Blue Lagoon

Beach and Island in Victoria (Rabat), Gozo

Blue Llagoon in Comino, Malta
Blue Llagoon in Comino, Malta
CC BY-SA 4.0 / Meehowu

The Blue Lagoon on Comino is Malta at its most surreal: a bright, sheltered inlet where the water shifts from pale aqua to deep turquoise over white sand and limestone shelves. Comino sits between Malta and Gozo, and the lagoon's position makes it feel like a natural “pause button” in the middle of the archipelago-close enough for a quick trip, but wild enough to feel like you've escaped.

It's one of the top sights in Malta for swimmers and snorkellers, but the key is approaching it like a timed, outdoorsy micro-adventure rather than a classic beach day. Since May 2025, visitors who want to disembark at the Blue Lagoon shoreline need to reserve a free entry slot, which helps manage crowds and makes the experience more enjoyable when you plan around it.

History and Significance of the Blue Lagoon

Comino has long been defined by its in-between status: too small for big towns, too strategic to be ignored, and close enough to Malta and Gozo to be part of everyday island life. The Blue Lagoon itself isn't a “monument” in the usual sense, but it has become a modern icon of Malta's natural identity-proof that the archipelago isn't only about forts and baroque cities, but also about raw coastline and luminous water.

What’s changed in recent years is the way the place is managed. The lagoon’s popularity turned it into a pressure point for Comino’s fragile environment, which is why timed access and visitor controls have become part of the story. It’s a reminder that this is a protected, limited landscape-best enjoyed with a light footprint and realistic expectations about space and peak-season intensity.

If you like your travel days to have contrast, the Blue Lagoon also plays well as the “nature chapter” in a Malta itinerary. Do your big cultural day separately with a walking tour of Valletta, then use Comino for the kind of simple, salt-water reset that cities can't provide.

Things to See and Do in the Blue Lagoon

The obvious headline is swimming: calm, clear water and easy visibility make the lagoon feel like a natural pool when conditions are good. For snorkelling, focus on the rocky edges and slightly deeper patches where you’ll see more movement and texture under the surface than in the busiest shallow section.

If you want a better experience than “stand at the shoreline with everyone else,” think laterally. Many boat trips linger just off the lagoon, and it can be more pleasant to swim from the boat ladder and treat the shore as a quick look rather than your base. You’ll often get more space in the water than on land, especially in peak season.

For a bit of exploration, Comino’s paths lead away from the lagoon into quieter, scrubby landscapes and viewpoints that feel surprisingly remote for such a famous place. Even a short walk away from the main inlet can change the atmosphere completely, turning the day from “bucket-list swim” into something more like a mini island hike with a swim break.

How to Get to the Blue Lagoon

Most travellers fly into Malta International Airport (Luqa) and then continue north by road to reach boat departure points. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Victoria (Rabat), Gozo on Booking.com. From Malta, the most common departures are from Ċirkewwa and the Marfa area, with frequent ferries and boat shuttles in season.

From Gozo, boats and tours commonly depart from Mġarr Harbour, making it easy to add Comino as a half-day or full-day side trip if you’re staying on Gozo. The simplest approach is to choose a departure point that matches where you’re sleeping, then plan your return boat timing around your reserved entry slot.

Malta does not have a train network, so you’ll rely on buses, taxis, and ferries/boats to connect the dots. Train schedules and bookings can be found on Omio. If you’re using buses, aim for routes that terminate at Ċirkewwa for the easiest connections to Comino.

Driving is practical if you want an early departure or you’re staying outside the main bus corridors; you can park near the northern terminals and walk straight to the boat kiosks.

Practical Tips on Visiting the Blue Lagoon

  • Entrance fee: Free (a free time-slot booking is required to step onto shore at the Blue Lagoon).
  • Opening hours: Daily: 08:00–13:00 & 13:30–17:30 & 18:00–22:00.
  • Official website: https://bluelagooncomino.mt
  • Best time to visit: Aim for the first slot of the day or the evening slot for a calmer feel and better light, especially in peak months.
  • How long to spend: A half-day is enough for a swim and a short walk; book multiple slots only if you want a full-day “slow” Comino experience.
  • Accessibility: The main lagoon area is relatively straightforward once you arrive, but boats, docks, and uneven shoreline can be challenging for limited mobility.
  • Facilities: Expect basic seasonal facilities and concessions near the lagoon, but bring water and sun protection as if you were heading to a remote swim spot.

