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

Comino’s Blue Lagoon is worth the trip. This half-day speedboat tour gets you from St Julian’s to the water in about 45 minutes, then adds cave time and a cruise along Malta’s east coast. I love the speed, I love the big chunk of free time for swimming and snorkelling, and I do think the fast ride can feel rough if waves bother you.

The tour runs on set departure times with a tight schedule, so you’ll want to show up early. One drawback to keep in mind is that the boat is not private, and some riders have reported that the ride can be very fast and uncomfortable in choppy water.

Key Highlights Worth Knowing

• Fast crossing to Comino with an about 45-minute speedboat ride
• 4 hours of free time in the Blue Lagoon for swimming and snorkelling
• Comino caves plus St. Maria’s caves as a built-in sightseeing add-on
• East-coast cruising past St Paul’s Islands before you reach Comino
• Blue Lagoon access reservation required with a pass from blcomino.com

Why This Comino Speedboat Gets You There Fast

If you’re short on time in Malta, speed matters. This tour is designed so you’re not spending most of your day on boats and transfers. You cruise out from St George’s Bay, head along Malta’s east coast, then cross over to Comino, arriving at the Blue Lagoon in about 45 minutes.

Once you’re there, the day shifts gears. You get several hours to enjoy the water at your own pace, including time for swimming and snorkelling. You can rent sun beds on site, and there’s food and drinks available at the Blue Lagoon, though your tour price does not include them.

The other thing I like is that the tour does not feel like it’s only about one beach. You also visit Comino caves and then later St. Maria’s caves, so you get some variety beyond just staying in the water.

Price and Value: What You Get for About $47

At about $47 per person for a half-day around 5 hours, the value comes from what’s included: speedboat transfers to and from St George’s Bay, plus the cave visit in Comino. If you compare that to planning two separate parts on your own, the pricing feels reasonable for a structured outing with minimal fuss.

What’s not included is just as important. You’re responsible for food, drinks, and sun beds, and those add-ons can add up if you stay in the sun for hours. That said, the free time is substantial, so you’ll probably use the facilities once you arrive, especially if you want to rest between swims.

Also, this tour is not trying to be a slow, luxury experience. It’s built around getting you to Comino quickly and back on a schedule. If you want a laid-back day with gentle boat speeds, this might not match your style.

Departure Times That Shape the Whole Day

This is one of those tours where the timing is part of the deal. There are multiple departures from St George’s Bay, and you’ll return to St Julian’s based on which slot you choose:

• Depart 9:30, arrive back 13:00
• Depart 12:30, arrive back 17:00
• Depart 13:30, arrive back 17:30

Pick the departure based on how you want your day to feel. The morning option gives you the rest of the day for other plans. The midday and early afternoon options can work well if you’re already busy elsewhere in Malta, but note that you’ll be back at St Julian’s later.

One practical lesson from the reviews: keep an eye on timing day-of. Some passengers have reported that departures and return times were not held exactly as expected and changes were not always clearly communicated. I’d treat this as a “plan your day around the tour, not around your secondary reservations” kind of activity.

Getting to the Jetty: Meeting Point at ix-Xatt Ta’ San Ġorġ

You’ll start at 8 ix-Xatt Ta’ San Ġorġ. The directions are pretty specific: walk through the black gate, go down the ramp, then turn left. Follow the yellow line painted on the jetty to find the base.

You also need to build in arrival buffer. You must be at the base at least 15 minutes early, and the boat will not wait for late arrivals. Late arrivals can lose the ticket, so don’t cut it close.

One more thing to know before you go: the boat is not private, so you’ll likely join others at the meeting point and board in a group. You’ll also need to be seated for the duration of the ride.

Cruising Past St Paul’s Islands on the Way Out

The outward journey is more than just transportation. You cruise along the east coast of Malta, passing St Paul’s Islands, before crossing over to Comino and heading into the Blue Lagoon area.

This is where you get that “see it from the water” feeling without needing a full-day cruise. If you like coastal scenery, you’ll probably enjoy the ride, especially because it’s built into the tour rather than something you have to arrange separately.

And yes, the trade-off is speed. The crossing is fast, and that can be fun on calm water. In choppier conditions, it can feel like a lot, and a few reviews highlight how quickly the speedboat moves in waves.

The Blue Lagoon: 4 Hours for Water Time and Sun

The heart of the tour is your free time in Comino’s Blue Lagoon, where you get around 4 hours. This is your window for swimming and snorkelling, plus sunbathing if you want to slow down and just enjoy the view.

On-site options are straightforward. You can rent sun beds in the Blue Lagoon, and you can buy food and drinks there. The tour doesn’t include these, so decide in advance whether you want to spend on comfort, or bring a lighter approach and just use the time to swim.

Now the big practical catch: Blue Lagoon access requires a reserved pass through the official website (blcomino.com/product/blue-lagoon/). If you don’t hold a valid pass, or your pass details are incorrect, you won’t be allowed into the Blue Lagoon. In that case, you’ll be redirected to Santa Maria Bay, which is adjacent to the Blue Lagoon.

This matters because it changes what your “ideal day” looks like. If Blue Lagoon time is the reason you booked, reserve your access before you show up, and double-check your details match your booking.

