Fast boats mean more beach time.

This Comino and Blue Lagoon powerboat day is built for speed and sea views, with a quick run from St. Julian’s plus a direct hit on the famous bay. I especially liked how the trip keeps things simple: a 30-minute high-speed crossing, then you’re free to enjoy Comino on your own schedule.

My second favorite part is the stop that happens on the way back: if weather allows, you’ll get to see the Comino Sea caves without needing to plan anything extra. The main drawback to think about up front is the new government Blue Lagoon access pass rule. If you don’t have the pass, you won’t step ashore at the Blue Lagoon, and you’ll be taken to Santa Marija Bay instead.

Key things to know before you go

• 30-minute high-speed ride from St. Julian’s, not a slow ferry detour
• Self-guided time on Comino and at Blue Lagoon, so you control your pace
• Sea caves on the return (weather permitting) adds extra sightseeing
• Government access pass required to step ashore at Blue Lagoon from May 2025 onward
• No food or drinks included, so pack your plan for snacks and water
• Safety and comfort vary by conditions, so seasickness and seating can matter

St. Julian’s Jetty Check-In: Find the Boat Fast

This is a meet-at-the-jetty trip, so your biggest job is being on time and not hunting around St. Julian’s for too long. The boat departs from the jetty behind Verdi St. George’s Bay Marina Hotel in St. Julian’s (the address is listed as Ix-Xatt Ta’ San Ġorġ, near the underground parking entrance).

Once you’re there, look for a black iron gate near the entrance to the hotel’s underground parking area. Go through the gate, take the ramp, turn left, and follow the yellow line on the ground to the jetty where boats and jetskis are parked. It’s straightforward, but it’s easy to lose time if you arrive late or distracted.

The practical takeaway: arrive early enough to go slow for one minute and still make boarding. This half-day format is timed tightly, and you don’t want to be that person running up the ramp like it’s a movie scene.

The 30-Minute Powerboat Ride to Comino (and Why It’s Worth Paying For)

The trip timing is one of the real reasons this works as good value. You’re on the water for about 6 hours total, with a big chunk of that time spent where you want it most: Comino and Blue Lagoon.

You set off at either 10:30 AM or 12:30 PM. Then you take a quick, high-speed ride toward Comino. The route goes along Malta’s eastern coast, with a pass by St. Paul’s Islands before heading straight to the Blue Lagoon.

What I like about the fast approach is the payoff: less time in transit, more time for swimming and wandering. On a day when the water is the headline act, shaving off travel time can matter more than you’d think.

One heads-up: this is a powerboat. That means you’ll feel motion. If you’re prone to seasickness or sensitive to rougher water, take the motion sickness prevention that’s recommended for the trip, and consider sitting where you’ll feel the most stable.

Blue Lagoon Time: Your Own Pace on Comino’s Most Famous Bay

You’re not getting a guided tour on this stop. You get free time. That’s a plus for some people, and a minus for others.

Here’s how it works: after arriving, you step ashore to spend the day exploring Comino Island and using the Blue Lagoon area for swimming and relaxation. You can sunbathe, swim, snorkel, or stroll through the island countryside. There’s nothing scripted. You decide when you go in and when you step out to dry off.

The big 2025 rule: The Blue Lagoon access pass

From May 2025, Malta requires a government-issued access pass to disembark at the Blue Lagoon. The pass is obtained in advance through blcomino.com, and the daily allocation is limited.

If you have the 10:30 AM trip, you must book both the morning and afternoon time slots when applying for your pass. For the 12:30 PM trip, you book the afternoon slot. The important part for your planning is simple: you can’t wing it at the dock. If you don’t have the pass, you won’t step ashore at the Blue Lagoon and will be taken to Comino’s Santa Marija Bay instead.

Crowds: go early for breathing room

One practical tip from recent experience: crowds can get large. If you want more space to swim and relax, the earlier departure gives you a better shot at arriving sooner rather than later.

Comino Sea Caves on the Return: The Bonus Stop

On the way back, the powerboat picks you up in the afternoon and heads toward St. Julian’s. The exact return time depends on your departure:

• About 4:30 PM for the 10:30 AM trip
• About 5:00 PM for the 12:30 PM trip

Then comes the bonus: Comino Sea caves may be visited on the return journey, depending on weather. It’s not guaranteed, but it’s a nice add because it turns the trip from point-to-point into something with a viewpoint moment.

If you like sea scenery and you’re happy getting brief views from the water (rather than walking around caves on foot), this is a good trade.

Meeting the Crew: English Skipper, Simple Day, Real Questions

The skipper and crew are part of the included experience, and the tour notes say the host/greeter is English. People generally rate the transport highly (with a strong portion scoring it a perfect score).

