The Blue Lagoon on Comino is one of Malta's most famous sights — turquoise water between Comino and Cominotto islands, surrounded by limestone cliffs and genuinely shallow enough to see the bottom. The water colour is real; it's not edited on postcards. A full-day catamaran trip from Malta takes you there, plus to other bays and beaches around the islands, with time for swimming and snorkelling. The catamaran has sunbeds, a waterslide (on some boats), and snorkelling equipment. It's the kind of day trip that delivers what it promises: you'll get in the water, lie in the sun, and leave with clear memories of how blue the Mediterranean actually is.
What makes this trip sensible rather than gimmicky is the rating: 4.7 stars across 6,740+ reviews makes it one of Malta's most genuinely popular boat experiences, not just a tourist-trap volume play. The logistics are handled — your accommodation in Sliema or St Julian's can arrange transport to the departure point, or it's a straightforward walk from the waterfront. You're on the water by mid-morning and back by late afternoon. You don't need to be a strong swimmer; most people float and snorkel, and the water is warm enough that time in it doesn't feel rushed.
The catamaran anchored near Comino — wade straight off the rocks into that turquoise water
What you'll do on the boat
The catamaran typically departs early morning (7–8 am) and returns in late afternoon (around 5–6 pm). You'll have several hours in the water at the Blue Lagoon, plus stops at nearby bays and sometimes Crystal Lagoon and the sea caves around Comino. The boat stays in sheltered water — there's nothing rough about it even if you're not a confident sailor. Most of your day is spent in the water, floating, snorkelling, or lounging on the deck. The snorkelling is decent: you'll see small fish, sea urchins, and clear water down several metres. It's not a coral reef experience, but it's genuinely pleasant for a few hours.
- Snorkelling equipment is usually provided, but bring a good-fitting mask if you have one — poor-fitting rented masks leak
- The sunbeds fill up; arriving early helps, or you can float instead
- Sun protection is essential: the reflection off the water doubles the UV exposure. Reef-safe sunscreen is recommended
- The waterslide (if your boat has one) is actually fun, not gimmicky
- Some boats include snacks or soft drinks; check what's provided in your booking
The water and swimming
The Blue Lagoon is shallow and calm, making it safe for non-strong swimmers. The water temperature in summer is around 25–27°C (warm enough that you won't get cold even spending hours in it). The colour is genuinely blue-turquoise, created by white sand at the bottom and the specific angle of the sun. Photos don't exaggerate it. Underwater visibility is usually 10–15 metres, which is good for Mediterranean snorkelling. The snorkelling is a genuine draw — you can literally see the bottom, follow fish, and explore without needing scuba certification.
- Water temperature peaks in August and September; winter swims are possible but feel chilly
- The lagoon can get crowded (multiple boats, people swimming) — it's busiest mid-day, quieter early morning and late afternoon
- The beach areas (if you can call them that) are rocky, not sandy, so water shoes are worth bringing
- Floating is genuinely relaxing; you don't need to swim constantly
The Blue Lagoon on a catamaran tour works because it removes the friction: transport, equipment, multiple locations — all handled. You just need to turn up and spend a day in genuinely beautiful water.
Weather and sea state
The trip runs year-round, but summer and early autumn are best. Winter and spring can see cancellations due to sea conditions — the catamaran doesn't operate in rough seas for passenger safety. Summer guarantees go; spring and autumn are usually fine unless a storm passes through. The boat is stable, and modern catamarans don't heel over like traditional sailing yachts, so even if you're slightly prone to seasickness, the risk is low. The journey to and from Comino takes about 20–30 minutes.
Jumping in from the boat — the Blue Lagoon is clear enough to see the bottom on the way down
Practical info
Tours typically cost from €45 upwards depending on what's included (some include lunch, drinks, or extra activities). Free cancellation is available — check the specific tour's policy. The boat departs from a marina in Valletta or Sliema, both easily accessible from Livensea apartments in St Julian's or Sliema. Bring sunscreen, a hat, water shoes (the rocks hurt), and a light cover-up if you burn easily. Don't bring valuables; secure lockers are usually available on the boat but bring minimal cash and a waterproof phone case if you want photos. The overall rating is 4.7 stars across 6,740+ reviews — one of the highest-rated boat trips in Malta.
Book the Blue Lagoon catamaran trip
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to be a strong swimmer?
No. The Blue Lagoon is shallow (mostly under 3 metres) and calm. Non-swimmers can float in a life jacket (usually available on request). Snorkelling happens in the same shallow area.
What if the weather is bad?
The tour is cancelled if the sea is rough — the operator will offer a rebooking on another date or a refund. You can't control this, but book early in your trip if possible to have flexibility for rescheduling.
Is the snorkelling good?
It's decent Mediterranean snorkelling — clear water, small fish, sea urchins, no coral but pleasant exploration. Expectations should be realistic; it's not equivalent to tropical snorkelling, but genuinely good for the Mediterranean.
How crowded is the Blue Lagoon?
Multiple boats visit daily in summer, so you'll see other people in the water. The lagoon is large enough that it doesn't feel packed, but you're not swimming in solitude. Going on a weekday or in shoulder season (May or September) reduces crowds.
What should I bring?
Sunscreen (reef-safe), a hat, water shoes, a light cover-up, and a waterproof phone case if you want photos. Leave valuables on land or in a hotel safe. The boat usually has shade areas, but plan time in the sun.
Is lunch included?
Check your specific tour. Some include lunch, some include snacks, some sell food on board. Budget €15–20 if food isn't included, or bring your own snacks.