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

Blue water, fast boat, serious crowds. This trip gets you from St. Julian’s to Comino in roughly 30 to 45 minutes, far quicker than a slower harbor cruise or road transfer. I like the efficient speedboat ride and the freedom to spend your time at Blue Lagoon as you please. I also like the return route, which can include Comino’s sea caves when weather allows. The main drawback is no surprise: Blue Lagoon can be extremely crowded, especially in summer.

You’ll need to plan one important detail before arrival. Since May 2025, anyone wishing to step ashore at Blue Lagoon must have a government-issued access pass from blcomino.com. Without one, the boat takes you to Santa Marija Bay instead, so this pass matters as much as your swimsuit.

Key points to know before booking

• A 30 to 45-minute speedboat crossing makes Comino a practical half-day outing from St. Julian’s.
• Blue Lagoon is beautiful but heavily visited, with clear water, fish, food stands, toilets, showers, lockers, and paid deck chairs.
• Your stop is independent, not a guided island tour, so you decide how to spend your free time.
• The access pass is essential if you want to disembark at Blue Lagoon. Daily numbers are limited.
• The return may include Comino’s sea caves, but this depends on weather and sea conditions.
• The trip suits active, mobile visitors who are comfortable with a fast boat and possible motion on the water.

Why the speedboat is the smart way to reach Comino

From St. Julian’s, this speedboat cuts straight across the water toward Comino. The advertised crossing takes about 45 minutes, while some departures have reached the lagoon in closer to 30 minutes. That difference matters when your total outing may last only 2.5 to 4.5 hours.

I like this format because you spend less of your day getting there. The ride follows Malta’s eastern coast, passes St. Paul’s Islands, and gives you a quick look at the coast before heading toward Comino. You get a taste of the sea journey without committing to a full-day cruise.

The boat itself is part of the fun. It is fast, open to the views, and more lively than a large ferry. Some departures include music, and the skipper may point out places along the way with brief historical comments. Do not expect a full commentary program or a guide walking you around the island. This is transport with a scenic bonus, not a formal sightseeing tour.

Speed has a trade-off. If the water turns rough, the ride can feel bumpy, especially on the return. One account describes life jackets being provided when waves picked up. I would bring motion sickness medication if you are prone to seasickness, even if you normally manage short boat trips well.

Finding the St. Julian’s jetty

The departure point is behind the Verdi St. George’s Bay Marina Hotel, formerly the Marina Hotel Corinthia Beach Resort, at 8, Ix-Xatt Ta’ San Ġorġ. The meeting point is not simply a hotel lobby or a clearly marked street entrance, so allow extra time to find it.

Look for the entrance near the hotel’s underground parking area. A black iron gate leads down a ramp. Go through it, turn left, and follow the yellow line painted on the ground until you reach the jetty, where the boats and jet skis are kept.

This is a useful detail to save on your phone. St. Julian’s can feel confusing around the hotel and waterfront, and arriving at the hotel without knowing about the gate and yellow line could cost you time.

There is no hotel pickup or drop-off. You make your own way to the jetty, and the operator may use any suitable speedboat in its fleet. The boat might not look exactly like the one shown in promotional photos.

The ride past St. Paul’s Islands

Once underway, the crossing gives you a fast coastal view of Malta. St. Paul’s Islands are one of the notable points along the route, and the trip offers a different angle on the shore than you get from roads or city streets.

The crossing is not designed for long stops or detailed interpretation. Instead, you get a quick, open-air ride with sea views and the excitement of speed. That makes it a good choice if you want to combine transport and scenery without paying for a longer cruise.

The skipper is responsible for the boat and safety. On some rides, the atmosphere is relaxed and social, with music and light conversation. On rougher days, the practical side of the trip takes over. Keep sunglasses, hats, and loose belongings secure, and follow instructions about life jackets.

Comfort depends heavily on the sea. People with back problems, heart problems, mobility impairments, or serious motion sickness should choose another way to see Comino. Pregnant women and children under three are also not considered suitable for this activity.

Arriving at Blue Lagoon after the 2025 access rule

Blue Lagoon is famous for its clear cyan water, pale sandy bottom, and fish visible beneath the surface. From the boat, the first view is likely to be the moment you came for. The water can shimmer in several shades of blue and green, and swimming here is the main attraction.

But the government access rule changes how you must plan the visit. From May 2025 onward, you need an official pass to step ashore at Blue Lagoon. You obtain it online through blcomino.com, and the number of passes available each day is limited.

This is not a minor formality. You cannot simply arrive and decide to walk onto the island. If you have no pass, the boat will take you to Santa Marija Bay instead. Check the official site before you travel and make sure your pass covers the date and visit you have booked.

With a pass, you can leave the boat and use your free time as you wish. The stop is not guided, which I see as a benefit if you prefer swimming and sun rather than following a set route. It also means you need to manage your own time and belongings.

What your free time at Comino is really like

Blue Lagoon is a lovely place to swim, but it is not a quiet wilderness experience. During the warmer months, the narrow shore and famous water attract large numbers of people. Deck chairs can be rented, and the area has food and drink stands, toilets, rinse showers, and lockers for a fee.

Card payments are accepted at many vendors, including some deck-chair rentals, which reduces the need to carry much cash. Still, I would bring only what you need. Large bags, luggage, baby strollers, and non-folding or electric wheelchairs are not allowed on the activity.

