Leaving the day at sea is the best kind of reset. I like that this cruise hits Comino’s Blue Lagoon in the calmer evening light, with the boat anchored so you can swim and snorkel without racing the clock. I also like the comfort touches—an air-conditioned catamaran with Wi‑Fi and toilets—so the trip still feels practical, not just scenic. One thing to weigh: the lagoon can feel crowded and noisy when other boats pull in, so if you want pure quiet, manage your expectations.

This is a mostly self-paced outing. You’ll get a solid chunk of time in Comino, but you’re not on a guided tour, and the big 2025 rule means you must handle an access pass in advance or you won’t be able to step ashore.

Key Facts to Decide Fast

• 4:30 PM departure from Sliema means you get daylight views plus evening color on Comino.
• Anchored in the Blue Lagoon gives you flexible swim/snorkel time instead of constant moving.
• About 2 hours free time in Comino is long enough for a swim session and an island wander.
• A 2025 Malta access pass is mandatory for getting off at the Blue Lagoon—book the evening slot.
• $41 for a 5-hour catamaran outing is strong value when you consider transport plus time at Comino.
• Not great for seasickness: motion can be a factor, and the cruise isn’t positioned as easy for that.

A 4:30 PM Catamaran to Comino’s Blue Lagoon

The day starts in Sliema at 4:30 PM, with the boat pulling away from the Sliema Ferries area. The goal is simple: reach Comino and the Blue Lagoon with time to enjoy it when the worst of the daytime rush has eased.

By around 5:45 PM, you should be in the lagoon zone. From there, the boat stays anchored, which matters because it keeps the experience from feeling like a constant ferry shuffle. You’re not hustling boat-to-boat. You’re there, in the water, in the evening glow, with time to reset your pace.

Sliema Meeting Point: Find the Red Boat and Get There Early

You’ll meet at Sliema Ferries, Triq Ix-Xatt, in the promenade area between the Ferries 1 bus stop and Bouverie bus stop. When you arrive, look for the red boat. If you need help, head to one of the red ticketing kiosks/booths along the promenade.

This is one of those tours where arriving on time is part of the experience. Plan to be there 15 to 20 minutes early so you’re not rushing boarding. One passenger also noted they were given unhelpful or incorrect directions by staff near the kiosks—so I’d stick to the simplest plan: find the red boat yourself, then ask for confirmation if needed.

The Big 2025 Rule: Your Access Pass for Blue Lagoon

This trip has a make-or-break item for 2025: a government-issued access pass is required to disembark at the Blue Lagoon. The pass is booked through blcomino.com and the daily allocation is limited.

The key detail is timing: for this cruise, you need to book the evening timeslot when you apply for the pass. If you don’t have the correct official pass, you won’t be allowed to step ashore. That’s not a vendor preference—it’s a regulation.

My practical advice: don’t treat this like something to do last minute. Handle it before you show up in Sliema, because you can’t improvise a pass at the dock if the allocation is already spoken for.

The Blue Lagoon Stop: Swim, Snorkel, and Unhurried Time

Once you arrive, the experience shifts gears. The boat anchors in the lagoon and you get about two hours of free time in Comino, usually starting right after you settle in. This is your window for the heart of the trip: going into the water, snorkelling if you bring gear, or simply floating and taking in the color shift as the sun lowers.

The evenings are where this works best. You’re aiming for that quieter feel when daytime crowds have thinned. The water is crystal clear, and since you’re anchored, you’re not doing a sprint from one crowded viewpoint to another.

A couple of helpful reality checks:

• Bring a towel and swimwear even if you think you’ll just watch. The lagoon is the kind of place that makes it hard to stay dry.
• If you’re prone to seasickness, pack your chosen prevention method. This cruise isn’t marketed as easy for rough-water sensitivity.
• Plan your priorities: if you want a longer swim, go first while others are still figuring out when to get in.

Optional Short Cave Excursion: Worth It Only If You Miss the Blue Grotto

Comino days often include little extras, and this one can too. One passenger described an optional add-on to caves in a smaller boat for around €15 per person, taking roughly 20 minutes ashore.

That matters for value. If you really want a boat view of the Blue Grotto and you think you might miss it elsewhere, this kind of add-on can be useful. But if you already plan to see the grotto by boat, then this shorter excursion may not feel like a worthwhile use of your limited Comino time.

Comino Island on Your Terms: What to Do in Those Two Hours

Your time on Comino is free time—no guide herding you to set photo spots. That’s a plus if you like to move at your own pace. It also means you’ll want a quick game plan when you disembark.

Some travelers said they hired deckchairs for about €5 on the island. If you’re planning to relax more than you explore, this can be a decent way to turn time into comfort, especially during the last light of day.

