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

Comino is a postcard, if you get there fast. On this speedboat trip from St. Julian’s, you reach the Blue Lagoon in Comino with real time to enjoy the water and island views without a slow slog across Malta.

I especially like the speed and the onboard efficiency, including the quick route past St. Paul’s Islands. I also like that your time on Comino is free time, so you can swim, snorkel, sunbathe, or walk around at your own pace.

One key consideration: since May 2025, you need a government access pass to step ashore at the Blue Lagoon, and limited daily allocations can affect where you go. If you do not have the pass, you’ll be taken to Santa Marija Bay instead of the Blue Lagoon.

Key points to know before you go

• Fast Comino transfer from St. Julian’s, built around a high-speed crossing that gets you to the good stuff sooner
• Free time on Comino and the Blue Lagoon, with no guided tour telling you where to stand
• Comino Sea Caves on the way back, weather permitting, so you get a second highlight
• Blue Lagoon access pass requirement (from May 2025), with rerouting if you do not have it
• Small-day style pacing (2.5 to 4.5 hours total), meaning you need to plan for sun, swim time, and shade

Meeting at St. Julian’s Jetty, and then it’s Full Speed to Comino

The whole day starts at a jetty behind the Verdi St George’s Bay Marina Hotel (formerly Marina Hotel Corinthia Beach Resort). When you arrive, go through the black iron gate, take the ramp, turn left, and follow the yellow line on the ground until you reach the boats and jet skis.

From there, expect a quick, energetic ride. The transfer is described as a 45-minute high-speed journey to Comino, using the quickest route from St. Julian’s. You’ll cruise along the eastern coast of Malta, passing St. Paul’s Islands before heading straight to Comino.

If you’re prone to seasickness, this is where you should get serious about preparation. They explicitly recommend motion sickness prevention, and the activity list also flags people who are prone to seasickness as not suitable. Pack what helps you, sit where you feel best on the boat, and keep hydration in mind.

Blue Lagoon Access Pass: the one rule that can change your day

This trip is built around the Blue Lagoon, but access is now controlled by Malta’s government rules. Starting May 2025, you must obtain an official access pass in advance to disembark at the Blue Lagoon. The passes are available through the official site, blcomino.com, and daily allocations are limited.

Here’s the practical part: without the pass, you will not be allowed to step ashore at the Blue Lagoon. Instead, you’ll be taken to Comino’s Santa Marija Bay. That means your day can shift from the iconic Blue Lagoon vibe to a different swimming and scenery option.

I’d treat the access pass as your first booking step, not an afterthought. If you wait until the day of, you may find out too late that the limited quota is gone.

Blue Lagoon Time: Swim, Snorkel, and Walk Without a Schedule

Once you step onto Comino, you get free time to enjoy the Blue Lagoon and the tiny island atmosphere. There’s no tour guide leading you around, so the day works best when you plan your priorities and then let the rest happen naturally.

In the Blue Lagoon, you’re dealing with that classic combination: turquoise, crystal-clear water over a white sandy base. The water is known for marine life, so snorkeling can be a great use of your time. If you’re more of a lay-and-swim person, the bay is also ideal for sunbathing and a slow rinse through the shallows.

How long do you get? The tour duration overall is 2.5 to 4.5 hours, and the practical experience on similar runs includes about two hours at the Blue Lagoon in some cases. Even if the exact timing varies with your selected departure option, your plan should still assume a meaningful swim window, plus time to walk a bit before heading back.

You’ll also find practical on-site services you might care about when the lagoon is crowded. Expect toilets, showers for rinsing off, and lockers (at a price). Deck chairs can be rented, and one recent experience notes that card payments were accepted for deck chairs and food stands, which can save you from hunting cash.

Crowds are real here. The water looks good in pictures, but it also draws people in real life. My advice is to use your free time smartly: walk the shoreline early, find a calmer angle, then swim and snorkel where you feel comfortable.

What to bring so you actually enjoy that swim time

Bring what lets you stay comfortable once you’re out of the boat:

• Swimwear and a towel
• Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a sun hat
• Comfortable shoes for any island walking
• Motion sickness prevention (if you need it)

And if you’re thinking about buying something in the lagoon area, know that food and drinks are not included. You’ll be spending extra here, so I like to start the day with the right expectations and plan small snacks or a drink stop as optional.

Exploring Comino Island: the part that makes it feel more than a photo stop

Even with the Blue Lagoon as the headline, Comino Island is what turns this into a more complete experience. You have free time that isn’t just about standing in one exact spot.

On Comino, you can stroll through the countryside and take the short walk opportunities that fit your energy level. One of the nicest touches is that you are not forced into a group march. Instead, you can do a small loop around the island, find a viewpoint, and enjoy the scenery without a strict timeline.

I like this approach because Comino is small. You don’t need to be an athlete to see something. If you take it slow, you still get that feeling of stepping off the mainland and into a place that’s quieter than the waterline.

A practical note: this is not a luggage-friendly trip. You’re not allowed luggage or large bags. That means your “explore” time should be light: phone, sunscreen, a small towel or swim gear, and whatever you need to stay comfortable without hauling a pack.

Return to St. Julian’s, plus Comino Sea Caves (weather permitting)

The ride back keeps the pace moving, and it includes another highlight: Comino Sea Caves. They’ll visit the caves during the return journey, weather permitting.

