Introduction to the St Julian’s Comino Blue Lagoon & Cave Tour
If you’re looking for a quick but memorable way to experience Malta’s renowned Blue Lagoon and its stunning caves, this half-day speedboat tour from St Julian’s offers just that. Starting at St George’s Bay, the journey whips you across the crystal-clear waters of Comino in roughly 45 minutes—much faster than ferry options—and delivers you straight to the lagoon’s inviting waters. It’s a popular choice for travelers short on time but eager to enjoy Malta’s best seaside spots.
What I find particularly appealing is the combination of scenic cruising and free time in Blue Lagoon and the caves. The boat’s route along Malta’s east coast offers sweeping views of St Paul’s Islands before arriving at the highlight—the Blue Lagoon—where the turquoise water practically begs for a swim or snorkel. I also like that the tour includes a visit to St. Maria’s caves, adding an extra element of natural beauty and exploration.
That said, a couple of considerations are worth noting. First, the timing and booking process can be a bit tricky—reviews reveal that departure times are not always strictly adhered to, and last-minute changes can occur without clear communication. Second, safety aspects, like the absence of cushions or seat belts, have led to serious accidents, so this tour might not be suitable for everyone, especially those prone to seasickness or with mobility issues. But overall, it’s a well-organized trip that packs a lot into five hours, especially if you love coastal scenery and warm water.
Key Points / Takeaways
- Fast Access to Blue Lagoon: Arrives in just 45 minutes, saving hours compared to other transport options.
- Cave Visits: The tour includes a stop at St. Maria’s caves, offering a glimpse into Malta’s rocky coastline.
- Flexible Free Time: Four hours at Blue Lagoon for swimming, snorkeling, sunbathing, or renting sunbeds.
- Scenic Coastal Route: Cruise along Malta’s east coast, passing St Paul’s Islands—great for photo opportunities.
- Tour Logistics: Departure times vary—9:30 am, 12:30 pm, 1:30 pm—and adherence to schedule is not guaranteed.
- Safety Precautions: No seat belts or cushions reported, so be cautious if you’re prone to motion sickness or looking for extra comfort.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in St George S Bay.
The Realities of the Speedboat Experience
This tour begins at the walk-through black gate at the designated meeting point—8 ix-Xatt Ta’ San—and you’ll follow painted yellow lines to find your vessel. The boat ride itself lasts about 45 minutes each way, with the route skimming along Malta’s coastline. While many travelers love the speed and the thrill of gliding over the water, a few have reported issues with departure delays and timing changes, making it essential to arrive early and stay flexible.
Once in Comino, your free time is what makes this trip appealing. The Blue Lagoon is famous for its striking, clear waters and sandy seabed—perfect for swimming and snorkeling. You can rent sunbeds there, buy food and drinks, and soak up the sun. For many, this is the highlight—an hour or two of pure relaxation on a tiny island paradise.
The tour also visits St. Maria’s caves, which are accessible from the boat. These caves, carved by nature into the coastline, add an exciting visual element and a chance to see Malta’s rugged landscape up close. The boat then loops back, passing St Paul’s Islands—a scenic highlight—and returning to the starting point.
Pricing and Value
At $51 per person, the tour is reasonably priced considering the included speedboat transfer and the scenic highlights visited. It’s a compact way to see Malta’s coast and enjoy the water without the hassle of arranging your own boat or ferry. However, it’s important to note that food, drinks, and sunbeds are not included, so you should budget extra if you want to indulge in the amenities at Blue Lagoon.
Some reviews highlight that the experience offers good value for a half-day trip, especially for those who prioritize quick access and scenic cruising over extensive facilities. But the absence of amenities like cushions or seat belts, as mentioned in an unfortunate review, could be a concern if comfort and safety are top priorities for you.
Who Will Love This Tour?
This experience suits travelers who want a concise, scenic snapshot of Malta’s coast, with ample time for swimming and relaxing in the Blue Lagoon. It’s ideal for those with limited time on Malta but eager to see its most iconic spot in style. It also appeals to adventure lovers who don’t mind a bit of speed and rocking waves for the thrill.
