Okikoki Banis – Comino Blue Lagoon Speedboat Trip- Fast Ferry

Comino’s Blue Lagoon is the star here, but the speedboat journey is part of the fun, not just transport. You leave St. Julian’s, pass Malta’s eastern coast and St. Paul’s Islands, then reach Comino in about 35 to 40 minutes. A cave tour is included before you settle in for roughly five hours by the water.

I like the generous beach time and the small maximum group of 20. I also like the human touch from guides such as Ian and Toni, who are praised for good local information, friendly service, and safe handling. The main catch is the ride itself: one guest found the boat pitched and rolled heavily, and spray can reach you.

Key points to know before booking

• Five hours on Comino: You get far more beach time than on a quick sightseeing stop.
• A fast coastal crossing: The boat reaches Comino in about 35 to 40 minutes, sea conditions permitting.
• Caves included: A speedboat tour through Comino’s caves is part of the outing.
• Guides add local color: Ian and Toni are specifically praised for friendly, informative hosting.
• Facilities on Comino: Food, drinks, toilets, showers, sunbeds, umbrellas, and watersports are available at extra cost.
• Bring waterproof protection: The boat can throw spray, and the ride may feel rough in choppy water.

From Spinola Bay to Comino in 40 minutes

The day begins at Oki-Ko-Ki Banis Watersports in Spinola Bay, St. Julian’s. The meeting information gives a morning start, with the operating details listing 9:00 am and the itinerary asking you to meet at 9:30 near Happy Dayz Bar. Because those times do not match perfectly, I would confirm the exact meeting time in the private message sent after booking.

Once everyone is aboard, the speedboat heads north toward Comino. The route gives you a moving view of Malta’s eastern coast, including St. Paul’s Islands. The skipper points out sights along the way, so this is not simply a silent transfer from one beach to another.

The crossing takes around 35 to 40 minutes in normal conditions. That is quick compared with a slower ferry, and it leaves you with a full stretch of the day on Comino. The tradeoff is motion. A speedboat is lively by nature, and the exact timing depends on the sea.

You may also get wet from spray. Keep phones, cameras, towels, wallets, and other items in a properly protected bag. I would not put anything loose on the seat or floor and hope for the best.

What the speedboat ride feels like

The boat offers a fast and energetic start to the day. One guide was praised for making the ride both entertaining and safe, while another was described as friendly and able to answer questions after many years in the job. Those details suggest a trip with plenty of conversation rather than a purely mechanical transfer.

Still, you should choose this outing because you are comfortable with a small open-water boat. One three-star experience focused on heavy pitching and rolling. That is useful information, not a minor footnote. Calm water can make the crossing exciting; rougher water can make it tiring, especially if you are prone to seasickness.

The operator gives approximate transfer times rather than fixed ones. Weather and sea conditions control the pace. If your schedule is tight later in the day, allow for some flexibility rather than planning an important evening event immediately after the stated return time.

Exploring Comino’s caves by boat

Before your long stop on the island, the speedboat makes a tour of Comino’s caves. This adds a second kind of sightseeing to the outing. You get to see parts of the coast from water level, where the rock formations and narrow openings are more noticeable than they would be from a beach.

The cave visit is brief compared with the five-hour island stay, but it gives the ride a clear purpose beyond getting you to the Blue Lagoon. A skipper who explains the sights can also help you understand what you are seeing instead of simply racing past it.

Do not confuse this with a dedicated cave expedition. The main goal is still the Blue Lagoon and free time on Comino. If you want a long, detailed study of every coastal formation, this is not that kind of trip. If you want a quick boat-based look before swimming and relaxing, it fits well.

Five hours at Comino’s Blue Lagoon

The long stop is the strongest reason to book. You have about five hours on Comino, which gives you time to swim, sit by the water, buy lunch, and move at your own pace. You are not forced into a quick photograph and immediate departure.

The Blue Lagoon is popular, so the amount of personal space can vary with the season and the day. One positive comment specifically valued arriving before the large summer crowds. An early departure therefore matters, even though no tour can promise an empty shore.

Use the first few minutes to get your bearings. Note where the boat will collect you, identify the meeting area, and keep track of the 3:30 pm pickup. The return boat is scheduled for around 3:30 pm, with arrival back at St. Julian’s Bay around 4:30 pm.

The island has food and drink facilities, along with toilets and showers. Sunbeds and umbrellas can be hired on the beach, and watersports are also available. These extras are not included in the tour price, so bring a payment method and expect to budget separately if you want more than your own towel and a swim.

Is the $59.13 price good value?

At $59.13 per person, the price covers the shared return speedboat, fuel surcharge, local taxes, driver and guide, and the booking brokerage fee. Food, drinks, beach rentals, and watersports cost extra.

I see the value in the combination of transport and time. You are paying for a direct ride from St. Julian’s, coastal commentary, a cave tour, and a long Comino stop. A cheaper boat option might still get you to the island, but it may not offer the same speedboat format or included cave ride.

