St. Julian’s: Comino Blue Lagoon Sunset Cruise by Speedboat

Sunset makes Comino feel like a different island. I like the fast speedboat ride from St. Julian’s and the chance to see the Blue Lagoon after the daytime rush has eased, with the Santa Maria Caves and St. Paul’s Islands added along the route. The main catch is comfort: this is a brisk, open speedboat trip, not a cushioned cruise.

I also like the simple plan. You spend about 35 minutes reaching Comino, see the sea caves from the water, then get free time at the Blue Lagoon before returning along Malta’s coast. But the stop is not guided, and getting ashore can involve rocks, vendors, and a walk to the water, so you should not expect a polished luxury outing.

Key points to know before you book

• The ride takes about 35 minutes each way: The speedboat saves time, but the open boat can feel rough, especially near the front.
• Santa Maria Caves are a quick boat-side sight: You pass two caves rather than stopping for a long cave visit.
• The Blue Lagoon stop lasts about 1 hour and 15 minutes: You have free time for a swim, sunset views, and exploring at your own pace.
• A government access pass is required from May 2025: You need the evening pass from blcomino.com if you plan to step ashore at the Blue Lagoon.
• The sunset changes the color of the water: The lagoon may look darker than its famous daytime blue as the sun drops.
• This is transport with scenery, not a guided tour: The skipper operates the boat, but no tour guide provides a detailed commentary.

Leaving St. Julian’s by speedboat

The trip begins at the jetty behind the Verdi St. George’s Bay Marina Hotel, formerly the Marina Hotel Corinthia Beach Resort. The address is 8, Ix-Xatt Ta’ San Ġorġ, St. Julian’s.

Finding the departure point takes a little attention. Near the entrance to the hotel’s underground parking lot, 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 kept.

There is no hotel pickup, so you need to make your own way to St. Julian’s. Arrive with comfortable shoes and a light load. Large bags, luggage, baby strollers, non-folding wheelchairs, baby carriages, and electric wheelchairs are not allowed.

The boat is built for speed rather than lounging. Expect a long, narrow craft with bench seating along both sides, holding roughly 8 to 15 people. The ride is more practical than plush, and the front seats take the strongest bumps when the sea gets choppy.

That detail matters. You may be tempted to sit at the very front for the best view, but the forward section can deliver a hard ride. If you are prone to motion sickness or back pain, this is a serious consideration, not a minor footnote. Motion sickness prevention is worth bringing, and the experience is not suitable for people with serious mobility, heart, or back concerns.

Once underway, the boat heads toward Comino through the north channel. The speed is part of the appeal. You reach the island efficiently, without spending most of the evening on a slow sightseeing vessel.

Santa Maria Caves from the north Comino Channel

The first scenic portion takes you past the Santa Maria Caves. These are sea caves along Comino’s coast, viewed from the boat as you pass.

Keep your camera ready, but set your expectations correctly. The cave visit is a drive-by look rather than a stop for swimming, walking, or detailed explanation. The boat passes two caves, then continues for roughly eight more minutes around the bend toward the Blue Lagoon.

This is still a worthwhile part of the route because it gives you a water-level view of Comino’s rocky shoreline. You see the caves without adding a separate excursion or a long detour. For anyone hoping to inspect the caves closely, though, the visit may feel brief.

The skipper is experienced, but there is no guide leading a formal commentary. You are largely responsible for taking in the scenery, listening for any instructions, and keeping track of the schedule.

Arriving at the Blue Lagoon after the crowds

The boat reaches the Blue Lagoon in the evening, when the heavy daytime activity has eased. That timing is the central reason to choose this trip over a standard daytime run.

During daylight hours, the Blue Lagoon can be a noisy, crowded stop filled with boats and people. In the evening, you get a quieter window to look across the water, take photographs, and enjoy the changing light. Quieter does not mean empty, however. The boat may pull in near other party barges, and the landing area can still feel busy.

The stop lasts about 1 hour and 15 minutes. You have free time rather than a guided visit, so you can choose between a short swim, sitting near the water, walking around, or simply watching the sunset.

There is one important practical point. From May 2025, anyone who wants to step ashore at the Blue Lagoon must obtain an official government access pass in advance through blcomino.com. The daily supply is limited, and you need to choose the evening slot when applying.

This pass is not optional. Without it, you cannot disembark at the Blue Lagoon. The boat operator states that people without a pass will instead be taken to Santa Marija Bay, so check this requirement before paying for the cruise.

What the Blue Lagoon looks like at sunset

The Blue Lagoon is famous for clear, bright water, but sunset changes the view. As the sun drops, the water can look darker, and the strong daytime blue may not appear in the way you expect from photographs.

That does not make the sunset unappealing. The softer light can give the surrounding rock and sea a more subdued look, and the evening setting is the attraction. But if your main goal is the brightest possible lagoon color, a daytime visit may suit you better.

Swimming is described as a short refreshing stop, not an extended beach session. Bring swimwear if you want to get in, and wear shoes that can handle the approach to the water.

The landing itself may require some care. You may need to step onto rocks, then walk up and around past vendors before reaching a place where you can enter the sea. This is not the easy, polished access you might expect from a resort beach.

