Sliema: Comino Blue Lagoon Half Day

If you’re visiting Malta and craving a mix of scenic sailing, crystal-clear waters, and a taste of island tranquility, a half-day boat trip to Comino’s Blue Lagoon is often one of the most recommended activities. While I haven’t personally taken this specific tour, reviews and detailed descriptions help paint a pretty vivid picture of what you can expect. It’s a popular choice for travelers wanting a quick escape from the bustling towns, offering a little of everything—beautiful scenery, caves, swimming, and relaxed sunbathing.

What really makes this trip stand out are the stunning views along the Maltese coastline, the visit to Santa Maria Caves, and the iconic Blue Lagoon itself. The experience is generally well-loved for its scenic beauty and the opportunity to cool off in warm Mediterranean waters. On the downside, some reviews highlight that timing can be tight and that certain groups might find the experience less personalized. This tour seems best suited for those who want a straightforward, scenic excursion with plenty of opportunities to swim and relax.

If you’re keen on a trip that combines sightseeing, a bit of adventure, and plenty of time to unwind in nature’s best, then this experience could be a good fit. It’s especially suited for travelers who prioritize value for money and enjoy being on the water.

• Excellent for scenery lovers: The boat cruise offers beautiful views along Malta’s rugged coastline and the chance to see Santa Maria Caves.
• Great for swimming enthusiasts: The Blue Lagoon’s warm waters are perfect for a refreshing dip and sunbathing.
• Limited free time: The stopover at the Blue Lagoon is roughly 3 hours, which might feel rushed if you want to fully explore or relax.
• Good value for the price: The tour includes visits to caves, a scenic cruise, and time on Comino, which offers multiple memorable moments.
• Guide and boat quality: The reviews mention experienced guides and a comfortable speedboat experience, adding to the enjoyment.
• Potential drawbacks: A few travelers experienced less flexibility and limited access, so punctuality is essential.

The Departure and Setting Out

The trip begins from a designated meeting point opposite Chequers Bar in Sliema. From there, a comfortable speedboat sets off along Malta’s coastline, giving travelers an immediate taste of the island’s scenic beauty. We loved the way the boat glided smoothly over the water, making it easy to settle in and start soaking up the views. The duration of about 4.5 hours seems to strike a balance—enough time to enjoy the highlights without feeling rushed.

You’ll have an English-speaking host or greeter, making navigation and questions straightforward. Keep in mind, the tour does not include hotel pick-up or drop-off, so you’ll need to plan your transport to the meeting point.

You can check if your dates are available here:

The Scenic Cruise Along Malta’s Coastline

Once underway, the boat’s route offers sweeping vistas of Malta’s rugged coast, with dramatic cliffs and hidden coves. As the boat cruises past, you’ll get excellent views of the Santa Maria Caves, which are known for their striking rock formations and turquoise waters. Several reviewers have remarked on how breathtaking these caves are, describing them as a highlight of the trip.

Participants often comment on the knowledgeable guides, who point out notable sights and offer insights into the area’s geology. One reviewer appreciated the “extremely nice” guide who made the experience more engaging. The boat’s speed and stability make for a smooth ride, though some sensitive travelers mentioned the potential for motion sickness—so bringing motion sickness medication or a seasickness patch is a consideration if you’re prone.

Santa Maria Caves and the Blue Lagoon

After passing the caves, the boat heads toward the Blue Lagoon on Comino Island, a famous spot known for its crystal-clear waters and postcard-perfect scenery. The in-water experience is the core of this trip. You’ll likely spend around 3 hours here, which, according to reviews, is sufficient for swimming, sunbathing, and snapping photos.

The reviews reveal mixed experiences regarding this stop. One traveler noted, “with a 3-hour stopover, you can really explore everything,” but another lamented that “they left us there because we were 3 minutes late,” highlighting the importance of punctuality. The Blue Lagoon can get crowded, especially with limited access, but the water’s warmth and clarity make up for the hustle. Expect to see other boats and visitors, giving it a lively, energetic vibe despite its small size.

