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

Blue Lagoon moves fast. This six-hour powerboat trip gets you from St. Julian’s to Comino in about 30 minutes, much quicker than a slower sightseeing boat. I like the direct route and the chance to see St. Paul’s Islands from the water, but the ride can be rough and lively.

I also like the generous free time at Comino. You can swim, snorkel, sunbathe, walk, or simply claim a patch of shore without being tied to a guide. The return route adds a look at Comino’s sea caves, weather permitting, which gives the ride more than a simple point-to-point transfer.

The main catch is comfort and safety at speed. One recent experience described hard plastic seats, bouncing over unsettled water, limited handholds, and no life jackets being offered. If you are prone to motion sickness, have back or heart problems, or dislike fast boat rides, choose a calmer way to reach Comino.

Key points to know before you book

• A 30-minute crossing: The powerboat is one of the quickest ways to reach Comino from St. Julian’s.
• Two departure choices: Leave at 10:30 AM or 12:30 PM, with return times around 4:30 PM or 5:00 PM.
• Blue Lagoon access now needs a pass: Since May 2025, you must obtain a government-issued access pass before stepping ashore at the Blue Lagoon.
• Free time, not a guided visit: You explore Comino on your own, with no guide leading you around the island.
• Sea caves on the return: The boat may visit Comino’s caves if weather and sea conditions allow.
• A strong but not perfect rating: The experience is rated 4.5 out of 5 from 31 ratings, with particular praise for the speed and direct transport.

Why this St. Julian’s boat trip makes sense

Comino is close to Malta, but reaching the Blue Lagoon can take patience. Slow boats often spend extra time collecting people or cruising around the coast. This powerboat takes a more direct line, covering the crossing in roughly half an hour.

That matters because the Blue Lagoon is most pleasant when you have time to enjoy it. A fast outward journey gives you more of the six-hour schedule at your destination, rather than using much of the day simply getting there.

I see this as a transport-focused outing with a scenic bonus. You are not signing up for a history lesson or a guided walk. You are paying for a speedy ride, several hours at Comino, and a possible cave visit on the way home.

The powerboat leaves from St. Julian’s at either 10:30 AM or 12:30 PM. The earlier departure returns at about 4:30 PM, while the later one returns at around 5:00 PM. Check the available schedule when booking, since the exact start time affects how long you have at the lagoon.

Finding the jetty behind the St. George’s Bay hotel

The meeting point is behind the Verdi St. George’s Bay Marina Hotel, formerly called the Marina Hotel Corinthia Beach Resort. The address is 8, Ix-Xatt Ta’ San Ġorġ, St. Julian’s.

The access route is not the sort of place where you want to arrive at the last second. Near the entrance to the hotel’s underground parking area, look for a black iron gate. Go through it, walk down the ramp, turn left, and follow the yellow line painted on the ground until you reach the jetty, where the boats and jet skis are parked.

There is no hotel pickup or drop-off. You need to make your own way to St. Julian’s and carry only what you need for the day. Large bags, luggage, baby strollers, non-folding wheelchairs, and electric wheelchairs are not allowed.

I would arrive early enough to find the gate and walk down to the boat without rushing. The meeting instructions are precise, but the departure point is not described as a large terminal with obvious signs.

The half-hour ride past St. Paul’s Islands

Once aboard, the main event begins quickly. The boat heads along Malta’s eastern coast and passes the St. Paul’s Islands before turning toward Comino.

The crossing is short, direct, and exciting. If you enjoy speed, the ride is a big part of the appeal. You get open-water views without spending hours on a large ferry, and the approach to Comino gives you an immediate sense of the island’s small scale and clear coastal water.

Speed also means more movement. A June 2025 rating praised the speedboat transport but advised arriving at the Blue Lagoon as early as possible because crowds grow large. That is useful advice, especially for the 10:30 AM departure, which gives you the longer stretch of daylight at Comino before the return trip.

The boat’s motion deserves serious thought. A verified October 2025 account described rough water, passengers bouncing in their seats, hard plastic seating, and only one handrail. The same account raised concerns about life jackets and said the skipper made some unnecessary maneuvers near other boats.

I cannot treat one account as a complete picture of every departure, but it is important information. Ask about safety equipment before setting off, hold on firmly, and do not book this trip if a lively ride would cause you distress. The operator identifies an experienced skipper as part of the service, but the trip is still a high-speed crossing, not a smooth harbor cruise.

Blue Lagoon: beautiful water and serious crowd pressure

The Blue Lagoon is the reason most people book this trip. Its water is famously clear and turquoise, with a pale sandy bottom and marine life visible in the bay. The setting is striking, but the small area and fame bring a practical problem: it can become crowded.

Your free time is flexible. You can swim, snorkel, sunbathe, or walk around Comino. No guide leads you from one point to another, so you decide how to spend the hours. That freedom is useful if you want a swim rather than a packed sightseeing program.

The timing of your departure matters here. The 10:30 AM option gets you to the island earlier and returns around 4:30 PM. The 12:30 PM departure brings you back around 5:00 PM, leaving a shorter period before the boat collects you. If you want the fullest possible beach and swimming time, the earlier departure is the sensible pick.

There is one major rule you must handle before the morning of your trip. Since May 2025, the Maltese government requires an official access pass for anyone stepping ashore at the Blue Lagoon. You obtain it through blcomino.com, and the daily allocation is limited.

For the 10:30 AM departure, the required booking includes both the morning and afternoon time slots. For the 12:30 PM departure, you need the afternoon time slot. Without the pass, you cannot disembark at the Blue Lagoon.

If you arrive without one, the boat will take you to Santa Marija Bay on Comino instead. That may still give you a pleasant island stop, but it is not the Blue Lagoon experience you paid and planned for. Treat the pass as essential, not as a minor optional extra.

