Evening Catamaran Ferry Cruise To The Blue Lagoon

The best part of this outing is its timing. You reach Comino around 5:45 PM, when the harsh midday sun has softened and many day boats have left. I like the two hours of free time at the Blue Lagoon and the scenic return to Sliema, with Malta’s shoreline and churches lit against the night.

I also like the practical setup: a spacious, air-conditioned catamaran with toilets and Wi-Fi. The catch is that the Blue Lagoon may still be noisy and crowded, especially in summer, and you must arrange a government access pass before you go. This is a ferry cruise with free time, not a guided tour.

Key points to know before booking

• Evening timing: Depart Sliema at 4:30 PM, reach Comino around 5:45 PM, and return at about 9:15 PM.
• Two hours at the lagoon: Swim, snorkel, relax, or explore Comino without a formal tour schedule.
• Access pass required: You must obtain a government-issued pass in advance and select the evening time slot.
• Spacious catamaran: The boat includes air conditioning, Wi-Fi, toilets, and crew assistance.
• Bring your own refreshments: Food and drinks are not included, though vending machines are available and outside food and drink may be brought aboard.
• Best for independent swimmers: The cruise suits people who want scenery and free time, not commentary or a packed program.

A quieter Blue Lagoon trip, with one important catch

The Blue Lagoon is one of Malta’s most famous swimming spots, and the evening departure changes the feel of the visit. Instead of arriving in the middle of the day, when boats and beach crowds fill the small area around Comino, you arrive late in the afternoon and stay through sunset.

That sounds peaceful, and parts of it are. The light is softer, the water can feel warm after a day in the sun, and the return across the Mediterranean has a special night-time quality. You may see the coastline fade into darkness while the moon and shore lights take over.

Still, do not expect a private cove. The lagoon can remain busy, with music from other boats and party vessels nearby. One particularly negative experience described loud music, an overfilled lagoon, and unfriendly service. The evening schedule reduces some of the daytime pressure, but it does not remove the Blue Lagoon’s popularity.

This is best understood as a scenic ferry cruise with a substantial swimming stop. You are not joining a guided cultural tour, and there is no named guide leading you around Comino. The English-speaking host or greeter and the crew help with boarding and practical matters, while your time on the island is your own.

Leaving Sliema at 4:30 PM

Your departure point is at Sliema Ferries on Triq Ix-Xatt, along the waterfront. Look between the Ferries 1 bus stop and the Bouverie bus stop, then look for the red boat. Red ticket kiosks along the promenade can help you locate the correct boarding point.

Arrive 15 to 20 minutes before departure. Arriving about half an hour early may be worthwhile if you want to choose your seat. One useful seating tip is to sit on the left side of the boat while heading toward Comino, then on the right side for the return journey if you want better views back toward Malta.

The vessel is described as sleek and modern, with enough room to avoid feeling boxed in. Air conditioning matters in Malta, even during an evening trip, particularly while the boat is stopped and you are sitting in the sun. Wi-Fi and toilet facilities make the five-hour outing easier, although this is still a boat trip, not a full-service cruise.

The catamaran heads across the sparkling sea toward Comino. The coastal views are part of the value here. You get time on the water rather than simply being transported from one port to another, and the return journey offers a different mood as the light fades.

The Blue Lagoon around 5:45 PM

The catamaran is scheduled to reach the Blue Lagoon at approximately 5:45 PM. It remains anchored while you have around two hours of free time, with the return departure planned for 8:00 PM.

The main attraction is the water. Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a sun hat. Comfortable shoes are useful if you plan to walk around Comino rather than staying near the swimming area. Snorkeling gear is not listed as included, so bring your own if you have it and want to look below the surface.

You can spend the stop in several ways:

• Swim from the boat or shore area where permitted.
• Snorkel in the clear water.
• Walk and explore part of Comino.
• Sit and watch the changing light.
• Buy a drink or use the time for photographs.

The two-hour stop gives you enough time for a proper swim without turning the visit into a rushed photo stop. It is also short enough to keep the evening moving. If you want a long island walk, this is not the right format. The schedule is built around the lagoon, not a full exploration of Comino.

Access rules now matter. Since May 2025, you need a government-issued pass to disembark at the Blue Lagoon. You must obtain it in advance through blcomino.com and choose the evening time slot when applying. Daily allocations are limited, and the cruise operator cannot let you ashore without the official pass.

The access pass is not included in the cruise booking. Treat it as essential preparation, not an optional extra. Arriving with a boat ticket but no valid pass could mean staying aboard while others go ashore.

What the evening atmosphere is really like

The late timing gives the trip its strongest character. The sun is lower, the water catches the last warm light, and the return cruise takes place after dark. A September departure described the sunset as especially attractive, with the changing sky adding more than a standard daytime ferry ride would offer.

But the mood depends on the other boats in the lagoon. Some may play loud music, and party boats can arrive around sunset. That may suit you if you want a lively holiday atmosphere. If you are hoping for complete quiet, you may find the Blue Lagoon less restful than the word evening suggests.

There are small extras on or near the island. One passenger received a complimentary non-alcoholic drink token from a Comino kiosk, while another described using a drink token for a cocktail served in a pineapple. These details appear to vary, so do not book the cruise expecting a guaranteed welcome drink. Food and drinks are not included in the stated package.

You can bring your own food and drink aboard. Vending machines are available on the catamaran, but there is no full bar. Deckchairs on the island can be hired for €5 each, according to the supplied experience details. If you want one, carry enough cash or confirm the current payment method before relying on it.

