From Sliema or Bugibba: Comino Blue Lagoon Round Trip Ferry

The main draw here is simple: you reach Comino’s famous Blue Lagoon by a comfortable catamaran, then have several hours to shape the visit your own way. I like the choice of Sliema or Bugibba departures, and I like the boat’s air-conditioning, restrooms, outdoor seating, and free WiFi. The main catch is that the lagoon can be intensely crowded in summer, and you must secure a separate Blue Lagoon Access QR code before boarding.

I also like the flexibility. A morning sailing gives you a full day on Comino, while the afternoon Sliema trip offers softer light and a golden sunset. Just remember that food and drinks cost extra, and the boarding process may feel poorly organized when large numbers arrive at once.

Key points to know before booking

• Two departure towns: Choose Sliema for morning or afternoon sailing, or Bugibba for the morning trip.
• A full seven-hour outing: The schedule leaves enough time to swim, sunbathe, walk, and look around Comino independently.
• Comfortable catamaran travel: The 33-meter ferry has air-conditioning, indoor and outdoor seating, restrooms, and free WiFi.
• Blue Lagoon entry is separate: You need a QR code from the Malta Tourism Authority’s Blue Lagoon Access system before boarding.
• Summer crowds are serious: The water is striking, but finding a safe place on the rocks can be difficult during peak periods.
• Afternoon bonus: Adults on the Sliema afternoon departure receive a token for a free pineapple cocktail in Comino.

Why this ferry works well for a Comino day

Comino is small, and the Blue Lagoon is its main attraction. This trip is best understood as transport plus free time, not as a guided island tour. You ride out from Malta, get dropped near the lagoon, and decide how to spend the rest of the day.

That independence is useful. You can swim when you want, sit in the sun, look for a quieter corner, or walk around without keeping pace with a guide. Families, couples, and independent-minded visitors often prefer this setup to a tightly managed group excursion.

The ferry itself adds value. This is a modern, eco-friendly catamaran measuring 33 meters, with air-conditioned indoor space as well as outdoor seating. On a hot Maltese day, that gives you a choice between a cool cabin and open-air views. Free WiFi is included, and there are restrooms on board, two small comforts that matter during a long outing.

The trip lasts about seven hours. That is long enough to make Comino the main event rather than a rushed photo stop. It also means you should think about sun protection, water, and how much time you really want to spend at the lagoon.

Choosing between Sliema and Bugibba

Your choice of departure point depends first on where you are staying. Sliema offers both morning and afternoon departures. Bugibba offers a morning departure only.

The morning option is the practical choice if you want the most time in Comino. You can arrive earlier, settle in, swim, explore, and make a proper day of it. It is also the only option from Bugibba, so there is no need to compare several departure times if that is your starting point.

The afternoon Sliema option has a different mood. It is designed around later light, and the return journey can coincide with a golden sunset. Adults also receive a pineapple cocktail token for Comino on this afternoon sailing. That is a pleasant extra, though it should not be the main reason to book. The central value remains the boat ride and free time at the lagoon.

You should check the exact meeting point for your selected option because it can vary. Do not assume that the Sliema and Bugibba boarding arrangements are identical. Read the booking details carefully and allow time to find the correct departure place.

The ride along Malta’s northeast coast

The outward journey gives you views of Malta from the water, especially along the northeast coast. A catamaran makes the crossing feel like part of the outing rather than a basic transfer.

If the weather is warm, outdoor seating gives you the best sense of the sea and coastline. If the sun becomes too strong, the air-conditioned cabin is a welcome retreat. The boat has snack and drink machines, according to the practical details provided by the operator, but food and drinks are not included in the price.

That distinction matters. A seven-hour trip can feel longer if you arrive without water or something to eat. You can buy refreshments on board, but bringing your own plans for snacks is sensible. The provided information does not specify a full meal service, so do not book this expecting lunch to be included.

