Before visiting Blue Lagoon, Malta there are 16 things you need to know. After all, you will most likely only have a few hours to enjoy this slice of island paradise. Knowing just a few things will make sure that your visit goes off without a hitch.
Finally, everyone wants to know about the best swimming spots and bathrooms, how much it costs to visit, food options, and if you can stay on the island. No worries! Weโll address that too.
10 Most Popular Excursions & Day Trips
Below are the 10 most popular excursions and day trips to take while visiting Malta. Click on the one that seems the most interesting to learn more and check availability!
- ๐ถ The Original Valletta Walking Tour
- ๐ย Gozo Full-Day Jeep Tour w/ Private Boat
- ๐ย Explore Malta in a Self-drive Electric Car Tour
- ๐ ย Archaeological Sites & Fishing Villages
- ๐ด Valletta Segway Tour and The Malta Experience
- ๐ The Malta Experience โ Hidden Gems Private Tour
- ๐ The Valletta Street Food and Culture Walking Tour
- โตย Comino, Blue Lagoon, and Caves Boat Cruise
- ๐ซ Adults Chocolate Making Activity
- ๐ฅ๏ธ Private Boat, Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon Comino, Gozo Malta Ultimate Highlights
16 Things to Know Before Visiting Paradise Blue Lagoon Malta
Blue Lagoon Malta is wedged between the islet of Cominotto and the much larger, but still small, island of Cominoโwhich has magnificent clifftop landscapes, two of the best swimming spots on Malta, and spectacular diving and snorkeling options.
There is only one hotel that operates during the summer on Comino and the entire island is car-free. Malta is known for getting ridiculously hot in the summer which is one reason why Blue Lagoon is so popular among locals and tourists.
The color of the lagoon is so intense that it may feel as if youโve wandered into a strikingly-intense postcard.
The blue lagoon is located on the island of Comino, a short 10-15 minute boat ride from the island of Malta or the island of Gozo.
Most Popular Way to Tour Blue Lagoon: Discover GOZO, Comino, Blue Lagoon & Caves
The shimmering turquoise waters of the Blue Lagoon is the picture-postcard shot that most people associate with Malta and itโs filled with soft white sand and crystal clear water.
Also, one of our favorite movies, โThe Count of Monte Cristoโ was filmed on the island. Despite the inescapable crowds, it is a wonderful day trip and perhaps even an overnight stay.
Below are 16 things to know before visiting Blue Lagoon Malta, one of the best things to do in the country!
1. You Donโt Have to Take a Tour to Reach Blue Lagoon Malta
The Blue Lagoon can be reached by taking a ferry from either the port town of Cirkewwa, on the island of Malta, or Mgarr, on the island of Gozo. This is the cheapest way to reach the island.
At either port, there are usually quite a few small boats looking to transfer tourists to the island. The standard ticket price is โฌ10 for a round-trip ticket. We visited in April and were able to quickly negotiate the price down to โฌ7 per person.
From Cirkewwa, other options include Comino Ferries and Comino Ferry Service. These are two of the bigger operators. They charge about โฌ13 for a round-trip ticket per person. If youโre not sure who to go with donโt be afraid to ask these questions:
- What time are you leaving?
- Whatโs the last departure boat from Comino?
- How much?
Tourists will need to either take a taxi or bus to reach the port(s). If these options donโt sound attractive, there are three other great options:
- Gozo Tuk Tuk Chauffered Tour W/Crossing & Return by Yippee Island Hopper Boat
- Full-Day Catamaran Cruise with Lunch
- Private Day Charter on Amazing Mowgli
2. How to Reach the Port Towns of Cirkewwa or Mgarr?
The cheapest way to reach the ports on the island of Malta or Gozo is by taking a public bus. The cost during the high season is โฌ2 per person and includes transfers for up to two hours. During the low season, the cost is about โฌ2 per person. Expect the trip from Valetta to Cirkewwa to take between 45 minutes to one hour.
Make sure to keep your tickets handy as bus drivers will request to see them while transferring between buses. Also, buses fill up quickly here so if youโre able to get on the first bus that arrives consider yourself lucky. Finally, make sure to take express buses as much as possible as standard routes can be unbelievably slow.
3. Are Blue Lagoon Malta Tours Worth the Cost?
Typically, group tours will cost between โฌ25 and โฌ40, with private tours costing substantially more. When you consider that food and drinks may be included in the group tour price, the cost is not too shabby. As backpackers, the expenditure of a Blue Lagoon Malta tour was just a bit too expensive to justify.
Most travelers on vacation will find the convenience of a short commute to the boat, having food and drinks included, the opportunity to meet fellow travelers, and the calmness of not having to worry about logistics extremely persuasive.
These are the best three options:
- Gozo Tuk Tuk Chauffered Tour W/Crossing & Return by Yippee Island Hopper Boat
- Full-Day Catamaran Cruise with Lunch
- Private Day Charter on Amazing Mowgli
Also, passengers can enjoy the shade of the boat if the sun becomes too overwhelming. Additionally, many operators will include a scenic cruise around the entire island of Comino with stopovers in spectacular bays.
Operators mainly advertise and depart in the seaside neighborhood of Sliema. A good way to negotiate a better price is to create competition between the various operators to make sure youโre getting the best deal or simply book on TripAdvisor.
4. Get There Before 9 A.M. or After 4 P.M.
Go to Blue Lagoon between 9 a.m. and after 4 p.m. if youโre looking to take photos without a ton of people in them or just to enjoy the tranquility.
