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

Comino’s Blue Lagoon is the main event here, and the powerboat gets you there far faster than a slow sightseeing cruise. From St George’s Bay, you race past St Paul’s Islands, visit the Santa Maria caves, and reach Comino in roughly 30 to 40 minutes.

I like the quick boat ride, which leaves more time for swimming, and I like the chance to see Comino’s caves from the water rather than only arriving at a crowded landing spot. Captains such as Alex have earned praise for friendly service, music, and jokes. The main drawback is that the ride can be very jolty, and one serious account raises concerns about a boat breakdown and the crew’s response.

Key points to know before booking

• Fast route from St Julian’s: The advertised journey to Comino takes about 30 minutes, with some departures reaching the island in around 40 minutes.
• Two departure choices: Leave at 10:30 and return at 16:30, or leave at 12:30 and return at 17:00.
• Santa Maria caves included: The route passes the caves, giving you a coastal view and a short sightseeing stop from the boat.
• Long Comino stay: The schedule gives you several hours at the island, enough for swimming, photographs, and time around the Blue Lagoon.
• Open-sea ride: Expect speed, spray, and a bumpy trip if the sea is rough. This is not the calmest way to reach Comino.
• Large possible group: The boat can carry up to 66 people, so this is not necessarily a small, quiet outing.

Why this powerboat trip works well from St Julian’s

The biggest appeal is simple: you can reach Comino quickly without committing to a full-day cruise. Sun & Fun Water Sports operates from St George’s Bay beside the Corinthia Beach Resort, a useful base if you are staying in St Julian’s or can reach the area by public transport.

The boat ride is part transport and part attraction. You do not sit inside a coach for a long transfer, then wait at a ferry terminal. Instead, the trip begins on the water, with the Maltese coast opening up around you. The route passes St Paul’s Islands, an easily recognised landmark with dramatic rocky scenery and historical associations.

That speed comes with a tradeoff. A powerboat is more exciting than a standard ferry, but it gives you a harder ride. If you prefer a quiet crossing, or if you are prone to seasickness, this may not be the best match. The ride can be rough, and one account describes a return journey affected by a mechanical problem. The company’s stated policy allows a change of date or a full refund if poor weather cancels the trip, but it does not promise a refund for a personal change of plans.

Leaving St George’s Bay at 10:30 or 12:30

You have two listed schedules:

• 10:30 to 16:30
• 12:30 to 17:00

The first departure gives you the longest overall day and is the better choice if your main goal is to enjoy Comino without feeling hurried. The later departure still gives you several hours, but you lose some time at the island because the return is only about four and a half hours after leaving.

Arrive at least 15 minutes before departure. The meeting point is Sun & Fun Water Sports at the Corinthia Beach Resort, St Julian’s STJ 3390. The activity ends at the same point, which keeps the outing simple if you are using St Julian’s as your base.

The exact travel time is described as about 30 minutes, while a detailed account places it closer to 40 minutes. That difference is normal for a boat trip because the sea, route, loading, and conditions affect the timing. Plan around the published return time rather than assuming the fastest possible crossing.

The ride past St Paul’s Islands

Once the boat leaves St George’s Bay, the coastline becomes the show. The ride is designed to be fast, so you get a broad view of Malta’s shore rather than a slow look at every cove.

St Paul’s Islands are a key landmark on the outward route. Their bare rock and open-water setting provide a sharp contrast with the packed resort coast near St Julian’s. Have your camera ready, but keep your belongings secure. A fast boat throws spray, and the most exposed seats will feel every change in the water.

The captain’s style can shape the whole trip. Alex is specifically praised for keeping the mood lively with music and jokes, while Alex and Rebecca are singled out for helpful service. That gives you a sense of the intended atmosphere: energetic, social, and informal rather than silent and purely scenic.

Santa Maria caves from the water

The Santa Maria caves are one of the trip’s most enjoyable extras. You see natural rock formations along Comino’s coast and get a closer look at the openings and shadows cut into the limestone.

This is not a long cave expedition on foot. It is a boat-based visit, so the experience depends on the route and sea conditions. Still, it adds variety to a day that might otherwise be only a ride to a swimming area.

The caves also help you see Comino as more than a place with one famous patch of blue water. The island’s shoreline is shaped by rock, small inlets, and sea-carved openings. The boat gives you a view that you cannot get while sitting near the Blue Lagoon.

Arriving at the Blue Lagoon

The boat drops you at Comino so you can spend time on your own. The water around the Blue Lagoon is the clear turquoise shade that makes this excursion so popular, and it is the natural place for a swim or a series of photographs.

The practical reality is less polished than the pictures. Comino is largely rocky, and one detailed account notes that there may be no conventional sandy beach or comfortable place to lie down. Uneven rocks can be hard on bare feet and awkward for sunbathing.

Bring footwear that handles rough ground, and do not expect a resort beach with rows of loungers. The island has vans selling drinks and snacks, but the facilities described here are limited. You are paying for access to the water and the scenery, not for a fully serviced beach club.

The long stop is useful if you want to swim more than once, sit by the water, and wait for the light to change. It is less useful if you expect a packed sightseeing program. One account felt that Comino received more time than needed, especially since there is limited land activity beyond the water, rocks, snacks, and views.