The crew speaks English. One crew member named Rambo has been singled out for being friendly and professional, while the boat staff in general are described as pleasant and willing to answer questions. That is encouraging, especially for first-time visitors who need help understanding the access system or return arrangements.

The weak point comes before departure. When many people arrive at once, boarding may feel disorganized. Give yourself extra time, keep your QR code ready, and listen closely for staff instructions. The ferry itself is comfortable, but the queue and check-in stage may not have the same calm feel.

Arriving at Comino’s Blue Lagoon

The Blue Lagoon is famous for its pale, turquoise water, and the color can be impressive when the light is right. You can swim, sunbathe, relax, or walk around Comino at your own pace.

The setting is more rugged than polished. You are not arriving at a conventional beach resort with a broad sandy shore and unlimited space. Much of the available sitting area is on rock, and during summer the shoreline can become crowded enough that finding a safe place to settle is difficult.

This is the most important reality check. Promotional images often show clear water, empty rock, and plenty of room. In August, the actual scene can be much busier. People may be packed along the rocks, and movement around the water’s edge requires care.

Sun cream can also affect the water near the shore. One summer visitor found parts of the water clouded by sunscreen residue and found little to see while snorkeling. That does not erase the lagoon’s beauty, but it does mean you should set realistic expectations. This is primarily a swimming and scenic stop, not a dedicated marine-life excursion.

If you want a quiet, spacious beach day, peak summer may disappoint. If you want to see the lagoon’s unusual color, take a swim, and accept a busy setting, the stop can still be worthwhile. Your enjoyment depends heavily on timing, crowd tolerance, and how comfortable you are sitting on rock.

Morning or afternoon: which is the better fit?

Choose the morning departure if you want:

• More time on Comino
• A full-day island outing
• The option to depart from Bugibba
• More time for swimming and a walk around the island
• A straightforward schedule focused on the lagoon

Choose the afternoon Sliema departure if you want:

• A later start
• Softer afternoon light
• The possibility of seeing the sunset from the water
• The included pineapple cocktail for adults
• A shorter-feeling visit built around scenery and atmosphere

The afternoon trip may suit you if you do not want to spend the entire day at the Blue Lagoon. It also offers a more relaxed photographic mood as the sun gets lower. The tradeoff is less daylight time on Comino, and you cannot choose it from Bugibba.

Because the activity is listed as lasting seven hours, both options take a substantial part of your day. Check the available start times for your date before booking. The exact timing matters if you have dinner plans, another excursion, or a long journey back to your accommodation.

The separate Blue Lagoon Access rule

The most important booking detail is not the ferry reservation. It is the mandatory Blue Lagoon Access QR code.

To protect the lagoon and limit overcrowding, you must reserve access through the Malta Tourism Authority’s website at www.blcomino.com. You need an instant-confirmation QR code, delivered by email, and you must present it electronically or in printed form.

Staff check the code before you board in Sliema or Bugibba. If you do not have a valid code, the ferry ticket is not refundable. Officials also scan it before you leave the ferry at the Blue Lagoon, then issue a wristband for your visit.

The timing rules are specific:

• For morning ferry departures, reserve the Morning Slot or Afternoon Slot as required for your visit.
• For an afternoon Sliema departure, reserve the Evening Slot.
• Obtain the QR code before completing the ferry reservation.

Do not treat this as a minor formality. It is a condition of travel, and missing it can cost you the entire ferry fare. Save the QR code somewhere easy to open, or print it before leaving your accommodation.

What the $35 price includes

At $35 per person, the price is reasonable if you want a direct boat ride to Comino with several hours of free time and basic onboard facilities. You are paying for the return catamaran, not for a guided tour, meal, or a full package of beach services.

The value is strongest for visitors who would otherwise need to arrange separate transport to Comino and prefer a dependable round trip. The air-conditioning, toilets, WiFi, and choice of outdoor or indoor seating make the seven-hour schedule easier to manage than a bare-bones boat transfer.

The price does not include food or drinks. Snacks and beverages are available for purchase on board. It also does not include the optional Comino caves boat trip, which is sold on board from June through September for morning departures.

