St Julian’s: Powerboat Comino Blue Lagoon

The main draw here is simple: you get to Comino’s Blue Lagoon in about 30 minutes on a very fast powerboat, rather than spending much of your morning on a slower vessel. I like the extra visit to St Maria’s Caves, and I like that the trip leaves you real time for swimming and snorkeling instead of treating the lagoon as a quick photo stop.

The catch is the ride itself. This boat can jump over waves and land with a hard thump, so it is not suitable for anyone with back or heart problems, pregnant women, or children under 3. Blue Lagoon can also be extremely crowded, particularly in August, which takes some of the shine off the famous water.

Key points

• About 30 minutes to Comino: The fast crossing is the chief reason to pay more for this trip.
• St Maria’s Caves included: You get a short coastal cruise and cave visit before heading back.
• A genuinely lively boat ride: The powerboat can bounce over waves, making the crossing fun for some and uncomfortable for others.
• Swimming and snorkeling time: The main stop is built around free time in and around Blue Lagoon.
• English-speaking host or greeter: No individual guide name is provided, but assistance is offered in English.
• Official lagoon reservation required: Since April 29, 2025, you must reserve both the morning and afternoon access slots through the official Blue Lagoon website.

Why the fast crossing matters

Comino is close to Malta on a map, but the trip can feel longer when you are packed onto a slow sightseeing boat. This outing is designed for people who would rather spend their limited holiday time in the water than in transit.

The boat leaves from the St Julian’s area and heads along Malta’s east coast. You pass St Paul’s Islands before crossing toward Comino. The crossing takes about 25 to 30 minutes each way, depending on conditions, and the operator presents this as the fastest powerboat ride on the island.

That speed is not just a marketing detail. It gives you a quicker arrival at the Blue Lagoon and a shorter return trip, leaving more of the half-day for swimming, snorkeling, walking, and sitting by the water. At $65 per person, you are paying for that time savings as much as for the boat ride itself.

You must remain seated during the entire crossing. This matters because the boat can move sharply when it meets waves. One account describes it as jumping over the water and landing firmly, while also calling the speed great fun for two teenagers. That is a useful picture of the ride: exciting for people who enjoy motion, but not a gentle cruise.

Finding the boat at Ganado

The meeting point is at Ganado. Look for a black gate that is open, then walk down the ramp, turn left, and follow the yellow line along the jetty. The boats and jet skis are positioned farther along the pier.

This is not the sort of departure where you want to arrive at the last second. The reception area may have limited shade and seating, and instructions about boarding may not be obvious at first. Give yourself time to find the ramp, reach the jetty, and sort out where to wait.

The host or greeter speaks English. No guide names are provided, and this is primarily a transport and swimming excursion rather than a history tour. If you want detailed commentary about Malta’s coast, you should not expect a long narrated program.

Along Malta’s east coast to Comino

Once seated, the boat heads out past St Paul’s Islands and then crosses open water toward Comino. The ride itself is part of the appeal. You get a low, fast view of the sea rather than the slower, more sedate feel of a large excursion vessel.

The mood can be lively. The boat has been described as festive, which fits the quick pace and the holiday atmosphere around Blue Lagoon. If you enjoy speed and sea spray, the crossing may be the most memorable part of the outing.

There is a practical tradeoff. A fast powerboat gives you less room to move around and fewer chances to stand for views. Everyone has to stay seated for the whole ride, so pack your phone or camera where you can reach it safely, and do not count on wandering about while under way.

If you are prone to motion sickness, the combination of speed, waves, and a fixed seat may be worth considering carefully. The supplied information does not promise a calm crossing. The operator specifically excludes people with back problems, heart problems, and pregnancy, and children under 3 are not allowed.

Blue Lagoon: beautiful water, serious crowds

The Blue Lagoon is the centerpiece. Its clear water is ideal for swimming and snorkeling, and you get several hours in the Comino area rather than a brief stop for photographs.

Bring swimwear and a towel. You will want to be ready to enter the water soon after arrival, since the main value of this trip is the amount of free time at the lagoon. A walk around the area is also included in the stated activities, so you can split your time between the water, the shoreline, and views from land.

The main weakness is crowding. In August, the lagoon can be packed, even when the water itself is beautiful. The fast boat gets you there quickly, but it does not give you private access to the cove. You should book this for the water and the convenience, not for peace and quiet.

There is also an important new access rule. Since April 29, 2025, all visitors to Blue Lagoon must reserve entry through the official website at blcomino.com/product/blue-lagoon/. The supplied instructions say to reserve both the morning and afternoon slots. This is separate from paying for the boat, so do not assume your powerboat booking alone covers lagoon access.

Because access rules can affect your day, check the official site before setting out. Keep your reservation details available, and make sure the time slots match the scheduled boat trip. The activity information does not explain how the operator handles a mismatch, so this is one detail you should settle before departure.

