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

Comino’s Blue Lagoon looks like a postcard. What makes this trip interesting is the quick, high-speed powerboat ride from St. Julian’s, then free time on Comino to swim and explore at your own pace. I like the time efficiency (you spend the day where you came to be), and I also like that the return includes a Comino sea cave stop when conditions allow. One caution: the ride can feel rough if the sea is active, and one review raised concerns about safety precautions, so go in knowing it is not a slow, calm cruise.

This is a 6-hour half-day style outing with two departures, and it is built for people who want maximum lagoon time without the long ferry-style trek. If you are coming for the water (not a guided history lesson), it fits well. The big “gotcha” since May 2025 is the government access pass for stepping ashore at the Blue Lagoon, and limited daily availability can force an alternate beach if you do not have it.

Key things to know before you go

• 30-minute ride, not a long transfer from St. Julian’s to Comino, so your beach time starts sooner.
• Free time at Comino and Blue Lagoon, with no guide walking you around.
• May 2025 Blue Lagoon access pass required in advance, with limited daily slots.
• Sea caves on the return only if weather permits, so plan for it, but do not count on it.
• Fast powerboat feel can mean bumps, speed, and a more adrenaline-style trip than a sightseeing boat.

Your exact day plan, from St. Julian’s to Comino

This is a straightforward half-day flow. You depart from St. Julian’s at either 10:30 AM or 12:30 PM and you are back in the area by roughly 4:30 PM (morning departure) or 5:00 PM (afternoon departure). The total experience is about 6 hours, but the reason it feels worth it is that the boat gets you to Comino fast and you then control your own pace on the island.

The morning or afternoon choice matters more than you might think. The earlier departure usually gives you a better chance to arrive before the worst of the crowd crush at the lagoon, and it also helps you fit in swimming and a bit of exploring before people start stacking up.

Finding the jetty behind Verdi St. George’s Bay Marina

Meeting point directions are detailed, and they matter because the action starts at the jetty, not at some central office. You will depart from the jetty located behind Verdi St. George’s Bay Marina Hotel (formerly Marina Hotel Corinthia Beach Resort), at Ix-Xatt Ta’ San Ġorġ, St. Julian’s.

Here is how to get there without losing time:

1. When you arrive near the entrance to the hotel’s underground parking lot, look for a black iron gate.
2. Go through the gate.
3. Walk down the ramp, turn left.
4. Follow the yellow line painted on the ground until you reach the jetty where boats and jet skis are parked.

If you do not love early-morning wayfinding, I suggest arriving a bit early. Even if check-in is quick, it reduces stress when you are trying to get in swim gear mood.

The 30-minute powerboat ride: fast views, real sea conditions

The signature of this trip is the fast powerboat transfer. You cruise along the eastern coast of Malta, passing St. Paul’s Islands, then you head straight to Comino’s Blue Lagoon. The whole crossing is described as a thrilling 30-minute high-speed journey.

That speed is the point. It cuts down transit time so you can spend more of your half day in the water and less on a boat. It also means the ride experience depends heavily on sea conditions. One negative review specifically described a rougher sea state with bouncing, plus concerns about safety precautions and the lack of life jackets (or that they were told they were unnecessary). Another part of that same review mentioned the driver making maneuvers around other boats, which could feel like an adrenaline ride.

On the flip side, there are multiple very positive ratings that suggest the transport runs smoothly for most people, with an experienced skipper and a high percentage scoring it perfectly.

My practical takeaway: if you are comfortable with speed and you can handle choppy water, this transfer is usually the fun part. If you are the type who hates bumps, bring motion-sickness prevention and assume you might get splashed.

Blue Lagoon and Comino: free time with a critical access pass rule

Once you reach Blue Lagoon, the day shifts gears. You step ashore to spend the day on Comino and specifically in the Blue Lagoon area. This is not a guided tour, so there is no set itinerary of stops. You get free time to swim, snorkel, sunbathe, and stroll around the small island.

Here is the big rule you must plan for. Since a new Malta government directive effective May 2025, you need a government-issued access pass to disembark at the Blue Lagoon. Passes are acquired in advance through blcomino.com. Daily access allocation is limited, and you will not be allowed to disembark at Blue Lagoon without the official pass.

If you do not have a pass, you will be taken to Comino’s Santa Marija Bay instead. That is the fallback plan, so if Blue Lagoon is the whole reason you booked, make the pass your first task after you pick your departure time.

One more timing detail matters for the pass booking: for the 10:30 AM trip, you need to book both the morning and afternoon time slots. For the 12:30 PM trip, you book the afternoon time slot. The tour provider notes this is government-mandated, not a choice you can skip.

Swimming plans, snorkeling, and how to beat the crowd feeling

The Blue Lagoon area is famous for its clear, turquoise-looking water over a light sandy bottom. In plain terms, it is the kind of place where swimming and short snorkel sessions feel like the main event. And because this is free time, you can choose your vibe:

• If you want calmer water, you can look for quieter spots along the shoreline.
• If you want to explore a bit before you fully settle in, you can walk around Comino at a casual pace.
• If you want a straightforward day, you can basically treat it like a long swim stop and hang out.

