From St. Julian’s: Comino and Blue Lagoon Trip by Powerboat

The main appeal here is simple: you get to Comino’s Blue Lagoon in about 30 minutes, rather than spending much of the day on a slow boat. The ride follows Malta’s eastern coast and passes St. Paul’s Islands before reaching the bright, shallow water around Comino.

I like the direct transport and the generous free time. You can swim, snorkel, sunbathe, or walk without being tied to a guide’s commentary. I also like the return route, which includes the Comino sea caves when weather allows.

The catch is that this is a fast, open powerboat, not a soft-seated ferry. Rough water can make the ride bouncy, and the hard plastic seats may be uncomfortable. You should also arrange the government access pass before you go, or you may be taken to Santa Marija Bay instead of stepping ashore at the Blue Lagoon.

Key points to know before booking

• The Blue Lagoon is only about 30 minutes away: The powerboat offers one of the quickest ways to reach Comino from St. Julian’s.
• You get several hours on your own: This is transport with free time, not a guided sightseeing tour.
• The access pass is essential: Since May 2025, you need a government-issued pass to leave the boat at the Blue Lagoon.
• The return includes sea caves when possible: Weather and sea conditions determine whether the cave visit can take place.
• The ride can be rough: Bring motion sickness prevention if you are prone to seasickness, and expect a lively trip rather than a calm cruise.
• The $65 price covers the boat and fuel: Food, drinks, hotel transfers, and the Blue Lagoon access pass cost extra or require separate arrangements.

Why the 30-minute powerboat ride matters

Comino is close to Malta, but getting there can eat up valuable beach time if you choose a slower boat. This trip is designed around speed. From the jetty in St. Julian’s, the powerboat heads along Malta’s eastern coast, passes St. Paul’s Islands, and makes a direct run for the Blue Lagoon.

That short crossing is the biggest practical reason to choose this outing. You are not booking a full narrated cruise around Malta. You are paying to reach Comino quickly, then enjoy the island without a fixed program.

The ride itself is part of the entertainment. A powerboat gives you open views of the coast and a more energetic feel than a standard passenger vessel. You may enjoy the speed and spray, especially on a calm day. On a rough sea, however, the same speed can make the trip jarring.

The seating and boat layout matter. This is not the right choice if you need a smooth, padded ride or have back problems. The activity is also not suitable for pregnant women, people with heart problems, people with mobility impairments, wheelchair users, or children under three. If you are prone to seasickness, take that warning seriously.

Finding the St. Julian’s departure jetty

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

The meeting point is not simply a hotel lobby or a clearly marked street-side dock. Near the entrance to the hotel’s underground parking area, look for a black iron gate. Go through it, walk down the ramp, turn left, and follow the yellow line painted on the ground until you reach the jetty, where boats and jet skis are parked.

Allow enough time to find this route. A marina access point can be easy to miss, especially if you arrive at the last minute. Hotel pick-up and drop-off are not included, so you need to make your own way to St. Julian’s.

There are two departure choices:

• The 10:30 AM boat returns at about 4:30 PM.
• The 12:30 PM boat returns at about 5:00 PM.

The earlier departure gives you a better chance of enjoying the Blue Lagoon before the afternoon crowds build. One useful piece of advice from the experience is to get there as early as possible, since the lagoon becomes very busy. The later departure can work for a slower morning, but you will reach the main swimming area at a busier time and have less of the day before you.

Reaching Comino past St. Paul’s Islands

Once underway, you will pass along Malta’s eastern coast and by St. Paul’s Islands. The supplied details do not promise a stop there, so treat the islands as part of the view rather than a separate visit.

The boat’s main job is to carry you straight to Comino. That makes this a useful choice for anyone who has already seen Malta’s major sights and now wants a focused day on the water. It also suits you if you have limited time in St. Julian’s and want to avoid spending hours on a slow transfer.

The English-speaking host or greeter and experienced skipper handle the trip, but you should not expect a guided tour. There is no scheduled commentary or organized walking tour on Comino. The skipper’s role is transport and boat handling, not leading you around the island.

Blue Lagoon free time and the new access rule

The Blue Lagoon is the star of the outing. Its clear cyan water, pale seabed, and marine life make it well suited to swimming and snorkeling. You can also sunbathe or walk around Comino instead of staying in the water.

The stop is deliberately unstructured. That is good news if you prefer to make your own day. You can spend your time in the water, find a place to sit, stroll through the countryside, or simply enjoy the view. It is less suitable if you want a guide to explain the island or arrange activities for you.

The biggest practical issue is the government-issued Blue Lagoon access pass. Since May 2025, you must obtain the pass in advance through the official website, blcomino.com, if you want to leave the boat at the Blue Lagoon. The daily allocation is limited.

The pass requirements depend on your departure:

• For the 10:30 AM trip, you need to book both the morning and afternoon time slots.
• For the 12:30 PM trip, you need to book the afternoon time slot.

This is separate from the $65 boat price. Do not assume that booking the powerboat gives you permission to step ashore. If you arrive without the pass, you will not be allowed to disembark at the Blue Lagoon. The boat will instead take you to Comino’s Santa Marija Bay.

That alternative is important, but it is not the same plan. If your main goal is the famous Blue Lagoon, secure the pass before committing to the trip. If you are happy with a Comino outing that may use Santa Marija Bay, the lack of a pass is less serious, but you should still understand the change.

What the Comino stop feels like

You have several hours to use as you wish, which is a strong point at this price. There is no rush from one guided stop to another. The island is small, and the appeal is the combination of clear water, open views, and time away from Malta’s built-up resort areas.

