Why Comino Island’s Blue Lagoon Is the Perfect Meditteranean Escape This Summer
Want to drink from pineapples and sun soak the Blue Lagoon in Comino Island, Malta?
Welcome to the Blue Lagoon, located on the small island of Comino in the only slightly larger island-country of Malta. Swim in a pool of liquid sapphire surrounded by towering limestone cliffs and bluffs during your Mediterranean holiday. This beautiful sparkling lagoon is something straight out of a dream.
The first time I visited Malta, I stumbled upon a job and ended up staying three months. Having come back countless times since, I’ve made sure that the Blue Lagoon is always on my Malta itinerary.
After reading this article, you will have all the information needed to visit Blue Lagoon in Comino Island. We’ll cover directions on how to get there, things to do, and any final tips for visiting Malta’s best attraction!
Don’t Get FOMO: Get Away from the Crowds
Blue Lagoon is the prettiest place in all of Malta and has some of the most turquoise waters I’ve ever seen. Because it’s so popular, book this private boat tour that takes you to the more secluded beaches, away from the crowds.
Private Boat Blue lagoon Comino Highlights
Best Private Boat Tour
Where is it Located?
The Blue Lagoon is located on Comino Island, between the main island of Malta and Gozo. Comino is a tiny island, spanning only 1.3 square miles. You do have to take a ferry either from Cirkewwa port on Malta or the Gozo Harbour.
Despite Malta’s small size, it will take about 2 hours to reach the Blue Lagoon in Comino, especially if you’re starting in tourist hot spots like St. Julian’s or Valletta.
Click here to go to the exact Google Maps location.
How do I get to Blue Lagoon Comino?
There are three ways to visit the Blue Lagoon: by yourself or with a tour.
- Private Boat Tour
- Shared Boat Tour
- Join a Kayaking Adventure
- Car/public transportation then ferry from Cirkewwa, Malta or Mgarr, Gozo
Private Tours to Blue Lagoon
⌛ Tour Length: 2 Hours | ⭐ Ratings: 5 out of 5 Stars | 🚤 Book now
The Blue Lagoon is Malta’s crown jewel, so it gets crowded, especially on the weekends and especially in the summer high season. Taking a private tour can make your experience way more enjoyable.
This private boat tour will drop anchor at beaches inaccessible to the general public, explore sea caves, and even snorkel a shipwreck. Plus, they only have 5 star reviews. Check out this glowing testimonial below:
Brilliant trip. Skipper was great and very knowledgeable. Able to access areas that larger boats couldn’t.
– Alison (Read more reviews)
Shared Catamaran Sailing Tour
⌛ Tour Length: 4-6 Hours | ⭐ Ratings: 4.5 out of 5 Stars | ⛵️ Book now
If you’re looking for a cheaper option, a day tour like this spacious catamaran tour will take you to the Blue Lagoon and more destinations around the islands. But note that the boat can take up to 140 people, so it will certainly not be private by any means.
Stops at two or three excellent locales for some swimming and snorkeling, including the famous Blue Lagoon and Crystal Bay or Ghajn Tuffieha Bay.
Kayak Gozo and Comino Afternoon tour
⌛ Tour Length: 3 Hours | ⭐ Ratings: 5 out of 5 Stars | 🛶 Book now
As an alternative, why not inter-island past sea caves and remote bays on this small group kayak adventure from Gozo to Comino? Get out into the water and comfy with your kayak before crossing this short open water channel.
Even if you’ve never kayaked before, this tour is for all levels. And of course, top-of-the-line safety equipment and a professional guide are included.
Get to Blue Lagoon Yourself!
Getting there yourself is by far the cheapest way.
- Step 1: Get yourself to the port
- Step 2: Take a boat or ferry to the island of Comino
From Malta to Cirkewwa Ferry Terminal
People who visit Malta usually stay at Valetta or St. Julien’s on the island’s east coast. However, even though the longest length of the island is only 17 miles (27km), the journey to Cirkewwa Port takes quite a while due to narrow windy roads and many bus stops.
Many bus lines end at Cirkewwa Harbor. (Check Moovit for this bus schedule.) Plan for this to take at least 1 – 1.5 hours.
If you’re driving, it should be at most 40 minutes to an hour, depending on the traffic conditions.
Tip! If you need to transfer to another bus, you can travel for free within two hours of paying in Malta.
From Gozo to Mgarr Ferry Terminal
The Blue Lagoon is also situated next to the smaller Gozo island. The bus lines are limited on the island of Gozo, but getting to Mgarr Harbour should take 30 to 60 minutes from anywhere. (Check Moovit for this bus schedule.)