The value is less clear if you only want a short swim at the Blue Lagoon. In that case, five hours may be more time than you need, and paying for a full-day outing could feel excessive. It is better suited to you if you want Comino to be the main event of your day.

Remember that the listed price does not cover everything once you arrive. If you plan to rent a sunbed and umbrella, buy lunch, and try a watersport, the final cost will rise. The basic outing still gives you the essential transport and sightseeing without forcing you to purchase extras.

Guides, group size, and the overall mood

The maximum group size is 20 people. That is large enough to create a cheerful shared outing but small enough to feel less like a major excursion boat. The exact atmosphere depends on the day, yet the available feedback describes groups as friendly and good-humored.

The guides are one of the better parts of the experience. Ian is praised for interesting information and a strong sense of safety. Toni is described as exceptionally friendly, with decades of work experience and an answer for nearly every question. Names and staffing can change, so treat them as examples rather than a guarantee of who will captain your boat.

The service style seems warm and personal rather than formal. That works well if you enjoy asking questions and chatting during the crossing. If you prefer a quiet boat with no commentary, the guide-led format may feel more active than you want.

Timing, weather, and practical preparation

The standard schedule has a morning departure, around five hours on Comino, a pickup around 3:30 pm, and a return to St. Julian’s around 4:30 pm. The duration is approximate. Sea conditions can affect both the crossing and the timetable.

The winter program, beginning in October, may change because of weather. Follow the operator’s private instructions after booking, especially if your trip falls outside the main summer period. The experience requires good weather, and a cancellation for poor conditions can lead to another date or a full refund.

You can cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations made inside that window are not accepted for a refund. Keep the local cutoff time in mind.

For the boat, I would pack:

• A waterproof phone pouch or dry bag
• A towel and swimwear
• Sun protection
• A spare layer if the wind picks up
• Money for food, drinks, rentals, or watersports
• Motion-sickness medicine if you need it

Public transportation is nearby, and the activity ends back at the same meeting point in St. Julian’s. Most people can take part, but the operator does not describe special arrangements for every mobility need, so ask before booking if you have specific requirements.

Who will enjoy this Comino trip most?

This trip suits you if you want speed, swimming, and plenty of free time in one day. It works especially well for visitors staying around St. Julian’s who want a simple round trip without arranging separate transport to a ferry terminal.

It is also a good fit for people who like a guide to point out coastal sights and share local information. The included cave tour gives the day more variety than simply sitting on a beach.

Families and mixed-age groups may appreciate the flexible five-hour stop, since each person can choose between swimming, food, sitting, or watersports. Still, the boat can pitch and roll, and everyone must be prepared for spray.

You may want another option if you dislike fast boats, get seasick easily, or want a quiet, highly predictable crossing. You should also think twice if your main goal is a peaceful beach with lots of empty space. The Blue Lagoon is popular, and the tour cannot control how busy Comino feels.

Should you book the Oki-Ko-Ki Banis speedboat?

I would book this tour if you want the best mix of transport and beach time: a quick ride from St. Julian’s, coastal views, a cave visit, and five hours to enjoy Comino without rushing.

The $59.13 price is reasonable for that package, provided you are comfortable paying separately for food, drinks, beach rentals, and activities. The main decision comes down to the sea. If a lively ride sounds exciting, this is a strong choice. If heavy rolling would spoil your day, choose a calmer boat or a more sheltered plan.

Confirm the exact meeting time, protect your belongings from spray, and keep the afternoon flexible. Do those three things and you will be prepared for what this outing really offers: a fast, social ride to Comino followed by a long, unhurried spell beside the Blue Lagoon.

FAQ

Where does the tour begin?

It begins at Oki-Ko-Ki Banis Watersports, Xatt Is-Sajjieda, Spinola Bay, St. Julian’s, Malta, near Happy Dayz Bar.

What time does the tour start?

The published details list a 9:00 am start, while the itinerary asks for a 9:30 am meeting time. Confirm the exact time in the private message sent after booking.

How long does the tour last?

The full experience lasts about seven hours. The return to St. Julian’s Bay is scheduled for around 4:30 pm, but timing depends on sea conditions.

How long is the ride to Comino?

The speedboat normally reaches Comino in about 35 to 40 minutes.

How long do I stay on Comino?

You have about five hours on the island before the scheduled pickup around 3:30 pm.

Is a cave tour included?

Yes. A speedboat tour of Comino’s caves is included in the experience.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not included in the tour price.

Are toilets and showers available on Comino?

Yes. The island has toilets and shower facilities.

Can I rent a sunbed or umbrella?

Yes. Sunbeds and umbrellas can be hired on the beach, but they are not included in the price.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The experience requires good weather. If poor weather causes cancellation, you will be offered another date or a full refund.