From Sliema: Comino & Blue Lagoon Trip – Including Boat Ride

A Closer Look at the Sliema to Comino & Blue Lagoon Trip

This day-long adventure offers a well-rounded taste of Malta’s stunning coastline and island scenery. Starting from Sliema, you’ll hop aboard a private bus and speedboat, explore Comino’s rugged terrains, and swim in the famous Blue Lagoon’s crystal-clear waters. The experience is designed for travelers who love a mix of sightseeing, light hiking, and relaxing dips in the sea.

What I appreciate most about this trip is the combination of organized logistics and informal social atmosphere. You get the convenience of private transportation, which makes the day flow smoothly without the usual hassle of public transit. Plus, the guides at English Cafe Malta are known for their friendly, welcoming approach—making everyone feel included, whether you’re traveling solo or with friends.

One thing to keep in mind is that the hike across Comino can be brisk and somewhat challenging for beginners. As one reviewer noted, “A bit of a fast hike for beginners,” so pack comfortable shoes and be ready for a quick pace if you want to keep up. Also, the area can get crowded, particularly at the Blue Lagoon, which might limit your swimming and sunbathing comfort if you’re seeking quiet time.

This trip offers a fantastic mix of scenery, social interaction, and a taste of Malta’s outdoor beauty—at a price that’s quite reasonable for what’s included. Let’s explore how this tour stacks up in detail.

Key points / Takeaways

• Inclusion of private transport and boat rides simplifies logistics and maximizes your sightseeing time
• The hike across Comino provides scenic views but is relatively quick and active, fit for those with decent stamina
• The Blue Lagoon’s waters are famously transparent, perfect for swimming and relaxing, though it can get busy
• International and diverse groups create a lively, friendly atmosphere with opportunities to make new friends
• Guides and logistics are well-coordinated, with positive mentions of hosts and organizers
• Bring your essentials—water, sunscreen, snacks, swimwear—since food isn’t included and the weather can be hot

Arriving in Malta: Why this Trip Matters

Malta is known for its stunning coastlines, historic sites, and vibrant community. This Sliema-based tour captures some of the best aspects of Maltese outdoor life without the hassle of planning every detail yourself. It’s a great way to see a different side of Malta beyond the historic cities and museums, offering a chance to swim, walk, and socialize in a relaxed setting.

The trip begins with a convenient pickup at Burger King in Sliema, a familiar meeting point for many travelers. From there, you board a private bus for about an hour, which is a nice way to get oriented before heading onto the water. The boat ride is about 30 minutes, giving you fresh sea air and scenic views of the coast. Arriving on Comino, the guide takes you on a short hike—about 30 minutes—across rugged terrain, with plenty of opportunities for photos and taking in the views.

The highlight, of course, is the Blue Lagoon, where you’ll have around two and a half hours to swim, relax, or explore the shoreline. The waters here are famously clear, perfect for a refreshing dip, but the reviews suggest it can be quite crowded, so don’t expect total solitude.

Why You Might Like This Tour

If you’re someone who enjoys a mix of outdoor activity and socializing, this trip is a natural fit. The diverse group of participants often includes expats, students, volunteers, and travelers from all over, making the atmosphere lively and friendly. The guides, including names like “a French host,” are praised for their warmth and organization, which helps keep the day running smoothly.

The price of around $34 per person seems quite reasonable considering the includes—private transportation, boat rides, and a knowledgeable guide—though food isn’t included. You’ll want to bring your own snacks or plan to buy from the food trucks at the Lagoon. Many reviewers have said they appreciated the “perfectly organized” logistics and the opportunity to connect with others in the vibrant international community.

If you enjoy scenic hikes, you’ll love the views during the walk on Comino, though be prepared for a brisk pace if you want to see everything comfortably. The trip’s duration of about seven hours means you’ll get a good amount of time to enjoy the water and scenery without feeling rushed.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience suits active travelers who enjoy a balance of movement and relaxation. It’s ideal for those with decent stamina, as the hike is quick and somewhat demanding. It’s also perfect if you’re traveling solo or in a group and want a social atmosphere with an international crowd. It attracts a wide age range, from young adults to more seasoned travelers, but isn’t recommended for those with mobility issues or children under 18.

