The Blue Lagoon feels calmer after dark. This evening catamaran from Sliema times it so you reach Comino’s lagoon when day crowds thin out, then you get real freedom to swim, snorkel, and wander. I especially love the scenic cruise format—modern catamaran, air-conditioned comfort, and an easy back-and-forth day plan. I also like that the boat stays anchored long enough for you to actually enjoy the water, not just rush through it.

One thing to factor in: since May 2025 you must have a government access pass to disembark at the Blue Lagoon, and the allotment is limited. If you forget or miss the right evening slot, you’ll be stuck watching from the water.

Why This Evening Catamaran to Comino Works So Well

Arrive at the Blue Lagoon around 5:45 PM for quieter, more peaceful water.

Two hours at anchor means you control the pace—swim, snorkel, or just float and look.

Modern catamaran comfort includes air-conditioning, toilets, and free Wi‑Fi onboard.

A moonlit cruise home adds real atmosphere, especially when you spot the lit coastline.

No guided tour pressure—this is leisure time, not a checklist.

Sliema Departure: Getting Past the Promenade and Onto the Catamaran

The ride starts in Sliema, departing at 4:30 PM from Sliema Ferries. Your meeting point is along Triq Ix-Xatt, between the Ferries 1 bus stop and Bouverie bus stop, and you’re looking for a red boat. When you arrive, it helps to walk the promenade calmly and find the red ticket kiosks/booths so you’re not guessing.

Plan to arrive 15 to 20 minutes early. That buffer matters here because you’re not only finding your vessel—you’re also coordinating with the latest rules around accessing the Blue Lagoon. Once you board, the overall feel is relaxed and straightforward.

The catamaran itself is the kind of boat that makes you feel like you’re on a proper cruise rather than a tight shuttle. You’ll have air-conditioning, toilet facilities, and even free Wi‑Fi while you cross the sparkling Mediterranean.

The 5:45 PM Blue Lagoon Window: Timing Is the Whole Point

You head straight for Comino’s Blue Lagoon and reach it at about 5:45 PM. That timing is the best part of the evening approach. The lagoon shifts from a daytime crowd scene into a slower rhythm where you can actually hear the water and take your time.

By the time you arrive, the boat will remain anchored. Translation: you’re not racing from one photo point to another. Instead, you get about two hours of free time in the lagoon area to swim, snorkel, explore Comino Island, or simply relax.

If you’re the kind of traveler who likes to control the day—do what you want, when you want—this works. If you prefer a packed schedule led by a guide, you might find the lack of a guided component less exciting. Here, the tour is the platform; the water and time on site are the experience.

Comino Island and Lagoon Time: What “Leisure” Looks Like in Real Life

This is not a guided tour. Your Comino time is flexible, but you’re still on a timetable because you’re scheduled to return to Sliema in the evening. Think of it as a swim-and-explore block where your decisions matter.

Here’s how to use the time well:

• Start with the water: jump in early in your window so you’re not rushing when the best light fades.
• If you want to explore, plan a quick pass on foot rather than treating it like a full-day hike.
• If you’re sensitive to crowds, spread your activity across the two hours rather than doing everything at once.

I also liked that the lagoon approach lets you choose your style. You can be active with snorkeling and swimming, or low-key with towel time and a long look at the shifting colors as daylight drops. And because it’s evening, the photos tend to feel more cinematic—sunlight turning to glow, then the first stars.

Swimming and Snorkeling: Gear, Comfort, and Avoiding the Common Mistakes

You’ll want to come prepared because the lagoon time is built around getting in the water. The basic packing list is simple and actually important:

• Swimwear
• Towel
• Sunglasses and sun hat
• Sunscreen
• Comfortable shoes (for time on Comino)
• Motion sickness prevention if you’re prone to it

If you tend to get queasy on boats, don’t treat that as a minor detail. This trip isn’t labeled for everyone who’s motion-sensitive, and the long, anchored stop still means you’re on the water for hours. For me, the practical move is to plan ahead so you can enjoy the lagoon instead of fighting your stomach.

