Malta’s Blue Lagoon is one of the most popular places to visit, and for good reason. It’s one of the most beautiful places in the area, if not the whole world, and it’s right in the middle of Malta’s two biggest islands. Read on to find the ultimate visitors guide for Malta’s Blue Lagoon. What to see and do there, and how to make the most of your once-in-a-lifetime trip.
Why should you visit Malta’s Blue Lagoon?
When you close your eyes and try to visualize something that resembles paradise, you might see the Blue Lagoon. Malta’s Blue Lagoon is on many people’s bucket lists because of its stunning, rugged cliffs in the middle of the Mediterranean and crystal-clear water that is tinted different shades of blue. If you’re fortunate enough to be in the area, I highly recommend stopping by.
Where is the Blue Lagoon?
The middle of Malta’s three main islands, Comino, is where the Blue Lagoon is situated. The island of Comino is much smaller than the other two islands, Malta and Gozo. It is a nature reserve and a local bird sanctuary. It may look somewhat familiar to movie buffs since Troy, The Count of Monte Cristo, and Swept Away all used it as a backdrop.
Things to Do at Malta’s Blue Lagoon
You can visit the Blue Lagoon and do nothing but gaze in awe at one of the most breathtaking locations you’ll ever see. And that’s completely okay! Try some aquatic activities, though, if you want to make the most of your trip.
Snorkeling is one of the most popular activities at the Blue Lagoon because it’s a relatively simple and low-effort way to observe some of the local marine life and benefit from the area’s crystal-clear, unpolluted water. If you don’t have your own gear, don’t worry; there are plenty of vendors on the island who rent out snorkels, fins, and other equipment.
You can go scuba diving, swim inside some of the most breathtaking caves in the Mediterranean, enjoy some tranquil kayaking (a great way to get some exercise and escape from other tourists), and more. Depending on what your personal definition of enjoyment or relaxation is, there are a ton of options available.
Take a Guided Tour
Guided tours are one of the best ways to experience all that it has to offer. Guided tours are led by experienced guides who know the lagoon like the back of their hands and can take you on an adventure through the caves and tunnels, pointing out the unique rock formations and marine life that call the Blue Lagoon home.
Here are several companies that offer guided tours of the Blue Lagoon, so it’s easy to find one that fits your schedule and budget. Most tours include transportation to and from the lagoon, as well as snorkeling equipment if you don’t have your own.
After your tour, you’ll have the rest of the day to relax on the sandy beach and soak up the sun. There are several beachside bars and restaurants where you can grab a bite to eat or a refreshing drink, and if you want to spend the night, there are even a few hotels on the island that offer accommodation.
Overall, a guided tour of Malta’s Blue Lagoon is a must-do for any traveler visiting the island.
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Want more options? Read our full breakdown of the Top 15 Websites for Tours, Activities, Excursions, and Attractions in 2023.
Other Things to do Around Comino?
Despite being small, Comino offers a lot of sights and activities. Here are some additional island highlights that you might want to visit while you’re there. There is also a beach with interesting rock formations and a great burger place, if that helps you decide at all.
The Crystal Lagoon
Just south of the Blue Lagoon is the Crystal Lagoon, which boasts (as you might have guessed) transparent, crystal-clear water. It’s much more peaceful than its blue counterpart, and swimming here is a real treat. The Santa Maria Cliffs are big, rocky outcrops made of limestone. They have beautiful views and, of course, some amazing caves. The Santa Maria Cliffs are big, rocky outcrops made of limestone. They have beautiful views and, of course, some amazing caves. Santa Maria Bay, which has some of the island’s best beaches, is visible from the cliffs.
L-Għar ta’ Bla Saqaf/It-Tieqa/Taħt il-Ħnejja
In case you’re having any trouble pronouncing that, it’s also known as “the Blue Grotto.” There are several secret sea caverns near the Crystal Lagoon that can only be reached by boat. The cave walls are illuminated with different shades of blue, from luminous hues to richer, darker tones, when the sunlight catches the water in just the right way. It is a wonderful encounter.
