[Updated 28 January 2025]
Countless guests ask me, "Is the Blue Lagoon worth visiting?" And I usually reply, "No. I would avoid it."
While the Blue Lagoon is very picturesque, with turqoise waters and surrounded by nature. It's also very small.
Not only is Blue Lagoon small: unscrupulous tour operators offload hundreds of tourists a day on this tiny beach. Making it super jam-packed.
If this wasn't enough, the natural scenery is ruined by kiosks and boats playing loud music.
The major protest group of Malta, Moviment Graffitti, isn't always popular with their protests. However, they've recently struck gold with their protests in the Blue Lagoon. Members of the movement removed deckchairs from the beaches and have demanded Government Ministers create a plan for Comino and Blue Lagoon that allows for sustainable enjoyment of the area. Many Maltese agreed with them.
The Blue Lagoon, is a perfect example of overtourism in Malta. It doesn't matter how many people we cram in here, and if they have a bad experience, as long as some got paid.
No, it's not necessarily that bad. I meet guests who enjoy it. But most don't seem too impressed, and quite a lot are actively disdainful of the place.
If it's must-see for you, then by all means go for it. But the following advice might make it a more pleasant experience.
If it's peak tourism season (May to September), you can mostly avoid the largest crowds and loud music if you visit the Blue Lagoon early in the morning.
By early in the morning I mean from 07:00 to 10:00. Later than that the boatloads of people arrive.
Getting to the Blue Lagoon early in the morning might be a challenge however. Most operators start ferrying people to the Blue Lagoon at 09:00.
The most standard ferrying operations happen in Ċirkewwa (at the very North of Malta), and Mġarr (the harbour in the South of Gozo). From what I know they begin operating at 09:00.
If you're based in Sliema, St Julian's, Buġibba, St Paul's Bay, or Qawra, there are ferries that take you directly to the Blue Lagoon.
Provided you're willing to pay for it, you can also charter a private boat to ferry you to the Blue Lagoon.
If it's off-season (October-April) you might find the Blue Lagoon surprisingly empty. But please note that not all the ferry services might be operating.
Personally I think the Blue Grotto in the South West of Malta is a nice alternative. There are boat rides that take you very close to the caves and the cliffs. At some point they might even allow you to dip into the water. You can always swim next to where the boats leave.
The waters are usually very clean and you have a very nice setting, while not being too overly crowded.
I also recommend going to Gozo. There are many beautiful beaches that are not super crammed and a hassle to get to like the Blue Grotto.