Okikoki Banis – Comino Blue Lagoon Speedboat Trip- Fast Ferry

The best part of this Comino trip is the mix of fast coastal travel and free time. You speed north from St. Julian’s, pass Malta’s eastern coast and St. Paul’s Islands, then reach Comino in roughly 35 to 40 minutes. The ride includes a tour of Comino’s caves, not just a drop-off at the beach.

I like the five-hour stay and the small maximum group of 20. You have enough time to swim, eat, rent a sunbed, try a watersport, or simply sit near the Blue Lagoon. I also like that the skippers, including guides named Ian and Toni, provide information along the way rather than treating the boat as a simple taxi.

The main drawback is the sea. The speedboat can pitch and roll heavily, and spray may leave you wet. If you need a smooth crossing, or if rough water makes you uncomfortable, this trip may not be the right choice.

Key points to know before booking

• Five hours on Comino: You get a long stay at the Blue Lagoon instead of a short photo stop.
• Cave sightseeing included: The speedboat tours caves around Comino before or around your beach time.
• A lively, fast crossing: The ride is part of the attraction, but the boat can roll in rough conditions.
• Guides Ian and Toni praised for their approach: Expect useful local information and friendly, entertaining commentary when they are operating your trip.
• Facilities on the island: Food, drinks, toilets, showers, sunbeds, umbrellas, and watersports are available, though food and activities cost extra.
• Weather affects the plan: Sea conditions determine transfer times, and the winter schedule from October may change.

A fast route from St. Julian’s to Comino

This seven-hour outing begins at Oki-Ko-Ki Banis Watersports at Spinola Bay in St. Julian’s. The supplied meeting information gives a 9:00 a.m. start time, while the operating instructions describe meeting at 9:30 a.m. near Happy Dayz Bar, with departure shortly after.

That difference matters. I would not arrive at the last minute. Check the private message sent after booking and follow the latest meeting instructions. The departure point is near public transportation, but you still need to allow time to find the watersports base and get organized beside the bay.

Once aboard, the speedboat heads toward the northern part of Malta. This is more interesting than a direct ferry crossing because you see the eastern coast from the water. St. Paul’s Islands are among the noted sights, and the skipper provides information about what you are passing.

The boat reaches Comino in about 35 to 40 minutes in suitable conditions. That is much quicker than spending a long morning on a slower boat, and it leaves most of the day for the island itself. The exact crossing time is not fixed. Wind and sea conditions can change the ride considerably.

What the speedboat ride feels like

The boat is quick, open, and exposed to the weather. Several people praised the speed and the sense of fun, while one passenger found the pitching and rolling too strong. Both impressions are useful. This is not a calm, enclosed ferry ride.

You may get hit by spray, so protect phones, cameras, wallets, and other items in a waterproof bag. Even on a warm day, a wet shirt or damp bag can become annoying during a five-hour beach stay. Bring a cover for anything you cannot afford to damage.

The boat has a maximum of 20 people per booking. That keeps the group smaller than many large excursion boats and makes it easier to hear the skipper. It does not mean you will have a private boat, though. This is a shared transfer with a driver-guide.

The crew seems to be a major part of the experience. Ian is praised for being informative and safety-conscious, while Toni is described as friendly, entertaining, and able to answer questions after decades in the job. Your actual skipper may differ, but these details give you a good idea of the intended tone: practical information mixed with a spirited ride.

Malta’s eastern coast and St. Paul’s Islands

The outward journey gives you a different view of Malta. From the road, the coast can seem distant and fragmented. From the water, the shape of the island makes more sense, and the skipper can point out sights as you pass.

St. Paul’s Islands are a notable sight on the route. The trip does not present this as a long guided coastal cruise, so keep your expectations sensible. You will get views and commentary during the transfer, not a full historical lecture or a series of shore stops.

I like this part because it gives the ride a purpose. You are not only trying to reach the Blue Lagoon. The crossing becomes a short coastal tour, and the fast boat lets you cover the distance without using most of the morning.

Still, your view depends on your seat, the sun, and the sea. If you want photos, keep your camera ready but protected. Spray and movement make careful photography harder than it looks.

Exploring Comino’s caves by boat

A speedboat tour of Comino’s caves is included. This is an important benefit because many Blue Lagoon outings simply leave you at the shore and collect you later. Here, you get at least a short look at the rocky coast from the water before settling into your beach time.

The caves are best understood as a viewing stop rather than a full land excursion. The boat takes you around them, and the skipper supplies information as the route allows. You should not expect a long walk into the island or an extended cave visit unless the crew specifically explains otherwise.

Sea conditions matter here too. The boat may need to adjust its route in rough weather, and the full program can change in the winter season starting in October. The operator asks you to follow the updated instructions sent privately after booking, which is especially important outside the main summer period.

Five hours at the Blue Lagoon

The main stay lasts about five hours. That is generous for Comino and gives you control over the day. You do not have to rush from one activity to another.

