What to Bring on a Boat Trip in Malta — Blue Lagoon & Comino Packing Guide 2026

What to Bring on a Boat Trip to the Blue Lagoon & Comino Malta — Complete Packing Guide 2026

You have booked your private boat tour. The Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon, Comino sea caves, and the clearest turquoise water in the Mediterranean are all ahead of you.

Now — what do you actually need to bring?

This guide gives you the honest, practical answer from a team that does this every single day. Not a generic travel checklist — the specific things that make a Malta boat day genuinely comfortable, the things guests most commonly forget, the one insider tip about white bread that sounds strange but works brilliantly, and everything specific to the Blue Lagoon that most packing guides miss entirely.

Written by the team at Outdoor Explorers Malta — a family-run company running private boat tours to the Blue Lagoon and Comino from Ċirkewwa since 2016.

Before Anything Else — Two Things to Sort Before You Leave

1. Book Your Blue Lagoon Shore Pass

Since May 2025, anyone stepping ashore at the Blue Lagoon requires a free access pass. Register at blcomino.com before your departure day — it takes two minutes and it is completely free.

Important: If you are swimming from a private boat without going ashore, no pass is needed. But if any member of your group wants to walk the beach or visit the kiosks at the Blue Lagoon, book the pass in advance. In peak season, time slots sell out. Do not leave this until the morning of your tour.

For everything about the pass system, read our complete Blue Lagoon tickets guide here.

2. Book Your Tour

Everything else on this packing list is secondary to having your tour confirmed. Snorkelling gear, shade canopy, cool box, life jackets, and an experienced skipper are all included in every private boat tour with Outdoor Explorers Malta and I Malta Boat Trips.

3-Hour Private Boat Tour — Most Booked ⭐
1-Hour Express — Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon — Perfect if you are short on time

The Complete Packing List — Everything You Need

☀️ Sun Protection — Non-Negotiable

SPF 50+ sunscreen — and bring more than you think you need. The Mediterranean sun on open water is significantly more intense than on land because the water surface reflects and amplifies UV exposure. Most people apply once and forget. Reapply every two hours minimum — especially after swimming.

Use reef-safe sunscreen where possible. The marine life at the Blue Lagoon and Comino reefs is extraordinary — the sea bream, parrot fish, and octopus you will be swimming with deserve the consideration. Avoid sunscreens containing oxybenzone or octinoxate.

Aftersun lotion — bring it in your bag for the evening. A day on the water in Maltese sun is more exposure than most people are used to.

Wide-brimmed hat or cap — there is essentially no shade on Comino’s shoreline. On the boat you have the canopy, but every time you go ashore or snorkel, your head and neck are fully exposed.

Polarised sunglasses — regular sunglasses do not cut the glare off Mediterranean water. Polarised lenses make an extraordinary difference to comfort and to how clearly you can see into the water when snorkelling from the surface.

👙 What to Wear on a Boat Trip to the Blue Lagoon Malta

Swimwear — the most important item. You will be in and out of the water multiple times. Pack what you are most comfortable swimming in. For women — a one-piece or bikini. For men — swim shorts. Bring a spare set if you have space, particularly if you are on a longer tour.

A light cover-up or rash guard — for between swims and on the crossing sections. The breeze on an open boat at speed feels pleasant but can cause sunburn faster than you expect when combined with wet skin.

Flip flops — all you need for footwear. This is one of the most common over-packing mistakes our guests make. People bring flip flops AND trainers or sneakers. The trainers stay in the bag all day. Flip flops are completely sufficient — they slip off easily for swimming, they protect your feet on Comino’s rocky shoreline, and they dry instantly.

One important exception: if you are planning to walk inland on Comino toward the tower or the chapel, closed-toe shoes are more comfortable on the rocky paths. But for 95% of guests who swim, snorkel, and spend the day between the boat and the water — flip flops are everything you need.

A light windproof layer — particularly for morning departures or sunset tours. The boat moves fast and the channel between Malta and Comino can be cool early in the morning even in summer. A lightweight zip-up goes in the bag and comes out for the crossing, then stays off for the rest of the day.

