St Julian’s: Powerboat Comino Blue Lagoon

The main draw is simple: you reach Comino’s Blue Lagoon in less than 30 minutes instead of spending much of the day on a slower boat. The fast crossing leaves more time for swimming, snorkeling, and seeing St Maria’s Caves before returning to St Julian’s.

I like the lively powerboat ride and the chance to combine Blue Lagoon with the caves in one outing. I also like that the price includes transport from St Julian’s and back, so you do not need to arrange separate transfers. The tradeoff is a real one: the boat can bounce hard over the waves, and Blue Lagoon can be very crowded.

Key points at a glance

• Under-30-minute crossing: The fast boat gets you from Malta to Comino quickly.
• Two water experiences: You visit Blue Lagoon and cruise past St Maria’s Caves.
• Active ride: Passengers remain seated for the full journey, and the boat may hit the waves firmly.
• About $65 per person: The cost pays for speed, transport, cave viewing, and return service.
• Best for confident swimmers and teens: The outing suits people who enjoy sun, water, and a brisk ride.
• Reserve Blue Lagoon access: Since April 29, 2025, you must book morning and afternoon access through the official Blue Lagoon website.

Why the fast boat makes sense

At $65 per person, this is not the cheapest way to reach Comino. Its value comes from time. The powerboat reaches Blue Lagoon in roughly 30 minutes, then takes about the same time to return, giving you a half-day outing rather than a long transport day.

I would choose this trip if you care about getting on the water quickly and want a more exciting ride than a standard ferry. The boat itself is part of the attraction. The route runs along Malta’s east coast, passes St Paul’s Islands, and then crosses to Comino.

You should not choose it simply because you want the smoothest ride. The boat is built for speed, and one detailed account described it as jumping over waves and landing with a firm thud. That is fun for people who like motion, but uncomfortable for anyone with back trouble or a low tolerance for bumps.

The published price includes transport from St Julian’s to Comino, a stop at the caves, and the return trip. It does not include swimwear, a towel, or the separate Blue Lagoon access reservation now required under Malta’s government policy.

Finding the boat at Ganado

The meeting point is at Ganado. Look for a black gate that is open, then walk down the ramp, turn left, and follow the yellow line along the jetty. The boats and jet skis are farther along the pier.

This is useful because the waterfront meeting point may not feel like a formal terminal. Allow enough time to find the gate and walk down to the boats. The arrival area has limited shade and seating, so you may spend some time standing before boarding.

English is the listed operating language. Once you reach the boat, follow the crew’s boarding directions closely. The operator requires everyone to remain seated for the entire ride, not just during the faster sections.

The 30-minute ride along Malta’s east coast

The boat leaves the St Julian’s area and cruises along Malta’s east coast. St Paul’s Islands are part of the route, followed by the open-water crossing to Comino.

The speed is the point here. You get the coastline and sea views without spending a long stretch in transit. At the same time, the ride is not a gentle sightseeing cruise. The boat can bounce over waves, so keep your hands free and stay seated as instructed.

I would bring only what you need: swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, and perhaps a small waterproof bag. The supplied information specifically asks you to bring swimwear and a towel. Loose items are less convenient on a fast boat than on a large ferry.

Blue Lagoon: beautiful water, heavy crowds

Blue Lagoon is the centerpiece of the outing. You receive free time for swimming, snorkeling, walking, and simply enjoying the clear water around Comino.

The water is the reason people come, and the short crossing means you arrive while much of your half-day is still available. You can swim and snorkel, then return to the boat for the cave visit before heading back to Malta.

The main problem is crowding. In August, Blue Lagoon can be extremely busy, even when the water looks wonderful. One account praised the long amount of time available there but also warned of many people. The fast boat gets you there quickly, but it does not make the lagoon private.

Bring realistic expectations. This is a famous swimming stop, not a quiet cove reserved for your group. If you want clear water and a lively holiday atmosphere, the setting works well. If you want peace, personal space, or an uninterrupted swim, the crowds may frustrate you.

The current access rule matters. Since April 29, 2025, visitors must reserve entry through the official Blue Lagoon website at blcomino.com/product/blue-lagoon/. The instructions say to book both the morning and afternoon time slots. Do this before the boat trip, and check the official site for the latest access details.

St Maria’s Caves before the return

Before heading back, the boat visits St Maria’s Caves on Comino. This adds variety to the day. Instead of spending the entire outing at one swimming area, you get a short coastal sightseeing section by boat.

The caves are best understood as a viewing stop from the water. The supplied details do not promise a cave landing or a separate cave walk, so you should expect the powerboat to cruise by and show you the formations rather than plan on an extended shore visit.

For me, this is one of the better parts of the package. Blue Lagoon supplies the swim, while the caves give the return journey a clear point of interest. The boat ride back to the Corinthia beach resort and the St Julian’s area then takes about 25 to 30 minutes.

