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The Blue Lagoon Malta: 10+ Tips and how to get there

The Blue Lagoon Malta is a small lagoon with relatively shallow, azure-coloured water that’s located on the West coast of the island of Comino, between Malta and Gozo.

The Blue Lagoon offers one of the most spectacular sights around the Maltese islands, attracting hundreds of tourists every day during the busy summer months. It’s without a doubt the biggest attraction that brings people to Comino during that time of year.

It’s a great place to spend a day to relax, swim and snorkel and the views never tire. Be warned however: This place gets BUSY in summer (July-September) and your best bet during that period is taking a boat trip there or going early in the morning. (More on that further below!).

On this page you’ll learn everything you need to know about whether, how and when best to visit the Blue Lagoon (Malta).

Table of contents
The stunning Blue Lagoon Malta at Comino island.
A bird's-eye view of the stunning Blue Lagoon at Comino.

Blue Lagoon FAQs

These are a few commonly asked questions around the Blue Lagoon. Can’t find your question here? Leave a comment at the end of this page and I’ll help you with an answer!

The Blue Lagoon is located on the West coast of Comino, the smallest of the Maltese islands, located between main island Malta and Gozo. It’s easy to reach by boat from various locations.

You can either take a ferry from Cirkewwa (North of Malta), or from Sliema, Buġibba or Gozo if you want to visit the Blue Lagoon on your own. You can also take a boat tour that berths there for a period of time during the day. More info here: How to get to The Blue Lagoon.

Yes, it’s an absolutely stunning place to visit and spend some time at. However, because of its popularity it does get very, very busy in the high season (Jul-Sep), so don’t expect to find tranquility if you visit during that period. More info here: When best to visit the Blue Lagoon.

Around the Maltese islands, there are various species of sharks, however, the chances of being attacked are negligible, especially at the busy and shallow waters at the Blue Lagoon. There are only a handful of shark attacks recorded since 1890 so it’s not even something locals are wary of at all.

There’s one (3-star) hotel in Comino, which is a 20-minute walk away. It’s called the Comino Hotel and isn’t the most modern of places, in fact the only reason to stay there is to be close to the Blue Lagoon and away from literally everything else. In fact, there isn’t much else around than nature and the odd historical building, so don’t expect restaurants, amenities or a lively nightlife. It only makes sense to stay there if you want to be in the middle of nowhere. Do not expect a luxury resort!

How to get to The Blue Lagoon from Malta

There are three popular ways you can get there:

1) Boat trips and tours

Taking a boat trip to the Blue Lagoon in Malta is by far the most popular option, with many opting to take an organised boat trip from one of the tourist hotspots (usually Sliema and Buġibba, Qawra and St. Paul’s Bay) and spending a day (or afternoon) there. Food and drinks are usually available on board and cost is somewhere between €25-35 per person. You also get a quick tour of a few other nice places around Comino (and sometimes stopovers in different bays on the way there, depending on the operator/cruise chosen).

Good to know about this option:

  • Day trips and cruises usually only run between April and October, depending on the demand.
  • Different types of boats are offered by operators. Generally speaking, the cheaper the ticket, the busier the boat. Regulations dictate that there can be no more passengers than seats available on a vessel, so overcrowding isn’t really an issue, don’t worry.
  • It’s not the cheapest way to get there, nor the most flexible. Although you’re free to roam around in Comino, you pay to be on the island (and at the Blue Lagoon) for the duration of the trip. For some that works out perfectly fine, others prefer combining a visit there with another stopover, or simply don’t want to spend as much time there. The following option may be a better choice if that’s the case. You can also find boat trips through which you can spend some time in Gozo on the same day.
  • Most operators offer easy booking online and full refunds if, for example, the weather conditions on the day means that trips have to be cancelled.
  • Since capacity on most of these boat trips is limited, it pays to plan ahead and buy tickets online in advance. I offer a few recommendations for options in the next section further below in this article.

2) Taking a hop on hop off ferry

iSeeMalta offer a hop-on / hop-off ferry service that stops at Sliema, Buġibba (within walking distance from Qawra and St. Paul’s Bay) and Gozo (apart from the Blue Lagoon itself).

It works similarly to the hop on/hop off concept you may already be aware of, and in fact, the hop-on / hop-off buses are also operated by them. That makes sightseeing across land and sea easier that it was before.

