REVIEW · ST JULIAN S
St. Julian’s: Comino Blue Lagoon Sunset Cruise by Speedboat
Book on GetYourGuide →Operated by Robert Arrigo & Sons Limited · Bookable on GetYourGuide
Sunset on Comino can be pure magic. This cruise puts you at the Blue Lagoon at a calmer moment, with a fast speedboat ride that keeps the clock on your side. I love the spectacular Mediterranean views from the boat and the quick Comino Sea caves sighting (including Santa Maria Caves) en route. The main drawback to plan for is Malta’s Blue Lagoon access pass rule, because no pass means you won’t be allowed to disembark where you expect.
I also like how the route is set up for efficiency. You head out from St. Julian’s in the evening, cruise via the north Comino Channel, and focus your Comino time on the part most people come for. Still, you should know this is not a luxury set-up, and the ride can feel choppy depending on where you sit.
If you’re prone to motion sickness, you’ll want to take that seriously before you go. This trip isn’t suitable for people with back problems, heart problems, mobility impairments, or for wheelchair users, and it’s listed as not good for anyone prone to seasickness.
In This Review
- Key things to know before you go
- St. Julian’s check-in at the Verdi St George’s Bay Marina jetty
- The fast speedboat ride: north Comino Channel and Santa Maria Caves
- Comino Sea caves: the preview you get before the main event
- Blue Lagoon access pass: the rule that can change your whole stop
- Comino Island free time and how the landing usually works
- Sunset at the Blue Lagoon: fewer crowds, changing color, solid photo time
- Where the ride comfort fits in: seating, motion sickness, and who should skip it
- Return cruise along St. Paul’s Islands and the timing of the full experience
- Price and value: what you get for $53 per person
- Who this Comino sunset speedboat suits best
- Should you book this sunset cruise?
- FAQ
- FAQ
- How long is the Comino Blue Lagoon sunset cruise?
- Where is the meeting point in St. Julian’s?
- How much does it cost?
- Do I need an access pass to disembark at the Blue Lagoon?
- What happens if I don’t have the Blue Lagoon access pass?
- What is included in the ticket price?
- What is not included?
- Is this a guided tour?
- What should I bring for the cruise?
- Is the cruise suitable for everyone?
Key things to know before you go

- Sunset timing means fewer crowds at the Blue Lagoon compared with the daytime crush
- North Comino Channel route saves time and gives you cave scenery on the way
- Comino Sea Caves include Santa Maria Caves en route for a worthwhile preview
- Malta access pass is required to step ashore at the Blue Lagoon
- No guided tour at Comino means you manage your own swim and sightseeing
- Bench seating and a brisk ride can be uncomfortable for some people
St. Julian’s check-in at the Verdi St George’s Bay Marina jetty
You start from the jetty behind Verdi St. George’s Bay Marina Hotel in St. Julian’s (formerly Marina Hotel Corinthia Beach Resort). The meeting spot is at 8, Ix-Xatt Ta’ San Ġorġ, St. Julian’s, and it’s easy to miss if you assume it’s a big storefront.
Here’s the practical way to find it: when you arrive near the entrance to the hotel’s underground parking lot, look for a black iron gate. Go through the gate, go down the ramp, turn left, and follow the yellow line painted on the ground until you reach the jetty with boats and jet skis parked.
You’ll want to show up with your basics ready. This isn’t the kind of trip where you want to be hunting for swimwear or taking pharmacy trips after you board. Comfortable shoes matter too, since you may end up walking on uneven ground during the Comino stop.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in St Julian S.
The fast speedboat ride: north Comino Channel and Santa Maria Caves
Once you’re underway, the whole point is speed and good viewing. The cruise heads through the north Comino Channel, and you pass the Santa Maria Caves while you’re moving toward Comino Island. That matters because it reduces the time you spend in slow transit and increases the time you get in the place you actually came for.
Expect a steady run out from St. Julian’s. Based on firsthand timing described, the drive out can be around 35 minutes, with a quick cave pass before you wrap around toward the Blue Lagoon area. This is not a long scenic tour where you stop constantly—it’s more of a targeted run with highlights along the way.
One thing I like about this layout is that you still get the “Wow, caves” moment without burning your whole 2.5 hours. If you’ve only got a short window in Malta, it’s a smart trade.
On the flip side, speedboats aren’t meant to feel like a calm city bus. The ride can be bumpy, and the comfort level depends a lot on where you sit. If you’re booking with anyone who hates rough water, you’ll want to take motion sickness prevention seriously (more on that below).
