Spend a full day on the water cruising Malta’s northern coastline to Comino and the Blue Lagoon. This easy-going boat trip combines coastal sightseeing, cave viewing, and a long stop at the lagoon, with plenty of time to swim, snorkel, relax on deck, or explore parts of Comino Island at your own pace. Onboard facilities, including a slide, sun deck, air-conditioned lounge, and cafeteria, make it a comfortable option for families, couples, and groups.
Your day starts at Buġibba Jetty in St Paul’s Bay, where boarding opens at 08:30. Once on board the large blue and white boat, you can choose between the top sun deck, shaded main deck seating, or the lower air-conditioned lounge. At 10:00 the boat leaves the jetty and begins a coastal run along Malta’s northern shoreline. You will pass Aħrax Point, a well-known reef for divers, and enter Aħrax Cave with the boat, giving you a close view of the rock formations. The route continues towards St Paul’s Island, where you can see the statue of St Paul that stands above the coastline, before carrying on along the north Comino Channel past Elephant’s Head, Santa Maria Bay, Santa Maria Caves, and St Nicholas Bay.
After around an hour of steady cruising, the boat arrives at Comino and moors at the Blue Lagoon. You will have about four and a half hours here, giving you time to use the 10-metre slide, swim directly from the boat, or go ashore with your access pass to find a spot by the water. You can swim and snorkel in the clear shallows, walk short trails into the interior of Comino, or simply claim a deck chair on the top deck and enjoy the view over the bay. On board, the cafeteria serves fresh food and hot and cold drinks, and there are lockers available in limited numbers if you want to secure small valuables while you are in the water.
Later in the afternoon, the boat departs Comino and begins the return leg towards Malta. The route takes you close to Gozo, giving you views of the harbour and shoreline for photos, before turning into the south Comino Channel. Here you can see Santa Maria Tower from the water and cruise through the Crystal Lagoon, including a run into its caves where the size and lighting of the rock walls are best appreciated from the boat. After this final sightseeing section, the vessel continues back towards Buġibba Jetty, arriving around seven hours after departure so you can head back to your accommodation or continue your evening plans.
This cruise runs from Buġibba, a busy resort on Malta’s north coast with plenty of accommodation, restaurants, and coastal promenades. The departure point is Buġibba Jetty on Dawret Il-Gżejjer; when you arrive, you should look for a large blue and white boat rather than a small boat or catamaran. Public buses, taxis, and local parking options make it relatively straightforward to reach the jetty from other parts of the island, but it is important to allow extra time in peak season as the waterfront area can be busy in the morning. Boarding closes at 09:40, and the boat cannot wait for late arrivals.
Out at sea, the cruise covers a loop across the northern end of Malta towards Comino and past Gozo. The main focus is the Blue Lagoon, but a key part of the experience is the coastal scenery and rock features seen along the way, including Aħrax Cave, Elephant’s Head, Santa Maria Bay, and Crystal Lagoon. The boat itself stays nearby during the stop at the Blue Lagoon, which means you always have access to shade, toilets, food, and fresh water even if the shore area is busy. For guests who prefer not to go ashore or who find the terrain on Comino difficult, remaining on the boat can still provide a good view of the bay and surrounding coastline.
This trip is intended for guests who are comfortable spending a full day around the sea but do not necessarily want a physically demanding activity. You do not need to swim to join the cruise, and you can spend the entire time on the boat if you prefer. However, if you plan to use the slide or swim directly from the vessel, you should be able to swim confidently in deep water and use ladders to get back on board. Basic mobility is required to move around the decks, make use of the stairs between levels, and access toilets and seating areas safely while the boat is moving.
