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

Comino’s Blue Lagoon is Malta’s famous postcard scene, with clear turquoise water, pale sand, and fish close to shore. This speedboat trip from St. Julian’s gets you there quickly, then leaves you free to swim, walk, or simply find a patch of sun. I like the fast ride and the return route past Comino’s sea caves. The catch is simple: the lagoon gets extremely crowded, and you must obtain the government access pass before stepping ashore.

I also like the flexible length, with options running from about 2.5 to 4.5 hours, and the fact that fuel, a skipper, and both boat transfers are covered in the price. You will not have a guide showing you around Comino, though, so this suits independent visitors more than anyone seeking a fully narrated island tour.

Key points to know before you book

• About 30 to 45 minutes by speedboat: The crossing is much quicker than a slower boat service, though timing depends on the boat and sea conditions.
• Blue Lagoon access pass required: Since May 2025, you need an official pass from blcomino.com to leave the boat at the Blue Lagoon.
• Free time, not a guided visit: You choose how to spend your stop, from swimming and snorkeling to walking around Comino.
• Sea caves on the return: Weather permitting, the skipper takes you past Comino’s attractive caves before heading back.
• Crowds are part of the deal: The water is beautiful, but the Blue Lagoon is rarely peaceful during the main part of the day.
• A practical $53 option: The fare includes both speedboat rides, fuel, a skipper, and island time, but not food, drinks, or the access pass.

The fast route from St. Julian’s to Comino

This trip begins at a jetty behind the Verdi St. George’s Bay Marina Hotel in St. Julian’s. It is not a grand cruise terminal, so allow a few extra minutes to find it.

At the hotel’s underground parking entrance, look for a black iron gate. Go through it, walk down the ramp, turn left, and follow the yellow line painted on the ground. That line leads to the jetty, where the boats and jet skis are kept.

The ride itself is one of the main reasons to choose this outing. Instead of spending much of your day on a slow ferry or a larger sightseeing boat, you get a direct run toward Comino. The stated crossing time is about 45 minutes, while some departures have taken closer to 30 minutes. Your exact time will depend on the boat in use, the sea, and the chosen departure schedule.

You cruise along Malta’s eastern coast and pass St. Paul’s Islands on the way. The skipper may offer a short explanation of the places you pass, and music can be part of the ride, but this is not a formal guided excursion. Think of the transfer as a lively boat journey with views, not a history lesson.

The provider can use any suitable speedboat in its fleet, so do not book this expecting the exact vessel shown in promotional photos. The important point is the type of transport: a smaller, quicker boat that gets you to Comino without a long wait.

Arriving at the Blue Lagoon

The Blue Lagoon is famous for good reason. The water can shift through clear shades of blue and green, and its transparency makes it easy to see fish near the swimming area. The pale bottom and bright water create the classic Comino view you have probably seen in photographs.

The first sight is often the strongest part of the visit. From the boat, the lagoon looks especially striking, with the water contrasting against the rocky shore. Once ashore, though, the experience becomes less tranquil. Sun loungers, food stands, swimmers, boats, and other groups fill the small area during popular times.

I would come here for the color of the water and the chance to swim in it, not for solitude. The Blue Lagoon is one of Malta’s most popular natural sights, and its fame brings crowds. If you dislike busy beaches, your best approach is to spend part of your free time walking around Comino rather than staying beside the main landing area.

You can swim, snorkel, sunbathe, or take a walk inland. The stop is at leisure, so you are not tied to a guide or a set group activity once you leave the boat. That freedom is useful. Strong swimmers can spend their time in the water, while anyone who prefers dry land can explore the island on foot.

The stop may also include access to toilets, rinse showers, lockers for a fee, food and drink stalls, deck chairs, and activities such as banana boats or parasailing. These services make the visit easier, but they also reinforce the fact that this is a developed day-stop rather than an untouched beach.

Bring your own towel, sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, and swimwear. Comfortable shoes matter if you plan to walk beyond the shore. A fork may also be useful if you buy one of the pineapple drinks served in a fresh pineapple, since the fruit left inside may otherwise be awkward to eat.

