Full-Day Comino, Blue Lagoon & Caves Coastal Cruise from Buġibba

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.