How long the outing really takes

The activity is advertised as 4.5 hours. The practical shape is a roughly 25 to 30-minute ride to Comino, several hours at the lagoon, a cave visit, and a similar ride back.

The detailed timing information is not perfectly consistent. It lists separate five-hour and four-hour blocks for Comino and Blue Lagoon, which cannot both describe the total half-day schedule. I would use the advertised 4.5-hour duration as the planning figure and confirm the exact departure time when booking.

This matters if you have dinner reservations, another tour, or a flight connection. Boat schedules can shift with operating conditions, and the information provided does not promise a precise return minute.

Who should book this powerboat trip

This is a strong match for you if you:

• Want to reach Blue Lagoon quickly
• Enjoy a fast, lively boat ride
• Plan to swim or snorkel
• Like combining a famous swimming stop with coastal scenery
• Are comfortable spending time in a crowded public attraction
• Want transport from St Julian’s and back in one package

It worked especially well for two teenagers, aged 15 and 19, who enjoyed the speed and the active feel of the ride. That is a useful clue about the experience: it is more exciting than restful.

I would be cautious if you are pregnant, have a heart condition, or have back problems. These people are not allowed to board. Children under three are also excluded, and children who are permitted to join must be accompanied by an adult. The boat operator also says passengers must remain seated for the entire ride.

What to bring and what to expect onboard

Pack your swimwear and towel first. You will have time for swimming and snorkeling at Blue Lagoon, and the boat trip is built around being in and around the water.

You should also consider sunscreen and a secure way to carry small items, although only the swimwear and towel are specifically listed. The waterfront waiting area may have little shade and few places to sit, so arriving prepared is sensible.

Do not expect a quiet ride. The boat’s speed is one of its selling points, and the hull may strike the water firmly when crossing waves. Sit down as directed, avoid standing for photos, and keep your expectations focused on a brisk sea outing rather than a polished luxury cruise.

Cancellation and payment flexibility

You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. The reserve-now, pay-later option lets you hold a place without paying immediately, which is useful while you sort out your Malta schedule.

The host or greeter speaks English. No specific guide name is provided, so you should expect a boat crew rather than a named historical guide or a long narrated tour.

Is $65 good value?

The price is fair if speed matters to you. A slower and less expensive boat could still get you to Comino, but this option charges for a fast crossing, a smaller-feeling powerboat experience, cave viewing, and return transport from the St Julian’s area.

The value is weaker if you plan only to sit by the water and do not care how long the crossing takes. In that case, the premium for speed may not add much. It is also less appealing if crowds at Blue Lagoon are a major concern, because the fast boat cannot change the lagoon’s popularity.

The high rating of 4.9 from seven recorded bookings reflects strong satisfaction, though the sample is small. The consistent praise centers on the boat’s speed, the cave visit, the festive mood onboard, and the generous time at Blue Lagoon. The main criticisms are limited shade and seating at the meeting area, unclear boarding guidance, rough motion, and heavy crowds at the lagoon.

Should you book it?

Book this powerboat trip if you want the quickest, most energetic route from St Julian’s to Blue Lagoon and you are happy to share the lagoon with a large summer crowd. The caves and return ride give the outing more shape than a simple point-to-point transfer.

Skip it if you need a smooth boat, have a medical condition listed in the restrictions, or want a quiet beach day. For active couples, families with older children, and teenagers who enjoy speed, $65 buys a useful half-day on the water. Just reserve the required Blue Lagoon access in advance, bring your towel, and sit tight when the boat hits the waves.

FAQ

How long is the powerboat trip?

The advertised duration is 4.5 hours. The boat ride to Comino takes about 25 to 30 minutes, with a similar return journey.

Where do I meet the boat?

Meet at Ganado. Go through the open black gate, walk down the ramp, turn left, and follow the yellow line on the jetty until you see the boats and jet skis.

What does the price include?

The $65 price includes transport from St Julian’s to Blue Lagoon in Comino, a visit to the Comino caves, and the return trip to St Julian’s.

Do I need to reserve Blue Lagoon access separately?

Yes. Under the government policy issued on April 29, 2025, visitors must reserve access through the official Blue Lagoon website. The instructions say to reserve both the morning and afternoon slots.

Can I swim and snorkel at Blue Lagoon?

Yes. The free time at Blue Lagoon includes swimming and snorkeling, along with walking and general leisure time.

Are St Maria’s Caves included?

Yes. The boat visits St Maria’s Caves before returning to Malta. The supplied details do not state that passengers leave the boat at the caves.

Who cannot join the powerboat?

Children under three, pregnant women, people with back problems, and people with heart problems cannot join. Children who are allowed to participate must be accompanied by an adult.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear and a towel. You must remain seated for the whole powerboat ride.