Still, it’s worth acknowledging one caution that shows up in the feedback: at least one review criticized safety preparation, saying there were no life jackets and that the ride felt rough. I can’t confirm what your boat situation will be like, but I can tell you what you can do before the trip leaves:

• Look for life jackets before departing and ask where they are if you don’t see them.
• If you feel unsteady, tell the crew right away so you can sit where you feel safest.

Most likely, you’ll be fine. But being proactive takes almost no extra time—and it can save a stressful day.

Comfort Checklist: What to Bring for a Smooth Water Day

This trip asks you to pack like you’re planning to be in the sun and water for hours. The essentials are already listed, but it’s worth translating them into real-world use:

Bring:

• Swimwear and a towel
• Sunglasses and sun hat
• Sunscreen
• Comfortable shoes (useful if you walk around Comino)
• A plan for motion sickness prevention if you’re sensitive

Also plan for food and drinks, because they’re not included. Blue Lagoon time can run long once you’re in it, and you don’t want to realize you’re hungry with no options nearby that match your budget.

Who This Trip Fits Best (and Who Should Rethink It)

This experience is for people who want sea views and fast access, not a history-heavy guided program.

It’s especially a good match if you:

• Want maximum time in the water and on Comino
• Like a self-paced day and don’t need a tour guide narrating every step
• Are comfortable on a boat and can handle some motion

It’s not a great match for:

• Children under 3
• Pregnant women
• People with back problems
• People with mobility impairments and wheelchair users
• People with heart problems
• People prone to seasickness or motion sickness
• Anyone bringing pets, large luggage, or non-folding wheelchairs

If you’re in any of the above groups, your best move is to look for a more suitable transport option that fits your physical needs better.

Price and Value: $65 Makes Sense If You Plan the Pass

The price is listed as $65 per person for a 6-hour outing. The “value” isn’t just the ride. What you’re really paying for is:

• Fast transport from St. Julian’s to Comino
• Fuel included
• Free time at Comino and Blue Lagoon
• A possible Sea caves sightseeing moment on the return
• An experienced skipper

What you’re not paying for:

• The government access pass for Blue Lagoon (required from May 2025)
• Food and drinks
• Any hotel pickup/drop-off
• A tour guide

So the best way to think about cost is this: if you already planned the pass and you’re ready with snacks, sunscreen, and patience for a boat ride, it’s a straightforward way to reach the highlight quickly.

Practical Timing Tips for the Two Departure Options

You have two departure choices:

• 10:30 AM: more time to enjoy earlier and come off the water before late-afternoon crowding gets intense
• 12:30 PM: still a full half-day, but you’re starting the day later, so plan for bigger crowd conditions at Blue Lagoon

If your priority is calmer water time and a bit more breathing room, choose the earlier slot. If you’re traveling later in the morning and want a flexible start, the afternoon slot can work fine.

Should You Book This Powerboat to Blue Lagoon?

Book it if you want a fast, simple trip where you control your time on Comino. The quick run from St. Julian’s, the free time on Comino, and the possible Sea caves stop add up well for $65, especially when you can reduce wasted travel hours.

Consider skipping or choosing a different format if:

• You don’t want to plan ahead for the Blue Lagoon access pass
• You’re very sensitive to motion on boats
• You expect a guided, talk-everywhere experience (this one is leisure-focused, not a narrated tour)

If you do book: get your pass early, show up at the jetty with time to spare, and pack like you’ll be sun-and-water all day. That’s the recipe for a day that actually feels easy.

FAQ

Do I need a Blue Lagoon access pass to disembark?

Yes. From May 2025, you must obtain a government access pass in advance to step ashore at the Blue Lagoon. If you don’t have it, you’ll be taken to Comino’s Santa Marija Bay instead.

What time does the trip leave and when do we return?

Departures are at 10:30 AM or 12:30 PM from St. Julian’s. Return is approximately 4:30 PM for the 10:30 AM trip, and about 5:00 PM for the 12:30 PM trip.

Is this a guided tour with a tour guide?

No. The Comino Island stop is at leisure, and the day is not described as guided.

What’s included in the price?

Included are the powerboat trips between St. Julian’s and Comino, free time at Comino and the Blue Lagoon, the return powerboat trip, the chance to visit Comino Sea caves on the return (weather permitting), an experienced skipper, and all fuel costs.

Where exactly is the meeting point in St. Julian’s?

You meet at the jetty behind Verdi St. George’s Bay Marina Hotel. Go through the black iron gate, down the ramp, turn left, and follow the yellow line until you reach the jetty.

What should I bring, and what isn’t allowed?

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, a sun hat, and comfortable shoes, plus motion sickness prevention if needed. Pets, baby strollers, luggage or large bags, and non-folding wheelchairs are not allowed.

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