💧 Food and Drinks — What to Bring

Water — bring more than you think necessary. This is the most commonly forgotten essential. Malta is hot. You are swimming, you are in the sun, you are active. Dehydration happens faster than you expect and makes everything worse — including sea sickness. A minimum of 1.5 litres per person for a 3-hour tour. 2 litres for longer.

A cool box with ice is provided on every private boat tour — bring your water, drinks, and food and it stays cold all day.

Food — keep it light and bring something that tastes extraordinary after a swim. You will be hungry after the first swim — genuinely, predictably hungry. The best boat snacks: fresh fruit (watermelon, grapes, orange slices — cold from the cool box after a swim, there is nothing better in the world), salty crackers, nuts, and simple sandwiches.

Beer or wine — completely fine on a private boat with a skipper. Bring what you enjoy. The floating bars at the Blue Lagoon sell ice-cold drinks including the famous pineapple cocktail — but they are priced at a premium and you need cash. EVG stag party having fun on a private boat in Malta, enjoying blue water, relaxed cruising, and a lively celebration with friends.

White bread — this is the insider tip that surprises people and delights their children. Tear small pieces and throw them from the boat in the Blue Lagoon or Crystal Lagoon shallows. The sea bream arrive immediately — sometimes dozens of them, swimming directly toward you, eating from your hand if you hold the bread in the water. It is one of the genuinely magical moments of a Comino boat day and costs practically nothing.

What not to bring food-wise: anything that smells strong, anything in glass bottles, anything that needs refrigeration beyond ice.

💶 Cash in Euros — Essential

There is no ATM on Comino. Zero. None.

If you want to buy a pineapple cocktail from the floating bar at the Blue Lagoon, a cold drink from the kiosk, or a snack from one of the food trucks above the lagoon — you need cash.

Bring €20 to €30 per person minimum. Cards are not reliably accepted by small vendors on the island, and mobile payment does not work where there is no signal.

For context on what things cost at the Blue Lagoon, read our Blue Lagoon price breakdown guide here.

📸 Cameras and Photography — The Honest Guide

The Blue Lagoon and Comino are among the most photogenic locations in the Mediterranean. Here is the honest guide to getting the best photographs without losing your equipment in the sea.

The best option — a drone. If you have access to a drone and the appropriate Malta airspace permissions, the aerial footage of the Blue Lagoon turquoise against the limestone is genuinely extraordinary. The colour from above looks like something digital. It is not.

Second best — an Insta360 with a long pole. The combination of a 360-degree action camera on an extended selfie pole gives you an angle that looks like drone footage from a few metres up — without the airspace complexity. It is also safer than an actual drone over water. The results are spectacular and guests consistently say these are their favourite images of the whole trip.

Action camera with a dome port underwater housing. A GoPro or similar with a dome lens housing gives you the above/below split shot — half above the water surface, half below — in the Blue Lagoon. The combination of the turquoise above and the sea life below in one frame is one of the signature Malta boat photographs.

The most convenient option — a €10 waterproof floating phone pouch. You can buy these at the Malta Jet Ski Rental stand at Ċirkewwa —

— right next to the boat departure point. These pouches are waterproof, they float if dropped, and they allow you to take photographs and video with your regular phone while swimming. For most guests, this is the most practical solution.

Honest warning about phones: the Mediterranean is remarkably clear. When you lean over the side of the boat to photograph the Blue Lagoon colour and the fish below, the phone can slip from your hand. It happens. The €10 floating pouch is your insurance. Without it, once the phone goes in the water, recovery depends on depth and luck.

What not to bring: laptops or tablets — salt air is genuinely corrosive to electronics, and there is no practical use case for them on a boat day.