Comino Sea caves: the preview you get before the main event
The cruise includes a visit to the Comino Sea Caves, which—based on the route description—fits naturally with the Santa Maria Caves sighting on the way to the Blue Lagoon. The key thing for your expectations: you’re getting scenery from the water and a quick look, not a long, guided cave exploration.
Because the cruise is designed to keep you on schedule, this stop is best thought of as a preview. You’ll see the caves from the boat on the approach and then you’ll move on.
That’s also why this part feels good for first-time visitors. You get the signature Comino “sea cave” feeling fast, and you don’t have to commit to extra time on land just to reach a view. If you’re someone who likes efficient itineraries, this works.
If you’re the type who wants detailed storytelling and long stops, you should know this trip is not a guided tour. You’ll have freedom at Comino, but nobody is laid out to explain every cave formation or history detail.
Blue Lagoon access pass: the rule that can change your whole stop
This is the big Malta twist for May 2025 onward. If you want to step ashore at the Blue Lagoon, you must have a government-issued access pass obtained in advance through blcomino.com. The daily allocation is limited, and the site specifically advises you to plan ahead. For this cruise, make sure you select the evening slot when applying.
Here’s why this matters: if you show up without a valid pass, you won’t be allowed to disembark at the Blue Lagoon. Instead, you’ll be taken to Comino’s Santa Marija Bay.
That changes the trip feel. The Blue Lagoon is the name on the ticket, so the wrong landing spot can turn your sunset plans into a different kind of evening. If you’re booking hoping for that iconic shoreline experience, treat the access pass like a required part of your booking, not an optional extra.
Also, the access pass isn’t included in the tour price. So budget time and money for it separately.
Comino Island free time and how the landing usually works

Your time on Comino is free time. That’s useful if you like moving at your own pace, but it also means you’ll want to decide fast what you’ll do: swim, walk a bit, take photos, and watch the sunset.
The cruise includes a short refreshing swim stop at the Blue Lagoon. That said, how you get into the water isn’t always what people picture from travel photos. You may be brought in close to rocky areas rather than docking in a smooth, easy-entry swim zone. One account described being pulled up to rocks between party barges, with a hike up and around to reach the sea and pass vendors.
You don’t need to panic about that, but you should go in ready for a bit of uneven walking. Bring the right shoes, not just flip-flops. And if your main goal is a quick swim directly from the boat, know that isn’t guaranteed here.
Because you’re on a speedboat schedule, your window to enjoy Comino isn’t huge. You should plan around a short stop, often described as about 1 hour and 15 minutes to do your thing and be back.
Sunset at the Blue Lagoon: fewer crowds, changing color, solid photo time
The reason you pick a sunset cruise is simple: you want the Blue Lagoon without the daytime chaos. This trip is timed to show up when it’s less crowded, and you’ll get a proper sunset moment over the Mediterranean.
I like the thinking here. People often underestimate how crowded the Blue Lagoon gets in daylight. By shifting to evening, you get breathing room for photos, a calmer vibe to swim, and time to actually enjoy the water instead of just squeezing through.
Now for the honest color check: sunset changes the look of the lagoon. In one account, the sea color with the setting sun was described as darker and less bright blue than the vivid daytime images. That doesn’t mean it’s not beautiful—it means your expectations should match the time of day.
If you want the most intense blue tones, midday photos usually win. If you want atmosphere—cooler air, softer light, and a more relaxed experience—this is the trade-off you’re making, and it can be worth it.
Where the ride comfort fits in: seating, motion sickness, and who should skip it
Let’s talk comfort like adults.
This cruise uses a speedboat with bench-style seating along the sides. One description mentioned seating for roughly 8 to 15 people, with the ride feeling rougher toward the front. If that matches your group’s tolerance, sit farther back if you can choose. Your goal is to reduce the “punchy” feeling of the waves.
You should also bring motion sickness prevention. It’s specifically listed, which usually means the operator knows conditions can be tricky. If you’ve ever had trouble on ferries or small boats, don’t assume you’ll be fine for a short hop. Take precautions early.
And the tour is listed as not suitable for:
- children under 3
- pregnant women
- people with back problems
- people with mobility impairments
- people with heart problems
- wheelchair users
- people prone to seasickness or motion sickness
If any of that applies, it’s safer to choose a calmer boat option instead of forcing it. A sunset is not worth a miserable ride.
Return cruise along St. Paul’s Islands and the timing of the full experience

On the way back, the cruise runs along the coastline and passes St. Paul’s Islands before returning to the base at St. Julian’s. This is a nice “last look” segment that keeps you from feeling like the best part is only at the front end.
