When planning a trip to the Blue Lagoon on Comino, one of the most important decisions you’ll make is choosing your departure harbor. Because Malta’s coastline is lined with various ports, picking the wrong boarding location can mean spending an extra two hours on a bus or taking a much longer boat transit than necessary.
Whether you are staying in the heart of St. Julian’s, resting in a resort in St. Paul’s Bay, or staying near the northern beaches of Mellieħa, this comparison guide breaks down transit times, boat types, convenience factors, and direct tour options for every departure point in Malta.
Quick Comparison: Comino Departure Harbors
| Departure Port | Best For Travelers Staying In | Boat Transit Time to Comino | Typical Tour Amenities | Hello Malta Direct Option |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sliema Ferries | Sliema, Valletta, St. Julian’s, Gżira | 75 to 90 minutes | Full coastal cruise, open bar and buffet options, air-conditioned lounges | SLM Daily Comino & Blue Lagoon Cruise |
| Bugibba Jetty | St. Paul’s Bay, Bugibba, Qawra | 35 to 45 minutes | Direct sea route, coastal cave stops, fast transit | SLM Daily Gozo & Comino Blue Lagoon Cruise |
| Ċirkewwa Harbor | Mellieħa, Marfa, Northern Resorts | 15 to 20 minutes | Short direct shuttle, small RIB boats, fast transfers | Local ferry and shuttle transfers |
Pro Tip: If you choose a tour departing from Sliema or Bugibba, you do not need to arrange separate land transport. Hello Malta Tours offers complimentary hotel pickup transfers from major hotel hubs across Malta to bring you straight to the boat.
1. Sliema Ferries (Central Malta)
Situated directly across the harbor from Valletta, Sliema Ferries is the primary departure hub for travelers staying in central tourist districts.
The route: Sliema Ferries to the Comino Blue Lagoon, a scenic coastal sail past St. Paul’s Islands, taking around 90 minutes.
The Experience
Cruising from Sliema turns your boat trip into a full coastal sightseeing tour. As the boat sails north along Malta’s eastern shoreline, you’ll pass St. Julian’s Bay, Madliena, St. Paul’s Bay, and St. Paul’s Islands before anchoring at Comino.
- Transit Time: Approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes each way.
- Pros: Extremely convenient if your hotel is in Sliema, Valletta, or St. Julian’s. No early morning taxi rides to the north of the island required.
- Cons: Longer time spent on the water compared to northern departures.
Recommended Tour Option
The SLM Daily Comino & Blue Lagoon Cruise departs directly from Sliema Ferries at 10:30 AM. It features air-conditioned indoor seating, fresh-water showers, a full service bar, and direct access to swimming off the boat.
2. Bugibba Jetty (St. Paul's Bay)
Located further north, Bugibba Jetty sits roughly halfway up the main island of Malta.
The Experience
Departing from Bugibba significantly cuts down on boat sailing time compared to Sliema, while still offering a scenic coastal journey past the cliffs of Mellieħa and the Ahrax Point sea caves.
- Transit Time: Approximately 35 to 45 minutes each way.
- Pros: Faster sea journey to Comino. Excellent balance between coastal sightseeing and quick access to the lagoon.
- Cons: If you are staying in Valletta or Sliema without taking an organized tour transfer, you will need to take a 45-minute bus ride north to reach Bugibba Jetty.
Recommended Tour Option
If you want to combine two islands into a single seamless day, book the SLM Daily Gozo & Comino Blue Lagoon Cruise. You can board at Bugibba Jetty, explore Gozo via open-top bus, and spend the afternoon swimming in the Blue Lagoon.
3. Ċirkewwa Harbor & Marfa (Far North)
Ċirkewwa is located at the northernmost tip of Malta, adjacent to the main Gozo Channel Ferry terminal.
The Experience
If your primary goal is to get to Comino in the shortest time possible, Ċirkewwa is the closest point on Malta’s mainland to the Blue Lagoon.
- Transit Time: 15 to 20 minutes each way.
- Pros: The shortest water crossing available from Malta.
- Cons: Ċirkewwa is purely a transport hub with limited parking during peak summer months. If staying in central or southern Malta (for example Sliema, St. Julian’s, or Valletta), traveling to Ċirkewwa by public bus can take over 75 minutes before you even step onto a boat.
Which Departure Point Should You Choose?
If you are staying in Sliema, St. Julian’s, or Valletta: Choose Sliema Ferries. The convenience of walking to the harbor or taking a short 5-minute ride outweighs the extra sailing time. You can enjoy a full-day coastal cruise on a vessel with sun loungers and bars.
If you are staying in Bugibba, Qawra, or St. Paul’s Bay: Choose Bugibba Jetty. You’ll enjoy a fast 40-minute boat trip straight to Comino without long road commutes.
If you want a hassle-free, door-to-door experience: Book an organized tour with hotel pickup. Instead of navigating public bus schedules, choosing a Hello Malta boat trip allows you to select a convenient pickup point near your accommodation.
Before setting off on your journey, check our guide on how to beat the crowds at the Blue Lagoon to ensure you choose the best timing for your cruise.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Hello Malta boat trips include hotel pickup?
Yes! Most of our full-day boat trips offer free or low-cost hotel pickup options from major tourist zones across Malta, including Sliema, St. Julian’s, Bugibba, and Mellieħa.
Where is the best place to board if I get seasick?
Departing from Bugibba Jetty or Ċirkewwa provides a shorter journey across open water. Additionally, larger vessels like full-size catamarans offer much higher stability than small speedboats.
Can I board at Sliema and return to a different harbor?
Standard round-trip tickets return to your original boarding location to ensure seamless transport back to your hotel or pickup point.