This is where a fast boat can feel like part sightseeing. You get a different angle on the coastline, and it adds variety to the day beyond just swimming and sun. If the sea has chop, the experience is still geared for it, but it may feel rougher than the outbound leg.

One practical detail from a recent experience: life jackets were provided on the return trip, and the waves got rough enough that they were genuinely important. So even if you feel fine on calm days, expect the operator to prioritize safety and gear when conditions change.

After the caves stop, you return to the St. Julian’s base at the same jetty meeting point behind the marina hotel.

Price and value: what you get for about $53

At about $53 per person, the big value is not that it’s cheap. The value is that it bundles transportation plus access to the main highlights in one tight half-day window.

What’s included:

• Speedboat transfers from St. Julian’s to Comino and back
• Free time on Comino Island and at the Blue Lagoon
• Comino Sea Caves visit on the return (weather permitting)
• Experienced skipper and all fuel costs

What is not included:

• The government access pass for stepping ashore at the Blue Lagoon
• Food and drinks
• Hotel pickup and drop-off
• A tour guide

I like this price structure for people who want maximum time in the water without the fuss of arranging separate boat tickets. It’s also good for travelers who don’t want a lecture. The cost covers the movement and the key stops, and you handle your own pace once you’re there.

Plan on spending extra for the access pass and for food or drink if you want it. That’s not a problem, but it matters for budgeting.

Who should book this speedboat to the Blue Lagoon, and who should not

This trip is straightforward: you’re on a speedboat, you’re spending time outdoors in sun and swim mode, and you need to handle the water and access rules.

It’s listed as not suitable for:

• Children under 3 years
• Pregnant women
• People with back problems
• People with mobility impairments, including wheelchair users
• People with heart problems
• People prone to seasickness or motion sickness
• (And also) situations involving luggage or large bags, plus baby strollers, pets, and certain wheelchair types

So, if you’re generally healthy and comfortable on boats, this is an efficient, fun way to do Comino. If you know you get seasick fast, I’d treat this as a hard “no” unless you have a strong plan to prevent it.

It’s also a good match for:

• People who want to avoid bus and traffic time on the mainland side
• Couples and friends who like flexible free time
• Anyone who wants speed, not a long guided day

Practical tips I’d use before you show up

A few small things can make your day smoother.

First, handle the Blue Lagoon access pass early. It’s government-mandated, it has limited daily allocation, and it directly affects whether you step ashore at the Blue Lagoon or you are rerouted to Santa Marija Bay.

Second, pack light. You can’t bring luggage or large bags, and you also shouldn’t count on extra room. Swimwear and towel are essential. Sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses help because you’re exposed once the boat lands.

Third, bring comfort for walking. Even if the island is small, you’ll likely want comfortable shoes for wandering and for any uneven ground.

Fourth, if you plan to rent deck chairs or store items, know that lockers exist and deck-chair rentals are available. One recent experience also notes card payments were accepted for rentals and food stands, which is convenient if you want to keep your day cash-light.

And yes, there’s a small fun tip from a recent pineapple-drink moment. If you buy the pineapple drink served in a pineapple cup, bring your own fork so you can finish what’s inside without waiting for supplies.

Should you book the St. Julian’s to Comino Blue Lagoon speedboat?

I’d book this if you want a fast, no-fuss Comino hit: speedboat transfers, real swim time, and a bonus caves stop on the return. It’s also a strong choice if you prefer freedom over a scripted itinerary, because the Comino Island and Blue Lagoon time is self-paced.

I would hesitate if you don’t have your Blue Lagoon access pass sorted for May 2025 onward, because missing it means you’ll go to Santa Marija Bay instead. Also skip it if you’re likely to struggle with motion, because the route is by speedboat and the activity listing flags seasickness as a deal breaker.

If you match the right profile, you’ll love the tradeoff: fewer hours in transit, more hours in the water, and enough variety to make it feel like a real day trip.

FAQ

Where is the meeting point for the speedboat to Comino?

You meet at the jetty behind the Verdi St George’s Bay Marina Hotel (formerly Marina Hotel Corinthia Beach Resort) at 8, Ix-Xatt Ta’ San Ġorġ, St. Julian’s. Go through the black iron gate, down the ramp, turn left, and follow the yellow line to the jetty.

How long is the trip from St. Julian’s?

The experience lasts 2.5 to 4.5 hours, depending on the departure time option you choose.

Is there a guided tour once we reach Comino?

No. This is not a guided tour. You get free time to explore Comino Island and the Blue Lagoon on your own.

Do I need a government access pass to step ashore at the Blue Lagoon?

Yes. A government directive effective May 2025 requires an official access pass to disembark at the Blue Lagoon. Passes can be obtained online at blcomino.com.

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

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

What is included in the price?

Included are the speedboat trips from St. Julian’s to Comino and back, free time at Comino Island and the Blue Lagoon, a visit to the Comino Sea caves on the return journey (weather permitting), an experienced skipper, and all fuel costs.

What is not included?

Food and drinks are not included, and you also need to arrange the government access pass. Hotel pickup and drop-off and a tour guide are also not included.

What should I bring for the trip?

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

Is the Comino Sea Caves stop guaranteed?

It depends on conditions. The caves are visited on the way back weather permitting.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.