St Julian’s: Powerboat Comino Blue Lagoon

Malta gets you to the water fast. This 4.5-hour powerboat trip from St Julian’s reaches Comino’s Blue Lagoon in less than 30 minutes, then adds a cruise past St Paul’s Islands and a stop at St Maria’s Caves. I like the speedy crossing and the chance to see the caves without booking a separate boat tour.

I also like that the boat gives you several hours around Comino for swimming and snorkeling. The trade-off is a real one: the fast boat can hop hard over the waves, and Blue Lagoon itself can be very crowded, especially in August.

Key points before you book

• Less than 30 minutes to Comino: The fast powerboat saves a great deal of time compared with slower boats.
• St Maria’s Caves included: You get a short scenic cruise through the caves before returning to Malta.
• Blue Lagoon is the main event: Most of your time is set aside for swimming, snorkeling, walking, and relaxing.
• This is a bouncy ride: You must remain seated, and the boat may land firmly after crossing waves.
• The $65 price buys time as well as transport: You are paying for a quick crossing and a cave visit, not just a ride to the beach.
• Blue Lagoon access now needs its own reservation: As of April 29, 2025, you must reserve both the morning and afternoon access slots through the official website.

Why the fast boat changes the day

Comino is close to Malta, but the trip can feel long on slower vessels. This powerboat reaches Blue Lagoon in under 30 minutes, which leaves more usable time for swimming and less time sitting in transit.

That matters if your main goal is the water. You are not spending half the morning getting there, then turning around soon after arrival. The quick ride also gives you a lively start to the outing, with views along Malta’s east coast and past St Paul’s Islands.

The boat is described as the fastest on the island, and the experience is built around that claim. This is not a gentle ferry crossing. The boat moves with purpose, and passengers have to stay seated for the full ride.

One practical warning: speed and comfort are not the same thing. One passenger described the boat as occasionally jumping over waves and landing with a strong jolt. That sounded like part of the fun for two teenagers, but it could be unpleasant if you have a sensitive back or simply prefer calm water.

Finding the boat at Ganado

The meeting point is at Ganado, near the jetty. Look for a black gate and pass through it, then walk down the ramp. Turn left and follow the yellow line painted along the jetty.

You should see boats and jet skis near the departure area. This is useful because the instructions are specific, but the arrival area itself may not offer much shade or seating. Give yourself enough time to find the jetty rather than arriving at the last minute.

The host or greeter speaks English. The available information does not give a guide’s name, group size, or a detailed check-in procedure, so I would keep the meeting instructions handy on your phone.

Bring a swimsuit and towel. You will want both, since swimming is a central part of the stop at Blue Lagoon rather than an optional extra.

The first 25 minutes along Malta’s coast

Once aboard, the powerboat heads along Malta’s east coast. The first part of the ride includes views of St Paul’s Islands before the boat crosses toward Comino.

This is a scenic transfer, but it is still a transfer. You are not getting a narrated coastal sightseeing cruise with a long list of formal stops. The attraction is the combination of open-water views, speed, and the anticipation of reaching the lagoon.

The boat’s movement will shape your enjoyment. All passengers must remain seated throughout the ride, so do not expect to stand at the rail for photos or move around to find a different view. Keep phones and cameras secure, especially if the water is rough.

The safety restrictions are clear. Children under 3 are not permitted. Pregnant women and people with heart or back problems should not board. Every child who is allowed to join must be accompanied by an adult.

These rules are not minor fine print. A high-speed boat can make a rough crossing feel much rougher, particularly when it hits the back side of a wave. If you are unsure about your comfort or health, choose a slower boat option instead.

Blue Lagoon: beautiful water, busy setting

The Blue Lagoon is the reason most people book this trip. The water around Comino is clear and inviting, making it a good place to swim and snorkel. You also have time to walk around and take in the setting from shore.

I like the balance here. The boat gets you there quickly, then leaves you with free time rather than keeping you on a rigid, stop-and-go sightseeing schedule. You can spend your hours in the water, sit with your towel, take photos, or explore on foot.

