Evening Catamaran Ferry Cruise To The Blue Lagoon

Catch Malta after the crowds fade. This five-hour catamaran trip pairs a sunset cruise from Sliema with two hours at Comino’s Blue Lagoon, when the water still feels warm and the harsh midday sun has eased. I like the spacious modern boat and the return sail beneath Malta’s night sky. The main catch is that you now need a government access pass to step ashore.

The price is $41 per person, which feels fair if you want transport, coastal views, air conditioning, toilets, Wi-Fi, and a long swim stop in one package. I also like the simple freedom of the outing: there is no guide leading you around, so you can swim, snorkel, explore, or sit quietly. Just do not expect a peaceful private lagoon. Music from other boats and lingering crowds can still spoil the mood.

Key points to know before booking

• The evening schedule avoids the worst midday heat: Depart Sliema at 4:30 PM, reach Comino around 5:45 PM, and return at 8:00 PM.
• You get about two hours at the Blue Lagoon: That is enough time for a swim and a little exploring, but not a full Comino walk.
• A government access pass is required from May 2025: Choose the evening time slot at blcomino.com before you go.
• The red catamaran leaves from Sliema Ferries: Look between the Ferries 1 and Bouverie bus stops.
• This is free time, not a guided tour: You are responsible for your own plans on Comino.
• The boat can be lively rather than silent: Sunset views are lovely, but music from nearby boats may remain part of the scene.

Why an evening Blue Lagoon trip makes sense

Comino’s Blue Lagoon is one of Malta’s most famous swimming spots. In the middle of the day, it can feel like a small natural attraction carrying a very large crowd. This departure shifts the timing later, which gives you a better chance of enjoying the water after some day boats have left.

The schedule is straightforward. You board in Sliema at 4:30 PM, cruise across the Mediterranean, and reach Comino at about 5:45 PM. The boat anchors in the lagoon while you have roughly two hours ashore or in the water. At 8:00 PM, you return to Sliema and are due back around 9:15 PM.

That timing works well if you want a full day in Malta before heading to the coast. You can spend the morning sightseeing in Valletta or exploring Sliema, then make the cruise your evening plan. It is also a useful choice if you want to swim without giving up an entire day.

The trip is advertised as five hours, though the listed departure and return times add up to about four hours and 45 minutes. That small difference is not important in practice, but keep the actual schedule in mind when planning dinner or a later activity.

Finding the red catamaran in Sliema

The departure point is at Sliema Ferries on Triq Ix-Xatt. It is located along the promenade between the Ferries 1 bus stop and the Bouverie bus stop.

Look for the red boat. Red ticket kiosks and booths are also positioned along the waterfront, and staff at those booths can point you toward the correct boarding spot. One useful warning: arrive 15 to 20 minutes before departure, and give yourself extra time if you are unfamiliar with Sliema’s waterfront.

The boarding area can be confusing because several boats and ticket sellers operate along the same promenade. Arriving early lets you identify the right vessel without a last-minute sprint. A recent passenger arrived about 30 minutes before sailing and found a good seat, so early arrival is sensible if views matter to you.

The boat is air-conditioned and has toilets and free Wi-Fi. Large bags and luggage are not allowed, so pack for the water rather than treating this as an airport transfer. Bring a small day bag with swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat.

The ride from Sliema to Comino

The outward cruise is part of the experience, not just a transfer. From the water, you get a changing view of Malta’s coast as the catamaran heads north toward Comino. The modern boat gives you room to sit, and the open views make this a better choice than simply taking the fastest possible transport.

For the best shore views on the outbound leg, sit on the left side of the boat. On the return, the right side is suggested for views back toward Malta. Seating is not a small matter on this trip. The crossing takes more than an hour, and a good position makes the ride feel like a scenic cruise rather than time spent waiting to arrive.

The boat is not a fully serviced restaurant or cocktail lounge. Food and drinks are not included, and the onboard setup is mainly vending machines. You can bring your own food and drink, though large bags are not permitted. A recent departure included a complimentary non-alcoholic drink token connected with a kiosk on Comino, and another passenger received a drink token used for a cocktail in a pineapple. Treat this as a possible extra rather than part of the guaranteed package, since the formal inclusions list does not promise food or beverages.

If the sea makes you uncomfortable, take motion sickness precautions before boarding. The activity specifically warns that it is not suitable for people prone to seasickness. A catamaran can feel stable, but no boat ride is completely motionless.

Two hours at the Blue Lagoon

The Blue Lagoon is the main reason to book. Its clear water is ideal for swimming and snorkeling, and the later arrival gives you a more comfortable setting than the bright midday period. You can spend your time in the water, walk around a little, or stay on the boat and enjoy the view.

The word free time matters here. There is no tour guide, walking commentary, or arranged group activity. The crew helps with the practical side of the trip, but you choose how to use the stop. I like this format for independent visitors who want a swim rather than a lecture.

You should not expect two hours of quiet solitude. The lagoon remains a popular stop, and other boats may be present. One recent evening was described as crowded, with loud music coming from several boats. The experience can shift from peaceful to party-like depending on the night and the vessels nearby.

That contrast is worth understanding before you pay. The promotional idea is a calm evening in one of Malta’s prettiest locations. The setting can deliver that, especially as the sun lowers. But the Blue Lagoon is still a famous attraction, not an untouched cove. If your perfect swim requires silence, you may be disappointed.

There are deckchairs available on Comino for about €5 each, according to a recent departure. You may also find an optional small boat trip to nearby caves for €15 per person. That add-on lasted about 20 minutes and used part of the time ashore. It may appeal if you have not seen Malta’s caves by boat, but it is less useful if a separate cave visit is already in your plans.