What your free time really means

The phrase free time is important here. No guide leads a walk across Comino, explains each bay, or gathers you for a planned activity. You are dropped off, given time to enjoy the area, and collected later at the agreed point.

That arrangement works well if you want control over the day. You can go straight into the water, rent a lounger, take photographs, or walk until it is time to return. It is less suitable if you want someone to organize your snorkeling, explain the island, or keep you moving from one sight to another.

The length varies by departure option. The total activity lasts about 2.5 to 4.5 hours, and some shorter departures provide around two hours at the lagoon. Check the exact option before paying, since the difference matters. Two hours is enough for a swim and a quick look around, while a longer option gives you more breathing room for a walk and a meal.

The Blue Lagoon itself is compact, so you do not need a full day to see the main swimming area. Still, the more time you have, the less rushed you will feel. You can wait for a clearer spot in the water, explore a little farther, or sit with a drink without watching the clock every few minutes.

The return ride and Comino’s sea caves

When it is time to leave, the speedboat collects you from Comino and takes you back to St. Julian’s. The return journey includes a visit to Comino’s sea caves when weather and sea conditions allow.

This is a nice addition because it turns the transfer home into another short sightseeing ride. The caves give you a different view of Comino, with rock formations and openings along the coast that are best appreciated from the water. You should treat the cave visit as weather dependent, not as a guaranteed stop in every condition.

The sea can become rougher later in the day or when the wind picks up. One account describes noticeably larger waves on the return, with life jackets provided by the skipper. That is a useful reminder to listen to instructions and keep your belongings secure.

The speedboat ride is exciting, but it is not ideal for everyone. The experience is specifically unsuitable for children under three, pregnant women, people with back, heart, or mobility problems, wheelchair users, and people prone to seasickness or motion sickness. Even if you usually manage boats well, motion sickness tablets or another preferred remedy may be sensible.

The boat’s speed is a benefit and a limitation. It saves time and creates a fun sense of movement, but the ride can feel bouncy in rough water. If comfort matters more to you than speed, a larger or slower vessel may be a better choice.

How much value do you get for $53?

At $53 per person, the fare is reasonable for a direct Comino transfer with free time at the Blue Lagoon. You are paying for the speedboat ride in both directions, fuel, a skipper, and the return route past the caves when conditions permit.

The main value is time. A quicker crossing means you spend less of your outing sitting in transit and more of it on Comino. For a short Malta holiday, that can make this a better fit than a longer boat excursion, especially if your main goal is simply to swim in the Blue Lagoon.

The price does not include food, drinks, deck chairs, lockers, water activities, or the government access pass. Those extras can raise the cost once you arrive. You should also plan to carry only a small personal bag, since large luggage and bulky bags are not allowed.

For me, the fare makes sense if you want a fast, straightforward day at Comino and are happy to arrange yourself once ashore. It is less compelling if you want a quiet bay, extensive commentary, or an all-inclusive beach package.

The access pass is the key practical detail. Since May 2025, the Maltese government requires visitors to obtain an official pass before stepping ashore at the Blue Lagoon. You can arrange it online through blcomino.com, and the daily allocation is limited.

Do this before the morning of your trip. Without the pass, you will not be allowed to disembark at the Blue Lagoon. Instead, the boat will take you to Santa Marija Bay on Comino. That may still be a pleasant alternative, but it is not the same as visiting the famous lagoon.

Crowds, facilities, and the best way to enjoy the stop

The Blue Lagoon can be very crowded, especially during the summer. You may find it difficult to claim a comfortable place close to the water, and the main area can feel more like a busy beach stop than a quiet island escape.

That does not erase the beauty of the place. The water remains clear, colorful, and excellent for swimming. Fish are visible, and the setting is impressive even when other people are sharing it.

I would arrive prepared to be flexible. Swim early during your stop, then walk around Comino when the shore becomes too busy. If you rent a deck chair, confirm the price and location first. Card payments are accepted by many vendors, including some lounger rentals, but carrying a small amount of backup cash is still sensible because the tour information does not promise card payment everywhere.

Toilets and rinse showers are available, and lockers can be rented if you do not want to keep valuables with you. These facilities are helpful after swimming, particularly if you are continuing with other plans in Malta.

