Are you dreaming of a dip in the crystal-clear waters of Comino’s Blue Lagoon but feeling overwhelmed by all the boat tours and ferry options? You’re not alone and you’ve come to the right place.
As a local Maltese who’s been visiting Comino since childhood, I’ve tried it all: public ferries, private boat tours, island hikes, swims in every bay, and even overnight camping. In this guide, I’ll show you how to get to Comino, highlight the best and worst boat tour options, and share insider tips to make the most of your visit, whether you have a few hours or a full day.
Affiliate Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links for travel services I use and love, such as experiences and hotel bookings. If you click and make a booking, I may receive a small commission which helps support this site. This does not affect the price you pay.
How to Get to Comino
Comino is located between Malta and Gozo. Getting there is surprisingly easy, but the experience can vary depending on your choice of transport.
Option 1: Public Ferry
The public ferry is the most budget-friendly way to reach Comino, with round-trip tickets costing €15. Departures run from Marfa (Malta) and Mgarr (Gozo), taking about 20–25 minutes each way, all year round.
Tips:
- In the summer months, you can expect longer return queues, particularly on weekends
- Weekends can bring heavy traffic around Marfa in the afternoons, mainly because of the Gozo ferry.
- In the summer months, you’ll need to bring your own shade or rent a deckchair, as the Blue Lagoon beach is tiny and fills quickly.
- By the time you factor in the cost of rentals, you might end up spending as much, or even more than you would on a boat tour, which includes these amenities.
✅ Recommended if: You’re traveling in the off-season, want more freedom, plan to hike around Comino, or camp overnight.
💻 You can purchase your open-time ferry ticket online here (Comino ferries are the official ferry operators).
Option 2: Boat Tours
Boat tours are ideal if your goal is a relaxing day with minimal logistics. Departures are most commonly available from St. Paul’s Bay and Sliema, with tours ranging from half-day trips to full-day excursions.
What to look for in a boat tour:
- I suggest departing from St. Paul’s Bay. It saves you travel time compared to tours from Sliema, where the larger ferries (such as Supreme cruises) can take 1.5 to 2 hours to reach Comino, versus about 45 minutes to an hour from St. Paul’s Bay.
- Takes you to the famous Blue Lagoon as well as the less crowded Crystal Lagoon, a stunning spot only accessible from the sea.
- Docking near the Blue Lagoon to avoid long walks.
- In my experience, catamarans are the best option. They’re spacious, stable, less likely to cause seasickness thanks to their wider build, and provide ample shade—making them the most comfortable way to travel.
- You can also opt for high-speed powerboats from Sliema or St. Paul’s Bay. While they save a lot of travel time, they lack comfort and onboard facilities.
- Skip the boats with hard seating only; it’s not the most comfortable way to spend several hours.
Full-Day Tours
For a full day of relaxation:
- Ensure the tour includes Blue Lagoon + Crystal Lagoon.
- Check for comfortable seating, shade, and refreshments.
- Some boats offer fun extras like upper-deck waterslides.
A typical full-day tour from St. Paul’s Bay:
- 1 hour to Comino, first stop at Crystal Lagoon (~1 hour).
- Dock at Blue Lagoon for ~4 hours.
- Enough time to explore Santa Marija and San Niklaw bays or the Comino Tower (on foot).
⭐ My Personal Recommendations
If you’re wondering which shared tour options are worth it, here are the ones I personally recommend:
- Book your spot on the best full-day boat tour to Comino’s Blue Lagoon + Crystal Lagoon.
- If you’re short on time but still want to visit the Blue Lagoon and another beautiful beach in Malta, this same tour operator offers a combined catamaran trip with an optional BBQ lunch. Check availability here.
- For those based in Sliema who want to skip the journey to St. Paul’s Bay, this boat tour comes highly recommended.
Half-Day Sunset Cruises
- Ideal for shorter visits.
- Enjoy ~2 hours at Blue Lagoon and 30 minutes at Crystal Lagoon.
- Less crowded and perfect for golden-hour photos.
- Available between June and September (peak season) only.
I usually recommend the half-day tour because it gives you plenty of time at the Blue Lagoon without taking up your whole day. Find out why in my blog, and book the half-day tour here.
Private Boat Charters
- Full control of your itinerary.
- Best for groups, special occasions, or personalized experiences.
- The real magic of Comino is in it’s coastline; the towering cliffs, the hidden caves, and the insane shades of blue water that shift depending on the light.
- If your budget allows, this is the company I personally recommend—and here’s why
Tours to Avoid
- Crowded party boats (unless that’s your vibe).
- Tours with buffet lunches (often overpriced and underwhelming).
- Bargain tours with long travel times, especially from Sliema.
Best Time to Visit
- April, May, October, November – quieter, pleasant swimming weather.
- June–September – Blue Lagoon is crowded; afternoon tours or early morning visits are best.
Beyond the Blue Lagoon
While the Blue Lagoon is undoubtedly stunning, it’s not the only part of Comino worth seeing. In fact, if you stop there and nowhere else, you’re missing out on some of the island’s most peaceful and scenic spots.
Crystal Lagoon
- Fewer crowds, perfect for snorkeling and quiet swims.
Santa Marija Bay
- Sandy, peaceful, with public toilets and nearby campsite.
San Niklaw Bay
- Even quieter, mostly used by hikers and campers.
Cominotto
- Small, uninhabited island with a rugged coastline and swim-through cave.
Hike to Comino Tower
- Panoramic views; ~25-minute walk from Blue Lagoon.
Camping on Comino
- Only official campsite: Tal-Ful. Bring your own gear and supplies.
Comino is a truly special place, and it’s up to all of us to help preserve its beauty. As a designated Natura 2000 protected site, efforts are ongoing to minimize human impact on the island’s fragile ecosystem. Please be mindful: take all your rubbish with you, avoid disturbing wildlife, and stay on marked trails when exploring on foot.
What to Bring
Comino is a remote island with very limited facilities, whether you’re going for a few hours or staying all day, here’s a checklist of essentials:
- Sunscreen: The sun is strong, and there’s little natural shade.
- Towel & Swimwear: Pretty obvious, but don’t forget a dry change of clothes if you’re heading out afterwards.
- Reef Shoes: The coastline is rocky in places, especially outside the Blue Lagoon.
- Snorkeling Gear: The water is incredibly clear, bring your own mask and snorkel.
- Hat & Sunglasses: To protect you from glare and heat.
- Cash: Deck chair rentals and some beach kiosks are cash-only. There are no ATMs on Comino.
- Dry Bag: Handy if you plan to leave the boat and want to keep your phone or valuables safe while snapping photos or swimming across to Cominotto.
Happy Travels! x
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