The Blue Lagoon is the picture most people have in mind when they think of Malta: a shallow channel of bright turquoise water over pale sand, between the small island of Comino and the islet of Cominotto. It really does look like that. It is also one of the busiest places on the islands, and since 2025 it comes with a booking system, so a little planning makes the difference between a postcard and a crowd.
This guide covers how the Blue Lagoon registration works, how to get there from Malta and Gozo, what it costs, when to go, what to bring and how to avoid the worst of the crowds.
Blue Lagoon at a glance
- Where: Comino, the small island between Malta and Gozo
- How to get there: by boat only (ferry from Ċirkewwa or Mġarr, or a day cruise from Sliema, St Julian’s or Buġibba)
- Entry: free, but landing on the shore requires a free online registration
- Best time: early morning or late afternoon, and June or September for warm water with fewer people
- Time needed: 3 to 4 hours for the lagoon, 4 to 6 hours with a walk on Comino
Blue Lagoon registration: what you need to know
Since May 2025, visitors who land at the Blue Lagoon have to register online first. As reported in recent 2026 travel guides, the system works like this:
- Registration is free and done on the official site, blcomino.com.
- You choose a date and a time slot and receive a QR code by email.
- There is a cap of about 4,000 people at any one time, so popular summer slots can fill up weeks ahead.
- Staying on a boat anchored in the lagoon and swimming from it is treated differently from landing on the shore.
The boat ticket is bought separately, and rules can change, so always check blcomino.com and your boat operator before you travel.
How to get to the Blue Lagoon
Ferry from Ċirkewwa (Malta)
The most common route is the scheduled boat from Ċirkewwa in the north of Malta, about 20 minutes each way. In recent guides a return ticket costs about €15 for an adult, with boats running frequently through the day in season. Booking online is usually cheaper than buying at the quay. Parking at Ċirkewwa fills up early in summer, so arrive before 9:00.
Boat from Mġarr (Gozo)
Small boats cross from Mġarr Harbour in about 15 minutes, with return tickets from around €13. It is the quickest option if you are staying in Gozo.
Day cruises from Sliema, St Julian’s and Buġibba
Larger boats and catamarans leave from the east and north coasts. A typical tour costs about €20 to €35 per adult and usually includes the Blue Lagoon, the Crystal Lagoon and the sea caves, often with a swim stop and sometimes lunch. They are good if you do not want to drive. Check that the operator is licensed and book a day ahead in summer.
Speedboats and private charters
Speedboats, private charters and catamaran tours are popular with couples and groups. They cost more but let you choose your time and avoid the busiest hours.
What the Blue Lagoon is like
The water is the attraction: shallow, very clear and a vivid turquoise that comes from the white sand and rock beneath it. You can see fish around your legs without a mask, and the calm shallow water suits families and casual swimmers. Further out the water gets deeper and is good for snorkelling.
The setting is simple. There is a small sandy area, flat rocks on both sides, and temporary kiosks, sunbeds and umbrellas in season. Vendors sell fresh pineapple juice served in a pineapple, which has become part of the Blue Lagoon experience, along with cocktails, smoothies, burgers, sandwiches, ice cream and cold drinks. Prices are tourist prices, and sunbed rental varies, so ask before you sit down.
Best time to visit
Time of day
Go early or late. The first boats in the morning and the late afternoon are much calmer. Midday is the hottest and busiest.
Season
- June and September: warm sea, long days and fewer people than July and August. Best overall.
- July and August: the best swimming and the biggest crowds. Book your Blue Lagoon slot and boat early.
- May and October: still good for swimming on a calm, sunny day, and much quieter. See our October swimming guide.
- November to March: a quiet, green island for walking, but boats are fewer and the water is cold.
Wind matters more than temperature. Rough sea can cancel boats, so check the forecast the day before. Our Malta This Week page shows the 7-day forecast, wind and sea temperature.
How to avoid the crowds
- Book an early or late slot and take the first or last boat.
- Move away from the main sandy area. The rocks on either side have the same clear water with far fewer people.
- Walk to the Crystal Lagoon or Santa Marija Bay. They are a short walk away and much calmer. See our Comino guide for the island’s walks and beaches.
- Choose a weekday outside July and August if you can.
What to bring
- Water shoes, because much of the shoreline is rocky
- Sun protection, a hat and plenty of water: there is very little shade
- A towel, swimwear and a waterproof phone pouch
- Cash for drinks, snacks and sunbeds
- Your registration QR code, if you are landing on the shore
Facilities and rules
In season there are temporary food stands, toilets, sunbeds and umbrellas. There are no shops, restaurants or cars on Comino. The island is a protected nature reserve, so stay on paths, take your rubbish with you and do not pick plants.
Combine it with other places
- Explore Comino: the walks, the Crystal Lagoon, Santa Marija Bay, St Mary’s Tower and the island’s history are in our Comino island guide.
- Add a day in Gozo: see our guide to things to do in Gozo, or spend a day at Ramla Bay.
- Before or after your boat: swim at Paradise Bay, which is minutes from the Ċirkewwa terminal, or at Għadira Bay.
- A quieter alternative: Coral Lagoon in the north of Malta.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to book to visit the Blue Lagoon?
If you land at the Blue Lagoon, you need to register online first. Registration is free and done on the official site, blcomino.com. Check the latest rules before you go, as they can change.
How do I get to the Blue Lagoon from Malta?
Take the scheduled boat from Ċirkewwa (about 20 minutes), or a day cruise from Sliema, St Julian’s or Buġibba. From Gozo, boats leave from Mġarr in about 15 minutes.
How much does it cost?
Visiting the lagoon is free apart from the boat. As reported recently, a return ferry costs about €13 to €15 and a day cruise about €20 to €35. Sunbeds, food and drinks cost extra.
When is the Blue Lagoon least crowded?
Early morning and late afternoon, on weekdays, and in May, June, September and October.
Can you swim at the Blue Lagoon all year?
The best swimming is from late May to October. In winter the water is cold and boats are fewer.
Is the Blue Lagoon worth it?
Yes, if you go with the right expectations: clear water and beautiful colour, but also crowds in peak season. Go early, register in advance and walk a little further than the main strip and it can be the best day of your trip.
Prices, boat times and booking rules change from season to season. Check with your boat operator and the official Blue Lagoon site before you travel.