Are you dreaming of a dip in the crystal-clear waters of Comino’s Blue Lagoon, but feeling lost in the sea of boat tours and ferry choices? You’re definitely not alone—and you’ve come to the right place.
As a local Maltese who’s been visiting Comino since I was a kid, I’ve done it all: the public ferry, private boat tours, hikes around the island, swims in every bay, and even overnight camping. In this guide, I’ll walk you through how to get to Comino, highlight the best (and worst) boat tour options, and offer practical advice for making the most of your visit—whether you’ve got just a couple of hours or a full day to explore. Plus, I’ll share some insider tips that most tourists miss.
Blue Lagoon - Yes, the water is this clear!
How to Get to Comino
Comino is located between Malta and Gozo, and it’s surprisingly easy to get to—but the experience can vary depending on how you choose to travel. Here’s a breakdown of your options:
Option 1: Public Ferry
The public ferry is the most budget-friendly way to reach Comino, with round-trip tickets costing €15. It runs frequently from Marfa (in Malta) and Mgarr (in Gozo), taking about 20–25 minutes each way. This is a great choice if you prefer to explore the island at your own pace without being tied to a tour itinerary.
However, there are a few things to keep in mind. Return queues can get quite long as the day progresses—especially on weekends—so it can be difficult to stick to a set schedule. Since the ferry departs from Marfa, near Ċirkewwa (which also serves the Gozo ferry), traffic can be heavy when you're heading back, especially during peak times (4pm onwards).
Also note that this is a shuttle service, not a tour—so if your goal is to swim and relax, you'll need to arrange your own shade and possibly rent a deckchair. The Blue Lagoon beach is very small and fills up quickly. If you're planning to hike around the island, visit less crowded bays, or even camp overnight, the public ferry is ideal. But if your plan is a relaxing beach day, 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 private boat tour, which typically includes these amenities.
Find the public ferry schedule here
The long queue on a Thursday afternoon in May
Option 2: Boat Tours
Boat tours depart from several locations, with Sliema and St. Paul’s Bay being the most common. Most tours include added perks such as cave visits, onboard facilities, and swimming stops. Options range from quick 2-hour outings to full-day excursions.
Over the years, I’ve tried various tours, and while they all take you to Comino—primarily the Blue Lagoon—I recommend choosing one that:
- Includes a swimming stop in the less crowded but equally stunning Crystal Lagoon, which is only accessible by boat.
- 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.
- 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’ll also find high-speed powerboat options from both Sliema and St. Paul’s Bay. These significantly cut down travel time but offer no amenities—just transport—and tend to be nearly twice as expensive. They’re also less comfortable.
Choosing the Right Boat Tour
So you might tell me, with so many boat tours on offer, what do I choose. From quick trips to the Blue Lagoon to full-day chill-out cruises, there’s something for everyone—but not all tours are created equal. Trust me, I've tried out many boat tours and I've filtered through the many offerings. Here’s how to choose the one that suits your style, budget, and schedule.
Short & Sweet: 2-Hour Tour
If you're in Malta for a short stay and dream of experiencing Comino’s crystal-clear waters, but thought it might not be possible—I'm here to tell you it absolutely is. There's a private tour I highly recommend that's SO affordable (€138 - including skipper and fuel), for a group of up to 12. Even for just two people, it's well worth it. You get the entire boat to yourselves at a fantastic price, and I honestly can't recommend it enough.
This highly rated tour, leaves from Cirkewwa (close to Mellieha), takes you to both the famous Blue Lagoon and the less crowded Crystal Lagoon, with opportunities to swim or snorkel in each. It also includes a photo stop at Cominotto—a small, uninhabited island just off Comino that remains one of Malta’s hidden gems.
It's a great option if you're looking to make the most of your time and fit it in around other activities. And who knows? If you love it, there’s always next time to come back for more.
Just a heads-up—some summer dates are already fully booked, so if you’ve got your travel dates set, it’s best to reserve early to avoid missing out. You can check availability and make your reservation here: 2 hour private boat tour to Comino: Blue Lagoon & Crystal Lagoon
Cyrstal Lagoon from the top
Full-Day Tours
If you’ve got a full day to spare and want to unwind completely, this is the way to do it. When choosing a full-day boat tour to Comino, it’s important to check that it includes both the Blue Lagoon and the Crystal Lagoon—and just as importantly, how long you'll get to spend at each. Ideally, you’ll want more time at the Blue Lagoon, not just for swimming but also for exploring Comino itself.
If you’d rather just relax, you can stay aboard the boat—so make sure it offers comfortable decking and shaded areas, especially during the intense summer heat. A bar with drinks and snacks is a big plus, but you can also bring your own food. There are food kiosks on Comino too, offering everything from sandwiches and burgers to pizzas and Turkish kebabs.