St Maria’s Caves adds a welcome change of pace

Before returning, the boat visits St Maria’s Caves on Comino. This is a good addition because it breaks up a long stretch of swimming and gives you a coastal view that is different from the Blue Lagoon stop.

The cave visit is made from the boat, with time to cruise past the rocky shoreline. The supplied details do not promise a landing or a guided walk through the caves, so think of this as a boat-level sightseeing stop rather than a cave hike.

One of the strongest parts of the experience is the contrast between the two stops. Blue Lagoon is about getting into the water and spending time at a famous swimming site. St Maria’s Caves are about seeing Comino from the sea and enjoying the powerboat’s maneuvering along the coast.

You then cruise back toward the Corinthia beach resort area. The full advertised duration is 4.5 hours, with roughly 25 minutes for each water transfer. The detailed time notes also describe several hours around Comino and Blue Lagoon, so allow for the actual schedule to depend on departure time, sea conditions, and the day’s operating plan.

Is $65 a fair price?

At $65 per person, this is not the cheapest way to reach Comino. Its value comes from speed and simplicity. You pay for a direct transfer from St Julian’s, a fast return, the cave visit, and several hours at the lagoon without arranging separate transport.

I think the price makes sense if your priority is maximizing time at Comino. A slower boat may cost less, but the savings can come with a longer crossing and less flexibility around your swimming time. Here, the boat is the attraction as well as the ride.

The value is weaker if you dislike rough motion or mainly want a quiet day on the water. A fast boat can be tiring, and crowded Blue Lagoon does not become calm just because you arrived quickly. You are buying access and speed, not solitude.

The reserve-now-and-pay-later option also helps if your plans are still changing. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, according to the activity terms. That gives you some protection, but the Blue Lagoon access reservation remains a separate task.

Who should choose this powerboat trip?

I would choose this outing if you have one half-day for Comino and want to spend that time in the water. It is especially well suited to couples, older children, and teenagers who enjoy speed, provided everyone can handle a bumpy ride.

It also suits first-time visitors who want a straightforward package. The route, transfer, Blue Lagoon time, cave visit, and return are all grouped together, so you do not need to piece together separate connections.

I would think twice if you have back pain, a heart condition, or are pregnant. Those restrictions are explicit, not minor cautions. Children under 3 are not permitted, and every child must be accompanied by an adult.

You should also reconsider if your ideal boat day means standing up, moving around, or enjoying a slow coastal cruise. You stay seated for the complete ride, and the boat’s speed is a central feature.

What to bring and how to prepare

Bring swimwear and a towel. Those are the two essentials, since swimming and snorkeling are the main activities at Comino.

You should also arrive ready for a firm, fast ride. Keep loose belongings secure and remain seated as instructed. The information provided does not list snorkeling equipment as included, so confirm what you need to bring or rent before departure.

Allow extra time to locate the black gate and follow the yellow line down the jetty. The boarding area may offer limited shade and seating, so do not plan on a comfortable lounge while waiting.

Most important, reserve both required Blue Lagoon access slots through the official website. The boat ticket and lagoon access requirement are not presented as the same thing. Completing both steps should prevent a nasty surprise at the water.

Should you book the St Julian’s powerboat?

Book it if you want speed, swimming time, and a lively ride. The roughly 30-minute crossing is the real advantage, and the added stop at St Maria’s Caves gives the half-day more variety than a simple transfer.

Skip it if you need a smooth boat, quiet surroundings, or easy access for a physical condition. Also remember that Blue Lagoon can be very crowded in summer. For an active half-day with clear water, a fast crossing, and a cave cruise, this is a strong choice. Just treat the ride as a thrill boat, not a gentle ferry, and arrange the official lagoon reservation before you go.

FAQ

How long does the experience last?

The advertised duration is 4.5 hours.

How long is the boat ride to Comino?

The water transfer takes about 25 minutes, and the Blue Lagoon is reached in less than 30 minutes according to the activity details.

Where does the boat leave from?

The meeting point is at Ganado in the St Julian’s area. Pass through the open black gate, walk down the ramp, turn left, and follow the yellow line on the jetty.

Is St Maria’s Caves included?

Yes. The trip visits St Maria’s Caves before returning toward the Corinthia beach resort area.

Is swimming allowed at Blue Lagoon?

Yes. Swimming and snorkeling are included activities during the free time at Comino and Blue Lagoon.

Do I need to bring a towel?

Yes. Swimwear and a towel are listed as items to bring.

Are children under 3 allowed?

No. Children under 3 are not suitable for this activity.

Can pregnant women join the boat trip?

No. Pregnant women are not allowed to board the powerboat.

Can people with back or heart problems join?

No. The activity is not suitable for people with back problems or heart problems.

Do I need a separate Blue Lagoon reservation?

Yes. Since April 29, 2025, visitors must reserve access through the official Blue Lagoon website. The instructions say to reserve both the morning and afternoon slots.