Okikoki Banis – Comino Blue Lagoon Speedboat Trip- Fast Ferry

Blue Lagoon is best reached by sea. This seven-hour trip from St. Julian’s combines a fast ride along Malta’s eastern coast, a short cave tour, and about five hours at Comino’s Blue Lagoon. I especially like the 35 to 40-minute crossing and the long block of free time on the island, which lets you swim, eat, rent a sunbed, or simply sit by the water without being rushed.

I also like the small-group limit of 20 people and the friendly, informative skippers. Ian is praised for his local information and safe handling of the boat, while Toni is described as warm, entertaining, and highly experienced. The main caution is the ride itself: the speedboat can pitch and roll heavily in rough water, and spray may get you wet.

Key Points Before You Book

• Five hours at Comino: You get more than a quick photo stop at the Blue Lagoon.
• Fast coastal ride: The boat passes Malta’s eastern coast and St. Paul’s Islands before reaching Comino.
• Comino caves included: The speedboat makes time for a cave tour as part of the outing.
• Small shared boat: Bookings are limited to 20 people, though the ride still feels active and exposed to the sea.
• Food and facilities on Comino: You can buy food and drinks, use toilets and showers, and rent sunbeds and umbrellas.
• Rough-water warning: Bring protection for phones and bags, and expect the possibility of water spray.

Leaving St. Julian’s Bay in the Morning

The meeting point is at Oki-Ko-Ki Banis Watersports near Happy Dayz Bar in Spinola Bay, St. Julian’s. The tour information gives a meeting time around 9:00 or 9:30 in different places, so I would follow the exact instructions sent after booking rather than rely on a general schedule.

The boat departs shortly after everyone gathers. That short delay matters because the crew needs to organize the group and get everyone safely aboard. You should arrive ready for a boat ride, with your valuables protected before departure.

This is a shared transfer, not a private charter. The maximum group size is 20 people, which keeps it more personal than a large ferry but does not make it an intimate private outing. You will be riding with other customers, and the atmosphere may be lively, especially on a summer day.

The boat ride is one of the main reasons to choose this trip instead of a slower ferry. You move quickly toward Comino, and the journey itself becomes part of the day rather than just transportation. The crew provides information about sights along the way, giving you some context as Malta’s coastline opens up.

Coastal Views Toward St. Paul’s Islands

The route heads toward the northern part of Malta, with views of the eastern coast and St. Paul’s Islands. This is a pleasant start because you see more than the Blue Lagoon alone. The coastline provides a changing view from the water, and the skipper points out notable sights during the ride.

I like this part because it gives the outing a sense of movement. You are not simply dropped at Comino and left to find the water. The ride lets you see Malta from a different angle, while the skipper’s commentary adds useful detail without turning the journey into a formal lecture.

The exact crossing time is about 35 to 40 minutes, but the operator makes clear that sea conditions can change the schedule. A calm sea may make the ride quick and smooth. Choppy water may slow the boat and make the journey more physical.

That difference is important. Some people describe the speed and handling as a highlight, while another account found the boat pitched and rolled heavily. If you enjoy a lively ride, this may be part of the fun. If you are prone to motion sickness or prefer a steady boat, you should treat the sea conditions as a real consideration, not a footnote.

Comino’s Blue Lagoon and Five Free Hours

The main event is a long stay at Comino. Once the boat arrives, you have about five hours at the Blue Lagoon and nearby beach area before the scheduled pickup at around 3:30 p.m.

Five hours is generous for a half-day boat outing. You can swim, rest, find lunch, use the facilities, and still have time to return to the water. Many short excursions allow only an hour or two, which can make the Blue Lagoon feel like a rushed stop. This trip gives you time to set your own pace.

The water and beach are the obvious draw, but Comino is not an untouched desert island. Food and drinks are available, and the beach has toilets and showers. Sunbeds and umbrellas can be hired if you want more comfort. Watersports are also available.

Those services make the long stop easier. You do not need to spend five hours carrying everything with you or return to the boat for basic needs. At the same time, food, drinks, sunbeds, umbrellas, and watersports are not included in the $59.13 price, so your final spending can rise.

I would think of the listed price as covering transport, the guide, the coastal ride, and the cave visit. Bring extra money if you plan to buy lunch or rent beach equipment. The tour’s value is strongest if you want a full day by the sea and would otherwise need to arrange transport to Comino separately.

The Comino Caves by Speedboat

A cave tour is included during the Comino portion of the trip. The boat enters the caves, giving you views that are difficult to get from the beach.

This is a good extra because it adds a sightseeing element to what could otherwise be a simple beach transfer. You get the speedboat ride, coastal views, Blue Lagoon time, and a look at Comino’s rock formations in one outing.

The cave visit is not described as a long walking tour. It is a boat-based look at the caves, so you should expect a short, scenic part of the route rather than a structured underground exploration. Your view will depend on sea conditions, boat access, and the skipper’s judgment.

The crew’s role matters here. Ian is praised for explaining the area and making the ride interesting, while Toni is noted for answering questions and bringing a friendly manner to the trip. The exact skipper on your departure is not guaranteed, but the feedback suggests that the human side of the outing is one of its strengths.

What Five Hours at the Beach Really Means

A long beach stop can be either a benefit or a problem, depending on your style. If you want a packed sightseeing schedule, five hours in one place may feel excessive. You will not have a long list of inland Comino sights or a guided walk included in this program.

If your ideal day is water, sun, and freedom, the timing works well. You can swim early, take a break, buy something to eat, use the shower, and return to the beach later. You are not forced to follow a group itinerary once the boat drops you off.

I also like that the tour does not try to fill every minute with organized activity. The guide handles the transport and sightseeing, then you get personal time. That balance suits couples, friends, and families who want a shared boat trip but do not want to spend the whole day listening to a guide.

