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Blue Lagoon Malta: 10+ Tips and Things to Know Before You Go

Blue Lagoon Malta: 10+ Tips and Things to Know Before You Go

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

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

How to get to Malta’s Blue Lagoon

There are three popular ways you can get to the Blue Lagoon:

1) Boat trips and tours

Taking a boat trip to the Blue Lagoon in Malta is by far the most popular and comfortable option, with many opting to take an organised boat trip from one of the tourist hotspot (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, the cost is somewhere between €25-35 per person and you can get a transfer to/from the departure point to/from your place of stay easily.

Good to know about this option:

  • Day trips and cruises usually only run between April and October, depending on the demand. At the busiest part of the year, operators usually also offer a sunset cruise (which I highly recommend)
  • Different types of boats are offered by operators. Generally speaking, the cheaper the ticket, the busier the boat.
  • Most operators offer easy booking online and full refunds if, for example, the weather conditions on the day mean 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.
The catamaran with slide of Sea Adventure Excursions.

Recommended Boat Tours to visit the Blue Lagoon

Here are a few recommendations for boat tours to take you there.

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).

2) Taking a hop-on-hop-off-ferry

iSeeMalta offers 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 than 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 allows you to spend just a few hours at Malta’s Blue Lagoon instead of a full or half day.

The downsides:

  1. You’ll need to find a spot on the beach or shore, which will be very difficult, considering it’ll be pretty crowded, to say the least.
  2. You will have no shelter and it gets HOT during the summer months.
The hop-on-hop-off ferry at Malta's Blue Lagoon.

3) Ferries from Ċirkewwa

The cheapest way of getting there is taking a ferry from near Ċirkewwa (far Northern tip of the main island Malta, Gozo ferry terminal) or from the nearby place called Marfa and get dropped off at Malta’s Blue Lagoon.

They run according to a regular schedule and the last return trips to Malta are between 5 and 7 pm, 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 public transport 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).

That also applies on the way back, with full buses taking people back to the bigger resorts after a day at the beach up North.

Still prefer this option and need public transport? Bus route 222 offers a direct connection if you’re staying in Sliema, St. Julian’s, St. Paul’s Bay, Buġibba and Qawra.

How to get to the Blue Lagoon from Gozo

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

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

What to expect when you get there

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

  • During the high season, it gets very crowded between 10 am and 4 pm. Because there are only a few small patches of sand, any space there will have been taken up early on by other visitors who usually head there for a day trip at the small sandy beach.
  • With thousands of other tourists flocking there, apart from space being limited, don’t expect tranquillity.
  • There are other (rocky areas) where you can leave your stuff while you dive in, but the most comfortable option remains to have 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.
The Blue Lagoon at the height of summer: Busy!
The Blue Lagoon at the height of summer: Busy!

5 Interesting facts about Blue Lagoon Malta

  • The Blue Lagoon is one of the most naturally beautiful places to visit in Malta
  • It’s a shallow beach with white sand and crystal clear water in between Comino island and the tiny islet of Cominotto
  • The surrounding area is 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.

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 island, the smallest of the islands of Malta. It’s located between main island Malta and Gozo and is 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 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 summer (Jul-Sep), so don’t expect to find tranquillity if you visit during that period. More info here: When best to visit the Blue Lagoon.

Around the Maltese archipelago, 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 on the tiny island of Comino, which is a 20-minute walk away. It’s called the Comino Hotel and isn’t the most modern of places. Don’t expect restaurants, amenities or 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!

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When’s the best time to go?

Malta’s Blue Lagoon 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 9 am. (More on that below, in the tips section).
  • Avoid weekends. This hotspot 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 summer 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, 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 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 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 island 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.

Warnings

  • Dare-devils tend to want to dive off one of the high cliffs opposite the main part of the bay. It might impress your friends, but why risk permanent disability or worse?
  • If you decide to go for a swim at Malta Blue Lagoon, be careful crossing over to Cominotto (a small islet next to Comino). Although it’s definitely safe to swim there 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.
  • 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 Comino.  There are only a few food trucks and beach 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.).

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What to bring with you

  • Drinks and food can usually be bought from nearby food stalls, 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.
  • If you decide not to take a boat trip: Shade is hard to come by, so always bring sun protection if you plan to go during the day. Unless you’re one of the lucky ones who manage 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. Malta Blue Lagoon and its surroundings are great for snorkelling. 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.
  • Some entertainment 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 on Comino island, be sure to wear sturdy (closed) shoes. There aren’t any paved roads around 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 water’s edge 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!

Other places to visit while in Comino

Sailing back from Comino as the sun sets.Swimming and snorkelling aren’t the only things you can do when you visit Comino island. 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 the 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
  • Springtime is the best time of year to explore the island, without a doubt.

St. Mary Tower at Comino, seen from the West.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). Although there’s no easy place to access the water, 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 archipelago, 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).
  • Up in the North of Comino, you can find San Niklaw Bay and Santa Maria 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 at the southernmost part of the island. 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 in Malta.
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