The main advantage of the Sliema-departure cruise to Comino is convenience. If you're staying in a Livensea apartment in Sliema or St Julian's, the departure point is the Sliema waterfront — a 5–10 minute walk from most accommodations. No hotel pickups, no coach transfers to Bugibba, no sitting in traffic before the day begins. You walk to the pier, board your boat, and within minutes you're heading to the Crystal Lagoon and Blue Lagoon. For travellers who value simplicity and direct access, this removes friction entirely from the logistics.
The itinerary covers Comino's main attractions: swim stops at the Crystal Lagoon and Blue Lagoon, time in the surrounding water, and views of the sea caves and limestone formations. It's a full-day or half-day cruise depending on which operator you book and which time slot you choose. The price sits in the middle range — around €35 — making it economical without cutting corners on experience. If you're based in Sliema or St Julian's, this becomes the obvious choice purely because of where you sleep and where the boat departs.
Cruise boat departing from Sliema waterfront heading to Comino's Blue Lagoon.
Starting from Sliema and saving time
The Sliema waterfront is one of Malta's transport hubs. Ferries to Gozo, water taxis, and boat tours all depart from this stretch of coast. If you're staying within walking distance — most of Sliema, parts of St Julian's — the journey to the boat is measured in minutes, not in transfers. This is a practical advantage that genuinely changes the experience, particularly if you prefer not to negotiate coach pickups, meet times, or transfers early in the morning.
You simply walk to the pier, check in with the operator, and board. The boat departs soon after. Compared to tours departing from Bugibba (which require a coach transfer from most accommodations), you save 30–60 minutes of travel time. That time gains value as a quieter morning, a later start, or simply fewer logistics to coordinate when you're on holiday.
The Crystal Lagoon and Blue Lagoon
Both lagoons deliver exactly what the photographs promise. The Blue Lagoon is the famous one — turquoise water, white sand, limestone cliffs, significant crowds in peak season. The Crystal Lagoon is Comino's eastern cove, smaller, more sheltered, and considerably less busy. You get swimming time at both, typically 45 minutes at the Blue Lagoon and 30–45 minutes at the Crystal Lagoon on a full-day cruise.
Water temperature is consistently cool year-round (15–17 degrees Celsius even in summer). Visibility is excellent — you can see 20+ metres down on clear days. Both lagoons are sheltered from the open sea, making swimming and floating comfortable even if there's a swell elsewhere. The sand at the Blue Lagoon is genuine beach; the Crystal Lagoon is rockier but equally swimmable.
In peak season (July–August), expect crowds — dozens of boats, hundreds of swimmers, full-capacity pier situations if you're trying to get ashore. In shoulder months (April–May, September–October), the experience remains identical but with considerably more physical space. Summer booking is essential; same-day availability disappears quickly.
The absence of a coach transfer removes a layer of friction that other Comino tours require. Sometimes the simplest trip is the best trip, purely because logistics don't intrude.
Sea caves and coastal scenery
As the boat travels between the lagoons and during downtime, you pass through and near the sea caves along Comino's northern coast. These limestone formations are dramatic — some large enough for the boat to float completely inside them, with walls on either side and the opening framing Mediterranean light. The caves provide geological interest beyond the lagoons' colour and swimming appeal.
Comino's coastline is visually distinctive in the Mediterranean context. The limestone is pale, vertically fractured, and often stacked in geometric formations. The water colour brings out detail in the cliffs — shadows, texture, scale. This section of the cruise, usually 20–30 minutes, adds landscape value beyond the swimming component.
Practical info
Full-day cruises typically depart 9:00–9:30 am and return 5:00–5:30 pm. Half-day morning departures leave around 8:30–9:00 am and return 12:30–1:30 pm. Afternoon half-day departures usually go around 2:00–2:30 pm, returning 6:00–7:00 pm. This range allows you to fit the cruise around other plans without entirely committing the day.
Lunch is sometimes included on full-day cruises but rarely on half-day tours. Confirm what's included when booking — some operators offer lunch as an add-on for €5–10. If lunch isn't included, bring a packed meal or plan to eat before departure. Water is essential — the Mediterranean sun reflects intensely off the sea, making dehydration easy to miss while you're absorbed in floating and swimming.
Free cancellation up to 24 hours prior is standard across reputable operators. This gives you flexibility if weather forecasts suggest rough seas or if plans change overnight. Payment is typically required at booking, with credit cards accepted through most online booking platforms.
Bring a towel, sunscreen (water-resistant, rated for extended exposure), a waterproof bag for electronics, and a light cover-up if you're sensitive to sun. Shade on the boat is minimal — sometimes a small canopy or few parasols — so a hat or cap is practical. The boat itself is protected; you're only exposed to full sun during swimming stops and deck time.
Book the Sliema to Comino cruise
Frequently asked questions
Do I really save that much time by departing from Sliema instead of Bugibba?
Yes. If you're staying in Sliema or St Julian's, you save 30–60 minutes of coach transfer time round-trip. You also avoid coordination with hotel pickups, meeting times, and the logistics of group transfers. The time saving is direct and genuinely valuable on a holiday when your time is limited.
What's included in the price?
The boat journey, swimming stops, and views of the caves and coastline are standard. Lunch is sometimes included on full-day tours (confirm before booking). The open bar is not standard at this price point; check if it's advertised. Life jackets are usually available if requested. Most operators don't include snacks or drinks beyond water.
Is the water temperature a problem in winter?
Winter water temperature (November–March) sits around 15–16 degrees Celsius. This feels cold initially but becomes comfortable after a minute of acclimatisation. A thin wetsuit (1–2mm) makes winter swimming more pleasant if you're sensitive to cold. Summer temperatures (17–19 degrees Celsius) feel noticeably warmer, though still cool by Mediterranean standards.
What if you're not a confident swimmer?
Life jackets are available, and both lagoons are calm and sheltered. You can float safely with a jacket and enjoy the water without swimming. The boat stays anchored at each location, so there's no current or wave action to worry about. Non-swimmers should confirm life jacket availability before booking and wear one if you're uncomfortable with water depths.
How does this compare to renting a boat privately or hiring a guide?
Organised tours offer value through shared costs — you're paying one-fifth the captain's day rate because costs are split across 50+ passengers. Private boat rental gives you complete control over timing and itinerary but costs 5–10 times more. Guides offer local knowledge but can cost €100–150 per day. For most travellers, the organised tour balances cost, convenience, and experience effectively. The Sliema departure removes the main logistical disadvantage of organised tours.