Fast boats and clear water. The Comino plan is short and sweet.

I love how this half-day gets you to Comino Blue Lagoon in about 45 minutes, then gives you roughly two hours to swim, snorkel, and sunbathe on your own schedule. I also like the added Santa Maria (St. Maria) caves cruise, which breaks up the day beyond just hanging out at the water. One thing to consider: Blue Lagoon access now requires a reserved pass, and if your details aren’t correct you’ll be redirected to Santa Maria Bay instead.

If you want a practical day trip without wasting time on long transfers, this one hits the mark. You’ll cruise along Malta’s east coast (you pass St Paul’s Islands) and then cross over to Comino, returning to St George’s Bay around 13:00.

Key things to know before you go

• 45-minute cruise time to reach Comino Blue Lagoon fast
• About two hours in the water for swimming, snorkeling, and sun time
• Santa Maria (St. Maria) caves stop adds variety to the day
• Food and gear aren’t included, so pack smart
• A Blue Lagoon access pass is required via the official website
• English-speaking host and a quick, efficient routine

A half-day speed-boat run from St Julian’s to Comino

This is built for people who like their travel days efficient. You’re not doing a “whole day” tour with long waits. Instead, you get a brisk cruise out to Comino, a chunk of time where the water is the star, and then a calm return to St George’s Bay.

The vibe is active. You’ll be on a motorboat, moving along Malta’s coastline and then crossing water to Comino. Expect that slightly adrenal rush people associate with fast boats—if you like speed, it’s part of the fun.

The total duration is 5 hours, and the way the schedule is set up means you should still have the afternoon free afterwards. That’s a big part of the value: you’re buying concentrated time in the right places, not a long day where you’re exhausted before you even get in the water.

Corinthia Verdi meeting point: finding the jetty office without stress

You meet in St Julian’s near Corinthia Verdi (Marina). The instructions are very specific (and honestly, they need to be, because jetty areas can be confusing).

Look for the black gate before you enter the underground of the hotel. Go through the gate, walk down the ramp, turn left, and follow the yellow line on the jetty until you reach the office.

Practical tip: give yourself a little buffer time. You don’t want to be hunting around right at departure, especially since the boat schedule is part of the attraction.

The ride out: past St Paul’s Islands and over to Comino

You’ll depart from the St Julian’s base area and cruise along Malta’s east coast. A highlight on the route is the pass-by of St Paul’s Islands before you cross over to Comino.

This cruising section matters more than it sounds. On a half-day trip, it’s your travel time plus scenic time. You’re not staring at the inside of a bus. You’re getting sea views while heading to the main event.

Also, the speed of the boat is often what people remember. One of the most positive comments mentions a driver named Alex, with the trip feeling exciting and well handled. If you’re the type who enjoys motion and sea air (rather than hiding in a corner of a calm ferry), you’ll probably like the energy.

Blue Lagoon time: how to use your two hours well

Your main block is about two hours in Comino Blue Lagoon. This is the make-or-break part of the trip, and it’s where your choices make the biggest difference.

You can:

• swim and enjoy the crystal-clear water
• snorkel (equipment isn’t included)
• sunbathe and relax

You can also rent sun beds at Blue Lagoon. Food and drinks are available there too, so you’re not forced to bring snacks to survive. Still, because food and drinks aren’t included in the tour price, you should plan for extra spend if you want lunch on the beach.

Here’s how to make the time count. Arrive with beachwear on (so you’re ready fast). If you snorkel, consider keeping your “dry gear” minimal. Once you’re set down, you’ll burn less time juggling bags and more time in the water.

Two reality checks:

• Towels aren’t included, so bring one.
• Snorkels and fins aren’t included, so either swim without them or bring what you have.

Santa Maria (St. Maria) caves: why the cruise stop is more than a photo moment

After your Blue Lagoon time, the route includes a visit to St. Maria’s caves, also referenced as Santa Maria caves. This gives you something to look at besides water color and sun.

Caves like these are one of the classic reasons people choose Comino. Even if you’re not the type who spends hours photographing rocks, the cave stop adds variety and gives you a different kind of view—more “coastline exploration” than “beach day.”

Also, caves turn the tour into a real half-day journey rather than a simple out-and-back to one beach. You get a sense of place: Comino isn’t just the lagoon. It has character along the surrounding coastline.

What’s included vs. what you’ll pay for on the day

Let’s keep this practical. The tour includes:

• transfer from St George’s Bay to Blue Lagoon
• about two hours in Blue Lagoon
• visit to the caves
• transfer back to St George’s Bay

Not included:

• food and drinks
• towels
• fins
• snorkels

This affects value more than you might think. If you already own snorkel gear, you’ll get the price to feel more fair. If you don’t, you’ll likely spend on rentals or bring your own. Same goes for towels and drinks—Blue Lagoon has options, but it’s not included.

