Okikoki Banis – Comino Blue Lagoon Speedboat Trip- Fast Ferry

Skip the slow ride to Comino. This seven-hour trip uses a shared speedboat to reach the Blue Lagoon in about 35 to 40 minutes, with a coastal cruise past St. Paul’s Islands and a short tour of Comino’s caves along the way. I like the long five-hour beach stay, which gives you time to swim and relax instead of rushing back to the boat, and I like the lively guiding, especially from skippers such as Ian and Toni.

The main caution is the ride itself. A speedboat is quick and exciting, but it can pitch and roll in rough water, and spray may leave you wet. At $59.13 per person, the trip offers solid value for a full day on the water, though you should protect your phone and other belongings and confirm the exact meeting time after booking.

Key points at a glance

• Five hours at Comino: You have plenty of time at the Blue Lagoon beach for swimming, sunbathing, food, drinks, and watersports.
• Fast crossing from St. Julian’s: The boat reaches Comino in roughly 35 to 40 minutes, depending on sea conditions.
• Coastal views included: The route passes Malta’s eastern coast and St. Paul’s Islands, with information from the skipper.
• Cave tour by speedboat: A ride through Comino’s caves is included, adding more than a simple beach transfer.
• Small shared boat: Groups can reach a maximum of 20 people, so this is more personal than a large ferry.
• Weather matters: The sea can be rough, and the schedule may change in winter or poor conditions.

Meeting in Spinola Bay before the boat ride

The meeting point is Oki-Ko-Ki Banis Watersports at Xatt Is-Sajjieda in Spinola Bay, St. Julian’s. It is near Happy Dayz Bar and close to public transportation, so you do not need to arrange a private taxi just to reach the departure point.

There is a small timing detail worth taking seriously. The tour description gives a meeting time of 9:30 a.m., while the additional information lists a 9:00 a.m. start. Departure is shortly after the group gathers. Once you book, check the private message from the operator and follow the latest instructions. In practical terms, arriving early is the sensible choice. Missing a small shared boat would spoil a cheap morning quickly.

The boat carries up to 20 people. That is not a private charter, but it is still a much smaller setting than a conventional ferry. You can expect a social outing with other people, rather than a quiet personal cruise.

The experience is offered in English. The driver also acts as guide, so the quality of the day depends partly on who is steering. Feedback has been especially warm about Ian, who was described as informative and reassuring, and Toni, who was praised for his friendly manner and decades of experience in the job.

Racing north along Malta’s eastern coast

After departure, the speedboat heads toward the northern part of Malta. The crossing takes about 35 to 40 minutes in normal conditions, but the exact time depends on the sea. That makes the ride a useful part of the trip, not just transportation.

From the water, you get views of Malta’s eastern coast and St. Paul’s Islands. The skipper points out sights along the route and provides information about what you are seeing. This is a good touch because the boat moves quickly, and a little commentary helps turn the crossing into a coastal tour.

The speed is part of the appeal. You spend less time sitting on a ferry and more time at Comino. Some people will love the open-air rush, quick turns, and spray. Others will find the motion tiring, particularly if the water is choppy. One piece of direct advice: keep anything that cannot get wet inside a protected bag. Passengers may be hit by spray, and the boat can pitch and roll heavily in rougher conditions.

This is not the best choice if you need a perfectly calm ride. It is a better fit if you see the crossing as part of the fun and can handle an active boat journey.

Exploring Comino’s caves before the beach

A speedboat tour of Comino’s caves is included. The boat takes you close to or through the caves as part of the ride, giving you a chance to see more of the island before settling at the Blue Lagoon.

The cave visit is valuable because the beach stay alone can become crowded and noisy, especially during the main summer period. The boat lets you see a more dramatic side of Comino from the water, without giving up most of the day on shore.

The exact order of the cave ride and beach time may change with sea conditions. The operator also notes that the winter schedule, beginning in October, may be different. Follow any private instructions sent after booking, since the sea can decide the day’s rhythm more firmly than the printed schedule.

The cave portion is not presented as a long walking excursion. You remain with the boat, which makes it accessible to most people who can take part in a normal boat trip. It also means you should not expect a detailed land visit to every part of Comino. The value is in seeing the caves from the water and combining that stop with a long Blue Lagoon break.

Five hours at the Blue Lagoon

The main event is the roughly five-hour stay on Comino. The long pause is one of the strongest reasons to choose this trip. Many island excursions give you just enough time for a quick swim and a few photographs. Here, you have room to set your own pace.

You can swim, sit on the beach, buy food and drinks, use the toilets and showers, or book watersports activities available on the island. Sunbeds and umbrellas can also be hired. Food, drinks, rentals, and activities are not included in the tour price, so plan to pay extra if you want more than the basic boat trip.