🎒 The Complete Packing List — Quick Reference

Essential — bring every time:

✅ SPF 50+ sunscreen — reef safe
✅ Aftersun lotion
✅ Swimwear — plus a spare if space allows
✅ Towel — microfibre dries fastest and takes least space
✅ Flip flops
✅ Light windproof layer
✅ Hat or cap
✅ Polarised sunglasses
✅ Water — minimum 1.5L per person
✅ Food and snacks — fruit, crackers, sandwiches
✅ White bread — for feeding the sea bream ⭐ Insider tip
✅ Cash in euros — no ATM on Comino
✅ Waterproof phone pouch — available at Ċirkewwa jet ski stand [📍 pin here]
✅ Blue Lagoon shore pass — if going ashore, register free at blcomino.com
✅ Sea sickness tablets — take 20-30 minutes before boarding if needed

Optional but recommended:

🎥 Action camera or Insta360 with pole
🌊 Underwater dome housing for action camera
💊 Pain relief — small first aid basics
🧴 Wet wipes — for removing salt and sunscreen between swims
💧 Insulated water bottle — keeps water cold all day in the heat

🚫 What to Leave Behind

Heavy jewellery — rings, bracelets, and necklaces are easily lost in open water and salt water damages metal over time. Leave anything valuable at the hotel.

Trainers or enclosed shoes — unless you are specifically planning a hike on Comino. Flip flops are completely sufficient for everything else.

Large electronics — laptops, tablets. Salt air is corrosive. No practical use.

Your passport — bring a photo ID if required but leave the original passport in the hotel safe.

Excessive clothing — a boat bag should be light and compact. Everything you genuinely need fits in a small daypack.

What Is Already Included on Your Private Boat

A reminder — if you have booked a private tour with Outdoor Explorers Malta or I Malta Boat Trips, the following are already on the boat waiting for you:

✅ Snorkelling gear — mask, fins and float for every guest ✅ Cool box with ice — bring your food and drinks ✅ Shade canopy ✅ Freshwater shower on board ✅ Life jackets — adults and children all sizes ✅ Cushioned seating ✅ Bluetooth music

You do not need to bring or hire snorkelling gear separately. It is included.

FAQ — What to Bring on a Boat Trip Malta Blue Lagoon

Do I need to bring a towel on a Malta boat trip?

Yes — towels are not provided. A microfibre towel is ideal as it dries quickly and takes up minimal space in your bag. It is one of the most commonly forgotten items.

Do I need cash at the Blue Lagoon Malta?

Yes — there is no ATM on Comino. Bring €20 to €30 per person minimum for drinks, snacks, or the floating bar. Cards are not reliably accepted by small vendors.

Do I need to book the Blue Lagoon pass before I go?

Yes — if you plan to go ashore at the Blue Lagoon, register for the free access pass at blcomino.com before your tour day. No pass is needed if you swim from the boat without going ashore. Full guide here.

What footwear should I wear on a boat trip to Comino?

Flip flops are all you need. The Blue Lagoon has a rocky shoreline so some protection for your feet is useful — but there is no need for trainers or enclosed shoes unless you specifically want to hike on Comino.

Can I bring food and drinks on a Malta private boat trip?

Yes — bring your own food and non-alcoholic drinks, plus beer or wine if you want. A cool box with ice is provided on every private boat. On the boat with a skipper, alcohol is permitted for guests. What’s included guide here.

Where can I buy a waterproof phone pouch near Ċirkewwa?

At the Malta Jet Ski Rental stand at Ċirkewwa port — [📍 Google Maps pin — insert here] — right next to the boat departure point. They cost approximately €10 and float if dropped in the water.

Is snorkelling gear provided on Malta boat tours?

Yes — on all private boat tours with Outdoor Explorers Malta and I Malta Boat Trips, snorkelling gear is fully included for every guest. You do not need to bring or hire your own.

What is the best camera for a Malta boat trip?

An Insta360 with a long pole gives extraordinary results without the complexity of a drone. A GoPro with a dome housing gives the iconic above/below water split shot at the Blue Lagoon. For convenience, a €10 waterproof floating phone pouch available at Ċirkewwa is the most practical option for most guests.

What should I not bring on a boat trip to Malta?

Heavy jewellery, trainers (flip flops are sufficient), laptops or tablets, your original passport, and excessive clothing. Keep your bag light — everything you genuinely need fits in a small daypack.

What is the white bread tip for the Blue Lagoon?

Tear small pieces and throw them into the water at the Blue Lagoon or Crystal Lagoon. Sea bream arrive immediately — sometimes dozens of them. Children and adults consistently say this is one of the most memorable moments of the day. 🐟

What to Bring on a Boat Trip to the Blue Lagoon & Comino Malta