Evening Catamaran Ferry Cruise To The Blue Lagoon

The best part of this cruise is the timing. You reach Comino’s Blue Lagoon at about 5:45 PM, after much of the daytime rush has eased, then return to Malta beneath the moon and stars. It is a simple way to pair a swim in one of Malta’s most famous spots with a scenic evening sail.

I like the two hours of free time at Comino, which gives you room to swim, snorkel, sit by the water, or take a short look around without being hurried. I also like the modern catamaran, with air conditioning, toilets, Wi-Fi, and plenty of space to enjoy the coast.

The main catch is that the Blue Lagoon may still be noisy and crowded, even in the evening, especially in summer. You must also arrange a government access pass before the trip if you plan to step ashore, and food, drinks, hotel transfers, and a guide are not included.

Key points to know before booking

• The evening timing changes the Blue Lagoon experience: You avoid the busiest part of the day, with sunset and night views added to the outing.
• The catamaran leaves Sliema at 4:30 PM: Arrive 15 to 20 minutes early and look for the red boat near Sliema Ferries.
• You get about two hours at Comino: The boat anchors at the Blue Lagoon from roughly 5:45 PM until 8:00 PM.
• A government access pass is required: Book the evening timeslot at blcomino.com before departure if you want to go ashore.
• This is not a guided tour: You explore at your own pace, with help from the English-speaking crew but no formal island commentary.
• The $41 price covers transport and facilities, not refreshments: Bring food and drinks or plan to buy them from vending machines and kiosks.

From Sliema Ferries to Comino at sunset

The trip begins at Sliema Ferries on Triq Ix-Xatt. The boarding area is between the Ferries 1 bus stop and the Bouverie bus stop, and the boat is identified by its red color. Several red ticket kiosks sit along the promenade, so ask at one of those if you cannot spot the vessel.

Give yourself at least 15 to 20 minutes before the 4:30 PM departure. Arriving about half an hour early is even better if you want more choice of seating. One useful seating tip is to sit on the left side when sailing toward Comino, then move to the right side for the return to Sliema if you want the best views back toward the shore.

The catamaran provides a comfortable base for the five-hour outing. Air conditioning matters during Malta’s hot season, while the toilet and free Wi-Fi are welcome on a long evening at sea. The boat is described as spacious, though you should not expect a full restaurant or bar.

Food and drinks are not part of the fare. Vending machines are available, and you can bring your own food and drink. Pack a snack before boarding if you do not want to rely on what is available onboard or at Comino.

The 75-minute cruise across the Mediterranean

The outward journey lasts about an hour and 15 minutes. Instead of treating this as dead time, use it to watch Malta’s coastline recede and settle into the slower pace of an evening on the water.

The cruise is scenic rather than educational. There is no tour guide providing a running explanation of the coast, and English is the language used by the host or greeter and crew. If you want detailed information about Malta’s history or Comino’s geology, this is not the right format.

For me, that lack of formal commentary is not necessarily a flaw. It keeps the trip relaxed and lets you choose your own focus. Sit back, take photographs, read, or simply watch the changing light. You are paying mainly for the boat ride, the stop at the lagoon, and the unusual return after dark.

The ride can be uncomfortable if you are prone to seasickness. Bring any motion sickness prevention you normally use, and choose a seat that helps you feel steady. The activity is also not recommended for people with mobility impairments. Non-folding and electric wheelchairs are not allowed, so check the restrictions carefully before booking.

Two hours at the Blue Lagoon

The catamaran is scheduled to reach Comino at approximately 5:45 PM. It remains anchored at the Blue Lagoon until about 8:00 PM, giving you close to two full hours in the area.

This is the heart of the experience. The water is clear and warm in the summer season, making the stop well suited to a swim or snorkel. Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a sun hat. Comfortable shoes are useful if you plan to walk around Comino rather than stay near the water.

You can spend the time in several ways:

• Swim from the boat or around the lagoon area.
• Snorkel in the clear water.
• Explore part of Comino on foot.
• Sit and watch the light change across the water.
• Buy or use a deckchair if you want a more settled place to relax.

Deckchairs may be available to hire on the island for about €5 each. That small cost can be worthwhile if you want to sit comfortably, though it is not necessary for a short stop. You may also receive a complimentary non-alcoholic drink from one of the island kiosks. Keep track of which kiosk issued it, since there may be several.

An optional small-boat cave excursion has been offered for €15 per person. It takes about 20 minutes from your time ashore. This can be useful if you have not already seen Malta’s sea caves by boat, but it is less appealing if a separate cave trip is already part of your plans. Check the current availability and price when booking, since optional extras can change.

The new Blue Lagoon access pass

The most important practical detail is the government access rule introduced in May 2025. Anyone who wants to step ashore at the Blue Lagoon must obtain an official access pass in advance through blcomino.com.

The pass is separate from this cruise booking. The daily allocation is limited, and you must choose the evening timeslot when applying. Do not assume that having a boat ticket alone gives you permission to land.

This rule matters because the cruise includes time at Comino, but the pass is not included in the price. Arrange it before you leave for Sliema, and keep the confirmation available for inspection. Without the official pass, you will not be allowed to disembark at the Blue Lagoon.