The tour I recommend checks all the boxes for a smooth and enjoyable Comino experience. It runs on a spacious two-level catamaran with comfortable seating, sunbathing areas, and plenty of shade. Departing from St. Paul’s Bay, it takes about an hour to reach Comino. The first stop is Crystal Lagoon, where you’ll have about an hour to swim and snorkel in crystal clear waters.
Next, the boat docks right by the Blue Lagoon—which is key, because some tours stop farther away, requiring a long, rocky walk that’s not ideal if you’re in flip-flops. You'll get around four hours here, giving you plenty of time to either relax on the boat, swim off the side in calmer areas away from the crowds, or explore the island. Four hours is enough to visit the Comino Tower, take in the views, and swim in both Santa Marija and San Niklaw bays (more info below on each).
There’s even a fun waterslide from the upper deck into the sea which adds a little extra fun to the experience. Onboard, you'll also find drinks and snacks for sale.
The tour is highly rated by other travelers, and I personally recommend it after going on it many times. When you compare price, comfort, and experience, it's honestly hard to beat. With thousands of positive reviews and such a great price, spots fill up fast—especially on weekends. In fact, some weekends are already fully booked, and it's only May at the time of writing. So if you’ve got your dates set, be sure to book early to avoid missing out.
Reserve your spot on the best full day boat tour to Comino.
Half-Day Sunset Cruises
If a full-day tour feels like too much, the same operator also offers a half-day sunset cruise—a fantastic alternative that still delivers a great experience in less time. You’ll enjoy all the same amenities as the full-day trip, just with shorter stops: about 2 hours at the Blue Lagoon and 30 minutes at Crystal Lagoon.
This option still gives you plenty of time to swim, snorkel, or even hike up to the Comino Tower for sweeping views. Plus, you’ll skip the midday crowds and get to enjoy Comino during golden hour, when the light is perfect for photos and the atmosphere is a little bit more peaceful.
Book your half day sunset cruise, available between June and September only.
Take a hike to Comino’s Tower
Private Boat Charters
Looking for a more exclusive experience? Chartering a private boat—whether it's a sailboat, motorboat, or RIB—gives you full control over your itinerary and to explore at your own pace. While this option does come at a higher cost, it can be reasonable if you're part of a larger group, celebrating a special occasion, or simply want to treat yourself to a more personalized experience.
Check out different options and prices for private charters here
Tours to Avoid
- Crowded party boats – unless that’s exactly the vibe you’re going for, these can feel overwhelming and take away from the relaxing experience.
- Tours that include a buffet lunch – they are pricier, and the food doesn’t live up to expectations.
- Bargain tours with long travel times – especially those departing from places like Sliema. They may seem like a deal, but you’ll spend more time getting there and back, with very little time actually enjoying Comino.
Best Time to Visit
April, May, October, and November tend to be a bit quieter, but the truth is, Comino starts drawing crowds as early as April, once the weather begins to warm up. On most years, swimming is still possible well into November.
Between June and September, the Blue Lagoon can feel impossibly crowded—finding a free spot on the beach is next to impossible. That’s why taking a boat tour is your best option during peak season.
If you want to enjoy Comino with fewer people around, try to go early in the morning (the first boats usually leave around 9:00 AM), or later in the afternoon. Every summer day is busy, but weekends are especially packed, with both locals and tourists flocking to the island.
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.
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.
Here’s what else to explore:
Crystal Lagoon
Crystal Lagoon offers equally clear turquoise waters but far fewer people. It’s surrounded by high cliffs and only accessible by boat, making it an ideal spot for snorkeling or a quiet swim.
Santa Marija Bay
If you’re taking the ferry and spending the day on foot, walk over to Santa Marija Bay. It’s a peaceful sandy cove that’s perfect for swimming and relaxing without the buzz of the Blue Lagoon crowds. There are also public toilets and a small campsite nearby.
San Niklaw Bay
Even quieter than Santa Marija, San Niklaw Bay is another great option for solitude. It’s mostly used by campers and those exploring Comino on foot.
Cominotto
A small uninhabited island situated just 100 meters off the coast of Comino, across the Blue Lagoon. Despite its modest size, Cominotto boasts a rugged coastline, a small sandy beach, and a swim-through cave. It is possible to swim the short distance from Comino, though caution is advised due to potential currents.
Inhabited Cominotto - a hidden gem
Hike to Comino Tower
Also known as Saint Mary’s Tower, this historic fortification was built in the 1600s and offers panoramic views over the island and surrounding sea. It’s about a 25-minute walk from the Blue Lagoon and well worth the hike.
Camping on Comino
For the adventurous, camping overnight is an unforgettable way to experience Comino’s natural beauty. The only official campsite is ‘Tal-Ful’, east of the Blue Lagoon. You’ll need to bring your own gear and plenty of supplies—there are no shops on the island. Note: always check current regulations before planning to camp.
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.
If you’ve got any questions or want personalized recommendations, feel free to drop a comment—I’m always happy to help fellow travelers discover the best of my islands.
For more travel inspiration, don’t forget to follow me on Instagram @journeywithme.mt
Happy Travels! x
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