St Julian’s: Powerboat Comino Blue Lagoon

The big draw here is simple: you get to Blue Lagoon in less than 30 minutes, rather than spending much of your morning on a slower boat. The ride also includes St Maria’s Caves, so your half-day outing is more than a swim stop.

I like the speed and the useful mix of sightseeing, swimming, and snorkeling. I also like that the boat reaches Comino from St Julian’s, making this a tidy choice if you are staying in Malta’s main resort district. The catch is the ride itself: this powerboat can jump over waves, and the landing can be hard on your back.

Key points

• Fast crossing: Reach Comino in about 25 to 30 minutes by the operator’s fastest powerboat.
• Two worthwhile sights: Spend time at Blue Lagoon, then cruise through or around St Maria’s Caves.
• A proper swimming stop: Bring swimwear and a towel for swimming and snorkeling at Comino.
• A lively ride: The boat can move sharply over waves, which suits teenagers and adults who enjoy speed.
• Important Blue Lagoon rule: Since April 29, 2025, you must reserve both the morning and afternoon access slots through the official website.
• Not for everyone: Children under 3, pregnant women, and people with back or heart problems cannot board.

Why the Powerboat Makes Sense from St Julian’s

Comino’s Blue Lagoon is one of Malta’s most sought-after swimming spots, but getting there can take patience. This outing uses a fast powerboat and takes roughly 25 minutes each way, giving you more useful time around the water.

At $65 per person, it costs more than a basic boat transfer in many cases, but the price includes the ride from St Julian’s, a return trip, and the cave visit. You are paying mainly for time and speed. If you have only a few days in Malta, that trade can make good sense.

The boat leaves from Ganado. At the meeting point, look for the open black gate, walk down the ramp, turn left, and follow the yellow line on the jetty. Boats and personal watercraft are located along the jetty.

The meeting area may feel basic. There is limited shade and seating, so arrive prepared to wait in the sun if boarding is not immediate. Clearer instructions at the jetty would also help, especially if you are unfamiliar with the area.

The Ride Past St Paul’s Islands

Once aboard, you remain seated for the entire ride. This is not a boat where you wander around, stretch your legs, or choose a different seat after setting off. The rule matters because the powerboat can move quickly and may bounce over the waves.

The route runs along Malta’s east coast, passing St Paul’s Islands before crossing toward Comino. The ride gives you a quick look at the coast from the water, but the main point is getting across the channel swiftly.

I would choose a seat with the ride in mind, not just the view. If you enjoy speed, the sharp turns and occasional jumps can be part of the fun. If you dislike rough motion, have back trouble, or simply want a calm cruise, this is probably the wrong boat.

One particularly useful detail: the powerboat has enough punch to make the trip feel like an activity in itself. It is not merely a shuttle with a scenic route. That helps explain why the experience works well for active families with older children and teenagers.

Children must be accompanied by an adult. Children under 3 are not permitted, and the operator does not allow pregnant women or people with heart or back problems to board.

Arriving at Comino’s Blue Lagoon

The main stop is Blue Lagoon, where you have time for swimming and snorkeling. The water is famous for its clear appearance, but the setting is not a quiet one, especially in summer.

You should expect a popular place with a strong holiday atmosphere. One practical comment from the experience is that Blue Lagoon can be very crowded, even when the water itself looks magnificent. The fast boat gets you there early in the outing, but it cannot remove the pressure of demand at Malta’s best-known swimming stop.

Bring your own towel and swimwear. The supplied information does not promise equipment hire, changing rooms, food, lockers, or reserved seating, so do not plan around those services.

The water stop is best for people who want to get in, swim, snorkel, and enjoy the view rather than settle into a private beach day. The exact comfort of your time there will depend on crowds, sun, and how much open space is available.

The schedule information lists substantial free time at Comino and Blue Lagoon, while the total activity duration is given as 4.5 hours. Because those time descriptions do not line up perfectly, check the departure time and day’s schedule when booking. Treat 4.5 hours as the practical total duration.

The New Blue Lagoon Reservation Rule

There is one booking step you should not ignore. Under a government policy issued on April 29, 2025, visitors to Blue Lagoon must reserve access through the official website.

Use the official Blue Lagoon reservation page:

https://blcomino.com/product/blue-lagoon/

The instructions say to reserve both the morning and afternoon slot. This is important because the powerboat ticket and Blue Lagoon access are separate matters. Paying for the boat does not remove the need to arrange the required lagoon reservation.

Keep confirmation details available on your phone. The supplied information does not state that the operator completes this reservation for you, so handle it yourself before the day of the trip.

This added step may feel fussy, but it is useful protection against arriving at a famous site without the required access. It also means you should think about the boat’s timing before selecting the slots.

St Maria’s Caves Before the Return

Before returning to Malta, the boat visits St Maria’s Caves on Comino. This is the quieter sightseeing piece of the outing and gives you a change from the busy swimming stop.

The cave visit takes place from the boat, with the route including a cruise around the cave area. The supplied details do not promise that you will land, walk inside, or swim at the caves, so think of this as a coastal viewing stop rather than a cave hike.

The small coves and rock openings are best appreciated from the water. A fast boat also makes the stop feel lively, although speed can limit how long you have to study the details. Keep your camera ready, but protect it from spray and hold onto loose items.

For many people, the caves are the part that makes this trip feel more complete. You get the famous Blue Lagoon, then a second Comino sight that does not depend entirely on swimming.

Returning to Corinthia Beach Resort

After the cave visit, the powerboat cruises back to Corinthia Beach Resort and the St Julian’s area. The return crossing takes about 25 minutes, depending on conditions and the day’s operation.