The regulation is a government requirement, not an extra fee or policy created by the boat company. Still, it adds one more step to what would otherwise be a very simple outing. If you prefer to stay onboard and look at the lagoon from the catamaran, clarify how the access system applies to your plans before departure.

Sunset, illuminated Malta, and the ride home

At 8:00 PM, the boat leaves Comino for Sliema. This is where the cruise becomes more than a standard beach transfer. The light is fading, the coastline looks different from the water, and the return trip offers a calm ending to the day.

The sunset may occur as you leave or during the final part of your time at Comino, depending on the season. The exact view changes with the date, but the evening departure gives you a chance to photograph the lagoon and surrounding sea in softer light.

After dark, Malta’s shoreline takes on a different character. One particularly memorable view can be the Basilica of Our Lady of Mount Carmel lit against the night sky, with the moon above it. The return trip is scheduled to reach Sliema at about 9:15 PM.

The ride back may not be silent. Music from other boats can carry across the lagoon, and the Blue Lagoon can remain lively during the evening. If you are expecting total peace and quiet, set your expectations carefully. This is a scenic leisure cruise, not a private sunset charter.

What the $41 price really covers

At $41 per person, the fare is reasonable if you want transport from Sliema, a long stop at Comino, and an evening cruise home. It covers the coastal sailing, about two hours of free time, the air-conditioned catamaran, Wi-Fi, toilets, and crew assistance.

It does not cover hotel pickup or drop-off, a tour guide, food, drinks, the government access pass, or optional activities such as a cave boat ride. That means the real cost can rise if you need transport to Sliema, want refreshments, hire a deckchair, or add the cave excursion.

The value is strongest for people already staying near Sliema or able to reach the ferry area easily. It is also a good fit if you want independent time at the Blue Lagoon rather than a structured guided program.

The fare is less attractive if you want a full meal, personal commentary, door-to-door service, or a quiet private boat. In that case, you may prefer a different type of cruise. Here, the main product is an efficient boat ride with a generous swim stop.

How to make the evening more comfortable

A little preparation will make a noticeable difference. Wear swimwear under your clothes, bring a towel, and pack sunscreen even if the strongest sun has passed. Comfortable shoes are useful for moving around Comino, while sunglasses and a hat help during the outward crossing.

Large bags and luggage are not allowed, so keep your belongings compact. A small day bag with your essentials is more practical than bringing a suitcase or bulky beach equipment.

Bring a snack and water if you want more choice than the vending machines and island kiosks provide. Food and drinks are not included, and there is no full bar onboard. You can bring your own food and drink, according to the available information.

If you want a good seat, arrive early. A 30-minute arrival gave one passenger time to settle in before departure, though the official instruction is 15 to 20 minutes. Sit on the left side going out and the right side coming back for better coastal views.

The activity is not suitable for pets, people with mobility impairments, or people prone to seasickness. Non-folding wheelchairs and electric wheelchairs are not permitted. These are important limits, not minor details, so check them before paying.

Who will enjoy this cruise most

I would choose this trip if you want a relaxed way to combine swimming, sea views, and a late return without committing to a full day on the water. Couples, friends, and independent visitors who like setting their own pace should find the format easy to use.

It also suits anyone who wants to see the Blue Lagoon outside the harshest midday hours. The evening light, cooler air, and illuminated Malta coastline give the outing a different feel from a standard daytime ferry trip.

Families should think about the late finish, the lack of a formal guide, and the possibility of music and noise around the lagoon. The water stop can be fun, but the experience is not designed as a child-focused program.

I would not book it if your priority is silence, step-free access, a private setting, or a fully explained sightseeing tour. The catamaran can be comfortable, but the lagoon itself may still feel busy, and the boat does not remove every sign of Malta’s summer tourism.

Should you book the evening Blue Lagoon cruise?

Book it if you want two hours at Comino, a modern boat from Sliema, and a return under the night sky for $41. The strongest reasons are the generous free time, the easy departure point, and the chance to see Malta’s coast in both sunset and darkness.

Skip it if you dislike crowds, get seasick, need accessible facilities, or want meals and guided sightseeing included. Most importantly, arrange the government access pass early and choose the evening timeslot. With that step handled, this is a straightforward and good-value evening outing, provided you see it as an independent cruise rather than a quiet private escape.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran depart from?

It departs from Sliema Ferries on Triq Ix-Xatt, between the Ferries 1 bus stop and Bouverie bus stop. Look for the red boat or ask for help at one of the red ticket kiosks along the promenade.

What time does the cruise leave Sliema?

The scheduled departure is 4:30 PM. You should arrive at the departure point 15 to 20 minutes beforehand.

What time does the cruise return to Sliema?

The catamaran is scheduled to return at approximately 9:15 PM.

How long do you spend at the Blue Lagoon?

You have approximately two hours at Comino, from about 5:45 PM until the boat departs at 8:00 PM.

Do I need an access pass for the Blue Lagoon?

Yes. Since May 2025, you need a government-issued access pass to step ashore at the Blue Lagoon. Apply through blcomino.com and select the evening timeslot. The daily allocation is limited.

Is this a guided tour?

No. This is not a guided tour. You have free time at Comino, while the English-speaking crew provides assistance onboard.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not included. Vending machines are available, and you may bring your own food and drink.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. You must make your own way to the Sliema Ferries departure point. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.