Everything you need to know before visiting Malta's most iconic swimming spot: ferry times, prices, best time to visit, and how to avoid the crowds.
Skip the queue — book online with free cancellation. Multiple departure points and boat operators available.
Compare Blue Lagoon Tours →The Blue Lagoon is a shallow, sheltered bay between the tiny uninhabited island of Comino and its even smaller neighbour Cominotto. The water is famously crystal-clear and turquoise thanks to the white sandy seabed reflecting sunlight. It is Malta's most photographed spot and consistently ranked among the world's most beautiful swimming locations.
Despite its fame, the "beach" is actually a limestone platform — there is very little sand. Most visitors sunbathe on rocks or bring their own mats. The water is shallow and warm, ideal for swimming and snorkelling.
Recommended option
Popular with tourists
Best for St Paul's Bay area
Ideal if staying on Gozo
Insider tip: The Blue Lagoon gets extremely busy in July and August — visitors sometimes stand shoulder-to-shoulder. To experience the postcard views without the crowds, arrive on the first ferry (8am) or visit in May, June, September or October.
| Month | Water Temp | Crowds | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apr-May | 18-21°C | Low | ✅ Cool but stunning, few crowds |
| June | 22-24°C | Medium | ⭐ Sweet spot |
| July-Aug | 25-27°C | Extreme | ⚠️ Avoid or go 8am |
| Sept-Oct | 24-26°C | Medium | ⭐⭐ Best overall |
| Nov-Mar | 15-18°C | None | ❌ Too cold, ferries reduced |
Since May 2025, the Malta Tourism Authority requires all Blue Lagoon visitors to reserve free access online in advance to prevent overcrowding. You must book one of three time slots before travelling: Morning (08:00–13:00), Afternoon (13:30–17:30), or Evening (18:00–22:00). Each slot is capped at 4,000 visitors to protect the Natura 2000 site.
Reserve your free access at blcomino.com. Ferry tickets and boat tours are booked separately.
Ferries depart from Cirkewwa (northernmost point of Malta) approximately every 30 minutes during summer. The crossing takes just 15 minutes. Alternative departure points include Sliema, Bugibba and Mgarr Harbour in Gozo. Round-trip ferry costs around 15 EUR per adult.
Early morning (before 9am) or late afternoon (after 4pm) to avoid the biggest crowds. April to June and September to October offer warm water with far fewer visitors than July-August peak season.
The Blue Lagoon itself is free, but you need to pay for the ferry or boat trip to reach Comino. Sun loungers and umbrellas can be rented on-site for around 20-25 EUR per set.
Since 2024, Malta Tourism Authority requires visitors to reserve free Blue Lagoon Access online at blcomino.com for one of three time slots (Morning 08:00–13:00, Afternoon 13:30–17:30, or Evening 18:00–22:00) before travelling. Ferry tickets should be booked separately.
Basic facilities include kiosks selling drinks and snacks, sun lounger and umbrella rental, and portable toilets. There are no restaurants, ATMs or shops - bring cash, food and supplies.
Yes, the water is shallow, warm and calm - ideal for families. However there is limited shade and no sand, so bring water shoes and sun protection.
Most visitors spend 3-5 hours. A half-day trip is enough to swim, snorkel, and explore the small island. Combine with Crystal Lagoon and the sea caves for a full-day boat trip.
Blue Lagoon is the famous main lagoon between Comino and Cominotto with the iconic turquoise water. Crystal Lagoon is a quieter, deeper spot on the west side of Comino with equally clear water and dramatic cliffs - accessible only by boat and much less crowded.
Compare all Blue Lagoon boat trips and ferries. Free cancellation available on most bookings.
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