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

Comino’s Blue Lagoon is at its most appealing late in the day, when the big daytime crowds begin to thin and the sun drops toward the Mediterranean. This 2.5-hour speedboat trip gets you there quickly from St. Julian’s, includes a look at the Santa Maria Caves, and leaves time for a sunset stop.

I like two things here: the fast ride makes good use of a short evening, and the route back past St. Paul’s Islands adds another scenic stretch instead of simply retracing the trip. The main catch is comfort. This is a practical speedboat, not a cushioned sunset yacht, and the ride can be rough, especially near the front.

Key points

• Sunset timing: The Blue Lagoon is quieter in the evening than during the main daytime rush.
• Fast route: The speedboat reaches Comino by way of the north channel and Santa Maria Caves.
• Cave viewing: You pass the Comino sea caves from the water, with no lengthy cave visit.
• Swimming opportunity: You may have a short swim stop, depending on the evening’s arrangements and access rules.
• Return scenery: The trip back follows the coast and passes St. Paul’s Islands.
• Important pass: You need a government-issued evening access pass to step ashore at the Blue Lagoon.

Leaving St. Julian’s for Comino

The boat departs from the jetty behind the Verdi St. George’s Bay Marina Hotel, formerly the Marina Hotel Corinthia Beach Resort, at 8, Ix-Xatt Ta’ San Ġorġ in St. Julian’s. Finding the jetty takes a little attention. 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.

This is not a hotel pickup service, so allow time to find the correct entrance. You will need to reach the jetty on your own, and the meeting point is not simply the front desk or main hotel entrance.

Once aboard, expect a long, open speedboat with bench seating along the sides. The boat can carry roughly 8 to 15 people, and the layout favors speed and easy access rather than comfort. Sit toward the back if you want a less forceful ride. The front offers a more exposed view but takes more of the jolts when the sea is choppy.

The skipper speaks English and handles the driving. There is no tour guide providing a running commentary, so you should not expect a detailed explanation of Malta’s history, Comino’s geology, or the islands’ stories. You are there mainly for the ride, the views, and free time at the destination.

The fast ride through the north Comino Channel

The crossing from St. Julian’s takes about 35 minutes according to the available trip details. That makes the speedboat useful if your evening in Malta is limited. You spend less time getting to Comino than you would on a slower sightseeing boat, although speed also means more movement.

As you leave St. Julian’s, the built-up shoreline gives way to open Mediterranean views. The ride itself is one of the main attractions. You feel the boat accelerate, and the low position on the water gives you a close view of the sea.

This is also where the main comfort question appears. The boat is fitted with hard bench seating, and the closer you sit to the bow, the more sharply you may feel each impact. If you have back problems, heart problems, mobility limitations, or a strong tendency toward seasickness, this is not a good match. Pregnant women and children under three are also excluded from the activity.

Bring motion sickness prevention if you are prone to nausea. Comfortable shoes are useful too, especially if you plan to walk around Comino after leaving the boat.

Santa Maria Caves from the water

The route passes through the north Comino Channel and by the Santa Maria Caves. You will see the caves from the boat rather than stop for a long exploration on foot. The available timing suggests a brief drive-by of about two caves before the boat continues around the bend toward the Blue Lagoon.

That makes this portion scenic rather than educational. You get the best view by keeping your camera ready and watching both sides of the boat. Since the speedboat continues moving, there is no guarantee that every passenger gets a perfect photograph, particularly if people are seated along both sides.

The caves add variety to the trip. Instead of traveling directly to the lagoon, you first see one of Comino’s most recognizable coastal features. Just keep your expectations in check: this is a quick look, not a dedicated cave cruise.

Arriving at the Blue Lagoon near sunset

The boat continues for about eight minutes after passing the caves, then rounds the bend toward the Blue Lagoon. This is the centerpiece of the evening. Comino’s famous water is usually associated with bright midday color, but sunset changes the scene.

You may see the lagoon become darker and more reflective as the sun lowers. That can create a beautiful Mediterranean view, but it may not produce the intense blue color shown in many daytime photographs. If your main goal is to see the lagoon at its brightest turquoise, a morning or midday visit may suit you better.

The evening timing does have a clear advantage. The lagoon is less crowded than during the day, and the atmosphere is less frantic. You avoid much of the daytime pressure associated with arriving when the area is at its busiest. For many people, the softer light and reduced crowd level are worth more than the brightest water color.

The boat stops near the rocks by the Blue Lagoon. Depending on your arrangements, you may have a short refreshing swim stop and free time at Comino. The stated free time lasts about an hour and 15 minutes. That is enough for a swim and a short look around, but it is not a full island outing.

The Blue Lagoon access pass matters

Since May 2025, anyone who wants to step ashore at the Blue Lagoon must obtain an official government access pass in advance through blcomino.com. The daily number of passes is limited, and you need to select the evening time slot when applying.

This is the most important practical point in the booking process. Your boat ticket does not include the government access pass. If you arrive without one, you will not be allowed to disembark at the Blue Lagoon.

People without the pass are taken to Santa Marija Bay instead. That gives you an alternative stop on Comino, but it is not the same experience as walking ashore at the Blue Lagoon. Check the official access system before committing to the trip, especially during busy periods.

The pass requirement also affects your choice of activity. If you mainly want to swim from the boat and see the lagoon from the water, the lack of a pass may be less serious. If you want to walk around the Blue Lagoon, reach the shore, or visit the vendors and nearby paths, you need to arrange the correct pass first.

Swimming, walking, and free time on Comino

The Blue Lagoon stop is described as a short swim opportunity and leisure time rather than a guided visit. You will not have a guide leading you around the island or explaining each point of interest.

