Evening Catamaran Ferry Cruise To The Blue Lagoon

The best reason to book this cruise is simple: you reach Comino after the main daytime rush, when the Blue Lagoon can feel calmer and the fading light gives the water and coast a softer look. The catamaran leaves Sliema at 4:30 PM, anchors at the lagoon around 5:45 PM, and returns beneath the night sky.

I like the two hours of free time, which gives you enough room for a swim without turning the visit into a frantic photo stop. I also like the return after dark, when Malta’s shoreline, including the lit Basilica of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, can look striking from the water. The main caution is that the lagoon may still be noisy and crowded, even in the evening, especially in summer.

Key points to know before you book

• Evening timing changes the Blue Lagoon experience: You arrive after much of the daytime traffic has gone, but the water may still have music and boats nearby.
• Two hours at Comino is useful free time: Swim, snorkel, sit by the water, or explore on your own without a formal guide.
• A government access pass is required: Since May 2025, you need an official pass to step ashore at the Blue Lagoon, with the evening time slot selected.
• The catamaran is practical rather than fully catered: It has air conditioning, toilets, Wi-Fi, and vending machines, but food and drinks are not included.
• The best views change by direction: Sit on the left side going out and the right side returning for better views back toward shore.
• The $41 price is fair for a five-hour boat outing: It works best if you value the coastal cruise and sunset return as much as the swim.

Leaving Sliema at 4:30 PM

Your evening begins at Sliema Ferries, along Triq Ix-Xatt. The departure point is 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 if you need help finding it.

Arrive 15 to 20 minutes early. Some people arrive about half an hour ahead to claim a better seat, which is sensible if you want an unobstructed view from the outer deck. The boat is described as a sleek, modern catamaran with air conditioning, toilets, and free Wi-Fi.

This is not a small private sailing trip. It is a ferry-style cruise designed to carry a group to Comino, so the mood depends partly on the other passengers and boats in the area. You get a stable platform, plenty of room compared with a small launch, and a straightforward ride rather than personal guiding or commentary.

There is no named tour guide, and this is not a guided sightseeing trip. The English-speaking crew and staff help with boarding and practical matters, while your time at Comino is your own.

The coastal ride toward Comino

The outward trip takes roughly 75 minutes, with arrival at the Blue Lagoon planned for about 5:45 PM. That gives you time to settle in, watch Malta’s shoreline recede, and take photographs from the deck.

For the best shore views, sit on the left side going out. On the return, switch to the right side. This is a small detail, but it can make a difference if you care about seeing the coastline rather than looking across the open water.

The catamaran has no included meal or drink service. Vending machines are available, and you can bring your own food and drinks. Pack a snack before boarding, especially because the boat remains at the lagoon until 8:00 PM and dinner is not part of the fare.

A few practical items matter here. Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, swimwear, a towel, and comfortable shoes. If you are prone to seasickness, take your usual precautions before departure. The trip is not recommended for people who regularly struggle with motion on boats.

Two hours at the Blue Lagoon

The main stop begins at approximately 5:45 PM. The catamaran anchors in the Blue Lagoon, giving you about two hours to use as you wish. You can swim, snorkel, sit near the water, or explore part of Comino Island.

The evening timing is the central selling point. The light should begin to soften during your stay, and the heat of the day may be less intense. The water is described as warm and clear in early September, making the swim a strong part of the outing.

Still, do not expect a silent cove. The Blue Lagoon is one of Malta’s most popular stops, and several boats can gather there. One account describes loud music from boats in the lagoon and an atmosphere that felt more like a tourist party than a quiet escape. The evening reduces some of the daytime pressure, but it does not turn Comino into a private island.

This makes the cruise a better fit for you if you want a scenic swim with a sunset setting. If you want total peace, you may find the boat traffic, music, and activity disappointing. The setting is beautiful, but the experience is shaped by its popularity.

The new shore access pass

Since May 2025, you must obtain a government-issued access pass in advance if you want to disembark at the Blue Lagoon. The pass is arranged through blcomino.com, and the evening time slot must be selected when you apply.

This is an important planning step. The daily allocation is limited, and you cannot step ashore without the official pass. Do not assume that booking the catamaran alone gives you permission to land.

The boat can still be part of your plan even if you mainly want the water and views, but the information provided is clear that shore access requires the pass. Arrange it before the day of the cruise, and keep the pass available for inspection.

Swim, snorkel, or take a closer look at Comino

You have no assigned activity at the lagoon, which is helpful if your group wants different things. One person can swim while another stays aboard or takes photographs. You can also snorkel, though you need to bring your own equipment unless otherwise arranged.

