Okikoki Banis – Comino Blue Lagoon Speedboat Trip- Fast Ferry

The best part of this Malta excursion is the combination of a fast coastal ride and a long Comino stay. You are not rushed through the Blue Lagoon for a quick photograph. After roughly 35 to 40 minutes on the water, you get about five hours on Comino for swimming, relaxing, food, showers, and optional watersports.

I like the scenic route past St. Paul’s Islands, with the skipper explaining what you see. I also like the included cave tour, which adds more than a simple ferry transfer. The main thing to consider is the ride itself: a speedboat can pitch and roll heavily in rough water, and spray may leave you and your belongings wet.

Key points to know

• Five hours on Comino: Plenty of time for swimming, a meal, a shower, and a slow afternoon.
• Fast route from St. Julian’s: The crossing takes about 35 to 40 minutes in normal sea conditions.
• Cave tour included: The boat makes time for Comino’s coastal caves before or around your beach stay.
• Skipper-led sightseeing: Guides such as Ian and Toni are praised for friendly explanations and local knowledge.
• Small shared boat: Bookings are capped at 20 people, though the exact boat atmosphere can vary.
• Bring waterproof protection: Spray is part of the ride, so protect phones, cameras, towels, and spare clothes.

A quick ride from Spinola Bay to Comino

You meet at Oki-Ko-Ki Banis Watersports in Spinola Bay, near Happy Dayz Bar in St. Julian’s. The published information gives a 9:00 am start time, while the meeting instructions also mention meeting at 9:30 am, so check the provider’s direct message after booking for the exact arrival time.

The boat leaves shortly after the group gathers. That means you should arrive ready, with swimwear under your clothes and your important items packed securely. This is not a slow sightseeing cruise. The speedboat is built to cover the distance quickly, giving you more time on Comino.

The crossing takes around 35 to 40 minutes, but that is only an estimate. Sea conditions control the pace. On calm water, the trip should feel like an exciting run across the channel. On a rougher day, the same speed can make the boat bounce and roll. One passenger specifically found the pitching and rolling uncomfortable, so anyone prone to seasickness should think carefully before booking.

Malta’s eastern coast from the water

The route heads north along Malta’s eastern coast. From the boat, you get a different view of the island than you would from a road or seaside promenade. The skipper points out sights along the way, including St. Paul’s Islands, and explains what you are seeing.

This commentary is an important part of the trip. Without it, the crossing would mainly be transport. With a guide at the helm, the ride becomes a short coastal tour. Ian is praised for making the journey informative and interesting, while Toni is known for his friendly manner and long experience in the job.

The exact style depends on your skipper. Some guides may talk more than others, and the trip is offered in English. Still, the reviews point to a strong pattern: the crew is friendly, punctual, and willing to answer questions.

Keep your phone and camera ready, but do not hold them loosely when the boat is moving fast. Spray can reach the seating area even when the sea looks calm. A waterproof phone pouch or a sealed dry bag is a sensible addition.

Reaching Comino’s Blue Lagoon

After the crossing, the boat reaches Comino for a long beach stop. You have approximately five hours here, which is the biggest reason to choose this trip over a basic boat shuttle.

Five hours gives you freedom. You can swim, sit by the water, buy food and drinks, use the toilets and showers, and take your time rather than watching the clock every few minutes. Sunbeds and umbrellas are available to hire on the beach, and watersports activities are offered if you want more than a swim.

The Blue Lagoon is the star attraction, but it is not a private beach. You should expect a popular public spot with limited space and a busy feel at parts of the day. The early departure may give you a better chance to enjoy the area before later summer crowds build, although crowd levels depend on the date and conditions.

You also need to plan for the cost of the beach itself. Food, drinks, sunbeds, umbrellas, and watersports are not included in the tour price. The $59.13 fare covers the shared round-trip boat service, fuel surcharge, local taxes, guide, and booking fee, but you should bring extra money if you want more than the basic transport and beach access.

The Comino caves by speedboat

A cave tour is included, adding a useful sightseeing section to the day. The boat takes you around Comino’s rocky coast and into its caves, giving you views that are hard to get from the beach.

The cave visit is one of the most distinctive parts of the outing. It breaks up the long beach stop and lets you see the island from several angles. You can expect the skipper to handle the boat through the cave area and point out features along the coast.

The timing of the cave visit may depend on sea conditions and the skipper’s route. The published schedule does not promise a fixed cave sequence, so treat it as part of the overall boat experience rather than a separate timed excursion.

This is also another reason to protect your belongings. The boat may slow down near the caves, but water spray remains possible. Keep expensive items zipped away until you are safely back at the meeting point.

Five hours to set your own pace

The long stop works well because you are not tied to a group program on the island. You can spend the whole time in the water, rent a sunbed, find lunch, or simply sit and watch the boats arrive.

Facilities include food, drinks, toilets, and showers. That makes the day easier than a remote beach visit, especially if you are traveling with children or want to stay by the water for several hours. Still, the price of those extras is separate, and available facilities can feel busy during the main season.

The tour suits people who want a clear plan but do not want every minute controlled. You have a set departure and return, yet the middle of the day belongs to you. I find that balance more appealing than a short stop that allows barely enough time to swim.

Watersports are also available at an additional cost. The activity details do not specify the types, prices, or booking process, so ask on arrival if you want to take part. Do not assume an activity is included in the $59.13 price.

