Sliema: Comino Blue Lagoon Half Day

Blue Lagoon looks close, but it is a real outing. This half-day speedboat trip from Sliema mixes cave scenery with time on Comino Island.

The two best parts for me are the windy speedboat cruise along Malta’s coastline and the Santa Maria Caves stop, where the rock shapes and turquoise water feel like they belong on a postcard.

One thing to think about, though: the timing can be a little fluid, and there may be ticket checks or an extra wait, so I would not plan a tight appointment right after.

Key things to know before you go

• Speedboat cruising from Sliema gives you that fast, windy coast pass you cannot get from a slow ferry
• Santa Maria Caves are the dramatic rock-and-water moment, with scenic viewpoints from the boat
• Comino drop-off time is your real swim and sun window on the island
• St. Paul’s Islands views happen on the return, so keep your camera ready
• Blue Lagoon access now requires a reserved pass via the official site, or you could be redirected to Santa Maria Bay
• Pack for water time because there is no food or drinks included and you’ll want sunscreen plus a towel

Speedboat Time From Sliema to Comino, and Why It Feels Worth It

This is a half-day trip built around one idea: getting you to Comino’s Blue Lagoon area fast, then letting you enjoy it without feeling rushed by a full-day schedule. You leave from Sliema by speedboat, and right away you trade city streets for open water.

The ride is part of the fun. You get sea air, sun on your face, and a moving vantage point along Malta’s coastline. If you like your sightseeing with momentum, you’ll enjoy this format. If you prefer slower travel or you easily feel seasick, this is where you need to be honest with yourself, because speedboats are not the calm, rocking kind of boat.

From a value standpoint, I like that the price includes the actual boat transport plus the cave visit and Comino time. The big tradeoff is what you do not get: food and drinks are not included. So you will want to bring your own water and plan for snacks if you get hungry.

Also note the duration: about 4.5 hours, depending on the schedule you book. That length is just right for a swim-focused break, but it is not long enough to feel like you can do everything on Malta’s schedule. Think of it as a focused coastal hit.

Finding the Boat: Chequers Bar, Possible Ticket Stops, and Timing Reality

Your meeting point is clearly set: the boat departs from opposite Chequers Bar in Sliema. That matters because Sliema is busy and signage can be confusing, especially when you are early and stressed.

Here is the practical advice I would follow: arrive a bit early and take a quick look at who is checking people in. One review also flagged that the pickup location can be different from what you expect, with a short walk involved, plus a potential secondary step where you get off, claim tickets, and then board another boat after a short wait. That is not the end of the world, but it can change how quickly you settle into your ride.

Timing is another small variable. One review reported the trip ending later than what the description suggested, by around 40 minutes. So if you have a later dinner reservation or a ferry connection, give yourself a buffer. This tour is meant for sea time, not for running a perfect timetable.

One more detail worth mentioning: the boat type you end up on can be more speedboat-like than you might expect from photos. If you like the idea of a zippy ride, that is good news. If you dislike speedboat motion, still read the suitability notes carefully.

Cruising Past Santa Maria Caves: Rock Formations and Big Water Views

Once you leave Sliema, the focus shifts to the scenery on the way over. The boat route includes passing dramatic rock formations and the Santa Maria Caves area, which is where the water looks most striking.

What makes this stop work is the combination of geology and color. Those caves and sea inlets create a natural set for the kind of dramatic shapes you cannot recreate on land. Even if you are not getting out of the boat for a long stretch of exploration, the viewpoints from the water give you that “how is this real?” feeling.

This part is also a good reset for people who spent the morning walking around Malta. You get to sit down, put on sunscreen, and let the boat do the sightseeing math for you. Your job is basically to keep an eye out for landmarks and have your camera ready before you forget.

One note from experience style logic: this is not built as a long cave exploration day. It is a half-day, so you should expect the cave segment to be more about viewing and short timing rather than a full-on, extended adventure. If you want lots of time on shore, this might not be the best fit.

Comino Island Drop-Off: Swimming, Sun, and the Blue Lagoon Hour You Came For

After the Santa Maria Caves segment, the boat drops you at Comino. This is your main free-time block, and it is the reason many people book in the first place.

Once you are on Comino, you can do what you came for: swim in the warm Mediterranean waters, relax, and bask in the sun. The tour description emphasizes that the atmosphere is tranquil once you are off the boat, and that is the key difference between this and a “just transit” excursion.

The value here comes from simple practicality. A half-day format means you are not wasting your limited time on long, slow transfers. You get a real window where you can swim, get in the shade, and take your time without worrying about fitting in more stops back on Malta.

Still, I want you to know how this typically feels. One review noted it would have been nice to have a swim stop somewhere along the way and said it felt expensive for just one swim stop. That is not automatically wrong, but it is a fair heads-up. If your dream includes multiple swim times at different beaches, this tour may feel like it gives you one big chance, then moves you on.

In your own planning, this means you should treat Comino as your main swimming mission. Bring what you need so you are not forced to buy everything once you are there, and plan to spend more time in the water than you think, because that first swim turn often turns into a second one.

