Blue water hits fast, even before you drop anchor. This half-day from St Julian’s puts you in Comino’s Blue Lagoon in about 45 minutes, then adds Santa Maria Caves on the way back. I love the combo of time for swimming and snorkeling plus the cave stop, and I also like that you’re not stuck planning boats and schedules yourself. The main drawback to know up front: you now need a valid Blue Lagoon access pass, or you could be rerouted.

The cruise runs along Malta’s east coast past St Paul’s Islands, so you get views while you’re still “on the way,” not just when you arrive. You’ll spend roughly 2 hours in the water, and you can rent sun beds there if you want a proper set-up. One more practical heads-up: food and drinks are available for purchase, but they’re not included, and you’ll want to bring a towel since yours won’t be provided.

You’ll meet near the Corinthia Verdi marina, follow the jetty directions to the operator’s office, and then get into the rhythm of a quick, fun ride. If you prefer a long, relaxed day with endless beach time, this may feel a bit short—because it is a half day. Still, for a tight schedule, it’s a strong way to see the best of Comino without giving up your whole day.

Key things to know before you go

• 45-minute crossing time from St Julian’s area makes Comino feel close
• About 2 hours in Blue Lagoon for swimming, snorkeling, and sun time
• Santa Maria Caves visit adds variety beyond just beach time
• Sun beds available to rent in Blue Lagoon if you want comfort
• Food and drinks not included, but you can buy them on-site
• Blue Lagoon access pass required by the new 2025 rule, or you may be redirected

From Corinthia Verdi to Comino: The Fast Start You’ll Feel

Your day begins at the jetty area of the Corinthia Verdi hotel. The meeting point is a bit specific: before you enter the underground part of the hotel, there’s a black gate. Go through it, walk down the ramp, turn left, and follow the yellow line on the jetty until you reach the operator’s office.

Once you’re aboard, the trip to Comino moves at a good pace. You cruise along Malta’s east coast, passing by St Paul’s Islands, and then cross over to Comino. This matters because it changes the day from a “wait around, then see things” format into a more efficient one. Even if you’re itching to get in the water, you’re already enjoying sea views while you’re traveling.

The motorboat style also brings a little adrenaline. If you like fast rides and don’t mind being on the water for a short stretch, you’ll likely enjoy the feeling of speed and the quick change of scenery. If you’re sensitive to motion, this is exactly the kind of outing that can feel harder than a slower ferry.

Blue Lagoon Free Time: Swim, Snorkel, and Choose Your Comfort

The heart of this half-day is your time in Comino’s Blue Lagoon—about 2 hours. That’s long enough to do a couple of water sessions: dip in, swim a bit, try snorkeling if you brought the right gear, and then switch to sunbathing when you’re done.

You’ll get free time on the water, which is key. It means you’re not locked into one single viewpoint or one single swim spot with constant pacing. You can take breaks when you want and move around at your own pace.

Here’s what you should plan around:

• Sun beds are available to rent in Blue Lagoon.
• Food and drinks are available to buy there.
• You are not provided with towels, fins, or snorkels, so come prepared.

Since towels and snorkeling gear aren’t included, I’d treat this like a “pack smart” outing. Bring a towel so you’re not stuck with nowhere to dry off, and wear beachwear that’s easy to rinse or dry fast. If you want to snorkel, consider bringing what you need (or renting once you’re there, if that’s an option you prefer).

One more real-world thing: the Blue Lagoon access rules now require reservations through the official website. That means your “2 hours in the Blue Lagoon” depends on having a valid pass. If not, you may not reach the main beach area at all.

Santa Maria Caves of Comino: A Scenic Change of Pace

Between the transfer and your Blue Lagoon time, you’ll also visit the Santa Maria Caves of Comino. This adds variety, because you’re not only doing beach life. Even if your main goal is the water, caves give you a different setting—water outside, rock formations nearby, and that classic Comino feel that looks great from the boat.

Practically, cave visits on short half-day trips usually work best as a visual stop rather than a long exploration. In other words, you’re likely there long enough to experience the scenery without expecting a full hiking-style visit. That works for most people, because it preserves your beach time while still breaking up the day.

If you’re the type who enjoys a “photo + look around + back on the boat” rhythm, this portion is a good match. If you hate brief stops and want only one long activity, you might feel like the caves take time away from the lagoon.

Transfers and Timing: What “Half Day” Really Means

This trip runs about 5 hours total. After your time in Comino, you’ll cruise back and arrive in St George’s Bay around 13:00. That timing is handy if you’re staying in the St Julian’s area and want the morning or early day to stay open afterward.

Also, the included transfers matter more than you might think. You’re getting transport from St George’s Bay to Blue Lagoon, plus the transfer back. In a place like Comino, where schedules and logistics can get complicated quickly, paying for a simple door-to-water-and-back setup is real value.