A practical detail can save time: if you receive a drink token connected with a kiosk on Comino, remember which kiosk issued it. The island’s facilities are not necessarily one central operation, and wandering around to find the right place can eat into your short stop.

The new Blue Lagoon access pass

Since May 2025, you need a government-issued access pass to disembark at the Blue Lagoon. The pass is obtained in advance through the official website, blcomino.com, and daily availability is limited.

This is not a ticket created by the cruise operator. It is a Maltese government rule. You must choose the evening time slot when applying for the pass, and you will not be allowed to step ashore without it.

This is the most important booking detail. Do not assume that paying for the catamaran automatically gives you permission to land. Secure the pass before the cruise, and keep proof of it available for checking. If you fail to obtain one, you may not be able to use the Blue Lagoon stop as intended.

The pass requirement adds one extra task, but it also helps control visitor numbers. It is especially important during the warmer months, when the lagoon can be packed. Check the official government site directly before your trip, since availability and procedures can change.

Sunset, lights, and the return to Sliema

The return begins at about 8:00 PM. This is where the trip changes character. The bright blue water gives way to evening colors, and the coastline becomes a series of silhouettes and lights.

The return crossing is not simply a ride back to the starting point. The catamaran gives you time to watch Malta from offshore as the sky darkens. One memorable view reported from the return was the Basilica of Our Lady of Mount Carmel lit against the night sky, with a nearly full moon above it.

That sort of view is the strongest argument for choosing this evening trip instead of a standard daytime sailing. You get the Blue Lagoon, but you also see Sliema and the Maltese coast at a different hour. If you enjoy photography, bring a phone or camera, but keep your expectations realistic. Sunset timing changes through the year, and clouds or other boats may affect the view.

The boat is scheduled to arrive back in Sliema at approximately 9:15 PM. You can then walk along the waterfront or continue to dinner nearby, though you should leave some flexibility in your evening plans.

Is $41 good value?

At $41 per person, the trip is reasonably priced for a five-hour outing that includes the boat ride, coastal scenery, air conditioning, Wi-Fi, toilet facilities, crew assistance, and around two hours at Comino.

The strongest value is transport plus time at the lagoon. Getting to Comino independently can involve extra planning, and this trip keeps the route simple. You also avoid committing to a full day on the water.

The price is less attractive if you expect a meal, drinks, a guide, or a private atmosphere. None of those are included. The cruise is a shared boat experience, and the Blue Lagoon can still be noisy. You should also budget for optional extras such as a €5 deckchair or a €15 cave boat, if you choose them. The government access pass is separate from the cruise booking, although the pass itself is described as free.

I see this as good value for a flexible swimmer who wants Malta’s most famous lagoon without spending the entire day there. It is weaker value for someone seeking a luxury sunset cruise with table service and a quiet anchorage.

Who will enjoy this cruise most?

I would recommend it to you if you want:

• A simple evening outing from Sliema
• Time to swim or snorkel in clear water
• Sunset and night views from the sea
• A spacious catamaran with basic onboard facilities
• The freedom to plan your own time at Comino
• A shorter alternative to a full-day boat trip

It suits independent visitors, couples, friends, and families who are comfortable managing their own swim stop. It also works for anyone who prefers a boat ride with a loose schedule rather than a tightly guided tour.

I would think twice if you have limited mobility. The activity is not suitable for people with mobility impairments, and stepping ashore, moving around the boat, and using the swimming area may be difficult. It is also a poor fit if you are prone to seasickness or dislike loud music and busy swimming spots.

Bring comfortable shoes, swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a sun hat. Motion sickness medication may be wise if you know you need it. Pets, large bags, non-folding wheelchairs, and electric wheelchairs are not permitted.

Cancellation is flexible up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later. That helps if your Malta schedule is still shifting, but the access pass remains your responsibility.

Should you book the evening Blue Lagoon cruise?

Book it if you want a well-priced combination of swimming, sunset views, and a relaxed boat ride from Sliema. The late timing, comfortable catamaran, and return beneath the stars give it more character than a basic daytime transfer.

Before booking, secure the official evening access pass and accept that the Blue Lagoon may still be crowded or noisy. If you want complete quiet, a private boat or a less famous swimming cove would suit you better.

For most visitors, this is a worthwhile Malta outing with one clear condition: come for the scenery and swimming, not for solitude. You get the best value by arriving early for a good seat, packing light, bringing your own refreshments, and using the two-hour stop exactly as you like.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran depart from?

It departs from Sliema Ferries on Triq Ix-Xatt, between the Ferries 1 bus stop and the Bouverie bus stop. Look for the red boat or ask at one of the red ticket kiosks along the promenade.

What time does the cruise leave Sliema?

The scheduled departure is 4:30 PM. You should arrive 15 to 20 minutes early for boarding.

What time does the cruise return?

The boat leaves Comino at about 8:00 PM and is scheduled to arrive back in Sliema at approximately 9:15 PM.

Do I need an access pass for the Blue Lagoon?

Yes. From May 2025, you need a government-issued access pass to disembark at the Blue Lagoon. Apply through blcomino.com and choose the evening time slot.

Is the access pass included in the cruise price?

No. The access pass is arranged separately through the official government website. You cannot disembark without it.

Is this a guided tour?

No. The stop at Comino is free time, and there is no tour guide. You can swim, snorkel, explore, or relax as you choose.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not included in the listed package. The boat has vending machines, and you may bring your own food and drink, subject to the restriction on large bags.

What facilities are available on the boat?

The catamaran has air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, toilet facilities, and crew assistance.

Is the cruise suitable for people with seasickness or mobility impairments?

It is not recommended for people prone to seasickness or people with mobility impairments. Motion sickness prevention is listed among the suggested items to bring.