From St. Julian’s: Comino and Blue Lagoon Trip by Powerboat

Comino’s Blue Lagoon is the star here, but the real selling point is getting there quickly. This six-hour outing cuts across the water from St. Julian’s by powerboat, reaching Comino in about 30 minutes instead of making a slower all-day cruise.

I like the direct route and the generous block of free time. You can swim, snorkel, sunbathe, or walk around Comino without being tied to a guide or a fixed group schedule. I also like the return past Comino’s sea caves, weather permitting. The main caution is the ride itself: a fast powerboat can bounce hard on rough water, and this is not a good choice if you are prone to seasickness or need a smooth, gentle boat trip.

Key points to know

• A 30-minute crossing: The powerboat travels from St. Julian’s along Malta’s eastern coast, passing St. Paul’s Islands before heading to Comino.
• Free time rather than a guided walk: Once ashore, you explore Blue Lagoon and Comino at your own pace.
• A government access pass is required: Since May 2025, you need an official pass from blcomino.com to step ashore at Blue Lagoon.
• The return includes sea caves: The skipper plans a cave visit on the way back when weather and sea conditions allow.
• The boat ride is lively: The speed saves time, but rough water can make the journey uncomfortable and physically demanding.
• The $65 price covers the boat: Fuel, an experienced skipper, the outbound and return rides, and free time at Comino are included, but food, drinks, and the Blue Lagoon access pass are extra.

The quick run from St. Julian’s to Comino

The boat leaves from a jetty behind the Verdi St. George’s Bay Marina Hotel, formerly the Marina Hotel Corinthia Beach Resort. The meeting point is not right out on the main road, so allow time to find it.

At 8, Ix-Xatt Ta’ San Ġorġ, look near the entrance to the hotel’s underground parking area for a black iron gate. Go through the gate, walk down the ramp, turn left, and follow the yellow line painted on the ground. That line leads to the jetty, where the boats and jet skis are kept.

There are two departure choices: 10:30 AM and 12:30 PM. The earlier boat returns to St. Julian’s at about 4:30 PM. The later departure returns at about 5:00 PM, giving you roughly four hours at Comino in either case.

The ride itself takes about half an hour. You travel along Malta’s eastern coast and pass St. Paul’s Islands before crossing toward Comino. This is a transport-focused excursion, not a narrated sightseeing cruise, so you should expect the skipper to concentrate on getting you there safely and efficiently rather than explaining every landmark.

That directness is useful. You spend less of the day sitting on a boat and more time at the island. It also means the ride can feel energetic. A powerboat is not the same as a large ferry or a spacious sightseeing vessel. One recent account describes hard plastic seats, a rough landing when the boat hit waves, and only one handrail to hold. That experience also raised concerns about the lack of life jackets during a rough crossing.

I would treat the sea conditions as an important part of your decision. The operator lists people prone to seasickness, people with back problems, pregnant women, and those with heart or mobility issues among those for whom the trip is unsuitable. Bring motion-sickness prevention if you normally need it, but do not assume medication will make a rough ride comfortable for everyone.

Blue Lagoon access now requires planning

The Blue Lagoon is famous for its clear cyan water, pale sandy bottom, and marine life. It is the place most people have in mind when they book this outing, but access rules changed in May 2025.

You now need a government-issued access pass to disembark at Blue Lagoon. The pass is obtained in advance through blcomino.com, and the daily allocation is limited. You cannot simply arrive by boat and walk ashore without one.

The time-slot detail matters. For the 10:30 AM departure, you need to book both the morning and afternoon slots. For the 12:30 PM departure, you need the afternoon slot. Check the official pass system before booking the boat, not after. If you arrive without the required pass, the boat will take you to Santa Marija Bay instead.

That alternative still puts you on Comino, but it is not the Blue Lagoon. If the famous turquoise swimming area is your main reason for booking, the access pass is not a minor formality. It is essential.

The lagoon itself is likely to be the busiest part of your day. One account specifically recommends reaching it as early as possible because crowds can be large. The later 12:30 PM departure gives you a useful afternoon visit, but it does not give you the best chance of enjoying the lagoon at its quietest.

Four hours to swim, snorkel, or walk

This is not a guided tour of Comino. Once you step ashore, the time is yours.

You can swim in the clear water, snorkel near the shore, lie in the sun, or stroll through the island’s countryside. The outing works best if you prefer freedom over a packed schedule. You are not being moved from one landmark to another, and there is no guide leading a walking group.

The Blue Lagoon’s water is the main attraction. Its pale bottom helps create the bright color, while the clear conditions make it appealing for swimming and snorkeling. Bring your own swimwear, towel, sunglasses, sun hat, and sunscreen. Comfortable shoes are also useful if you plan to walk away from the water.

Do not expect the boat fare to cover your food or drinks. Those are not included, so plan your refreshments separately. Large bags and luggage are not allowed, which makes sense on a small powerboat but means you need to pack lightly.

The free-time format has a trade-off. You get control over your day, but you also need to manage your own belongings, swimming time, shade, and return meeting point. Keep track of when the boat is due back. The afternoon pickup is what makes this a six-hour outing rather than an open-ended island visit.

The return route and Comino’s sea caves

The boat collects you from Comino later in the afternoon and heads back to St. Julian’s. If weather and sea conditions permit, the route includes Comino’s sea caves.