An optional small-boat outing to nearby caves has been offered for around €15 per person. It takes about 20 minutes and can be worthwhile if you have not seen Malta’s caves by boat. It is less useful if you already have a separate cave trip planned, and it uses part of your two-hour stop.

Deckchairs may also be available to hire on the island for around €5 each. A complimentary non-alcoholic drink has been offered from one of the kiosks on Comino, and another account describes a drink token used for a cocktail served in a pineapple. These extras should be treated as variable rather than guaranteed parts of the advertised fare. Keep track of the correct kiosk if you receive a token.

The shore facilities and add-ons can make the stop more comfortable, but they also add to the cost. The core price covers the cruise and free time, not a fully organized beach day.

Sunset, lights, and the return to Sliema

At 8:00 PM, the catamaran leaves the lagoon for Sliema, with arrival planned around 9:15 PM. This is more than a simple ride back. The return gives you a different view of the coast, now under the fading sunset and night sky.

The atmosphere can be lively as boats leave the lagoon. One evening included a view of other passengers enjoying a slide from a nearby boat, while the sunset appeared as the catamaran headed away. That mix of calm sea, music, and activity means the return is not always hushed, but it can be memorable.

As you approach Malta, look toward the illuminated shoreline. The Basilica of Our Lady of Mount Carmel has been seen lit against the dark sky, with the moon above. You will not get a formal narration explaining every sight, so keep your phone or camera ready and watch the coast yourself.

The scheduled arrival is about 9:15 PM. Plan your evening around that time, particularly if you have an early dinner booking or need to connect with public transport.

Is $41 a good value?

At $41 per person, the price is reasonable if you want three things in one outing: transport to Comino, time for a swim, and a scenic sunset cruise back to Sliema. A five-hour trip gives the fare more substance than a short harbor cruise, and the two-hour stop is long enough to feel useful.

The value drops if you see the catamaran only as a way to reach the lagoon. You still need to arrange the government access pass, and food, drinks, optional cave trips, and deckchairs cost extra. There is no hotel pickup or drop-off, so you must reach Sliema on your own.

I would compare this trip with a daytime Blue Lagoon outing based on your priorities. The evening cruise offers softer light and a later return, while the lagoon can still be crowded and noisy. If swimming in clear water at sunset sounds better than having a quiet beach, the price is easier to justify.

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure and reserve-now, pay-later booking add useful flexibility. They do not change the nature of the trip, but they can help if your Malta plans are still shifting.

Who will enjoy this catamaran most?

This cruise suits you if you want a relaxed, self-directed outing rather than a guided tour. It works well for couples looking for sunset views, friends who want a swim and a drink, and independent visitors who prefer open time to a packed schedule.

Families should consider the late return and the informal setting. The boat has toilets and air conditioning, but the evening can include loud music from nearby boats. The cruise is not suitable for people with mobility impairments, and non-folding and electric wheelchairs are not allowed.

You should also think carefully about seasickness. The journey crosses open water, and the trip is specifically not recommended for people prone to motion sickness. Comfortable shoes are useful for boarding and shore time, while a towel and swimwear are essential if you intend to enter the water.

Should you book it?

Book this cruise if you want a sunset swim at Comino with a memorable night ride back to Sliema. The best parts are the generous two-hour stop, the clear water, and the changing views after dark.

Skip it if your idea of the Blue Lagoon is a quiet, private cove, or if you dislike boat music and busy popular sites. Before paying, secure the evening government access pass, bring your own snacks, arrive early for a good seat, and budget for any optional shore extras. With those details handled, the trip offers a practical and attractive way to see Malta’s most famous lagoon without giving up an entire day.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran depart 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 a red ticket kiosk along the promenade.

What time does the cruise leave Sliema?

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

What time does the boat reach the Blue Lagoon?

Arrival at Comino’s Blue Lagoon is planned for approximately 5:45 PM.

How long do you stay at the Blue Lagoon?

You get approximately two hours of free time at Comino before the boat leaves at about 8:00 PM.

What can I do during the stop?

You can swim, snorkel, explore Comino Island, or relax aboard or near the Blue Lagoon.

Do I need a pass to go ashore?

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

Is this a guided tour?

No. This is not a guided tour. The stop at Comino is free time, and assistance is provided by the English-speaking crew and staff.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not included. The boat has vending machines, and you may bring your own food and drinks.

Does the boat have toilets and Wi-Fi?

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

What happens if I need to cancel?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later, subject to the booking terms.