Comino Boat Trips and the Blue Lagoon

Comino (Kemmuna) is the small island between Malta and Gozo, about 3.5 square kilometres and virtually uninhabited, with footpaths rather than towns. Most visitors come for the Blue Lagoon, a shallow channel of turquoise water over white sand between Comino and the islet of Cominotto. The area is a Natura 2000 site, and its popularity has led to new controls on visitor numbers.

Booking the Blue Lagoon

Since May 2025, the MTA has required visitors arriving by private or commercial boat to pre-book a visit through the Malta Tourism Authority's online system. As of November 2026, the published system is free and offers three daily slots: 08:00 to 13:00, 13:30 to 17:30 or 18:00 to 22:00. The MTA describes a booking process that produces a QR code that you exchange for a wristband at the coastal and land entry points. Numbers are capped at 4,000 visitors at any one time, and entering without a valid booking can lead to a fine. Ask your boat operator whether access is arranged with your ticket and whether you need a separate reservation before travelling. Our Comino and Blue Lagoon guide covers the booking in more detail.

Ways to get there

Passenger boats cross to Comino from Cirkewwa (Ċirkewwa) at the northern tip of Malta and from Mgarr (Mġarr) harbour in Gozo. If staying in Sliema or St Paul's Bay, ask operators about Comino cruises, departure quays and cave stops. Smaller boats and private charters can stop at quieter bays such as Santa Marija Bay. On land, a footpath climbs to the Santa Marija Tower, a stone watchtower built in 1618 with views across the channel.

• Bring snorkelling gear: the lagoon and the caves are made for it. See snorkelling.
• Paddle there instead on a guided sea kayak trip across the Gozo Channel.
• Divers head for the shallow Santa Marija caves: see scuba diving.
• Spending a night nearby? The Gozo travel guide covers bases on the next island.

Comino has little shade and limited seasonal services, so bring water, sun protection and water shoes, and check the forecast and access arrangements before travelling.