Sliema to the Blue Lagoon: the maximum-swim-time cruise
If your Malta base is Sliema, St Julian's or Valletta, this is the boat that spares you the bus ride north. It leaves Sliema ferry dock at 10:30, returns at 18:30, and has one honest goal: the maximum possible time anchored at the Blue Lagoon. From 25 euro, with an air-conditioned lounge, a bar with snacks and ice cream, and an upper deck for the sun.
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What makes this special
Every other full-day boat on our list departs from Malta's north, which is perfect if you stay there and a logistics exercise if you do not. This one leaves from the Sliema ferry dock in the heart of the tourist coast. The ride to Comino is longer and turns into a scenic cruise past Valletta's fortifications and the northern bays.
The operator's own description says it plainly: the aim is the maximum amount of swimming and snorkelling time at the lagoon. Sightseeing happens on the way (a photo stop at the Crystal Lagoon, views of Comino's sea caves) rather than eating into your anchor time.
What to expect on the day
Board at Sliema Ferries for the 10:30 departure. The cruise up the coast takes in Valletta from the water, then the open channel crossing to Comino. Once anchored at the Blue Lagoon, the day is yours: swim, snorkel, float, or claim a deck chair and do absolutely nothing.
When you need a break from the sun there is an air-conditioned lounge below deck with a bar selling snacks, ice cream and drinks. The boat starts back in the late afternoon and ties up in Sliema at 18:30, which puts you back at your hotel in time for dinner.
If you plan to walk on Comino itself rather than swim from the boat, remember the government's Comino e-ticket, arranged online before you go.
Who should book it
Anyone staying on the Sliema and St Julian's coast, or in Valletta: the departure point is the whole argument. It is also the right boat for dedicated swimmers who found the multi-stop itineraries too rushed, and for anyone who wants an air-conditioned refuge in high summer.
Skip it if you want to set foot on Gozo; this route does not cross. The classic full-day loop covers that instead.
Prices and what is included
The 25 euro base fare covers the day cruise itself with the full 10:30 to 18:30 sailing. On board you will find the air-conditioned lounge, upper sun deck and a bar. Not included: spirits, gratuities and the optional powerboat cave tour sold on the day. Drinks and food are pay-as-you-go at the bar.
The base rate is what we verified on 2026-07-13; use the live calendar below for your date's price.
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Sliema: Blue Lagoon Cruise inc Seacaves & Crystal Lagoon
From Sliema Ferries · 10:30 to 18:30 · €25
Best time to go
This boat earns its keep most in July and August, when the air-conditioned lounge stops the day from becoming an endurance event. For lighter crowds at the lagoon, June and September remain the smart months; the eight-hour day feels even better when the anchorage is not packed.
Getting to the departure point
Departure is from the Sliema ferry dock (open in Google Maps), the same waterfront strip served by buses from every direction and a short walk from most Sliema and St Julian's hotels. Arrive fifteen minutes early in peak season; your booking confirmation restates the exact berth.
Insider tips
Pack your snorkel: this itinerary gives you more in-water hours than any other boat on the list, and rental gear on Comino costs more than bringing your own. The lounge fills up in the afternoon heat, so stake your spot before the crowd thinks of it. Bring a towel and reef-safe sunscreen; buy water on board or carry your own.
Live availability and prices
Dates, times and today's price for this exact tour:
Prices checked 2026-07-13; may vary and are confirmed live at checkout.
How it compares
Against the classic Blue Lagoon, Gozo and Crystal Lagoon loop: that tour trades lagoon hours for a fuller itinerary at a euro less. Against the Spirit of Malta catamaran, which also sails from Sliema: that one bundles lunch and open bar for 89 euro, worth it mainly if you would spend heavily at a bar anyway. For pure swim time per euro, this cruise wins.
Malta: Blue Lagoon, Gozo, Comino & Crystal Lagoon Sea Caves
The classic full-day loop: Blue Lagoon swim stop plus Gozo's coast, the Crystal Lagoon and the sea caves in one ticket. The best first-timer pick on this list.
from €24
Check availability
Comino: Blue Lagoon Catamaran Cruise with Lunch and Open Bar
The Spirit of Malta catamaran with lunch and open bar included. Costs more upfront, but on-board spending is what inflates other trips.
from €89
Check availabilityFrequently asked questions
What time does the Sliema Blue Lagoon cruise leave and return?
It departs Sliema ferry dock at 10:30 and returns around 18:30, giving a full eight-hour day with the longest lagoon anchorage of the tours we track.
Is there shade or air conditioning on board?
Yes. Below deck there is an air-conditioned lounge with a bar selling snacks, ice cream and drinks, plus an open upper deck when you want the sun.
Does this cruise stop at Gozo?
No. It focuses on Comino: a photo stop at the Crystal Lagoon, views of the sea caves, and as much anchored time at the Blue Lagoon as the day allows.
Can I snorkel straight from the boat?
Yes, snorkelling from the boat at the lagoon is the core of this trip. Bring your own gear; the marine life over the sand bank needs nothing more than a mask.
Do I need the Comino entry ticket for this tour?
Only if you go ashore on the island. Swimming and snorkelling from the boat require nothing; walking onto Comino requires the government e-ticket downloaded in advance.