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

Blue water, fast boat, big payoff. This trip gets you from St. Julian’s to Comino quickly, with a thrilling ride, free time at the Blue Lagoon, and a cave visit on the way back. I especially like the efficient speedboat transfer and the freedom to spend your time swimming, walking, or simply sitting by the water. The main drawback is no secret: the Blue Lagoon gets very crowded, especially in summer, and you now need a government access pass to step ashore.

The experience is simple rather than polished. You meet near the Verdi St. George’s Bay Marina Hotel, follow the yellow line to the jetty, and board with an English-speaking skipper. There is no guided tour once you reach Comino, so you make your own plan. That suits independent visitors, but anyone hoping for a full island tour or detailed commentary should know what they are booking.

Key points to know before you go

• The Blue Lagoon access pass is essential: Since May 2025, you must reserve an official government pass before stepping ashore at the Blue Lagoon.
• The ride is the real transport advantage: The speedboat takes roughly 30 to 45 minutes each way, avoiding buses, road traffic, and a slower sea crossing.
• You get free time, not a guided tour: Swim, snorkel, walk around Comino, rent a deck chair, or find a quiet spot at your own pace.
• The return includes Comino’s sea caves: The cave stop depends on weather and sea conditions, but it adds a worthwhile sightseeing element.
• Crowds are part of the bargain: The water is beautiful, but the Blue Lagoon can feel packed, with limited room around the shore in peak season.
• Pack lightly and protect your valuables: Large bags, luggage, strollers, and wheelchairs are not allowed on the boat.

From St. Julian’s jetty to open water

The meeting point is behind the Verdi St. George’s Bay Marina Hotel, formerly the Marina Hotel Corinthia Beach Resort, at 8 Ix-Xatt Ta’ San Ġorġ in St. Julian’s. Finding the boat is not quite as obvious as walking into a hotel lobby.

Look for the black iron gate near the entrance to the hotel’s underground parking area. Go through it, walk down the ramp, turn left, and follow the yellow line painted on the ground. It leads to the jetty, where the speedboats and jet skis are kept.

Allow a little extra time for this walk. The route is clear once you know what to look for, but the hotel name change and the tucked-away entrance could cause a last-minute scramble. Your host or greeter speaks English, and the skipper handles the boat rather than providing a full guided tour.

The provider may use any available speedboat in its fleet. Do not assume you will board the exact boat shown in promotional photos. The important point is the type of experience: a fast open-water transfer with an experienced skipper and fuel included.

The boats leave at selected times, and the full outing lasts between 2.5 and 4.5 hours depending on the option you choose. Check the precise departure time and duration before paying, since the amount of free time on Comino can vary.

A fast crossing past St. Paul’s Islands

The crossing follows Malta’s eastern coast before heading toward Comino. Along the way, you pass St. Paul’s Islands, a notable pair of rocky islets connected with Malta’s religious and maritime past.

The boat ride is one of the strongest parts of the outing. The description gives about 45 minutes to Comino, while some schedules and visitor experiences put the crossing closer to 30 minutes. Sea conditions, the boat used, and the route can affect the timing, so treat both figures as useful guides rather than a fixed promise.

You get broad views of the coast and a much quicker transfer than a road journey. That matters in Malta, where short distances can take longer than expected on busy roads. A speedboat also turns the transfer into part of the fun instead of dead time between St. Julian’s and the lagoon.

The ride can be lively. One visitor found it comfortable and safe, while another noted that waves became rough on the return and life jackets were provided. If you are prone to seasickness, this is not the right trip for you. Take motion sickness prevention if you know you need it, and keep sunglasses, a hat, and sunscreen secure.

The skipper may play music and offer brief comments about places along the route. That adds a little atmosphere, but do not expect a history lesson. This is a transfer with sightseeing, not a narrated boat tour.

Arriving at the Blue Lagoon

Comino’s Blue Lagoon is famous for clear cyan water, a pale seabed, and excellent visibility for swimming and looking at fish. The first view from the boat is likely to be the moment you remember most. The color is striking, and the contrast with the rocky coast makes the bay feel almost unreal.

The arrival also brings the trip’s biggest practical warning. Since May 2025, anyone who wants to step ashore at the Blue Lagoon must obtain an official access pass in advance through blcomino.com. The daily allocation is limited, and security checks the pass before allowing you off the boat.

This is a government rule, not a choice made by the boat operator. Bring proof of your pass in the form required by the official system. Without it, you will not be able to disembark at the Blue Lagoon. The boat will instead take you to Santa Marija Bay on Comino.

That backup option is useful, but it is not the same visit. If the Blue Lagoon is the reason you booked, sort out the pass before travel day. Do not leave it until you are standing at the jetty.

Two hours or more of free time on Comino

Once ashore, the schedule is yours. You can swim in the lagoon, snorkel in the clear water, sunbathe, or walk through Comino’s countryside. This open format works well if you dislike being moved from one stop to another on a strict group schedule.

The shoreline can be crowded, though. Summer visitors may find the Blue Lagoon packed with people, deck chairs, swimmers, and food stands. One useful approach is to swim early in your free period, then walk around the island when the central shore feels busiest. A walk gives you a better sense of Comino than staying in one patch of waterfront.

