St Julian’s: Powerboat Comino Blue Lagoon

Blue Lagoon rewards an early start. This powerboat trip cuts the crossing from St Julian’s to Comino to less than 30 minutes, giving you more time for swimming, snorkeling, and the famous caves. I like the quick crossing and the chance to see St Paul’s Islands from the water. I also like that the boat visits St Maria’s Caves instead of simply dropping you at the lagoon and turning around.

The tradeoff is simple: this is a speedboat ride, not a gentle ferry trip. You stay seated for the whole crossing, and the boat can hop over waves hard enough to bother anyone with back trouble. Blue Lagoon can also be very crowded, and one passenger found the amount of time there longer than expected, so this suits people who want a full water day more than those seeking a short scenic outing.

Key points before you book

• Less than 30 minutes to Comino: The fast powerboat makes the crossing much quicker than a slower boat service.
• St Maria’s Caves are included: You get a scenic boat visit before returning toward Malta.
• A proper swim stop: There is free time for swimming and snorkeling at Blue Lagoon.
• A lively ride: The boat’s speed and energetic atmosphere are a major part of the experience.
• Not suitable for everyone: Children under three, pregnant women, and people with heart or back problems cannot board.
• Reserve Blue Lagoon access separately: The current government policy requires both a morning and afternoon reservation through the official Blue Lagoon website.

Why the fast powerboat matters

Comino is close to Malta, but the crossing still shapes your day. A slow boat can turn a visit into a long transport exercise, especially when you are eager to reach the water. This service aims to get you from its St Julian’s area departure point to Blue Lagoon in under 30 minutes, with a similar trip back.

That speed is the main reason to pay $65 per person. You are paying for transport, a visit to Comino’s caves, and a faster route than standard boat services. If your priority is simply reaching Blue Lagoon with as little time on the water as possible, the extra cost can make sense.

The boat is also part of the entertainment. The ride is described as fast, and the boat can bounce over waves. That gave some passengers exactly the excitement they wanted, especially two teenagers aged 15 and 19 who loved the speed. For others, the same movement could feel rough.

I would think of this as an active boat outing rather than a quiet transfer. You do not move around during the ride, and you need to stay seated from departure until arrival. If you prefer a smooth, slow cruise, this is probably the wrong boat.

Finding the departure point near 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 until you see the boats and personal watercraft.

That final approach is worth taking seriously. The departure point is not described as a formal terminal with a large indoor waiting room. Allow enough time to find the gate and walk down to the jetty without rushing.

The waiting area may feel basic. Shade and seating are limited, and clearer instructions about boarding would make the start easier. I would arrive ready to follow the yellow line and ask staff where to wait if the boats are not obvious.

Bring your swimwear and towel from the start. You may also want sun protection and drinking water, although only swimwear and a towel are specifically listed as required items. Since the ride keeps you seated, keep anything you bring secure and easy to reach.

The first 25 minutes, St Paul’s Islands from the water

After leaving Malta, the boat cruises along the eastern coast. The route passes St Paul’s Islands before crossing toward Comino.

This opening stretch gives you a different view of Malta. From land, the coast can feel built up and busy. From the boat, you get a wider sense of the shoreline and the small islands offshore. The crossing is not a guided sightseeing tour with a detailed commentary, so I would treat the views as part of the ride rather than expect a full historical explanation.

The fast pace changes the feel of the trip. You are not slowly drifting past every cliff and inlet. Instead, you get a brisk run across the water, followed by the reward of arriving at Comino quickly.

The boat’s atmosphere can be lively. One French passenger particularly enjoyed the festive mood on board, while another described the boat and cave visit as the best part of the day. That suggests the ride itself is not just a practical transfer. It is a central feature, especially for younger passengers and anyone who enjoys speed.

Arriving at Blue Lagoon in under 30 minutes

Blue Lagoon is the star of the outing. Its clear water is ideal for swimming and snorkeling, and the short crossing means you reach it before spending much of the day in transit.

The water is the reason people come here, but the setting is not peaceful in the way photographs can suggest. Blue Lagoon is a major attraction, and the area can be very crowded. You may find it hard to claim a quiet patch of shoreline or enjoy the water without other swimmers nearby.

That does not make the lagoon unworthy. It simply changes your expectations. Come for the bright water and easy access, not for solitude. If you want photographs with fewer people, timing matters, but the exact departure times vary, so check availability when booking.

You should also complete the required Blue Lagoon access reservation. Under the government policy issued on April 29, 2025, visitors must reserve access through the official website at blcomino.com/product/blue-lagoon/. The instructions provided for this trip say to reserve both the morning and afternoon slots. The powerboat booking does not remove that separate requirement.

Once at Comino, you have time for swimming and snorkeling. The supplied schedule gives several hours for free time at Comino and Blue Lagoon, although the overall activity is advertised as 4.5 hours and the detailed timing includes separate water transport periods. I would check the exact departure time and confirm how much time you will have at the lagoon before setting off.

St Maria’s Caves before the return ride

The cave visit is a welcome addition. Many boat trips focus only on taking you to Blue Lagoon, but this route includes St Maria’s Caves before the return to Malta.

You stay on the boat for this part, so you are not walking into the caves. Instead, you cruise past and view them from the water. That makes the stop easy and keeps the schedule moving, while still adding a second Comino sight beyond the crowded lagoon.

This is also a good reason to keep your camera ready. The cave visit gives the return journey a scenic purpose, rather than making it feel like a simple trip back. One passenger specifically rated the caves and boat ride as the strongest parts of the experience.

Do not expect a long cave tour on foot or an extended stop inside a cavern. The information describes a visit by boat, so the value is in the coastal scenery and the change of pace from swimming.

