St Julian’s: Comino Blue Lagoon Half Day

Comino’s Blue Lagoon is interesting for one simple reason, it looks like it was photoshopped. In real life, you get a quick boat run from St Julian’s and a real chunk of time where the water is actually that clear.

I especially like the fast crossing out to Comino, plus the free time in the lagoon to swim and snorkel at your own pace. The one consideration, it is a boat trip with water time, so if you have mobility issues or motion sickness, this may not be the right fit.

You’ll be dealing with a popular, regulated spot too, since the Blue Lagoon now requires an access reservation. Plan your pass before you go, or you could be redirected to an alternative bay right next door.

Key highlights to look forward to

• A 45-minute crossing by boat from St Julian’s area, so you lose less time to travel
• About 2 hours in the Blue Lagoon for swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing
• Santa Maria (St. Maria) caves visit, adding variety beyond just beach time
• A scenic route along Malta’s east coast, including a pass near St Paul’s Islands
• Quick, practical pacing, with return to St George’s Bay at about 13:00
• An experienced English-speaking boat crew, with Alex noted in past bookings for making the journey fun

A fast motorboat ride from St Julian’s to Comino

This half-day trip is built around one idea: maximize time on the water. You start from the St Julian’s side, then move quickly across to Comino, so you are not spending most of the day in transit.

The style is speed-boat friendly. Even if you are not hunting adrenaline, the ride itself tends to keep your attention. If you like feeling the sea air and watching Malta’s coast slide by, you will probably enjoy the motion and the change of scenery fast.

Just keep your body in mind. The activity is not suitable for people with motion sickness, recent surgeries, heart problems, or significant back and mobility limitations. If any of those apply, you should skip this one and choose a calmer option.

Meeting point at Corinthia Verdi, black gate to the jetty

Your day starts at Corinthia Verdi (Marina) in the St Julian’s zone. Before you go down anything, look for the black gate before the underground entrance, then pass through it. Walk down the ramp, turn left, and follow the yellow line on the jetty until you reach the office.

This matters because the whole timing of a boat trip is tighter than a bus. If you show up late, you may miss the clean handoff from land to jetty. Also, bring a towel and beachwear because you will be in and out of the water, and towels are not included.

Small tip from experience with boat tours in Malta: wear footwear you can rinse off. You will likely be stepping around docks and uneven surfaces before you settle in for the ride.

Cruising past St Paul’s Islands on the east coast

After departure, you cruise along the east coast of Malta and pass by St Paul’s Islands. Then you cross over to Comino to reach the Blue Lagoon.

This stretch is not just travel. It gives you a different view of Malta from the water and breaks up the day before the main swim time. If you like photos, this is one of your best windows because you get moving coastline views without the crowds standing still on land.

The crossing time is about 45 minutes, which is a big part of the value. Short crossings mean you arrive while your energy is still high and you still have time to actually enjoy the lagoon, not just get there.

Two hours in Comino Blue Lagoon: swim, snorkel, sunbathe

This is the main event, and you get real time here, roughly 2 hours. You will have free time to swim, snorkel, and sunbathe in the Blue Lagoon’s calmer water area.

Why that matters: Blue Lagoon day trips can feel rushed when you only get 45 minutes or an hour. With around 2 hours, you can do the classic loop without turning it into a race. Swim first, then snorkel if you want to, then take a break on the water’s edge.

A few practical notes so you can plan smoothly:

• Sun beds can be rented in the Blue Lagoon.
• Food and drinks are available there, so you are not stuck hungry.
• Towels, fins, and snorkels are not included, so you should bring what you need for snorkeling comfort.

If you are a casual swimmer, focus on floating time and easy swims. If you are planning snorkeling, you will be happier if you have your own fins and snorkel or you are at least ready to work with what is available on site. Since the tour does not include them, you should treat this as a water activity you are responsible for preparing.

Also, remember that this is popular water. You will want to choose a spot where you can get in easily and keep your rhythm. Nothing kills a fun swim like fighting for space at the wrong moment.

Blue Lagoon access reservation rules, and what happens if you do not have a pass

Here is the big “know before you go” item. As of a government policy issued on 29 April 2025, all visitors to the Blue Lagoon must reserve access through the official Blue Lagoon website.

You should book your slot in advance and keep your pass details correct. If you do not hold a valid pass, or if your pass details are wrong, you will not be allowed into the Blue Lagoon. In those cases, you are redirected to Santa Maria Bay, an alternative beach located adjacent to the Blue Lagoon.

Translation for your planning: you are not just booking a boat. You are booking a permission slip for a specific place. I recommend booking your Blue Lagoon access early, then matching your boat day to it, so you do not end up scrambling.

If you do get redirected to Santa Maria Bay, you still get a beach setting next door. It may not be the exact same experience, but you are not stranded. Still, since the point is usually the Blue Lagoon itself, the access reservation is worth treating as essential.

Santa Maria caves, a change of pace beyond beach time

After your lagoon time, you visit the caves of Comino, specifically the Santa Maria caves (sometimes spelled St. Maria’s in tour descriptions).

Caves add two things you do not get from plain swimming. First, you get a different environment. Second, you get a short “switch” that helps break up sun and salt fatigue.

What to expect here is a boat and cave-focused stop. You are not just walking around a museum. You will likely view the caves from the water, and you will be part of the schedule that keeps the whole half-day moving.

