St. Julian’s: Comino Blue Lagoon Sunset Cruise by Speedboat

The best part of this trip is the timing. You reach Comino’s Blue Lagoon near sunset, after the worst of the daytime crowd has gone, and return across the sea as the light fades. The ride also includes the Santa Maria Caves and a pass by St. Paul’s Islands, so you get more than a simple transfer.

I like the quick speedboat journey from St. Julian’s and the chance to see Comino at a quieter hour. I also like that the skipper takes you past several coastal sights without charging extra for fuel or adding a formal tour guide. The main catch is comfort: this is a long bench-style speedboat, not a smooth luxury cruise, and the ride can be rough.

I would choose this for a fit adult who wants scenery, speed, and a short swim stop. I would not choose it for a relaxed sunset outing, anyone prone to seasickness, or anyone expecting a guided explanation of Comino.

Key points to know before booking

• Sunset changes the Blue Lagoon experience: The water may look darker in evening light than it does in bright midday photographs.
• The ride takes roughly 35 minutes each way: The speedboat is efficient, but the open seating can make the journey bumpy.
• Santa Maria Caves are viewed from the boat: You pass the caves rather than stopping for a long visit.
• You get about 1 hour and 15 minutes at Comino: Use it for a swim, a walk, photographs, or simply watching the sunset.
• A government access pass is required from May 2025: Select the evening slot at blcomino.com if you plan to step ashore at the Blue Lagoon.
• The boat leaves from St. Julian’s, not your hotel: You must find the jetty behind the Verdi St. George’s Bay Marina Hotel.

Why the evening departure matters

The Blue Lagoon is famous for clear water and bright color, but its daytime popularity can work against it. The lagoon receives heavy boat traffic and large numbers of people during the central hours of the day. This trip heads out in the evening, when the pace is less frantic and the sun begins to drop toward the Mediterranean.

That timing is the main reason to consider this cruise. You avoid the harshest midday glare and get a more atmospheric view of Comino. The trade-off is important, though. Sunset light can make the water appear dark rather than the brilliant blue shown in many daytime photographs.

I would book this for the mood and the views, not for a perfect postcard swim. If bright turquoise water is your top priority, a daytime outing may suit you better. If you prefer fewer people and softer light, the evening departure makes more sense.

The total duration is 2.5 hours. That is long enough to reach Comino, enjoy free time, and return to St. Julian’s without giving up an entire day. It is also short enough to fit around dinner plans, though the exact departure time changes with the season and availability.

Finding the St. Julian’s 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 in St. Julian’s.

The location is not simply a hotel lobby meeting point. 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. That line leads to the jetty, where the boats and jet skis are kept.

Give yourself enough time to find it. You do not want to be searching around the hotel complex as the boat prepares to leave. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you are responsible for reaching St. Julian’s and returning from the jetty after the cruise.

Wear comfortable shoes for the walk to the boat and for the stop at Comino. Leave large bags and luggage behind. Baby strollers, non-folding wheelchairs, electric wheelchairs, and baby carriages are not allowed on the boat.

The speedboat ride to Comino

The boat is designed for speed rather than comfort. The journey to Comino takes about 35 minutes, and the seating consists of long bench seats along the sides. Depending on the boat and group, roughly 8 to 15 people may share the space.

You will feel the motion most strongly near the front. The ride can give you a sharp series of bumps, especially when the sea is not calm. One practical description compares the sensation to repeated blows to the kidneys. That is a useful warning if you have back problems or are sensitive to rough movement.

I would sit toward the rear if you have a choice and keep both hands free for balance. Bring motion sickness prevention if you need it. The activity specifically advises against booking if you are prone to seasickness or motion sickness, and it is also not suitable for people with heart problems, back problems, or those who are pregnant.

The upside is speed. You get to Comino far more quickly than on a slower sightseeing boat, and the ride itself has an exciting edge. You can watch Malta’s coast recede behind you, feel the open air, and arrive without spending much of the evening in transit.

