Comino, The Blue Lagoon & Caves Powerboat from St Julian’s

The quickest part of this Comino outing is also the main attraction: you can reach the Blue Lagoon from St Julian’s by powerboat in about 30 to 40 minutes, rather than spending much of the day on a slower boat. The route passes St Paul’s Islands and the Santa Maria caves before giving you several hours on Comino.

I like the short run to the lagoon and the chance to see the coast from the water. I also like the flexible feel of the day: once dropped at Comino, you have time to swim, sit by the water, or simply take in the brilliant blue sea without being tied to a guided walk.

The catch is that this is a fast, open-water ride, not a calm cruise. A few passengers have also reported mechanical trouble and poor handling during a return journey, so I would book this only if you are comfortable with speed, jolting waves, and a schedule that can change with sea conditions.

Key points to know before booking

• Fast access from St Julian’s: The powerboat reaches Comino in roughly 30 to 40 minutes.
• Two departure choices: The listed schedules are 10:30 to 16:30 and 12:30 to 17:00.
• Scenic route: You pass St Paul’s Islands and visit the Santa Maria caves along the way.
• Long Blue Lagoon stop: You get several hours on Comino for swimming, photos, and relaxing.
• Helpful crew names: Alex and Rebecca receive particular praise, with Alex noted for music, jokes, and friendly assistance.
• Sea conditions matter: The ride may be rough, and past reports include a late pickup and a serious boat breakdown.

Why the powerboat route is the main attraction

Comino is famous for its clear turquoise water, but getting there can take patience. This trip is designed for people who would rather feel the boat cut across the sea than spend a long stretch on a large ferry.

You meet at Sun & Fun Water Sports beside the Corinthia Beach Resort in St Julian’s. Arrive at least 15 minutes before departure. From there, the boat leaves St George’s Bay and heads toward Comino, with the coast opening up around you.

The ride is described as the fastest option offered by the company, with the crossing taking about 30 minutes in ideal conditions. One account puts the journey closer to 40 minutes, which is a sensible expectation once loading and sea conditions are considered.

I would choose a seat with a clear view if you want photographs, but remember that a quick boat ride is not the same as a sightseeing vessel with a quiet, stable deck. The trip can be jolty. That is part of the fun for some people and the main drawback for others.

The boat holds up to 66 people. That is a fairly large group for a powerboat experience, so do not expect a private charter or a quiet outing. The upside is that the group size helps keep the price at $66.09 per person, a reasonable rate for transport, the coastal route, the cave visit, and several hours on Comino.

St Paul’s Islands and the open-water ride

The first section gives you a different view of Malta. From the water, you pass St Paul’s Islands, known for their historical importance and stark rock formations.

The islands are a scenic landmark rather than a long stop. You will see them as part of the route, so think of this as a moving viewpoint rather than a full visit. The attraction is the combination of open sea, rocky islands, and the feeling of leaving the built-up St Julian’s coast behind.

The captain may add music and jokes during the ride. Alex is specifically noted for doing this while keeping the journey lively. That can make the short crossing feel like part of the experience instead of simple transport.

Still, the mood depends heavily on the day. With calm water, the speed feels exciting and the trip is easy to enjoy. With wind or chop, the same ride may feel hard on your back and stomach. If you are prone to motion sickness, this is a point to take seriously. The tour requires good weather, but good weather does not always mean perfectly calm water.

Santa Maria caves from the sea

The boat also takes you past or into the Santa Maria caves around Comino. These natural rock formations are one of the best reasons to travel by small boat rather than ferry.

The cave section is usually part of the route to or from the island. The exact order may vary, but you should expect a coastal look at the openings, rock walls, and water around Comino rather than a long shore-based exploration.

This is a short sightseeing stop, not a full cave expedition. You will want your phone or camera ready, since the boat may not linger for long. The close view of the rock is more interesting than simply arriving at the Blue Lagoon, and it gives the day some variety.

The boat ride and the caves also help explain the price. You are not paying only for a transfer from St Julian’s to Comino. You are paying for a quicker route, a scenic circuit, and the chance to see parts of the coast that are not visible from the island’s paths.

Arriving at the Blue Lagoon

The main stop is Comino’s Blue Lagoon, where the water is known for its striking blue and turquoise tones. This is the place to swim, take photographs, or sit near the shore and enjoy the view.

The amount of free time is generous. The morning departure runs from 10:30 until 16:30, giving you roughly six hours away from the meeting point. The later schedule runs from 12:30 until 17:00, so the outing is closer to four and a half hours.

That long stop is useful if your main goal is swimming. You are not rushed off the island after one quick look. You can swim, dry off, take photographs, and spend time by the water before the boat returns.

But you should set your expectations carefully. Comino is not presented here as a polished beach resort. One detailed account describes uneven rocks, limited places to sit or sunbathe, and small vans selling drinks and snacks. The Blue Lagoon is beautiful, but comfort is basic.

Bring what you need for several hours by the water. The information supplied for this tour does not promise sun loungers, changing facilities, or a restaurant, so do not book it expecting resort-style service. The appeal is the sea itself.

The Blue Lagoon can also feel crowded, especially during the warmer months. That is not a flaw unique to this boat, but it matters when you compare the tour with a quieter coastal trip. You are coming for the color of the water and the chance to swim, not for solitude.

How much time do you really need on Comino?

The schedule works well if swimming is your priority. Several hours lets you enjoy the water at your own pace, and you will not need to watch the clock every few minutes.

