While Comino’s Blue Lagoon has become a major tourist attraction on the Maltese Islands, its popularity means it also gets very busy in summer. Too busy for some.
So, is the Blue Lagoon (Malta) worth it?
This is my “locals’ guide” to help you decide. Cheat codes included.
It’s worth visiting the Blue Lagoon if you want to have the experience of seeing it in real life (it really is a stunning place), but only if you’re willing to:
Although it is advertised as paradise on earth, it’s not for everyone, especially at the height of summer, and spending a full day there. While the azure waters and surrounding landscapes are undeniably beautiful, overcrowding is a big issue (and is a symptom of overtourism that’s developing in Malta).
Additionally, while the Government of Malta has capped the number of visitors to 4,000 a day (down from the reported 12,000 daily visitors!) through the introduction of access tickets, it’s still a high number of people for such a small island and an even smaller bay.
Moreover, that number refers to the number of people allowed on shore. Several boats moor in the bay during the day, adding to the crowds.
For most travellers, a visit to the Blue Lagoon in Malta will be a must-do, but being informed with local knowledge in hand (- you came to the right place!) can make the experience easier.
Let’s talk workarounds so that you can decide A) What your preferred experience is, and B) Whether to go at all.
Peak summer months in Malta for tourism are July to September, but crowds at the Blue Lagoon start growing fast as early as June. Summers can last until late October, by which time it’ll already be a lot quieter (but also potentially windy and rainy on certain days).
My best advice on timing:
Most day tour boats arrive at around 10:00 AM and return to Malta (or Gozo) by around 4:00 PM, and with late sunsets in summer, it’ll be a better time to head to the Blue Lagoon.
The DIY version: Taking a ferry. The “last resort” option. Think queues for the ferry, queues for (often overpriced) food, little place to move around or find a spot on shore, no shade, and you’ll need access tickets since you’re setting foot on land. Not for the faint-hearted, but the most budget-friendly option.
€25
Couples & Families with Kids
3.5 hours
Marfa Quay, Malta
Keen to discover coastal wonders in both of Malta’s sister islands? Sail away to paradise on this Half-Day Boat Cruise to Comino & Gozo.
Amongst the highlights, you’ll swim in the crystal-clear waters of the Blue Lagoon as well as explore the Crystal Lagoon, the Elephant Rock, and the famous Santa Marija Caves. Next, the boat will anchor at Il-Ġebla tal-Ħalfa, a secluded islet and limestone rock on Gozo’s south-eastern coast.
Available mid-April to mid-October only!
€30
Families, groups and couples
Approx. 6- 7 hours
Buġibba Jetty
Departing from St Paul’s Bay, the first stop of this exciting boat tour is the Crystal Lagoon, a true diver’s paradise. Next, you’ll have a couple of hours at the Blue Lagoon. You can make use of the on-board padded sun loungers, have fun on the water slides, and, of course, enjoy a swim in the crystal-clear waters
€65
Couples & Small Groups
6 hours (Morning) / 5 hours (Evening)
Buġibba Jetty
This fantastic Beaches and Bays catamaran tour is ideal for beachgoers keen to discover some of the best beaches dotted around the Maltese Islands.
Amongst the stops, you will visit the Blue Lagoon. Other possible stops (depending on the weather conditions) are: The Crystal Lagoon, Anchor Bay, Mellieħa Bay, Golden Bay, Għajn Tuffieha Bay, Ramla Bay, Imgiebaħ Bay, or Half Rock.
€89
Couples & Small Groups
7 hours
Sliema (Ferries area)
This full-day catamaran tour promises a jam-packed day from start to finish. Amongst the highlights, you’ll have plenty of time to swim in the Malta Blue Lagoon, alongside passing by other natural wonders that Comino Island is known for.
Included with the price of this day trip to Comino are the following perks: a cold buffet lunch including cold cuts, salad selections, and fruit, and a free open bar with beer, wine, soft drinks, and water.
€25
Families, Couples, & Groups
3.5 hours
Marfa Quay, Malta
This Blue Lagoon Sunset Cruise is perfect for travellers who are not keen on early starts or would simply love to experience one of the island’s magical sunsets as you sail along the coast.
You’ll have time for a swim, alongside passing by other stunning beaches and wonders surrounding Comino, including the Crystal Lagoon and the Santa Maria Caves. You’ll also visit some hidden coastal attractions around Gozo’s south-eastern coast.
Available mid-April to mid-October only!
€30
Families & Groups
Approx. 4-4.5 hours
Buġibba Jetty
Experience a Mediterranean sunset, swim in crystal-clear waters, and enjoy panoramic views of Comino’s rugged landscape when joining this Blue Lagoon Afternoon-Sunset Cruise.