Where to Stay Close to the Blue Lagoon

For the smoothest Comino day trip, base yourself in Mellieħa or the Marfa/Ċirkewwa area for the shortest boat transfers; for a culture-heavy itinerary, stay central (Valletta, Sliema, or St Julian's) and treat Comino as a planned excursion day rather than a spontaneous hop.

If you want maximum convenience for early boats and an easy “wake up and go” morning, Paradise Bay Resort is well-placed near the northern departure points. For a comfortable base with lots of dining options and a classic beach-town feel, Solana Hotel & Spa keeps you close to Mellieħa’s transport links while still being practical for Comino. If you’re travelling with family or you want an all-in-one resort setup near the island’s biggest sandy bay, db Seabank Resort + Spa is a reliable option for a low-stress stay.

Is the Blue Lagoon Worth Visiting?

Yes, as long as you go in with a simple plan. The water really is that colour, and when you time it well, it delivers the kind of Mediterranean swim day people imagine when they book Malta.

The experience is less about “finding a secret cove” and more about enjoying a famous natural place responsibly and strategically. If you treat it as a timed swim, add a short walk to escape the busiest corners, and keep your expectations realistic, it earns its reputation.

For Different Travelers

Families with Kids

For families, the Blue Lagoon can be a highlight because the water is visually exciting and the boat ride feels like part of the adventure. Choose an early slot, keep the plan simple, and treat it as a short, high-reward swim rather than a long day that tests everyone's patience in the sun.

Bring snacks, plenty of water, and a “dry plan” too-kids often love a short walk away from the shoreline to look for viewpoints and open space. A half-day visit usually works better than trying to stretch it into a full day.

Couples & Romantic Getaways

Couples get the best version of the Blue Lagoon by leaning into timing and atmosphere. Pick the first or last slot, swim together in the clearer light, then take a walk away from the main inlet to find quieter corners where Comino feels genuinely wild.

If you want it to feel more special, consider a small-group cruise or a private boat that lets you enjoy the water without relying on a single crowded patch of shoreline. The romance here is less “empty beach” and more “shared, cinematic swim day” done smartly.

Budget Travelers

Budget travellers can absolutely do the Blue Lagoon well by using the simplest ferry options from the north of Malta or from Gozo and keeping the visit compact. The trick is to avoid spending money trying to “fix” a poorly timed visit-choose a calm slot and bring what you need.

Pack your own water and snacks, and plan a second stop elsewhere (Mellieħa Bay or Gozo’s coast) so your day feels full even if you keep Comino short. A well-planned half-day often feels better than paying extra to stay longer.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.4 (2,152)

Blue Lagoon Water Park (open to residents of Bluestone only) is an indoor water complex at Bluestone National Park Resort featuring a warm pool, a powerful wave machine, a lazy river (including an outside section), a variety of slides for different ages, a toddler area with small slides and toys, scuba lessons, attentive lifeguards and family-friendly changing rooms and lockers; visitors note plenty of seating for spectators, secure access with a door card and an on-site café, while some mention the pool area and dome feeling tired at times and changing-room layout can be a little maze-like.

Dave Eff
2 months ago
"Nice blend of different areas for different ages, surprisingly NOT busy given it was a very rainy week. Nice and warm, waves more powerful than Iexpected. Changing rooms are a maze but plenty of room. Flumes are fun and again a bit more challenging than I expected - got stuck in a backwash(!) and the exit is a (small) drop so definitely a face full!..."
Mart Aaron
2 years ago
"Long weekend stay. The accommodation was great, golf carts are mind numbingly slow. Food is limited but the grill restaurant is good. The fast foodon site is very average and expensive. Good kids activities and free things, the sky wires waa brilliant for the kids. Smokey's was like a bad kids school disco, dreadful food, not a BBQ, which you had to sing for but the staff and band tried to make it a fun night. The pool used to be the crowning jewel of the resort but looks tired and is starting to look old and ugly and in need of some updating. No cafe inside which is a huge mistake as if you don't swim there is nothing to do and it's uncomfortably hot in the dome. The changing rooms are disgusting, dirty floors etc and need cleaning every hour when busy...."
Rob S
a month ago
"Great pool, the wave machine and lazy river are very nice, slides are also great if you like to go fast in the dark 😬 there is also a lazy slide withexternal mini pools and a jacuzzi, lastly great changing rooms & lockers which are family friendly...."