However, if safety or comfort matters greatly to you—particularly for young children, pregnant women, or those with mobility issues—this tour might require careful consideration or choosing a more stable, relaxed option. It’s best for travelers comfortable with boat rides and who appreciate natural beauty over luxury amenities.
Length, Logistics, and Practical Tips
The tour lasts about five hours—from departure around 9:30 am or early afternoon to return by 1 pm or later, depending on your chosen schedule. Check availability ahead of time, as times can shift. Arriving at least 15 minutes early is recommended to avoid missing the boat, which won’t wait for late arrivals.
Bring essentials like a towel, beachwear, sunscreen, and perhaps a waterproof camera for the caves and water activities. Keep in mind, strollers aren’t allowed, and safety guidelines prohibit certain groups, including pregnant women and those with medical conditions, from joining.
The tour provider recommends reserving your Blue Lagoon access in advance via the official website due to new government policies. This ensures smooth entry and avoids disappointment.
What’s Not to Miss
Apart from the stunning Blue Lagoon, the St. Maria’s caves are a unique feature of this cruise. The caves are carved into the coastline and offer some photo-worthy scenery, especially if the weather is clear. The route along Malta’s east coast, passing St Paul’s Islands, is also worth the small addition of time—beautiful, rugged, and quite different from the busy beaches.
Authentic Experiences and Honest Feedback
While many travelers rave about the scenery and swimming, some reviews paint a more cautionary picture. One traveler shared that departure times aren’t always adhered to, and late arrivals may lose their ticket. More seriously, a guest reported an accident during the return trip, resulting in broken bones due to the boat’s speed and lack of safety restraints. The company responded responsibly, but it’s a stark reminder to prioritize safety and be mindful of the conditions.
On the positive side, several visitors appreciate the opportunity to see Malta’s coast without the hassle of organizing transportation themselves and enjoy the crisp, clean waters and breathtaking views. The food and tapas offered at Blue Lagoon are also mentioned as highlights by some, adding a flavorful touch to the day.
The Sum Up: Who Should Consider This Tour?
If your main goal is to tick off Malta’s Blue Lagoon and Caves in a short time, this tour delivers a lot of bang for your buck. It’s perfect for adventurous travelers, groups, or families who don’t mind a speedy ride and appreciate scenic water journeys. For those who love snorkeling, sunbathing, and quick coastal sightseeing, it’s a straightforward, no-fuss option.
However, if you prioritize comfort, safety, or a more leisurely pace, you might want to explore other options or prepare carefully. The tour’s timing issues and lack of safety features could be drawbacks for some.
In the end, it’s a solid choice for a highlight of Malta’s seaside beauty, especially if you’re looking for a half-day escape that combines adventure, relaxation, and spectacular scenery.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the duration of this tour?
The entire experience lasts about 5 hours, including cruising, free time in Blue Lagoon, and cave visits.
What are the departure times?
The scheduled departures are typically at 9:30 am, 12:30 pm, and 1:30 pm, but check the current availability as times can vary or change without notice.
What’s included in the price?
Your ticket covers speedboat transfers from St George’s Bay to Blue Lagoon and back, plus a visit to the Comino caves.
Are food and drinks included?
No, food, drinks, and sunbeds are not included; you’ll need to purchase these separately at Blue Lagoon if desired.
Is this tour suitable for children?
Children under 10 need to be accompanied by an adult, but the tour is not recommended for babies, pregnant women, or those with medical conditions due to safety concerns.
Can I reserve my Blue Lagoon access?
Yes, due to new government policies, visitors must reserve access through the official website to ensure entry.
What safety precautions are in place?
The boat does not have seat belts or cushions, so be aware if you have safety concerns or are prone to seasickness.
What should I bring?
Bring a towel, beachwear, sunscreen, and possibly a waterproof camera. Avoid bringing large strollers or heavy bags.
Is this experience flexible or cancellable?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund and reserve now with pay later options to keep your plans flexible.
This tour from St Julian’s is a swift, scenic way to enjoy Malta’s famous Blue Lagoon and caves, offering an accessible and exciting water adventure—perfect for a quick escape to the coast.