Still, do not expect solitude at the Blue Lagoon. The water may look peaceful in photographs, but this is one of Comino’s most popular places. Arriving on the 10:30 AM departure gives you a practical advantage. The 12:30 PM boat reaches the lagoon later, when the main swimming areas may feel crowded.

Bring your own towel, swimwear, sunscreen, sunglasses, and sun hat. Food and drinks are not included, and the supplied details do not promise onboard catering. Pack light because large bags, luggage, baby strollers, non-folding wheelchairs, baby carriages, and electric wheelchairs are not allowed.

Comfortable shoes are useful if you plan to walk rather than spend all your time in the water. The activity is not guided, so you are responsible for deciding how far to explore and for keeping track of the afternoon pick-up time.

The return trip and Comino sea caves

Later in the afternoon, the powerboat collects you from Comino and heads back to St. Julian’s. If the weather is suitable, the skipper visits the Comino sea caves along the way.

This is a worthwhile extra because it adds scenery without taking away a separate block of time from your Blue Lagoon stop. You get to see a different side of Comino from the water, with rocky openings and coastal views rather than only the crowded swimming area.

The cave visit is weather permitting, so do not treat it as guaranteed. Sea conditions control the route, and the skipper may need to return directly if conditions are poor. That is a sensible trade-off for a boat trip in open water.

The return crossing may be as lively as the outward one. If you have back trouble, fear rough water, or become seasick easily, the speedboat format is the main concern with this outing. Motion sickness prevention is specifically recommended, and you should not treat that suggestion as an afterthought.

Is $65 a fair price?

At $65 per person, the price is reasonable if you value time. The fare includes the outbound powerboat, return transport, fuel, an experienced skipper, free time on Comino, and the possible sea-cave visit. The quick crossing lets you spend more of the six-hour outing at the destination instead of in transit.

The value is weaker if you want a fully hosted day. There is no tour guide, no hotel transfer, and no food or drink. You also need to arrange and possibly pay for the government Blue Lagoon access pass separately.

Think of the price as a fast water taxi with a planned leisure stop, not as an all-inclusive boat excursion. That distinction makes the cost easier to judge. If you are staying in St. Julian’s and want a direct route to Comino, the fare covers the core service well. If you want narration, lunch, organized snorkeling, or a quiet cruise, you should consider another type of outing.

The booking terms add flexibility. You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and the reserve-now, pay-later option lets you hold a place without paying immediately.

Who should choose this Comino trip?

I would choose this for an active adult, couple, or small group that wants a quick ride and unstructured beach time. It works especially well if you are staying in St. Julian’s and want a simple connection to Comino without arranging a separate ferry.

It is also a good match for strong swimmers and people who enjoy boats that move with some punch. Bring only what you need, protect yourself from the sun, and be ready to spend much of the day outdoors.

I would hesitate if you have back, heart, or mobility concerns, are pregnant, are traveling with a child under three, or are prone to motion sickness. The boat can bounce on unsettled water, and the hard seats may make the crossing uncomfortable.

I would also avoid booking until you have checked the Blue Lagoon pass system. The pass is not a minor detail. Without it, the central promise of stepping ashore at the Blue Lagoon changes to a stop at Santa Marija Bay.

What to bring and what to leave behind

Bring:

• Swimwear and a towel
• Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a sun hat
• Comfortable shoes
• Motion sickness prevention if needed
• Only a small personal bag

Leave pets, large bags, luggage, strollers, and prohibited wheelchairs at your accommodation. The operator does not allow those items on this activity.

Should you book it?

Book this trip if your priorities are speed, swimming, and several hours of free time on Comino. The 30-minute powerboat ride is the clear advantage, and the return through the sea caves gives the day a useful scenic finish when conditions allow.

Choose the 10:30 AM departure if you want the best chance of reaching the Blue Lagoon before the heaviest crowds. Arrange the required access pass first, and be honest with yourself about rough-water comfort.

Skip it if you need a gentle ride, guided sightseeing, hotel transport, or an all-included day. For the right person, $65 is a practical price for fast access to Comino. For anyone seeking a calm cruise, it may feel like too much speed and too little support.

FAQ

How long does the Comino powerboat trip last?

The activity lasts about six hours. The 10:30 AM departure returns at approximately 4:30 PM, while the 12:30 PM departure returns at approximately 5:00 PM.

How long is the boat ride from St. Julian’s to Comino?

The powerboat journey to the Blue Lagoon takes about 30 minutes.

Where does the boat leave from?

It leaves from the jetty behind the Verdi St. George’s Bay Marina Hotel at 8, Ix-Xatt Ta’ San Ġorġ, St. Julian’s. Use the black iron gate near the underground parking entrance, then follow the yellow line to the jetty.

Is hotel pick-up included?

No. You need to make your own way to the St. Julian’s meeting point.

Do I need a pass to enter the Blue Lagoon?

Yes. Since May 2025, you need a government-issued access pass to step ashore at the Blue Lagoon. It is obtained through blcomino.com, and daily availability is limited.

What happens if I do not have a Blue Lagoon access pass?

You will not be allowed to disembark at the Blue Lagoon. You will instead be taken to Comino’s Santa Marija Bay.

Is this a guided tour?

No. The Comino stop is free time at your own pace. An experienced skipper operates the boat, but no tour guide is included.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not included.

Will the boat visit the Comino sea caves?

The return journey includes a sea-cave visit when weather and sea conditions allow.

Who should not take this activity?

The trip 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.