If you are the kind of person who always wants one more thing to see beyond a beach, this cave stop is a good balance. It keeps the experience from being only a swimsuit day.

Return cruise back to St George’s Bay, timing at about 13:00

Once the cave visit is done, you cruise back to St George’s Bay where you arrive at approximately 13:00. The total outing is about 5 hours.

Timing like this is useful because it leaves your afternoon open for Malta on your own terms. Think about it as a “morning mission” to one of the area’s most famous water spots, then a later plan on land, whether that is food, sightseeing, or just relaxing.

I also like that the tour description is clear about the end point. You are not being dropped somewhere confusing far from your base. St George’s Bay is a known reference point, and it makes it easier to build the rest of your day.

One more practical tip: plan for a bit of wind and spray on the return ride. Even when the lagoon is calm, you are still on a boat.

Price and value: what $53 buys you in real time

At about $53 per person, you are paying for three things: the fast boat transfer, the time on the water, and the caves stop. If you try to assemble this yourself, it is usually not the transfer cost alone that gets you. It is the friction, like coordinating timing and finding reliable transport that lands you back where you need to be.

This half-day’s value comes from the balance:

• You get around 2 hours in the Blue Lagoon, not a token visit.
• You also get the cave stop, which expands the experience.
• The cruise route includes scenic cruising along Malta’s east coast and past St Paul’s Islands.

What is not included is also part of the value equation. You will need to cover food and drinks, and you should bring your own towel. Snorkels and fins are not included, so your total day cost may rise a bit if you need to rent or buy gear elsewhere.

For many people, the easiest math is simple: if you want Blue Lagoon time without spending most of the day traveling, this format usually makes sense.

What to bring (and what not to waste time packing)

You do not need a full expedition kit for this, but you do need the basics that keep your water time smooth.

Bring:

• Towel
• Beachwear

Plan on paying for or handling separately:

• Food and drinks
• Towels
• Fins
• Snorkels

If you are sensitive to sun, bring additional sun protection even though it is not listed. If you are prone to seasickness, do not rely on luck here, the trip is not suitable for people with motion sickness.

Also, think about your personal comfort. When you step onto docks and then back onto the boat, you want things you can manage quickly.

Who this Comino Blue Lagoon half day suits best

This works best for active travelers who want iconic water time with minimal fuss. If you love swimming, want a proper snorkel session (or at least try it), and you are happy with a timed schedule, you will probably enjoy this.

It is also a good match if you like a bit of speed. Past bookings specifically praised the ride for being fun and adrenaline-leaning, and the boat driver Alex was mentioned for making the journey enjoyable.

On the other hand, skip it if:

• You are pregnant
• You have back problems or heart problems
• You need wheelchair access
• You have recent surgery recovery
• You have motion sickness

In other words, this is a “do the water day” tour, not a slow, accessible cruise.

Booking checklist before you head to Comino

Before you commit your time, lock in these essentials:

• Confirm you have the Blue Lagoon access reservation on the official website.
• Match the pass details to your booking so you do not get redirected to Santa Maria Bay.
• Pack your towel and beachwear.
• Decide whether you need snorkeling gear that is not included.

If you want to avoid stress on the day, do your pass paperwork ahead of time and take a quick screenshot or printout so you can reference it fast. Boat tours move on a schedule, and you do not want to troubleshoot at the jetty.

Should you book this Comino Blue Lagoon half day from St Julian’s?

Yes, if your goal is a classic Blue Lagoon experience with enough time to actually swim and snorkel, this is a sensible half-day format. The biggest strengths are the quick crossing, about 2 hours in the lagoon, and the Santa Maria caves stop that adds variety beyond one beach.

I would pass on it if you cannot handle boat movement, sun and water activities, or you know the Blue Lagoon access rules will be hard for you to meet. The pass requirement is not optional, and being redirected changes the experience.

If you want an efficient, high-value Malta water day, book it, show up early enough for the jetty meet point, and treat the access reservation as step one of the trip.

FAQ

Where is the meeting point?

You meet before entering the underground of Corinthia Verdi (Marina) at a black gate. Pass through the black gate, go down the ramp, turn left, and follow the yellow line on the jetty to the office.

How long is the tour?

The duration is 5 hours.

What is included in the price?

It includes transfer from St George’s Bay to the Blue Lagoon, about 2 hours in the Blue Lagoon, a visit to the caves of Comino (Santa Maria caves), and the transfer back to St George’s Bay.

What is not included?

Food and drinks are not included, and towels, fins, and snorkels are also not included.

How much time do we get in the Blue Lagoon?

You get approximately 2 hours in the Blue Lagoon for swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing.

Do I need a Blue Lagoon access reservation?

Yes. Blue Lagoon access requires reserving access through the official website. If you do not have a valid pass or if details are incorrect, entry will be refused and you will be redirected to Santa Maria Bay.

What should I bring?

Bring a towel and beachwear.

Is the tour suitable for everyone?

No. It is not suitable for pregnant women, people with back problems, people with mobility impairments, people with heart problems, wheelchair users, people with recent surgeries, people with motion sickness, babies under 1 year, or people over 70 years.

What is the cancellation policy and payment option?

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. There is also a reserve now, pay later option.