Speed beats slow boats on Comino days. This half-day powerboat run is built for getting you to the water fast, then giving you hours to enjoy Comino at your own pace. I like that the schedule is simple (10:30 or 12:30 departures) and the trip includes a Blue Lagoon stop with time to swim, snorkel, and relax.

Two more things I really like: you cruise along the eastern Malta coast on the way out and you get a return route that may include the Comino Sea caves (weather permitting). One drawback to weigh: the ride is high-speed and can be bouncy, and at least one recent account complained about rough landing and limited safety comfort, so if you’re sensitive to motion or safety gear, plan accordingly.

Key Points That Matter Before You Go

• 30-minute high-speed transfer from St. Julian’s to Comino to maximize your time in the water
• Blue Lagoon access pass required for landing since Malta’s May 2025 directive
• Free time, no guide on Comino—great for independent exploring, not ideal if you want narration
• Sea caves on the return when weather allows, adding a nice bonus view
• Bring anti-seasickness supplies because this isn’t a calm, floaty ride

Fast to Comino and the Blue Lagoon: What This 6-Hour Trip Feels Like

This is the kind of day trip that makes sense if your priority is water time, not travel time. The whole outing runs about 6 hours, with a 30-minute powerboat hop to Comino. Then you get free time on the island and at the Blue Lagoon, followed by a return ride back to St. Julian’s.

The pacing is direct: you’re not waiting around for transfers or slow-moving boats. Instead, you’re using speed as your time-saving tool, which is exactly what you want when the Blue Lagoon area gets busy. If your dream day is swimming, sunscreen, and quick dips between towel breaks, this format fits.

The other side of the coin is that a fast boat ride can feel rougher than you expect. If you’re prone to motion sickness, have back issues, or just prefer calm travel, you’ll want to think twice before choosing a speedboat day.

Where You Meet the Boat Behind Verdi St. George’s Bay Marina

Meeting point details matter here because the jetty is tucked behind a hotel marina area. The boat departs from the jetty behind the Verdi St. George’s Bay Marina Hotel (formerly Marina Hotel Corinthia Beach Resort) in St. Julian’s. Look for the black iron gate near the entrance to the hotel’s underground parking lot.

From that gate, you go down the ramp, turn left, and follow the yellow line painted on the ground until you reach the jetty where boats and jet skis are parked. Arriving early helps because you’re also dealing with sun, parking, and that quick scramble to figure out where “jetty life” begins.

The host or greeter is English, so you can ask simple questions on arrival. Still, the more you can get sorted on your own (where to stand, what time your boat leaves, where your group is), the less stressful the morning or midday start will feel.

The 30-Minute Powerboat Ride to Comino: Speed, Views, and One Practical Warning

You depart St. Julian’s at 10:30 AM or 12:30 PM. The transfer takes you past Malta’s eastern coast, including St. Paul’s Islands, before heading straight to Comino.

That route choice is smart: it’s fast, and it gives you a quick hit of coastal scenery before you reach the main attraction. If you like the idea of seeing the coast from the water without spending the entire morning on transit, you’ll probably appreciate this approach.

One practical warning: this is a high-speed ride on open water. The operator specifically flags motion sickness and includes a “bring motion sickness prevention” note, which tells you to treat the ride like a real factor, not an afterthought. I’d take that advice seriously even if you’re usually fine on ferries.

Also, one low-rated account described rougher conditions and a lack of life-jacket safety comfort, so if peace of mind is important to you, ask what safety gear is provided before you depart. Not because you should panic, but because you deserve clarity.

Comino Free Time: How to Use Your Island Hours Like a Pro

Once you reach Comino, you step ashore to spend time exploring Comino Island and enjoying the area around the lagoon. This part is not guided, so think of it as a self-directed window to decide what kind of day you want.

If you love being spontaneous, this format is perfect. You can float and swim first, then wander later. You can also find a calmer pocket than the busiest shoreline if you’re willing to walk a bit from the immediate Blue Lagoon scene.

The included time is the real value here: you’re not just “passing through” Comino. You have hours to reset your body, stretch your legs, and do the classic Malta lagoon routine—towel down, sunscreen on, quick snorkel, then back to lounging.

Because there’s no guide, you might want to come with at least a loose plan. For example: decide where you want to swim, what time you want to snorkel, and how you’ll get back to the boat pickup spot when it’s time to leave. Without a guide, organization is on you.

Blue Lagoon Swimming Time: Access Pass Rules You Must Know

The Blue Lagoon is the main event, but since May 2025, you need an official government access pass to disembark there. The pass is acquired in advance through blcomino.com. And yes, the daily allocation is limited, so don’t treat this like a last-minute admin task.

If you don’t have the access pass, you will not be able to land at the Blue Lagoon. Instead, you’ll be taken to Comino’s Santa Marija Bay. That doesn’t make the day “bad,” but it changes what you’re actually paying for, so this is the single biggest planning item.

Timing matters too. For the 10:30 AM trip, you need to book the morning time slot when applying. For the 12:30 PM trip, you book the afternoon slot. Plan around that wording, not your personal interpretation of the day.

I like that the rules are clear and official. I dislike that it adds a bit of homework. Do the pass step early, and your day stays smooth. Ignore it, and you risk ending up somewhere else.

Comino Sea Caves on the Return: Weather Permitting, Still Worth Waiting For

On the way back, the powerboat may visit the Comino Sea caves before returning to St. Julian’s. This part is weather dependent, so you don’t control whether you get the full cave stop.

If the conditions cooperate, the cave visit adds a sense of variety. It breaks up the day after your lagoon time and gives you a different view of Comino from the water—more “shoreline drama” than “swim and repeat.”

