St Julian’s: Half Day Comino Blue Lagoon & Cave Tour

The main draw is simple: you reach Comino’s Blue Lagoon in about 45 minutes, far quicker than a slower boat cruise. I like the direct route and the chance to combine several hours at the water with a visit to St Maria’s caves. I also like that the ride follows Malta’s east coast and passes St Paul’s Islands, giving you more than a point-to-point transfer.

The catch is the fast, open speedboat ride. It can be rough in waves, and passengers must stay seated for the whole journey. Serious injury has been reported after a passenger was thrown upward on the return trip, so this is not the right outing if you have back, heart, mobility, or motion problems.

Key points to know before booking

• Blue Lagoon access now requires a separate official pass, and the details must match your booking.
• The speedboat reaches Comino in roughly 45 minutes, but the ride may be uncomfortable in rough water.
• You get about four hours of free time for swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing, depending on the departure slot.
• St Maria’s caves are visited before the return, making the trip more than a simple beach transfer.
• Sunbeds, food, and drinks cost extra, so bring what you need for several hours outside.
• You must arrive 15 minutes early, since the boat will not wait for late passengers.

A fast run from St George’s Bay to Comino

This half-day outing begins at 8 ix-Xatt Ta’ San Ġorġ, beside St George’s Bay in St Julian’s. To find the departure point, walk through the black gate, go down the ramp, turn left, and follow the yellow line painted on the jetty.

You need to arrive at least 15 minutes before departure. That matters here. The boat does not wait for late arrivals, and a missed departure means losing the ticket.

The journey to Comino takes about 45 minutes. You cruise along Malta’s east coast, pass St Paul’s Islands, and then cross toward Comino. It is a lively way to see the coast, but do not mistake the speedboat for a gentle sightseeing launch. You are seated for the entire ride, and there is no private boat option.

The safety information deserves your full attention. The boat has a barrier to hold, and one serious account described a passenger being thrown into the air on a rough return ride and suffering two broken back bones. Another account described bruising after being knocked around in the waves. Those incidents do not mean every ride is dangerous, but they do show why you should hold firmly, stay seated, and think carefully about your physical condition before booking.

What your four hours at Blue Lagoon are really like

The Blue Lagoon is the center of the trip. Once you arrive, you have free time for swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing. The clear water is the reason most people choose this tour, and the speedboat gets you there quickly enough to leave a useful block of time on Comino.

The exact amount of time on the island depends on your departure slot and the day’s schedule. The stated itinerary allows about four hours at Comino, with 45-minute boat rides in both directions. The published return times do not line up perfectly with the five-hour duration in every case, so check the exact departure and return time when you reserve.

The Blue Lagoon is not a quiet, empty beach stop. You may rent a sunbed and buy food or drinks there, but these are not included in the price. If you want to keep costs under control, bring a towel, beachwear, and anything else you need for the swimming stop.

The most important change concerns access. Since April 29, 2025, all visitors to the Blue Lagoon must reserve access through the official government website at blcomino.com/product/blue-lagoon/. You need a valid pass, and the information on it must be correct. Without one, you will not be allowed into the Blue Lagoon.

If your pass is missing or incorrect, the boat operator says you may be redirected to Santa Maria Bay, the nearby alternative beach. That gives you a possible backup, but it is not the same as getting the Blue Lagoon visit you paid for. Arrange the pass before the boat trip, not after you arrive.

St Maria’s caves add a short scenic finish

Before heading back, the boat visits St Maria’s caves in Comino. This is a brief sightseeing stop rather than a long cave walk. You stay with the boat and see the coastal rock formations from the water.

That makes the cave visit a useful extra, especially if you want more than several hours on a beach. It also breaks up the return journey. Still, you should think of it as a boat viewing stop, not a separate guided cave tour with time on land.

After the caves, the speedboat returns to St George’s Bay. The return ride can be the more tiring part of the day, since you have already spent hours swimming or sitting in the sun. Keep some water with you, and do not assume the ride will be calm simply because the morning crossing was comfortable.

Three departure times, with some timing confusion

The available departure options are listed as:

• 9:30, returning to St Julian’s at 13:00
• 12:30, returning at 17:00
• 13:30, returning at 17:30

These times suggest a trip of three and a half to four and a half hours, while the advertised duration is five hours. The route plan itself lists 45 minutes each way and four hours at Comino, which would total five and a half hours.

You should treat the exact schedule as something to confirm at booking. A separate account described departure and return times changing without clear communication. If you have a flight, dinner reservation, ferry, or other fixed plan, leave plenty of room after the stated return time.

The morning option gives you an early start and gets you back around lunchtime. The 12:30 departure is useful if you prefer a later morning, but you will spend the hottest part of the day at Comino and return late afternoon. The 13:30 option is the shortest-looking schedule on paper, although you should verify the details before paying.

Is $47 a fair price?

At about $47 per person, the price covers the shared speedboat transfer from St George’s Bay to Comino and back, plus the visit to the caves. It does not cover food, drinks, or sunbeds.