The catch is crowding. During August, Blue Lagoon can be very busy, even when the water itself looks wonderful. The trip does not turn the lagoon into a quiet beach escape. You should book it for access to striking water and a fun day out, not for solitude.

The published material gives several different time figures. The overall activity lasts 4.5 hours, while the detailed schedule lists 25 minutes of water transport each way and gives longer time blocks for Comino and Blue Lagoon. Those figures do not fit neatly together, so check the departure time and exact schedule when you book.

The most useful way to think about the outing is this: you get a fast crossing, a substantial Blue Lagoon stop, a cave visit, and a fast return. The exact amount of free time may depend on the departure selected.

Swimming and snorkeling at Comino

The Blue Lagoon stop is built for swimming and snorkeling. Bring your own equipment if you have it, since the tour information only lists transport and the cave visit as included. No snorkeling gear is listed among the inclusions.

Clear water makes this part appealing even if you are not a serious swimmer. You can enjoy a quick dip or spend longer in the water, depending on conditions and your comfort. The free-time format gives you control, but you are responsible for keeping track of the boat’s departure instructions.

If you prefer dry sightseeing, you can walk and enjoy the views instead. Still, this is not the best choice if you have no interest in getting wet. Swimming is one of the main reasons the experience has value.

The bright side of a crowded lagoon is that it feels lively and social. The downside is that space and peace can be limited. If you want the best chance at a less hectic experience, ask about the available start times and consider how busy Comino is likely to be during your visit.

St Maria’s Caves on the return route

Before heading back to Malta, the boat visits St Maria’s Caves in Comino. This is one of the strongest parts of the outing because it adds a second type of experience to the day.

You are not only transported to Blue Lagoon and back. You also get a look at the rocky coast and sea caves from the water. The cave visit is included in the transfer, so you do not need to arrange another boat cruise.

The available information does not promise a landing or a separate cave walk. Plan on seeing the caves from the boat, with the length of the stop depending on the skipper and conditions.

That distinction matters. If you want a long cave exploration on foot, this is not that. If you like seeing Comino’s shoreline from a fast boat and slipping through the cave area as part of the ride, it is a useful bonus.

After the caves, the boat cruises back toward Corinthia Beach Resort and the St Julian’s area. The return crossing takes about 25 minutes in the published transport details, though the exact timing can vary.

Is $65 a fair price?

At $65 per person, this is not the cheapest way to reach Comino. The value comes from saving time and adding the cave visit.

If you take a slower, less expensive boat, you may spend much longer getting to the lagoon. Here, the quick crossing lets you reach the water in under half an hour. For a half-day outing, that can make a major difference.

You are also paying for the boat itself as an experience. The fast ride is a central feature, not merely a practical transfer. If you enjoy speed and open water, the journey is part of the entertainment.

The price is less attractive if you want a quiet beach day or a relaxed ferry ride. Blue Lagoon can be crowded, and the boat can be rough. In that case, paying extra for speed may not improve your day.

I would call the price reasonable for an active half-day trip, especially if you value your time in the water. It is a poor match for anyone mainly seeking comfort, shade, or a calm ride.

What the 4.9 rating tells you

The experience has a 4.9 rating from seven published ratings, with most scoring it five out of five. The strongest praise focuses on the fast boat, the cave route, the lively atmosphere, and the long period around Blue Lagoon.

The details are more useful than the number. One passenger described the boat as arriving in less than 30 minutes in both directions. Another called the boat and the caves the best parts of the outing.

The most helpful warning is about the ride itself. A parent traveling with teenagers enjoyed the speed and felt the trip was a perfect fit for them, but also pointed out that the boat can jump over waves and land with a noticeable thump.

There is also a practical comfort complaint about the welcome area, with limited shade and seating and not enough explanation about boarding. That is worth knowing if you are arriving early or traveling with someone who cannot stand for long.

