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

The best part of this trip is the fast ride from St. Julian’s to Comino. You skip the long road transfer and reach the Blue Lagoon by boat, passing St. Paul’s Islands on the way. I like the efficient setup: you choose a departure time, get free time on Comino, and return by the same speedboat. I also like the sea-cave stop, which adds more than a simple point-to-point transfer.

The main catch is the crowding at the Blue Lagoon, especially in summer. The water is beautiful, but this is Malta’s most famous swimming spot, not a quiet cove. You also need a government access pass before stepping ashore, and the speedboat is not a good fit for young children, pregnant women, or anyone prone to seasickness.

Key points to know before you book

• Fast crossing from St. Julian’s: The ride can take about 30 to 45 minutes each way, much quicker than a land-and-ferry combination.
• Free time rather than a guided tour: You explore Comino on your own, with time for swimming, snorkeling, sunbathing, or walking.
• Access pass required: From May 2025, you must reserve an official Blue Lagoon pass before leaving the boat.
• Sea caves on the return: Weather and sea conditions permitting, the skipper visits Comino’s caves before returning to Malta.
• Crowded but striking water: The lagoon can be packed, yet the clear blue-green water and fish make it worth seeing.
• Simple meeting point: Find the jetty behind the Verdi St. George’s Bay Marina Hotel, then follow the yellow line to the boats.

Why the speedboat makes sense from St. Julian’s

Comino is close to Malta on a map, but getting there can eat up a good part of your day if you rely on buses, road traffic, and a slower boat. This trip cuts out much of that fuss. From the jetty at St. Julian’s, you head straight up the coast and across to Comino in a small speedboat.

The ride itself is part of the outing. You pass the St. Paul’s Islands and get open-water views rather than sitting in a crowded vehicle. Some departures reach Comino in roughly 30 minutes, while the stated journey time is about 45 minutes, so allow for conditions and the particular boat in use.

I like this option for a short Malta visit. A half-day outing can give you the main Comino experience without tying up the whole day. The available choices range from about 2.5 to 4.5 hours, so check the exact departure and return time before booking. A shorter option may give you only a couple of hours at the lagoon, while a longer one allows more breathing room.

The speedboat is selected from the operator’s fleet, so do not expect the exact vessel shown in promotional photos. Boats may vary in size and appearance. The important point is the direct route, an experienced skipper, and fuel included in the price.

Finding the jetty behind the marina hotel

The meeting 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 in St. Julian’s.

Look for the entrance to the hotel’s underground parking area and a black iron gate nearby. Go through the gate, walk down the ramp, turn left, and follow the yellow line painted on the ground. It leads to the jetty, where the speedboats and jet skis are kept.

This is not a hotel pickup service. You need to make your own way to the jetty, so allow extra time to find the gate and walk down to the water. The meeting point is practical once you know the route, but it is not the sort of place where you want to arrive at the last second.

The host or greeter speaks English. This is a transfer and leisure outing, not a full guided tour, so do not expect a running commentary throughout the day. The skipper may point out sights or share a little information, but your time on Comino is your own.

The ride past St. Paul’s Islands

Once aboard, the boat follows Malta’s eastern coast before turning toward Comino. The trip offers a different view of the island than you get from the road. St. Paul’s Islands are an early point of interest, and the skipper may provide brief comments about places along the route.

The speedboat gives you a lively ride, but it is not a smooth ferry crossing in all conditions. Waves can make the return journey rougher than the trip out. One useful detail from the experience is that life jackets were provided when the sea became choppy.

If you are prone to motion sickness, take that warning seriously. The activity specifically excludes people with motion sickness and seasickness, and it is also not suitable for anyone with certain heart or back problems. A tablet or other motion-sickness prevention may be worth bringing, but the boat remains a fast, exposed ride rather than a calm cruise.

Wear comfortable shoes with a secure fit. Bring sunglasses and a hat, since shade may be limited, and use sunscreen before boarding. Keep bags small. Large luggage, baby strollers, non-folding wheelchairs, electric wheelchairs, and baby carriages are not permitted.

The Blue Lagoon and the new access-pass rule

The Blue Lagoon is Comino’s star attraction for good reason. The water is remarkably clear, with shades of blue and green over a pale bottom. Fish are easy to spot, and the bay is well suited to swimming and snorkeling when conditions are pleasant.

Before you get too excited about stepping ashore, handle the access pass. Since May 2025, anyone disembarking at the Blue Lagoon must have an official government-issued pass. You obtain it online through blcomino.com, and the daily supply is limited.

This is not a minor detail. The boat cannot simply let you off at the lagoon if you do not have the pass. People without one are taken to Comino’s Santa Marija Bay instead. That alternative may still give you a beach and swimming stop, but it is not the same as arriving at the Blue Lagoon.

Keep the pass requirement in mind when comparing this trip with other Comino outings. The boat fare does not include the government access pass. Reserve it ahead of time and check the official requirements before your departure date.