So, before you go, do a quick mental checklist: towel, beachwear, and your water-time plan (with or without snorkel gear). That’s the difference between having an easy day and spending the first 30 minutes figuring things out.

Price and value: is $53 worth it?

At $53 per person for a 5-hour half-day, you’re paying for speed, timing, and the on-water experience. You’re not just buying access to a beach—you’re buying a structured route with transfers and an added caves cruise.

Here’s how I’d judge the value:

• If you want limited time wasted and you prefer an efficient schedule, it’s a good fit.
• If you’re planning to spend hours reaching Comino on your own, this can save effort and help you arrive in the right window.
• If you don’t care about caves and only want to swim, you might compare with simpler options. But you’re paying for that extra variety.

One more value point: reviews specifically praise the quick, fun ride and the way the boat experience itself feels enjoyable. That matters. When you’re spending only half a day, the journey quality affects how you rate the whole trip.

Who should book this Comino half-day (and who should skip it)

This trip is clearly not for everyone. It’s marked as not suitable for:

• pregnant women
• people with back problems
• people with mobility impairments
• wheelchair users
• people with heart problems
• people with recent surgeries
• people with motion sickness
• babies under 1 year
• people over 70 years

That list tells you the real story: it’s a boat-focused experience with movement and a day centered on getting in and out of the water. If that works for you, you’ll likely enjoy it. If you have any concern about boat comfort, think carefully and consider alternatives.

Who it’s best for:

• couples and friends who want a clean, timed plan
• swimmers who like a couple hours in a top spot
• people who don’t want a full-day commitment

If you’re traveling with older kids (or adults) who can handle boat movement and water time, it can be a fun, straightforward outing.

The Blue Lagoon pass requirement you cannot ignore

This matters a lot right now. New policy requires visitors to reserve access through the official website:

Blue Lagoon

You need a valid pass. If you don’t hold one, or if your pass details are incorrect, you won’t be allowed into Blue Lagoon. In that case, you’ll be redirected to Santa Maria Bay, which sits adjacent to Blue Lagoon.

So what does this mean for you?

• Do the reservation before travel, not after you arrive.
• Double-check that your pass details match what you’ll show on the day.
• If your plan includes Comino’s Blue Lagoon specifically, this step is non-negotiable.

This is also where you’ll see the biggest “day-trip stress” for people who skip the prep. Spend five minutes on the pass and you protect the whole experience.

Small details that make your day smoother

A few items will help you enjoy the day instead of managing it:

• Bring towel + beachwear (tour doesn’t provide towel).
• Plan for water items since fins and snorkels aren’t included.
• Bring your own comfort strategy if you’re unsure about motion. The trip isn’t suitable for motion sickness, but if you’re borderline, be honest with yourself.

One more tip tied to how the day runs: the boat returns around 13:00, so if you have lunch plans, build in time to get back and freshen up. You’ll be coming off sun and sea time, not off a quick city walk.

And yes, if you’re hoping for a more flexible moment, one review notes the driver was willing to accommodate a small extra time request. Still, don’t count on it as a guarantee. Go with the schedule, and treat flexibility as a bonus.

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

I’d book it if you want a high-impact half day: fast transit, two hours at Blue Lagoon, and a caves stop, all wrapped into a 5-hour outing. The price feels fair when you factor in the boat transfers and the fact that you’re not spending half your trip just getting there.

I’d hesitate if:

• you haven’t made (or can’t make) the Blue Lagoon pass reservation
• you’re likely to feel unwell on a moving boat
• you don’t want to manage your own essentials like towel and snorkel gear

If you’re ready for speed, sun, and short-and-sweet water time, this is a strong choice for Comino. It’s the kind of trip that gives you that “I actually did the famous place” feeling without turning your day into a marathon.

FAQ

How long is the St Julian’s: Comino Blue Lagoon half-day trip?

The duration is 5 hours.

Where do I meet for the tour near Corinthia Verdi?

Before entering the underground of Corinthia Verdi (Marina) hotel there is a black gate. Go through the gate down the ramp, turn left, and follow the yellow line on the jetty to the office.

How long do I get to spend in the Blue Lagoon?

You get approximately 2 hours in the Blue Lagoon.

What caves are visited during the trip?

The tour includes a visit to St. Maria’s caves (Santa Maria caves).

What’s included in the price?

Transfers from St George’s Bay to the Blue Lagoon, about two hours in the Blue Lagoon, the caves visit, and the transfer back to St George’s Bay.

What’s not included?

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

Do I need to bring a towel?

Yes. A towel and beachwear are listed as what to bring.

Do I need snorkels or fins?

Snorkels and fins are not included, so you’ll need to bring or rent them if you plan to snorkel.

Do I need a pass to enter the Blue Lagoon?

Yes. A new government policy requires visitors to reserve access through the official website. If your pass is missing or incorrect, you will be redirected to Santa Maria Bay.

What if my plans change?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. There’s also a reserve now & pay later option.

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