The Blue Lagoon Pass Requirement (And What Happens If You Do Not Have One)

A newer government policy now requires visitors to reserve access through the official website. If you do not hold a valid pass, or if your pass details are incorrect, you will not be allowed entry to the Blue Lagoon area. In that case, you are redirected to Santa Maria Bay, which is adjacent to the Blue Lagoon.

This affects real people planning real days, so treat it like a must-do task. If you are flexible, this is still manageable. You still get water time at a nearby beach, but the whole reason for booking the Blue Lagoon specifically could feel altered. Save yourself that stress by reserving access properly ahead of time.

St. Paul’s Islands on the Return: Panoramic Views Without Extra Effort

On the way back, you pass St. Paul’s Islands, with panoramic views of the area. This part matters because it gives you a final scenic payoff after Comino.

It is also a nice psychological rhythm. You spend the first part of the trip getting there, the middle enjoying the water, and the final stretch quietly watching the coastline from your seat. For many people, that is when you feel the trip “wrap up” in a calm way, not like you are being rushed back.

Bring your camera, but also do not forget to just look. The boat motion makes it easy to shoot a dozen photos, then miss the best sight because you were busy framing everything. Try to balance both.

Price and Value: Is $53 a Good Deal for a 4.5-Hour Sea Day?

At $53 per person for a half-day experience, the value depends on your priorities.

Here is what you get for that price:

• Speedboat transport from Sliema
• Santa Maria Caves stop
• Time to swim and relax at Comino
• Views of St. Paul’s Islands on the return

Here is what is not included:

• Food and drinks
• Hotel pickup and drop-off

So the math is pretty clear. If you are the type who would gladly spend money on boat travel anyway and you mainly want Comino water time, this price can feel fair. You are paying for access plus transportation, not for an all-you-can-eat beach day.

If you are hoping for lots of extra swimming along the route, a longer beach loop, or a more guided, talkative experience on land, you may feel the cost more sharply. One review called out that it felt expensive for just one main stop. That critique comes from exactly this issue, not from the quality of the scenery.

My practical recommendation: if this is your first time in the Comino area, do it. If you already know you want a very multi-stop itinerary, then you might want to compare with longer tours that add extra swimming opportunities.

What to Bring for Comfort, Sun, and Waterproof Living

You have a short window and a lot of water time, so pack like it is a beach day, not a city visit. The essentials listed for you include:

• Hat
• Swimwear
• Towel
• Camera
• Sunscreen
• Water

And you should add two behavior habits:

• Wear comfortable clothes and shoes suitable for water activities.
• Use a waterproof bag for personal belongings, because wet and sand happen fast around boats and beaches.

Also consider motion sickness. The trip is by speedboat, and the information specifically warns that people prone to seasickness should think twice. If you know you get motion sick on boats, this is the place to prepare. Do not rely on luck.

Who Should Book This Half Day Blue Lagoon Trip

This is built for people who want a classic Comino day but in compact time. It is a strong match if you:

• Love fast, scenic sea travel
• Want a guaranteed Comino swim window
• Prefer a short tour over an all-day itinerary

It is not suitable for:

• Pregnant women
• People with back problems
• Non-swimmers
• People prone to seasickness

If you fall into any of those categories, I would skip this specific format and look for a different kind of itinerary that better fits your needs.

One more fit test: if you need strict timing, this is not the kind of tour to treat like a clock. One review reported the return ran later than expected. That is not enough to ruin a day, but it is enough to plan with slack.

Should You Book This Sliema to Comino Blue Lagoon Half Day?

If your goal is Comino water time, Santa Maria Caves views, and a wind-in-your-hair speedboat day, I think this is a solid choice. The combo of speedboat cruise plus Comino free time is exactly what a half-day tour should do.

Book it if:

• You are comfortable with speedboat motion
• You can swim, or you are at least confident in the water
• You are ready to handle the Blue Lagoon pass requirement through the official site

Skip it or rethink it if:

• You want multiple swimming stops along the route
• You hate surprises around pickup steps and timing buffers
• You might struggle with seasickness

If you go in prepared, you end up with a memorable sea outing that feels like you beat the island schedule rather than getting dragged by it.

FAQ

How long is the Sliema Comino Blue Lagoon half day tour?

The duration is about 4.5 hours.

How much does the tour cost?

The price is listed as $53 per person.

Where does the boat depart from?

The boat departs from opposite Chequers Bar in Sliema.

What is included in the tour price?

It includes the speedboat trip to Comino’s Blue Lagoon, a visit to Santa Maria Caves, time to swim and relax at Comino, and views of St. Paul’s Islands on the return.

What is not included?

Food and drinks are not included, and there is no hotel pickup or drop-off.

Is there free cancellation?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Do I need to reserve access for the Blue Lagoon?

Yes. Visitors are required to reserve access through the official website, and you must have a valid pass. If you do not, you will not be allowed entry to the Blue Lagoon and may be redirected to Santa Maria Bay.

What should I bring?

Bring a hat, swimwear, towel, camera, sunscreen, and water. Wear comfortable clothes and shoes suitable for water activities, and bring a waterproof bag for personal belongings.

Is this tour suitable for non-swimmers?

No. It is not suitable for non-swimmers.

Are pets allowed or is smoking permitted?

Pets are not allowed, and smoking is not allowed.