COMINO, MALTA
Blue Lagoon
Malta's most famous natural swimming destination — turquoise water over white sand
ISLAND
Comino
DEPTH
1–3 metres
BY BOAT
15–45 mins
BEST MONTHS
May–Jun, Sep–Oct
BLUE LAGOON, COMINO
The Blue Lagoon on Comino island delivers Malta's most spectacular swimming experience — a natural pool of impossibly turquoise water that appears more Caribbean than Mediterranean. This shallow channel between Comino and the uninhabited islet of Cominotto creates the sheltered conditions and white sandy bottom that produce the lagoon's famous colour. Water so clear that boats appear to float on air and swimmers' shadows dance across the seabed metres below. Comino itself covers just 3.5 square kilometres, with a permanent population of essentially zero. The island's name derives from the cumin plants that once grew abundantly across its terrain. Beyond the Blue Lagoon, Comino offers walking trails, the Santa Marija Tower, and additional swimming coves, though most day visitors focus entirely on the lagoon experience.
Why the Water is That Colour
The lagoon's colour results from a combination of factors that rarely occur together: shallow depth averaging 1–3 metres, a white limestone and sand seabed that reflects rather than absorbs light, exceptional water clarity with visibility often exceeding 20 metres, and the sheltered bay orientation that reduces wave action and sediment disturbance. The result is water that ranges from pale turquoise in the shallows to deeper azure at the channel entrance, shifting throughout the day as the sun angle changes. Morning light produces the most vivid colours, with the lagoon at its most photogenic between 8am and 11am before boats and swimmers disturb the water. Late afternoon, as visitor numbers drop, the lagoon recovers its clarity and the low sun creates extraordinary golden reflections across the surface.
Peak summer — July and August — transforms the Blue Lagoon from paradise into an exercise in patience. Hundreds of boats anchor in the lagoon simultaneously, with day-trippers numbering in the thousands by mid-morning. The combination of anchored vessels, floating pontoons, swimming visitors, and supply boats creates conditions that bear little resemblance to the empty lagoon images that inspire most visits. Water quality deteriorates significantly under this pressure, with sunscreen residue and boat fuel creating a visible film across what should be pristine water. The experience remains enjoyable but falls considerably short of the photographs. May, June, September, and October offer the genuine Blue Lagoon experience — manageable visitor numbers, excellent water clarity, and comfortable swimming temperatures of 22–26°C.
Water so clear that boats appear to float on air — the Blue Lagoon produces colours that belong more to the Caribbean than the Mediterranean.
How to Get There
From Sliema
Boat trips from Sliema operate from the Ferries area on the seafront, with multiple operators offering return day trips for €15–25 per adult including a few hours at the Blue Lagoon. The journey takes approximately 45 minutes each way, passing Valletta's fortifications, Manoel Island, and the northern coastline of Malta. Departure times typically range from 9am to 11am, with return boats leaving the lagoon between 4pm and 6pm. Ċirkewwa, Malta's northern ferry terminal for Gozo, also operates Blue Lagoon boats — the crossing is shorter at around 15–20 minutes and prices typically lower. Private charter boats provide the most flexible option, allowing early arrival before the crowds and departure at your own schedule.
Operators
Crystal Lagoon and Hera are among the established Sliema-based operators running day trips, departing around 10am and returning by 5pm. The Ċirkewwa–Comino ferry operated by Gozo Channel also provides a more affordable crossing for independent visitors who prefer to control their own timing. Private boat hire from Sliema or St Julian's marina ranges from €150–400 per day depending on boat size and whether a skipper is included. For visitors staying in Gozo, the proximity of Ċirkewwa makes a Blue Lagoon morning trip straightforward — cross to Malta, take the Comino boat, and return to Gozo by evening. Combined Gozo-Comino day trips operate from both Malta and Gozo, covering both destinations in a single day for approximately €25–35 per adult.
FROM SLIEMA
€15–25 return · 45 mins
FROM ĊIRKEWWA
€10–15 return · 15 mins
PRIVATE CHARTER
€150–400 per day
DEPARTURE TIMES
9am–11am typically
FACILITIES
None — bring everything
BEST ARRIVAL
Before 10am
What to Know Before You Go
Comino has no permanent restaurants, shops, or facilities beyond portable toilets brought in during summer season. Floating vendors sell drinks and snacks from boats moored in the lagoon, typically at significantly inflated prices. Bringing your own water, food, and sunscreen from Malta is strongly advisable. There is no shade on the rocky shores surrounding the lagoon — sun exposure is relentless, and sunscreen is essential from the moment of arrival. The rocky entry points require water shoes for comfortable access to the water. Swimming ability is required as there are no lifeguards and depths increase quickly beyond the shallow central area. The Santa Marija Tower, a 17th-century Knights of St John watchtower, is a 20-minute walk from the lagoon and provides the only elevated viewpoint across the island.
Frequently Asked Questions — Blue Lagoon Malta
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get to the Blue Lagoon?
Boat trips operate from Sliema Ferries (€15–25 return, ~45 minutes) and from Ċirkewwa ferry terminal in northern Malta (€10–15 return, ~15 minutes). Private charter boats offer flexible timing. There is no direct road or ferry connection — the only access is by sea. Most day trip boats depart between 9am and 11am and return between 4pm and 6pm.
When is the best time to visit the Blue Lagoon?
May, June, September, and October offer the best combination of manageable crowds, excellent water clarity, and comfortable temperatures of 22–26°C. July and August see peak crowding with thousands of visitors daily — water quality deteriorates and the experience falls well short of photographs. Early morning arrival (before 10am) in any month significantly improves the experience. Weekdays are considerably quieter than weekends throughout summer.
Is there anywhere to eat at the Blue Lagoon?
There are no permanent restaurants or shops on Comino. Floating vendors sell drinks and snacks from boats in the lagoon at inflated prices. Bringing your own food, water, and sunscreen from Malta is strongly recommended. The lack of facilities means careful preparation is essential — there is no shade, no fresh water, and no medical facilities on the island.
How crowded is the Blue Lagoon?
In July and August, the Blue Lagoon receives thousands of visitors daily, with hundreds of boats anchored simultaneously. The experience is enjoyable but very different from promotional images. May, June, September, and October see dramatically lower numbers. Early morning visits before 10am offer the best conditions in any season. Weekdays throughout summer are noticeably quieter than weekends.
Can you stay overnight on Comino?
The Comino Hotel, which operated on the island for decades, is currently closed for redevelopment. At present there is no accommodation available on Comino, making it exclusively a day-trip destination. Day visitors must return to Malta or Gozo by the last boat, typically departing between 5pm and 6pm. The absence of overnight options means the island empties completely each evening.
FLY DIRECT FROM LONDON
Visit the Blue Lagoon with KM Malta Airlines
KM Malta Airlines flies direct to Malta from London Heathrow and London Gatwick, approximately 3 hours. VisitMalta.co.uk packages are ATOL-protected. Best months for the Blue Lagoon: May–June and September–October.
Search Malta Holiday Packages