Timing-wise, the cruise is listed as 2.5 hours total. That’s a good length for a short evening plan, especially if you want dinner after without losing your whole night.
The biggest practical takeaway is to plan your day around that 2.5-hour block. You’ll be at sea, then you’ll have a short free time, then you’ll return. There’s no long buffer if you run late at check-in or if your group needs extra time to find the access pass confirmation.
Price and value: what you get for $53 per person
At about $53 per person (for the cruise itself), the value depends on what you consider the “core experience.”
Here’s what the price covers:
- speedboat transfer both ways between St. Julian’s and Comino
- visit to Comino Sea Caves
- free time at Comino and the Blue Lagoon
- sunset at the Blue Lagoon
- return passing St. Paul’s Islands
- an experienced skipper
- all fuel costs
What’s not included can affect the real cost:
- the Malta Blue Lagoon access pass (acquired via blcomino.com)
- hotel pickup and drop-off
- food and drinks
- a tour guide
So is it worth it? It usually feels worth it when you want three things at once: speed, sunset timing, and a short route that doesn’t swallow your whole day. It’s also a decent option if you like seeing highlights from the water instead of spending time on land.
But if you expect a cushy, relaxing experience, adjust your mindset. This isn’t sold as a luxury boat outing. Comfort can be an issue, and the Blue Lagoon experience is tied to that access pass rule. If you end up at Santa Marija Bay instead, you’ll likely feel the value drop compared with what you planned.
Who this Comino sunset speedboat suits best
You’ll likely enjoy this tour if:
- you want a quick, efficient way to get from St. Julian’s to Comino
- you’re excited by sea caves and want to see them from the water
- you care about the sunset vibe and want fewer crowds
- you’re comfortable managing your own time on Comino (no guide)
It may not fit as well if:
- your priority is a smooth, comfortable ride
- you need step-free, easy access from boat to water and back
- you want a guided explanation and structured activities
- your group has anyone who’s prone to motion sickness
Also, because you’re not getting hotel pickup, this works best if you can comfortably reach the Verdi St. George’s Bay Marina jetty on your own.
Should you book this sunset cruise?
I’d book it if you’re doing Malta for a short stay and you want a high-payoff evening plan: fast boat, cave scenery, Blue Lagoon sunset, and then back to St. Julian’s without stretching your day.
I’d think twice if your group is picky about boat comfort or if you’re not confident you’ll get the Blue Lagoon access pass in time. The pass rule is the make-or-break item here. Double-check you applied for the evening slot.
And if you’re chasing postcard-bright blue water, be realistic about sunset color shifts. You might get darker tones compared with daytime images, but you should still get the atmosphere that makes Comino special at night.
If you match those expectations, this is a fun way to spend 2.5 hours in the Comino area—fast, scenic, and designed for the sunset moment.
FAQ
FAQ
How long is the Comino Blue Lagoon sunset cruise?
The duration is 2.5 hours.
Where is the meeting point in St. Julian’s?
The boat departs from the jetty behind Verdi St. George’s Bay Marina Hotel. You’ll find a black iron gate near the entrance to the hotel’s underground parking lot, then go through the gate, down the ramp, turn left, and follow the yellow line to the jetty.
How much does it cost?
The price is listed as $53 per person.
Do I need an access pass to disembark at the Blue Lagoon?
Yes. Since a government directive effective May 2025, you must obtain an access pass in advance from blcomino.com to step ashore at the Blue Lagoon.
What happens if I don’t have the Blue Lagoon access pass?
If you do not have an access pass, you will be taken to Comino’s Santa Marija Bay instead.
What is included in the ticket price?
Included are the speedboat trip from St. Julian’s to Comino and back, a visit to the Comino Sea Caves, free time at Comino Island and the Blue Lagoon, sunset at the Blue Lagoon, and the return journey passing by St. Paul’s Islands. It also includes an experienced skipper and all fuel costs.
What is not included?
Not included: the government-issued Blue Lagoon access pass, hotel pick-up and drop-off, food and drinks, and a tour guide.
Is this a guided tour?
No. The stop at Comino Island is at leisure, and it’s not described as a guided tour.
What should I bring for the cruise?
Bring comfortable shoes, swimwear, and motion sickness prevention.
Is the cruise suitable for everyone?
No. It’s not suitable for children under 3, pregnant women, people with back problems, mobility impairments, heart problems, wheelchair users, and people prone to seasickness or motion sickness.

















