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

The best reason to choose this sunset speedboat trip is timing. You reach Comino after the main daytime rush, when the Blue Lagoon is quieter and the evening light begins to soften the water. I like the quick run from St. Julian’s and the return past St. Paul’s Islands. I also like seeing the Santa Maria Caves without giving up a full day.

The catch is comfort. This is a long, open speedboat with bench seating, and the ride can be rough, especially near the front. At the Blue Lagoon, you may be dropped near rocks and party boats, then given free time rather than a guided visit. It is an active transfer with scenery, not a polished sunset lounge cruise.

Key points at a glance

• Sunset timing changes the Blue Lagoon experience: You avoid much of the daytime crowd, but the lagoon may look darker rather than bright blue as the sun drops.
• The speedboat saves time: The trip from St. Julian’s takes about 35 minutes before the caves, followed by roughly eight more minutes to the lagoon.
• Santa Maria Caves are a drive-by sight: You pass the caves from the water rather than stopping for a detailed cave visit.
• A government access pass is now essential: From May 2025, you need an evening pass from blcomino.com to step ashore at the Blue Lagoon.
• Free time means no tour commentary: An English-speaking host or greeter is listed, but this is not a guided tour.
• The boat ride is lively, not gentle: Bring motion sickness protection if you are prone to seasickness, and avoid the front if you want a less bumpy ride.

Why the evening boat trip makes sense

Comino’s Blue Lagoon is one of Malta’s most popular stops, and daytime visits can feel crowded. This 2.5-hour outing takes a narrower approach: get there quickly, enjoy the lagoon around sunset, then return to St. Julian’s without spending an entire day at sea.

I like that balance. You get the main visual rewards of Comino, including the caves, the lagoon, and the evening sky, while keeping your morning and afternoon free. If you are staying in St. Julian’s and want a short water outing rather than a full-day cruise, the timing is useful.

Still, sunset changes the look of the place. The famous color of the Blue Lagoon is strongest in bright daylight. As evening arrives, the water can appear dark, especially when the sun is low or hidden behind the island. You gain fewer people and softer light, but you may lose some of the brilliant blue that appears in daytime photographs.

That trade-off is worth thinking about before you book. If your main goal is a colorful swim in glowing turquoise water, choose a daytime visit. If your goal is a shorter trip with a calmer mood and sunset views, this schedule fits better.

Meeting the boat behind St. George’s Bay

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

The entrance is not simply a hotel lobby meeting point. Look near the entrance to the hotel’s underground parking area for a black iron gate. Go through the gate, walk down the ramp, turn left, and follow the yellow line painted on the ground. That line leads you to the jetty, where the boats and jet skis are parked.

Give yourself enough time to find it. The instructions are clear once you know about the gate and yellow line, but the departure area can be easy to miss if you arrive expecting a large tour desk. You will need to make your own way there because hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

The speedboat ride from St. Julian’s

The ride is the main transport for the outing, not just a short transfer between sightseeing stops. You leave St. Julian’s and head toward Comino through the north Comino Channel. The trip takes about 35 minutes before you reach the cave area, followed by another eight minutes or so around the bend to the Blue Lagoon.

That speed is a real advantage. A faster boat lets you see Comino without committing to a long cruise, and you spend more of the limited evening at the destination. Fuel costs are included, as is an experienced skipper.

The boat itself deserves realistic expectations. It is described as a long speedboat with bench seats along both sides, accommodating groups on the side benches. This is practical seating, not padded seating designed for comfort. The closer you sit to the front, the more movement you may feel, especially when the boat hits choppy water.

I would choose a middle or rear seat if you have a choice. The front offers a more direct view, but it also takes the strongest bumps. If you have back problems, heart problems, mobility limitations, or a strong tendency toward motion sickness, this trip is not a good match. Pregnant passengers and children under three are also excluded.

Wear secure, comfortable shoes and bring swimwear. Motion sickness prevention is sensible even if you normally manage short boat rides well. The operator does not allow large bags, luggage, baby strollers, non-folding wheelchairs, baby carriages, or electric wheelchairs.

Passing Santa Maria Caves

The route takes you by the Comino sea caves before reaching the lagoon. These caves are a worthwhile part of the trip because you see a rougher, less developed side of the island, with the boat bringing you close enough for a quick look from the water.

Keep your camera ready, but understand the format. This is a drive-by visit, not a stop for a cave walk or extended explanation. You will see the caves as part of the boat route, then continue toward the Blue Lagoon.

That makes the caves a pleasant bonus rather than the central attraction. If you want a slow cave visit with detailed commentary, this is not the right format. If you simply want to add Comino’s rock formations to a sunset outing, the passing view works well.

The host or greeter speaks English, but this is not a guided tour. You should not expect a running historical talk or a formal explanation at each stop. The skipper handles the route, while you enjoy the scenery independently.

Arriving at the Blue Lagoon after the crowds

The boat heads directly to the Blue Lagoon, where you get free time at Comino. The scheduled stop includes a short refreshing swim opportunity and time to watch the sunset.

This is the part that requires the most planning. Since 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 allocation is limited, and you need to select the evening slot when applying.

Without the pass, you cannot get off at the Blue Lagoon. Instead, the boat will take you to Comino’s Santa Marija Bay. That alternative may still provide a pleasant stop, but it is not the Blue Lagoon experience you booked the trip to see. Check the pass requirement before paying for the boat, not on the afternoon of departure.

Once ashore, your time is at leisure. You may have to walk around the rocks and past sales stalls to reach a swimming area. The stop is not arranged as a private beach visit, and the boat may pull in near other vessels. The setting remains attractive, but the shore experience can feel more commercial and crowded than the quiet sunset description suggests.