You can swim, snorkel, sunbathe, or walk around Comino. A walk is especially useful when the lagoon feels packed. Even a short stroll away from the main swimming area can give you a change of pace, though the island should not be treated as an untouched escape on a busy summer day.

Water activities such as banana boats and parasailing may be available around the lagoon. A pineapple drink is another popular treat, served in a pineapple. If you order one, bring a fork so you can eat the fruit afterward, as cutlery may not be supplied.

The stay at Blue Lagoon can be as short as about two hours on some departures. Other time options create a longer outing, so check the exact duration before booking. If swimming is your priority, choose a departure that gives you enough time to change, find a spot, get in the water, and return to the pickup point without rushing.

Swimming, snorkeling, or walking around Comino

The lagoon’s clearest appeal is the water. The pale bottom helps create the bright color, and fish can be seen in the shallows. Snorkeling makes sense here, although you should bring or arrange your own equipment unless your selected option says otherwise.

I would not plan the stop around a long beach session. The available space can be limited, and deck chairs cost extra. A towel, sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, and swimwear are essential. Comfortable shoes are also useful if you plan to walk beyond the waterfront.

You can make the visit work in several ways:

• Swim and snorkel soon after arrival, before you tire or the area becomes uncomfortable.
• Use the shore facilities, then walk around Comino for a change of scenery.
• Rent a deck chair if you want a more settled place to dry off.
• Store valuables in a paid locker instead of carrying everything into the water.
• Keep track of the meeting time, since the boat returns for the scheduled pickup.

The lack of a guide means you are free, but it also puts the timing responsibility on you. Listen carefully to the skipper’s instructions about when and where to meet the boat again.

The cave stop on the return journey

The return trip is more than a straight ride back to St. Julian’s. When sea and weather conditions permit, the skipper takes you past Comino’s sea caves. These rock formations add a welcome sightseeing element after your free time at the lagoon.

The cave visit is weather dependent, so it should be viewed as a possible extra rather than a guarantee. Rough water, wind, or operational needs can change the route. The speedboat gives you a close, lively view of the coast, but this is not a slow cave tour with extended stops.

This part of the trip is one reason I prefer the speedboat to a simple point-to-point transfer. You get the practical crossing and a small coastal tour in the same booking.

Is the $53 price good value?

At about $53 per person, the price is reasonable if you value speed and direct access from St. Julian’s. It includes the outward and return speedboat rides, fuel, an experienced skipper, free time at Comino, and the possible cave visit.

The price does not include the Blue Lagoon access pass, food, drinks, deck chairs, lockers, or hotel transport. Those extras can raise the cost once you arrive. The pass is especially important because it is required for disembarkation but is not part of the tour price.

I see the strongest value in the time saved. You avoid a longer transfer and reach Comino quickly, with no need to remain with a guide once you arrive. If you want a full-service day with meals, equipment, and organized activities included, this is not that kind of trip.

It is better suited to someone who wants straightforward boat transport, independent time, and a good chance to swim in famous water. For a short Malta stay, that can be a useful use of half a day.

Who should book this Comino trip?

I would recommend it to you if:

• You are staying in or near St. Julian’s.
• You want to reach Comino quickly.
• You like swimming, snorkeling, and open-water scenery.
• You prefer free time instead of a guided walking tour.
• You are comfortable with speedboats and changing sea conditions.
• You can arrange the Blue Lagoon pass before departure.

I would think twice if you dislike crowded swimming areas or become seasick easily. Blue Lagoon’s beauty is real, but its popularity is part of the experience. If you want peace and space, Santa Marija Bay may be a better fallback, but the operator decides where passengers without a pass are taken.

The boat is not suitable for children under three, pregnant women, people with back or heart problems, people with mobility impairments, wheelchair users, or anyone prone to motion sickness. Baby strollers, large bags, luggage, and electric wheelchairs are also not permitted.

You can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours in advance, and the reserve-now, pay-later option helps if your Malta plans are still moving around.

Should you book the St. Julian’s speedboat?

Book this trip if your priority is reaching Comino fast, swimming in clear water, and enjoying the freedom to set your own pace. The boat ride is the strongest part for many people, and the cave route adds value on the way back.

Before paying, secure your Blue Lagoon access pass and accept that the lagoon may be crowded. With those two points handled, this is a practical, fairly priced way to fit Comino into a Malta itinerary without giving up most of your day.

FAQ

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

The advertised journey takes about 45 minutes, although some departures have reached Comino in about 30 minutes.

How long does the entire activity last?

Available options run from 2.5 to 4.5 hours. Check the departure and duration options when booking.

Where does the boat leave from?

It leaves from the jetty behind the Verdi St. George’s Bay Marina Hotel at 8, Ix-Xatt Ta’ San Ġorġ, St. Julian’s.

How do I find the jetty?

Near the entrance to the hotel’s underground parking lot, go through the black iron gate, walk down the ramp, turn left, and follow the yellow line to the jetty.

Do I need a pass to visit Blue Lagoon?

Yes. Since May 2025, you need a government-issued access pass to step ashore at Blue Lagoon. You can get it through blcomino.com.

What happens if I do not have an access pass?

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

Is this a guided tour?

No. Your time at Comino and Blue Lagoon is free time, and there is no tour guide accompanying you around the island.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not included. Vendors at Blue Lagoon sell food and drinks separately.

Are the sea caves guaranteed?

No. The return visit to Comino’s sea caves depends on weather and sea conditions.

What should I bring?

Bring comfortable shoes, sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and motion sickness prevention if you need it. Large bags and luggage are not allowed.