To step ashore at the Blue Lagoon, you must obtain a government-issued access pass in advance via the official website blcomino.com. For this full-day visit, you will need to book both morning and afternoon time slots. Pass numbers are limited daily, and no refunds are given if you cannot disembark because you do not have a valid pass, so it is important to arrange this before the day of travel. The boat is wheelchair and stroller accessible, but Comino’s rocky, uneven terrain makes the island itself difficult for wheelchairs and pushchairs; staying near the immediate landing area or on the boat will usually be more practical for anyone with limited mobility. Guests who suffer significantly from seasickness should consider whether a shorter or more sheltered trip might be more suitable.
This full-day cruise is set up for guests who want plenty of time at the Blue Lagoon along with a varied coastal route, rather than a quick drop-off ferry. The long stop at Comino means you can mix swimming, snorkelling, time ashore, and breaks on the boat without rushing, while the 10-metre slide and free deck chairs on the top deck add extra fun and comfort for families and small groups. With several deck options, you can choose full sun, partial shade, or an air-conditioned indoor space depending on conditions and your own preferences throughout the day.
Onboard facilities are designed to keep the practical side simple: lockers for small valuables, separate toilets, a staffed cafeteria with hot and cold drinks and fresh food, and card and cash payments accepted. The outward and return routes are structured to include cave entries and views of features such as Aħrax Cave, St Paul’s Island statue, Santa Maria Tower, and Crystal Lagoon’s caves, so you get a mix of sightseeing and swimming in a single itinerary. For visitors based in or near Buġibba looking for a well-equipped, full-day Blue Lagoon cruise, this trip offers a straightforward, comfortable option.
Boarding opens at 8:30 and closes at 9:40, with departure at 10:00 sharp from Buġibba Jetty in St Paul’s Bay. You must be on board by 9:40 at the latest; the boat cannot wait for late arrivals because of harbour schedules and a tight sailing timetable. Arriving early gives you time to find the correct large blue-and-white boat, choose your preferred seating area, and get organised before departure.
If you are travelling by bus or taxi, allow a buffer for traffic and walking time along the seafront, especially in peak season. Guests who arrive after boarding closes will not be allowed to join, and no refund is given for missed departure, so it’s worth planning your journey with plenty of margin. Getting there closer to 8:30–9:00 is the best way to secure upper deck seating and avoid any last-minute rush.
Yes. A government-issued access pass is required if you want to step ashore at the Blue Lagoon. This is a national regulation introduced in May 2025, not a rule from the boat operator. You must obtain your pass in advance from the official website blcomino.com and select both morning and afternoon time slots, as you’ll be on Comino for several hours. Pass numbers are limited daily and checks are enforced on site.
If you do not have a valid pass, you can still enjoy the cruise, use the slide, and swim directly from the boat, but you will not be allowed onto the shore area. No refunds are issued if you cannot disembark because you do not hold a pass, so it’s essential to secure this ahead of your travel day if going ashore is part of your plans.
You’ll have around four and a half hours at the Blue Lagoon, which is a generous amount of time compared to shorter cruises. This window lets you mix swimming from the boat, using the water slide, lounging on deck, and going ashore (with your access pass) without feeling rushed. Many guests alternate between time in the water and breaks on the sun deck or in the shaded areas.
If you choose to go ashore, you can explore short walking paths, take photos from higher viewpoints, or simply find a spot close to the water to relax. Snorkelling is popular thanks to the clear water and pale sandy seabed, and if you prefer a quieter experience you can head a short distance away from the busiest central area. The boat remains nearby, so you can always return on board for shade, food, or a drink from the cafeteria.
The boat is kitted out for a full day at sea, with a 10-metre water slide, a top sunbathing deck, a main deck with shaded and sunny seating, and a lower air-conditioned deck. There are separate male and female toilets, plus a limited number of free lockers for small valuables on a first-come, first-served basis. These facilities make it easy to switch between sun and shade, get changed, and store items while you swim.
Space on the upper deck and access to the free deck chairs is also first-come, first-served. If you particularly want a lounger or prime sunbathing spot, aim to board soon after 8:30. Even if the upper deck fills, there are still plenty of indoor and shaded seats, which are especially useful in hotter months or if you want a break from direct sun during the middle of the day.
