Okikoki Banis – Comino Blue Lagoon Speedboat Trip- Fast Ferry

Comino’s Blue Lagoon is the main event, but the speedboat ride from St. Julian’s gives you a lively start and a good look at Malta’s eastern coast. In about 35 to 40 minutes, you reach Comino, then have roughly five hours to swim, sit on the beach, eat, or hire watersports equipment.

I like the generous beach time and the included cave tour, since you are not rushed from one photo stop to the next. I also like the guides’ local commentary, with Ian and Toni singled out for being friendly, informative, and fun. The catch is the ride: spray is likely, and one person found the boat pitched and rolled heavily in rough water.

Key points at a glance

• Five hours on Comino: You have plenty of time for swimming, relaxing, food, showers, toilets, and optional beach rentals.
• Fast route from St. Julian’s: The speedboat reaches Comino in about 35 to 40 minutes, depending on sea conditions.
• Caves included: A short boat tour of Comino’s caves is part of the day, not an extra charge.
• Coastal views on the way: The route passes Malta’s eastern coast and St. Paul’s Islands, with commentary from the skipper.
• Small shared boat setting: Bookings are capped at 20 people, though the ride can feel active when the sea is choppy.
• Weather matters: Winter plans can change from October onward, and poor conditions may lead to a new date or refund.

Why this Comino trip works well

A trip to Comino can be awkward if you only have limited time in Malta. You need transport, a place to land, time at the Blue Lagoon, and some way to see more than the crowded shoreline. This outing handles the main pieces in one day, starting at Oki-Ko-Ki Banis Watersports in Spinola Bay, St. Julian’s.

The listed cost is $59.13 per person. That is fair value if you want the boat transfer, a cave visit, and a long stay on Comino without arranging separate transport. Food and drinks are extra, as are sunbeds, umbrellas, and watersports. I would compare it with the cost of a basic ferry before booking, but a ferry alone does not give you the same speedboat ride or included cave tour.

The day is shared rather than private, with a maximum of 20 people. That keeps the cost down and should make the boat feel more personal than a large ferry. It also means you will not set the pace yourself. The boat leaves and returns as a group, and you need to be ready when the pickup time arrives.

Meeting in Spinola Bay

The meeting point is Oki-Ko-Ki Banis Watersports, at Xatt Is-Sajjieda in Spinola Bay, St. Julian’s. The supplied details show a 9:00 am start time, while the operating instructions describe meeting at 9:30 am near Happy Dayz Bar, with departure shortly afterward.

That difference matters. I would check the private message sent after booking and follow its time and meeting instructions rather than relying on a generic schedule. The exact departure and return times can shift with sea conditions.

The start point is near public transport, which helps if you are staying in St. Julian’s or nearby. Arrive with your swim things already packed. The boat trip can produce spray, so protect phones, cameras, wallets, and other items that cannot get wet.

The fast run toward Comino

Once underway, the speedboat heads north along Malta’s eastern coast. You get views across the water toward St. Paul’s Islands, and the skipper provides information about what you are seeing.

This is not a quiet sightseeing cruise. The boat is meant to get you to Comino quickly, and the ride is part transport, part entertainment. Several comments praise the speed and the crew’s friendly style. Ian is described as informative and reassuring, while Toni is praised for answering questions and keeping the mood light.

You should also set realistic expectations. The boat may pitch and roll, especially if the sea is unsettled. The ride can be exciting in calm conditions and uncomfortable in rough ones. If you get seasick, choose a seat where you can see the horizon, keep valuables secured, and ask the crew for practical advice before departure.

The journey takes around 35 to 40 minutes in normal conditions. That is much quicker than spending a long stretch on a slower boat, leaving more of your day for Comino. The stated duration of seven hours is approximate, with return to St. Julian’s planned for about 4:30 pm.

Reaching the Blue Lagoon

Comino’s Blue Lagoon is famous for clear water, pale rock, and a compact beach area. The setting is attractive, but it is not a quiet private cove. In summer, the shoreline can become very busy, particularly later in the day.

The schedule gives you about five hours on the island. That is the strongest part of the plan. You can swim without watching the clock every few minutes, eat when you want, take a shower, and still have time to sit in the sun or try a watersport.

One useful advantage is the early arrival. The boat gets you to Comino before the day is fully advanced, and one account specifically valued reaching the Blue Lagoon before the big summer crowds. That cannot be guaranteed, since conditions and demand vary, but an early start gives you a better chance of enjoying the area before the heaviest midday pressure.

Bring or budget for what you need. Food and drinks are not included. Comino has places for food and drink, along with toilets and showers, but you pay for purchases yourself. Sunbeds and umbrellas can be hired on the beach, and watersports are available if you want more than a swim.

Five hours to choose your own pace

I like this part of the itinerary because it does not force every person into the same activity. You can spend the whole stay by the water, use some time for lunch, or split the day between swimming and a watersport.

The long stop also makes this trip a better fit for mixed groups. One person can relax while another swims or rents equipment. Families and friends often appreciate that flexibility, although the listing does not describe specific facilities for children, so you should ask the provider if that is important for your group.