If you leave the boat, expect a shoreline setting rather than a peaceful private cove. You may need to walk up and around part of the area to reach the water, and there are vendors along the route. This can make the stop feel less polished than the smooth promotional images suggest.

Bring swimwear and comfortable footwear. Water shoes are not specifically required, but shoes that stay secure and are easy to walk in are sensible. You should also avoid bringing luggage or large bags, since these are not allowed. Pets, baby strollers, non-folding wheelchairs, baby carriages, and electric wheelchairs are also not permitted.

The stop works best if you arrive with a simple plan: take in the view, swim if conditions suit you, and return to the boat on time. Because the stay is limited, this is not the place for a slow meal, a long walk, and a relaxed beach afternoon all in one.

Food and drinks are not included. Bring only what is permitted and practical for a short boat trip. Since large bags are prohibited, keep your belongings compact.

The return past St. Paul’s Islands

The return route follows the coastline and passes St. Paul’s Islands before reaching St. Julian’s. This gives the ride home a different feel from the outward journey and adds another well-known Maltese sight to the evening.

The islands are connected with the story of St. Paul’s arrival in Malta, but this activity does not include a guide or a formal explanation. You will see them as part of the coastal cruise, with the skipper managing the route.

This final section can be especially enjoyable after the Blue Lagoon stop. The light is changing, the sea may look darker, and the boat offers a moving view of the coast. Again, the ride can be bumpy. If you want the smoothest possible return, stay toward the rear and hold on when the boat picks up speed.

The full experience lasts about two and a half hours. That includes the crossing, cave views, the Blue Lagoon stop, and the return route. It is a compact evening outing, not a full-day cruise.

Is $53 a fair price?

At $53 per person, the value depends on what you want from a Comino visit. You are paying for speedboat transport from St. Julian’s, fuel, an experienced skipper, the cave route, free time at Comino, the sunset stop, and the return past St. Paul’s Islands.

That price makes more sense if you are staying in St. Julian’s and want a short evening trip without arranging separate transport to another harbor. It also suits you if the sunset timing matters and you prefer a small speedboat to a large daytime boat.

The value is weaker if you expect luxury seating, a calm cruise, a full guided tour, or a long swim directly from the vessel. The boat is basic, and there is no food, drink, hotel transfer, or guide included. The government access pass also costs extra if you want to step ashore at the Blue Lagoon, though the supplied information does not state a price for that pass.

Compared with a slower sightseeing cruise, this trip gives you more time at Comino because the boat moves quickly. Compared with a private charter, it is far less expensive, but you share the boat and have less control over the route and stop length.

Who will enjoy this speedboat trip?

I would recommend it most to confident swimmers, younger adults, couples, and small groups who want a quick taste of Comino at sunset. It is also a reasonable option if you care more about coastal views and an exciting ride than a guided cultural experience.

You are likely to enjoy it if you:

• Want to reach Comino quickly from St. Julian’s
• Prefer evening light and fewer daytime crowds
• Are comfortable on a fast, open boat
• Plan to swim or spend a short period at the lagoon
• Can arrange the correct Blue Lagoon access pass
• Do not need hotel pickup, food, or a guide

I would choose another type of outing if you need a soft seat, a quiet cruise, extensive commentary, or a fully accessible boat. Anyone prone to motion sickness should think carefully before booking. The speed and bench seating are central to the experience, not minor details.

Booking advice for a smoother evening

Apply for the Blue Lagoon access pass before the cruise and select the evening slot. Do not assume your boat reservation includes permission to go ashore.

Arrive early enough to follow the gate, ramp, and yellow-line directions to the jetty. Wear secure shoes and swimwear under your clothes if you intend to swim. Pack light, since large bags are not allowed.

Choose a seat toward the rear if comfort matters more than the most exposed view. If the sea is rough, the front benches can take hard impacts. Motion sickness medication or other prevention may be wise if you know you are sensitive.

Keep your expectations realistic. This is a fast transfer with scenic stops and free time, not a luxury cruise or a guided island tour. The sunset and reduced crowds are the strongest reasons to choose it.

Should you book the Comino sunset speedboat?

Book this trip if you want a short, energetic evening ride from St. Julian’s and like the idea of seeing the Blue Lagoon after the daytime rush. The cave pass, sunset setting, and return by St. Paul’s Islands give the outing more variety than a simple boat transfer.

Skip it if you want the lagoon’s brightest blue water, a comfortable ride, or a calm sunset experience. The boat is basic, the stop is brief, and stepping ashore requires a separate government pass. For the right person, it is an efficient way to sample Comino in one evening. For anyone seeking luxury or ease, the price may feel high for what is provided.

FAQ

How long is the Comino Blue Lagoon sunset cruise?

The activity lasts 2.5 hours, including the speedboat ride from St. Julian’s to Comino, the stop at the Blue Lagoon or Santa Marija Bay, and the return journey past St. Paul’s Islands.

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, at 8, Ix-Xatt Ta’ San Ġorġ. Use the black iron gate near the underground parking entrance, then follow the yellow line to the jetty.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. You must make your own way to the meeting point in St. Julian’s. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

Do I need a pass to visit the Blue Lagoon?

Yes. Since May 2025, you need a government-issued access pass to step ashore at the Blue Lagoon. You can obtain one through blcomino.com, and you should select the evening slot.

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

You will be taken to Santa Marija Bay on Comino instead. You will not be allowed to step ashore at the Blue Lagoon without the official pass.

Is this a guided tour?

No. An English-speaking host or greeter is provided, and the boat has an experienced skipper, but this is not a guided tour. Your time on Comino is at leisure.

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. Large bags and luggage are not allowed.

Who should not take this trip?

The activity is not suitable for children under three, pregnant women, people with back, heart, or mobility problems, wheelchair users, or people prone to seasickness or motion sickness.