If you mainly want photographs and a quick swim, the stop may feel too long. There is not a long list of inland sights included in this outing, and the rocky setting offers limited options for walking or comfortable lounging.

That is why I see this as a Blue Lagoon and boat trip, not a full Comino tour. The island is the setting for the water stop. The powerboat, coastal views, and caves provide the wider sightseeing experience.

A few people would prefer less time at Comino and more time on another island, but that is not what this product is built around. If you want to see Gozo as well, check the exact product before booking. The supplied schedules and description focus on Comino, while one account refers to a version that also allowed time in Gozo. That suggests different trips may be sold under similar wording, so confirm your route and stops.

The return journey and the practical risks

At the arranged pickup time, the boat returns to collect you and takes you back toward St George’s Bay. The route may include more views of the caves and coastline, making the ride back part of the sightseeing rather than a simple repeat transfer.

The return is also where you should keep your expectations realistic. One account reports that the driver arrived late and that the boat was not working properly on the way back. Another describes an engine overheating, smoke, and a rescue by a second powerboat. That is a serious safety complaint, not a minor inconvenience.

The information available does not establish how often mechanical problems occur, but it does show why you should pay attention to the crew’s instructions and the location of safety equipment. If anything feels wrong, speak up early and clearly.

There is also a report that a replacement boat continued at high speed with loud music after a frightening incident. That handling was understandably unwelcome. A good operator should adjust the mood and speed after a problem, and this is a fair point to consider when choosing a water excursion.

Most accounts describe the ride as fun, fast, and friendly. Alex receives repeated praise, and Alex and Rebecca are singled out for helpful service. The mixed safety reports mean I would not dismiss the tour, but I would avoid treating it as a risk-free amusement ride.

Price, group size, and overall value

At $66.09 per person, the tour sits in a sensible middle ground for a half-day or extended half-day sea trip. The cost covers the powerboat transfer, the coastal route, the caves, and time at Comino.

It is good value if you want to reach the Blue Lagoon quickly and would otherwise pay separately for transport and a boat sightseeing trip. The price is less attractive if you dislike speed, do not plan to swim, or prefer a quiet, stable ferry.

The maximum group size is 66 people. That number may sound large for a boat adventure, but it also helps explain the accessible price. You are buying a shared outing, not personal attention from a private skipper.

Make sure the product you select is actually the powerboat departure from St Julian’s. A separate account describes a tour sold at Valletta that was changed to a bus and ferry transfer after the powerboat was reportedly full. That is a major difference in both comfort and value. The St Julian’s meeting point at Sun & Fun Water Sports is the key detail to check.

The experience is non-refundable if you cancel or request a change. If poor weather cancels the trip, you should be offered another date or a full refund. If the minimum number of participants is not met, the company says you will be offered another date or experience, or a full refund.

Who will enjoy this Comino trip most?

I would recommend it to you if you want a quick route to the Blue Lagoon and enjoy an energetic boat ride. It suits swimmers, families with older children who are comfortable on fast boats, and anyone with limited time in Malta who wants several headline sights in one outing.

It also works well for people who like a relaxed stop after an exciting transfer. The boat supplies the action, while the Comino portion lets you choose your own pace.

I would be more cautious if you have back problems, motion sickness, or a strong dislike of open-water speed. The boat may jolt, and the weather can change the feel of the journey.

It is also not ideal if your idea of a beach day requires soft sand, shade, comfortable seating, or quiet water. The Blue Lagoon area can be rocky and basic. Bring the right expectations, and you are more likely to enjoy it.

Should you book the Sun & Fun powerboat?

Book it if your priority is getting to Comino quickly, seeing the Santa Maria caves, and having plenty of time for a swim in the Blue Lagoon. The short crossing, memorable color of the water, and lively crew members such as Alex make this an appealing use of a day in Malta.

Think twice if you want a calm cruise, a small private group, or highly controlled service from start to finish. The boat can be rough, the group can be large, and the reported mechanical incident is a serious concern.

Before paying, confirm the St Julian’s departure point, the exact departure time, and that your booking is for the powerboat rather than a bus and ferry combination. With those checks made, this is a fairly priced, high-energy way to see Comino from the sea.

FAQ

Where does the Comino powerboat trip begin?

The trip begins at Sun & Fun Water Sports beside the Corinthia Beach Resort in St Julian’s, Malta.

Where does the tour finish?

The activity ends back at the same meeting point in St George’s Bay.

How long does the experience last?

The listed duration is approximately four to six hours. One schedule runs from 10:30 to 16:30, and another runs from 12:30 to 17:00.

How quickly does the boat reach Comino?

The crossing is described as taking about 30 minutes, with one account noting a journey of around 40 minutes.

What sights are included on the route?

The boat passes St Paul’s Islands and visits the Santa Maria caves before or during the route to Comino.

How much time do I get at the Blue Lagoon?

The schedule allows several hours at Comino. The exact time depends on the departure you book.

Is swimming at the Blue Lagoon included?

The stop is designed for swimming, relaxing, and enjoying the water, but the information does not specify any separate swimming instruction or equipment.

How many people can join the boat?

The maximum group size is 66 people.

How early should I arrive?

You should arrive at the departure point at least 15 minutes before your scheduled departure.

What happens if bad weather cancels the trip?

You will be offered a different date or a full refund if poor weather causes the company to cancel the experience.