Comino & Blue Lagoon: Day Trips and Tours from Valletta

What better way to get in some TLSea and explore carless Comino than a day out cruising the Mediterranean ocean?

As the smallest uninhabited island in Malta, travelers flock to this isle for a chance to go snorkeling, swimming and diving in the famed Blue Lagoon and its surrounding areas.

The waters here are strikingly blue, and there’s a plethora of marine life (and wildlife) to spot.  

Explore interesting caves that look like cenotes in Mexico, hike Comino and pass by many historical Maltese areas and attractions along your day trip to Comino and Blue Lagoon from Valletta.

Here is everything you need to know about day trips from Valletta to Comino and the Blue Lagoon.

How to get to Comino & Blue Lagoon from Valletta?

Found in the middle of Malta and Gozo islands on the western coast of the Mediterranean Sea, Comino is basically uninhabited. Made up of 3.5 square kilometers only, you cannot directly drive here if you want to do a day tour to Blue Lagoon.

From Valletta to Blue Lagoon by bus/public transport

Take the public bus from Valletta to Cirkewwa (a 1-hour drive). From here, catch the public ferry to Comino and Blue Lagoon. Ferries usually run every three hours and Blue Lagoon is a 15- to 20-minute journey from Cirkewwa.

From Valletta to Blue Lagoon by hop-on / hop-off sea ferry

Buy a 48-hour pass and you can hop on and off the designated public iSeeMalta hop-on/hop-off sea ferry as many times as you like. It leaves from various points around Valletta to Gozo, stopping at Blue Lagoon.

From Valletta to Blue Lagoon by private boat

Catch a 10-minute taxi ride from Valletta to Sliema Ferry Terminal, and from here, take a chartered sailing boat to Blue Lagoon. This option entails a higher cost.

Guided tour to Blue Lagoon & Comino from Valletta

Enjoy a private affordable guided day tour of Comino and Blue Lagoon. Start at one of the designated harbor/jetty meeting points near Valletta, including Sliema, Buġibba, St Paul’s Bay and Qawra.

Cruise from here to Blue Lagoon and its surroundings. You can also request a hotel transfer to be included.

What is the typical itinerary of a day tour to Comino & Blue Lagoon from Valletta?

Begin your day trip to Comino and Blue Lagoon from Valletta with either an organized hotel pickup and transfer, or meet at the designated starting point. (This is usually from Sliema Harbor or Bugibba Jetty.)

Start cruising along the waters of the Mediterranean and the sightseeing begins immediately from your boat. You’ll pass by St. Paul’s Islands and head for the Comino passage.

Spot the famous elephant’s head rock formations and St. Nicholas Bay. Stop inside diving sites like cenote-style Ahrax Cave and Santa Maria Cave (inside Santa Maria Bay).

One hour later, you’ll arrive at the picturesque Blue Lagoon where you can have a few hours of free time. Swim, snorkel, work on your tan or head to the shores, and discover the natural landscape of the uninhabited area.

To complete the Comino and Blue Lagoon excursion, sail back in the direction of Gozo, passing by its harbor and famed sites. If you can make a stop at Gozo (most tours do), explore the historical natural attractions on the island such as the Azure Window and Fungus Rock.

As the afternoon unwinds and you head back to Valletta, take in the last scenes like Crystal Lagoon and St Mary’s tower.

What kind of tours are available to go to Comino & Blue Lagoon?

There are various tour packages to choose from when planning day trips to Comino and Blue Lagoon.

Day Tours to Comino & Blue Lagoon plus Gozo from Valletta

Adventure out at sea and explore Comino and its famous Blue Lagoon. En route, stop at Gozo for an island tour and then head back on the waters through some of Comino’s magical caves like the Ahrax and Santa Maria caves.

During the journey, you’ll pass by many beautiful sights and landmarks. Snorkel and swim the hours away in the crystal Blue Lagoon, and head back to Valletta just before sunset hour.

Lunch is included in some tours, or you can purchase food on board.

Half-Day Tour to Blue Lagoon from Valletta

Enjoy sunset hour in the most romantic way possible. You will depart for Blue Lagoon at Bugibba jetty in the late afternoon.

Along the journey, sail by St. Paul’s Island and lap up the historic scenes before you stop off at the Blue Lagoon. Enjoy a dip in the warm sea and a quick snorkel, and then cruise back to Valletta as the sun begins to set and the sky changes all shades of orange.

Private Snorkel Day Tour to Blue Lagoon from Valletta

Pretend like you’re a mermaid for the day and spend most of your time in the water. Book a private transfer from your hotel or meet with the group at a designated point (like WaterWorld Watersports & Diving).

Spend a few hours cliff-jumping, swimming and snorkeling around Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon, and all gear is included.

How much does a tour to Comino & Blue Lagoon from Valletta cost?

Prices are dependent on the type of day tour to Comino and Blue Lagoon that you choose.

If you opt for a day trip to Blue Lagoon with no stops along the way, the average price costs €20 to €25, whereas you will pay between €35 to €65 for Blue Lagoon excursions with multiple stops and sightseeing.

What will you see and do in Comino & Blue Lagoon?

Did you know that the island of Comino is mostly uninhabited and all activities and attractions around the area are natural sights?

When you aren’t cruising along the waters, swimming or snorkeling the Blue Lagoon, hop onto land and visit some of Comino’s famed areas.

St. Mary's Tower

Revel in this Renaissance architecture (also known as the Santa Maria Tower) dating back to the 17th century. It is open for public visits on certain days and times.

Santa Marija/Maria Caves

Consisting of over 10 caves to explore, this unique system is ideal for visiting via boat, as well as for snorkeling and diving. It’s filled with light holes and crystal waters reaching 8 meters deep.  

Santa Marija Bay

Head to the north side of Comino where you’ll find lesser crowds and quieter waters to play around. The beach area is ideal for tanning, relaxing and picnicking.

Santa Marija Battery

Visit this historic fort first constructed in 1715 as a form of protection around the South Comino Channel. Spot some of the original cannons here too.

Cominotto islet

Across the way from Blue Lagoon is another less populated swimming area and a tiny beach. You can either swim here from Blue Lagoon or catch a quick shuttle from the lagoon.

Crystal Lagoon

Make your way through some rocky terrain until you reach the swimming hole. It’s also a very popular snorkel and dive spot.

Isolation Hospital and Comino Hotel

Both on the Comino island, spot the abandoned hospital on the way to check out St. Mary’s Tower and the Comino Hotel which has remained deserted since it was closed in 2019.

Tal Ful Camping Site

You can spend the night at this one and only option on Comino, however, you have to get permission and apply to the Environment Resources Authority.

When is the best time to visit Comino & Blue Lagoon?

The most popular time of year for day trips to Comino and Blue Lagoon is during the summer months when the weather is steaming and the waters are ultra warm.

Its busiest months are from July to September. If you are planning a day tour from Valletta to Blue Lagoon during this time, the weekdays aren’t as busy as the weekend trips.

You might want to consider a day tour to Blue Lagoon in either May, June or October. The weather is still great, but it’s not as crowded and often you can find a cheaper day trip deal.

Travel tips

• If you have booked a local ferry, arrive at the port 15 to 30 minutes early.
• The best departure time for Blue Lagoon excursions is early morning or late afternoon.
• Bring loads of drinking water and your own food if not included.
• It’s better to have sunblock, sunhat and sunglasses.
• Make sure you wear comfortable walking shoes if you want to explore.
• Beach accessories like towels, snorkels, swimsuits and a waterproof phone case.
• Disposable waste bags for your trash.