Ferry Service from Malta and Gozo to Comino Island
Tourists can catch a ferry service or arrange a private guided boat tour from Cirkewwa Ferry Terminal, Malta, or Gozo’s Mgarr Harbour.
The public ferry operates throughout the day, every day, with departures every 30 to 45 minutes. The journey from the departure point to Comino takes approximately 20 to 30 minutes, and a round-trip ticket costs less than 10€.
Eek! Don’t fear mishaps when in Malta by getting some travel insurance!
What if your luggage is lost? Or if you’re like me and get into a scooter accident where I had to drive myself to the hospital and pay the medical bills because I didn’t have travel insurance? I now use Safety Wings, which just charges ~$10 every week.
General Information
entrance fee
Surprise! There is actually no entrance fee. That’s right, since the lagoon is a public beach, you can enjoy the crystal clear water and island cliffs without paying a penny.
Of course, some costs are still associated with getting to the Blue Lagoon. As mentioned earlier, you would need to pay for a ferry or a guided boat tour to reach the island. Food and drinks on the island also have a surcharge compared to mainland prices.
Opening Times
You can go anytime. You can even camp for free at the Tal Ful campsite for up to 30 days with a prior reservation. Just keep it clean and leave no trace, or else you may get fined.
Best Time to Visit
The weather in Comino is pleasant throughout the year, but it does get too chilly to swim in the winter months. The best to visit between May and October when it’s warm and sunny with lower chances of rain. The water is also warmer during this time, so it’s perfect for swimming and water-based activities.
Malta’s peak tourist season is June to August, so expect the Blue Lagoon to be busy. Weekends will also likely be busier as locals flock to the lagoon to escape the summer heat. Even then, if you walk away from the primary dock, you still have plenty of space to enjoy other parts of the island
If you’re looking to avoid the crowds, the off-season is during the cooler months of November to April, when the island is much quieter.
What to Expect: Things to Do & Tips
Great, so now you’re here, here’s what to expect when you visit and some helpful tips.
Things to do at Malta’s Blue Lagoon
1. The Comino Blue Lagoon
The primary attraction that brought you here is this postcard photo spot, featuring a sparkling blue, shallow water area bordered by picturesque bluffs where you can enjoy the water all day.
If you arrive by public ferry, it will conveniently drop you off and pick you up at this location.
2. Swim to Cominotto Island
When you visit Comino and the Blue Lagoon, swim across the clear waters to Cominotto Island. I’ve seen plenty of cliff jumpers taking a daring splash in too.
3. Paddle Around via Kayak
For a more active adventure, join a kayak tour and paddle around the lagoon’s perimeter. This is a great way to find hidden coves and sea caves. You can’t actually rent on the island, but you can join a tour that takes you from Gozo.
4. Hike around Comino Island
The island’s trails are easy to navigate due to the island’s small size and lack of dense vegetation. It should take you at most 2 to 3 hours to walk around the whole island.
Most tourists tend to stay within the blue lagoon area and don’t venture beyond the popular paths, so it is actually pretty empty once you leave the lagoon area.
Hike to incredible locations around the island, checking out beautiful blue bays and coves like Crystal Lagoon or historic structures like the old fort, St. Mary’s Tower.
5. Explore the Extensive Cave Systems
Comino Island has numerous sea caves lining its shoreline. Tourists can kayak themselves or hop on a boat to access some of them. Even while traveling via the public ferry, you can catch a view of some of these mesmerizing sea caves.
A few popular sea caves are:
- Tunnel Cave
- Popeye’s Cave
- Window Cave
- Santa Marija Caves
6. Scuba Dive or Snorkel the P31 Shipwreck
If you’re a scuba diver, you can explore the P31 wreck just off Comino’s northern coast. It’s a popular dive site with incredible visibility and is relatively shallow. You can also snorkel the P31 wreck off private boat tours.
7. Watch the Sunset with Gozo Views
There’s nothing like ending the day with the orange hues of sunset. And with the cliffs of Gozo in the background, close this Maltese adventure with a bang.
Tips to Visiting
- Come Early: The Blue Lagoon can get crowded, especially during the peak season of the summer months. If you want to avoid the crowds and snag a prime spot on the beach, get there early in the morning. Otherwise, people also start clearing out in the late afternoon.
- Bring Snacks: While there are food vendors near the lagoon, they can be pricey. Pack a picnic lunch or bring some snacks to save money.