A small boat cave trip may also be offered as an optional add-on for €15 per person. It lasts about 20 minutes and uses part of your time ashore. This could be useful if you have not already seen Malta’s sea caves by boat, but it is not part of the main cruise and reduces your swimming or relaxing time.

The 8:00 PM return to Sliema

At around 8:00 PM, the catamaran leaves Comino for Sliema, with arrival scheduled for roughly 9:15 PM. This is more than a simple ride home. The fading light and shore lamps give you a fresh view of Malta’s coastline.

One memorable sight mentioned in the experience details is the Basilica of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, lit against the night sky. A nearly full moon added to the scene on one evening. You cannot count on the same moon phase, of course, but the general pattern remains: sunset, dark water, and illuminated buildings on the return.

If you want photographs, keep your phone or camera ready before the boat leaves the lagoon. Low light can make images harder, and glare from the deck may affect shots through windows. The trip is as much about watching the coast change from afternoon to night as it is about taking a perfect picture.

The scheduled return time also makes this a useful evening plan. You spend the afternoon and early evening at Comino, then return to Sliema at about 9:15 PM. Hotel transport is not included, so you must make your own way to the departure point and arrange your return from Sliema.

Is $41 a fair price?

At $41 per person, the value depends on what you want from the Blue Lagoon. You receive the coastal cruise, transport to and from Comino, about two hours of free time, air conditioning, Wi-Fi, toilets, and crew assistance. For someone who wants an evening boat ride and a chance to swim at the lagoon, that is a reasonable package.

The price is less attractive if you only want a quick ferry crossing. You are paying for five hours on the water and the evening setting, not for a guided tour or included meal. The government access pass is a separate requirement, and drinks, food, deckchairs, and any cave excursion cost extra.

The strongest value comes from the return journey. A regular daytime transfer gets you to the Blue Lagoon, but this outing builds in sunset and night views. You also avoid spending the entire visit under the sharpest midday sun.

I would compare the $41 price with your own schedule. If you already plan to visit Comino by another boat, this trip may duplicate part of your day. If you have not yet seen the Blue Lagoon and want a relaxed evening option from Sliema, the timing gives it a clear reason to exist.

Who will enjoy this cruise most

I would recommend this experience to independent visitors who want a swim, open-water views, and a flexible stop rather than a narrated program. Couples may especially like the sunset and lit-up coastline on the return, while friends can treat the stop as a casual evening swim.

It can also suit solo visitors who prefer a straightforward boat outing with crew support but do not need a guide. The catamaran’s facilities make the long ride more comfortable than a bare-bones transfer.

You should think twice if you have limited mobility. The experience is not suitable for people with mobility impairments, and non-folding and electric wheelchairs are not allowed. Large bags and luggage are also prohibited, so pack for the water rather than bringing a full day bag.

Seasickness is another concern. Anyone prone to motion sickness should bring prevention before boarding. A five-hour boat trip includes a long crossing in both directions, and the vessel may move noticeably even when the weather looks calm from shore.

This is not the best choice for someone seeking total peace and quiet. The lagoon may have loud music, and the cruise does not promise a private anchorage. It is also not designed for someone who wants a detailed history of Comino or Malta. You will have crew assistance, but no guided commentary is included.

Practical packing advice for five hours on the water

Keep your packing simple. Bring:

• Swimwear and a towel
• Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a sun hat
• Comfortable shoes
• Motion sickness prevention if needed
• A small amount of food or drink if you do not want to use the vending machines
• A phone or camera for sunset and night views

Do not bring large bags or luggage. Pets are not allowed, and mobility restrictions apply to non-folding and electric wheelchairs.

Remember the access pass before you leave your accommodation. The pass must be obtained from the official government website, and you need the evening time slot. This is the single most important practical detail in the whole booking process.

Cancellation is flexible if your plans change: you can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. The reserve-now, pay-later option also helps if your Malta schedule is not fixed.

Should you book the Evening Catamaran Ferry Cruise?

Book it if you want a sunset-to-night boat experience, two hours at the Blue Lagoon, and the freedom to choose how you spend your time ashore. The spacious catamaran, useful onboard facilities, warm evening water, and return views make this more appealing than a basic daytime transfer.

Skip it if you dislike crowds, loud music, or open-water travel. Also skip it if you want a guide, included food, or a carefully managed island tour. The Blue Lagoon can still feel commercial and busy, and the required access pass adds one more task before departure.

For most people, the decision comes down to timing. The Blue Lagoon itself is beautiful, but the real reason to choose this boat is the combination of late-afternoon swimming, sunset light, and a return beneath Malta’s night sky. Get the access pass first, arrive early at Sliema, and treat the evening as a relaxed ferry outing rather than a silent nature cruise.

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 for help 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 at the departure point 15 to 20 minutes early for boarding.

When does the boat reach the Blue Lagoon?

The catamaran is scheduled to arrive at the Blue Lagoon at approximately 5:45 PM.

How long do I have at Comino?

You have approximately two hours of free time at the Blue Lagoon. The boat is scheduled to leave Comino at 8:00 PM.

Do I need an access pass to leave the boat?

Yes. Since May 2025, you must obtain a government-issued access pass in advance to disembark at the Blue Lagoon. Select the evening time slot when applying through blcomino.com.

Is this a guided tour?

No. This is not a guided tour. The English-speaking host or greeter and crew provide assistance, while your time at Comino is free time.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not included. Vending machines are available on the boat, and you may bring your own food and drink.

What facilities are available on the catamaran?

The catamaran has air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, and toilet facilities. Crew and staff assistance is also included.

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

It is not suitable for people with mobility impairments or people prone to seasickness. Non-folding and electric wheelchairs are not allowed.