That caves trip could add another short activity to a morning outing, but it is an extra cost and not part of the basic Blue Lagoon experience. If your main goal is swimming and relaxing, you may not need it. If you want more time on the water and are happy to pay extra, ask about availability on the day.

The afternoon Sliema sailing provides a free pineapple cocktail for each adult, with a token given during boarding. It is a nice touch, but children do not receive the adult cocktail benefit, and food and drinks overall remain outside the standard fare.

Who will enjoy this outing most?

I would recommend this ferry to you if you want an easy way to reach Comino without planning your own boat transport. It suits visitors who enjoy setting their own pace and do not need a guide leading them from one activity to the next.

The trip is particularly useful for:

• First-time visitors who want to see the Blue Lagoon
• Couples looking for a scenic boat outing
• Families who value toilets and air-conditioning on a long trip
• Swimmers who want several hours at the water
• Visitors staying near Sliema or Bugibba
• Anyone who prefers a full-day or sunset-style option

You may want to think twice if you dislike crowds, need a wide sandy beach, or expect quiet snorkeling. The lagoon can be packed in August, and the rocky shore may be uncomfortable or awkward when space is limited.

It is also not the right choice if you want a fully guided tour of Comino. You are largely left to explore independently after arrival. That is a strength for some people and a weakness for others.

Practical advice for a smoother day

Reserve the Blue Lagoon Access QR code first. Then book the ferry and match the correct access slot to your departure. Keep the code available at boarding and again when you disembark.

Arrive early enough to handle the meeting point and boarding queue without stress. The ferry may be spacious and pleasant once you are on board, but the pre-boarding process can become confused when many people gather.

Bring or plan for sun protection and drinking water. The boat has refreshments for sale, yet the standard fare does not include food or drinks. Wear footwear you are comfortable using around rocky ground, since the lagoon is not presented as a broad sandy beach.

Think carefully about your preferred atmosphere. Morning gives you more time, while afternoon Sliema brings later light and the pineapple cocktail perk. In either case, treat the Blue Lagoon as a popular natural attraction rather than an empty island hideaway.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. Those terms help if your Malta schedule is still moving around, but they do not remove the need for the separate access QR code.

Should you book this Comino ferry?

Book it if you want a comfortable return ride, several hours of independent time, and a simple route from Malta to the Blue Lagoon. The boat facilities are a real plus, the choice of departure towns is useful, and the seven-hour format gives you more than a quick look.

Book with caution during the busiest summer period. The water may be beautiful, but the rocks can be crowded, space can be tight, and snorkeling conditions may not match the dreamlike photographs. For the best chance of enjoying the stop, secure the access code early, arrive prepared, and choose morning or afternoon based on how much time you want on Comino.

At $35, this is good value for transport and free time, not a luxury beach day or guided island tour. If that distinction suits your plans, the ferry is a practical way to experience Malta’s most famous lagoon.

FAQ

Where does the ferry depart from?

You can depart from Sliema or Bugibba, depending on the option you book. Bugibba has a morning departure only, while Sliema offers morning and afternoon departures.

How long does the experience last?

The activity lasts approximately seven hours. Check the available starting times for your chosen date.

Is the Blue Lagoon Access QR code required?

Yes. You must reserve Blue Lagoon Access through www.blcomino.com before booking the ferry. The QR code is checked before boarding and again before you leave the ferry at Comino.

What happens if I do not have the QR code?

You may not board without a valid Blue Lagoon Access QR code, and the ferry ticket is not refundable in that situation.

Is food included in the price?

No. Food and drinks are available for purchase on board, but they are not included in the $35 price.

Does the ferry have indoor seating and restrooms?

Yes. The catamaran offers air-conditioned indoor space, outdoor seating, free WiFi, and restrooms.

Is the Comino caves boat trip included?

No. The caves boat trip is an optional extra available for purchase on board from June through September for morning departures.

Can I cancel the booking?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The reserve-now-and-pay-later option is also available.