Also, bring the basics that keep your brain calm. When you arrive in bright, glittering conditions, sunglasses and sunscreen make the day feel easier. And when you step out of the water, a towel and comfortable footwear stop you from scrambling.

Onboard Comfort: Air-Conditioning, Wi‑Fi, and the Food Reality

The cruise is air-conditioned, which is a big deal for comfort even in the evening shoulder hours. There are toilets on board, so you’re not waiting around once you’re settled in. Plus, there’s free Wi‑Fi, which is handy if you want to check maps on Comino or just keep your evening plans organized.

Food and drinks are not included. You can bring your own, and you may also find vending machines onboard rather than a full bar service. That’s not a dealbreaker, but it changes how you plan your day. If you want a cocktail or a real meal on the catamaran, you’ll need to handle it yourself.

One extra perk I found on a sailing was a complimentary non-alcoholic drink token that could be used at kiosks on Comino Island, and I saw someone use it for a cocktail served in a pineapple. Since that detail isn’t guaranteed in the core inclusions, I’d treat it as a nice potential bonus, not something to count on for budgeting.

The Optional Caves Add‑On: When It’s Worth the Extra Time

On some departures, there’s an optional add‑on for a small-boat caves excursion. In one experience I read, it cost 15€ per person and took about 20 minutes of the time ashore. The key point is this: it can be fun, and it may help you catch a boat view you might otherwise miss.

But it also uses part of your limited Comino time. So if your priority is long swimming and slow wandering in the lagoon, you might skip it. If your priority is seeing more variety beyond the Blue Lagoon, then this kind of add‑on can add value.

Also, if you’re hoping to see the Blue Grotto by boat, this kind of excursion is sometimes considered a way to increase your chances. Since the actual outcome can vary, I’d treat it as a bonus possibility, not a promise.

The New May 2025 Blue Lagoon Access Pass Requirement

This is the part you need to get right early. Following a government directive effective May 2025, you must obtain an access pass in advance to disembark at the Blue Lagoon. Passes come from the official website blcomino.com and daily pass allocations are limited.

For this specific evening sailing, you’re required to book the evening time slot when applying for the pass. If you arrive without the official pass, you won’t be allowed to disembark. That’s not a small paperwork step—it’s the difference between stepping onto land and staying on the water.

If you’re planning your Malta trip around this cruise, make the pass one of your first tasks, not your last-minute one. It takes the most stress out of arrival day.

Where to Sit: A Small Choice That Improves the Views

Small seating choices can upgrade your experience. In one experience, the advice was clear:

• sit on the left-hand side going out
• sit on the right-hand side coming back

That positioning can help you catch better sightlines toward shore depending on how you’re traveling. If you’re the type who likes photography, this is an easy win because you can make the choice as soon as you board.

And don’t overthink it. The main visual show is the light—sunset shifting to night, then stars over open water—so even if your seat isn’t perfect, the evening atmosphere still delivers.

The Return Cruise: Moonlight Malta From the Water

At 8:00 PM, you start cruising back to Sliema. The scheduled arrival is around 9:15 PM, so you get time to enjoy the changing sky rather than feeling rushed.

This is when the trip becomes extra atmospheric. One detail I liked from an example I saw: sailing past the Basilica of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, lit against the night sky, with a nearly full moon overhead. Even if the exact moon timing differs, the idea holds—this return leg turns the cruise into part scenic drive, part night photography session.

If you’re traveling with someone who isn’t as interested in snorkeling, the return cruise still feels like a win. It’s calm and visual, and you end the day with the sensation that you’ve slowed down rather than sprinted through Malta.

Price and Value: Is $41 Worth It for Five Hours?

At about $41 per person, this is priced for a very specific kind of value: you’re paying for a 5-hour catamaran experience with included water time, onboard comfort, and the structure of a round-trip to one of Malta’s most famous natural stops.