In short, this tour offers a combination of swimming, snorkelling, and sightseeing in Comino. Undoubtedly, a stop at the famous Blue Lagoon is one of the highlights. However, you’ll also get to see some lesser-known gems, including the spectacular caves framing the tiny island.
Guests of this tour can enjoy fantastic facilities such as the cushioned sofas, the underwater windows, and the thrilling water slide! Food and drinks can be purchased from the snack bar.
€55
Couples and small groups
5 hours
Buġibba Jetty
Dive into the azure waters of Comino, enjoy cocktails, and dance to the best tunes on board this Sunset Catamaran Tour to the Blue Lagoon.
During this sailing experience, expect panoramic views of the Maltese coastline from the moment the boat sets sail to Comino. Once the boat drops anchor at the Blue Lagoon, you’ll have around 2-2.5 hours for swimming and snorkelling. You can also sit back, relax, and watch the sun setting over the towering cliffs and spectacular caves.
Passengers can also enjoy a BBQ on board the catamaran (an optional additional purchase). Upon returning to Buġibba Jetty, you can continue dancing the night away at one of the nearby bars or in Paceville.
From €289
Couples & Small groups
3 hours
Ċirkewwa or Mġarr Harbour
This half-day private boat tour ticks all the boxes for a memorable day out if you’re interested in a more tranquil and luxurious trip to Comino Island. What’s more, you can use the boat’s facilities and enjoy a day trip away from the crowded shoreline.
From €539
Couples and small groups
6 hours
Ċirkewwa or Mġarr Harbour
This 6-Hour Comino and Gozo Private Boat Trip is an extended excursion of the two sister islands for adventure seekers keen on having ample time for swimming, snorkelling, exploration, enjoying the views, and relaxing.
The day kicks off with a full loop around Comino Island. You’ll swim in secluded bays such as the Crystal Lagoon, Santa Marija Bay, and San Niklaw Bay, and discover unique caves, including Popeye’s Cave, the Santa Marija Caves, and the Monte Cristo Cave. During a stop at the Blue Lagoon, the boat moors away from the crowds, so you can enjoy a more tranquil experience.
Additionally, there’s also enough time to visit Gozo’s southern coastline in its entirety. The skipper will take you to stunning places like Mġarr ix-Xini, Ħondoq Bay, Ħalfa Rock, Żrieżaq Beach, Qala Point, Għar Minka (a cave), as well as the breathtaking Ta’ Ċenċ cliffs.
All in all, this private boat trip offers the ultimate day out at sea!
While it’s a good idea to opt for a Gozo & Comino combo day trip, you need to be wary of the ones you choose. The cheaper tours are not worth the money for a number of reasons; upon arrival in Gozo, you are left with a driver who takes you to Victoria, and then, you are expected to find your bearings, completely unguided. At times, you also need to hope the driver arrives on time to take you back to Mġarr Harbour for your return.
With this in mind, here are some great alternatives that offer the ultimate day out in Gozo and Comino.
€85 p.p.
Couples, families and small groups
Approx. 7 hours (excluding transport)
Marfa Quay, Malta
Get ready to create some memories when booking this 2-in-1 sunset tour with a difference.
While you’re in Comino, you’ll pass the stunning sea caves, the Crystal Lagoon, and have time for a refreshing dip in the distinct crystal-clear waters of the Blue Lagoon.
The company’s private boat will then set sail to Gozo so you can start the guided tuk-tuk tour. You will visit places like The Citadel and Victoria, Ta’ Pinu Cathedral, Dwejra (best-known for the Fungus Rock, Inland Sea, Watch Tower & Blue Hole dive site), Ta’ Sanap Cliffs, and many others.
Looking for a more adventurous version of this tour? Check out the Jeep Sunset Tour instead!
From €97.50 p.p.
Couples and small groups
Approx. 7 hours (excluding transport)
Marfa Quay, Malta
Experience the magic of Gozo’s rugged coastline and off-the-beaten-track locations when booking Yippee’s multi-award-winning Sunset Quad Bike Tour.
The tour starts with a visit to Comino on the company’s private boat. You’ll cruise by the main attractions such as the Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon, and the beautiful caves. There’s also time set for a swim in the distinct azure waters.
Upon arrival in Gozo, you will start the quad tour that will take you past some of the island’s most breathtaking places that are not always easy to reach by car or bus.
While you follow a lead driver, you can drive your own quad bike and share it with one passenger.
The same tour is also offered on a buggy instead of a quad bike. More info here: Sunset Buggy Tour of Gozo + Blue Lagoon stop.
Check out our Blue Lagoon FAQ section or message us - We're happy to help!