A day ticket for the hop-on / hop-off ferry costs €15 for adults and €11.50 for children and gives you unlimited use of this ferry. That means you can combine a visit to the Blue Lagoon with a stopover in any of the other stops throughout the day. So rather than having to spend a full or half a day in Comino, you can decide to have a swim for a few hours and head somewhere else for some more sightseeing.

The only downside is that, particularly between 10am and 4pm in the high season (July-September) the Blue Lagoon tends to be packed with people. Although taking a boat trip is more expensive, the benefit is that you can chill on the boat itself without having to find a spot to stay while you’re there.

Moreover, at that time of day (and time of year) you’ll want to be able to find some shade because it gets HOT out. You can learn more on the practical side of going there further down on this page: My tips for your visit.

3) Taking the ferry from Ċirkewwa

The third method of getting there is taking a ferry from near Ċirkewwa (far Northern tip of the main island Malta, Gozo ferry departure point) or from the nearby place called Marfa and get dropped off at The Blue Lagoon. They run according to a regular schedule and last return trips to Malta are between 5 and 7pm, depending on the operator. The actual ferry trips take around 20-25 mins and round trip ticket prices are €13 for adults and €7 for children.

However, getting to Ċirkewwa takes a while unless you decide to stay in Mellieħa (which is just a 10-min drive away). Although various bus routes (which also pass through Mellieħa) stop at Ċirkewwa, it can be a pretty long ride (around one hour from Sliema or St. Julian’s, for example) and buses heading there will also stop at Malta’s largest and busiest sandy beach Mellieħa Bay, which, at the end of the day will be busy with people trying to catch a bus back to their place of stay (or home).

If you still prefer this method, the bus route you’ll want to take is route 222. It’s a direct connection from Sliema, St. Julian’s and St. Paul’s Bay (which is in walking distance from Buġibba and Qawra) that takes you straight to Ċirkewwa (whereas other routes take you to Valletta’s main bus terminus first).

How to get to the Blue Lagoon from Gozo

You can find a few ferry operators at Mġarr Harbour (like Bella Comino Ferry) that offer trips to and from the Blue Lagoon at around €7 for a return trip. Operating hours are typically between 8am and 6pm.

Alternatively, the iSeeMalta hop-on / hop-off ferry is also a good option from Gozo.

5 Interesting facts about the Blue Lagoon in Malta

  • The Blue Lagoon is one of the most naturally beautiful spots around the Maltese islands
  • It’s a shallow, sandy bay with crystal clear water in between main island of Comino and the tiny islet of Cominotto
  • The areas North and South of the Blue Lagoon are a great place for snorkelling, as well as scuba diving, with many little inlets and caves around
  • Featured in blockbuster films like Troy (2004, starring Brad Pitt)
  • It’s the #1 reason why people flock to Comino island, Malta’s third-largest island which is otherwise mostly rural landscape with just three permanent residents. The island’s name is derived from the Maltese word kemmun or cumin in English, a herb which is commonly found on the island.

Boat Tours to the Blue Lagoon

Here are a few recommendations for boat tours to the Blue Lagoon.

TIP: All boat tour providers offer an option to pick you up from your place of accommodation (usually at a surcharge).

Departing from Buġibba/St. Paul’s Bay (neighbouring towns):

Departing from Sliema:

(If you’re staying in or near Valletta: You can easily take a ferry over to Sliema and get the above boat trips. A ferry ride takes 5-10 minutes across Marsamxett Harbour)

Ferries to Comino

These are two small ferry operators that cross between Cirkewwa and the island of Comino:

The Blue Lagoon at the height of summer: Busy!
The Blue Lagoon at the height of summer: Busy!

What to expect when you get there

The Blue Lagoon is one of the most popular tourist destinations, and while I definitely recommend that you make a visit there part of your itinerary. However, I want you to be well-informed so you know what to expect.

  • During the high season it’s pretty crowded between 10am and 4pm. Because there are only a few small patches with sand, any space there will have been taken up early on by visitors who usually head there for a day trip at the small sandy beach.
  • With the amount of people flocking there, apart from space being limited, don’t expect tranquility.
  • There are other (rocky areas) where you can leave your stuff while you dive in, but the most comfortable option remains having a boat to use as a base while you’re there.
  • Despite the business and the inevitable litter left by tourists, the authorities ensure daily cleaning is carried out and the water remains clean. Unlike a regular bay, there’s a constant current of water flowing through the lagoon.
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When’s the best time to go?

