When visiting Malta and Gozo, the Blue Lagoon on Comino is an absolute must-see. Known for its crystal-clear waters and striking turquoise hues, the Blue Lagoon in Comino, Malta, is perfect for swimming, boat trips, and kayaking adventures.
In this guide, we share our experience kayaking around the Blue Lagoon in Malta, offering a quieter, more immersive way to explore this iconic spot. You’ll also learn whether the Blue Lagoon in Comino Malta, is worth visiting, the best times to go to avoid crowds, and what to bring on your kayak trip.
Contents
What is the Blue Lagoon?
Where is the Blue Lagoon?
How to Get to the Blue Lagoon?
Is it Worth Visiting the Blue Lagoon?
When is Best Time to Visit the Blue Lagoon?
How Long Do You Need to Visit the Blue Lagoon?
Things to Do at the Blue Lagoon
Eco-Friendly Tips for the Blue Lagoon
Our Experience Kayaking to the Blue Lagoon
What to Bring to the Blue Lagoon?
Should you kayak to the Blue Lagoon?
For centuries, postcards have captured the magic of travel, offering a window into distant places with a single, captivating image, often stamped with the words, “Wish you were here.” In Malta, these postcards might feature the glowing, romantic streets of Valletta or the sparkling aquamarine waters of the mesmerising Blue Lagoon.
It’s no coincidence that we’re drawn to water, especially when it’s crystal-clear water, with golden sand beneath, and marine life swims gracefully past. Its presence calms our mind, body, and soul, gently putting us in harmony with the rhythms of nature.
But when we seek peace in nature, that feeling can be lost if it seems like everyone else is there too. The Blue Lagoon has always seduced visitors with its beautiful blue waters, but there are ways to feel connected to nature without following the crowds.
In this guide, we’ll share an alternative way to experience the Blue Lagoon: kayaking and exploring Comino Island. Paddling along Comino’s coastline allows you to uncover hidden coves, quiet swim spots and unique rock formations, including caves and arches. We’ll also share other ways to explore the Blue Lagoon and Comino, with practical tips to avoid the crowds, so you can truly appreciate the beauty of this iconic spot in Malta.
What is the Blue Lagoon?
The Blue Lagoon in Malta is a stunning, sheltered bay on Comino Island, located between Malta and Gozo. Renowned for its clear, calm waters, it displays a vibrant palette of blues, ranging from deep navy to turquoise and aquamarine in the shallow areas. These colours result from sunlight reflecting off the soft, white sand below.
The Blue Lagoon is perfect for swimming, snorkelling, and relaxing in this beautiful natural setting. For photographers, it offers a picturesque scene with rocky cliffs framing the sheltered, sandy bay. Accessible only by boat from Malta or Gozo, the Blue Lagoon is one of the island’s most iconic and must-see destinations.
Where is the Blue Lagoon?
The Blue Lagoon in Malta is located on Comino, a tiny island nestled between Malta and Gozo in the Maltese archipelago. Comino is mostly uninhabited, with a small chapel and few holiday villas, which helps maintain its natural charm and wild feel.
The bay sits on the north-west coast of Comino, sheltered by small islets and rocky cliffs that protect it from wind and waves, making it a lovely, calm cove for swimming and kayaking.
How to Get to the Blue Lagoon?
By Ferry
A regular daily ferry service runs between Malta and Gozo to Comino Island. The trip takes about 20 minutes each way. On Malta, ferries depart from Marfa and Cirkewwa in the north and include a free trip to the caves if you take a ferry before 3 PM. Services run from Malta from 8:30 AM to 5 PM, with return trips from the Blue Lagoon available until 8 PM.
Comino Ferries also offers an optional route from Marfa or Cirkewwa that stops at the Blue Lagoon before continuing to Gozo. This option costs the same and allows you to return to Malta from Gozo afterwards. The ferry provides the flexibility to spend a full day exploring Comino and is one of the most affordable ways to reach the Blue Lagoon.
TIP |You can take a ferry taxi from Mgarr Ferry Port in Gozo with Ebsons Comino Ferries.
For the most up-to-date ferry schedules, please refer to the official Comino Ferries schedule.
By Private Boat
Hiring a private boat is one of the fastest and most luxurious ways to reach the Blue Lagoon. Boats can be hired from several points in Malta and Gozo, including Xlendi Bay, Marfa, Cirkewwa, and Sliema. The journey typically takes 15–25 minutes, depending on the type of boat.
Although one of the more expensive options, hiring a private boat allows you to visit the Blue Lagoon and explore other parts of Comino’s coastline, helping you avoid the crowds. This makes it an ideal choice for groups or families seeking a more personalised experience.
By a Boat Tour
Several companies offer boat tours from Valletta to Comino Island, providing a comfortable and stress-free journey. These tours often include stops at the Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon, and sea caves, allowing you to enjoy swimming, snorkelling, and sunbathing.
TIP | Avoid taking the large boat tours that depart from Valletta. They looked very busy, with people packed in like sardines. We’d recommend opting for a smaller boat tour instead.
