There is nowhere quite like the Blue Lagoon. Tucked between Comino and the uninhabited islet of Cominotto, this sheltered channel of water turns an almost unnatural shade of turquoise under the Maltese sun — the kind of colour you have to see in person to believe. A Comino boat trip is, for most visitors, the single most memorable day of their Malta holiday: you drop anchor, slip into water so clear you can count the stones twelve feet below, and forget for a while that the rest of the world exists. Whether you charter your own private vessel, join a shared cruise, or hire a self-drive RIB for the afternoon, this stretch of the northern Maltese archipelago is unmissable.
Why Take a Comino Boat Trip to the Blue Lagoon?
Comino sits just four kilometres northwest of Malta, but arriving by boat — on your own terms, at your own pace — transforms the experience entirely. The public ferry from Cirkewwa is perfectly serviceable, but it deposits you at the same jetty as hundreds of other passengers, all heading for the same patch of sand at the same time.
A private or semi-private boat trip changes the equation. You can time your arrival for early morning when the water is still glassy and the lagoon is quiet. You can anchor off the Crystal Lagoon on Comino’s southern flank — calmer, less crowded, and arguably just as beautiful. You can explore the sea caves along Comino’s rugged coastline, cutting through arches and into chambers that the ferry never visits. And when the Blue Lagoon fills up by midday, you simply pull up anchor and move on.
Malta’s climate rewards this kind of spontaneity. From May through October the sea temperature sits between 20°C and 28°C, winds are light, and visibility underwater can exceed 30 metres on a good day. The island of Comino itself is almost entirely car-free and undeveloped, which means the moment you leave the water you step into genuine Mediterranean wilderness — wild herbs underfoot, a sixteenth-century watchtower on the ridge, and almost nothing else.
What to Expect on a Comino Boat Trip
Journey times from Malta’s departure points. The crossing time depends on where you set off: from Cirkewwa (northern Malta) it’s 15 to 20 minutes — the closest and most popular departure point. From Mellieha Bay it’s 25 to 35 minutes, with scenic coastal views on the approach. From Bugibba or St Paul’s Bay it’s 35 to 45 minutes, passing St Paul’s Islands en route.
Most shared day cruises depart between 09:00 and 10:00 and return by 16:00 to 17:00. Private charters can be arranged for earlier departures if you want to beat the crowds.
The Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon. The Blue Lagoon is the headline attraction: a shallow, sheltered channel with a sandy seabed, ideal for swimming, snorkelling, and paddling. The Crystal Lagoon, around the southern tip of Comino, is deeper and less visited — favoured by snorkellers and divers for its underwater rock formations and exceptional water clarity.
Sea caves and coastal features. Comino’s western and northern cliffs are riddled with caves, tunnels, and sea arches. A good skipper will thread the boat through the most dramatic openings, including the Santa Marija Caves — accessible only from the water.
Going ashore: the 2025 visitor registration system. Since May 2025, visitors who intend to go ashore at Comino are required to complete a pre-arrival registration as part of Malta’s new visitor management system introduced to protect the island’s fragile ecosystem. This applies to passengers disembarking from any vessel — ferry, shared cruise, or private charter.
Important note: if you are on a private charter and remain on the water — swimming, snorkelling, and spending the day on or around the boat — you are not required to register. The registration requirement applies only to those who land on the island itself. Your skipper or charter operator will advise you on the current process at the time of booking.
Shared cruise vs private charter. A shared day cruise typically costs €25 to €50 per person, runs a fixed route and schedule, gets busier at peak stops, and suits solo travellers or couples on a budget. A private charter starts at around €300 for a half day, is fully customisable, lets you anchor where you choose, and is the better fit for families, groups, and special occasions.
Popular Routes and Itineraries for Your Comino Boat Trip
Classic Blue Lagoon Loop (half day). Depart Cirkewwa, cross to the Blue Lagoon, swim for 2 to 3 hours, stop at one sea cave on the return. Best for first-time visitors and families with children.
Full Comino Circumnavigation (full day). Depart Cirkewwa or Mellieha, circumnavigate Comino entirely, stopping at the Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon, Santa Marija Bay, and the sea caves. Best for those who want to see every side of the island.
Early Riser Private Charter. Depart Cirkewwa at 07:30 to 08:00, arrive at the Blue Lagoon before public ferries. Swim in near-total solitude. Return by 13:00 before afternoon crowds peak. Best for photography, privacy, and families with young children.
North Malta Coastal Combo. Depart Bugibba, pass St Paul’s Islands and the northern cliffs, arrive at Comino via the western sea caves. A longer crossing but one of the most scenic approaches to the island. Best for guests staying in the Bugibba or Qawra area who want to avoid the drive to Cirkewwa.
Pricing Guide
Shared day cruise from Cirkewwa, Bugibba or Mellieha: from €25 per person for a full day. Semi-private small group from Cirkewwa: from €45 per person for a full day. Private RIB charter for up to 8 from Cirkewwa or Mellieha: from €280 for a half day or €450 for a full day. Private cabin cruiser for up to 12 from Sliema or St Julian’s: from €650 for a full day. Luxury motor yacht for up to 12 from Sliema or Valletta: from €1,200 for a full day.
Prices are indicative and vary by operator, season, and vessel. Peak season (July to August) rates are typically 15 to 25 percent higher.
What’s Included
What is included varies by operator, but most Comino boat trips cover return transfer between your departure point and Comino or the Blue Lagoon, snorkelling equipment (masks and fins on most vessels), skipper and crew on captained trips, guidance on sea cave and swimming locations, shade structure or canopy where available on larger vessels, and basic safety equipment with life jackets accessible on board.
Most operators charge separately for food and beverages. Some private charters can be catered on request. Always confirm what is included when booking.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to hire a boat for a Comino trip in Malta?
Shared day cruises start from around €25 per person; semi-private small-group trips run from €45 per person. A private RIB for up to 8 is from €280 for a half day or €450 for a full day. A private cabin cruiser for up to 12 starts at €650 for a full day, and a luxury motor yacht from €1,200. Peak July to August pricing is typically 15 to 25 percent higher.
Do I need to register to visit Comino?
Since May 2025, anyone going ashore on Comino must complete a visitor registration in advance under Malta’s new visitor management system. If you’re on a private charter and stay on the water — swimming from the boat, snorkelling, and not landing on the island — registration is not required. Your booking operator will provide guidance on the current registration process.
Where do Comino boat trips depart from in Malta?
Cirkewwa is the closest departure point — 15 to 20 minutes to the Blue Lagoon — and the most popular. Mellieha Bay is 25 to 35 minutes with scenic coastal views, and Bugibba or St Paul’s Bay is 35 to 45 minutes, passing St Paul’s Islands. Longer private charters also depart from Sliema, St Julian’s, and Valletta on the east coast.
When is the best time of year for a Comino boat trip?
May through October is the main season, with sea temperatures between 20°C and 28°C. The Blue Lagoon is busiest between 11:00 and 15:00 from late June through August — May, June, and September are significantly quieter, and weekdays are calmer than weekends. Early-morning private departures before 09:30 are the most reliable way to enjoy the lagoon in near-solitude during peak summer.