- Respect the Environment: The Blue Lagoon is a protected marine reserve, so treat the area respectfully. Don’t litter, and avoid touching or standing on coral reefs.
Where to Stay in Malta
Comino has two permanent residents, so it’s basically an uninhabited island, which means there is no accommodation on the island. But you can camp at Tal Ful here! Just get a permit before and bring everything you need. This is wild camping, aka there are no facilities!
Some popular areas to stay on Malta include Sliema, St. Julian’s, and Valletta, while on Gozo you could consider staying in Victoria or Xlendi. Malta has everything from luxurious 5-star resorts to hostels with good vibes.
Here are a few options in each of the most popular areas.
Accommodation in St. Julian’s
STYLISH HOTEL OVERLOOKING ST. GEORGE’S BAY – Be.HOTEL
With more than 10,000+ reviews, stay at Be.Hotel, a tried and true 4-star hotel with bay views from the rooftop pool and full amenities in modern rooms.
CLEAN, MODERN HOSTEL WITH A POOL – Inhawi Boutique Hostel
Book a stay at Inhawi Boutique Hostel right off St. Julian’s Bay. Meet new friends to explore the Maltese islands and party with. The staff is friendly and helpful, with consistently comfortable and clean rooms.
Accommodation in Valletta
HISTORICAL LUXURY BOUTIQUE – Palazzo Jean Parisot Boutique Suites
Stay at Palazzo Jean Parisot, a luxurious boutique accommodation in a historic and beautifully renovated building in the heart of Valletta. All the rooms are furnished in a sophisticated and elegant style with private balconies.
Accommodation in Victoria, Gozo
STAY IN THE HEART OF GOZO – The Duke Boutique Hotel
The Duke Boutique Hotel offers beautiful accommodations in the heart of Victoria, Gozo. With comfortable and spacious rooms, this 4-star hotel is the perfect base for exploring Gozo.
FAQs about Blue Lagoon in Comino Island
Yes, swimming is allowed in the Blue Lagoon Comino, and it’s one of the main activities that most visitors look forward to. The Blue Lagoon is very sheltered, but if you are swimming elsewhere, be mindful that the current can be strong.
The water temperature at Blue Lagoon can vary depending on the time of year, but it’s generally warm enough to swim in from May to October. However, during the winter months, the water temperature can drop down to around 14-16 degrees Celsius. Too chilly to swim.
Yes, it’s definitely possible to visit Blue Lagoon on a day trip from Malta! The ferries run regularly from in Malta and take around 20-30 minutes to reach Blue Lagoon. By yourself from anywhere in Malta, this trip shouldn’t take more than 2 – 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can charter a private boat or join a boat tour.
It entirely depends on your preferences and how much you want to explore the area. Visitors usually spend around 2 to 3 hours at Blue Lagoon, but it’s not unusual for some people to spend the whole day exploring the nearby bays, beaches, and caves.
Yes, there are a few restaurants and cafes in the area selling snacks and refreshments, but they can be quite pricey. It’s a good idea to bring your own food and drink if you plan on spending the whole day at Blue Lagoon.
As with any natural site, visitors should aim to follow the leave no trace principles, such as not littering, not disturbing the flora and fauna, and respecting the natural environment. Try using reef-safe sunscreen to avoid pollute the water and damage the ecosystem.
Blue Lagoon is certainly one of the best places to visit in Malta. However, there are many other beautiful beaches and bays on Malta and Gozo worth exploring! Some popular options include Golden Bay, Mellieha Bay, and Ramla Bay on Gozo.
Bucket List Worthy: Is Blue Lagoon, Malta, Worth Visiting?
In short, the Blue Lagoon in Comino Island is absolutely worth visiting. It is truly one of the most magical places in the world so put it at the top of your Malta itinerary!
The water is so clear that it’s difficult to believe it’s even real! Catch a glimpse of the underwater world by swimming to nearby islets or snorkeling amongst the coral reefs. Next time I go, I will be sure to bring my tent with me and stay for more than just a few hours.
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Catherine Xu is the founder and author of Nomadicated, an adventure travel blog that helps travelers cross off their bucket list. Since discovering traveling in 2015, she has lived and journeyed to 65 countries across 5 continents and vanlifed the west coast USA for 2+ years. These days, she splits her time in Southeast Asia and California while sharing her travel stories and resources based on first-hand experiences. Catherine's other works has been referenced in major publications like MSN, Self, and TripSavvy.