Comino, The Blue Lagoon & Caves Powerboat from St Julian’s

The sea route is the main event. This fast trip from St Julian’s gets you to Comino’s Blue Lagoon in about 30 to 40 minutes, with a lively ride along Malta’s coast and a stop at the Santa Maria caves. I like the speed and the chance to see the islands from the water, rather than spending much of the day on a slow ferry. I also like the long stay on Comino, which gives you time to swim and take in those famous clear waters.

The main drawback is that this is not a quiet boat outing. The ride can be jolting in rough water, and Comino’s shore is rocky, with limited places to sit. Check the exact departure time carefully, since the listed options have different return times and different total lengths.

Key points to know

• A quick powerboat ride from St Julian’s: The trip leaves from Sun & Fun Water Sports at the Corinthia Beach Resort in St George’s Bay.
• Santa Maria caves included: The route passes Comino’s striking rock formations, with the caves visited on the way out or back depending on the running order.
• Long time at Blue Lagoon: The 10:30 departure returns at 16:30, leaving several hours for swimming, sun, and exploring.
• Two departure choices: The advertised departures are 10:30 and 12:30, but the later option returns at 17:00, making it a shorter outing.
• Small enough to feel like a boat trip: The maximum group size is 66, though that is still a fairly full powerboat rather than a private cruise.
• Good value for active visitors: At $66.09 per person, the price covers fast transport, the caves, and access to Comino without arranging separate boats.

Leaving St George’s Bay on a powerboat

The meeting point is Sun & Fun Water Sports at the Corinthia Beach Resort in St Julian’s, Malta. You should arrive 15 minutes before departure, since the boat leaves on a fixed schedule and late arrivals may not have much flexibility.

This location is useful if you are staying around St Julian’s or can reach the area by public transport. The activity ends back at the same spot, so you do not need to arrange a return from another harbor.

Once aboard, the character of the trip is clear. This is transport with some thrill built in, not a slow sightseeing boat. The powerboat races across the water, and the ride itself is a major reason to book. Captains such as Alex have received particular praise for keeping the atmosphere friendly, with music and jokes during the crossing.

You should also expect movement. One account describes the boat as jolty, while another calls the ride fast, fun, and exhilarating. Both descriptions can be true. Sea conditions matter, and a calm day will feel very different from a windy one.

The boat can carry up to 66 people. That limit keeps the trip from becoming an enormous ferry outing, but you should not picture a private charter with lots of personal space. If you prefer a calm, silent ride, this may not be your best choice. If you enjoy the rush of a boat cutting across open water, it gets you to Comino quickly.

Crossing past St Paul’s Islands

The route passes the St Paul’s Islands, a pair of small islands known for their historical connection and rugged forms. From the boat, you get a sea-level view of the rock and open water around it.

This is a good example of why the powerboat format has value. You are not only being delivered to the Blue Lagoon. You are also seeing parts of Malta’s coast that are difficult to appreciate from the road.

Do not expect a long formal stop here. The appeal is the passing view, the boat’s speed, and the sense of crossing from Malta toward Comino. Your captain may provide commentary, music, or light conversation, but the exact style depends on the crew and conditions.

The ride to Comino is advertised as roughly 30 minutes. One account places it closer to 40 minutes, which is a useful expectation for planning. Water conditions, boat traffic, and the day’s route can affect the crossing.

Santa Maria caves and Comino’s rock walls

The Santa Maria caves are one of the trip’s best extras. Their openings and rock shapes show the way wind and water have cut through Comino’s coast. Seeing them from a small powerboat gives you a closer view than you would get from a large ferry.

The caves may be visited on the outward or return journey. The supplied description places the cave visit along the route, while a detailed account describes the caves on the return. The practical point is simple: the caves are part of the outing, but the exact order can change.

This stop is scenic rather than lengthy. You are likely to see rock arches, shaded openings, and clear water around the boat. It is a fine chance for photographs, though you should keep your camera secure during the faster sections of the ride.

The cave visit also breaks up the trip. Without it, the crossing would mainly be a quick transfer to Comino. With it, you get a short coastal sightseeing experience before settling in for your time on the island.

Arriving at Comino’s Blue Lagoon

The Blue Lagoon is the star of the day. Its clear turquoise water is the reason many people choose this trip, and the first view from the boat can be striking.

The boat drops you off so you can spend time on Comino independently. You can swim, relax by the water, and enjoy the color of the sea. The long option, leaving at 10:30 and returning at 16:30, gives you several hours on the island. That is enough time for a slow swim and a relaxed stretch of shore time, assuming the weather cooperates.

The Blue Lagoon is also one of Malta’s busiest and most photographed places. This boat gets you there quickly, but it does not turn the lagoon into a private cove. The water may be the focus, while the shore can feel tight and exposed.

Be realistic about sitting and sunbathing. One detailed account found limited beach space and mostly uneven rock, along with small vans selling drinks and snacks. The wider description refers to beaches around Comino, but the exact area where you are dropped off may not offer a broad, sandy place to spread out.

I would bring only what you need for swimming and sitting. The information provided does not promise lockers, changing rooms, or reserved seating, so do not plan around those facilities. A towel is especially useful if you hope to sit on the rock, though the surface may still be uncomfortable.

How much time you really get on the island

The two schedules are important:

• The 10:30 departure returns at 16:30.
• The 12:30 departure returns at 17:00.

The first option is the better choice if your main goal is a long Blue Lagoon visit. The later departure gives you a shorter overall outing, despite the later return time.

