Blue Lagoon Pass 2027: €5 Fee & How to Book Your QR Code
A €5 tourist eco-contribution has been announced for 2027 through the Blue Lagoon booking system. You need a Blue Lagoon Pass if you plan to step ashore and remain within the regulated Blue Lagoon land area on Comino. This locally reviewed guide explains the official booking process, current time slots, exemptions, ferry rules and when private-boat guests do not need a pass.
Updated 27 October 2026 by the iMalta Boat Trips and Outdoor Explorers Malta team, with local observations from Sam, one of our skippers.
Quick answer: book your Blue Lagoon Pass at blcomino.com. Choose a date and time slot, register up to four people and save the QR code emailed to you. Show it before disembarking and you will receive a wristband. Under the current land-access rules, you do not need a pass if you stay on a private boat or swim from it without stepping onto the regulated shore.
2027 fee update: The Budget speech confirms a planned €5 contribution through the existing system. The official AMS FAQ currently still describes the pass as free. The speech’s Blue Lagoon section does not specify an exact collection start date or the full exemptions. Check the official booking page for the payment rules applying to your travel date.
Choose what you need
Blue Lagoon Pass: Key Facts
| Detail | Current published information |
|---|---|
| Official name | Landing Pass / AMS QR code |
| Current cost | Free under the existing published system |
| Announced 2027 contribution | €5 per non-resident tourist; rollout details to be confirmed |
| Residents of Malta and Gozo | Exempt from the €5 charge; applicable QR-code booking and wristband requirements still apply |
| Morning | 08:00–13:00 |
| Afternoon | 13:30–17:30 |
| Sunset | 17:30–22:00 |
| Per booking | Up to 4 people |
| Advance booking | Up to 2 months |
| Under age 5 | No current landing pass required with a parent or guardian; new fee age rules require confirmation |
| Visitor limit | Maximum of 4,000 visitors at any one time, according to the MTA |
Do not confuse the pass with transport: the landing pass controls access to the regulated shore and is currently free under the published system. The announced €5 contribution will be introduced through that system. Your ferry or boat journey is a separate booking. Check both before travelling.
What Is Changing With the €5 Blue Lagoon Fee in 2027?
Finance Minister Clyde Caruana announced a €5 tourist eco-contribution in Budget 2027. The contribution is to be added to the existing Blue Lagoon booking system, rather than replacing ferry or boat transport tickets.
The announcement links the contribution to continuing improvements in cleanliness, facilities, safety and the area’s natural environment. The Budget speech confirms the amount and the booking-system connection; the full payment arrangements and exemptions still need to be published.
For example, six visitors who each qualify for a €5 charge would pay €30 in total, separate from transport. Check whether your operator’s price includes any applicable contribution or whether you need to arrange it yourself.
The existing landing-pass rules and the future payment rules are related, but they are not identical questions. The current pass is about entering and remaining in the controlled Blue Lagoon land area. Do not assume a current age exemption or booking exception automatically settles the new contribution’s rules.
Residents of Malta and Gozo do not pay the €5 Blue Lagoon eco-contribution. The charge applies to non-resident tourists. Residents must still follow the applicable QR-code booking and wristband requirements when entering and staying within the regulated Blue Lagoon land area.
What Is the Blue Lagoon Pass?
The Blue Lagoon Pass is a QR code issued through Malta’s official Access Management System (AMS). It is currently free under the published rules. It reserves timed access for visitors who want to disembark and remain within the regulated Blue Lagoon land area.
The system was introduced in 2025 to reduce crowd concentration and environmental pressure. Official Malta tourism information says that the Blue Lagoon recorded up to 12,000 visitors at one time during peak periods in summer 2024; the booking system limits access to a maximum of 4,000 visitors at one time.
The important distinction is land access. The pass does not charge you to see the water, and it does not apply to every part of Comino. It controls remaining ashore inside the designated Blue Lagoon area.
Simple rule: staying on the boat or swimming directly from it without going ashore means no landing pass. Stepping ashore and remaining in the controlled area requires a valid QR code and wristband.
Is the Blue Lagoon Pass for All of Comino?
No. The current pass controls access to the regulated Blue Lagoon land area; it is not an island-wide pass for Comino. Our local experience is easiest to explain with these examples:
| Your arrival plan | What happens in practice |
|---|---|
| Land at the Blue Lagoon jetty | Expect officials to check your access credentials when you enter the controlled area |
| Land at Santa Marija jetty and stay around Santa Marija | You do not need a Blue Lagoon wristband simply for that landing |
| Land elsewhere and walk towards Blue Lagoon | Staff check access at the approaches to the regulated area; entering and staying there requires a pass |
| Stay on a boat or swim directly from it without landing | You are not entering the controlled land area and do not currently need a landing pass |
Sam and our crew have seen checks at the Blue Lagoon jetty and barriers or controlled approaches along walking routes. Follow the signs and officers’ directions on the day, since the arrangements can change.
