St Julian’s: Comino Blue Lagoon Half Day

The best part of this outing is the quick 45-minute boat ride from St Julian’s to Comino. You get a coastal view of Malta, pass St Paul’s Islands, then spend about two hours beside the clear water of Blue Lagoon before seeing Santa Maria Caves.

I like the efficient half-day format and the chance to reach Comino without giving up a full afternoon. I also like the mix of free time and a short cave visit, with boat driver Alex adding a personal touch to the ride. The main catch is that Blue Lagoon access now requires an official reservation, and anyone without a correct pass may be sent to nearby Santa Maria Bay instead.

Key points to know before you go

• A fast 45-minute crossing: The boat heads along Malta’s east coast, passes St Paul’s Islands, and crosses to Comino.
• About two hours at Blue Lagoon: You have time for swimming, snorkeling, sunbathing, food, and drinks.
• Santa Maria Caves are included: The boat makes a cave visit before returning toward St George’s Bay.
• The meeting point takes a little care: Enter through the black gate by Corinthia Verdi Marina, follow the ramp, turn left, and follow the yellow line.
• Reserve your Blue Lagoon pass separately: The official government access rule began on April 29, 2025.
• Pack your own beach gear: Towels, fins, and snorkels are not included.

From St Julian’s to Comino in 45 minutes

This half-day trip is built around speed and simplicity. You meet near the marina at the Corinthia Beach Resort in St Julian’s, board the boat, and head north along Malta’s east coast.

The crossing takes about 45 minutes. That is useful if you want to see Comino but do not want a long day at sea. It also leaves enough of your afternoon free after the return, which is one reason I see this as a practical add-on to a Malta holiday.

As the boat moves away from St Julian’s, you pass St Paul’s Islands before crossing toward Comino. The route gives you a broad look at the coast rather than a land-based view from the road, and the boat journey itself is part of the outing.

The ride may feel lively, especially on a fast motorboat. That suits people who enjoy the motion and the open-air setting, but it is worth taking the motion seriously if you suffer from seasickness. The trip is not suitable for people with motion sickness, heart problems, back problems, recent surgery, or several other listed medical concerns.

The English-speaking crew handles the trip. Alex is the boat driver named in the available tour information, and his friendly approach helped make the ride more enjoyable for some passengers. Do not expect a long guided lecture about Malta. This is mainly a transport, swimming, and sightseeing trip.

Finding the marina meeting point

The departure point is close to the Corinthia Verdi Marina, but the exact entrance matters. Before entering the underground area of the hotel, look for a black gate.

Pass through the gate and walk down the ramp. Turn left, then follow the yellow line painted along the jetty until you reach the operator’s office.

I would allow extra time to find this spot, especially if you are unfamiliar with the hotel complex. The directions are specific, but the starting point is not simply a hotel lobby or a large public pier. Arriving early gives you a calmer start and reduces the risk of searching for the black gate at the last minute.

The return is to St George’s Bay, with arrival planned at about 1 p.m. The information describes the departure as from St George’s Bay and the meeting point as the Corinthia Verdi Marina area in St Julian’s, so check the exact pickup instructions sent with your booking before setting out.

Two hours at Blue Lagoon

Comino’s Blue Lagoon is the main reason to book this trip. The water is clear, and the stop gives you about two hours to choose your own pace.

You can swim, snorkel, or sunbathe. You can also buy food and drinks at the lagoon, and sun beds are available to rent. These extras are not included in the $53 price, so bring money if you want a chair, snack, or drink rather than relying only on what you carry aboard.

Two hours is enough for a refreshing swim and some time on shore. It is not a full-day beach visit, and that is an important distinction. You will have limited time to settle in, swim, dry off, and pack up before the boat moves on.

The lagoon can also be a demanding place for anyone who dislikes crowded beach settings or organized shore stops. The supplied details do not give a group size or describe the amount of space available, so I would plan around the fact that this is a popular destination rather than a quiet private cove.

Your best approach is to arrive ready. Wear your beachwear under your clothes, keep your towel easy to reach, and avoid bringing more gear than you need. The boat provides the transfer, but towels, fins, and snorkels are not included.

The new access rule is especially important. Since April 29, 2025, visitors to Blue Lagoon must reserve a time slot through the official website at blcomino.com/product/blue-lagoon/. You need a valid pass with accurate details. If you arrive without one, or if the information on the pass is wrong, you will not be allowed into Blue Lagoon.

In that situation, the operator says you will be redirected to Santa Maria Bay, the nearby alternative beach. That gives you another place to swim, but it is not the same as getting the planned Blue Lagoon stop. I would treat the official reservation as part of the preparation, not as an optional extra.

Santa Maria Caves before the ride home

Before returning to Malta, the boat visits the Caves of Comino, also called Santa Maria Caves. This adds a short sightseeing stop to what could otherwise be a simple beach transfer.

The caves give you a different view of Comino. Instead of spending the entire outing in the water or on the shore, you get a boat-level look at the rocky coast and openings along the island.

The information does not specify how long the boat remains at the caves or whether you go inside on foot. Plan on seeing them from the boat during the cruise rather than expecting a land excursion. That makes the stop easy to fit into a five-hour schedule, but it also means you should not book this if you want a long cave exploration.

After the cave visit, the boat cruises back toward St George’s Bay. The planned arrival is approximately 1 p.m., giving you a clear end point for arranging lunch, another activity, or an evening plan.

