Okikoki Banis – Comino Blue Lagoon Speedboat Trip- Fast Ferry

Blue water, fast boat, long beach time. The Okikoki Banis speedboat trip links St. Julian’s Bay with Comino’s famous Blue Lagoon in about 35 to 40 minutes, then gives you roughly five hours to swim, eat, sunbathe, or try water sports. I like the small-group speedboat format and the included tour of Comino’s caves. The main drawback is the ride itself: rough seas can make the boat pitch and roll, and spray may soak anything you fail to protect.

The day costs about $59.13 per person, which is fair if you want a fast transfer, guided coastal views, and a long stay at the lagoon without arranging transport yourself. I also like the useful amount of free time on Comino. Still, this is not a quiet island escape in peak season, and the meeting time needs care because the information gives both 9:00 and 9:30 as start times.

Key points at a glance

• 35 to 40 minutes by speedboat: Reach Comino far faster than a slower ferry crossing.
• Five hours at Blue Lagoon: Enough time for swimming, food, showers, toilets, and water sports.
• Comino cave tour included: The boat takes you around the caves before or during the island transfer.
• Coastal views from St. Julian’s: The route passes Malta’s eastern coast and St. Paul’s Islands.
• Up to 20 people: A shared trip, but still much smaller than a large sightseeing vessel.
• Weather matters: Winter plans can change, and rough water can make the ride uncomfortable.

Why this Malta speedboat trip works well

I see the appeal right away. You get the parts many people want from a Comino outing: a quick ride, clear swimming water, time on the beach, and a boat route through the island’s caves. You do not spend the whole day sitting on a vessel. Most of your time is on Comino, where you can choose your own pace.

The trip lasts about seven hours. Departure is in the morning, with collection from Comino around 3:30 p.m. and arrival back in St. Julian’s Bay at about 4:30 p.m. That balance matters. A short visit can feel rushed, especially if you want to swim and eat. Five hours gives you room to settle in rather than checking your watch every few minutes.

The group limit is 20 people. That is not a private charter, but it is a more personal setup than a crowded ferry or a large excursion boat. The guide can explain the sights as you pass them, and the skipper has a better chance to answer questions. Guides named in the praise include Ian and Toni. Toni was described as having 50 years in the job, while Ian was praised for making the ride informative, fun, and safe.

Meeting at Spinola Bay and sorting out the start time

The meeting point is Oki-Ko-Ki Banis Watersports at Xatt Is-Sajjieda in Spinola Bay, St. Julian’s, San Ġiljan. The location is near Happy Dayz Bar and is close to public transport, which helps if you are staying in St. Julian’s or nearby.

There is one practical wrinkle. The tour details give a 9:00 a.m. start in one place and a 9:30 a.m. meeting time in another. The instructions say departure follows shortly after the meeting, so I would not guess. Check the private message sent after booking and follow the latest time given by the operator.

Arrive ready for a boat trip, not a polished coach excursion. Wear clothing that can handle spray, and place phones, cameras, wallets, and towels in a waterproof bag. Spray is a stated possibility, and belongings must be protected. This small step can save your day.

The boat returns to the same meeting point in St. Julian’s Bay. That makes the trip simple at both ends. You do not need to arrange a different return harbor or find your way back from Comino.

The ride north along Malta’s eastern coast

Once the boat leaves Spinola Bay, it heads toward the northern part of Malta. The route offers views of the eastern coast, including St. Paul’s Islands. The skippers provide information about what you are seeing, so the crossing is not just a transfer from one swimming spot to another.

The 35 to 40 minute crossing is one of the strongest parts of the day for anyone who enjoys speed and open water. A speedboat gets you to Comino much faster than a slow, purely scenic cruise. You feel the movement of the sea and get a close view of the coastline from the water.

That same speed creates the chief comfort concern. One person found the boat pitched and rolled heavily. The ride can depend on sea conditions, and exact transfer times are only estimates. If you are prone to motion sickness, you should think carefully about this style of transport. The operator should also be able to tell you how conditions look before departure, especially outside the warmest months.

The good news is that the strongest praise focuses on feeling safe despite the fast ride. The crew was described as courteous, punctual, informative, and entertaining. Those qualities matter on a small boat, where a calm and capable skipper shapes the whole experience.

Comino’s caves from the water

A tour of Comino’s caves is included. This adds something a basic beach transfer does not provide. You see parts of the island from sea level, where the rock formations and openings are easier to appreciate than from the beach.

The exact order is not specified, so the cave visit may take place on the approach to Comino, before the beach stop, or as part of the return route. The skipper provides commentary during the sightseeing portion, and the speedboat can take you into the caves as conditions allow.

This is a useful feature for anyone who wants more than a beach shuttle but does not want a full-day boat cruise. You get a short guided sightseeing element, then plenty of free time. The cave tour is also a good reason to keep your phone or camera accessible, but protected from spray.

Do not confuse the cave trip with a long guided walk or a full island tour. The supplied details describe a boat tour of the caves, not a land-based exploration of Comino. If you want to see more than the beach area, ask the operator what the current route includes.

Five hours at Blue Lagoon

The main stop is Comino, with about five hours on the beach. That is a generous block of free time and the clearest reason to choose this trip.

You can spend the morning and early afternoon swimming, sitting under the sun, eating, or trying an activity. Food and drinks are available on the island, but they are not included in the price. Toilets and showers are also available, which makes a long beach stay much easier.