Do not expect a quiet beach day in July or August. The Blue Lagoon is popular because it is beautiful, and popularity changes the mood. You will get memorable water, but not much solitude. In September and October, conditions may feel more manageable, though the lagoon can still be busy.

Facilities are available near the main swimming area. You may find food and drink stands, toilets, rinse showers, lockers for a fee, and deck chairs for rent. Card payments are accepted by many vendors, including some deck chair rentals, but bringing a small amount of money is still sensible.

The water is the main attraction. Fish can be seen in the clear shallows, and the lagoon suits a quick swim as well as a longer session. Bring your own towel and snorkelling gear if you have them, since these are not included.

A pineapple drink is one local-style treat mentioned by visitors. If you buy one, pack a fork so you can eat the fruit inside instead of leaving it behind. Small details like this make the stop more enjoyable, especially since food and drinks are extra.

The return route and Comino’s sea caves

At the agreed pickup time, return to the boat. Keep an eye on the time because this is free time rather than a guided group walk, and missing the departure would create a serious problem.

The trip back includes a visit to Comino’s sea caves when weather and sea conditions allow. These rock openings are best viewed from the water, where the boat can give you angles that are impossible from shore. The cave stop adds variety after several hours focused on swimming and sun.

Conditions matter. Rough seas may change the route or make the boat ride less comfortable. Life jackets may be supplied when needed, particularly if waves rise. Listen to the skipper’s instructions and avoid carrying loose items that could blow into the water.

The boat then returns to the St. Julian’s base. The overall outing is short enough to fit into a half-day plan, leaving room for dinner, another Malta sight, or a slower afternoon.

What the $53 price really gives you

At $53 per person, the value rests mainly in speed and simplicity. You pay for the return speedboat, fuel, skipper, free time at Comino, and the return cave visit. You do not pay for a guide, lunch, drinks, deck chairs, lockers, or the Blue Lagoon access pass.

That is a fair price if your priority is reaching Comino without spending much of your day in transit. A slower or more crowded transfer may cost less, but the speedboat saves road time and gives you a more exciting crossing.

The price is less attractive if you want a fully guided experience or a long list of included extras. Add the government access pass, food, drinks, and any rented equipment to your budget. Also remember that the short duration means you are paying for a focused outing, not a full-day cruise around Malta.

I would call this good value for a first visit to Comino, especially if you are staying in St. Julian’s and want a direct departure nearby. It makes less sense for someone who wants a quiet beach, an in-depth island walk, or a relaxed boat picnic.

Who should book this speedboat trip?

I would recommend it to confident swimmers, couples, friends, and independent visitors who want to set their own pace. It also suits anyone with only half a day available and a strong interest in seeing the Blue Lagoon.

The trip is not suitable for children under three, pregnant women, people with heart or back problems, people with mobility impairments, wheelchair users, or people prone to motion sickness. The boat cannot take luggage or large bags, baby strollers, non-folding wheelchairs, baby carriages, or electric wheelchairs.

Wear comfortable shoes for the jetty and any walk on Comino. Bring swimwear, a towel, sunglasses, a sun hat, sunscreen, and motion sickness medication if needed. Keep your belongings compact and secure.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. Those terms help if your Malta schedule depends on weather, but they do not remove the need to check the Blue Lagoon access pass separately.

Should you book it?

Book this trip if you want a quick, lively ride to beautiful water and are happy to explore Comino without a guide. The speedboat transfer, free time, and cave visit make a strong half-day package, and the 4.5 rating reflects how well the basic idea works.

Skip it if crowds spoil your seaside plans, if you are uncomfortable on fast boats, or if you want a quiet and carefully guided island experience. The Blue Lagoon is beautiful, but it is not peaceful in high season.

My practical choice would be an earlier departure, a confirmed access pass, light luggage, and realistic expectations about the crowd. With those details handled, this is one of Malta’s easiest ways to reach Comino and see the lagoon without losing half your day to transport.

FAQ

How long does the speedboat trip to Comino take?

The crossing is described as about 45 minutes, while some experiences report roughly 30 minutes each way. Actual timing can vary with the route, boat, and sea conditions.

Do I need an access pass for the Blue Lagoon?

Yes. Since May 2025, anyone stepping ashore at the Blue Lagoon must obtain an official government access pass in advance through blcomino.com. Daily availability is limited.

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

You will not be allowed to disembark at the Blue Lagoon. The boat will take you to Comino’s Santa Marija Bay instead.

Is this a guided tour?

No. The Comino stop is free time, so you explore, swim, snorkel, walk, or relax independently. The English-speaking skipper may provide brief comments during the boat ride.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks must be purchased separately. Deck chairs, lockers, and other optional services are also extra.

Does the trip visit sea caves?

Yes. The return journey includes a visit to Comino’s sea caves when weather and sea conditions permit.

What should I bring?

Bring comfortable shoes, sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and motion sickness prevention if required. Large bags, luggage, strollers, and wheelchairs are not allowed.