What you’re getting for your money:

• scenic coastal cruise from Sliema
• about 2 hours of free lagoon time at Comino
• air-conditioned boat
• free Wi‑Fi
• toilet facilities
• crew support while you’re onboard

What you’re not getting:

• the government access pass to disembark
• hotel transport
• a tour guide
• food and drinks

So the real question isn’t just the price tag—it’s whether you’re okay handling your own snack plan and getting the experience through water time rather than guided storytelling. If you like swimming and want the lagoon in evening light, $41 can feel like a fair trade. If you’re expecting a guided experience with meals included, the value equation changes.

My practical take: this is best when you show up prepared, buy nothing you don’t need, and use the time on Comino intentionally.

Practical Tips: How to Avoid the Day-Of Friction

Here are the details that keep the day smooth:

• Bring a towel and put swim gear on before you leave (or at least have it ready).
• Travel light: luggage or large bags aren’t allowed, so don’t pack heavy.
• Keep an eye on timing: arrive at least 15–20 minutes early.
• If you get motion sick, take your prevention measures before departure—don’t wait until you’re already feeling it.
• Don’t forget your government access pass for the evening slot so you can disembark at the Blue Lagoon.

Also note the restrictions: no pets, and the trip isn’t described as suitable for people with mobility impairments. If you’re unsure, the safest move is to ask before you book so you’re not surprised when boarding arrangements are underway.

Who Should Book This Evening Cruise (and Who Might Skip It)

This experience fits best if you:

• want Blue Lagoon time in the evening rather than a daytime rush
• like swimming and snorkeling
• enjoy flexible leisure blocks with a clear departure/return timetable
• appreciate onboard comfort like air-conditioning and toilets

It may be a tougher fit if you:

• are extremely sensitive to boat motion
• need a fully guided experience with commentary throughout
• hate the idea of additional required paperwork, like the 2025 access pass

One more vibe check: Comino can involve other boats and crowd energy around the lagoon area. If you’re the type who wants total quiet, consider that you’re still in a famous spot where activities nearby can affect how calm the water feels.

Should You Book This Evening Catamaran to the Blue Lagoon?

If your goal is simple—see Comino’s Blue Lagoon, swim in clear water, and do it with better evening light—this cruise makes sense. The timing works, the boat setup is comfortable, and the plan gives you enough time to enjoy the lagoon rather than just touch it.

I’d book it if you can do two things well: get the evening access pass on time, and pack for water time (towel, sunscreen, swimwear). If you’re missing either of those, the experience can turn into stress instead of relaxation.

If you want a guided, meal-included day with zero logistics, look elsewhere. But if you want a classic Malta water evening—catamaran ride, lagoon swim window, starlit return—this is one of the more satisfying ways to do it.

FAQ

What time does the evening catamaran depart from Sliema?

It departs from Sliema Ferries at 4:30 PM.

When do we arrive at the Blue Lagoon (Comino)?

You’re scheduled to arrive at the Blue Lagoon around 5:45 PM.

How long do we have at the Blue Lagoon in Comino?

The experience includes approximately 2 hours of free time in Comino (Blue Lagoon).

What time does the boat return to Sliema, and what time do we arrive back?

The return cruise starts at 8:00 PM and the scheduled arrival back at Sliema is about 9:15 PM.

Is this tour guided?

No. This is not a guided tour. Your time at Comino is free/leisure.

Do I need a Blue Lagoon access pass to step ashore?

Yes. Since May 2025, you must obtain an access pass in advance via blcomino.com to disembark at the Blue Lagoon. You must book the evening time slot for this trip.

What’s included in the price, and what’s not?

Included: the scenic coastal cruise, about 2 hours at Comino, air-conditioned boat, free Wi‑Fi, toilet facilities, and crew assistance. Not included: the government access pass, hotel transfer, a tour guide, and food and drinks.