By Kayak
Perhaps the most adventurous option and the one we chose and would happily do again. We booked our experience with Kayak Gozo, based in Hondoq Bay, and spent the morning crossing over to the Blue Lagoon, paddling in and out of coves and caves.
Kayaking around the Blue Lagoon and Comino was a highlight of our Malta adventure. It’s one of the best ways to experience the Blue Lagoon without the crowds, while also being an active way to explore the island.
Is it Worth Visiting the Blue Lagoon?
At first glance, the Blue Lagoon looked like somewhere we’d usually avoid, as photos online showed huge crowds and party boats. And while that is partly true, there are ways to visit the lagoon without the chaos. The colour of the water truly is incredible, and it can be the perfect place to swim and relax for the day.
The main lagoon is where most boats drop off visitors, and that area becomes very busy. There are beach bars and sun loungers serving pineapple drinks and fruit, which, in our opinion, takes away from the wild and magical charm of the lagoon. This is why we chose to explore by kayak, setting off early in the morning.
The Maltese Government have now introduced a booking system for those visiting Comino Island to help regulate visitor numbers, reduce overcrowding, and protect the fragile ecosystem of the Blue Lagoon. You’ll be provided with a QR code to give you an allocated time slot. Without a reservation, you may face paying a fine.
Otherwise, we’d recommend taking the ferry over and walking a little further to find quieter coves on the island. It’s also worth visiting during the shoulder seasons, such as June or October, when the water is still warm but there are fewer people. When visiting Malta and Gozo, the Blue Lagoon is worth seeing. It just takes a bit of extra planning to make it a more enjoyable experience.
TIP | Visit the Blue Lagoon before 10 AM to avoid the large boat crowds, which usually arrive from around 11 AM.
When is Best Time to Visit the Blue Lagoon?
The busiest months at the Blue Lagoon are July and August, so it’s best to avoid visiting during the peak of summer. The ideal months to visit are April, May, June, September, and October, when the weather is warm and swimming is pleasant.
Plan to visit the Blue Lagoon early in the morning, as crowds usually start arriving after 10 AM. This way, you can enjoy the lagoon with fewer people and minimise your impact on Comino’s delicate ecosystem.
How Long Do You Need to Visit the Blue Lagoon?
Visitors to the Blue Lagoon now need a landing pass to help protect the island and limit the number of visitors. Here’s how it works:
Choose a time slot – morning, afternoon, or sunset. The morning slot is best if you want to avoid crowds.
Get your free QR code – everyone, including ferry passengers, boat hires, or tour groups, must have one.
Show your QR code on arrival – it will be scanned before you land on Comino
We’d recommend allowing at least 4–5 hours to enjoy the Blue Lagoon properly, which is the maximum timeslot you can book. This gives you enough time to explore a bit of Comino, walk along the rocky coastline, swim, sunbathe and snorkel in the crystal clear water.
We spent the whole morning kayaking around Comino and only stopped briefly in the lagoon itself, and even that was enough to get a feel for it. Just make sure to check the return ferry timetables in advance so you’re not rushing to leave.
For more information on the new visitor booking system, check the Visit Malta website.
Things to Do at the Blue Lagoon
The Blue Lagoon offers a sheltered bay, perfect for swimming, snorkelling, and paddleboarding. You can hire a boat or join a kayaking tour to explore quieter coves and hidden corners of the island, or simply relax and sunbathe by the water’s edge.
The surrounding scenery of the Blue Lagoon and Comino Island is ideal for capturing stunning photos and enjoying breathtaking coastal views.
Take a walk around Comino, a peaceful alternative to the busy lagoon, following several footpaths that lead to an old chapel, an abandoned pig farm, and Santa Marija Tower, a historic fortification with panoramic coastal views.
Eco-Friendly Tips for the Blue Lagoon
The Blue Lagoon Malta is one of the country’s most iconic attractions, drawing thousands of visitors each year. With rising numbers, however, responsible tourism at the Blue Lagoon has never been more important. The area is a protected Natura 2000 site, with Comino and its nearby islands recognised for their rich ecological value. Sustainable travel practices are essential to safeguard this unique biodiversity for future generations.
Here’s a practical checklist of Blue Lagoon Malta travel tips to help you enjoy its beauty while protecting the island’s fragile environment:
Book Blue Lagoon tickets in advance
The new Blue Lagoon ticketing system is designed to reduce overcrowding on the island by limiting visitors to 4,000 at any one time. Reservations must be made before arriving on Comino and can be booked online. You’ll receive a QR code, which you will need to show to officials.
Visit the Blue Lagoon early or late
Plan your trip in the early morning or late evening to enjoy the lagoon with fewer crowds and to help reduce the impact of mass tourism. These quieter hours are often the best time to visit the Blue Lagoon, Malta.
Use reef-safe sunscreen in the Blue Lagoon
If you plan to swim or snorkel, make sure to use reef-safe sunscreen. Most conventional sunscreens contain harmful chemicals such as oxybenzone and octinoxate, which can wash off into the sea, cause coral bleaching, and damage marine life's DNA. Choosing reef-safe options is one of the simplest eco-friendly things to do in the Blue Lagoon.
