St. Julian’s: Comino Blue Lagoon Sunset Cruise by Speedboat

The best reason to take this trip is the timing: you reach Comino’s Blue Lagoon near sunset, after the noisy daytime rush has eased. I like the quick speedboat ride from St. Julian’s and the chance to see the Santa Maria Caves and St. Paul’s Islands in one short outing. I also like that fuel, a skipper, and the return ride are included.

The main drawback is comfort. This is a practical open speedboat, not a cushioned sunset yacht, and the long bench seats can make the ride rough, especially near the front. You’ll also need a government access pass if you want to step ashore at the Blue Lagoon.

Key points to know before booking

• Sunset changes the Blue Lagoon: The water may look darker in the fading light, but the quieter setting can be more enjoyable than the daytime crush.
• The boat is built for speed, not luxury: Seating consists of side benches, with room for roughly 8 to 15 people.
• Santa Maria Caves are a drive-by sight: You pass the caves from the water rather than taking a long cave visit.
• A government pass is now required: Apply at blcomino.com and choose the evening time slot if you plan to get off at the Blue Lagoon.
• There is no guided commentary: Your English-speaking skipper handles the boat, while your time on Comino is free time.
• The return route adds St. Paul’s Islands: You get a different coastal view on the way back to St. Julian’s.

A fast evening run from St. Julian’s

This 2.5-hour trip is designed around one simple idea: get you to Comino quickly, give you time near the Blue Lagoon, and bring you back before the evening is over. That makes it a useful choice if you want to see Comino without giving up a full day in Malta.

The boat leaves from the jetty behind the Verdi St. George’s Bay Marina Hotel, formerly the Marina Hotel Corinthia Beach Resort. The meeting point is at 8, Ix-Xatt Ta’ San Ġorġ, in St. Julian’s. Finding the jetty takes a little attention. Near the entrance to the hotel’s underground parking area, look for a black iron gate. Go through it, walk down the ramp, turn left, and follow the yellow line painted on the ground until you reach the boats and jet skis.

Allow enough time to find this spot. The departure point is not described as a large public terminal, so arriving early will help you avoid a last-minute search around the hotel.

The boat is a long speedboat with bench seating along the sides. It can carry a small group, roughly 8 to 15 people, depending on the boat and arrangement. This keeps the trip more personal than a large ferry, but it also means limited room to move around and no promise of a soft, relaxed seat.

What the speedboat ride feels like

The first leg to Comino takes about 35 minutes, according to the practical timing of the trip. You travel through the north Comino Channel, and the point is to cover distance quickly rather than drift slowly along the coast.

Speed is the real advantage here. From St. Julian’s, a fast boat gets you to Comino much more directly than a slower sightseeing vessel. You spend more of your limited evening at the destination and less time waiting to arrive.

The tradeoff is a firm ride. The boat is not particularly comfortable, and the front seats can feel much bumpier than the benches farther back. If you are prone to motion sickness, this is a serious concern, not a minor footnote. Bring motion sickness prevention if you normally need it, and consider choosing a seat toward the rear if the skipper allows passengers to select their places.

You should also wear practical clothing. Comfortable shoes are useful around the jetty and Comino, while swimwear makes sense if you plan to enter the water. Large bags, luggage, strollers, non-folding wheelchairs, baby carriages, and electric wheelchairs are not allowed.

Children under three, pregnant women, people with back or heart problems, people with mobility impairments, wheelchair users, and anyone prone to seasickness or motion sickness should not book this outing.

Santa Maria Caves from the water

As the boat nears Comino, it passes the Santa Maria Caves. These sea caves are one of the island’s best-known coastal sights, with rock walls and openings shaped by the water over time.

Keep your camera ready, but set your expectations correctly. This is a short passage by the caves, not a separate cave tour. The boat may slow enough for you to look and take photographs, but your main stop comes later at the Blue Lagoon.

This quick cave visit works well for anyone who wants to add a few coastal sights without extending the trip into a full-day cruise. If sea caves are your main reason for visiting Comino, though, you may prefer a tour built around longer cave stops.

Arriving at the Blue Lagoon near sunset

After passing the caves, the boat continues around the bend toward the Blue Lagoon. The approach is one of the most appealing parts of the trip because the lagoon is being visited at a quieter hour, rather than during the peak daytime period.

That does not mean you will have the place to yourself. Boats, shore businesses, and other people may still be present. But the evening slot avoids much of the daytime pressure, and the lowering sun gives the water and surrounding rock a different mood.

The sunset is the central event. You can watch the light fall across the Mediterranean, take photographs, and enjoy free time at Comino. A refreshing swim stop is part of the plan, but the exact feel of that stop depends on your access arrangements and the conditions at the lagoon.

One important point: sunset light does not always show the Blue Lagoon at its famous bright turquoise best. As the sun drops, the water can look darker rather than brilliantly blue. If your main goal is the classic midday color, an afternoon trip may suit you better. If your priority is fewer people and softer evening light, this timing makes more sense.

The new Blue Lagoon access-pass rule

Since May 2025, you need a government-issued access pass to step ashore at the Blue Lagoon. You obtain it in advance through blcomino.com, and the daily allocation is limited.

For this evening trip, choose the evening slot when applying. The pass is not included in the $53 tour price, and the boat operator cannot replace it with its own permission. Without the pass, you will not be allowed to get off at the Blue Lagoon.

