Sliema: Comino Blue Lagoon Half Day

This half-day boat tour to Comino’s famed Blue Lagoon from Sliema offers a lively and scenic escape into Malta’s best seaside spots. Expect to cruise along the coast on a comfortable speedboat, explore intriguing sea caves, and enjoy ample time to swim and relax in the crystal-clear waters of Comino. While the trip promises stunning vistas and memorable moments, it’s worth noting that some reviews mention issues with timing and access, so managing expectations is key.

What we really appreciate about this experience is the chance to see Malta from the water, feeling the sea breeze and witnessing dramatic rock formations that you might miss from land. The highlight for many is the Blue Lagoon’s famously turquoise waters—ideal for cooling off after exploring caves and soaking up the sun on the island’s pristine sands. The trip is well-suited for travelers craving a quick yet comprehensive coastal adventure, especially those keen on swimming, picture-taking, and seeing Malta’s natural beauty.

A potential consideration is the timing and access. Some reviewers expressed frustration over limited time at the Blue Lagoon or being left behind due to delays. Also, this tour does not include food or drinks, so bringing your own snacks or beverages is advisable if you want to stay energized. This excursion works best for those who value a scenic boat ride, interesting cave exploration, and a laid-back beach stop, rather than a fully guided cultural tour.

Key Points

• Stunning Views: Enjoy picturesque coastlines, caves, and the turquoise waters of Blue Lagoon.
• Authentic Experience: Explore Santa Maria Caves and pass by St. Paul’s Islands for great photo ops.
• Swim and Relax: Ample time on Comino Island allows for swimming, sunbathing, and unwinding.
• Limited Food Options: Bring your own snacks; food and drinks are not included.
• Timing Flexibility: Be aware of potential time constraints or delays that may affect your experience.
• Family Friendly: Suitable for non-swimmers and those comfortable on a boat, but not for pregnant women or anyone prone to seasickness.

An In-Depth Look at the Blue Lagoon Half Day Tour

Starting Point and Transportation

Your journey begins at the meeting point opposite Chequers Bar in Sliema. From here, you’ll board a speedboat, which is a true highlight of this tour. The boat offers a more exhilarating alternative to slower ferries, with the wind in your hair and the open sea all around. The duration is approximately 4.5 hours, which includes the cruise, cave visits, and time at the lagoon.

The Scenic Cruise Along Malta’s Coastline

The initial part of the trip is a scenic cruise along Malta’s dramatic coastlines. We loved the way the boat glided smoothly, giving us sweeping views of the rugged cliffs, limestone formations, and rocky outcrops that define the Maltese shoreline. It’s a fantastic way to see the island from a different perspective, especially if you enjoy photography.

Santa Maria Caves and Sea Caves Exploration

Once you reach Comino, the boat stops at the Santa Maria Caves, known for their striking rock formations and turquoise waters. Reviewers mention being amazed by the caves’ dramatic shapes and colors, making them a must-see. The guide or boat driver typically provides brief commentary, sharing insights into the caves’ geology and history.

Time on Comino Island and the Blue Lagoon

The main draw is the Blue Lagoon, famed for its clear, shallow waters—perfect for swimming or just floating around with a drink in hand. You’ll have several hours here, which most travelers find sufficient to swim, sunbathe, and take photos. One reviewer mentions that despite a limited 3-hour stopover, the time was enough to explore and enjoy the lagoon’s beauty.

However, it’s worth noting that some guests have experienced issues with timing, with reports of being left behind or having only a short window for swimming. To maximize your experience, arriving promptly and being prepared for the possibility of limited time is recommended.

Passing by St. Paul’s Islands

On the return trip, you’ll pass by St. Paul’s Islands, offering panoramic views and photo opportunities. The islands are steeped in local lore, and seeing them from the water adds a special touch to the trip.

The Return and Overall Experience

Back at the starting point in Sliema or nearby, the tour concludes. Most travelers leave feeling they’ve experienced Malta’s coast in a fun, relaxed manner, with plenty of opportunities for photos and swimming.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The tour fee covers the speedboat ride, visits to Santa Maria Caves, and the time spent on Comino. You’ll also enjoy the scenic passage past St. Paul’s Islands. However, food and drinks are not included, so packing snacks is a good idea, especially if you plan to stay a while at the lagoon.

