Comino Island, Between Malta and Gozo
Natural Lagoon / Swimming Area / Tourist Attraction
The Blue Lagoon is one of Malta’s most famous natural attractions, located on the small island of Comino between Malta and Gozo. Renowned for its crystal-clear turquoise waters and white sandy seabed, it attracts thousands of visitors each year from around the world.
The lagoon is formed by a sheltered inlet surrounded by rocky shores, creating calm and shallow waters that are ideal for swimming, snorkelling and relaxing by the sea. Its exceptional water clarity and vibrant colours make it one of the most photographed locations in the Maltese Islands.
The Blue Lagoon is a favourite destination for day-trippers arriving by ferry, organised boat tours and private charters. During the summer months, the area becomes one of Malta’s busiest tourist attractions, with visitors enjoying the warm Mediterranean waters and spectacular coastal scenery.
Although best known for swimming, the Blue Lagoon also offers opportunities for snorkelling, paddleboarding, boat excursions and coastal walks around Comino. The surrounding cliffs and viewpoints provide excellent panoramic views across the island and neighbouring Gozo.
Recent conservation and visitor management initiatives have been introduced to help protect the Blue Lagoon’s fragile ecosystem and preserve its natural beauty for future generations.
Today, the Blue Lagoon remains one of the most iconic destinations in Malta and is considered an essential stop for anyone visiting the Maltese Islands.
While the Blue Lagoon is primarily celebrated for its natural beauty, the surrounding area has long played an important role in Malta’s history.
For centuries, Comino’s sheltered coastline provided refuge for sailors and fishermen navigating the channel between Malta and Gozo. During the medieval period, pirates and privateers are also believed to have used the island’s secluded coves as temporary hiding places.
Nearby, the Knights of St John constructed Santa Marija Tower in 1618 to strengthen Malta’s coastal defences and monitor maritime activity in the channel. The tower remains one of Comino’s most recognisable historic landmarks and overlooks much of the surrounding coastline.
Today, the Blue Lagoon forms part of Comino’s protected nature reserve, helping preserve both its environmental importance and historical setting.
The Blue Lagoon can be visited throughout the year, although the best time to enjoy swimming and water activities is between late spring and early autumn.
During May, June, September and October, visitors can often enjoy warm weather, pleasant sea temperatures and fewer crowds than during the peak summer months.
July and August offer the warmest conditions but are also the busiest periods, with the lagoon attracting large numbers of visitors throughout the day. Arriving early in the morning or later in the afternoon is recommended during these months.
To help protect the Blue Lagoon’s delicate natural environment and improve the visitor experience, the Malta Tourism Authority introduced a new online booking system in 2025.
Anyone wishing to access the Blue Lagoon shoreline must reserve a free time slot before visiting through the official booking website.
The available daily time slots are:
Once a booking is completed, visitors receive a confirmation with a unique QR code. Upon arrival, the QR code is scanned and a wristband is issued, allowing access during the selected time slot.
The system applies to visitors arriving by both private and commercial vessels and has been introduced to help preserve the Blue Lagoon’s protected Natura 2000 environment while managing visitor numbers during the busiest months.
The Blue Lagoon is accessible only by boat. Regular ferry services operate from Ċirkewwa in northern Malta and Mġarr Harbour in Gozo, while numerous organised boat tours depart daily from various locations around Malta.
Visitors should bring drinking water, sunscreen, swimwear and suitable footwear, especially if planning to explore other parts of Comino. During the summer season, arriving early is advisable, as visitor numbers increase significantly throughout the day.
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