Food and drinks are not included in the ticket price, but there is a cafeteria on board serving fresh snacks and meals, along with hot and cold beverages. Both cash and card are accepted, so you don’t need to rely solely on cash for purchases. Many guests choose to buy a light lunch and drinks from the cafeteria rather than carrying a full picnic, especially as you have easy access to the boat throughout the day.
You are welcome to bring your own snacks, especially if you have dietary requirements or prefer specific options, but keep in mind that space is limited and large coolers or bulky bags are not permitted. Small amounts of cash are still useful for optional extras, such as the speedboat cave trip or items bought on Comino, where card payments can sometimes be affected by patchy mobile signal.
Yes, the cruise is family-friendly and the easy grading makes it suitable for most ages. Children usually enjoy the slide, swimming directly from the boat, and exploring the shallows at the Blue Lagoon. However, parents and guardians must supervise children carefully at all times, particularly on stairways, near railings, and when using the slide or entering deep water. A full day at sea also means sun protection and regular hydration are essential.
If you are travelling with younger children, plan for breaks in the shade and consider using buoyancy aids for weaker swimmers. The air-conditioned lower deck can be a good retreat if anyone needs a rest from heat or noise. Pushchairs can be brought on board, but remember that Comino’s terrain is very uneven, so a carrier may be easier than a stroller if you plan to walk ashore.
The boat itself is wheelchair and stroller accessible, with ramps and wide spaces that make boarding and moving around the main deck more manageable. There are still some steps between levels, and the boat will move with the sea, so a basic level of balance and mobility is helpful even if you stay on the main deck. Staff can assist with boarding but cannot provide continuous personal support throughout the day.
Comino Island, by contrast, is not wheelchair or stroller friendly. Paths are rocky, uneven, and unpaved, which makes longer walks challenging if you rely on wheels or have significant mobility issues. In this case, many guests choose to enjoy the lagoon from the boat instead, using the decks, slide, and easy water access while keeping the more difficult terrain at a distance.
If you are very prone to seasickness, a full-day cruise may be challenging, as you will be on the water for around seven hours and there can be motion even in moderate conditions. The larger size of the boat helps with stability compared to smaller vessels, but rolling and pitching are still possible, particularly while under way or when other boats pass nearby.
If you only suffer mildly and still want to join, consider taking motion-sickness medication before boarding (following medical advice), and choose a seat in the fresh air on the main deck rather than staying below. Eating a light breakfast, staying hydrated with water, and avoiding excess alcohol early in the day can also help. If you start to feel unwell, let a crew member know so they can suggest the calmest area on board.
Pack as you would for a full day by the sea: swimwear, a towel, high-factor sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat or cap are essentials. Comfortable shoes or sandals make it easier to board the boat and move around the jetty and Comino’s rocky shore. In cooler months or on windier days, bringing a light jacket or extra layer is recommended, as it can feel noticeably cooler while the boat is moving.
You should also bring some cash for optional extras like the speedboat cave trip, snacks on Comino, or small purchases on board. A dry bag or waterproof pouch for your phone and valuables is useful if you plan to swim frequently or use the slide. If you own a well-fitting mask, snorkel, or fins, bringing your own gear can make time in the water more comfortable, although snorkelling equipment can be purchased on the boat if needed.
Yes. Once you arrive at Comino, you’ll have the option to book a short speedboat ride that visits smaller caves and coastal features which the larger vessel cannot access. This add-on is arranged directly with representatives on board and is payable locally, usually around €15 per person (prices may change without notice). It’s always subject to calm enough sea conditions for the smaller boat.
This extra is entirely optional, so if you prefer to stay at the Blue Lagoon, swim from the main boat, or relax on deck, you can simply skip it. The long stop means you have enough time to mix swimming, exploring, and any add-ons without feeling like you are missing the core experience of the main cruise.
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St Paul's Bay, Malta
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