The ferry rounds the rocky outcrop and there it is: water so impossibly blue you blink twice to make sure your eyes aren’t playing tricks. This is Comino’s Blue Lagoon, a shallow bay where limestone cliffs cradle turquoise water that seems lit from within. The island itself measures just 1.4 square miles with only 3 permanent residents, floating between Malta and Gozo like a forgotten jewel in the Mediterranean.
An island that almost isn’t there
Comino exists in a state of beautiful suspension. No cars disturb its rocky paths, no hotels rise from its golden limestone shores. The ferry docks at a simple pier, and suddenly you’re walking on an island smaller than most city neighborhoods.
Saint Mary’s Tower stands sentinel on the highest point, built in 1618 when the Knights of St. John watched for Ottoman ships. Today it overlooks something far more peaceful: day-trippers discovering what happens when nature perfects the color blue. The tower offers panoramic views of both lagoons, but most visitors never climb the 15-minute path to reach it.
Water that defies belief
The Blue Lagoon’s impossible color comes from pure physics. White limestone seabed reflects sunlight through shallow water (typically 3-6 feet deep), while mineral content from the surrounding cliffs enhances clarity. The result: neon turquoise that rivals any Caribbean destination.
The shallow paradise
Swimming here feels more like floating in a natural pool. High salinity creates extra buoyancy, while the sandy bottom stays visible 20 feet down. Water temperatures hover around 61°F in December 2025, making winter swims surprisingly pleasant for hardy souls.
Crystal Lagoon’s deeper drama
A 10-minute walk along rocky coastal paths leads to Crystal Lagoon, where cliff divers leap from 15-foot limestone ledges into deeper navy water. The contrast is striking: Blue Lagoon for gentle floating, Crystal Lagoon for adventurous exploration.
December on an empty island
Winter visits reveal Comino’s true character. Ferry schedules reduce from hourly summer service to 3-4 daily crossings, creating natural rhythm breaks. The island empties by 4pm when the last boats depart, leaving behind only the whisper of waves and distant seabird calls.
Morning light and mist
Sunrise at 7:15am often brings ethereal mist rising from the warmer water. Golden hour light transforms the limestone cliffs into honey-colored walls, while early morning swimmers have the lagoons virtually to themselves. The nearby Malta coastline offers similar limestone beauty for extended exploration.
The rhythm of solitude
Day-tripper boats arrive in waves between 10am-2pm, but patient visitors discover emptier windows. Early morning ferries (8am departure from Malta) deliver you to pristine lagoons. Late afternoon departures mean watching the crowds thin as shadows lengthen across the water.
Standing in liquid light
Stepping into Blue Lagoon for the first time stops conversations mid-sentence. The water is so clear you instinctively look down to check the bottom, so blue you question whether someone added dye. White sand shifts between your toes while tiny fish dart through underwater caverns carved into the limestone base. The silence between boat arrivals feels almost sacred, broken only by gentle waves lapping against the natural rock pools along the shore.
Your questions about this tiny island answered
How do I reach Comino from Malta?
Take bus X1 from Valletta to Ċirkewwa ferry terminal (1 hour, $2.20). Regular ferries run to Comino for $11-14 return, taking 25 minutes. Winter schedules reduce to 3-4 daily crossings. Private boat charters cost $165-330 for half-day trips.
Is the Blue Lagoon crowded in winter?
December sees 80-90% fewer visitors than summer peaks. Most day-trippers arrive between 10am-4pm via organized boat tours. Early morning and late afternoon visits often find the lagoons nearly empty, especially on weekdays.
How does this compare to Caribbean lagoons?
Comino’s turquoise intensity rivals Caribbean destinations like the Exumas or Bacalar. The advantage: $11 ferry access versus $500+ Caribbean flights. Water stays swimmable year-round (61-77°F) while avoiding hurricane seasons. Other car-free Mediterranean islands offer similar tranquil escapes.
The ferry horn signals departure, and suddenly you’re watching Comino shrink into the distance. The limestone cliffs catch the late afternoon light, the lagoon holds its impossible blue for one last moment, and then it’s gone. Until tomorrow’s first ferry brings new visitors to discover what happens when nature perfects the art of water.