Comino Caves and St. Maria’s Caves, Plus What Those Stops Mean

This tour includes a cave visit in Comino, and the itinerary also points to St. Maria’s caves later on. Caves are one of those experiences where the boat ride is part of the show. You’re not just walking around a landmark. You’re seeing the coastline and rock formations from the water as you move through the area.

The value here is variety. You spend time swimming and snorkelling in open water, then you switch to sights along the coast. Even if you’re not a hardcore cave person, the quick change of scenery can make the half-day feel fuller.

One thing to keep expectations realistic: this is not a long, slow cave tour. You’re on a schedule, and the cave time is integrated into the cruise segments. So think of it as a highlight, not a full exploration.

The Return Ride Back to St Julian’s

On the way back, the tour cruises to St George’s Bay. You’ll leave Comino after your free time and after the cave portion, then ride back to Malta.

This is another point where the ride style really shows. Some reviews describe a fast, wave-hitting return experience that felt uncomfortable for them, including bruising and reports of being thrown or jostled. That doesn’t mean everyone will have the same experience, but it does mean you should take the boat speed seriously.

A tip if you’re the cautious type: if you’re prone to seasickness or motion sickness, this tour is not suitable. The tour information specifically lists people prone to seasickness and people with motion sickness as not suitable. I’d trust that advice.

Safety and Comfort: What to Watch Before You Board

Here’s the honest truth. This is a speedboat tour, and the reviews include sharp complaints about how the ride felt and what safety items were available. One review says the speedboat seemed to lack safety measures beyond a barrier to hold, and that passengers were not given life jackets. Another review describes an accident involving a fall on the boat due to how the speedboat handled waves.

At the same time, there are also positive notes. One review rates the captain well and praises how fast the boat was, including a good time with kids.

So how should you decide? Think about your own body and comfort first.

• If you get motion sickness easily, skip this.
• If you have back problems, heart problems, mobility impairments, or anything that could be aggravated by a rough ride, skip it.
• If you’re generally okay with boats but want a calmer pace, you may find this tour more intense than you expected.

Also note that pregnant women are not allowed, and children under 10 must be accompanied by an adult aged 18+.

New Blue Lagoon Access Rule: Don’t Get Turned Away

The most important administrative step here is the Blue Lagoon access requirement. As a government policy starting 29 April 2025, you must reserve access through the official Blue Lagoon website. If your pass is missing or incorrect, you’ll be redirected to Santa Maria Bay.

This is not just “nice to have.” It directly affects where you’ll spend your 4-hour window. If you booked because of the Blue Lagoon specifically, build time into your planning to secure the pass and verify your details.

If you’re the type who hates paperwork on a trip, this might be your one downside. But once it’s done, it removes the risk of last-minute problems.

Meeting the Right Fit: Who This Tour Suits Best

This tour fits best when your priorities are:

• Time efficiency, you want Comino without losing a whole day to travel
• Water time, you’re excited to swim and snorkel
• Quick coastal sightseeing, you like seeing Malta’s coastline from the water
• Comfort with speed, you can handle a fast boat ride

It’s less ideal for people who:

• are prone to seasickness or motion sickness
• have back issues, heart issues, mobility issues, or are over 75
• need wheelchair access
• are pregnant
• have specific medical conditions listed as not suitable

And it’s not designed for families needing stroller access. Baby strollers and baby carriages are not allowed.

Should You Book This Half Day Comino Tour?

I think you should book it if your dream Malta day includes Blue Lagoon time plus caves, and you can handle a fast speedboat ride. The biggest selling points are clear: the crossing is quick, the time in Comino is generous, and the tour packages in caves plus east-coast scenery without extra planning.

I would hesitate or skip if you’re easily bothered by choppy water, have any of the health or mobility limitations listed as not suitable, or you absolutely need a gentle, calm outing. Also, don’t treat the Blue Lagoon pass rule lightly. If you miss the reservation or enter wrong details, your day changes, and you’ll likely end up at Santa Maria Bay instead.

If you match the tour’s comfort profile and you handle the pass requirement, this is a strong way to experience Comino in a half-day, without turning your itinerary into a boat spreadsheet.

FAQ

What time do tours depart and when do they return?

There are three starting times. Depart 9:30 and return at 13:00. Depart 12:30 and return at 17:00. Depart 13:30 and return at 17:30.

How long is the tour?

The duration is listed as 5 hours.

Where does the tour start?

The meeting point is at 8 ix-Xatt Ta’ San Ġorġ. You walk through the black gate, go down the ramp, turn left, and follow the yellow line on the jetty.

What is included in the price?

Speedboat transfer from St George’s Bay to the Blue Lagoon and back, plus a visit to the caves in Comino.

What is not included?

Food, drinks, and sun beds are not included.

How much time do I get at Comino?

You have free time in Comino for about 4 hours, with options for swimming and snorkelling.

Do I need to reserve access to the Blue Lagoon?

Yes. You must reserve access through the official website for Blue Lagoon. If you do not have a valid pass or your pass details are incorrect, you will not be allowed into the Blue Lagoon and you will be redirected to Santa Maria Bay.

Is this boat private?

No. The boat is not private.

Are there age limits for children?

Children under 3 years are not suitable. Children under 10 years must be accompanied by an adult aged 18+.

What should I bring and what should I avoid?

Bring a towel and beachwear. Baby strollers and baby carriages are not allowed. Pregnant women are not allowed, and the tour is not suitable for people listed with conditions such as seasickness, motion sickness, and certain medical or mobility needs.