From St. Julian’s: Comino and Blue Lagoon Trip by Powerboat

The main appeal here is simple: you reach Comino’s Blue Lagoon from St. Julian’s in about 30 minutes, far faster than a slower cruise. I like the direct route and the freedom to spend several hours swimming, snorkelling, sunbathing, or walking without a guide steering every minute of your day.

I also like the return past Comino’s sea caves, when weather allows, and the two departure choices. The catch is the ride itself: a small, fast boat can bounce hard in rough water, and this trip is a poor fit if you suffer from seasickness, back trouble, or limited mobility.

Key points

• Half-hour powerboat ride: A quick run from St. Julian’s along Malta’s eastern coast and past St. Paul’s Islands.
• Several hours at Comino: You set your own pace rather than following a guided walking tour.
• Blue Lagoon access pass required: Since May 2025, you need a government-issued pass to step ashore at the lagoon.
• Two departure times: Leave at 10:30 AM or 12:30 PM, with return times around 4:30 PM or 5:00 PM.
• Sea caves on the way back: The skipper plans a cave visit when conditions permit.
• Strong transport ratings, with a safety caveat: The speed and direct route are widely praised, but one account describes rough handling and a bumpy ride in unsettled seas.

The fast run from St. Julian’s to Comino

This is primarily a transport trip with a beautiful destination, not a guided sightseeing cruise. The powerboat leaves St. Julian’s and heads along Malta’s eastern coast, passing the St. Paul’s Islands before making for Comino.

The advertised crossing takes about 30 minutes. That is the key advantage over a slower boat excursion. You spend less of your six-hour outing getting there and more time on Comino, where the schedule is yours to manage.

The speed also shapes the experience. You are not booking a quiet, padded cruise with a running commentary. You are booking a brisk ride on a small powerboat, with an experienced skipper and fuel included. The trip has received a 4.5 rating from 31 published ratings, and transport earns especially strong marks, with 89 percent giving it a perfect score.

That praise makes sense if your priority is getting from St. Julian’s to the Blue Lagoon quickly. The boat also gives you an open-water view of the coast that you would not get from a road transfer. Still, speed is not the same as comfort. One recent account describes hard plastic seating, only one handrail, and a rough ride in choppy water. That is a serious consideration, not a minor footnote.

Finding the jetty behind St. George’s Bay

The meeting point is at 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.

The entrance can be easy to miss. Look near the hotel’s underground parking entrance for a black iron gate. Go through it, walk down the ramp, turn left, and follow the yellow line painted on the ground. It leads to the jetty, where the boats and jet skis are kept.

Give yourself enough time to find this route without rushing. The departure point is not described as a hotel lobby meeting area, and the access path involves a gate, ramp, turn, and marked walkway. You do not get hotel pickup, so arrange your own way to St. Julian’s.

The host and skipper operate in English. No tour guide accompanies you around Comino, so do not expect a commentary-led visit or a formal walking route once you step ashore.

Choosing between the 10:30 AM and 12:30 PM departures

The morning boat leaves at 10:30 AM and returns to St. Julian’s at about 4:30 PM. The later boat leaves at 12:30 PM and returns around 5:00 PM.

The morning departure gives you more useful daylight at Comino and gets you there earlier in the day. That matters because the Blue Lagoon is a famous stop, and large crowds can build up. One clear piece of advice from the available feedback is to arrive as early as possible if you want a better chance at a less crowded visit.

The 12:30 PM option may suit you better if you prefer a slower morning in St. Julian’s, but you give up two hours at the island and arrive later. It can also make the Blue Lagoon feel less appealing if your main goal is a calm swim. On the other hand, you may prefer not to make an early start during a hot Maltese holiday.

Choose based on your priorities:

• Pick 10:30 AM for the longest island visit and the earliest possible arrival.
• Pick 12:30 PM if you want a relaxed morning and do not mind a shorter stay.
• Check the access-pass rules carefully before choosing your departure, since the pass requires different time slots for each option.

What the Blue Lagoon access rule means

Since May 2025, you need a government-issued access pass to step ashore at the Blue Lagoon. You obtain it in advance through blcomino.com, and the daily allocation is limited.

This pass is separate from the boat booking. Paying $65 per person for the powerboat does not automatically give you permission to disembark at the lagoon. You need to handle the pass yourself before the day of the trip.

The timing requirement is unusually important:

• For the 10:30 AM departure, you need to book both the morning and afternoon time slots.
• For the 12:30 PM departure, you need to book the afternoon time slot.

If you arrive without the required pass, you will not be allowed to step ashore at the Blue Lagoon. The alternative is Santa Marija Bay on Comino. That still gives you a Comino stop, but it is not the lagoon visit you may have planned.

I would treat the access pass as part of your booking checklist, not something to sort out at the jetty. The pass allocation is limited, so check availability before committing to the boat.

Free time at Comino, not a guided tour

Once you reach Comino, you are free to explore at your own pace. No guide leads you around the island, and there is no fixed sequence of activities after arrival.

That freedom is valuable. You can spend your time swimming in the clear water, snorkelling, lying in the sun, or strolling through Comino’s countryside. You are not pushed from one photo stop to the next. If you want an active afternoon, walk and explore. If you want a simple swim and a place to sit, keep your plans modest.

The Blue Lagoon is known for transparent cyan water, a pale sandy bottom, and marine life. Those conditions make it a strong choice for swimming and snorkelling, though the appeal comes with a practical warning: it is an iconic stop, not a secluded one. The advice to arrive early is worth taking seriously.

Bring your own towel, swimwear, sunscreen, sunglasses, and sun hat. Food and drinks are not included, so plan for that cost and supply. The experience gives you transport and free time, not a catered beach day.

