Natural lagoon · Comino

Blue Lagoon

Il-Bħar Aħmar — Laguna Blu

The Blue Lagoon on the islet of Comino is arguably Malta's most photographed location — a turquoise lagoon between Comino and the uninhabited islet of Cominotto, with water so clear the sandy bottom is visible at 5 metres depth.

Quick Facts

Type
Natural lagoon / sheltered bay
Access
Ferry only — no cars on Comino
Lifeguard
No permanent lifeguard
Facilities
Kiosk (seasonal), toilets (seasonal)
Nearest hotel area
Mellieħa, Malta (ferry + 3 km)
Island
Comino
Best visited
May–June or September–October

What is the Blue Lagoon like?

The Blue Lagoon is a sheltered channel between the islands of Comino and Cominotto. The water is a vivid turquoise due to the white sandy bottom and the absence of boat traffic pollution. Depths range from 1–5 metres, making it excellent for snorkeling. The surrounding cliffs and rocky shoreline frame the lagoon dramatically. There is very limited shade — bring sun protection.

How to get to the Blue Lagoon

Comino is car-free and reached only by ferry. The main departure points are Ċirkewwa ferry terminal in north Malta and Mġarr harbour in Gozo. Multiple private ferry operators run services from April to October; the crossing takes 15–25 minutes. Day-trip boats from Sliema, Valletta and Bugibba also serve the Blue Lagoon directly in summer. There is no accommodation on Comino beyond a single hotel.

Managing crowds at the Blue Lagoon

The Blue Lagoon is extremely popular in July and August, with hundreds of boats moored in the lagoon and thousands of visitors on a peak day. To experience it with fewer people, take the first morning ferry (before 9 am) or visit in May, June, September or October. Alternatively, the northern shore of Comino (Santa Marija Bay) offers a quieter sandy alternative on the same island.

Facilities

Beach kioskPublic toilets

No lifeguard — swim at your own risk.

Best for

  • snorkeling
  • photography
  • swimming
  • day trips

Avoid if

  • visiting July–August without arriving early
  • needing shade
  • mobility difficulties

Getting there

Ferry from Ċirkewwa (Malta) or Mġarr (Gozo) — seasonal services run April–October. No private cars on Comino.

Hotels near Blue Lagoon

Closest hotels sorted by straight-line GPS distance from Blue Lagoon:

All hotels near Blue Lagoon, sorted by distance →

Frequently asked questions

How do I get to the Blue Lagoon?↓

By ferry from Ċirkewwa in north Malta or Mġarr in Gozo. Multiple operators run services April–October, taking 15–25 minutes. Day-trip boats also depart from Sliema and Valletta in summer. There are no private cars on Comino.

Is the Blue Lagoon overcrowded?↓

In July and August, yes — it is one of the most visited spots in the Mediterranean, with hundreds of boats moored in the lagoon on peak days. Visit in May, June, or September for a significantly better experience, or take the first morning ferry before 9 am.

Can you snorkel at the Blue Lagoon?↓

Yes — the Blue Lagoon is one of the best snorkeling spots in Malta. The water is very clear, 1–5 metres deep, and the sandy bottom is visible throughout. You may spot sea urchins, bream and octopus around the rocks.

Is there accommodation near the Blue Lagoon?↓

There is one hotel on Comino island itself (the Comino Hotel). For more options, the nearest hotel cluster is Mellieħa on the Malta mainland, accessible by ferry then a short drive or bus.

Sources: OpenStreetMap (ODbL) · Malta Tourism Authority · Heritage Malta · OSM snapshot 2026-06-08 · Last updated 2026-06-14

GPS data: © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL)