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

Sunset changes Comino’s famous mood. This 2.5-hour trip takes you from St. Julian’s to the Blue Lagoon by speedboat, with a fast ride, cave views, and a quieter evening setting after the daytime crowds thin out. I like the efficient route and the chance to see Comino at sunset rather than during the packed midday rush.

I also like the return route past St. Paul’s Islands and the chance for a short swim at the Blue Lagoon. The main drawback is comfort: the boat has narrow bench seating, and the ride can be very bumpy, especially near the front. You should also know that the Blue Lagoon’s water may look darker at sunset than in the bright daytime photos.

Key points to know before booking

• The boat leaves from St. Julian’s: Find the jetty behind the Verdi St. George’s Bay Marina Hotel, formerly the Marina Hotel Corinthia Beach Resort.
• The ride is fast but firm: The speedboat reaches Comino efficiently, though the exposed seating can make the trip rough.
• The caves are viewed from the water: You pass the Santa Maria Caves, but this is a brief look rather than a long cave visit.
• Blue Lagoon access now needs planning: Since May 2025, you need a government-issued evening access pass to step ashore at the Blue Lagoon.
• The sunset setting is calmer: Evening brings fewer people and less daytime commotion, but the famous blue color may not look as vivid after the sun drops.
• This is free time, not a guided tour: An experienced skipper operates the boat, but there is no tour guide providing a running commentary.

A quick ride from St. Julian’s to Comino

The trip begins at a small jetty behind the Verdi St. George’s Bay Marina Hotel in St. Julian’s. The meeting point is not directly in the hotel lobby or on the main street. Look for the entrance to the hotel’s underground parking area, then find the black iron gate nearby.

Go through the gate, walk down the ramp, turn left, and follow the yellow line painted on the ground. It leads to the jetty where the boats and jet skis are kept. Give yourself enough time to find it, especially if you are unfamiliar with the hotel complex.

The speedboat ride to Comino takes about 35 minutes, according to the detailed trip account available for this outing. That is much quicker than many larger boat excursions, and speed is one of the strongest reasons to choose this option. You spend less of the evening simply getting there and more time near the island.

The tradeoff is the ride itself. This is not a cushioned sightseeing boat designed for slow, gentle cruising. Seating consists of bench seats along the sides of a long boat, with room for roughly 8 to 15 people. The front section receives the hardest jolts, so I would choose a seat farther back if you are prone to back pain or seasickness.

Bring motion sickness prevention if you normally need it. The operator specifically advises comfortable shoes, swimwear, and protection against motion sickness. Large bags, luggage, strollers, non-folding wheelchairs, and electric wheelchairs are not allowed, so pack lightly.

Santa Maria Caves seen from the water

The route follows the north Comino Channel and passes the Santa Maria Caves. These sea caves are one of the most attractive parts of the crossing, especially when viewed from a small boat that can travel close to the rocky coast.

Keep your expectations measured. You pass the caves during the journey, but there is no separate cave walk or extended stop described for this trip. The boat makes a brief sightseeing pass, giving you a look at the openings and rock formations before continuing toward the Blue Lagoon.

That short stop works well for people who mainly want an efficient scenic ride. It will feel limited if you are hoping to swim into the caves, hear a detailed explanation, or spend time taking a careful set of photographs.

The boat has an experienced skipper, but this is not a guided excursion. You will not receive a constant historical or geographical commentary. I see that as a plus if you prefer open time and a simple route, but a drawback if you want someone to explain every landmark.

Reaching the Blue Lagoon after the crowds fade

The boat continues around the northern side of Comino and reaches the Blue Lagoon after the cave pass. The timing is the central idea behind this outing. Instead of arriving in the middle of the day, when the lagoon can feel crowded and noisy, you arrive in the evening as the light softens.

You get free time at Comino and the Blue Lagoon, including a short opportunity to swim. The boat pulls in near the rocks, and you are given time to explore or enjoy the water before returning to St. Julian’s.

There is an important practical catch. Since May 2025, anyone who wants to step ashore at the Blue Lagoon must obtain an official government access pass through blcomino.com. The daily supply is limited, and you need to select the evening time slot when applying.

This pass is separate from your boat booking. Without it, you cannot get off at the Blue Lagoon. Instead, the boat will take you to Santa Marija Bay on Comino. That alternative still gives you time on the island, but it is not the same experience as standing beside the famous lagoon.

I would arrange the pass before paying for the cruise, or at least confirm that the evening slot is available. This rule can change the whole outing. A person expecting to step onto the Blue Lagoon shore could otherwise arrive with the wrong permission and spend the stop somewhere else.

What the sunset does to the famous blue water

The evening light brings a quieter mood and some fine views across the Mediterranean. You can watch the sun drop near the Blue Lagoon, then see the water change as daylight fades. This is the most appealing reason to choose the trip over a daytime boat outing.

Still, sunset has a visual tradeoff. In strong midday light, the lagoon’s water can appear intensely blue. As the sun lowers, the water can look darker, and the famous color may not have the same vivid quality shown in daytime photographs.

That does not make the sunset stop poor. It simply means you should book it for the atmosphere, cooler timing, and reduced crowds rather than expecting the brightest possible water color. The evening setting may suit you if you care more about softer light and fewer people than about photographing brilliant turquoise water.

Access from the shore may also take effort. The boat stops near rocks, and you may need to walk up and around the area, passing vendors, before reaching a place where you can enter the sea. Comfortable shoes matter here. This is not a smooth beach arrival with an easy, level path.

The stop is also not a private retreat. Even later in the day, boats and floating party barges may be nearby. The crowds are reduced compared with daytime, but the Blue Lagoon remains one of Malta’s best-known sights. Expect a popular place, not an empty cove.

Swimming, free time, and the shore experience

The swimming stop is short, so think of it as a refreshing dip rather than a long beach afternoon. Swimwear is essential if you plan to enter the water, and a towel or change of clothes would be sensible, although the supplied information does not specify whether towels are provided.

Free time means you choose how to use the stop. You might swim, walk around the shore, take photographs, or simply watch the changing light. Since there is no guide, you are responsible for keeping track of the meeting time and returning to the boat promptly.

The shore itself can be less polished than the promotional image of the lagoon suggests. You may encounter vendors and merchandise sellers on the route toward the water. If you dislike commercial activity at major sights, this part could take some shine off the visit.

For a better experience, treat the island stop as a short scenic break rather than a full Comino tour. The most valuable part is the combination of the boat approach, the sunset, and the chance to swim. You should not expect a long walk around the island or a structured lesson about Comino.

The return route past St. Paul’s Islands

After the stop, the speedboat returns along the coastline and passes St. Paul’s Islands. This gives you another set of views instead of simply retracing the outbound route.

The return crossing can be just as lively as the trip out. The same bench seating and open boat design apply, so anyone sensitive to movement should prepare for the ride home too. By this point, you may also be wet from the swim and cooler as the evening air sets in.

I would bring a light layer that can handle sea spray. The operator does not list one as required, so this is practical advice rather than a stated rule. Keep personal items small and secure because large bags are not allowed and an open speedboat offers limited room.

St. Paul’s Islands add visual interest to the way back, but there is no separate island landing or guided stop described. You will see them from the boat as part of the coastal route.

Is $53 a fair price?

The listed price is $53 per person, with fuel and the return speedboat journey included. You also receive the Comino and cave route, free time at the island, the Blue Lagoon sunset stop, and an experienced skipper.

That is reasonable if you place a high value on speed and evening timing. A small speedboat gets you from St. Julian’s to Comino quickly, while a larger, slower cruise may spend more time covering the same distance. The lower crowd levels can also make the sunset departure more pleasant than a standard daytime visit.