If you have spent time swimming, the ride back may feel cooler and more exposed. Dry clothing, a towel, and protection from the sun are useful. The operator specifically asks you to bring swimwear and a towel, and both are practical rather than optional extras.

The return ride is also when the powerboat’s motion matters most. A calm sea can make the crossing enjoyable. With larger waves, the boat may lift and come down firmly. That is the reason people with back problems are excluded, not a minor warning to brush aside.

What $65 Buys You

The $65 price is easiest to judge against your priorities. It includes:

• Transport from St Julian’s to Comino
• The return journey
• A visit to St Maria’s Caves
• Free time for swimming and snorkeling at Blue Lagoon

You are not paying for a guided historical tour, a meal, snorkeling gear, or a private boat. The host language is English, and the supplied information does not identify a named guide.

The strongest value is the time saved. A slower boat may cost less but can leave you spending more of the day in transit. Here, the advertised crossing takes less than 30 minutes, and one recorded outing reached Blue Lagoon in under that time in both directions.

The price also covers a straightforward experience with no complicated program. You board, cross to Comino, spend time at the water, visit the caves, and return. That simplicity works well if you want a half-day outing instead of a full-day cruise.

The value is weaker if you dislike speed or want a peaceful boat ride. In that case, the main feature becomes the main drawback. You would be paying extra for a ride you may not enjoy.

Who Will Enjoy This Ride Most

I would recommend this trip to adults, couples, and families with older children who want to reach Comino quickly. Two teenage passengers, aged 15 and 19, found the fast ride especially well suited to them, which gives you a fair picture of the target audience.

It also fits a tight Malta schedule. A 4.5-hour outing leaves room for other plans in St Julian’s or elsewhere on the island, although you should allow some flexibility around departure and return times.

This is not the best choice for:

• Children under 3
• Pregnant women
• People with heart conditions
• People with back conditions
• Anyone who cannot remain seated for the full boat ride
• Anyone looking for a quiet, slow cruise
• Anyone expecting Blue Lagoon to feel secluded in summer

The powerboat may suit you if you see speed as part of the entertainment. It may not suit you if boat motion causes discomfort or if you want to move freely around the vessel.

Practical Advice for a Better Half-Day

Arrive at the correct jetty rather than relying only on the name Ganado. Find the black gate, use the ramp, turn left, and follow the yellow line. This is a simple route, but the area can be confusing if you are rushing.

Wear swimwear under light clothing. Bring a towel, and keep phones, cameras, and other valuables secure during the faster sections. The operator does not list storage or changing facilities, so travel light.

Reserve the required Blue Lagoon access slots before departure. The current instructions call for both the morning and afternoon slots, even though your boat outing lasts only part of the day.

If you are prone to motion sickness, the supplied information gives no special advice or guarantee. You should consider the boat’s speed and wave movement carefully before booking. Passengers must remain seated, so you cannot solve discomfort by moving about the boat.

Do not expect a personal guided tour of Comino. The host speaks English, but the core experience is transport, free time, swimming, snorkeling, and the cave cruise. That is good news if you want independence. It is less useful if you want detailed commentary at every stop.

Blue Lagoon, Speed, and Crowds

The central tension of this trip is easy to understand. The powerboat gets you to a beautiful swimming site quickly, but Blue Lagoon itself can be packed.

That does not make the stop worthless. Clear water, the chance to swim, and time on Comino remain the main reasons to go. It simply means you should set realistic expectations. You are visiting Malta’s most famous lagoon, not a private cove.

The lively mood can be part of the appeal. The boat atmosphere has been described as festive, and the fast crossing adds energy before you even reach the water. If you like a social day with plenty of movement, that tone may suit you.

If you prefer stillness, aim to focus on the cave visit and the water rather than expecting silence at Blue Lagoon. The boat gives you access to the place, not control over how many other people are there.

Should You Book the Comino Powerboat?

Book it if your priorities are speed, swimming, and a lively ride. For $65, you get a quick crossing from St Julian’s, time at Blue Lagoon, a visit to St Maria’s Caves, and a return trip in roughly 4.5 hours.

Think twice if you have back or heart problems, are pregnant, or dislike a boat that can bounce over waves. Also check the Blue Lagoon reservation requirement before paying, since you must arrange both access slots through the official website.

My practical verdict: this is a strong fit for active visitors who want to make Comino happen without giving up a full day. The fast boat is the reason to choose it, and the caves make the outing more than a simple transfer. Just accept the crowds, bring a towel, reserve your lagoon access, and make sure your body is comfortable with a brisk ride.

FAQ

How long does the powerboat take to reach Blue Lagoon?

The crossing takes about 25 to 30 minutes. The experience is advertised as reaching Blue Lagoon in less than 30 minutes.

How long is the complete experience?

The stated duration is 4.5 hours. The supplied schedule also gives longer time figures for Comino and Blue Lagoon, so check the available departure time and exact schedule when booking.

Where does the tour start?

The meeting point is at Ganado in St Julian’s. Go through the open black gate, walk down the ramp, turn left, and follow the yellow line on the jetty until you see the boats and jet skis.

Does the tour include a return trip to St Julian’s?

Yes. The price includes transport from St Julian’s to Comino, the visit to St Maria’s Caves, and the return journey to the St Julian’s area at Corinthia Beach Resort.

Do I need to reserve Blue Lagoon access separately?

Yes. Under the government policy issued on April 29, 2025, visitors must reserve Blue Lagoon access through the official website. The instructions say to reserve both the morning and afternoon slots.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear and a towel. You may also want to keep personal items secure during the fast boat ride.

Are children allowed on the powerboat?

Children under 3 are not suitable for this activity. Children who are allowed to board must be accompanied by an adult.

Who cannot take this boat?

Pregnant women and people with back or heart problems cannot board. All passengers must remain seated for the entire ride.