St Julian’s: Comino Blue Lagoon Half Day

Comino’s Blue Lagoon is the star here, and the fast boat gets you from St Julian’s to that famous water in about 45 minutes. I like the simple plan: cruise along Malta’s east coast, spend roughly two hours swimming or sunbathing, then visit Santa Maria Caves before heading back. It gives you the headline Comino experience without using a full day.

I also like the lively ride and the early return to St George’s Bay at about 1 p.m. A possible drawback is the short stay at the lagoon, especially if you want a slow beach day. You’ll also need to arrange your own official Blue Lagoon access pass, or you may be sent to nearby Santa Maria Bay instead.

Key points to know before you book

• About 45 minutes to Comino: The boat crosses from Malta after passing St Paul’s Islands.
• Roughly two hours at Blue Lagoon: Plan your time for swimming, snorkeling, sunbathing, food, and drinks.
• Santa Maria Caves included: The return route adds a short scenic stop before heading back.
• Fast motorboat ride: The journey itself can be energetic, and Alex may be your boat driver.
• Blue Lagoon pass required: Book through the official Comino access website before the trip.
• $53 for five hours: The price is fair for boat transport and sightseeing, but extras cost more.

A quick route from St Julian’s to Comino

This half-day outing is built around efficiency. You meet near St George’s Bay, board the boat, and reach Comino in about 45 minutes. That leaves enough time for the Blue Lagoon without committing your whole day to a beach excursion.

The cruise begins along Malta’s east coast. You pass St Paul’s Islands before crossing toward Comino, giving you something to look at before the main stop. I like this kind of route because the transfer is not just a bus ride to a beach. The coast and islands become part of the outing.

The boat ride may be one of the more memorable parts for you. One recent trip was described as a fast motorboat ride with plenty of excitement, and Alex was praised for making the journey enjoyable. That suggests a more spirited crossing than a quiet ferry, although conditions at sea can affect how smooth the ride feels.

You should be comfortable on a boat before booking. The experience is not suitable for people with motion sickness, and it is also listed as unsuitable for pregnant women, people with back or heart problems, people with recent surgery, and people with mobility impairments. Babies under one year and people over 70 are also excluded.

Two hours at the Blue Lagoon

Once you reach Comino, you have about two hours of free time. This is enough for a swim, some snorkeling, and a little time on the shore, but it is not a long, unhurried beach stay.

The Blue Lagoon is known for clear water, and the main appeal is simple: get in, cool off, and enjoy the setting. You can swim, snorkel, or sunbathe. If you prefer not to sit directly on the beach, sun beds are available to rent, though that cost is not included.

Food and drinks can be bought at the lagoon, but they are also not included in the $53 price. I would think of the fare as covering the boat and sightseeing, not a complete beach package. Bring money for refreshments and a sun bed if you want one.

The two-hour limit is both useful and restrictive. It keeps the trip moving and allows you to return to Malta around lunchtime. At the same time, the Blue Lagoon can easily absorb a full afternoon if you want long stretches in the water. If your priority is simply to see Comino and swim in its famous lagoon, two hours should work. If you want a quiet, lengthy beach session, choose a longer excursion.

Bring a towel and beachwear. Towels, fins, and snorkels are not supplied, so pack your own swimming gear if you want to make full use of the stop. The instructions specifically list a towel and beachwear as essentials.

Santa Maria Caves on the way back

Before returning to Malta, the boat visits Santa Maria Caves, also called the Caves of Comino. This adds variety to the trip. Instead of spending the entire outing at one swimming spot, you get a short look at Comino’s rocky shoreline and sea caves.

The cave visit is a sightseeing stop rather than a separate long activity. Your boat takes you past or near the formations before cruising back toward St George’s Bay. It is a good use of the return journey, especially if you want photographs or enjoy seeing the island from the water.

I would keep your expectations sensible. The supplied details do not promise a guided cave walk, snorkeling inside the caves, or time ashore at Santa Maria. Think of it as a boat-based visit included in the route.

What the $53 price really covers

At $53 per person, this is a mid-priced half-day water trip. The value comes from combining transportation, a Blue Lagoon stop, and the Santa Maria Caves visit in one five-hour outing.

You are paying for the return boat transfer from the St George’s Bay area to Comino, approximately two hours of free time at Blue Lagoon, and the cave visit. You do not pay separately for the main ride, which can make the price attractive if you were already planning to arrange your own transport to Comino.

The extras can add up. Food, drinks, sun beds, towels, fins, and snorkels are all outside the price. You may spend very little beyond the fare if you bring your own towel, mask, and refreshments, though the details say food and drinks can be purchased at Blue Lagoon.

The best value comes if you want convenience and a fixed return time. You do not need to organize a separate boat connection or work out how to combine Comino with the caves. The tradeoff is less freedom than a private charter or a full-day stay.

Finding the boat at the marina

The meeting instructions require careful reading. Before entering the underground area of the Corinthia Verdi Marina hotel, look for a black gate. Go through it, walk down the ramp, turn left, and follow the yellow line on the jetty to the operator’s office.