Do not treat the five hours as five hours of uninterrupted swimming. You may need time to find a place on the beach, arrange rentals, buy food, and return to the pickup point. Keep an eye on the meeting time. The speedboat pickup is planned for around 3:30 pm, with arrival back in St. Julian’s around 4:30 pm.

The Comino cave tour

The cave tour is included in the speedboat outing. It adds variety to a day that might otherwise be only a beach transfer.

You see parts of Comino from the water, with the boat taking you around the caves before or during the island visit. The exact order can depend on weather and operating conditions, so think of it as a boat-based sightseeing section rather than a fixed walking excursion.

The caves are especially useful for anyone who wants a little more context and scenery but does not want to spend the entire day on land. The boat lets you see rock formations and sheltered coastal areas that are not part of the Blue Lagoon beach stop.

Guides who shape the day

The crew is a key part of this experience. Ian is named as an informative guide who made the ride feel safe while still keeping it lively. Toni is described as friendly and experienced, with a talent for answering questions and making conversation.

You should not expect a formal lecture. The information comes during the ride, as the skipper points out sights along Malta’s coast and near Comino. That style suits the fast boat well. You get useful local details without losing the relaxed feel of a beach day.

The crew also controls the practical side of the outing. Listen closely for pickup instructions, especially if the beach is crowded or if the boat lands at a different point because of sea conditions. Punctuality matters here. A shared boat cannot wait indefinitely for people who are still shopping or swimming.

Is the boat comfortable for everyone?

The speedboat is the main point to consider before paying. Some people want exactly this sort of quick, lively ride. Others prefer the steady motion of a larger ferry.

Spray can reach passengers, and the operator specifically warns that personal belongings should be protected. Use a waterproof pouch or sealed bag for electronics and documents. A towel or light cover is also sensible, since wet clothing can make the beach stop less comfortable.

Rough water can produce heavy pitching and rolling. One account rated the trip lower for this reason, despite enjoying the Blue Lagoon itself. That is a fair warning, not a minor footnote. If you are prone to motion sickness, pregnant, recovering from an injury, or simply dislike bumpy boat rides, a slower option may suit you better.

Sea conditions also affect transfer times and the winter schedule. From October onward, the planned program may change. The activity requires good weather, and if poor conditions force a cancellation, you are offered another date or a full refund.

Who gets the best value from the $59.13 price?

I would book this for someone who wants Comino to be the center of the day, but also wants the journey to feel like an outing rather than a basic transfer. The price covers fuel, local taxes, the guide, and the shared return trip. The cave tour adds another useful part to the package.

The value is strongest if you plan to use the full five hours on Comino. If you only want a quick look at the Blue Lagoon, the long beach stay may feel excessive. If you want a private boat, a custom route, or more time at several sites, this shared trip will not provide that.

Food, drinks, umbrellas, sunbeds, and watersports are separate costs. I would set aside extra money if you want to spend the day comfortably on the beach rather than carry everything with you.

With an average booking lead time of 41 days, planning ahead is sensible during popular periods. The operator allows free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start time, but changes or cancellations inside that window are not accepted for a refund.

Practical planning for your day

Wear swimwear under your clothes and bring sun protection. You should also carry a towel, water, and a secure waterproof container for valuables, although food and drinks remain your own responsibility.

The boat is shared and capped at 20 people. Most people can take part, and the meeting point is close to public transport. Exact transfer times are not fixed, since the sea can alter the journey.

The experience is offered in English. If you need another language, this is not the right choice based on the information provided.

I would confirm three things after booking: the exact meeting time, the pickup point on Comino, and the winter plan if you are visiting from October onward. The instructions may arrive by private message, and those directions take priority over the general schedule.

Should you book the Oki-Ko-Ki Banis Comino trip?

Book it if you want a fast shared ride, a cave tour, and a long Blue Lagoon stay in one straightforward day. The strongest reasons are the five hours on Comino, the coastal views, and the crew members Ian and Toni, who bring useful information and a friendly tone to the ride.

Think twice if you dislike spray, rolling boats, or busy beach areas. You will also need to pay for food, drinks, and beach extras. For an active beach day with a lively crossing, the $59.13 price is sensible. For a calm cruise or a private island escape, choose another style of boat trip.

FAQ

Where does the Comino speedboat trip start?

It starts at Oki-Ko-Ki Banis Watersports, Xatt Is-Sajjieda, Spinola Bay, St. Julian’s, Malta. The location is near public transportation.

What time does the activity start?

The general meeting information gives a 9:00 am start, while the operating instructions describe meeting at 9:30 am near Happy Dayz Bar. Check the private message sent after booking for the exact time.

How long do I stay on Comino?

You have about five hours on Comino before pickup at around 3:30 pm. The boat is expected back in St. Julian’s at around 4:30 pm.

Is the cave tour included?

Yes. A speedboat tour of the caves of Comino is included in the activity.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not included. Comino has food, drink, toilet, and shower facilities.

What happens if the weather is bad?

The activity requires good weather. If poor weather causes a cancellation, you are offered a different date or a full refund. Winter plans may also change from October onward, depending on conditions.