Notably, hotel pickup and drop-off are not part of this package, so you’ll need to make your way to the departure point in Sliema. This can be straightforward, but it’s worth considering if you are staying outside the immediate area.

Practical Details: Bookings, Duration, and Restrictions

Booking is simple—just reserve your spot via the official website, as per the latest government policy requiring reservations for Blue Lagoon access. The tour runs in English and is suitable for most travelers, but it’s not recommended for pregnant women, those with back problems, or non-swimmers. Seasickness can also be an issue, especially on a speedboat, so if you’re prone, bring appropriate medication.

The duration is about 4.5 hours, including transportation, cave visits, and free time. It’s advisable to bring essentials like sunscreen, a hat, a towel, water, and a waterproof bag for your belongings. A camera is also a must-have to capture the stunning scenery.

Tips for a Smooth Experience

• Arrive early to avoid missing out due to delays or late arrivals.
• Bring your own snacks and drinks since they aren’t provided.
• Wear comfortable, water-friendly clothes and shoes suitable for hiking or exploring caves.
• Prepare for the chance of motion sickness—a seat near the middle of the boat helps.
• Reserve your spot in advance through the official site, especially during peak seasons.

Authentic Insights from Past Travelers

One reviewer praised the knowledgeable guide and boat driver for their friendly attitude, describing the tour as “extremely nice” and highlighting the Caribbean-like waters of the Blue Lagoon. Another expressed frustration about a short time at Blue Lagoon and being left behind due to a minor delay, emphasizing the importance of punctuality.

Many travelers loved the stunning visuals, with comments like “hiking the caves and swimming in crystal waters made this a memorable outing.” Yet, some pointed out that limited access and crowding can be issues, so arriving early or going during less busy times might enhance your experience.

Final Thoughts: Is This Tour Worth It?

This speedboat trip from Sliema to Comino’s Blue Lagoon offers a lively, picture-perfect glimpse into Malta’s coastal beauty. If you love sea adventures, scenic caves, and swimming in clear waters, this tour could be a highlight of your trip. The combination of a fast-paced boat ride, stunning scenery, and free time at the lagoon makes it great value, especially when considering the cost of private boat hire or multiple excursions.

However, if you’re seeking a more relaxed or in-depth cultural experience, or if you prefer longer, less time-sensitive visits, you might find this tour somewhat rushed. The timing issues mentioned by some guests are worth considering—arrive early, be punctual, and have realistic expectations about the duration.

In the end, this trip is most suited for active travelers who want to combine scenic cruising with a quick dip in Malta’s most famous waters. It’s a fun, scenic, and photo-worthy adventure that captures the essence of Malta’s beautiful coastline and relaxing island vibes.

FAQ

Do I need to bring my own food and drinks?
Yes, food and drinks are not included in the tour, so bringing snacks and bottled water is recommended.

Where exactly does the tour depart from?
The boat departs from opposite Chequers Bar in Sliema, a central and easy-to-find meeting point.

How long is the trip?
The entire experience lasts approximately 4.5 hours, including travel, cave visits, and free time on Comino.

Is the tour suitable for children or non-swimmers?
While non-swimmers can enjoy the scenery and caves, swimming time may be limited, and the tour involves being on a speedboat, so children should be supervised closely.

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

Do I need to reserve in advance?
Yes, booking through the official website is required, especially following the new government policy for Blue Lagoon access.

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

Is there an option to book without paying immediately?
Yes, you can reserve your spot now and pay later, providing flexibility if your plans are uncertain.

To sum it up, this Sliema to Comino Blue Lagoon half-day tour offers a lively, scenic, and refreshing way to experience Malta’s coastline. With a good balance of adventure, sightseeing, and relaxation, it appeals especially to those who want a memorable day on the water, capturing the essence of Malta’s natural beauty. Just be prepared for some of the logistical quirks and bring your own provisions for a smooth and enjoyable outing.