That makes the tour a better choice for swimmers and photographers than for people who need a full schedule of monuments and guided visits. If the thought of several hours on rocky ground sounds dull, choose the later departure or consider a trip with more stops.

How much time do you really need on Comino?

The schedule gives you a substantial stay. The 10:30 boat returns at 16:30, while the 12:30 departure returns at 17:00. The exact time at Comino depends on loading, the cave route, and the day’s operating details, but you should expect enough time for a relaxed swim.

I see this as both a strength and a weakness. A short stop would make the trip frustrating, especially after travelling from St Julian’s. Several hours let you enjoy the water without constantly checking the clock.

On the other hand, Comino’s main attractions are concentrated in a small area. After you have swum, taken photographs, and explored the immediate shore, you may find that the remaining time feels slow. There is little in the supplied information to suggest a long guided walk, museum visit, or extensive inland program.

Bring a book, sun protection, water, and something comfortable to sit on if you want to make the long stop pleasant. Those are practical choices for an island where the natural setting is excellent but the comfort level is basic.

The return trip and an important safety consideration

The return journey includes another scenic cruise and, according to the detailed trip description, the caves may be visited on the way back as well. The second ride gives you another look at Malta from offshore, often from a different angle and in changing light.

The sea determines how smooth this will feel. One account calls the boat ride jolty but still enjoyable, while another describes a more serious mechanical incident on the return. That account reports an overheated engine, leaking fluid, smoke, a rescue by another powerboat, and poor communication about safety procedures.

This is a serious concern, not a minor complaint. The available information does not establish how common such an event is, but you should take it into account before booking, especially if you are travelling with young children or feel uneasy on fast boats. If anything feels wrong during the ride, ask the crew directly about the situation and safety instructions.

The tour has a maximum capacity of 66 people. That may be comfortable on a larger boat, but it means you should not assume a private or intimate outing. The atmosphere can be lively, and music may be played during the ride.

Is $66.09 good value?

At $66.09 per person, the price is reasonable if you want three things in one outing: fast transport from St Julian’s, a boat ride along the coast, and several hours at Comino’s Blue Lagoon.

The price makes less sense if you are only interested in reaching the water and do not care about speed. A basic ferry or another transfer could suit you better, depending on availability and price on your travel dates. This experience charges for the powerboat element, the cave route, and the convenience of leaving from St George’s Bay.

The value also depends on how you use the island stop. Swimmers who will spend hours in the water are likely to get more from the fare than visitors who want a wide range of organised sights. The Blue Lagoon itself is the reason to come, but the boat makes the journey part of the day rather than an unavoidable transfer.

The trip is commonly booked about six days ahead. That suggests you should not leave it until the last morning if your schedule is tight. Confirmation is provided at booking, but the activity can be cancelled if the minimum number of participants is not reached. In that case, you are offered another date, another experience, or a full refund.

Who should book this Comino trip?

I would choose this outing if you want a fast, water-focused day and are comfortable with a lively boat ride. It suits couples, families with older children, and active visitors who would rather swim and take coastal photographs than spend the day touring inland sights.

It is also a good fit if you are staying near St Julian’s and want a straightforward meeting point. Public transport is nearby, and the return to the same location removes the need to arrange a separate ride home.

I would think twice if you dislike bumpy crossings, need a sandy beach, or want a carefully paced sightseeing tour. The rocky shore, limited facilities, large possible group, and one serious safety account all deserve attention before you pay.

Most travelers can participate, but the information does not promise a gentle ride or detailed accessibility arrangements. Contact the operator before booking if you have mobility concerns or need specific assistance.

Final verdict: book it for speed and swimming

I would book this tour for the quickest-feeling water route from St Julian’s to Comino, especially with the 10:30 departure. The caves, St Paul’s Islands, and friendly captains such as Alex add real value, while the Blue Lagoon provides the memorable centrepiece.

I would not book it expecting a comfortable beach day or a quiet cruise. Pack for rocks, sun, spray, and a rough ride. If those conditions suit you, $66.09 buys an efficient and exciting way to reach Comino. If you want more land sightseeing, fewer hours at the lagoon, or stronger reassurance about boat comfort and safety, compare other options first.

FAQ

Where does the tour start?

It starts at Sun & Fun Water Sports at the Corinthia Beach Resort, St Julian’s STJ 3390, Malta.

Where does the activity end?

The boat returns to the same meeting point at St George’s Bay in St Julian’s.

What departure times are available?

The listed departures are 10:30, returning at 16:30, and 12:30, returning at 17:00.

How long is the experience?

The activity lasts approximately four to six hours, depending on the departure time and operating conditions.

How quickly does the powerboat reach Comino?

The journey is advertised as taking about 30 minutes. A detailed account describes the trip as taking around 40 minutes, so allow for some variation.

Are the Santa Maria caves included?

Yes. The route includes a visit to the Santa Maria caves, with views of the natural rock formations from the boat.

What happens if bad weather cancels the trip?

If poor weather causes cancellation, you are offered a different date or a full refund. If the minimum number of participants is not reached, you are offered another date, another experience, or a full refund.