Comino Blue Lagoon Day Trip: 2025 Guide & Booking Tips

Comino's Blue Lagoon is a slice of paradise in the Mediterranean, with its crystal-clear turquoise waters and stunning natural beauty. As an expat living in Malta, I've had the pleasure of visiting this iconic spot numerous times. In this guide, I'll share my tips and insights for planning the perfect Blue Lagoon day trip in 2025, including essential items to bring, activities to enjoy, transportation options, and the new visitor booking system.

If you're mapping out a wider trip, the Blue Lagoon and the quieter Santa Marija Bay are both pinned on our interactive Malta map alongside the rest of the island's best beaches, sights and day trips.

Essential Items to Pack

Before setting off on your Blue Lagoon adventure, make sure to pack these must-have items:

High-SPF sunscreen to protect your skin from the strong Mediterranean sun
Sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat for added sun protection
Snorkeling gear to explore the lagoon's vibrant underwater world
Comfortable shoes for hiking the island's scenic trails
A plastic bag for any trash you generate during your visit
First aid kit with jellyfish sting treatment (just in case!)
Reading material or games for relaxing on the beach

Safety Warnings

While the Blue Lagoon is a stunning natural wonder, it's important to be aware of some safety concerns:

Avoid cliff jumping, as the water depth can vary and there may be hidden rocks beneath the surface.
Be cautious when swimming to Cominotto, the small island opposite the Blue Lagoon, as strong currents can make the crossing dangerous.

Activities to Enjoy

There's no shortage of things to do at the Blue Lagoon and around Comino. Here are some of my favorite activities:

Snorkeling: The crystal-clear waters of the Blue Lagoon are perfect for snorkeling. You'll be amazed by the variety of colorful fish and marine life.
Hiking: Comino offers several hiking trails that showcase the island's rugged beauty. The full circuit takes around 4 hours and includes stops at Santa Marija Tower and the tranquil Crystal Lagoon.
Visiting Santa Marija Tower: This 17th-century watchtower offers panoramic views of Comino and the surrounding islands. It's a bit of a climb to reach the top, but the vistas are well worth it.

Practical Tips

Shade is limited at the Blue Lagoon, so consider bringing an umbrella or renting one from the kiosks on the beach.
Food options are also limited, with just a few small cafes and food trucks. I recommend packing your own picnic lunch and plenty of water.

Transportation Options

There are several ways to reach the Blue Lagoon, depending on your starting point:

From Malta: Boats depart from Cirkewwa ferry terminal and take around 20 minutes to reach Comino.
From Gozo: Boats leave from Mgarr harbor and arrive at the Blue Lagoon in just 5 minutes.

Getting to either departure point by bus or ferry is straightforward once you know the network — my Malta and Gozo transport guide covers the routes to Cirkewwa and the Gozo ferry connection in detail.

Several private boat companies offer trips to the Blue Lagoon, including:

For a more exclusive experience, you can also rent a catamaran or private boat for the day.

The Visitor Booking System (Mandatory Since May 2025)

Since May 1st, 2025, an online booking system regulates the number of visitors to the Blue Lagoon. This measure protects the delicate ecosystems of this Natura 2000 site, and it has made peak days noticeably more bearable.

To set foot on Comino's Blue Lagoon, you need a free Visitor Pass booked at bluelagooncomino.mt. Numbers are capped at 4,000 people per time slot across three daily slots (8:00-13:00, 13:30-17:30 and 18:00-22:00), according to the Malta Tourism Authority. Your booking generates a QR code that you exchange for a wristband at the entry point, and landing without one risks a fine. This applies to both individuals and groups arriving by private or commercial vessels; you can book up to two months ahead, and in summer you should.

The system, named "Book, Protect, Enjoy," is part of a larger sustainability initiative led by the Malta Tourism Authority in collaboration with the Tourism Ministry and other entities. For where the Blue Lagoon fits among the islands' swimming spots, see my ranking of Malta's best beaches.

Just remember to book in advance, pack wisely, and respect the natural environment to help preserve this Mediterranean gem for future generations.