The tour’s value lies in the combination of private transport, guided hikes, and free time at the Lagoon. For those looking for a memorable day out that’s easy to organize, this could be just what you need.

In-Depth Look at the Itinerary

Start at Burger King in Sliema: Meticulously timed, the tour kicks off at 9:45 AM, giving you just enough time to grab a quick breakfast and get ready. The meeting point is easy to find, and the guide will brief you on what’s ahead.

One-hour bus ride: This stretch is mostly scenic, giving you a chance to watch Malta’s coastlines and get your camera ready. The guide typically provides some local insights, making the journey more engaging.

30-minute speedboat ride: Expect a lively, open-air experience with views of the rocky coastlines and maybe even some boat tricks if the guide is feeling playful. It’s a quick but exhilarating way to cross from land to the island.

Exploring Comino: The guide takes you on a short walk across the island, offering photo stops and scenic vistas. The terrain can be uneven, so good shoes are a must. The walk is around 30 minutes, so pace yourself to enjoy the views without feeling hurried.

Blue Lagoon Swim & Relax: The main event, giving you approximately 2.5 hours to enjoy the waters. Though crowded, many reviewers find it worth it, especially if you’re eager to float in such pristine water. Bring your own snacks, as food isn’t part of the package, despite food trucks being nearby.

Return journey: The trip wraps up with a 30-minute speedboat ride back, followed by a one-hour bus ride, ending back at the original meeting point around 5 PM.

What’s Included and What’s Not

Included: Private transportation, boat rides, a knowledgeable guide, and logistics coordination make the experience seamless. It’s a good value considering these comforts are all arranged for you.

Not Included: Food and drinks are on you, so bring snacks or plan to buy from the food trucks at the Lagoon. Sunscreen, water, and sun protection gear are also your responsibility but highly recommended, as Malta can be quite sunny.

Practical Tips for Your Day Out

• Pack comfortable walking shoes for the hike—flip-flops might not cut it.
• Bring water, sunscreen, a hat, and a towel for after swimming.
• Carry your own lunch or snacks, since they’re not included.
• Be prepared for the crowds at Blue Lagoon—arrive early if you want a quieter spot.
• If you want to avoid the busy crowds, try to go on a weekday or early in the season, as the reviews mention how popular it gets.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

For a price of just around $34, this trip offers a compelling way to experience Malta’s stunning coastlines, meet a diverse group of travelers, and enjoy some active fun. The combination of scenic boat rides, quick hikes, and time in the Blue Lagoon makes it a well-rounded day that’s both relaxing and invigorating.

While the hike might be brisk for some, it’s manageable with decent stamina and offers rewarding views. The guides at English Cafe Malta seem dedicated to making the day enjoyable, and the social atmosphere adds a lively touch—perfect if you’re traveling solo or want to meet others.

Just remember, it’s not a secluded escape—Crowds at the Lagoon can be intense—so go with that in mind and bring your patience and sunscreen. This tour is a solid choice for active travelers who want to see Malta’s natural beauty without complicated planning.

FAQ

Is transportation to and from Sliema included?
Yes, private transportation to and from the meeting point at Burger King in Sliema is included, making it easy to join without extra hassle.

How long does the entire trip last?
The experience runs for about 7 hours, starting around 9:45 AM and ending back at the same spot around 5 PM.

Are food and drinks included?
No, food and drinks are not included. You should bring your own lunch, snacks, and water for the day.

Is this tour suitable for children?
No, the tour is not recommended for children under 18 years or individuals with mobility impairments due to the hiking component and activity pace.

What should I bring for the trip?
Bring water, sunscreen, a hat, swimwear, a towel, good walking shoes, a jacket if it’s windy, and food/snacks for the day.

Can I cancel this tour if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering some flexibility if your plans shift.

To sum it up, this trip from Sliema to Comino and the Blue Lagoon offers a manageable, fun-filled way to experience Malta’s natural beauty. Perfect for active travelers eager to combine scenic walks, swimming, and socializing—all at a reasonable price. If you enjoy light hikes, stunning waters, and meeting new friends, this tour probably belongs on your Malta must-do list.