St Julian’s: Powerboat Comino Blue Lagoon

The main appeal here is speed. This fast powerboat gets you from the St Julian’s area to Comino’s Blue Lagoon in about 30 minutes, far quicker than a slower ferry or standard boat trip. You cruise past St Paul’s Islands, cross to Comino, swim in clear water, then visit St Maria’s Caves before heading back.

I like two things right away: more time on Comino instead of spending much of the outing getting there, and the chance to see the caves without booking a second trip. The trade-off is a bouncy ride. You remain seated for the whole journey, and the boat can hit the waves hard, so this is not a good choice if you have back or heart problems, are pregnant, or simply dislike speed.

Key points to know before booking

• About 30 minutes to Blue Lagoon: The fast boat is the reason to choose this trip over slower water transport.
• St Maria’s Caves included: You get a short cave cruise on the return journey rather than only a point-to-point transfer.
• A high-speed, bumpy ride: The boat can jump over waves and land firmly, especially in rougher conditions.
• Long free time at Comino: The schedule allows plenty of time for swimming and snorkeling, but the Blue Lagoon can feel crowded.
• Blue Lagoon access now requires a reservation: Book the official morning and afternoon access slots before your boat trip.
• $65 can be good value for speed: You are paying for quick transport, cave viewing, and return service, not a guided sightseeing tour.

Why this powerboat trip makes sense

Comino’s Blue Lagoon is one of Malta’s most famous swimming spots, and its popularity creates a simple problem: reaching it can take time. A regular ferry may be cheaper, but the ride can feel slow, especially when you have limited holiday hours. This trip aims to solve that problem with speed.

The advertised crossing takes less than 30 minutes. That matters because you can spend most of your half-day at Comino rather than watching Malta’s coast slide past from a slow boat. The route begins from the St Julian’s area and follows Malta’s east coast, with a view of St Paul’s Islands before the boat crosses open water toward Comino.

I would choose this outing for the ride as much as for the destination. The boat is described as the fastest on the island, and the experience has a lively, energetic feel. One recent passenger compared the speed favorably to a normal boat trip, while also warning that the hull can leave the water over waves and come down with a solid thump.

That detail is important. You do not move around to take photographs, stretch your legs, or find a calmer seat once underway. Everyone must stay seated for the full ride. If you enjoy speedboats, this is part of the fun. If you want a quiet cruise, look for a slower boat or a larger ferry.

Finding the jetty at Ganado

The meeting point is listed at Ganado. The directions are practical but easy to miss if you arrive in a hurry. Look for a black gate that is open, pass through it, and walk down the ramp. At the bottom, turn left and follow the yellow line along the jetty toward the boats and personal watercraft.

Allow yourself enough time to find this spot. The boarding area is not described as a formal terminal with a large indoor waiting room. One useful criticism of the setup is the limited shade and seating, so bring water, wear sun protection, and do not expect a comfortable lounge while you wait.

The exact departure and return wording deserves attention. The activity is connected with St Julian’s and the Corinthia beach resort area, while the meeting instructions point to Ganado. Check the confirmation carefully for the current meeting point and return location. That small bit of preparation can save you a needless walk along the waterfront.

The host language is English. There is no named guide supplied for this outing, and the main service is boat transport rather than a long, narrated tour. You should expect instructions for boarding and the route, but do not book this if you want a detailed history talk at every stop.

The 30-minute run past St Paul’s Islands

Once everyone is seated, the boat heads along Malta’s east coast. The first part gives you a look at the shoreline from the water, followed by a pass near St Paul’s Islands before the crossing to Comino.

The short journey is the great practical advantage. In roughly half an hour, you can go from the St Julian’s area to the Blue Lagoon. A listed itinerary also mentions water transport of about 25 minutes each way, which fits the advertised crossing time, but the overall schedule contains conflicting time figures. The experience is described as 4.5 hours, while separate stop descriptions mention four or five hours.

Treat 4.5 hours as the working duration and confirm the exact departure time when you book. The important point is that this is a half-day outing, not a full-day cruise, though the stop descriptions suggest a generous period at Comino.

During the ride, keep your belongings secure. The instructions require you to remain seated, and the boat’s speed means that loose hats, phones, and towels can quickly become a problem. Swimwear and a towel are the two listed items to bring. I would also add sunscreen and water, since the waiting and swimming areas offer plenty of sun and the supplied details do not promise shade.

Blue Lagoon: clear water and heavy crowds

At Comino, you get free time for swimming and snorkeling. The Blue Lagoon’s appeal is easy to understand: the water is exceptionally clear, and the setting is made for a quick swim, a mask-and-snorkel session, or a floating break after the powerboat ride.

The practical catch is crowding. In August, the lagoon can be very busy, even when you arrive quickly. The fast boat saves time on the journey, but it cannot give you a private section of the water. Expect a popular swimming stop rather than a quiet island escape.

The long stop is useful if you want to swim more than once, dry off, and take your time. It also gives you flexibility. You can snorkel, walk around, or simply sit by the water without watching the clock every few minutes.

Still, several hours beside one busy swimming area may be more than you want. One of the supplied comments translates roughly as too long at Blue Lagoon, which is a fair warning for anyone who prefers short stops and constant sightseeing. If you are happiest in the water, the generous free time will feel like a benefit. If you tire of crowded beach areas, it may feel repetitive.

The new access rule is essential. Since April 29, 2025, all people visiting the Blue Lagoon must reserve access through the official website, blcomino.com. You are instructed to book both the morning and afternoon time slots. Do this before the boat trip, and do not assume that paying for the powerboat automatically provides your Blue Lagoon entry reservation.

That extra step changes the planning. You now need to match your official access reservations with the boat departure and return schedule. Check the current instructions at booking time, since access procedures can change.