This is not a polished cruise with cushioned seats, onboard narration, food, or drinks. The skipper is experienced, but there is no tour guide included. Expect basic transport with sightseeing, not a narrated lesson about Malta.

Passing the Santa Maria Caves

The route follows the north Comino Channel and passes the Santa Maria Caves. These sea caves are one of the visual highlights of the trip, with rock openings and coastal formations best seen from the water.

The stop is brief. The boat passes by the caves rather than anchoring for an extended swim or exploration. You should have your camera ready, but do not expect a full cave visit or a detailed explanation of the geology.

This short section of the route helps make the trip feel like a coastal tour rather than a simple ride to the Blue Lagoon. Still, keep your expectations in proportion. The caves are part of the scenery, not a separate activity.

Arriving at the Blue Lagoon

The boat continues around the bend to the Blue Lagoon, where you receive free time at Comino. The scheduled stop lasts about 1 hour and 15 minutes, giving you time for a short swim, a walk, photographs, and sunset views.

The stop is at leisure. There is no guide leading you around the island, and no planned commentary once you step ashore. That suits you if you like making your own choices. You can swim when you want, find a viewpoint, or simply sit and watch the changing light.

There is also a practical limitation. The boat pulls in among other boats and party barges near the rocks. You may need to walk up and around the shore area to reach the water, passing vendors along the way. The experience is not the quiet, untouched scene suggested by some photographs of Comino.

If your goal is to swim directly from the boat, this trip may disappoint you. The boat does not promise a swim from the deck. The arrangement is a shore stop, subject to the access rules and conditions at the lagoon.

The Blue Lagoon access pass

Since May 2025, anyone wishing to disembark at the Blue Lagoon must obtain an official government access pass in advance. You can apply through blcomino.com, and you should choose the evening slot for this cruise.

Daily numbers are limited. Without the pass, you cannot step ashore at the Blue Lagoon. This rule comes from the Maltese government, not from the boat company, so treat it as part of your planning rather than something the skipper can fix at the last minute.

If you do not have the pass, the boat will take you to Santa Marija Bay instead. That gives you an alternative stop on Comino, but it is not the same as standing at the Blue Lagoon for sunset. Check the official website before booking and make sure your pass matches the evening time.

This is the single most important detail in the entire booking. A sunset cruise without permission to go ashore may still provide a boat view, but it changes the purpose of the outing.

What sunset looks like from Comino

The sunset is the emotional high point of the trip. You watch the sun lower over the Mediterranean from Comino, with the sea and rocky coast taking on warmer shades as the light fades.

Do not expect the lagoon to look exactly like a midday travel photograph. Evening shadows make the water darker, and the famous blue color may be less vivid. That is not a flaw in the water. It is simply how the lagoon looks as daylight weakens.

I like the sunset setting because it gives the stop a calmer feel than a midday visit. You can take photographs with softer light and enjoy the coast without the full daytime rush. But if you want bright water for swimming and photos, you should weigh that against the quieter timing.

Bring swimwear if you want to take the short refreshing swim stop. Also bring a towel and wear shoes suitable for walking over uneven ground, though only comfortable shoes and swimwear are specifically listed as items to bring. Food and drinks are not included, so do not count on refreshments during the cruise.

Returning past St. Paul’s Islands

After the Comino stop, the speedboat returns toward St. Julian’s along the coast. The route passes the fascinating St. Paul’s Islands, adding another scenic point before you reach the jetty.

The return ride is still part of the speedboat experience, so the same comfort warning applies. If you found the outbound trip rough, the journey back may feel tiring, especially after swimming or walking around Comino.

The return route gives you one last chance to watch Malta’s coastline from the water. It also makes the cruise feel more complete than a simple out-and-back transfer through the same channel.

Is $53 a fair price?