This is a nice extra because the caves give you a different view of the island from the water. The visit is dependent on conditions, though, so do not treat it as guaranteed. Wind, waves, and boat traffic can affect the route.

The return journey may also feel just as lively as the outward crossing. One account describes a different boat being used for the ride back and says the skipper made unnecessary maneuvers near other boats. Another account praised the speedboat transport. Taken together, the sensible reading is that the ride can be efficient and exciting, but you should not choose this trip if you want a calm, predictable cruise.

The operator includes fuel and an experienced skipper in the price. There is no guide, so the skipper’s main role is boat handling and transport. The advertised host language is English.

Is $65 good value?

At $65 per person, the price is reasonable if you want fast transport and several hours at Comino. You are paying for the outbound powerboat, the return journey, fuel, an experienced skipper, free time on the island, and a possible sea-cave visit.

The value is strongest when you care about time. A fast crossing lets you reach Comino in about 30 minutes, then leaves most of the day for your own plans. You are not paying for a full guided program, lunch, or a long list of organized activities. That keeps the experience simple.

The price is less attractive if you mainly want a leisurely boat cruise. The seating may be hard, the ride can be bumpy, and the sea-cave stop depends on the weather. You also need to budget for food and drinks, plus the Blue Lagoon access pass if a government fee applies when you book.

The 89 percent perfect score for transport is a useful signal about what this trip does best: it gets you from St. Julian’s to Comino quickly. The overall rating is 4.5 from 31 ratings, with several very positive short responses praising the experience and the driver. The less favorable account focuses on safety equipment and rough handling, so I would give those concerns serious weight rather than assuming every crossing will be smooth.

Who should choose this powerboat trip?

I would recommend it to confident swimmers, couples, friends, and independent visitors who want a straightforward day at Blue Lagoon. It suits you if you would rather decide how to spend your Comino time than follow a guide with a fixed program.

It is also a good fit if you are staying in or near St. Julian’s and want a direct departure point. The trip does not include hotel pickup or drop-off, so you need to reach the marina jetty yourself.

I would be cautious if you have a sensitive back, heart problems, limited mobility, or a strong tendency toward seasickness. The operator does not consider the activity suitable for people with those concerns, and one account describes a rough ride with hard seats and limited handholds.

It is also not designed for children under three. Pets, baby strollers, large bags, non-folding wheelchairs, baby carriages, and electric wheelchairs are not allowed.

For a family with older children, the main question is not simply age. Consider how comfortably everyone handles speed, spray, boat movement, and a long outdoor stop with limited shade information provided. If anyone in your group dislikes fast boats, a slower option may be a better fit.

What to bring and how to prepare

Pack light. The operator does not allow luggage or large bags, so bring only what you need for swimming and sun exposure.

Your useful kit is simple:

• Swimwear and a towel
• Sunscreen and a sun hat
• Sunglasses
• Comfortable shoes
• Motion-sickness prevention if needed
• A small personal bag, within the operator’s limits

Apply sunscreen before boarding if you can. The crossing is exposed, and the Blue Lagoon stop is built around outdoor time. Keep your belongings secure while swimming, since the activity does not include a guide or organized baggage service.

Check the sea forecast and confirm your Blue Lagoon pass before leaving. If conditions are poor, the cave visit may not happen, and a rough crossing can change the feel of the whole day. The activity includes free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and allows you to reserve now and pay later, which gives you some flexibility when planning.

Should you book it?

Book this trip if your priority is fast access to Comino, several hours of independent time, and a possible sea-cave visit on the way home. The $65 fare offers solid value for transport, especially compared with spending much of the day on a slower boat.

Do not book it simply because you want a calm cruise. The powerboat can bounce in rough seas, seating may be basic, and one account raises clear concerns about life jackets and aggressive maneuvers. Ask about safety equipment before departure and pay close attention to the sea conditions.

Most important, arrange the Blue Lagoon access pass before you go. If you miss it, you may be taken to Santa Marija Bay instead. With the pass secured, light luggage, sensible sun protection, and a realistic view of the ride, this is a focused and efficient way to spend a day around Comino.

FAQ

How long does the trip last?

The activity lasts six hours. The 10:30 AM departure returns to St. Julian’s at about 4:30 PM, while the 12:30 PM departure returns at about 5:00 PM.

How long is the powerboat ride to Comino?

The journey from St. Julian’s to Comino takes about 30 minutes.

Where does the boat leave from?

It leaves from the jetty behind the Verdi St. George’s Bay Marina Hotel in St. Julian’s. Use the black iron gate near the underground parking entrance, walk down the ramp, turn left, and follow the yellow line to the jetty.

Do I need a pass to visit Blue Lagoon?

Yes. Since May 2025, you need a government-issued access pass from blcomino.com to disembark at Blue Lagoon. Daily availability is limited.

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

You will be taken to Comino’s Santa Marija Bay instead of stepping ashore at Blue Lagoon.

Is this a guided tour?

No. The Comino stop is free time, so you explore and relax independently. An experienced skipper operates the boat, but there is no tour guide.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not included in the $65 price.

Are the sea caves guaranteed?

No. The sea-cave visit takes place on the return journey when weather and sea conditions permit.

Is the trip suitable for people prone to seasickness?

The activity is not considered suitable for people prone to seasickness or motion sickness. The powerboat can move sharply in rough water, so consider another type of boat trip if you need a smoother ride.