From Blue Lagoon to Santa Marija Bay, allow approximately 25–30 minutes on foot, based on Sam’s local estimate. Your pace, stops and the heat will affect the journey. Bring drinking water if you plan to explore on foot.
The official AMS FAQ also allows visitors to use hardstanding paths to pass directly beyond Blue Lagoon without stopping. That is a specific transit exception, not permission to spend time in the area. If you intend to land at Blue Lagoon without a pass solely to walk elsewhere, confirm the permitted route with AMS and your operator before travelling.
How to Book the Blue Lagoon Pass Online
- Open the official booking page. Go directly to blcomino.com’s Blue Lagoon booking page.
- Select your visit date. The official FAQ says passes can be reserved up to two months in advance.
- Choose a time slot. Select morning, afternoon or sunset. The times are compared below.
- Enter your email and group size. One reservation can include up to four people. Larger groups need additional reservations. Once the new contribution is introduced, follow the payment instructions and eligibility terms displayed by the official system.
- Save the QR code from your email. Screenshot it so it is available even if your mobile connection is weak. You may also print it.
- Present it before disembarking. Staff scan the code and issue a wristband for the booked time window.
Good to know: bookings cannot be modified after they are made. An unused QR code may be given to another person, but only if it has not already been scanned. Same-day booking is possible only when capacity remains.
Blue Lagoon Time Slots
| Slot | Visitor access time | Typical experience | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Morning | 08:00–13:00 | Quieter early hours before peak day traffic | Early risers and calmer shore time |
| Afternoon | 13:30–17:30 | Normally the hottest and busiest window in summer | Visitors with a fixed daytime schedule |
| Sunset | 18:00–22:00 | Fewer day visitors and softer evening light | Couples, photographers and late swimmers |
Swipe left and right to view the full table.
The 30-minute gaps help boats manoeuvre safely between visitor windows and may be managed at the marine coordinator’s discretion.
Why can the booking selector show slightly different times? The official AMS FAQ lists visitor access as 08:00–13:00, 13:30–17:30 and 18:00–22:00. The live booking selector may include the adjoining 30-minute boat-manoeuvring allowance in its slot labels. Follow the exact instructions on your booking confirmation and wristband; the marine coordinator controls arrivals and departures.
For crowd patterns by season, read our local guide to the best time to visit the Blue Lagoon. Sam’s suggested arrival times are also included below.
Who Needs a Blue Lagoon Pass?
| Your plan | Pass needed? | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Remain on the Blue Lagoon shore | Yes | You are entering the regulated land area |
| Arrive by ferry and disembark at Blue Lagoon | Yes | Ferry passengers normally land on Comino; confirm whether your operator handles the pass |
| Private or tour boat, then go ashore | Yes | The same land-access rule applies regardless of boat type |
| Stay aboard or swim from the boat | No | You are not entering the regulated land area |
| Buy food or a drink, then return immediately | Normally no | The official FAQ allows a very short purchase stop, not remaining ashore |
| Use hardstanding paths to pass beyond the Lagoon | No | You must pass through without stopping in the controlled area |
| Child under 5 with parent or guardian | No | Official age exemption |
Swipe left and right to view the full table.
This table describes the current landing-pass rules. The new contribution’s final terms will determine fee eligibility and exemptions.
“Normally no” is not permission to stay ashore: visitors making a quick food or drink purchase must return immediately to their boat. Anyone remaining in the area without a valid pass may be removed.
How the Pass Works on the Day
- Your QR code is scanned before you disembark
- You receive a wristband showing your permitted time window
- You may leave and re-enter within that same time slot
- You must return the wristband before departure
- If you arrive early, staff may ask you to wait
- If you arrive late, you receive only the remaining time in your slot
- If a code does not scan, staff can assist if it is clearly visible
If your email does not arrive, check your spam folder and use the contact option on the official website. The system does not let you retrieve a lost QR code independently, so keep the original email and a screenshot.
Using the Pass With a Comino Ferry
The landing pass and ferry ticket are separate. Some ferry operators may guide customers through the pass process or include a qualifying confirmation, while others require you to reserve it yourself. Check exactly what your ticket includes, including whether any applicable €5 contribution is included once collection begins.
- Choose a ferry registered to operate to the Blue Lagoon
- Match the outward and return sailings to your AMS time slot
- Follow the operator’s check-in time; in peak summer, allowing at least 30 minutes is sensible
- Keep your QR code, ferry booking and return details accessible offline
- Recheck the schedule and sea conditions on the day
The AMS does not arrange transport and is not responsible for missed or delayed ferries. Use the official authorised-vessels list and our Ċirkewwa to Blue Lagoon transport comparison when planning.