The Blue Lagoon is the centerpiece, so expect the beach area to be popular. The information provided does not promise a quiet or secluded setting. The strongest reason to choose an early departure is the chance to reach the area before the biggest summer crowds build, though crowd levels can vary.

The Return Ride to St. Julian’s

Pickup from Comino is scheduled for about 3:30 p.m. The speedboat then returns to St. Julian’s Bay, with arrival around 4:30 p.m. That gives the entire outing an approximate seven-hour length.

The return schedule provides a useful full-day rhythm. You leave in the morning, spend the middle of the day at the lagoon, and get back with part of the evening still available. Since sea conditions affect transfer times, I would avoid scheduling a tight evening appointment immediately after the tour.

The ride back may be just as lively as the outward journey. Spray is possible, and personal belongings need protection. A waterproof phone pouch or sealed bag is sensible, since the operator specifically warns that passengers may get wet.

The speedboat is not the place for an unprotected camera, loose paper tickets, or a bag left open. Keep essential items close and covered. You may not get soaked, but you should plan as if spray is part of the experience.

Price, Group Size, and What Is Included

The listed price is $59.13 per person. For that cost, you receive round-trip shared transport from St. Julian’s, fuel surcharge, local taxes, the driver or guide, and the Comino cave trip.

The price looks fair if you value speed and free time. A slower transfer might get you to Comino, but this outing adds a coastal cruise, skipper commentary, and the cave route. You also avoid arranging separate transport back to Malta.

The price is less attractive if you only want a short swim at the Blue Lagoon or if you do not enjoy boat rides. You are paying for a seven-hour outing, and the main value comes from using the full five hours on Comino.

Food and drinks are not included. Sunbeds, umbrellas, and watersports also require separate payment. I would budget for those extras only if you know you want them, since the island facilities let you choose rather than forcing an expensive package.

The booking allows a maximum of 20 people. That is small enough for direct contact with the skipper, but it is still a shared trip. If you want full control over departure time, route, and beach location, this is not the right product.

The Ride May Be Rougher Than Expected

The clearest drawback is the possibility of heavy pitching and rolling. A fast boat responds directly to waves, and the ride can feel exciting in calm water but uncomfortable in rough conditions.

The operator says transfer times are approximate and depend on the sea. The winter program, beginning in October, may also change because of weather. You should follow the private instructions sent after booking, especially during the cooler season.

The tour requires good weather. If poor weather causes cancellation, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. For your own comfort, I would still avoid making this your only important plan on a day when the forecast looks uncertain.

You should also know that the experience is offered in English. The crew provides information in English, and the tour is best suited to people who can follow those instructions during the boat ride and at pickup.

Who Will Enjoy This Comino Trip Most

I would recommend this outing to you if you want three things: a quick ride, plenty of time at the Blue Lagoon, and a simple return to St. Julian’s.

It is especially suitable for:

• People who prefer speedboats to large ferries
• Swimmers who want several hours at Comino
• Couples and friends looking for a relaxed beach day with a little sightseeing
• Families whose members can manage a lively boat ride
• Visitors who enjoy local commentary from the skipper
• Anyone who wants caves and coastal views included without arranging extra transport

I would be more cautious if you dislike rolling boats, need a quiet ride, or want a tightly guided sightseeing program. The five-hour beach stop is flexible, but it also means a large part of the day is unstructured.

Most participants can take part, and the meeting point is near public transport. Still, the boat’s motion and possible spray are practical issues for anyone who needs a very stable or dry ride.

Booking and Cancellation Advice

Free cancellation is available if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience starts. Changes made less than 24 hours before departure are not accepted, and the payment is not refunded for a late cancellation.

Weather is the main exception. If poor conditions cause the operator to cancel, you can receive a full refund or move to another date. Since the tour relies on the sea, keep an eye on the instructions sent after booking.

Confirm the meeting time in those messages. The information gives both 9:00 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. in different places, while departure is shortly after arrival. A message from the operator should settle the exact time for your date.

Should You Book the Okikoki Banis Speedboat Trip?

I would book this trip if your priority is a full five hours at Comino rather than a quick Blue Lagoon photo stop. The fast transfer, cave visit, coastal views, and friendly skipper commentary give the day more substance than a basic beach shuttle.

The strongest reasons to go are the generous free time, the small maximum group size, and the chance to see Malta’s coast from the water. Ian and Toni are both praised for making the ride informative, safe, and fun, though you cannot choose your skipper in advance.

I would skip it if you are uncomfortable on a pitching speedboat or if you want all costs included. Bring a waterproof bag, allow extra time around the sea schedule, and budget separately for food, drinks, sunbeds, umbrellas, and watersports.

For most people who want an active beach day with a fast ride and a bit of sightseeing, the $59.13 price offers solid value. Just respect the sea, protect your belongings, and arrive ready to get a little wet.

FAQ

Where does the Comino speedboat trip start?

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

What time does the tour start?

The information gives a start time of 9:00 a.m. and a meeting time of around 9:30 a.m. Follow the exact private instructions sent after booking.

How long does the experience last?

The trip lasts approximately seven hours. The boat usually reaches Comino after about 35 to 40 minutes and returns to St. Julian’s at around 4:30 p.m.

How long do I stay at Comino?

You have approximately five hours at the beach and Blue Lagoon area before pickup at about 3:30 p.m.

Is the cave tour included?

Yes. A speedboat tour through the caves of Comino is included.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not included, though they are available on Comino.

Can I rent a sunbed or umbrella?

Yes. Sunbeds and umbrellas can be hired on the beach. Watersports are also available, but these extras are not included in the tour price.

Can the tour be canceled because of weather?

Yes. The experience requires good weather. If poor weather causes cancellation, you can receive a full refund or choose another date.