How rough is the speedboat?

This is the most important practical question. The boat is promoted as the fastest on Malta, and the speed is clearly part of its appeal. But speed on open water also means motion.

A passenger who loved the ride warned that the boat sometimes jumps over waves and lands with a strong impact. That comment is especially useful if you have any concern about your back, neck, or joints. The operator does not allow people with back conditions or heart conditions to board, and pregnant women cannot take the trip.

You must remain seated during the entire ride. That rule is not a minor detail. You cannot stand to stretch, move to a different part of the boat, or walk around while crossing. Follow the crew’s instructions and keep your belongings stable.

Children under three are not allowed. Children who meet the age requirement must be accompanied by an adult, and an adult should be prepared to supervise them closely during the ride. The speed and wave movement may be exciting for older children and teenagers, but they should still understand that this is a firm-seat, high-speed boat trip.

Is $65 good value?

At $65 per person, this is not the cheapest way to reach Comino. The price makes more sense when you value speed and want the caves included.

You are paying for the return transfer from St Julian’s to Blue Lagoon, the fast crossing, the Comino cave visit, and time for swimming and snorkeling. The key saving is time. Reaching Blue Lagoon in less than 30 minutes leaves more of your half-day for the place you came to see.

I would compare it with your own priorities. If you want the lowest possible transport cost, a slower service may suit you better. If you are staying in St Julian’s and want a direct, energetic boat outing with no long approach, $65 is reasonable.

The value is strongest for a small group that enjoys speed. Two teenage boys reportedly found the ride exactly right, and that fits the product well. The value is weaker for someone who dislikes rough water, wants a quiet crossing, or hopes to spend only a short time at Blue Lagoon.

Because access to Blue Lagoon now requires a separate official reservation, remember that your $65 covers the boat experience and listed stops, not every possible cost connected with visiting the lagoon. Arrange the required access slots before you travel.

What the atmosphere is really like

The mood can be festive once the boat leaves. That adds fun, but it also means the experience is not designed as a calm nature cruise.

The departure area itself may feel less polished than the boat ride. Limited shade and seating can make the wait uncomfortable, and boarding instructions could be clearer. Once underway, though, the experience appears much stronger, with the boat’s speed and the cave passage drawing the highest praise.

I would keep your expectations focused. You are not buying a luxury yacht outing or a private boat. You are buying an efficient, lively ride to one of Malta’s most famous swimming spots, with a scenic cave visit added on.

The English-speaking host or greeter should help with the basic meeting and boarding process. Still, bring patience at the jetty and pay attention to where staff direct you. The information provided does not give a group size or promise a detailed onboard commentary, so I would not book it mainly for personal guiding.

Who should choose this boat trip?

I would recommend it most strongly to:

• Swimmers and snorkelers who want a long stop at Blue Lagoon
• Teenagers and adults who enjoy a fast, bouncy boat ride
• People staying in St Julian’s who want a direct Comino outing
• Visitors who want the caves included without arranging another boat tour
• Anyone who values time at the destination more than a low transport price

I would be more cautious if you:

• Have a back or heart condition
• Are pregnant
• Are traveling with a child under three
• Prefer a quiet, smooth boat ride
• Dislike crowded swimming spots
• Want a short visit rather than several hours at Blue Lagoon

The strongest part of the experience is the combination of speed and scenery. You get there quickly, enjoy the lagoon, and add the caves on the return route. The main weakness is that the same speed that makes the ride exciting can make it uncomfortable.

Booking, cancellation, and useful timing notes

The activity lasts about 4.5 hours, and available starting times vary. Check the selected date carefully, since the detailed schedule refers to roughly 25 minutes of water transport in each direction while also describing extended free time at Comino and Blue Lagoon.

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The reserve-now-and-pay-later option lets you hold a place without paying immediately, which is useful if your Malta schedule is still shifting.

Before departure, reserve both the morning and afternoon Blue Lagoon access slots through the official website. Bring swimwear and a towel, and arrive with enough time to find the black gate, walk down the ramp, and follow the yellow line to the jetty.

FAQ

How long does the powerboat take to reach Blue Lagoon?

The crossing takes less than 30 minutes in each direction. The detailed schedule describes about 25 minutes of water transport each way.

What is included in the $65 price?

The price includes return transfer from St Julian’s to Blue Lagoon in Comino, a visit to the caves in Comino, and the boat return to St Julian’s.

Can I swim and snorkel at Blue Lagoon?

Yes. The activity includes free time for swimming and snorkeling at Blue Lagoon and Comino.

Do I need to reserve Blue Lagoon access separately?

Yes. Under the 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.

Where is the meeting point?

The meeting point is 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 personal watercraft.

Is the boat suitable for children?

Children under three are not allowed. Older children must be accompanied by an adult, and all passengers must remain seated during the ride.

Who should not take this powerboat?

The activity is not suitable for pregnant women or people with back or heart problems. The boat can move sharply over waves, so anyone sensitive to a rough ride should consider another way to reach Comino.

Should you book the Comino powerboat?

Book it if you want to reach Blue Lagoon quickly, enjoy a lively high-speed ride, and value the added visit to St Maria’s Caves. The combination is efficient and fun, especially for confident swimmers, teenagers, and adults who like their boat trips with some movement.

Skip it if you want a gentle cruise, have a medical condition that rules out the boat, or hope Blue Lagoon will feel quiet and uncrowded. At $65, the best value comes from using the fast crossing and spending real time in the water. Just arrange the separate lagoon reservation, prepare for a bouncy ride, and arrive at the jetty ready to follow the signs.