Return timing is practical and predictable. If you depart at 10:30 AM, you return around 4:30 PM. If you depart at 12:30 PM, you’re back around 5:00 PM. That means you can usually build the rest of your day around it without too much scrambling.

Price and Value: $65 Makes Sense If You Plan for the Extras

At $65 per person for about 6 hours, this outing can be good value, especially because fuel and the powerboat transfers are included. You’re paying for speed and for getting direct access to the area without making this a full-day ferry slog.

But the price is not the end of the budget. Food and drinks are not included, and you’ll also need the Blue Lagoon access pass (government-issued). Even if you love the idea of a single fixed price trip, this one is realistically a “base price plus a couple add-ons” day.

My money sense: if you already know you’ll buy snacks and drinks in Malta anyway, the main “extra cost” to plan for is the access pass. Handle that early, bring your own swim basics, and the $65 starts to feel like paying for convenience and time.

What’s Included (and What Isn’t) in Plain Terms

Here’s what you’re genuinely getting, without guessing.

Included:

• Powerboat ride from St. Julian’s to Comino
• Free time on Comino and at the Blue Lagoon
• Powerboat ride from Comino back to St. Julian’s
• Comino Sea caves stop on the return (weather permitting)
• Experienced skipper
• All fuel costs

Not included:

• The government access pass to land at the Blue Lagoon
• Food and drinks
• Hotel pick-up/drop-off
• A tour guide (this is self-guided once you’re on the island)

That “no tour guide” point is important. If you want history facts and guided context, this day trip won’t provide it. If you want time in the water and you’re comfortable exploring on your own, it’s a good fit.

Who Should Book This Powerboat Day (and Who Should Skip)

This trip is best for people who prioritize water time, don’t need guided explanations, and can handle a faster, more physical ride.

It’s not suitable for a long list of situations, including children under 3, pregnant women, people with back problems, mobility impairments, heart problems, wheelchair users, and anyone prone to seasickness or motion sickness. If any of those apply, I’d strongly avoid the “I’ll tough it out” approach. The rules aren’t there to be annoying; they’re there because conditions can be rough.

Also, it’s not set up for bulky luggage and certain items. Pets aren’t allowed, baby strollers and large bags aren’t allowed, and wheelchairs are not accepted.

If you’re a couple, a group of friends, or a solo traveler who wants a simple day and you’re comfortable with the sea, this is a solid option.

Packing List That Actually Helps: Bring These Items

The tour has a clear “what to bring” list, and I agree with it. Bring:

• Comfortable shoes
• Sunglasses
• Sun hat
• Swimwear
• Towel
• Sunscreen
• Motion sickness prevention

Those last two—sunscreen and motion sickness prevention—are the quiet make-or-break items. You’re on the water with sun glare, and you’re on a high-speed boat where motion can catch you off guard.

Also think practically about what you’ll do once you’re on Comino: you’ll want to be able to switch from “boat person” to “beach person” fast.

Practical Tips to Avoid Common Mistakes

First: sort your access pass. If you want Blue Lagoon landing, you need the pass in advance and the right time slot. Limited daily allocation means last-minute attempts can fail.

Second: plan your day around the pickup time, since it’s free time, not a guided march. Keep an eye on the time so you’re not sprinting back to the meeting point when it’s already busy.

Third: wear your comfortable shoes even if your heart says flip-flops. You may move around on uneven surfaces, and you’ll be glad for real grip when you’re managing a towel and swim bag.

Finally, manage expectations on comfort. Some seats can feel hard, and landing back to your seat may feel rough if the sea is active. If you’re sensitive, take that seriously before you go.

Final Call: Should You Book This Comino and Blue Lagoon Powerboat?

I think you should book it if you want a fast route from St. Julian’s, you’re mainly after swimming and lagoon time, and you can handle a bouncy, high-speed ride. The structure is efficient, and for many people it’s the best way to get to the Blue Lagoon without turning your day into a transport marathon.

I’d skip it if you’re worried about motion, safety comfort, or you strongly prefer a guided experience with narration. Also, don’t book unless you’re willing to do the access pass homework—because without it, you’ll miss the Blue Lagoon landing and head to Santa Marija Bay instead.

If you’re checking the boxes and you plan your pass early, this is one of those trips where the main thing you’ll remember is simple: bright water, fast transfer, and plenty of time to enjoy Comino your way.

FAQ

How long is the Comino and Blue Lagoon trip by powerboat?

The trip duration is 6 hours.

What times does the boat depart from St. Julian’s?

It departs at 10:30 AM or 12:30 PM.

Where do I meet the boat in St. Julian’s?

The boat departs from the jetty behind Verdi St. George’s Bay Marina Hotel (formerly Marina Hotel Corinthia Beach Resort), near the entrance to the hotel’s underground parking lot. You’ll find a black iron gate, then follow directions down the ramp and along the yellow line to the jetty.

Is hotel pick-up and drop-off included?

No, hotel pick-up and drop-off is not included.

What’s included in the price?

Included are the powerboat rides between St. Julian’s and Comino, free time at Comino and the Blue Lagoon, the return powerboat ride, a Comino Sea caves stop on the way back (weather permitting), an experienced skipper, and fuel costs.

Do I need an access pass to step ashore at the Blue Lagoon?

Yes. Since Malta’s May 2025 directive, you must obtain a government access pass in advance through blcomino.com to disembark 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.

Is this a guided tour with a tour guide?

No. This is not a guided tour, and your time on Comino and at the Blue Lagoon is at leisure.

What should I bring for the trip?

Bring comfortable shoes, sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and motion sickness prevention.

Who is this trip not suitable for?

It’s not suitable for children under 3 years, pregnant women, people with back problems, people with mobility impairments, people with heart problems, wheelchair users, people prone to seasickness or motion sickness, and it does not allow pets, baby strollers, or luggage/large bags.