Seeing Comino’s sea caves on the return

The return journey adds the trip’s second sightseeing feature. After the free-time stop, the powerboat collects you and heads back toward St. Julian’s, visiting Comino’s sea caves when weather permits.

This is a pleasant way to finish the day because it gives you a short look at another side of the island without asking you to arrange a second excursion. The cave visit depends on sea conditions, so you should treat it as a possible bonus rather than a guaranteed stop.

The boat used for the return may not be exactly the same boat you took out. One account specifically notes returning on another boat. That is not automatically a problem, but it is useful to know if you expect one fixed vessel for the full day.

The skipper may also make sharper turns or faster maneuvers. Most people choosing this activity will see that as part of the fun. If you prefer a smooth, steady ride, a larger and slower boat may suit you better.

How comfortable is the powerboat?

Comfort depends heavily on the sea. On calm water, the short crossing should feel efficient and exciting. On unsettled water, the boat can bounce, and the hard seating becomes more noticeable.

The most serious criticism describes passengers being lifted from their seats on rough waves and having only one handrail to hold. The same account also raises concern about life jackets not being offered during the ride. I cannot tell you how conditions will be on your date, but I can give you practical advice: ask about safety equipment before departure, listen closely to the skipper, and do not choose this outing if you are prone to motion sickness.

The stated exclusions also make the limits clear. The trip is not suitable for children under three, pregnant women, people with back or heart problems, people with mobility impairments, wheelchair users, or people prone to seasickness or motion sickness.

Non-folding wheelchairs, electric wheelchairs, baby strollers, baby carriages, luggage, and large bags are not allowed. Pack lightly in a small day bag that you can keep close.

Wear comfortable shoes rather than flip-flops if you plan to walk on Comino. Motion-sickness prevention is also listed among the recommended items. That is sensible advice for a fast boat, especially if the forecast looks unsettled.

Is $65 a fair price?

At $65 per person, this is not the cheapest way to reach Comino, but the price covers round-trip powerboat transport, fuel, an experienced skipper, several hours of free time, and a possible sea-cave visit.

The value is strongest if you are staying in St. Julian’s and want a direct crossing without arranging separate transport. You are paying for speed and convenience. The 30-minute outward ride is the reason to choose this over a slower vessel.

The value is weaker if you want a guided island tour, meals, a quiet cruise, or a guaranteed cave visit. Food and drinks cost extra, the Blue Lagoon pass is separate, and there is no hotel pickup or drop-off. You should include those extras when comparing the total cost with other Comino outings.

I see this as a focused day trip rather than a full-service excursion. You pay to reach the island efficiently, then make your own day. That is good value for independent visitors who already know what they want to do at the Blue Lagoon.

Who should book this Comino outing?

You are a good match for this trip if you:

• Want the quickest boat route from St. Julian’s to Comino.
• Prefer free time over a guided schedule.
• Are comfortable with a fast, open-water ride.
• Plan to swim, snorkel, sunbathe, or walk independently.
• Can arrange the government access pass in advance.
• Travel light and have no mobility or medical restrictions listed for the activity.

I would look elsewhere if you need a gentle ride, step-free access, hotel pickup, a guide, or a full meal service. I would also avoid it if you are very sensitive to motion or have back trouble.

The trip can work well for couples, friends, and confident swimmers who want a simple route to Comino. Families with very young children cannot book it, and anyone who dislikes speed should weigh the transport style carefully.

Booking details worth handling before departure

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later. That gives you some flexibility, but it does not remove the need to check the Blue Lagoon pass before the daily allocation runs out.

Check the starting time when booking, since the activity lasts about six hours but the two departure options have different return times. Confirm that you can reach the St. Julian’s jetty on your own.

Bring:

• Comfortable shoes
• Sunglasses
• A sun hat
• Swimwear
• A towel
• Sunscreen
• Motion-sickness prevention if needed

Leave large bags, luggage, strollers, and prohibited wheelchairs behind. Food and drinks are not included, so plan accordingly.

Should you book the St. Julian’s powerboat?

Book this trip if your ideal Comino day starts with a fast crossing, continues with several hours of free time, and ends with a possible look at the sea caves. The transport receives the strongest praise, and the short crossing is a real advantage.

I would choose the 10:30 AM departure, secure the correct Blue Lagoon pass early, and arrive prepared for sun, crowds, and a lively ride. I would not book it simply because the Blue Lagoon looks beautiful in photographs. The boat is fast rather than soft, and the lagoon is popular rather than quiet.

For an independent, active day at Comino, $65 is reasonable. For a calm cruise or guided island visit, choose another style of excursion.

FAQ

How long does the powerboat trip from St. Julian’s to Comino take?

The outward journey takes about 30 minutes. The full activity lasts around six hours, including free time at Comino and the return trip.

What departure times are available?

You can depart from St. Julian’s at 10:30 AM or 12:30 PM. The earlier trip returns at approximately 4:30 PM, while the later trip returns at approximately 5:00 PM.

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 it through blcomino.com, and the daily allocation is limited.

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

You will not be allowed to disembark at the Blue Lagoon. The boat will take you to Comino’s Santa Marija Bay instead.

Is this a guided tour?

No. The visit to Comino is at leisure, so you explore, swim, snorkel, or relax independently. An English-speaking skipper operates the boat, but there is no tour guide on the island.

What is included in the $65 price?

The price includes the powerboat ride from St. Julian’s to Comino, the return journey, fuel, an experienced skipper, free time at Comino, and a possible visit to the sea caves on the return. Food, drinks, hotel transfers, and the Blue Lagoon access pass are not included.