Making the most of your free time on Comino

Once you step ashore, you are on your own schedule until the agreed pickup time. You can swim, snorkel, sunbathe, walk through the countryside, or simply sit near the water and watch the boats come and go.

The lagoon is not a private beach. In peak months, the shore can feel crowded, and deck chairs may be in demand. You may find rentals available, along with food and drink sellers, toilets, showers for rinsing off, and lockers for a fee. Card payments are accepted at many vendors, though it is still sensible to keep your belongings simple.

A short walk away from the main swimming area can make the visit feel less hectic. The island is small, and walking gives you a better sense of Comino than spending every minute in the water. One practical approach is to swim early, then walk once the main shore becomes busy.

You can also use the stop for water activities such as banana boats or parasailing, depending on what is operating that day. Some people swim toward a smaller nearby island. These extras are not included in the speedboat fare, so budget separately if you want to add them.

Bring your own towel and sunscreen. Food and drinks are not included, though you can buy them at the lagoon. A small snack may be useful if you have a longer departure option. Keep valuables to a minimum, since paid lockers are available but not included.

The sea caves on the return trip

The return journey is more than a straight ride back to St. Julian’s. If weather and sea conditions permit, the skipper takes you past Comino’s sea caves.

This is a good bonus because you see the coast from the water and get a different view of the island after your time ashore. The caves are best understood as a short scenic stop, not a separate guided cave tour. Exact routing depends on conditions, boat operations, and timing.

The cave visit may be especially welcome after a crowded few hours at the Blue Lagoon. You return to the speedboat, settle in, and let the skipper handle the route. If the sea has become rough, the cave stop may be changed or skipped for safety.

Is $53 a fair price?

At $53 per person, this is a reasonable price if your priority is speed and a simple Comino schedule. The fare covers the outbound and return speedboat, fuel, an experienced skipper, free time at the island, and the possible sea-cave visit.

It does not cover food, drinks, deck chairs, lockers, water activities, or the required Blue Lagoon access pass. Those costs can add up, particularly if you want a chair, a snack, and a paid activity. Still, compared with arranging separate transport, this option gives you a direct route and a set return connection.

The value is strongest for people staying in or near St. Julian’s who want to avoid buses and traffic. It is less attractive if you want a quiet beach day, a fully guided tour, or a long stop at several points around Comino. You are paying for efficient transport and easy access, not for an all-day educational cruise.

The cancellation terms are useful for uncertain plans. You can cancel up to 24 hours ahead for a full refund, and the reserve-now, pay-later option lets you hold a place without paying immediately.

Who should book this Comino trip?

I would recommend it to active adults and older children who want a quick ride, a famous swimming stop, and some free time without arranging several connections. It also suits people on a tight Malta schedule who want Comino without giving up an entire day.

It is a good choice if you enjoy being on the water and do not need a guide beside you. You get independence at the Blue Lagoon, plus a skipper who handles the route and return.

Think twice if you get seasick, dislike fast boats, or need step-free access. The activity is not suitable for children under three, pregnant women, people with back or heart problems, people with mobility impairments, or wheelchair users. Baby strollers and large bags are also not allowed.

The crowd issue matters. If you picture a peaceful, empty lagoon, adjust that picture before you book. The Blue Lagoon is beautiful, but its fame brings plenty of company. A walk around Comino and an early swim can help you get more from the stop.

Final verdict: fast access, beautiful water, limited quiet

Book this trip if you want the quickest practical route from St. Julian’s to Comino and are happy to manage your own time once you arrive. The speedboat ride, clear water, and possible cave visit pack a lot into a few hours.

Skip it if you want a slow, quiet boat day or a guided tour with detailed commentary. Most important, secure the official Blue Lagoon access pass before departure. With that detail handled, $53 buys a useful, lively outing to one of Malta’s most memorable swimming spots.

FAQ

How long does the speedboat trip take?

The journey from St. Julian’s to Comino is described as about 45 minutes, though some departures may reach the island in roughly 30 minutes. The full activity lasts about 2.5 to 4.5 hours, depending on the option you choose.

Where does the boat leave from?

The boat leaves from the jetty behind the Verdi St. George’s Bay Marina Hotel in St. Julian’s. Enter through the black iron gate near the underground parking entrance, walk down the ramp, turn left, and follow the yellow line to the jetty.

Do I need a pass for the Blue Lagoon?

Yes. From May 2025, anyone stepping ashore at the Blue Lagoon must have an official government access pass. You can obtain one 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. Instead, the boat will take you to Comino’s Santa Marija Bay.

Is food included in the price?

No. Food and drinks are not included. You can buy refreshments at the Blue Lagoon, where you may also find toilets, showers, lockers for a fee, and deck-chair rentals.

Is this a guided tour?

No. The stop at Comino is free time, so you explore at your own pace. An English-speaking host or greeter is provided, and the skipper may offer brief information during the boat rides.