The free time gives you independence, but it also means you need to manage yourself. There is no guide organizing a group walk, explaining the island, or escorting you to a particular swimming point. Pay attention to the return time and make your way back to the boat promptly.

Returning past St. Paul’s Islands

After the Blue Lagoon stop, the speedboat returns toward St. Julian’s along the coastline. The return route passes the fascinating St. Paul’s Islands, adding another notable sight to the trip.

This final section is scenic rather than instructional. You see the islands from the water as part of the ride back, with the evening light continuing to change around you. Since the entire experience lasts 2.5 hours, the return journey is not an afterthought. It is a sizeable part of the outing.

The boat’s speed helps keep the schedule compact. You are not giving up a full day for a single swimming stop. At the same time, the quick format means the trip is focused on transport, views, and a short visit rather than a slow exploration of Comino.

Fuel costs are included, and an experienced skipper operates the boat. Food, drinks, hotel transfers, and a guide are not included, so plan to eat beforehand and bring only what you can carry comfortably.

Is $53 a fair price?

At $53 per person, this trip sits in the middle range for a short Comino outing. The price covers the speedboat journey from St. Julian’s, the return trip, fuel, the cave pass-by, the Blue Lagoon stop, and the St. Paul’s Islands route.

The value depends on what you want from the evening. If you are staying in St. Julian’s and want a quick way to reach Comino without arranging separate transport, the price is reasonable. You get the major sights in 2.5 hours, and the sunset timing avoids much of the daytime pressure.

The calculation looks less attractive if you expect comfort, food, guiding, or a long swim. The boat has basic bench seating, and the ride can be punishing near the front. You also need to handle your own access pass and make your own way to the marina.

I would view the $53 as a charge for efficient transport and a timed sunset visit. I would not treat it as the price of a luxury cruise. The experience gives you speed and scenery, but not padded seats, a meal, or a host explaining every landmark.

Who will enjoy this Comino trip?

I think this works best for active adults who want a short evening outing and do not mind a firm boat ride. It suits people who value the sunset setting and prefer a compact excursion over a full-day boat trip.

It may also appeal to anyone with limited time in Malta. The boat leaves from St. Julian’s, reaches Comino quickly, and returns the same evening. You can see the Blue Lagoon, Santa Maria Caves, and St. Paul’s Islands without committing an entire day.

You should think twice if you are prone to seasickness, have back problems, or need step-free access. The ride is fast, the front can be rough, and the landing may involve rocks and walking.

This is not suitable for children under three, pregnant women, wheelchair users, people with mobility impairments, or people with heart problems. Pets are not allowed either.

It is also a poor match if you want a quiet, romantic cruise with comfortable seating. The setting can be beautiful, but the boat itself is functional, and the lagoon area may still include other boats, vendors, and evening activity.

Practical tips for a smoother evening

Check the access pass before leaving your hotel. Use the official site, blcomino.com, select the evening slot, and keep the confirmation available. The pass is a government requirement, and the operator cannot replace it.

Bring swimwear, comfortable shoes, and motion sickness medication if you need it. Comfortable shoes matter because the Blue Lagoon landing may not put you directly beside an easy swimming area.

Pack lightly. Large bags and luggage are not accepted, and there is no food or drink included. A small personal item is more practical than a full beach bag.

If you have a choice of seats, the rear may be less punishing than the front, based on the boat’s layout and the rougher ride reported toward the bow. You will not get the same forward view, but a smoother ride may be the better trade.

Do not assume that sunset means no other boats. The evening is less crowded than the busiest daytime period, but the lagoon can still have party barges and other activity nearby.

Finally, keep track of the return time yourself. Since the stop is at leisure and there is no guide, you are responsible for getting back to the boat after your swim or walk.

Should you book the sunset speedboat?

Book it if you want the quickest route from St. Julian’s to Comino, enjoy open-water speed, and care more about sunset timing than comfort. The caves, Blue Lagoon, and St. Paul’s Islands make good use of a short evening, and the reduced daytime crowd is a real advantage.

Skip it if you want a soft ride, a guided explanation, easy access to the water, or a bright daytime view of the lagoon. The $53 price is fair for efficient transport and scenery, but it is too high for anyone expecting a luxury experience.

The access pass is the deciding detail for many people. Arrange it first, then book the cruise only if you are comfortable with a basic speedboat, a self-guided stop, and a potentially rocky landing. For the right person, this is a lively and efficient sunset visit. For the wrong person, it is an uncomfortable boat ride to a darker-than-expected lagoon.

FAQ

Where does the speedboat 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 lot, go through the black iron gate, walk down the ramp, turn left, and follow the yellow line on the ground to the jetty.

How long does the activity last?

The full experience lasts 2.5 hours.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. You need to make your own way to the departure point in St. Julian’s.

Do I need an access pass for the Blue Lagoon?

Yes. From May 2025, you need an official government access pass to step ashore at the Blue Lagoon. You can obtain it through blcomino.com.

Which access-pass time should I choose?

Choose the evening slot when applying for the pass.

What happens if I do not have an access pass?

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

Is this a guided tour?

No. The stop at Comino is at leisure, with free time rather than a guided visit. The host or greeter language is English.

What should I bring?

Bring comfortable shoes, swimwear, and motion sickness prevention if you need it. Food and drinks are not included.