You can use the time in several ways:

• Swim and spend time by the water
• Buy food and drinks on Comino
• Use the toilets and showers
• Hire a sunbed and umbrella
• Try available watersports
• Sit back and wait for the return pickup

The value of this long stop depends on what you want from Comino. If you want a quick look at the famous water and a few photographs, five hours may feel excessive. If you want a proper beach day, it is a strong feature.

The Blue Lagoon area can become crowded, especially during the main summer period. One useful point from the experience is that an early arrival may give you time to enjoy the area before the largest crowds build. This is not a guarantee, but leaving St. Julian’s in the morning gives you a better chance than arriving later in the day.

The island has basic facilities, but you should not confuse them with a fully equipped resort. Food and drinks are not included, and sunbeds, umbrellas, and watersports also cost extra. Bring money for anything you plan to buy, and consider carrying water and snacks if you want to control your spending.

The return to St. Julian’s

Pickup from Comino is scheduled for around 3:30 p.m. The boat should reach St. Julian’s Bay at about 4:30 p.m., giving the whole outing its stated seven-hour shape.

The return journey can feel different from the morning run. Wind direction may change, and a sea that seemed easy earlier can become choppier later. The timing is approximate, so avoid booking an important evening activity with no spare time after the advertised return.

The experience ends back at the original meeting point. That is convenient if you are staying in or near St. Julian’s, and it means you do not need to arrange a separate ride back from another harbor.

Is $59.13 good value?

At $59.13 per person, this trip is not the cheapest way to reach Comino, but the price covers more than transport. You are paying for a round-trip shared speedboat, fuel surcharge, local taxes, a driver-guide, the coastal ride, and the cave tour.

The five-hour stay also improves the value. A shorter excursion may cost less, but you would have less freedom once you reach the island. Here, you get a full beach day without arranging separate transport.

You should budget beyond the ticket price. Food and drinks are excluded. Sunbeds, umbrellas, and watersports are also extra. If you want to keep the day close to the advertised cost, bring your own essentials and skip optional rentals.

The small group limit adds some value, particularly if you dislike large boat crowds. It does not turn the trip into a private charter, but a maximum of 20 people is a more manageable setup for listening to the skipper and boarding the boat.

Who will enjoy this trip most?

I would choose this outing if you want a quick ride, a long stay at the Blue Lagoon, and some sightseeing along the way. It suits people who prefer an active boat transfer over a slow, formal cruise.

It is also a good fit for visitors staying in St. Julian’s who want a direct day trip from a nearby bay. The starting point is close to public transportation, and the return is to the same place.

Families and most able-bodied participants can take part, according to the supplied information. Still, you should think about comfort on the boat. The ride can be wet and rough, and the operator warns passengers to protect personal belongings from spray.

I would be more cautious if you are prone to seasickness or strongly prefer stable transport. The 3 out of 5 experience rating was tied to heavy pitching and rolling, which is a real possibility rather than a minor technical detail.

Practical preparation for a better day

Wear clothes and shoes that can handle water spray. Keep electronic items in a waterproof pouch, and do not leave important belongings exposed on the boat.

Bring swimwear, sun protection, and whatever you need for several hours near the beach. Since food and drinks are excluded, decide in advance if you will buy supplies on Comino or carry your own.

Read the operator’s private message after booking. This is especially important because the supplied details show both a 9:00 a.m. start time and a 9:30 a.m. meeting time. Weather can also alter the winter program from October onward.

The cancellation terms are simple but strict near departure. You can cancel at least 24 hours before the start for a full refund. A cancellation or change made less than 24 hours before departure is not accepted for a refund. If poor weather forces cancellation, you are offered another date or a full refund.

Should you book the Comino speedboat trip?

Book it if you want a fast, social ride to Comino, a cave tour, and five hours to use as you please. The coastal views, lively guiding, and long beach stay give the day more substance than a basic transfer.

Skip it if you want a smooth, quiet crossing or if rough water is a serious concern. Also remember that the $59.13 price does not cover meals, drinks, sunbeds, umbrellas, or watersports.

For most people who want a full day at the Blue Lagoon without spending the morning on a slow boat, this is a strong choice. Just protect your belongings, confirm the meeting time, and accept that the sea gets the final say.

FAQ

Where does the Comino speedboat trip start?

It starts at Oki-Ko-Ki Banis Watersports at Xatt Is-Sajjieda, Spinola Bay, St. Julian’s, Malta. The supplied meeting details also refer to the area near Happy Dayz Bar.

What time does the trip start?

The meeting information gives a 9:00 a.m. start time, while the operating description says to meet at 9:30 a.m. and depart shortly after. Check the private message sent after booking for the current instruction.

How long do I stay on Comino?

You have about five hours on the beach at Comino. Pickup is scheduled for around 3:30 p.m., with arrival back at St. Julian’s Bay around 4:30 p.m.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not included in the price. Comino has places to buy them.

Can I rent a sunbed or umbrella?

Yes. Sunbeds and umbrellas can be hired on the beach, but the cost is not included.

What happens if the weather is bad?

The experience requires good weather. If poor weather causes cancellation, you are offered a different date or a full refund. Sea conditions can also change transfer times and the winter program.