Do not expect hotel-level comfort. You are visiting a small island with a popular swimming bay, not a private resort. The best experience comes from treating the lagoon as a short natural stop, enjoying the water, and accepting the commercial activity around it.

Who will enjoy this boat trip most?

I would recommend this for independent visitors who want to reach Comino quickly from St. Julian’s. It works especially well for anyone with limited time, anyone who prefers a smaller speedboat to a large cruise vessel, and anyone who wants to decide how to spend the island stop.

It is also a good match for swimmers and snorkelers. The water is the main attraction, and you can spend your free time in it rather than following a fixed sightseeing schedule.

Families with very young children should choose another outing, since children under three are not accepted. People with mobility limitations should also note that the activity is not suitable for wheelchair users or non-folding wheelchairs, and the operator does not allow baby strollers or carriages.

If you are prone to motion sickness, think carefully before booking. The short crossing helps, but speedboats can move sharply in rough water. Pregnant people and anyone with back or heart problems should not take this trip.

This is not the right pick if you want a peaceful, empty beach. It is also not ideal if you need a full guide, guaranteed cave access, or a fixed premium boat shown in the photographs. For those priorities, the speed and flexibility may not outweigh the uncertainty.

Meeting point, timing, and what to bring

The departure point is at 8, Ix-Xatt Ta’ San Ġorġ, behind the Verdi St. George’s Bay Marina Hotel, formerly called the Marina Hotel Corinthia Beach Resort. Follow the black gate, ramp, left turn, and yellow painted line to the jetty.

Arrive with time to spare. The meeting point is near a parking entrance rather than at a large, obvious harbor desk, and first-time visitors can easily walk past it.

Pack light. Large bags, luggage, non-folding wheelchairs, electric wheelchairs, pets, and baby strollers are not allowed. Bring:

• Comfortable shoes
• Sunglasses and a sun hat
• Swimwear and a towel
• Sunscreen
• Motion sickness prevention if you need it

There is no hotel pickup or drop-off, and no food or drink is included. The host or greeter speaks English, and the skipper is responsible for operating the boat. The visit to Comino is independent rather than guided.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and the reserve-now, pay-later option can help if your Malta schedule is still changing. Check the available departure times carefully because the total duration varies.

Should you book the St. Julian’s speedboat?

Book this trip if your priorities are speed, simple planning, and time to swim in the Blue Lagoon. The direct ride from St. Julian’s, the enjoyable boat journey, and the chance to see Comino’s caves on the way back give you a lot for a half-day outing.

Just arrange your Blue Lagoon access pass first, expect crowds, and understand that the boat is transport with free time, not a guided island tour. If those conditions suit you, $53 is a fair price for a quick Comino visit.

Choose another option if you are seeking silence, a fully planned tour, or a very stable ride. For most active visitors who want Malta’s clearest water without losing a full day to transport, this is a practical and enjoyable choice.

FAQ

How long does the speedboat trip take?

The advertised journey to Comino takes about 45 minutes, while some departures have taken around 30 minutes. Sea conditions and the boat in use can affect the crossing time.

Where does the boat leave from?

The boat leaves from the jetty behind the Verdi St. George’s Bay Marina Hotel in St. Julian’s, at 8, Ix-Xatt Ta’ San Ġorġ. Enter through the black gate near the underground parking entrance, follow the ramp and yellow line to the jetty.

Do I need an access pass for the Blue Lagoon?

Yes. Since May 2025, you must obtain an official government access pass before stepping ashore at the Blue Lagoon. You can get it online through blcomino.com, and daily numbers are limited.

What happens if I do not have the access pass?

You will not be allowed to leave the boat at the Blue Lagoon. The boat will take you to Comino’s Santa Marija Bay instead.

Is this a guided tour of Comino?

No. You have free time on Comino and can explore at your own pace. An experienced skipper operates the boat, but there is no tour guide leading you around the island.

Are the sea caves guaranteed?

No. The sea cave visit takes place on the return journey when weather conditions permit.

Is food included in the price?

No. Food and drinks are not included. You may find food and drink stands at the Blue Lagoon, along with paid deck chairs, lockers, and other activities.