A boat trip to Comino and the Blue Lagoon is the single most popular day out in Malta for a reason — the water colour is genuinely extraordinary, the sea caves along the north coast are accessible only by boat, and the combination of Comino, Gozo, and the crystal-clear bays produces a day that few people regret. The challenge is that the Blue Lagoon at peak summer is very crowded. This guide explains all the options, how to avoid the worst of the crowds, and what each type of trip actually involves.
Price guide: Shared day cruise (Sliema departure, includes Blue Lagoon + Gozo): €25–€45/person. Shared cruise from Bugibba (shorter journey, more swim time): €13–€30/person. Private half-day boat (2–6 people): €150–€300 total. Private full-day charter: €300–€600 total. Ferry to Comino only (DIY): approximately €10 return.
Your Options: Shared Cruise vs Private Charter
Shared Day Cruises
The most popular format: a large boat (40–200 passengers) departing Sliema or Bugibba, cruising along the north coast, stopping at the Blue Lagoon for swimming (90 minutes–2 hours), then continuing to Gozo for free time in Victoria/the Citadel (1.5–2 hours). Return journey the same day. Price includes a waterslide on most boats, onboard bar (drinks for purchase), and commentary. Duration: approximately 7–8 hours for Sliema departures, 5–6 hours from Bugibba. Main operators: Supreme Travel Malta, Robert Arrigo & Sons, Hornblower Cruises Bugibba. Book in advance for summer — popular tours sell out.
Private Boat Charters
A completely different experience. A private RIB or gulet for 2–8 people, a licensed local skipper, your own itinerary. You choose where to swim, how long to stay, which sea caves to visit. The Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon without fighting 400 other passengers for space. Departure from Cirkewwa (Malta's northwest tip, closest to Comino) or Mġarr (Gozo). Half-day: €150–€300. Full day: €300–€600 depending on boat size and operator. For a group of 4–6 people, the per-person cost becomes competitive with shared tours while providing a dramatically better experience.
DIY: Ferry + Walk
A public ferry runs from Cirkewwa (Malta) and Mġarr (Gozo) to Comino. Cost: approximately €10 return. You arrive on Comino and walk to the Blue Lagoon (10–15 minutes from the main jetty) or other bays. No frills — this is a ferry, not a tour. In high season, the ferry is crowded and the Blue Lagoon at midday is extremely busy. Tip: take an early ferry (first crossing, 8–9am) to arrive before the tour boats deliver their first passengers. The morning light on the lagoon is also better for swimming and photography.
Avoiding the Crowds at Blue Lagoon
July and August midday at the Blue Lagoon is crowded by Mediterranean standards. The practical ways around it: arrive early (first ferry, 8–9am), go in shoulder season (May, June, September, October), choose a tour that departs Bugibba (shorter crossing, earlier arrival at the lagoon), or book a private boat that can take you to the Crystal Lagoon instead — which is deeper, equally beautiful, and typically has a fraction of the visitors.
What to Bring
Water shoes (the rocky entry points are sharp), sunscreen (Mediterranean summer sun is intense — the boat provides no shade on most budget tours), snorkelling gear if you want to use it (rental on shared boats is limited), food if budget-conscious (onboard food on shared boats is expensive), and cash. The Comino ferry now also sometimes requires pre-booking a "Comino permit" (free, for managing visitor numbers) — check current requirements before your trip.