The Santa Maria Caves and Pass by St. Paul’s Islands

On the way back, the boat navigates past the St. Paul’s Islands, offering panoramic views. These islands are steeped in historical and religious significance, though the tour mainly focuses on the scenic aspect. Passengers often remark on the stunning vistas and the peacefulness of the area during the return journey.

End of the Trip

The cruise concludes back at the original meeting point in Sliema or St. George’s Bay. The entire experience lasts approximately 4.5 hours, making it a perfect half-day activity. The tour does not include food or drinks, so bringing water, snacks, or a light lunch can enhance the experience.

The tour includes the speedboat trip, a visit to the Santa Maria Caves, and the chance to swim and relax at Comino. It also offers scenic views of St. Paul’s Islands during the return.

However, it does not cover food, drinks, or hotel transfers, so plan accordingly. Booking on the official website is mandatory for entry due to new government policies, with passes required to access the Blue Lagoon. Failing to do so could result in being redirected to Santa Maria Bay, an alternative but less iconic location.

• Reserve early through the official site to secure your spot and avoid disappointment, especially during peak season.
• Bring sunscreen, a hat, camera, and water — the sun on the water can be intense, and you’ll want to capture memories.
• Wear comfortable clothes and water shoes or flip-flops, as swimming and walking on rocks are involved.
• Consider bringing a waterproof bag for valuables, as the boat may get splashed.
• Be aware that the ride can be bumpy, and if you’re prone to seasickness, pack medication or patches.
• Keep punctuality in mind; reviews suggest that being a few minutes late can mean missing the stop or losing your spot.

Several reviews highlight that guides are knowledgeable and friendly, adding a personal touch. One traveler mentioned, “Guide/boat driver was extremely nice,” which suggests that the staff can make the trip more memorable.

On the flip side, a reviewer expressed frustration about the limited time at the Blue Lagoon, saying, “we got only 2 hours in Blue Lagoon,” and felt the service was a “total rip off” when left behind for being late. This underscores the importance of punctuality and managing expectations around timing.

Many travelers also appreciated the value for money, considering the scenic stops, caves, and swim time packed into a 4.5-hour window. The overall vibe is relaxed, with plenty of opportunities for photo ops, swimming, and soaking up the sun.

This tour offers a straightforward, scenic way to experience Malta’s coastline and the famous Blue Lagoon. It’s best suited for those who want a balanced mix of sightseeing and relaxation without the hassle of planning multiple activities separately. The inclusion of caves and the pass-by of St. Paul’s Islands adds extra layers of interest, making this a well-rounded half-day adventure.

While some reviews point out timing issues and the importance of punctuality, most travelers find the experience to be good value and worth the effort, especially if you’re eager to see Malta’s most iconic waters in a comfortable setting. The chance to swim in warm, clear waters and take in stunning views makes it a highlight for many visitors.

If you’re visiting Malta and want a memorable, photo-worthy trip with a bit of adventure, this Blue Lagoon tour from Sliema fits the bill. Just remember to reserve early, stay on time, and come prepared for a fun day on the water.

Do I need to book this tour in advance? Yes, booking via the official website is necessary due to government policies, and it ensures you secure your spot.

How long is the tour? The entire experience lasts about 4.5 hours, including the boat ride, cave visit, and stop at Blue Lagoon.

What should I bring? Bring a hat, swimwear, towel, camera, sunscreen, and water. A waterproof bag can be helpful for valuables.

Are food and drinks included? No, these are not included, so bring your own if desired.

Can I get hotel pickup? No, the tour starts from the meeting point opposite Chequers Bar in Sliema.

Is the Blue Lagoon crowded? During peak times, yes—expect other boats and visitors, but the scenery and water quality make it worthwhile.

Is the trip suitable for children? The tour is generally suitable for children, but check for swimming ability and seasickness considerations.

What if I am late for the boat? You risk being left behind or losing your spot, so punctuality is crucial.

Are there any age restrictions? The tour is not suitable for pregnant women, people with back problems, non-swimmers, or those prone to seasickness.

Can I cancel if my plans change? Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

In all, this tour provides a fun and convenient way to experience Malta’s stunning waters and scenery. It combines scenic cruising, cave exploring, and plenty of swimming time—ideal for travelers seeking a balance of adventure and relaxation in a beautiful setting.

You can check if your dates are available here: