The Blue Lagoon on Comino is Malta’s most famous swimming spot, with shallow, crystal-clear turquoise water over white sand. It’s also extremely popular, so a little planning makes a big difference. This guide explains how to get there, the booking system, the best time to go and tips for a great day.
Blue Lagoon at a glance
- Where: between Comino and the islet of Cominotto, between Malta and Gozo
- Getting there: boats from Ċirkewwa and Marfa (Malta), Mġarr (Gozo), and day cruises from Sliema and Buġibba
- Booking: a free online landing pass is required to go ashore during the managed season
- Time slots: 08:00–13:00, 13:30–17:30 and 18:00–22:00
- Best time: May, June, September and early October, early morning or late afternoon
- Bring: water, sun protection, water shoes and cash
The Blue Lagoon booking system
To protect the lagoon from overcrowding, the authorities introduced a free online booking system. If you want to set foot on land at the Blue Lagoon during the managed season, you need a landing pass:
- Book online through the official Blue Lagoon Comino website before your trip.
- Choose a time slot: morning (08:00–13:00), afternoon (13:30–17:30) or evening (18:00–22:00).
- Get your QR code, which is scanned on arrival in exchange for a coloured wristband.
- Stay within your slot: being ashore without a valid wristband can lead to a fine.
- Visitor limit: up to 4,000 people on shore at any one time.
- Staying on your boat? If you don’t go ashore, you don’t need a landing pass.
Budget 2027 update: the Government has announced a €5 contribution for Comino visitors, to be collected through the booking system. Details are still to be confirmed. See all the tourist changes.
How to get to the Blue Lagoon
From Malta: Ċirkewwa and Marfa
Small ferries leave from Ċirkewwa and Marfa, at the northern tip of Malta, about every 30 minutes in season. The crossing takes 15 to 25 minutes, and a return ticket typically costs around €13 to €15.
From Gozo: Mġarr
Boats leave from Mġarr harbour in Gozo, often at a slightly lower price.
Day cruises from Sliema and Buġibba
Larger boats offer full-day trips that often include Comino, the Blue Lagoon and a cruise around Gozo’s coast. They’re easy but spend less time at the lagoon itself.
Private boats
You can hire a self-drive boat or a skippered boat to reach the lagoon on your own schedule.
Tip: ferry tickets usually aren’t valid with other operators, so return with the company you came with. Check the last boat back.
Best time to visit the Blue Lagoon
- Best months: May, June, September and early October, when the water is warm and it’s less crowded
- July and August: very busy, especially from 11:00 to 15:00
- Best time of day: the first boats in the morning, or late afternoon when day-trippers leave
- Winter: boats run less often and the water is cool, but the scenery is beautiful on calm days
What to bring
- Plenty of water and some food (prices on the island are high)
- Sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses, as there is very little natural shade
- Water shoes for the rocks
- Cash: there are no ATMs and card payment isn’t always available
- A dry bag for your phone and valuables
Facilities and rules
- Toilets and showers: basic facilities near Santa Marija Bay; none at the lagoon’s rocky edges
- Food: kiosks sell snacks and drinks at high prices
- Sunbeds: no longer allowed on the sandy beach; on the rocks they may be available to rent
- Drones: not allowed without a special permit
- Respect nature: Comino is a nature reserve, so take all your rubbish with you
More to see on Comino
- Crystal Lagoon: a smaller bay with stunning clear water, usually reached by boat
- St Mary’s Tower (Santa Marija Tower): a 17th-century watchtower with great views, about a 20-minute walk from the Blue Lagoon
- Santa Marija Bay: a quieter sandy bay on the other side of the island
- Sea caves: many boat trips include a tour of the caves along Comino’s cliffs
Frequently asked questions
Do you need to book the Blue Lagoon?
Yes, during the managed season you need a free online landing pass to go ashore, with a chosen time slot. You don’t need one if you stay on your boat.
How much does it cost to visit the Blue Lagoon?
The landing pass is free. A return ferry from Malta typically costs around €13 to €15. Budget 2027 announced an extra €5 contribution for Comino visitors.
How long does it take to get to the Blue Lagoon?
About 15 to 25 minutes by ferry from Ċirkewwa or Marfa, and a little less from Mġarr in Gozo.
Can you visit the Blue Lagoon in winter?
Yes, on calm days, but boats run less often and the water is cool. Check ferry times in advance.
Is the Blue Lagoon worth it?
Yes, especially if you go early or late in the day, or outside July and August. The water colour is truly spectacular.
More Malta guides
See our guides to the best beaches in Malta and Gozo, a Gozo day trip and the best things to do in Malta.