I consider that a fair price if you mainly want fast transport and several hours at the Blue Lagoon. You are paying for speed and convenience rather than a full guided tour. The coast views, St Paul’s Islands, and caves add interest, but most of the day is free time rather than commentary or organized activities.

The value drops if you expect a padded sightseeing boat, a meal, equipment rental, or a quiet private outing. None of those are part of the deal. The boat is shared, and you may need to budget extra for a sunbed or refreshments once you reach Comino.

The reserve-now, pay-later option can help if your weather plans are uncertain. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. Still, the Blue Lagoon access pass is a separate issue, so do not confuse the tour’s cancellation terms with permission to enter the lagoon.

The speedboat is the deciding factor

I would make the boat ride the first question in your decision. This is not a slow harbor cruise where you can wander around, stretch your legs, or move to a different seat. You have to remain seated for the whole ride.

The ride is described as fast, and one positive account praised the captain for moving quickly and handling a family outing well. That speed is the advantage. It gets you from St Julian’s to Comino in roughly 45 minutes.

The same speed can make the ride uncomfortable when the sea is rough. People have reported being thrown upward or knocked against the boat, with one serious report involving broken bones in the back. I cannot tell you how often that happens, but the possibility is serious enough to affect who should book.

Pregnant women are not allowed. The activity is also not suitable for children under three, people over 75, people over 150 kilograms, wheelchair users, people with mobility or heart problems, people with back problems, people prone to seasickness, or anyone with a pre-existing medical condition or motion sickness.

Children under ten must be accompanied by an adult aged 18 or older. Baby strollers and carriages are not allowed.

What to bring for the beach stop

Bring a towel and beachwear. Those are the only items specifically required, but several practical extras make sense for a four-hour stop in the sun.

You will want drinking water, sunscreen, and a way to protect your belongings from spray. Food and drinks are available at the Blue Lagoon, but they are not included. Sunbeds can also be rented, though they cost extra.

The tour does not say that snorkeling equipment is supplied. If snorkeling is important to you, ask the operator what is available or bring your own equipment if practical. The itinerary allows snorkeling, but that does not mean masks and fins are included.

Plan your clothing around the boat as well as the beach. You may be wet after swimming, and the return ride can feel uncomfortable if you are sitting in damp clothes with sea spray blowing across the boat.

Who will enjoy this trip most?

This tour suits you if you want a quick, simple way to reach Comino without arranging a private boat. It works well for confident swimmers, people who want several free hours rather than a tightly guided program, and families with older children who can remain seated during the ride.

It is also useful if the Blue Lagoon is your main goal and the caves are a pleasant extra. The 45-minute crossing is much faster than a slower boat excursion, leaving more of your half-day for swimming and sunbathing.

I would not choose it if you are sensitive to motion, have a back problem, or need easy access on and off the boat. It is also a poor match if you want a calm cruise, a private group, guaranteed quiet, or a detailed guided explanation of Malta’s coast.

The average rating is 3.5 from 14 ratings, which fits the mixed nature of the experience. The Blue Lagoon itself is the strong point. The speed, safety setup, and scheduling are the areas that require caution.

Should you book the Comino speedboat tour?

Book it if you want a relatively inexpensive shared transfer, several hours at the Blue Lagoon, and a quick look at Comino’s caves. Confirm your official Blue Lagoon pass first, arrive early, and keep your plans flexible after the listed return time.

Skip it if you have any of the medical restrictions, dislike fast boats, or want a soft, relaxed ride. I would also avoid booking it before an important afternoon commitment. The water may be beautiful, but the journey is a real part of the experience, not just a brief link between two beaches.

FAQ

Where does the tour leave from?

It leaves from 8 ix-Xatt Ta’ San Ġorġ at St George’s Bay in St Julian’s. Walk through the black gate, go down the ramp, turn left, and follow the yellow line on the jetty.

How long does the tour last?

The activity is advertised as five hours, with about 45 minutes each way by speedboat and free time at Comino. The listed departure and return times vary, so check the exact schedule you select.

How long is the trip to Comino?

The speedboat takes about 45 minutes to reach the Blue Lagoon.

What can I do during the free time at Comino?

You can swim, snorkel, and sunbathe. You can also buy food and drinks or rent a sunbed, but these cost extra.

Is a Blue Lagoon access pass required?

Yes. Since April 29, 2025, visitors must reserve access through the official Blue Lagoon website and carry a valid pass with correct details.

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

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

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not included in the tour price.

Are sunbeds included?

No. Sunbeds are available to rent at the Blue Lagoon, but the rental cost is not included.

Is the boat private?

No. This is a shared speedboat transfer.

What should I bring?

Bring a towel and beachwear. You may also want water, sunscreen, and anything you need for several hours in the sun.

How early should I arrive?

Arrive at the base at least 15 minutes before departure. The boat will not wait for late arrivals, and late passengers can lose their ticket.