Another small timing detail: the boat departs quickly once you’re set. It’s not a slow sightseeing cruise. One of the nice touches is that the boat driver is flexible with small delays—there’s a story of leaving about 10 minutes late and still working with an extra 10 minutes request. So if your group is tight on timing, it’s worth showing up with enough buffer, but don’t assume everything runs like a robot.

Price and Value: What You’re Really Paying for at $53

At about $53 per person, this half-day costs less than you’d expect if you tried to coordinate everything independently: boat transport, the time slot at Comino, and the cave stop. The price is essentially buying you:

• a guided boat ride and transfers
• about 2 hours in Blue Lagoon
• a cave stop (Santa Maria)

What isn’t included is also important for value: food, drinks, towels, fins, and snorkels. That means your true cost depends on what you plan to do once you reach the island. If you plan to snack and buy drinks there, budget for it. If you plan to carry only essentials and keep spending low, you can.

For me, the best value angle is not just the ticket price—it’s the time saved. You’re not spending your vacation hours figuring out crossings, meeting points, and schedules. For a 5-hour commitment, you still get a complete Comino “greatest hits” experience: the Blue Lagoon and the Santa Maria Caves.

What to Bring (and What to Skip) for a Smooth Blue Lagoon Day

You’ve got a short window in Comino, so packing choices matter. Bring:

• a towel
• beachwear

I’d also make sure you’re ready to handle a quick turnaround after swimming. Your day is mostly water time, so anything heavy or slow-drying becomes annoying fast.

Not included means you should expect to arrange your own:

• towels
• fins
• snorkels

If you don’t snorkel, you can still enjoy the water with a swim-only setup. But if snorkeling is your priority, don’t rely on “someone will have it.” Plan as if you need your own gear.

One more thing that helps: sun protection. The lagoon time is free, so you might stay out longer than you planned. A hat or sunscreen usually saves the day.

Who Should Skip This Trip (Real Limits for Real Bodies)

This outing isn’t designed for everyone. It’s not suitable for:

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

Even if you’re generally fit, the combination of boat ride + water time can be the deciding factor. If you’re prone to motion sickness, this is a serious consideration because the motorboat crossing is short but not gentle.

If you’re in a category listed above, it may be smarter to choose a different format—like a calmer tour by smaller steps or a different destination—rather than forcing it and spending the day uncomfortable.

Blue Lagoon Access Pass: The 2025 Rule That Can Change Your Day

This is the biggest “check before you leave” item. As of the policy issued on 29 April 2025, all visitors must reserve access through the official Blue Lagoon site:

Blue Lagoon

You’ll need a valid pass. If your pass is missing or your details are incorrect, you won’t be allowed entry to the Blue Lagoon. In that case, the plan changes and you’ll be redirected to Santa Maria Bay, an alternative beach adjacent to the Blue Lagoon.

This matters because it affects the core promise of the trip: time in the Blue Lagoon. So do the pass reservation early, double-check your details, and keep the info on hand. It’s not the kind of mistake you want to discover at the dock.

Should you book this half-day from St Julian’s?

If your goal is a classic Comino visit in one tight block—about 2 hours in Blue Lagoon, plus Santa Maria Caves—this is a very reasonable way to spend half a day. The value holds up because you get transfers and a structured experience without the stress of DIY logistics.

Book it if:

• you want speed and efficiency (Comino in about 45 minutes)
• you’re comfortable with a fast boat ride
• you’re ready to bring a towel and handle your own snorkeling gear
• you’ll reserve the Blue Lagoon access pass ahead of time

Skip or rethink it if:

• you can’t manage motion sickness or physical constraints listed as not suitable
• you forget the access pass rule and would be unhappy with a reroute to Santa Maria Bay
• you want a longer, slower beach day with lots more time to linger

FAQ

Where do I meet for the Comino Blue Lagoon half day?

Meet at the Corinthia Verdi marina area. Before entering the underground of Corinthia Verdi (Marina) there is a black gate. Go through the black gate down the ramp, turn left, and follow the yellow line on the jetty to the operator’s office.

How long is the tour from St Julian’s?

The duration is about 5 hours.

How much time will I have in the Blue Lagoon?

You’ll have approximately 2 hours in the Blue Lagoon.

What’s included in the price?

Included are transfers from St George’s Bay to the Blue Lagoon, about 2 hours in the Blue Lagoon, a visit to the Santa Maria caves, and the transfer back to St George’s Bay.

Are towels, fins, or snorkels included?

No. Towels, fins, and snorkels are not included.

Can I buy food and drinks on the trip?

Yes. Food and drinks can be bought in the Blue Lagoon.

Do I need a Blue Lagoon access pass?

Yes. Visitors are required to reserve access through the official website: https://blcomino.com/product/blue-lagoon/

What happens if I don’t have a valid pass?

If you don’t hold a valid pass or your pass details are incorrect, you won’t be allowed entry to the Blue Lagoon. You’ll be redirected to Santa Maria Bay, an alternative beach adjacent to the Blue Lagoon.