Do Private-Boat Guests Need a Pass?
No—under the current landing-pass rules, provided you do not go ashore. On an iMalta private tour, guests normally anchor in a suitable open-water area and swim directly from the boat. This lets you enjoy the lagoon without joining the main shore crowd or using a land-access slot. When conditions and space allow, our skippers look for suitable shallow, clear-water anchoring spots so you can enjoy the turquoise water directly from the boat.
What about the new €5 contribution? Because it is being added to the existing booking system, our expectation is that guests staying aboard or swimming from the boat without entering the controlled land area will not pay it. This is our reading of the announcement alongside current practice; the final 2027 terms still need to confirm its scope.
If you want a shore stop within the regulated Blue Lagoon area, tell us beforehand. The land-access requirement applies to private-boat guests too. Equally, a shared-boat passenger who remains aboard is not automatically a shore visitor: the important distinction is entering the controlled land area, rather than the type of boat.
A private boat costs more than a basic ferry ticket, but you receive the boat for your own group, a local skipper, flexible swim stops and access to Crystal Lagoon, Comino’s caves and quieter bays. If the Blue Lagoon is uncomfortable or congested, the skipper can move to another location.
Honest practical advice: private-boat guests should still arrive at the meeting point 10–15 minutes before departure. Routes and swimming stops depend on wind, swell, visibility, marine traffic and passenger comfort.
Food and drink boats may operate around the Lagoon seasonally, but availability is not guaranteed. On our skippered tours you may bring your own drinks and snacks for the onboard cooler.
Local Help Points at Ċirkewwa, Marfa and Mġarr
During the current operating season, our team has seen Blue Lagoon staff assisting visitors near a blue point at Ċirkewwa and a white gazebo in Mġarr, Gozo. Sam also reports Blue Lagoon help cabins at Marfa. Staffing, hours and same-day capacity can change.
Arrived without a QR code? Ask the Blue Lagoon team at the departure point for help before boarding. In our local experience, staff can help visitors arrange access and obtain a wristband when there is still availability. They cannot guarantee a place in a full slot. Allow extra time for assistance, and follow their payment instructions once fee collection begins.
Do not rely on walk-up availability: you still need valid access credentials to remain in the regulated area. Book online before travelling. Treat these maps as local orientation points if you need help, not as guaranteed alternative booking offices.
Ċirkewwa, Malta help point
Mġarr, Gozo help point
Coming through Gozo? Compare your route in our Malta to Gozo ferry guide.
Not sure whether your group needs shore access? Ask our local team on WhatsApp.
Ċirkewwa, Malta help point
Mġarr, Gozo help point
Coming through Gozo? Compare your route in our Malta to Gozo ferry guide.
Can You Buy Food and Drinks Without Going Ashore?
Yes! You can buy food and drinks at the Blue Lagoon without leaving your boat. During the summer season, floating food and drink boats operate around Blue Lagoon, Comino, serving visitors directly on the water.
Two well-known local operators are Lino and Tipsy, who run boats selling a variety of food and refreshments, including:
- Freshly prepared burgers and other snacks
- Ice creams and cold drinks
- Beer and spritzers
- Cocktails, including the popular pineapple cocktails
- Bottled water and other refreshments
How does it work?
It’s really simple! If you’re enjoying a private boat tour with us at Blue Lagoon and fancy something to eat or drink, just tell your skipper.
Your skipper can wave over one of the floating food boats, and they’ll come alongside so you can place your order. When the vendors are nearby and available, your food or drinks can often be served within minutes.
This is one of the convenient things about exploring Comino by private boat. You can enjoy the beautiful turquoise waters, stop for a swim and order refreshments without having to visit the busy Blue Lagoon shore.
Do you need a Blue Lagoon Pass to buy food from these boats?
No. Under the current rules, if you remain on your private boat and purchase food or drinks directly from a floating vendor, you do not need a Blue Lagoon landing pass because you are not going ashore.
Our local tip: These floating vendors are independent businesses, so their availability, menus and prices can vary, especially outside the peak summer season. We recommend bringing drinking water and any essential snacks.
On our private boat tours, you’re also welcome to bring your own food and drinks. We provide an onboard cooler with ice to help keep your refreshments cold.
Please note: The announced 2027 Blue Lagoon contribution’s final rules have not yet been confirmed. The current AMS rules also allow a brief shore purchase followed by an immediate return to the boat, but this should not be confused with permission to remain ashore.