Also think about logistics you can control:

• Wear sunscreen and a sun hat; the Malta sun can feel relentless even when the air is cooling.
• Keep your sunglasses handy; they make lagoon time easier when brightness reflects off the water.
• If you’re planning photos, aim for the moments right around late sunset before it turns fully dark.

The Catamaran Ride Back Under a Starlit Sky

The return leaves Comino at 8:00 PM and heads back across the Mediterranean. One of the best parts of an evening cruise is that shift from sun energy to night calm.

You’re scheduled to arrive back in Sliema at about 9:15 PM, so the whole outing lands around five hours. The timing helps: you get daylight departure views, Comino’s evening atmosphere, and then a smooth night cruise that feels more like relaxation than transit.

A bonus detail from onboard impressions: the ride back can include views of Malta’s coastline with strong night lighting, which makes the dark-water cruise feel like more than just getting home.

What’s Onboard Like: Air-Conditioning, Toilets, and Wi‑Fi

This is where I think the cruise holds up well for the price. You’re on an air-conditioned boat, and there are toilet facilities onboard. Those two things quietly matter on tours that last a few hours and involve waiting for your turn to swim and disembark.

There’s also free Wi‑Fi on the boat. That’s handy for quick map checks, message catch-up, or posting a photo before Comino time makes your phone battery suffer.

One note if you’re hoping for a full-service bar: a passenger reported it was vending machines rather than a traditional bar. That doesn’t ruin the trip, but it’s smart to know so you don’t assume cocktails are ready. Food and drinks are not included, so plan accordingly.

Price and Value: Is $41 a Good Deal?

At $41 per person for about five hours, this cruise is good value if you want a straightforward format: transport + prime time at Comino + a calm evening return.

Here’s what your money buys you:

• Scenic coastal cruise out and back
• Air-conditioned comfort
• Free time in Comino (about two hours)
• Onboard Wi‑Fi and toilets
• Crew assistance during the process

What it doesn’t include:

• Food and drinks
• The access pass needed to step ashore (you book it separately)
• A guided tour (this is leisure time)

So the value equation depends on you. If you’re the type who hates tight schedules and wants the Blue Lagoon without the hassle of coordinating ferry times, this price is easier to justify. If you’re the type who plans to spend most of the day on land and only wants a short cruise, you might look at other options.

What to Bring (and What to Skip)

Pack light but smart. The essentials from the trip guidance include comfortable shoes, sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and motion sickness prevention if you need it.

For comfort:

• Bring a small bag for wet items and personal stuff.
• Keep important documents accessible if you’ve already handled the access pass.

Also note what isn’t allowed. No pets, and no luggage or large bags. Non-folding wheelchairs and electric wheelchairs aren’t allowed either.

Who This Evening Cruise Fits Best

This is best for people who want:

• An easy way to reach Comino without turning the day into a transportation puzzle
• Evening light at the Blue Lagoon, when the mood is more relaxed
• A self-paced Comino stop with time for swimming or just sitting in the late sun

It’s not a match if:

• You’re very sensitive to sea motion. People prone to seasickness should think twice.
• You have mobility impairments. This trip is not suitable for those needs based on the provided rules.

One more social note: the Blue Lagoon area can feel like a party zone depending on the day and boat traffic. If you’re hunting total silence, be prepared for other boats and louder atmospheres.

Should You Book It?

I’d book this if you want a simple, scenic evening to Comino: catamaran comfort, anchored Blue Lagoon time, and a smooth night return. The $41 price makes sense when you value the transport and the leisure block in Comino.

I would not book it if the access pass requirement feels like too much risk for your planning, or if you’re likely to feel seasick. Also, if you’re expecting a quiet private-water experience, know that the Blue Lagoon can get lively when boats gather.

If you’re booking, do one thing early: secure the evening access pass from blcomino.com so you can step ashore without stress.

FAQ

What time does the cruise depart from Sliema?

It departs from Sliema at 4:30 PM.

When do we arrive at the Blue Lagoon on Comino?

You’re scheduled to arrive at about 5:45 PM.

How much free time do I get in Comino?

You get approximately 2 hours of free time in Comino (Blue Lagoon).

Do I need an access pass to disembark at the Blue Lagoon?

Yes. A government access pass is required to step ashore at the Blue Lagoon, and you must book the evening timeslot on blcomino.com. You won’t be allowed to disembark without the official pass.

Is the tour guided?

No. This is not a guided tour. You’ll have leisure/free time at Comino.

Is food or drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not included.

Where is the meeting point in Sliema?

The boat departs from Sliema Ferries, Triq Ix-Xatt. The departure point is between the Ferries 1 bus stop and Bouverie bus stop. Look for the red boat near the red ticketing kiosks.

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