Free time on Comino without a guide

This is not a guided tour. That can be a strength or a weakness, depending on what you want.

I like the freedom of having several hours with no scripted commentary. You can set your own pace, choose swimming over walking, or pause for photographs without keeping up with a group. You also avoid spending valuable lagoon time listening to information you may not need.

The tradeoff is that the operator does not provide a structured route around Comino. You will not have a guide explaining the island’s sights or organizing activities. If you want history, interpretation, or help finding particular places, this is not the right format.

Food and drinks are not included, so plan accordingly. Bring water and snacks if you need them, but remember that large bags are not permitted. Comfortable shoes help if you plan to walk, while swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a sun hat are basic equipment for the day.

Sea caves on the return journey

The return trip is more than a repeat of the outward crossing. If conditions allow, the powerboat visits Comino’s sea caves before heading back to St. Julian’s.

The cave stop adds variety after several hours at the lagoon. Instead of simply sitting through the return ride, you get another coastal view and a chance to see Comino from a different angle. The important phrase is weather permitting. It is not guaranteed, and rough seas may change the route.

Do not book this excursion mainly for the caves. The core value is the fast crossing and free time at Comino. The caves are a welcome extra, not a promised centerpiece.

Is $65 a fair price?

At $65 per person, the price is reasonable if you value speed and flexibility. The fare covers the outward and return powerboat rides, fuel, an experienced skipper, free time at Comino, and the possible cave visit. You are not paying separately for a ferry transfer and a sightseeing cruise.

The value is strongest for people staying in or near St. Julian’s who want to reach Comino quickly. A six-hour schedule gives you a full half-day on the water and at the island, without adding a hotel transfer charge.

The price looks less attractive if you mainly want a quiet, gentle boat ride. The hard seating and fast motion may make the crossing feel less comfortable than a slower vessel. You also need to arrange food and drinks yourself, and the Blue Lagoon access pass is a separate government requirement.

Crowds can affect the value, too. The lagoon may be beautiful, but a packed shoreline makes the free-time portion less peaceful. The early departure is likely the better use of your money if you want the longest possible visit and a better chance to enjoy the site before the day builds.

Who should book this powerboat outing?

I would recommend it to confident swimmers, active couples, friends, and solo visitors who want a quick ride and several hours of independent time. It works especially well for anyone who sees the boat as part of the fun rather than just a way to get from Malta to Comino.

It is also a good match for people who dislike rigid tours. You can make the day about swimming, snorkeling, sunbathing, or walking, with no guide or fixed activity schedule once you reach the island.

I would not choose it for children under three, pregnant women, people with back or heart problems, people with mobility impairments, wheelchair users, or anyone prone to seasickness or motion sickness. The operator also does not accept baby carriages or electric wheelchairs.

Bring motion sickness prevention if you are at all uncertain about the ride. The sea may be calm, but the boat is designed for speed, and conditions can change.

Practical preparation for a better day

Use the packing list as a real checklist, not a suggestion. You should bring:

• Swimwear and a towel
• Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a sun hat
• Comfortable shoes
• Motion sickness prevention if needed
• Food and drinks, since they are not included

Keep your belongings compact. Luggage and large bags are not allowed, and there is no hotel pickup or drop-off to help with extra baggage.

Check the Blue Lagoon pass before you leave St. Julian’s. Make sure you select the correct time slots for your chosen departure. This one step determines whether you can actually step ashore at the main destination.

The experience is offered in English, and booking can be made with payment later. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, which gives you some protection if your plans change.

Should you book the St. Julian’s to Comino powerboat?

Book it if your priorities are speed, several hours of free time, and a lively ride along Malta’s coast. The 30-minute crossing is the clear advantage, and the Blue Lagoon stop plus possible cave visit gives you a strong half-day outing for $65.

Choose the 10:30 AM departure if you want more time at Comino and an earlier arrival at the lagoon. Get the government access pass in advance, pack light, and be ready for hard seating and motion on the water.

Skip it if you need a calm, highly structured, wheelchair-accessible, or family-friendly boat experience for very young children. For the right person, this is an efficient and exciting way to see Comino. For anyone uneasy about fast boats, it may turn a beautiful day into an uncomfortable one.

FAQ

How long does the Comino powerboat trip last?

The experience lasts six hours. The 10:30 AM departure returns to St. Julian’s at about 4:30 PM, while the 12:30 PM departure returns at about 5:00 PM.

Where does the boat leave from?

It leaves from the jetty behind the Verdi St. George’s Bay Marina Hotel in St. Julian’s, at 8, Ix-Xatt Ta’ San Ġorġ.

How do I find the jetty?

Near the entrance to the hotel’s underground parking area, go through the black iron gate, walk down the ramp, turn left, and follow the yellow line to the jetty.

How long is the ride from St. Julian’s to Comino?

The high-speed journey takes about 30 minutes.

Do I need a pass for the Blue Lagoon?

Yes. Since May 2025, you need a government-issued access pass to step ashore at the Blue Lagoon. You can obtain it through blcomino.com, and daily availability is limited.

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

You will be taken to Comino’s Santa Marija Bay instead and will not be allowed to disembark at the Blue Lagoon.

Is this a guided tour?

No. The Comino stop is at leisure, so you explore the island independently. A guide is not included.

Are food and drinks included?

No. You need to arrange your own food and drinks.

Are the sea caves guaranteed?

No. The return visit to Comino’s sea caves takes place only if weather and sea conditions permit.

Can I bring a pet, stroller, or large bag?

No. Pets, baby strollers, luggage, large bags, non-folding wheelchairs, baby carriages, and electric wheelchairs are not allowed.