Crowds can be intense, and one practical tip from a review was to arrive as early as possible because the lagoon gets busy. So if you can choose, go with the 10:30 AM departure. It gives you more breathing room when you first hit the water.

Also, remember you are on a half-day schedule. You might think you have all afternoon, but the boat pick-up still comes. I like treating the first hour as your priority swim and water time, then use the remaining time for lazier exploring.

The Comino sea caves stop on the return

On the way back, the boat returns to St. Julian’s and may stop at the Comino Sea caves, but only weather permitting. This is a good bonus because it adds variety beyond the lagoon day. If the conditions allow it, you get to see another Comino coastline feature during the ride back.

If the sea caves do not happen, you will still have done the core thing, which is time on Comino and Blue Lagoon. So I would treat sea caves as a bonus, not your main plan.

Price and value: is $65 a good deal?

At $65 per person, you are paying mainly for three things:

1. A fast powerboat transfer that saves you time.
2. Fuel costs included, plus an experienced skipper.
3. The overall structure that gets you to Blue Lagoon and back inside a comfortable 6-hour window.

Food and drinks are not included, and there is no hotel pickup or drop-off. That means your true cost can rise if you buy lunch or snacks on your own, or if you need a taxi to the meeting point. Still, for what you are getting, it often feels like fair value because you are not spending half your day traveling.

The biggest value question is this: do you want speed and lagoon time more than you want a calm, chill boat ride? If yes, the price makes sense. If you prefer a smoother, slower pace, the powerboat format might feel like too much, even if you still love the destination.

Who this powerboat trip suits best (and who should skip)

This tour is not for everyone, and the limits are clearly spelled out. It is not suitable for:

• Children under 3 years
• Pregnant women
• People with back problems
• People with mobility impairments
• People with heart problems
• Wheelchair users
• People prone to seasickness or motion sickness

Also, pets and baby strollers are not allowed, and you cannot bring luggage or large bags. If you are traveling light and you are physically comfortable with a boat ride that can be bumpy, you will likely enjoy it more.

Based on the ride style described in one negative review, I would add a personal filter: if speed and abrupt maneuvers make you nervous, choose with eyes open. On the other hand, if you want the quickest route and you can handle choppy water, this format is ideal.

What to pack so the day feels easy

The basics matter on Comino. You want to be ready to swim, dry off, and handle sun. Bring:

• Swimwear
• Towel
• Sunscreen
• Sun hat
• Sunglasses
• Comfortable shoes
• Motion sickness prevention (important for this type of ride)

The tour also specifically warns against luggage or large bags, so plan to travel minimal. If you pack like a day at the beach, you will fit the rules and avoid hassle at the jetty.

Overall verdict: book if you want speed and lagoon time

I think this trip is a smart pick if you mainly want one thing: time in the Blue Lagoon without losing hours to slower transfers. The combination of a quick St. Julian’s powerboat run, free time on Comino, and a potential sea cave stop on the way back gives you a good mix of beach time and scenic variety.

But book it with two realities in mind:

1. The Blue Lagoon access pass is mandatory since May 2025, and it must be arranged in advance at blcomino.com. If you miss it, you go to Santa Marija Bay instead.
2. The powerboat ride can be rough. One review raised safety and comfort concerns, so if you are sensitive to choppy water, plan accordingly.

Quick decision guide

Book this tour if you:

• Want a fast way to reach Comino
• Plan to arrange the Blue Lagoon access pass early
• Are comfortable swimming and spending your time without a guide

Skip or think twice if you:

• Get seasick or dislike fast boat rides
• Need accessibility accommodations beyond what the rules allow
• Know you cannot guarantee a Blue Lagoon pass in advance

FAQ

Do I need an access pass to step onto the Blue Lagoon?

Yes. Since May 2025, Malta requires a government access pass to disembark at the Blue Lagoon. You get it in advance from blcomino.com, and you will not be allowed to disembark without the official pass.

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

If you do not have the access pass, you will be taken to Comino’s Santa Marija Bay instead of stepping ashore at the Blue Lagoon.

When does the boat leave St. Julian’s?

The tour runs with departures at 10:30 AM and 12:30 PM. You return at approximately 4:30 PM (for the 10:30 AM departure) and 5:00 PM (for the 12:30 PM departure).

How long is the trip?

The duration is 6 hours total.

Where is the meeting point in St. Julian’s?

The boat departs from the jetty behind Verdi St. George’s Bay Marina Hotel (formerly Marina Hotel Corinthia Beach Resort), at Ix-Xatt Ta’ San Ġorġ, St. Julian’s, behind a black iron gate, down the ramp, then left following the yellow line to the jetty.

Is there a guide on board or during the Comino stop?

No. This is not a guided tour, and the Comino Island stop is at leisure with free time.

Does the trip include food and drinks?

No. Food and drinks are not included.

Will we visit the Comino sea caves?

On the return journey, the boat will visit the Comino Sea caves weather permitting.

What should I bring for the day?

Bring comfortable shoes, sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and motion sickness prevention.