Best Time to Visit Blue Lagoon: Sam’s Seasonal Advice
The best arrival time changes with the season. These are Sam’s practical recommendations from working around Comino, rather than official access slots or a promise of an empty lagoon.
| Season | Suggested arrival | Sam’s local advice |
|---|---|---|
| May and June | Around 09:30 or 16:00 | A morning start or later afternoon often balances beautiful blue water with fewer visitors |
| Peak summer, especially August | Around 08:30–09:00 or 16:00 | Start earlier in the morning before the main daytime traffic builds |
| October | Around 10:00, or after the usual midday peak | In Sam’s experience, the busiest period is generally 11:00–15:00 |
For August, Sam recommends getting ahead of the main arrivals rather than leaving your start until late morning. In May and June, around 09:30 can be early enough for a more relaxed beginning.
Around 16:00 remains a useful later option in summer, especially for a boat tour. For a shore visit, 16:00 falls within the afternoon access window: you need the relevant afternoon reservation and receive only the remaining time. A sunset pass does not grant access before its permitted starting time.
Water colour also depends on sunshine, cloud, wind and surface conditions. An earlier start is often quieter, but it does not guarantee the same lighting every day.
Private Blue Lagoon Boat Tours
All prices below are per private boat for up to six guests, not per person. A skipper, fuel, shaded seating, cooler with ice, snorkel masks and life jackets are included.
Quick introduction
1-Hour Express
€99 per boat
Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon highlights for visitors with limited time.
Popular short trip
2-Hour Private Tour
€199 per boat
Both lagoons, caves and a relaxed swimming stop for your group.
Best for full Comino
3-Hour Private Tour
€289 per boat
A full Comino circuit with more caves, snorkelling and quiet coves.
Comino + south Gozo
4-Hour Private Tour.
€369 per boat
Extra time for Comino plus selected Gozo coastline stops when conditions allow.
Blue Lagoon Pass Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a pass for the Blue Lagoon?
You need a QR-code pass if you plan to step ashore and remain within the regulated Blue Lagoon land area. You do not need one if you stay on a boat or swim directly from it without landing.
How much does the Blue Lagoon Pass cost?
The existing published pass is free. A €5 tourist eco-contribution has been announced for 2027 through the booking system. Check the official payment terms applying to your visit. The pass manages the number of people entering the regulated shore area; it is separate from paid ferry or boat transport.
How do I book the Blue Lagoon Pass?
Use the official booking page at blcomino.com, choose a date and time slot, enter your email and register up to four people. The QR code is sent by email.
What are the official Blue Lagoon time slots?
The current official slots are morning from 08:00 to 13:00, afternoon from 13:30 to 17:30, and sunset from 18:00 to 22:00.
Do I need a pass on a private boat?
Only if you intend to go ashore and remain in the regulated area. No pass is needed when you stay aboard or swim directly from the boat without landing.
How far in advance can I book?
The official FAQ says up to two months in advance. Same-day reservations may be possible when capacity remains, but advance booking is strongly recommended in summer.
Do children need a Blue Lagoon Pass?
Under the current rules, children under five do not need a pass when accompanied by a parent or guardian. Older children must be included in a valid reservation. Check the new contribution’s age rules separately; the current pass exemption does not automatically establish a payment exemption.
Can I book for a group?
One reservation covers up to four people. Larger groups must make additional reservations.
What happens if I arrive without a pass?
You cannot remain inside the controlled shore area without a valid QR code and wristband. Do not depend on same-day availability; reserve online before travelling.
Is the ferry ticket included in the pass?
No. Ferry transport is booked and paid for separately from land access and any applicable contribution. Check whether your ferry operator assists with the pass process.
Can I change or transfer my booking?
Bookings cannot be modified. An unused QR code may be passed to another person as long as it has not already been scanned.
What is the easiest low-crowd way to visit?
A private boat gives the most flexibility because you can swim from the boat without using the shore, visit other Comino locations and move when an area becomes congested. A ferry remains the cheaper option for visitors who mainly want time on land.
When will the €5 Blue Lagoon contribution start?
It is an announced 2027 measure. The Blue Lagoon section of the Budget speech does not state an exact commencement date. Check the official system for the confirmed collection date before assuming it starts on a particular day in January.
Do Maltese residents pay the new charge?
The Budget speech describes a tourist contribution but does not provide the full eligibility and proof-of-residency arrangements in its Blue Lagoon section. The current requirement for a landing pass and liability for the new fee are separate questions.
Do I need a pass if I land at Santa Marija Bay?
Not simply for landing there and staying outside the controlled Blue Lagoon area. If you later walk into Blue Lagoon and stay there, you need the appropriate pass. Follow the signs and access checks along the route.
Is a 16:00 arrival part of the sunset slot?
No. Under the published shore-access hours, 16:00 is within the afternoon slot, which ends at 17:30. Sam’s suggested boat arrival time does not create a different shore-access window.
Official Sources and Related iMalta Guides
Enjoy the Blue Lagoon From the Water
Stay away from the busiest shore, swim directly from your own private boat and explore Crystal Lagoon, Comino’s caves and quiet bays with a local skipper.