What the $53 price covers

At $53 per person, the price is easiest to judge as a transport-and-free-time package. You are paying for the boat ride from the St Julian’s area to Comino, about two hours at Blue Lagoon, the Santa Maria Caves visit, and the return transfer.

That is useful value if you mainly want a straightforward way to reach Comino without arranging separate transport. The quick crossing also saves time compared with a longer full-day sailing plan.

The price does not cover food, drinks, sun beds, towels, fins, or snorkels. Those exclusions are normal for a short beach outing, but they affect your final cost. If you want a chair and plan to buy refreshments, budget for them separately.

You also need to arrange the Blue Lagoon access reservation yourself. The official pass is not presented as part of the $53 package, so make sure you complete that step before departure.

I would choose this trip for convenience rather than luxury. It gives you the major Comino stop in a compact format, but it does not appear designed around an elaborate meal, private guide, or long educational program.

Who will enjoy this half-day trip

This outing suits you if you want:

• A short route from St Julian’s to Comino
• Free time rather than a tightly guided schedule
• A chance to swim or snorkel in clear water
• A fast boat ride with coastal views
• A return to Malta around early afternoon
• A simple introduction to Blue Lagoon and Santa Maria Caves

It is a good match for adults and older children who can manage a boat ride and a beach stop. The activity is not suitable for babies under one year, people over 70, pregnant women, wheelchair users, or people with mobility impairments. It is also unsuitable for people with back or heart problems, recent surgery, or motion sickness.

The tour information does not provide special assistance details, so you should not count on accessible boarding or wheelchair facilities. If you have any medical concern not covered by the listed restrictions, check before booking.

This is less suitable if you want a silent, private outing or a long, slow day on Comino. The five-hour schedule keeps things moving, and the boat transfer is central to the experience.

Practical preparation for the boat and beach

Wear beachwear and bring a towel. That sounds basic, but the short schedule makes changing clothes less convenient than on a full beach day.

Bring your own snorkel and fins if you use them. They are specifically excluded, and the supplied information does not promise rental equipment. You can still swim without them, but having your own gear gives you more control.

Food and drinks are also excluded. Blue Lagoon has places where you can buy them, so you do not need to pack a full picnic, but a small bottle of water for the boat ride may be useful.

Keep your booking details and Blue Lagoon pass easy to access. The government rule depends on the pass being valid and accurate, and an error can change your destination to Santa Maria Bay.

The trip allows free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later, which helps if your Malta plans are still shifting. Check the available starting time when you book, since the activity duration is listed as five hours but the exact start can vary.

Why the strong ratings make sense

The most praised parts are easy to understand. The motorboat ride provides a dose of speed and excitement, while the Blue Lagoon stop gives you a solid block of free time instead of rushing you straight back after a photo stop.

One passenger from Poland described the fast boat ride as highly successful and highlighted the amount of time at Blue Lagoon. Another booking from Canada noted a late departure of about 10 minutes, but also received an extra 10 minutes when requested. A United Kingdom booking singled out Alex, the boat driver, for making the journey more enjoyable.

Those details point to the tour’s strengths: an energetic ride, a useful beach window, and a crew member who can shape the mood of the crossing. They also show why timing matters. A short delay may not ruin the outing, but with only five hours overall, every minute counts.

The overall rating is 4.4 from 52 ratings, which suggests a generally positive experience with room for normal variation. I would not read that as a promise of perfect conditions. The sea, access rules, departure timing, and your comfort with the boat all affect how much you enjoy the trip.

Should you book the Comino half-day trip?

Book it if you want the fastest practical route from St Julian’s to Comino, about two hours at Blue Lagoon, and a short Santa Maria Caves visit before returning around 1 p.m. At $53, it offers good value for a compact outing, especially if you prefer free time over a long guided program.

Before paying, reserve your official Blue Lagoon access slot and confirm that your name and other pass details are correct. Bring beachwear, a towel, and any snorkeling gear you need. If you are prone to seasickness, have a listed medical condition, or want a quiet full-day beach escape, choose another plan.

FAQ

How long is the Comino Blue Lagoon trip?

The activity lasts five hours. The boat ride to Comino takes about 45 minutes, and you receive approximately two hours at Blue Lagoon before visiting Santa Maria Caves and returning to St George’s Bay.

Where does the boat leave from?

The meeting point is by the Corinthia Verdi Marina in St Julian’s. Look for a black gate before entering the underground area, pass through it, walk down the ramp, turn left, and follow the yellow line along the jetty to the office.

Is Blue Lagoon access included automatically?

No. Since April 29, 2025, visitors must reserve access through the official Blue Lagoon website. You need a valid pass with correct details to enter Blue Lagoon.

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

You will not be allowed into Blue Lagoon. The activity information says clients without a valid pass, or with incorrect pass details, will be redirected to Santa Maria Bay nearby.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not included, but you can buy them at Blue Lagoon.

Are towels and snorkeling equipment provided?

No. Towels, fins, and snorkels are not included. Bring your own towel and beachwear, and bring personal snorkeling equipment if you want to use it.

Who should not take this activity?

The trip is not suitable for pregnant women, people with back or heart problems, people with mobility impairments, wheelchair users, people with recent surgeries, people with motion sickness, babies under one year, or people over 70.