Even in early April, we were quite surprised to see how busy the lagoon wasโit was kind of crazy.
5. The Beach Is Miniscule
Blue Lagoonโs main beach is small, ridiculously small. Itโs only about 30 feet long and 20 feet wide. If youโre planning on laying on the beach all day you better get there insanely early.
Most people will end up laying their stuff down on the surrounding rocks and cliffs, not exactly comfortable but itโs the only option.
6. Are Sunbeds and Umbrellas Available?
There are a handful of beach chairs and umbrellas available at the Blue Lagoon beach during the busier months.
However, each one will cost โฌ20 and youโll probably need to arrive before 9 a.m. to secure it. Also, be prepared to be cramped as the beach is tiny.
7. There Are Limited Areas to Find Shade
Comino is a desert island, and therefore resembles that of a dry arid region. The landscape is full of small bushes with trees being a rarity.
Locating a tree here is an anomaly so if you come across one in a good location, and are looking for shade, make sure to set up shop as quickly as possible.
The sun is so preposterously hot here that if you donโt have shade, we guarantee you that after about 10 minutes youโll be paying someone โฌ20 to rent a sunbed and umbrellaโand thatโs only if any are still available.
8. Bring a Hat, Coverup, and Sunscreen
See #6. The sun can be so bright that it may end up ruining your day or vacation if youโre not prepared. Women should bring a fashionable hat and a coverup. Men should bring a light-colored long-sleeve cool dry t-shirt with UPF 50+, it will keep them cool.
It may sound extreme but you donโt want to suffer from heat exhaustion or get a sunburn. Finally, donโt forget the sunscreen and mosquito repellant.
9. Avoid Swimming Over to Cominotto
If you notice that the water is rough during the ferry crossing you should probably avoid swimming over to the islet of Cominotto.
While the lagoon is protected, there is the possibility that strong undercurrents may form in the straight between the two islands. In any case, itโs always better to be safe than sorry and understand that this possibility does exist.
10. Crystal Lagoon Can Be Reached On Foot
It is possible to reach the Crystal Lagoon without going on a group tour. Itโs located only about a 10-minute walk south of Blue Lagoon. The path will lead you down a small hill that will take you to the water level.
There is no beach here, only rocks, so itโs probably a good idea to bring some water shoes to protect your feet. With that in mind, the Crystal Lagoon is one of the most unique swimming locations in all of the Mediterranean and shouldnโt be missed. Moreover, Google Maps identifies the exact location to walk to, making it an easy excursion and escape from the crowds at Blue Lagoon.
11. Best Time to Visit Blue Lagoon Malta
The best time to visit Blue Lagoon Malta is during May, June, September, and October. This is when there will be fewer crowds and the water should be warm enough to enjoy.
12. Can You Overnight on the Island of Comino?
Comino Hotel & Bungalows is located on San Niklaw Bay and is only open from May through October. The hotel is only a 10-minute walk from Blue Lagoon and consistently receives atrocious reviews as most people expect a lot more out of this idyllic location.
Unfortunately, the entire hotel is in dire need of a renovation and to make things worse, the food is disappointing. As a result, if youโd like to stay on the island, itโs probably best to not expect much and simply take in the location.
Finally, thereโs also a camping site on the island. You can view the site here. Campers will need to receive a permit from the Environment and Resources Authority (ERA).
13. Are Food Drinks and Bathrooms Available on Comino?
There are a couple of kiosks selling snacks and cold drinks, and nearby are some bathrooms. Also, the Comino Hotel & Bungalows has a restaurant. However, options are limited and most guests will be disappointed if theyโre looking for a gourmet meal. A good option is to bring youโre favorite food and drinks with you or book a tour cruise that includes these essentials.
14. Are There Alternative Beach Locations
San Niklaw Bay and Santa Marija Bay near the Comino Hotel & Bungalows have two nice beaches.
When compared to Blue Lagoon, youโre much more likely to find a place in the sand in either one of these locations.
15. What Films Were Filmed on Comino Malta
Three Hollywood movies were filmed on the island of Comino. They include โTroy,โ โThe Count of Monte Cristo,โ and โSwept Away.โ
The โCount of Monte Cristoโ is one of our favorite movies. We were so excited to see Santa Maryโs Tower which represented the prison Chรขteau dโIf.
Also, if you love this movie as much as we do youโll be interested in viewing all of the other movie locations in Malta.
16. How to Get Around the Island of Comino
Anybody who enjoys walking will enjoy touring the small island of Comino. There are numerous trails throughout the island and itโs impossible to get lost. You can walk around the entire island in about 1.5 to 2 hours. However, keep in mind, even in the low season the island can be extremely hot so plan accordingly.
Wildlife you may spot along the circular route includes Mediterranean chameleons (not found on the island of Malta or Gozo), wild rabbits, and Maltese wall lizards. Sites around the island include St Maryโs Tower, Crystal Lagoon, Roofless Cave, il-Palazz (the Palaceโan old isolation hospital used for cholera and plague victims), St. Maryโs Battery, and Wied l-Ahmar (The Red Valleyโnear the campground), a pig farm, and the Chapel of Our Ladyโs Return from Egypt.
Other Tips
-
- Bring a bit of extra cash for drinks and snacks
- Jellyfish love the water surrounding Comino and Malta. Therefore, ask a local to verify the current risks.
- Be careful when jumping off any cliffs into the water or maybe just avoid it entirely.
- There are fascinating caves around the island that divers enjoy visiting, including the Santa Marija Cave.
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