Cominotto Island
A smaller island called Cominotto is located directly across from Comino (across from the Blue Lagoon). By coming here, you can see the Blue Lagoon from a different perspective and have access to some of the best diving locations on the Cominotto Reef.
Saint Mary’s Battery
All of these places are on the western and south-western sides of Comino, close to the Blue Lagoon. A visit to Saint Mary’s Battery on the eastern side of Comino might be the best option if you’re looking for a very different experience on the island (one that’s a little quieter and more reflective). The original cannons that were used to defend the island hundreds of years ago are still present in this centuries-old fortress that overlooks the sea.
Saint Mary’s Tower
A little further south, Saint Mary’s Tower, another notable local landmark, can be seen. The Santa Maria Cliffs are big, rocky outcrops made of limestone. They have beautiful views and, of course, some amazing caves. The watchtower was constructed in part because of the breathtaking views of the sea it offers. In the 1600s, its main purpose was not to let people see seals and dolphins. Instead, it was meant to warn people about invasions and pirate attacks.
Santa Maria Cliffs
The north-eastern portion of Comino is home to another of the island’s top natural wonders. The Santa Maria Cliffs are big, rocky outcrops made of limestone. They have beautiful views and, of course, some amazing caves. Santa Maria Bay, which has some of the island’s best beaches, is visible from the cliffs.
Travel Tips for Visiting the Blue Lagoon
Malta’s Blue Lagoon is a must-visit destination for any traveler to the island, and with a little planning, you can make the most of your time there. Here are a few tips to help you have a great visit to the Blue Lagoon straight from the locals;
Bring your own supplies
Make sure to pack something to provide shade if you can. There are no places where you can find shade from the sun. Because the water is so clear, you need to use a lot of sunscreen because you are not at all protected. The majority of people dive into the water to drown themselves in it, but the sun’s rays just pass right through.
Additionally, I would advise bringing your own snacks. At the Blue Lagoon, there are food trucks, but there are only so many hygienic procedures they can adhere to with almost no electricity and no running water.
Arrive Early
Get there as early as you can if you want to find a place to sit. The first boat leaves at six in the morning, so you should have time to find a good spot. The beach at the Blue Lagoon is frequently crowded with both locals and visitors.
When you walk to the beach, it’s frequently so crowded that you almost step on other people! Aside from that minor inconvenience, however, being in the sea causes you to forget everything and is pure bliss.
Explore Comino
Comino is still mostly undeveloped, and many people still don’t go to some parts of the island. Aside from visiting the Blue Lagoon, one of the locals’ favorite things to do on Comino is to take a stroll around the entire island. There are numerous areas with a really lengthy and fascinating history that are visible.
Comino is a wonderful place to explore on foot. It’s not too hilly, which is nice, and it takes 40 to 60 minutes to travel the entire island. The tower that was famous for appearing in The Count of Monte Cristo’s escape scene is one of the first things you notice when passing by!
Wildlife Found at the Blue Lagoon
Malta is home to many wonderful animals, many of which can be seen near the Blue Lagoon. There’s a chance you’ll be able to spot dolphins and seals as well as various kinds of marine wildlife like fish and birds, though there’s no guarantee you’ll see all of these. The filfola lizard (also known as the Maltese Wall Lizard), Yelkouan shearwaters have a sizable colony on Comino, so there’s a good chance you’ll see one of these adorable little birds as well.
Malta is home to a few rare species that are exclusive to the island. The Maltese ruby tiger moth is one to keep an eye (and ear) out for because even the local moths are stunning. Also, if you hear a bee buzzing, don’t swat it away. It might be a Maltese honeybee, which is a special subspecies of honeybee that only lives in Malta. It’s vital to the neighborhood ecosystem and must contend with invasive bee species.
Be cautious when entering the water or while snorkeling around the Blue Lagoon because there are also jellyfish there. The jellyfish species here aren’t as deadly as those in Australia and other places, but it’s still best to stay away from them if you can.