The price feels less attractive if you want comfort, a guide, food, drinks, or a long swim. None of those are included. The boat is functional rather than luxurious, and the narrow benches can make the trip tiring. One detailed account judged the value closer to $25 because of the rough ride and short cave pass, so your expectations matter a great deal.

Think of the $53 as payment for transport, timing, and access to a scenic evening setting. It is not a premium relaxation cruise. You are paying for a quick boat transfer with a sunset stop, not a padded yacht, meal, or fully narrated excursion.

Also budget time and attention for the Blue Lagoon access pass. The pass itself is not listed as included, and you must obtain it through the official government website. The booking price alone does not guarantee that you can step ashore at the lagoon.

Who will enjoy this speedboat trip?

I would recommend it to confident swimmers, couples, photographers who prefer evening light, and active visitors who want to see Comino without spending most of the day on a boat. It also suits people who like independent sightseeing and do not need a guide explaining each stop.

The outing is less suitable for anyone seeking a calm, comfortable cruise. Children under three cannot join, and the trip is not suitable for pregnant women, people with back, heart, or mobility problems, wheelchair users, or people prone to seasickness or motion sickness.

The boat’s seating and movement are the key concerns. If you know that rough water affects you, a sunset speedboat may not be the right way to visit Comino. A slower vessel or a shore-based visit could be a better choice, though this experience’s specific alternatives are not provided.

Food and drinks are not included, so eat beforehand and bring only what the operator permits. Pets are not allowed. Keep your footwear comfortable for the rocky landing and your belongings compact.

Booking advice for a smoother evening

First, secure the correct Blue Lagoon evening access pass. Do not assume the $53 booking includes permission to step ashore. If the pass is unavailable, decide if Santa Marija Bay is still worthwhile before committing.

Second, choose your seat with comfort in mind. The front of the boat is likely to feel bumpier, so sit farther back if you have a choice. Anyone affected by motion should use their usual prevention before departure rather than waiting until the ride becomes rough.

Third, allow time to find the St. Julian’s jetty. The black gate, ramp, left turn, and yellow painted line are the useful landmarks. The departure point is behind the hotel, not simply at the front entrance.

The host or greeter communicates in English. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later, which helps if your Malta plans are still changing.

Should you book the Comino sunset cruise?

Book it if you want a fast, simple route to Comino, a short swim, cave views, and sunset with fewer people than during the day. The passing scenery and evening timing are the strongest parts, and the route past St. Paul’s Islands gives the return trip a little variety.

Skip it if you want a soft ride, a private beach setting, bright midday blue water, or a guide who explains the island. The speedboat can be uncomfortable, the stop is brief, and the shore may involve rocks and vendors.

My advice is to book only after confirming the evening Blue Lagoon access pass. With that detail handled, this can be a worthwhile sunset outing for active visitors who value speed and scenery more than comfort. Without the pass, or with a low tolerance for rough water, the $53 price becomes harder to justify.

FAQ

How long does the Comino sunset cruise last?

The cruise lasts 2.5 hours, including the speedboat trip from St. Julian’s to Comino, time at the Blue Lagoon, and the return journey past St. Paul’s Islands.

Where does the speedboat depart from?

It departs from the jetty behind the Verdi St. George’s Bay Marina Hotel in St. Julian’s, formerly called the Marina Hotel Corinthia Beach Resort. Use the black gate near the underground parking entrance, walk down the ramp, turn left, and follow the yellow line.

Do I need an access pass for the Blue Lagoon?

Yes. Since May 2025, you need a government-issued access pass to step ashore at the Blue Lagoon. You can obtain one through blcomino.com, and you should select the evening slot.

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

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

Is this a guided tour?

No. An experienced skipper operates the boat, but the stop at Comino is free time and there is no tour guide.

What should I bring?

Bring comfortable shoes, swimwear, and motion sickness prevention if needed. Large bags, luggage, pets, strollers, and several types of wheelchairs are not allowed.

Can I cancel the booking?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The reserve-now, pay-later option also lets you hold a place without paying immediately.