The Blue Lagoon in Malta is hugely popular among tourists and locals alike, and your best bet is to choose a weekday, although in July and August every day is a busy day.

In fact, if you’re staying in Malta during these months you should carefully consider whether it’s worth going, especially if you’re in Malta for a limited time.

My suggestions:

  • Go late in the day. If you’re travelling with children or absolutely hate crowded places, go later in the afternoon when it’s quieter, or pay a visit to Gozo instead.
  • Go early in the day. If you’re very much into sun and sea and don’t fit the above criteria, definitely consider paying a visit but know what to expect and go early – before 9am. (More on that below, in the tips section).
  • Avoid weekends. The Blue Lagoon isn’t just popular among tourists, locals also enjoy a visit there, particularly on weekends and with the whole family in tow.
  • Visit off season. If you’ve yet to decide on travel dates, late May-June is the best time of year, before the high season and while the early-summer weather is pleasant and most tourists won’t yet have arrived for their holiday. Alternatively, late September and October will also be a lot quieter.
St. Mary's watchtower overlooking the Crystal Lagoon in Comino.

Practical tips

  • If you’re spending the day at the Blue Lagoon, it’s always wise to bring a large bottle of water with you, particularly in summer. Although the (single) hotel on the island offers food and drink it’s not located close to the sandy beach. It’s within walking distance, but in the hot summer sun, a hike will be the last thing on your mind.
  • Even if you decide to go for a day trip by boat, it pays to be on board early to get a good seat for the day. With the huge popularity of its destination, these trips tend to be sold out to capacity on most occasions in peak season.
  • The ferries to the Blue Lagoon have set prices and a straightforward schedule, but day trip and cruise operators charge different rates. Don’t be afraid to shop around and always make sure you get a clear explanation of what’s included in the price. As friendly and welcoming as the Maltese are, you will come across people trying to make a quick buck off tourists, unfortunately, as with most popular tourist destinations.
  • The same rule of timing applies here as it does for the rest of Malta: If sun and sea are important to you, May, June and October are better (and sometimes cheaper) months to visit the Malta Blue Lagoon in. Great sunny and warm weather, less busy.
  • If you’re on a short holiday, you haven’t visited Gozo yet and you have to choose between whether to go there or Comino and its Blue Lagoon, Gozo is the better choice to go sightseeing, for most travellers. Alternative, take a boat trip which combines the two destinations.
  • If you’re heading there for the day and worried about the kids getting board, you can opt to get a speedboat tour around the island and its main sights as well. You can usually find the operator near the main jetty.

What to bring with you

  • Drinks and food can usually be bought from a nearby kiosk, on boats or (if you’re set on a short hike) from the nearby hotel. You will be charged a premium and choice will be limited, however. So if you want to be frugal or you’re picky with food, make sure to bring your own food and drink with you. The benefit of buying drinks on location is that they’ll be nice and cold. Definitely a BIG plus in summer. If you do bring your own, make sure to get plenty of water with you.
  • Shade is hard to come by, so always bring sun lotion, shades and a hat at the very least if you plan to go during the day. Unless you’re one of the lucky ones who manages to get there early enough to be able to rent an umbrella, you’ll be out in the hot sun. While it’s the main objective for some, don’t underestimate just how hot it gets. Not to mention that sun exposure during the day in summer (10+ UV index levels are common) are dangerous.
  • If you have snorkelling gear, definitely get it with you. The Blue Lagoon is on my Top 10 Snorkelling spots in Malta and Gozo. With some boat tour operators you also get the option to hire gear for the day, but it’s best to check that with your operator of choice beforehand.
  • A camera, if you don’t have a good phone camera, to record the experience and beauty of the place. Drones also do a great job there (as you can see from my main photos on this page).
  • Some entertainment for while you relax. A good book or magazine, for example, for while you catch up on being lazy.
  • If you plan to wander around a little while in Comino, be sure to wear sturdy (closed) shoes. There aren’t any paved roads around on the island, so the surface is pretty rocky/sandy and you’ll need them to be comfortable. Going on a little hike is a great idea (also because of the island’s small size – it’s hard to get lost) but avoid long walks in the hot summer heat in the middle of the day.
  • If you plan on finding a spot on the shore for the day, bring at least a thick towel to sit on, or maybe a small inflatable cushion.
  • If you’re not taking a boat trip, bring a disposable bag with you as there are few bins around and littering is a real issue. Look after the environment!
  • Although not very common, jellyfish can be found around the Maltese islands. If you want to be safe, buy some jellyfish sting protection cream or hydrocortisone cream in case you do get stung from a pharmacy before you head to the Blue Lagoon.  There’s only a few food kiosks around there and it’d be a shame to have a day out be spoiled by a little jellyfish sting. (TIP: If you don’t have any cream with you and you get stung, the best thing to do is to scrape the poison off with something like a hard plastic card. That usually helps you avoid the worst of the uncomfortable pain and skin irritation.)