How to get to the Blue Lagoon
First and foremost, it’s important to note that the Blue Lagoon is only accessible by boat. The Cirkewwa Ferry Terminal, which has a direct connection to Valletta, is where you can board a ferry from Malta to get to the Blue Lagoon. From the Gozo Ferry Terminal, take a ferry if you’re traveling there from Gozo. Even if you weren’t going to the Blue Lagoon, cruising along the serene waters would be a noteworthy trip in itself. The ride is incredibly scenic both ways.
It is best to book a private trip so you don’t have to rely on public transportation as much and can see more along the way. Even though there are luxury options, these are usually quite cheap and give you the freedom to stop along the way, see the sights at your own pace, and not have to wait in line with other tourists. Coming by private boat also gives you a base to return to and a secure location to store any belongings.
When to visit the Blue Lagoon
Everyone wants to visit the most extraordinary places in the world, and Malta’s Blue Lagoon is no exception. Crowds may result from this. The busiest times will be in the summer, so if you want to avoid the crowds while still getting some nice weather, try to go between March and May. It is in the middle of the Mediterranean, after all, so you might be able to catch some nice weather in October and November as well.
Try to go as early as possible. It will be crowded when it is busy. However, it’s still very likely that you can find some solitude at the Blue Lagoon. Get up early to have this natural wonder all to yourself for hours, or rent a private boat to cruise the lagoon alone and away from the crowds. The cost of using a private boat may be slightly higher, but it’s well worth it for a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Learn Some of the Local Lingo
Anyone interested in the culture and history of the island of Malta should consider learning Maltese, which is both the official language and the native tongue. Following are some pointers for learning Maltese:
Find a language learning app
Language-learning apps can be effective for certain types of learners. For example, some people find that apps are a convenient way to practice their language skills on the go, and the interactive nature of many apps can make the learning process more engaging.
A few of our favorites;
- For bite-sized lessons: Babbel
- For a gamified experience: Duolingo
- For a focus on conversation: Pimsleur
- For an immersive experience: Rosetta Stone
Practice
Regular practice is necessary to learn a language, just like any other skill. Try to allot some time each day to work on your Maltese speaking, listening, and reading skills.
Immerse Yourself in the Language
Surrounding yourself with a language is one of the best ways to learn it. To learn more about Maltese culture before visiting, you could listen to Maltese music or watch Maltese TV shows or movies.
Be Patient
Learning a new language takes time, so have some self-compassion and try not to get frustrated if you don’t make as much progress as you’d like. You’ll get better the more you practice, so keep at it!
Don’t overlook additional incredible activities in Malta
The Blue Lagoon is well-known throughout the world. much more well-known than Malta itself. Its popularity exposes visitors to a wide range of fascinating aspects of the country. The tiny island, a speck of land in the middle of a vast sea, is in the middle of the Mediterranean, and it has a rich history.
If you’re going to Malta, you should definitely check out the Mnajdra and Hagar Qim temples, one in Malta and one in Gozo. They are some of the earliest man-made structures and predate the pyramids themselves. You can accomplish a lot in about three days, but you could easily stay for a month because there is so much to do.
Be a good tourist at the Blue Lagoon
The Blue Lagoon has helped Comino become a well-liked vacation spot. In comparison to other important sites around the world, it is still a “hidden gem,” but it can fill up quickly. Don’t take this place’s beauty for granted. The effects of tourism have become very evident in recent years. There are many benefits, such as a significant increase in the local economy and increased income for residents, but there are also negative consequences, such as tourists who smoke and throw their cigarette ends on the sand, leave their trash behind, or get too drunk and cause trouble.
Keep in mind that you are a visitor at Malta’s Blue Lagoon. Behave in it as you would in someone else’s home or as you would like others to behave in your own home. Take your trash home with you, support the locals by not trying to bargain down the price of their pineapple cocktails, and try not to drink too much—especially if you’re going snorkeling!