FAQs for Visiting the Blue Lagoon

Getting There

The Blue Lagoon sits on Comino, the small island between Malta and Gozo. You reach it by boat, most commonly from Ċirkewwa/Marfa (Malta) or Mġarr Harbour (Gozo).
Go to Ċirkewwa or the Marfa area, then take a ferry/boat shuttle directly to Comino. Booking your time slot first helps you match your boat timing to your entry window.
Head to Mġarr Harbour and take a boat shuttle or tour that includes Comino. It’s one of the easiest day trips from Gozo because the crossing is short.
Parking exists near the northern terminals but can fill up quickly in peak season. Driving is worth it if you want an early start or you’re staying somewhere with slower public transport connections.

Tickets & Entry

There’s no admission charge to the lagoon itself, but stepping onto the Blue Lagoon shoreline requires a free time-slot booking. Boat tickets or tours are separate and still have their own prices.
You select a time slot online and receive a confirmation/QR-style proof for entry. If you want to stay longer than one slot, you reserve additional slots to cover the hours you plan to be on shore.
In peak season, booking ahead is the safer choice because popular slots can fill. If you’re flexible, you can sometimes book closer to the day, but it’s not ideal if your whole day depends on one crossing.

Visiting Experience

Two to four hours is usually enough for a proper swim, snorkel, and a short walk away from the main inlet. A shorter visit can still be worthwhile if you time it for great light and calmer conditions.
Yes, if you want a pure nature-and-water experience to balance Malta’s cities and history. It’s also a good “reset day” after sightseeing-heavy plans.
Pair it with Mellieħa Bay or a coastal viewpoint on Malta’s north after you return, or combine it with Gozo’s Mġarr area and a short scenic drive. That way, even a compact Comino visit feels like a full day.

Tours, Context & Itineraries

Independent ferries are ideal if your goal is simply swimming and you’re happy to manage timings yourself. A tour is worthwhile if you want extra swim stops, cave views, or a more relaxed “someone else handles logistics” day.
Swim first while you have energy and the water is clearest, then walk a short distance away from the shoreline to find quieter viewpoints. Finish with a second swim before you head back to the boat.

Photography

Yes-the water colour is the main attraction, and it photographs beautifully in bright conditions. The best images usually come from slightly elevated angles rather than at water level in the busiest section.
Early and late slots tend to give softer light and fewer people in the frame. Midday can be intensely bright, which makes the water glow but can flatten the surrounding limestone in photos.

Accessibility & Facilities

Access depends heavily on the boat and the dock conditions, and the shoreline can be uneven. If mobility is a concern, choose a provider known for stable boarding and plan for a shorter visit.
Facilities are basic and seasonal, and seating can be limited when it’s busy. It’s best to arrive prepared and treat comfort as something you bring with you rather than something guaranteed on site.

Food & Breaks Nearby

Mellieħa is a convenient lunch base on Malta with lots of options close to the northern terminals. If you’re returning to Gozo, Mġarr Harbour is an easy spot for a relaxed post-boat meal.

Safety & Timing

It can be safe in calm conditions, but it’s still open sea and gets crowded with boats and swimmers. Stay aware of designated swim areas, avoid risky jumps, and don’t push beyond your comfort level.
Earlier and later slots are usually better for comfort and atmosphere, with less peak-day intensity. If you want the “otherworldly” feel people talk about, timing is the single biggest factor.

Nearby Attractions to the Blue Lagoon

  • Crystal Lagoon (Comino): A deeper, dramatic inlet nearby that’s popular for boat-based swims and cliff-framed views when conditions allow.
  • Santa Marija Bay (Comino): A quieter beach area that feels more relaxed than the main lagoon and is ideal if you want space.
  • St Mary’s Tower (Comino): A historic watchtower that adds a sense of Comino’s strategic past and rewards short walks with big views.
  • Mellieħa Bay (Malta): Malta’s largest sandy beach, perfect for an easy swim day before or after your Comino trip.
  • Red Tower (St Agatha’s Tower) (Malta): A striking coastal fort with sweeping north-coast panoramas, especially good near sunset.

The Blue Lagoon appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Victoria (Rabat), Gozo!

Moira & Andy
Moira & Andy

Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!

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Planning Your Visit

Hours:

Daily: 08:00-13:00 & 13:30-17:30 & 18:00-22:00.

Price:

Free (a free time-slot booking is required to step onto shore at the Blue Lagoon).

Address: Blue Lagoon, Comino, Malta
Victoria (Rabat), Gozo: 9 km
Valletta: 20 km
Birgu: 22 km
Official Website
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