At $53 per person, the value depends on what you want from the evening. You are paying for the speedboat ride in both directions, the Comino route, the sea caves, free time at the Blue Lagoon, the sunset setting, an experienced skipper, and fuel.

That is reasonable if you value a short trip with several coastal sights and want to avoid a full-day boat excursion. The 2.5-hour length also keeps the cost of your time under control.

The price feels less attractive if you expect luxury, comfort, refreshments, or a guided tour. There is no food, no drink, no hotel transfer, and no formal guide. The boat seating is basic, and the ride can be rough. You also need to arrange the government access pass separately.

I would see this as a fast sightseeing transfer with a sunset stop, not a premium cruise. If you are comfortable with that distinction, $53 can be fair. If you want a quiet, cushioned, romantic boat ride, you may feel you paid too much.

Who should book this speedboat cruise?

This trip suits you if you:

• Want to see Comino without spending a full day on the water
• Prefer an evening visit over the busiest daytime period
• Enjoy a fast, open-air boat ride
• Are comfortable with bench seating and rough movement
• Want free time rather than a guide-led schedule
• Can arrange the official Blue Lagoon access pass
• Are able to walk around the shore and handle a short swim stop

I would be cautious if you are pregnant, have back or heart problems, use a wheelchair, or suffer from seasickness. Children under three are not permitted, and the boat is not suitable for strollers or large bags.

This is also not the best match for someone seeking total relaxation. The speed and scenery are enjoyable, but the boat is not particularly soft or spacious. The experience asks you to accept a little discomfort in exchange for reaching Comino quickly.

Practical advice for a better outing

Apply for the Blue Lagoon pass before your travel date, and select the evening slot. Without it, you may be sent to Santa Marija Bay instead.

Wear swimwear under comfortable clothing and bring motion sickness prevention if needed. Keep your belongings small, since luggage and large bags are not allowed.

At the jetty, follow the black gate, ramp, left turn, and yellow ground line carefully. This is a more specific meeting point than a general hotel address.

If you can choose your seat, consider the rear of the boat if you are worried about bumps. The front tends to feel rougher. Keep your camera ready for the Santa Maria Caves and St. Paul’s Islands, because both are viewed while the boat is moving.

Most of all, decide what kind of Blue Lagoon experience you want. This trip gives you a short evening visit, not hours of swimming in bright midday water.

Should you book it?

Book this cruise if you want speed, sunset scenery, and a compact Comino visit from St. Julian’s. The quieter evening timing is its strongest feature, and the route adds the Santa Maria Caves and St. Paul’s Islands without taking up a whole day.

Skip it if you want a luxury boat, a smooth ride, a guided tour, or a guaranteed swim directly from the boat. At $53, the experience is fair for fast transport and coastal views, but less convincing as a comfort-focused cruise.

The decision comes down to your priorities: choose it for the sunset and efficient route, but book with realistic expectations about the seating, the rough ride, the shore access, and the Blue Lagoon pass.

FAQ

How long is the Comino sunset cruise?

The activity lasts 2.5 hours, including the speedboat trip to Comino, free time at the Blue Lagoon or Santa Marija Bay, and the return journey to St. Julian’s.

Where does the boat leave from?

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

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you must make your own way to the St. Julian’s departure point.

Do I need a pass to visit the Blue Lagoon?

Yes. From May 2025, anyone wishing to step ashore at the Blue Lagoon must obtain an official government access pass through blcomino.com. Select the evening slot when applying.

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

You will be taken to Comino’s Santa Marija Bay instead of stepping ashore at the Blue Lagoon.

Is this a guided tour?

No. The trip includes an experienced skipper, but there is no tour guide. Your time at Comino is free time, so you can choose how to spend the stop.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not included in the price.

What should I bring?

Bring comfortable shoes, swimwear, and motion sickness prevention if needed. Pets, large bags, luggage, strollers, and several types of wheelchairs are not allowed.