The evening timing helps. Daytime crowds have eased, and the lagoon is less hectic than it can be earlier in the day. Yet fewer people does not mean complete solitude. You should expect other boats and visitors, especially around a famous spot like this.

Swimming, sunset, and the changing color of the water

The swim stop is short, so bring your swimsuit under your clothes and keep your gear simple. There is no food, drink, or special beach equipment included. Large bags are not allowed, so pack only what you can carry comfortably.

The sunset is the visual high point. From the Blue Lagoon, you can watch the Mediterranean light change while the water and surrounding rock take on deeper colors. I like this time of day because it gives the stop a clear purpose beyond swimming. You are not just checking off Comino. You are waiting for a specific moment.

But do not book this trip solely for the bright blue color seen in midday photos. In the fading light, the lagoon may look dark rather than intensely blue. That is normal for the time of day, not a sign that the destination has failed.

You also need to be comfortable finding your own way around. The stop is free time, not a guided walk. If you want someone to point out the best swimming entry, organize your time, or explain the island, you will need to manage that yourself.

The return via St. Paul’s Islands

After the Blue Lagoon stop, the boat returns along the coastline and passes St. Paul’s Islands before heading back to St. Julian’s. This gives the ride home a second scenic section rather than simply retracing the outward route.

The islands add variety to the return. You have already seen the caves and lagoon, so the coastal route keeps the final part of the trip from feeling like a plain ride back to the marina. The total outing lasts about 2.5 hours, making it easy to fit around dinner plans or another evening activity.

The return can still be bumpy. Sunset does not make the boat smoother, and fatigue can make a rough ride feel longer. If you are sensitive to motion, sit where the boat moves least, keep your eyes on the horizon when possible, and use your preferred motion sickness remedy before departure.

Is $53 a fair price?

At $53 per person, the value depends on what you want from the evening. You are paying for the boat transfer, fuel, skipper, cave route, Blue Lagoon stop, sunset timing, and return past St. Paul’s Islands. For someone staying in St. Julian’s who wants a quick Comino outing, that package can be convenient.

The price feels less attractive if you expect a luxury boat, a guided tour, a meal, or a long swim directly from the vessel. None of those are included. Food and drinks are extra, hotel transport is not provided, and the stop at Comino is independent.

I would compare it with the cost and time of arranging a separate trip to Comino, but I would also judge the comfort level honestly. The speedboat gets you there efficiently, yet the bench seating and rough motion are part of the deal. If you value speed and scenery more than relaxation, $53 is easier to justify. If you want a soft seat and a peaceful cruise, the price may feel high.

The government access pass is another practical cost consideration, though the supplied information does not state a fee for it. You must arrange the pass yourself, and the boat operator cannot let you ashore without it.

Who will enjoy this Comino sunset cruise?

I would recommend this trip to you if you:

• Want a short evening outing from St. Julian’s
• Prefer a fast boat to a slower, longer cruise
• Enjoy coastal views and a lively ride
• Are happy with free time instead of a formal guide
• Want to see Comino after the busiest daytime period
• Can handle bench seating and possible bumps
• Plan to swim and watch the sunset rather than spend hours exploring ashore

I would steer you elsewhere if you need a smooth, quiet ride, have mobility or health limitations, or are prone to seasickness. It is also a poor choice if your main aim is to see the Blue Lagoon at its brightest blue or avoid commercial activity around the shore.

The trip works best when you treat it as a compact sightseeing run with a sunset stop. It is not a full Comino exploration, and it is not a luxury cruise.

Booking details that matter

You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and the reserve-now, pay-later option keeps your plans flexible. Starting times vary, so check the available evening slot when booking.

Bring comfortable shoes, swimwear, and motion sickness prevention. Leave luggage and large bags behind. Pets, strollers, non-folding wheelchairs, baby carriages, and electric wheelchairs are not allowed.

Most important, obtain the Blue Lagoon access pass at blcomino.com and choose the evening slot. Without it, you will be redirected to Santa Marija Bay, so this small administrative step determines where you actually stop.

Should you book it?

Book this speedboat trip if you want efficient Comino access, a short swim, sea caves, and sunset without giving up a whole day. The views are the strongest part, and the late timing helps you avoid the worst daytime congestion.

Skip it if you want comfort, guiding, or a bright midday Blue Lagoon experience. At $53, the trip offers reasonable value for transport and scenery, but only if you accept the hard benches, possible jolts, limited cave viewing, and self-directed shore stop. Check the access pass first, choose a middle or rear seat, and bring very little. Those steps will make the outing much more enjoyable.

FAQ

How long is the St. Julian’s to Comino sunset cruise?

The full activity lasts 2.5 hours.

Where does the boat depart from?

It departs from the jetty behind the Verdi St. George’s Bay Marina Hotel at 8, Ix-Xatt Ta’ San Ġorġ, St. Julian’s.

How do I find the jetty?

Near the hotel’s underground parking entrance, go through the black iron gate, walk down the ramp, turn left, and follow the yellow line on the ground to the jetty.

Is hotel pickup included?

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

Do I need a pass for the Blue Lagoon?

Yes. From May 2025, you need a government-issued access pass to step ashore at the Blue Lagoon.

Where can I get the Blue Lagoon access pass?

You can obtain it through the official government website, blcomino.com. Select the evening slot when applying.

What happens if I do not have an access pass?

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

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.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not included.

Who should not take this speedboat trip?

It is not suitable for children under three, pregnant women, people with back, heart, or mobility problems, wheelchair users, or people prone to seasickness or motion sickness.