The experience is described as departing from the Corinthia Beach resort area in St Julian’s, while the detailed meeting point refers to the Corinthia Verdi Marina. Use the exact confirmation details you receive and allow enough time to find the black gate and jetty. This is not the kind of meeting point where you want to arrive at the last minute.

The route returns to St George’s Bay at approximately 1 p.m. Since the total duration is five hours, check the exact start time before booking. That early finish is useful if you want lunch, an afternoon at your hotel, or another Malta activity.

English is the listed language, and the host or greeter is English-speaking. No other language is specified.

The new Blue Lagoon access rule

This is the most important practical detail. Since a government policy issued on April 29, 2025, all visitors to the Blue Lagoon must reserve access through the official website:

Blue Lagoon

You need to book your slot yourself and make sure the pass details are correct. A valid pass is required for entry. If you arrive without one, or if the information on it is wrong, you will not be allowed into the Blue Lagoon.

In that case, the boat operator will redirect you to Santa Maria Bay, an alternative beach next to the Blue Lagoon. That still gives you a Comino beach stop, but it is not the same as visiting the Blue Lagoon. I would complete this step before the boat day and double-check names, dates, and any required booking information.

This rule also affects how you judge the tour. The boat transfer alone does not guarantee entry to the Blue Lagoon. Your ticket for the excursion and your official lagoon pass are separate parts of the plan.

Who will enjoy this half-day trip most

I recommend this outing to you if you want to see Comino without spending a full day away from Malta. It suits people who want a clear itinerary, a lively boat crossing, time for a swim, and a return around lunchtime.

It is also a good choice if you are staying in St Julian’s and want a direct coastal outing. The departure area is convenient for people based near St George’s Bay, though you should follow the marina directions closely.

This trip works well for confident swimmers and people who pack their own beach equipment. It can also suit first-time visitors who want the classic Blue Lagoon stop without planning several separate connections.

I would think twice if you dislike speedboats, get seasick, or need extra time to board and move around. The activity is specifically not suitable for wheelchair users or people with mobility impairments. It is also not suitable for people with several medical conditions, for recent surgery recovery, or for children under one year.

Families with older children may find the swimming stop appealing, but the supplied details do not provide a minimum age beyond the restriction for babies under one year. Check the booking information if age limits matter to your group.

How to make the most of your two hours

Pack light, but bring the right things. A towel and beachwear are required practical items, while your own snorkel and fins can save you rental costs or disappointment if equipment is limited.

Use the first few minutes at Comino to get oriented. Decide whether swimming, snorkeling, sunbathing, food, or photographs matter most to you. Two hours passes quickly when you are trying to do everything.

If you want a sun bed, arrange it early because the details say they can be rented at Blue Lagoon. If you would rather keep costs down, bring your own towel and use the beach area.

Keep an eye on the return instructions. The boat route includes the caves before heading back, so you do not want to leave the lagoon late and cut into the cave visit or the return schedule. The operator aims to arrive at St George’s Bay around 1 p.m.

The boat ride itself deserves some attention. Have your camera ready for the Malta coast, St Paul’s Islands, Comino, and Santa Maria Caves. If you are prone to motion sickness, sit where you feel most stable and consider choosing another type of outing, since motion sickness is listed among the restrictions.

Should you book the Comino Blue Lagoon half day?

Book it if you want a compact Comino introduction with a fast boat ride, two hours at the Blue Lagoon, and Santa Maria Caves in the same outing. At $53, the package offers reasonable value for a five-hour return transfer with the main sightseeing covered.

Do not book it expecting a long, peaceful day at the beach. The lagoon time is limited, and you must budget separately for food, drinks, sun beds, and equipment. Most importantly, secure the official Blue Lagoon pass before departure.

For an active morning with a scenic crossing and a famous swimming stop, this is a practical choice from St Julian’s. For a slower beach day, a private boat, or more control over your schedule, you should consider a different Comino arrangement.

FAQ

How long does the Comino Blue Lagoon trip last?

The activity lasts five hours. The boat reaches Comino in about 45 minutes, and you have approximately two hours of free time at the Blue Lagoon before visiting Santa Maria Caves and returning to St George’s Bay.

Where does the tour meet?

The meeting instructions direct you to the marina area of the Corinthia Verdi hotel. Before entering the underground marina area, find the black gate, pass through it, walk down the ramp, turn left, and follow the yellow line on the jetty to the office.

Is access to the Blue Lagoon included automatically?

No. Since a government policy issued on April 29, 2025, you must reserve access through the official Blue Lagoon website. You need a valid pass with correct details to enter the lagoon.

What happens if I do not have a valid Blue Lagoon pass?

You will not be allowed into the Blue Lagoon. You will instead be redirected to Santa Maria Bay, an alternative beach beside the Blue Lagoon.

Are food, drinks, towels, and snorkeling equipment included?

No. Food, drinks, towels, fins, and snorkels are not included. Food and drinks can be purchased at the Blue Lagoon, and sun beds are available to rent.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The activity also offers a reserve-now-and-pay-later option.