Bring a reusable water bottle to Comino
Pack a reusable bottle filled with your favourite drink and ice to avoid buying pineapple drinks or plastic cups from bars on the island. With limited infrastructure, waste management is a serious issue. Before the ticketing system, up to 12,000 visitors were recorded in a single day. Imagine the mountain of discarded pineapples and plastic cups if everyone bought just one!
Protect Blue Lagoon wildlife and habitats
Comino is home to unique species such as the Yelkouan Shearwater and the European Storm-petrel, as well as reptiles and rare plants. Avoid disturbing wildlife, refrain from picking plants, and stick to marked paths to prevent damage to sensitive habitats.
Leave no trace at the Blue Lagoon
Take all your rubbish back with you and leave nothing behind. Avoid single-use plastics and consider bringing a picnic or snacks to reduce pressure on the island’s limited facilities.
Choose eco-friendly transport to the Blue Lagoon
Take the regular ferry, which runs on a set schedule, or try no-emission options like kayaks for one of the most eco-friendly ways to explore the lagoon. You can also choose fuel-efficient boats, sailing boats, or catamarans with low-emission engines.
Don’t feed fish or wildlife in the Blue Lagoon
Avoid feeding fish or throwing food into the water, as it disrupts the natural balance of the ecosystem.
Be prepared for limited facilities on Comino
Comino is relatively remote with very limited facilities, so come prepared. Bring at least 2 litres of water per person, along with snacks and sunscreen. Being self-sufficient reduces pressure on the island and helps minimise waste.
Visit the Blue Lagoon in the shoulder season
Consider visiting in April, May, or October, when the weather is still warm but the lagoon is less crowded. This eases pressure on the environment and local resources while offering you a calmer experience. This is one of the best times to visit the Blue Lagoon in Malta.
Our Experience Kayaking to the blue Lagoon
For an unforgettable day exploring the Blue Lagoon and Comino's stunning coastline, we highly recommend booking a guided kayak tour with Gozo Adventures. Their half-day tours leave from Hondoq Bay in Gozo and offer a unique, eco-friendly way to experience the Blue Lagoon.
Start your day with a morning kayak from Hondoq Bay across the North Comino Channel to the Blue Lagoon as your first stop. Our guide, Frank, warned us that the big boat from Valletta would be on its way, so if we made good time, we’d beat the crowds. We didn’t step onto the island, but gliding through the crystal-clear waters of the lagoon was breathtaking on its own.
Kayaking around Comino gives you a unique perspective of the island. Paddle past hidden coves, sea caves, and dramatic cliffs, stopping to swim, snorkel, or even cliff jump along the way. Frank provided all the safety gear and expert guidance, making it easy for beginners to enjoy the adventure.
On our 6 km route, we admired the Blue Lagoon before the tour boats arrived, then continued along the coastline, passing caves, arches, and quiet swimming spots. Our guide also shared local stories, like the legend of Vow Rock and the pirate Dragut, adding a fascinating historical twist to the journey.
The pace is gentle, but confident swimming skills are a must. Bring water and reef-safe sunscreen to stay comfortable. After your paddle, relax at Hondoq ir-Rummien beach, for a well-deserved refreshing drink!
What to Bring to the Blue Lagoon?
As mentioned in our responsible visitor section, it’s best to be as self-sufficient as possible. Facilities on Comino are limited, and the large number of visitors puts extra pressure on local resources.
Reduce your impact by bringing most of the items you’ll need and taking everything back with you.
Essentials to bring:
Swimwear – for swimming and snorkelling
Snorkelling gear – mask, snorkel, and fins for exploring the underwater life safely (included in Gozo Adventures kayak tour)
Reef-safe sunscreen – to protect marine life
Light shirt and other clothing – for sun protection
Water shoes or strapped sandals – for rocky areas
Hat and sunglasses – to protect from the sun
Water and ice in a reusable bottle – 2 litres per person; freezing it the night before keeps it cooler longer
Dry bag – to keep valuables safe and dry
Snacks – for energy and to avoid buying single-use items
Lightweight quick-dry towel – microfibre or light scarf fabric
Waterproof phone case – to protect your phone while enjoying the water
Should you kayak to the Blue Lagoon?
If you want to see the Blue Lagoon and explore the coast of Comino without the crowds, kayaking could be the perfect adventure. We joined a small kayaking tour with Gozo Adventures, which gave us plenty of time to enjoy our surroundings while staying active and having minimal impact on Comino’s fragile ecosystem.
Kayaking beyond the Blue Lagoon allows you to discover hidden caves, coves, and stunning rock formations, including arches and quieter corners of the island. We also had the chance to snorkel in a secluded cove on Comino, where we saw plenty of fish and even tried some cliff jumping.
Make sure you’re a confident swimmer, and if you are prone to motion sickness, take tablets well before getting into the kayak, as someone in our group struggled on the way back to Gozo. Kayaking is one of the best ways to admire Malta’s natural beauty from a unique viewpoint, all without the crowds.