Warnings

  • Dare-devils tend to want to dive off one of the high cliffs opposite main part of the bay. It might impress your friends, but why risk permanent disability or worse? Bad accidents happen here far too often, unfortunately, and all unnecessary.
  • If you decide to go for a swim at the Blue Lagoon in Malta, be careful crossing over to Cominotto (a small islet next to Comino). Although it’s definitely safe to swim at the Blue Lagoon between June and August (peak summer), sometimes strong undercurrents in this straight between the main island and its islet can bring even experienced swimmers in difficulty. Although a lifeguard is present during the summer months (between mid-June and the end of September), it’s best to avoid swimming that stretch altogether.
  • It doesn’t usually pose a problem, though there have been times where jellyfish caused a nuisance to bathers. If you want to know whether any jellyfish are around, ask the locals before you decide to visit. It’s usually common knowledge if jellyfish are around. In any case, generally speaking, the species of jellyfish found in Maltese waters aren’t lethal.

Other places to visit while in Comino

Swimming and snorkelling aren’t the only things you can do when you make the trip to Comino. So if you’re curious enough to explore, there’s plenty to see on this small island within walking distance.

A few tips before I get into the sights to see:

  • Although the island is small, don’t underestimate walking time needed, especially if you need to be back at the Blue Lagoon by a particular time (for example when on a boat trip). To give you an idea: to get to the Santa Marija Battery (historical building) on the opposite side of Comino, it’ll be a 35-minute walk
  • There are no paved roads as such, so wear sturdy shoes
  • Most of the island is a barren landscape, so make sure to get some water and food with you and think twice about a long hike in the middle of summer
  • Spring-time is the best time of year to explore the island, without doubt.

These are some of the highlights of other sights to see around the island:

  • The Crystal Lagoon is located just around the corner (towards the South) from the Blue Lagoon. Although there’s no easy place to access the water from, it makes for another beautiful sight to take in and you’ll find many boats berthing there for the day, to avoid the hustle and bustle
  • Saint Mary’s Tower is one of the few landmarks around Comino, and is clearly visible when you take the ferry from Malta to Gozo. Part of a network of watch towers around the Maltese islands, the tower served to monitor the channel between the main islands and would signal the other towers in case of approaching threats. Each watch tower was in direct line of sight with at least two other towers, to be able to pass on the signal across the islands. The tower was built on a site in South of Comino (80 metres above sea level) in 1618 by Grandmaster de Wignacourt (and is referred to as one of six Wignacourt towers, of which four still stand today, at St. Paul’s Bay, Marsaxlokk and Marsaskala). The tower was a key part of communication between Cittadella (in Victoria, Gozo – its main city) and Mdina in Malta (ages-old town surrounded by bastions). The tower is open to visitors between 10:30am and 3pm on Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from April until well into October. When open, the flag on top of the tower is raised.
  • Up in the North of Comino you can find San Niklaw Bay and Santa Marija Bay, both of which offer small sandy beaches and tend to be a lot quieter than the Blue Lagoon, despite the nearby Comino Hotel. To the East of Santa Marija Bay you can find the Santa Marija Caves, which is another excellent location for snorkelling and scuba diving in Comino.
  • Saint Mary’s Battery is the furthest spot to get to from the Blue Lagoon. It’s a recently-restored battery with guns built by the Knights of Malta between 1715 and 1716 and is a Grade 1 protected building that’s open to the public for viewing. Its main function was to protect the South Comino channel and is one of three surviving coastal batteries around the Maltese islands.
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