The four to six-hour duration reflects these schedule differences. It also explains why the experience can feel either like a full half-day or a compact afternoon excursion.

You may spend your time in the water, take photographs, or walk a little around the island. The supplied information does not promise a guided walking tour, so you should think of Comino as free time rather than a structured island visit.

That suits some people perfectly. I like the freedom to swim without being rushed from one sight to another. It is less suitable if you want a full historical tour, a restaurant meal, or a detailed explanation of Comino’s natural features.

The shore conditions are part of the trade-off. Comino is beautiful, but it is not presented here as a polished resort beach. You may find rocky footing and few comfortable places to sit. Wear secure footwear if you plan to move around beyond the water’s edge.

The ride back to St Julian’s

When your time on Comino ends, the boat returns to collect you. The return journey includes another coastal run and the caves if they were not visited earlier.

The ride home can be just as enjoyable as the outward crossing. The sun may be lower, the coast may look different, and you get another chance to watch Malta’s shoreline from the water. If you found the outward journey too rough, though, the return may feel long.

One account reports a late pickup and a boat that was not working properly on the way back. Another describes a serious mechanical incident involving smoke and an engine problem, followed by a rescue boat. This is a serious safety concern and should not be brushed aside.

At the same time, the available feedback also includes several positive accounts praising the crew, especially Alex, as well as Alex and Rebecca for their help. The overall rating is 4.1 from 11 reviews, which suggests a generally positive experience with some significant complaints rather than universal approval.

I would pay attention to the sea and weather notices on the day. The provider can cancel for poor weather and offer another date or a full refund. The experience also needs a minimum number of participants. If that minimum is not reached, you can be offered another date or experience, or receive a full refund.

Is $66.09 a fair price?

At $66.09 per person, this is not the cheapest possible way to reach Comino, but the price covers more than a basic ferry crossing.

You are paying for:

• Fast powerboat transport from St Julian’s
• A coastal route past St Paul’s Islands
• A visit to the Santa Maria caves
• Several hours at Comino on the longer schedule
• A return boat to the original meeting point

That package makes sense if you want speed and scenery. A slower boat could cost less, but it may spend more time getting to the Blue Lagoon and less time enjoying the island.

The value is strongest for an active day trip. If you plan to swim, take photographs, and enjoy a brisk ride, the boat combines several experiences in one fare. If you only want a quiet place to sit beside the sea, the price may feel less appealing, since Comino’s rocky shore and limited seating can reduce the relaxing part of the day.

You also need to compare the length of your chosen departure. The 10:30 option appears to offer the best use of the fare because you get the longest time at Comino. For a $66.09 outing, an extra hour or two on the island makes a real difference.

Who will enjoy this Comino trip?

I would recommend it to you if you like boat rides, open water, swimming, and a little speed. Families can enjoy it too, and the available information says most people can participate, but parents should think about the jolting ride and the rocky shore.

It is especially useful if you are based in St Julian’s and want to avoid making your own transport plan. The return to St George’s Bay keeps the day simple.

It is less suitable for you if you get motion sick, need a soft sandy beach, or want a calm sightseeing cruise. It is also not the right pick if a long, detailed visit to several islands is your priority. This particular outing focuses on Comino and the Blue Lagoon, not a full Gozo tour.

Some unrelated accounts describe being sold a different powerboat arrangement from Valletta that became a bus and ferry trip. That is not the stated St Julian’s departure described here, but it gives you one practical warning: confirm that your booking is for the Sun & Fun Water Sports departure from the Corinthia Beach Resort, not a port-side package with a different route.

Practical details before you book

Confirmation is provided when you book. The meeting point is near public transportation, and the activity returns to that same point.

Choose the 10:30 departure if you want the fullest day on Comino. The 12:30 departure may suit you better if you prefer a shorter outing or have other plans, but check the stated return time of 17:00.

Arrive at least 15 minutes early. Bring swimwear, sun protection, water, and something suitable for sitting on uneven rock. These items are practical suggestions based on the stated swimming stop and shore conditions, not promised amenities from the operator.

The experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed for personal reasons. Since weather can affect the trip, check the forecast before booking and leave room in your Malta schedule in case the provider needs to move the date.

Should you book the St Julian’s powerboat?

Book this trip if you want the fastest, most energetic route to the Blue Lagoon from St Julian’s, with caves and a long swim stop included. The scenery is excellent, the timetable is straightforward, and the $66.09 price is reasonable for a combined boat ride and Comino visit.

I would choose the 10:30 departure and confirm the exact boat arrangement before paying. Go in expecting a busy, rocky island stop rather than a private beach day, and remember that sea conditions can make the ride rough.

If that sounds like your kind of Malta outing, this is a useful way to reach Comino without losing hours to a slow crossing. If you want quiet water, soft sand, or a fully guided island tour, choose a different style of excursion.

FAQ

Where does the powerboat leave from?

The trip departs from Sun & Fun Water Sports at the Corinthia Beach Resort in St Julian’s, at St George’s Bay, Malta.

How long does the experience last?

The advertised duration is approximately four to six hours. The 10:30 departure returns at 16:30, while the 12:30 departure returns at 17:00.

What sights are included?

The route passes St Paul’s Islands, visits the Santa Maria caves, and stops at Comino’s Blue Lagoon for swimming and free time.

How early should I arrive?

You should be at the departure point 15 minutes before your scheduled departure time.

What happens if bad weather cancels the trip?

If poor weather causes cancellation, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.

Is the experience refundable if I cancel?

No. The experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed for personal reasons.