Sunbeds and umbrellas can be hired on the beach. They cost extra, and availability may vary, so bring a towel and sun protection even if you hope to rent a place. The tour price covers the boat service and guide, not your beach setup or meals.

Water sports are available as another paid option. The information does not specify which activities are operating on the day or what they cost, so treat them as optional extras rather than part of the package.

Blue Lagoon is the star of the trip, but the name can create unrealistic expectations. In summer, the area is a major draw and can become very crowded. One highly positive account valued arriving before the biggest summer crowds, suggesting that an early start can improve the experience. Even with a morning departure, you should not expect an empty beach in high season.

The five-hour stop gives you flexibility, but it also means you are responsible for your own time. If you only want a quick swim, the stay may feel long. If you enjoy a slow beach day, it is a major advantage.

What the $59.13 price really covers

At about $59.13 per person, the cost is reasonable for a shared speedboat day with round-trip transport, a guide, fuel surcharge, local taxes, and the cave visit. You are paying for convenience as much as the boat itself. The operator takes care of the outward and return crossings, so you do not need to compare separate ferries or organize a second ticket back.

The price becomes better value if you plan to use the full five hours on Comino. A quick swim and early departure would make the outing feel less worthwhile. Bring enough interest for a full beach stay, or budget for food, drinks, a sunbed, an umbrella, or water sports.

The price does not include meals, drinks, sunbeds, umbrellas, or water sports. That is normal for this sort of day trip, but you should add those costs before comparing it with another Comino option.

The 20-person limit is also part of the value. You get shared transport, not a private boat, but the group is capped. If the boat fills, expect other people on the ride and at the beach. The smaller vessel gives the experience a livelier, more direct feel, though it also makes rough seas more noticeable.

Who will enjoy the fast boat most

I would recommend this trip to you if you want to reach Comino quickly and spend most of the day doing your own thing. It suits swimmers, sunbathers, couples, friends, and families who prefer a flexible beach stop over a tightly scheduled sightseeing program.

It is also a good choice if you like a little excitement in your transport. The fast ride is part of the fun, and the guides add commentary about the coast and islands rather than leaving you with a silent transfer.

You may want another option if you dislike boat motion, need a very calm crossing, or want an intensely quiet day. The ride can pitch and roll, and spray is possible. The operator requires good weather, but good weather does not always mean perfectly flat water.

The tour is offered in English. Most people can participate, but the details do not describe special accessibility arrangements. If you have specific mobility or boarding needs, contact the provider before booking rather than assuming the small speedboat will suit you.

Timing, weather, and seasonal changes

The advertised schedule is approximate. The exact crossing time depends on sea conditions, and winter plans can change from October onward because of weather. The operator sends private instructions after booking, so read those messages carefully.

The experience requires good weather. If poor conditions cancel the trip, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. For your own planning, avoid placing an important evening commitment too close to the expected 4:30 p.m. return, since the sea may affect timing.

You can cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the local start time. Changes or cancellations inside that window are not refunded or accepted. That policy is worth noting if your Malta plans are still uncertain.

Small details that make the day easier

A few simple choices will improve the outing:

• Bring a waterproof pouch for electronics and cash.
• Wear swimwear under your clothes if you want to get into the water quickly.
• Pack sun protection, since you may spend several hours outside.
• Carry some money for food, drinks, rentals, or water sports.
• Check the exact meeting time in the operator’s message.
• Expect spray and possible rough movement on the crossing.
• Keep the return pickup time, around 3:30 p.m., in mind while enjoying Comino.

You do not need to plan every minute. The value of this trip is the open block of beach time. Just make sure you know where and when to meet the boat again.

Should you book the Comino Blue Lagoon speedboat trip?

I would book it if your main goal is a fast, fun route to Blue Lagoon with five hours to enjoy Comino. The included cave tour, coastal commentary, small group size, and strong praise for guides such as Ian and Toni make it more than a basic transfer. At $59.13, it offers solid value when you use the full day.

I would pause if you are sensitive to rough water or want a silent, gentle ride. The pitching and rolling complaint is important, even though the overall score is very high at 4.9 from 78 ratings, with 99 percent recommending the experience.

For the best fit, choose this trip for speed, swimming, and flexibility. Confirm the start time, protect your belongings, and accept that Blue Lagoon may be crowded. If those conditions sound fine, this is a practical way to reach one of Malta’s most famous swimming spots without wasting the day in transit.

FAQ

Where does the speedboat trip begin?

It begins at Oki-Ko-Ki Banis Watersports, Xatt Is-Sajjieda, Spinola Bay, St. Julian’s, San Ġiljan, Malta, near Happy Dayz Bar.

What time does the experience start?

The information lists both 9:00 a.m. and a 9:30 a.m. meeting time. Check the private message from the operator after booking for the exact time you should follow.

How long does the whole experience last?

The trip lasts about seven hours. The expected return to St. Julian’s Bay is around 4:30 p.m.

How long is the speedboat ride to Comino?

The outward trip takes about 35 to 40 minutes, although exact transfer times depend on sea conditions.

How much time do I get at Blue Lagoon?

You get about five hours on Comino’s beach before pickup at approximately 3:30 p.m.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are available on Comino but must be paid for separately.

Are toilets and showers available?

Yes. Toilets and showers are available on the island.

Are sunbeds, umbrellas, and water sports included?

No. Sunbeds and umbrellas can be hired on the beach, and water sports are available separately.

What happens if bad weather cancels the trip?

You will be offered another date or a full refund if the experience is canceled because of poor weather.