What the speedboat ride feels like

The speedboat is the heart of the experience, and it will not suit everyone. The ride is fast, lively, and exposed to the sea. Several reviews describe it as fun and exciting, while one gives a clear warning about heavy pitching and rolling.

You may get wet from spray. Pack a towel, protect your phone, and avoid bringing anything that cannot handle moisture. If you have a light waterproof layer, it could be useful even on a warm day.

The boat ride can also be noisy and bumpy. The information says the booking is shared and capped at 20 people, giving the trip a smaller feel than a large ferry, but it is still a group outing. You will not have a private boat or a guaranteed quiet seat.

I would choose this trip if the journey is part of the fun for you. If you only want the smoothest possible transfer, a larger ferry may feel more comfortable, though this speedboat gives you the cave tour and a more lively coastal ride.

The crew and the mood on board

The guide can make a big difference here. Ian receives praise for being informative while keeping the ride safe and enjoyable. Toni is described as especially friendly, with decades of experience in the job. Those details matter because you spend a fair amount of the morning with the skipper before reaching Comino.

The best guides do more than point the boat north. They explain the coastal sights, answer questions, and keep the group relaxed. The trip has a social feel, and a cheerful group can make the boat ride even more enjoyable.

The operator is OkiKoKi Banis Watersports. The experience is offered in English, and most people can participate. There is no promise of a particular skipper, so you should view Ian and Toni as examples of the guide style you might receive, not as guaranteed crew members for your departure.

Is $59.13 good value?

At $59.13 per person, this is not the cheapest way to reach Comino. It can still be good value if you want more than transport.

The price includes fuel, local taxes, the booking fee, a driver-guide, and shared round-trip transfers. It also includes the cave tour, which adds sightseeing to the basic journey. Most important, you get around five hours at the Blue Lagoon rather than a brief stop.

The value is strongest for you if you would otherwise need to arrange separate transport to Comino and pay for another boat excursion. The fare bundles the crossing, coastal commentary, caves, and return ride into one day.

The value is weaker if you do not care about speed or caves, or if you plan to spend only a short time swimming. Food, drinks, rentals, and watersports are extra, so add those costs before deciding. I would budget beyond the ticket price for at least refreshments and any beach equipment you want.

The experience is popular enough that it is booked an average of 41 days ahead. That does not mean every date sells out, but it is a useful warning for summer planning. If your Malta schedule is fixed, booking early is sensible.

Who should book this Comino trip?

I would recommend it to you if you want:

• A full day centered on the Blue Lagoon
• A fast boat rather than a slow ferry
• A cave tour included in the outing
• Coastal views and commentary from a skipper
• Several free hours for swimming and beach time
• A shared group experience with no need to arrange separate transport

It is a good match for couples, friends, solo visitors, and families who can manage a fast boat ride. The facilities on Comino make the long stop easier, and most people can participate.

I would be more cautious if you are sensitive to motion, dislike getting wet, or want a calm, quiet crossing. Sea conditions can change the feel of the trip, and the boat may pitch or roll. Winter departures also follow a different pattern because weather can force changes to the program.

The 99 percent recommendation rate and 4.9 rating from 78 reviews point to a very strong overall experience, but the one lower rating is useful. It highlights a real issue rather than a minor complaint: the ride can be rough, and passengers should be told to expect that possibility.

Timing, weather, and practical planning

The advertised day runs for about seven hours. The boat should leave St. Julian’s shortly after the morning meeting, reach Comino in roughly 35 to 40 minutes, collect the group around 3:30 pm, and return to Spinola Bay around 4:30 pm.

Those times are approximate. Sea conditions affect transfer duration, and the winter program, beginning in October, may change because of weather. Follow the provider’s direct instructions after booking, especially if you are traveling outside the main summer season.

The tour ends where it begins, at the Oki-Ko-Ki Banis Watersports meeting point in Spinola Bay. The location is near public transport, which helps if you are staying around St. Julian’s or nearby parts of Malta.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. If poor weather cancels the trip, you are offered another date or a full refund. Cancellations or changes inside the 24-hour window are not accepted for a refund.

Should you book it?

Book this Comino Blue Lagoon speedboat trip if you want a lively crossing, useful coastal commentary, a cave tour, and five unhurried hours on Comino. The long beach stay and included caves make the $59.13 price easier to justify than a simple ferry fare.

Skip it if you need a smooth ride or dislike spray and motion. For everyone else, this is a well-paced way to reach Comino, with enough free time to enjoy the Blue Lagoon at your own speed.

FAQ

Where does the Comino speedboat trip begin?

It begins at Oki-Ko-Ki Banis Watersports, Xatt Is-Sajjieda, Spinola Bay, St. Julian’s, San Ġiljan STJ 3301, Malta.

What time does the activity start?

The meeting information gives a 9:00 am start time, while the tour instructions mention meeting at 9:30 am. Check the direct message from the provider after booking for the exact meeting time.

How long does the tour last?

The tour lasts approximately seven hours. The planned return to St. Julian’s is around 4:30 pm, but transfer times depend on sea conditions.

How long do I stay on Comino?

You have about five hours on Comino, with pickup planned for around 3:30 pm.

Is the cave tour included?

Yes. A speedboat tour around the caves of Comino is included.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not included. Comino has places to buy them, and toilets and showers are available.

What happens if bad weather cancels the trip?

If poor weather causes cancellation, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. Free cancellation for a full refund is also available when you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time.