Taken together, the experience earns strong marks for what it promises: a fast run to Blue Lagoon with a cave visit. It does not promise a polished lounge area or a smooth, quiet crossing.

Blue Lagoon reservations after April 29, 2025

There is an extra step you must handle before going. A government policy issued on April 29, 2025 requires all Blue Lagoon visitors to reserve access through the official website:

Blue Lagoon

The instructions say to book both the morning and afternoon access slots. Do not assume that your powerboat booking alone provides lagoon access.

This is especially important because the trip is centered on Blue Lagoon. If you skip the separate reservation, you may have a problem even though you have paid for the boat.

Keep the access reservation details with your tour confirmation. The powerboat operator provides the transfer from St Julian’s, the Comino cave visit, and the return trip, but the lagoon access reservation is a separate requirement.

Who will enjoy this powerboat trip?

I would choose this for you if you want to reach Comino quickly, spend time swimming, and enjoy a lively ride. It suits active couples, friends, and older children who are comfortable with speed and bouncing over waves.

The trip also works well if you have only half a day available. You can see Malta’s coast, cross to Comino, visit the lagoon, and see St Maria’s Caves without committing to a full-day cruise.

I would be cautious if you are pregnant, have a heart or back condition, or are bringing a child under 3. The restrictions exclude those groups, and the boat’s movement gives a clear reason for the rules.

You should also think twice if you dislike crowded swimming spots. The Blue Lagoon is beautiful, but it can be packed in summer. This trip gets you there fast, not away from the crowds.

Booking and cancellation tips

The activity offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. It also allows you to reserve now and pay later, which can help if your Malta plans are still shifting.

The host language is English. Check the available starting times before choosing a date, and allow time to find the black gate, ramp, and yellow line at the jetty.

Wear swimwear under your clothes and bring a towel. Since you must remain seated during the crossings, pack only what you can keep secure and manage easily.

Should you book the Comino powerboat?

Book it if your priority is speed, swimming, and a straightforward Blue Lagoon outing with St Maria’s Caves added. The fast crossing is the main advantage, and the boat ride itself gives the half-day some energy.

Skip it if you need a smooth ride, have a restricted medical condition, or want a peaceful and uncrowded beach. At $65, you should be sure you are paying for the things you actually want: quick transport, a bouncy powerboat, clear water, and a cave cruise.

For the right person, this is an efficient way to fit Comino into a Malta itinerary. Just reserve the required Blue Lagoon access, expect crowds, stay seated, and treat the speed as the feature rather than a side note.

FAQ

How long does the powerboat trip last?

The activity is listed as lasting 4.5 hours. The detailed transport information gives about 25 minutes each way, but the published time blocks for the stops do not match the overall duration exactly, so check the selected departure for the precise schedule.

How quickly does the boat reach Blue Lagoon?

The boat is expected to reach Blue Lagoon in less than 30 minutes.

Where is the meeting point?

The meeting point is at Ganado near the jetty. Pass through the open black gate, walk down the ramp, turn left, and follow the yellow line. The boats and jet skis are near the jetty.

Is the visit to St Maria’s Caves included?

Yes. The trip includes a visit to St Maria’s Caves in Comino before the boat returns toward St Julian’s.

Can I swim and snorkel at Blue Lagoon?

Yes. Swimming and snorkeling are listed as activities during the Blue Lagoon stop. Bring swimwear and a towel. Snorkeling equipment is not listed as included.

Do I need a separate Blue Lagoon reservation?

Yes. Under the government policy issued on April 29, 2025, visitors must reserve Blue Lagoon access through the official website. The instructions say to reserve both the morning and afternoon slots.

Is the boat suitable for children?

Children under 3 are not permitted. Children who are allowed to join must be accompanied by an adult, and all passengers must remain seated during the ride.

Who should not take this powerboat?

Pregnant women and people with heart or back problems should not board the powerboat.

Can I cancel for a refund?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The activity also offers a reserve-now-and-pay-later option.