If you're taking public transport to the ferry terminal in Ċirkewwa, be sure to signal clearly to the driver as your bus approaches the stop.
While there are food trucks at the Blue Lagoon selling snacks and drinks, the prices are quite high for what you get - packing your own lunch is a smarter option.
Finally, bring some cash. Ferry tickets, umbrella and deckchair rentals, and most food stalls on the island don't accept cards, so having euros on hand will save you the hassle.