If you arrive without the pass, the boat will take you to Santa Marija Bay instead. That gives you a Comino stop, but it is not the same as stepping ashore at the Blue Lagoon. This is the single most important booking detail, so handle it before the day of departure.

The pass rule also affects how you plan your time. The experience is no longer simply a matter of showing up, riding to Comino, and walking onto the shore. Check the official site before booking and make sure the date and evening time match your boat reservation.

Free time, not a guided Comino visit

Once you reach Comino, the skipper does not lead a walking tour or provide a structured history lesson. You have leisure time to swim, take photographs, look around, or sit by the water.

That freedom is useful if you prefer to set your own pace. You are not tied to a long explanation or a group walk. On the other hand, you should not book this expecting an expert guide to explain the island’s geology, history, or landmarks.

The stop can involve walking from the boat to the swimming area and passing shore vendors. If you want a peaceful, polished experience with no commercial activity, the setting may feel less serene than the word sunset suggests. Bring only what you need, since large bags are not permitted and there is no mention of food, drinks, or personal storage being included.

The available stop has been described as roughly an hour and 15 minutes, though the total outing remains about 2.5 hours. That is enough time for a swim and a look around, but not enough for a full Comino walk.

The ride back past St. Paul’s Islands

The return route follows the coastline and passes St. Paul’s Islands before heading back to St. Julian’s. This gives the trip a useful change of scenery instead of simply retracing the outbound route.

St. Paul’s Islands are associated with Malta’s coastal setting and add another recognizable sight to the evening. The view is best treated as a passing coastal highlight, not a landing or extended island visit. The boat then returns to the same St. Julian’s base.

By the end, you have covered the main elements in a compact package: speedboat transport, sea caves, Comino, the Blue Lagoon area, sunset, and St. Paul’s Islands. The route is efficient, but there is little spare time for delays or a long swim.

Is $53 a fair price?

At $53 per person, the price is reasonable if you value speed and a short evening schedule. Your fare covers the boat ride in both directions, fuel, an experienced skipper, the Comino sea caves, free time, and the sunset stop. You are paying for transport and access to a carefully timed route rather than a full guided sightseeing program.

The value drops if you expect comfort, food, drinks, or luxury. None of those are included. The boat’s bench seating can be hard on a rough crossing, and the Blue Lagoon access pass is an extra step and potential extra cost outside the booking.

I would compare this with the cost of a slower cruise and the value of your time in Malta. If you have only one evening and want the fastest practical route from St. Julian’s to Comino, the fare can make sense. If you want a soft seat, a full meal, live commentary, or a long swim directly from the boat, this is not the right product.

The free cancellation policy, with cancellation up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, gives you some protection. You can also reserve and pay later, which helps if your Malta plans are still shifting. Those are useful booking terms, but they do not change the need to secure the Blue Lagoon pass separately.

Who will enjoy this Comino trip?

I would recommend it most to an active adult or older child who enjoys a quick ride, open water, and independent sightseeing. It suits someone who wants to see Comino in an evening and does not need a guide to organize every minute.

It is also a good fit if you have already seen Malta’s main sights and want a sunset outing from St. Julian’s. The route packs several coastal views into a short window, and the evening departure leaves most of the day free.

I would be cautious if you have back trouble, dislike rough boat rides, or often feel sick at sea. The combination of speed, bench seats, and open-water conditions can make the trip hard work rather than relaxing.

You should also think carefully about your Blue Lagoon expectations. This is not a private boat experience, and you may arrive near other boats and shore vendors. The evening can be calmer than the day, but it is not a promise of solitude.

My booking advice

Book this trip if your priorities are speed, sunset timing, and a compact Comino visit. Before paying, secure the evening access pass at blcomino.com, pack swimwear and motion sickness prevention if needed, and prepare for a firm bench seat rather than a luxury cruiser.

Skip it if you want a fully guided tour, a comfortable yacht, a meal on board, or the brightest possible Blue Lagoon color. The real value is getting from St. Julian’s to Comino quickly and seeing the coast at day’s end. For the right kind of passenger, that is a worthwhile evening. For anyone seeking a calm, polished boat outing, the $53 price may feel high.

FAQ

How long does the St. Julian’s to Comino sunset cruise last?

The full experience lasts about 2.5 hours, including the speedboat journey to Comino, the stop near the Blue Lagoon, and the return trip past St. Paul’s Islands.

Where does the boat leave from?

The boat leaves from the jetty behind the Verdi St. George’s Bay Marina Hotel, formerly known as the Marina Hotel Corinthia Beach Resort, at 8, Ix-Xatt Ta’ San Ġorġ, St. Julian’s. Enter through the black iron gate near the underground parking entrance, follow the ramp, turn left, and follow the yellow line to the jetty.

Do I need a pass to get off at the Blue Lagoon?

Yes. Since May 2025, you need a government-issued access pass to step ashore at the Blue Lagoon. Apply through blcomino.com and select the evening slot for this cruise.

What happens if I do not have a Blue Lagoon access pass?

You will not be allowed to disembark at the Blue Lagoon. Instead, the boat will take you to Santa Marija Bay on Comino.

Is this a guided tour?

No. An English-speaking skipper operates the boat, but the Comino stop is free time rather than a guided walking tour.

What is included in the $53 price?

The price includes the speedboat ride from St. Julian’s to Comino and back, fuel, an experienced skipper, a visit to the Comino sea caves, free time on Comino, the sunset stop, and the return route past St. Paul’s Islands. Food, drinks, hotel transfers, and the government access pass are not included.