St Maria’s Caves on the way back

Before returning to Malta, the boat visits St Maria’s Caves in Comino. This is a valuable addition because it gives you a second side of the island. The Blue Lagoon is about swimming and open water, while the caves offer a short look at Comino’s rocky shoreline from the boat.

The cave visit is a cruise-by stop rather than a separate landing or walking tour. You should expect the boat to approach the caves so you can see their openings and formations from the water. It is a good moment to have your camera ready, but remember that you remain seated throughout the ride.

The caves also break up the return journey. After several hours at the lagoon, the change of scene gives the trip a clear final sightseeing point before the boat heads back toward the Corinthia beach resort area.

Do not expect a long cave exploration. The included service says it visits the caves, not that it takes you ashore or inside on foot. If you want extensive cave time, a dedicated Comino cave cruise would be a better fit.

What $65 buys you

At $65 per person, this is not the cheapest way to reach Blue Lagoon. You are paying for a faster crossing, a return boat ride, and a cave visit. The real question is how much your time is worth.

I think the price is reasonable if you are staying in St Julian’s, have only half a day, and want to combine swimming with a speedboat ride. A slow transfer may cost less, but the saving comes with a longer journey and less of the lively boat experience.

The value is weaker if your only aim is to reach the water as cheaply as possible. In that case, compare other transport options before booking. This outing is best understood as a compact activity, not merely a taxi across the sea.

There is also a convenience value in the return service. You do not need to arrange separate transport from Comino, and you get the caves as part of the same outing. The reservation requirement for Blue Lagoon access is not included in the $65 description, so budget your planning time separately and confirm whether any current access charge applies through the official site.

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure and a reserve-now, pay-later option make the booking less rigid. Those terms are useful when your Malta schedule depends on weather or changing plans, but read the current conditions before relying on them.

Who should choose the fast ride

I would recommend this powerboat for active visitors who want a quick route to Comino and enjoy a little excitement on the water. It suits couples, friends, and older children who can handle a fast, bumpy crossing. A recent family outing worked particularly well for two boys aged 15 and 19, who enjoyed the speed and the long time at the lagoon.

The trip may also suit confident swimmers and snorkelers. You get enough free time to make the water stop worthwhile instead of rushing through a single short dip. Bring your own snorkel gear if you have it, since the supplied information confirms snorkeling but does not say that equipment is provided.

I would not choose it for babies or toddlers under three. Pregnant women and anyone with heart or back problems are specifically excluded. The powerboat operator also requires children to be accompanied by an adult, and the provided wording about children under a certain age is incomplete, so check the current age rules if you are booking for a young child.

People who dislike motion should think carefully. The hull can bounce over waves, and the landing after a jump may feel hard. Even healthy passengers may find the ride tiring if the sea is rough. A larger, slower boat is likely a better choice if comfort matters more than speed.

Small details that make the day easier

Wear your swimwear under your clothes so you can get into the water without a long change. Pack a towel, sunscreen, and a secure bag for your phone and wallet.

Keep your expectations clear at the boarding area. The waiting space may have limited shade and seating, and arrival instructions may not be obvious. Follow the black gate, ramp, left turn, and yellow line sequence rather than wandering along the jetty.

Once aboard, stay seated and listen to the crew. Do not plan to stand for photographs or move around while the boat is running. The best photos may come at the lagoon or caves, when the boat is moving slowly or has stopped.

Check the Blue Lagoon reservation site before departure. The required morning and afternoon slots are especially important because your boat schedule includes both the journey to Comino and the return. Keep your confirmation accessible on your phone.

Finally, leave room for weather and sea conditions in your expectations. The listed transfer is fast, but speed does not guarantee a smooth ride. The supplied safety restrictions tell you exactly who should avoid this boat, and they are worth taking seriously.

Should you book this Comino powerboat?

Book it if you want the quickest stated route from St Julian’s to Blue Lagoon, enjoy a spirited ride, and plan to spend real time swimming or snorkeling. The cave visit adds variety, and the return transfer keeps the outing simple. At $65, the package makes sense when speed and convenience are more important to you than finding the lowest fare.

Skip it if you want a gentle cruise, a quiet lagoon, a guided historical tour, or a short visit with little time in the sun. The ride can be rough, the lagoon can be crowded, and the long stop will not suit everyone.

My practical verdict is clear: this is a strong half-day choice for people who like fast boats and want to maximize time at Comino. Just reserve your Blue Lagoon access, confirm the meeting details, and be honest with yourself about how you handle bouncing over waves.

FAQ

How long does the powerboat trip last?

The activity is listed as lasting 4.5 hours. The crossing to Comino is described as taking about 25 to 30 minutes each way, though the separate stop timings contain inconsistent figures. Check the exact departure time when booking.

Where is the meeting point?

The meeting point is at Ganado. Look for an open black gate, pass through it, walk down the ramp, turn left, and follow the yellow line along the jetty toward the boats and jetskis.

Is Blue Lagoon access included in the $65 price?

The included service covers transport from St Julian’s to Comino, the cave visit, and the return trip. Since April 29, 2025, Blue Lagoon access must also be reserved through the official website. Book both the morning and afternoon slots as instructed.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear and a towel. Sunscreen, drinking water, and a secure way to carry small valuables are also sensible for a sunny boat and swimming outing.

Can children join the powerboat?

Children under three are listed as unsuitable for this activity. Children who do join must be accompanied by an adult. Check the current age requirements if you are traveling with a child.

Who cannot board the boat?

Pregnant women and people with back or heart problems cannot board. All passengers must remain seated for the entire ride.

Is cancellation available?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and a reserve-now, pay-later option is available. Check the current booking terms before confirming.