Blue Lagoon Malta: How to Get There, Prices, Times & Tips

Malta's Blue Lagoon is the postcard image. Turquoise waters that look almost unreal — shallow, crystal clear and warm. The kind of scenery you'd think was photoshopped, except it genuinely looks like this. Only 2.5 hours from most European capitals.

The downside: everyone knows about it. In high season (July–August), the Blue Lagoon can get seriously crowded. No need to panic, but a bit of planning goes a long way. This guide covers how to get there, when to go, and how to make the most of it without the headache.

What is the Blue Lagoon exactly?

The Blue Lagoon sits on Comino island, a tiny almost-uninhabited speck of land between Malta and Gozo. The bay gets its name from its colour: a blue-green turquoise you'll barely find anywhere else in Europe.

The water is shallow (1–5 metres), warm in summer and perfect for swimming or snorkelling. The bottom is sandy in places, rocky in others. Surrounding the bay, ochre-coloured cliffs and small coves complete the picture.

How to get there: all options

🛥️ Option 1 — Shared ferry (most common)

Ferries depart regularly from Sliema, Valletta, Bugibba and Cirkewwa to Comino. This is the most accessible option price-wise and the most popular — which also means the most crowded in high season.

⛵ Option 2 — All-inclusive catamaran (best option)

The Spirit of Malta is an all-inclusive catamaran that anchors directly in the Blue Lagoon bay. You swim from the boat, without going onto the crowded island. Open bar, onboard DJ, buffet included. By far the most comfortable experience, especially in a group.

🚤 Option 3 — Private boat (for groups)

If you're in a group, hiring a private boat is often the most flexible solution. You choose your departure time, your stops, your pace. Discover Malta has several models available, with or without a skipper.

2026 Prices

Best time to visit

The crowds at the Blue Lagoon follow a very predictable pattern in high season:

• Before 9:30am — nearly empty, but first ferries already running
• 10am–3pm — peak hours, sometimes over 1,000 people on the island at once
• After 4pm — crowds thin out significantly, stunning light for photos
• 4pm–8pm — the absolute sweet spot: fewer people, low sun, water still warm

🌅 The anti-crowd trick: the 4pm ferry

This is our favourite option for people who actually want to enjoy the Blue Lagoon. The idea: take the ferry at 4pm, as the morning tourist groups start heading back. You arrive at a bay that's gradually emptying out.

You get 2–3 hours on site, with a jaw-dropping sunset over the turquoise water — and you're back by 8pm. The Blue Lagoon in cinema mode, basically.

Price: €35 per person. We handle booking and transport.

⛵ Catamaran: enjoy it without going on the island

If the idea of shuffling around a crowded island doesn't appeal, the Spirit of Malta catamaran is your best bet. The boat anchors right in the Blue Lagoon bay — you dive off the deck, swim in the same turquoise water, but completely avoid the chaos on the island.

Bonus: unlimited open bar, buffet included, live DJ on deck. It's a full day at sea (morning departure, back mid-afternoon) combining the Blue Lagoon, Comino and a festive atmosphere.

🧠 Insider tips

• Biodegradable sunscreen — Comino is a Natura 2000 protected area, some creams are banned
• Bring your own food — snacks on the island are overpriced
• Fins + mask — snorkelling around the bay is genuinely great
• No natural shade — bring a parasol if you're staying on the island for hours
• Book ahead in July–August — ferries and excursions sell out regularly
• Visitor pass — make sure your provider includes it in the ticket (all ours do)