I like this arrangement because it keeps the day flexible. You can spend the first part of your stay in the water, take a break for food, then return for another swim. If you prefer sunbathing, five hours is generous. If you want constant sightseeing, it may feel long, since the central activity is a beach stop rather than a series of island visits.

The Blue Lagoon is a major draw, so do not expect solitude. One useful advantage of the early departure is timing. The boat arrives well before the afternoon pickup, and one review specifically praised having time at the lagoon before the larger summer crowds arrived. That does not mean the beach will be empty, but reaching it earlier gives you a better chance to find a comfortable place and enjoy the water before the busiest part of the day.

The facilities make the stop easier for a full day. You do not have to carry every meal or plan around a lack of toilets. Still, pack the essentials: sun protection, a towel, water for the boat, and a waterproof pouch for valuables. The supplied information confirms food and drinks are not included, so budget for those separately.

The return from Comino to St. Julian’s

Pickup is scheduled for around 3:30 p.m. The speedboat then returns to St. Julian’s Bay, with arrival expected around 4:30 p.m. That gives you a full day out without pushing into the evening.

Again, sea conditions can affect timing. If you have a dinner reservation, airport transfer, or another fixed plan, leave a generous buffer. The one-hour return estimate is useful, but it is not a guarantee in changing water.

The return ride may feel different from the morning crossing. After several hours in the sun, even an enjoyable speedboat trip can seem more tiring. If you are sensitive to motion, sit where the movement feels manageable and keep a firm hold on your belongings. The crew’s calm handling matters here, and the strongest feedback praises the skippers for making the ride feel safe as well as fun.

The excursion ends back at the original meeting point in St. Julian’s. You do not need to arrange a second pickup location.

Guides who add personality to the trip

The boat crew receives some of the strongest praise connected with this experience. Ian is remembered for giving interesting information, creating a fun ride, and making passengers feel safe. Toni is described as warm, friendly, and able to answer questions after 50 years in the job.

Those details matter on a small boat. A good skipper does more than drive from Malta to Comino. He explains the sights, keeps the group informed, handles the cave stop, and sets the tone for the ride. The experience seems at its best when the crew combines local information with a relaxed sense of humor.

Of course, guides can vary from one departure to another. You should book this for the route, the Blue Lagoon time, and the small speedboat format first. Treat the personal style of a particular skipper as an extra benefit, not a guaranteed feature.

The overall satisfaction rating is 4.9 out of 5 from 78 reviews, and 99 percent of people recommend the experience. That is unusually strong feedback. The praise focuses on three things: friendly crew members, interesting commentary, and the mix of excitement and free time.

Is $59.13 a fair price?

At $59.13 per person, the price covers fuel, local taxes, the driver-guide, and round-trip shared transfer. It also includes the Comino cave ride. Food, drinks, sunbeds, umbrellas, and watersports cost extra.

I consider the price reasonable for a seven-hour outing, especially because the boat gets you to Comino faster than a slower ferry and leaves you with about five hours at the Blue Lagoon. You are paying for transportation, guiding, the coastal ride, and the cave visit in one package.

The value is strongest if you want a simple day with very little planning. You do not need to work out how to reach Comino, compare separate ferry times, or arrange a second boat for the caves. The value is weaker if you want an all-inclusive day with meals, reserved seating, or a private boat.

Bring some extra money for the beach facilities. The base price is clear, but a full day can cost more if you hire an umbrella and sunbed, buy lunch, or add a watersports activity. The trip remains good value, but the advertised fare is not your complete spending total.

Who should book this speedboat trip?

I would choose this experience if you want a direct route to Comino, enjoy being on the water, and prefer a long beach stop over a packed sightseeing schedule. It suits couples, friends, and families who can manage a lively boat ride and want swimming time without arranging the details themselves.

It is also a good match for people who like a guide with a personal touch. The commentary about Malta’s coast, St. Paul’s Islands, and the caves gives the day more shape than a basic transfer.

I would think twice if you get seasick, dislike getting wet, or need a quiet and steady crossing. The boat may roll and pitch, and the operator warns that spray can reach passengers. You should also reconsider if you want to explore Comino on foot, since the main focus is the boat ride, caves, and Blue Lagoon beach.

Most people can participate, and the tour is near public transportation. The boat holds no more than 20 people, but it is still a shared activity. If you want complete control over the schedule, a private charter would be a different type of experience.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Changes or cancellations made less than 24 hours ahead are not accepted for a refund. If poor weather forces cancellation, you can receive a different date or a full refund.

Should you book the Comino Blue Lagoon speedboat?

Book it if your ideal Malta day includes a fast boat, a cave ride, and several relaxed hours at the Blue Lagoon. The price is fair for the time and transport included, and the crew’s friendly, informative approach adds real value.

Before paying, confirm the meeting time, since the details list both 9:00 and 9:30 a.m. Arrive early, protect your belongings from spray, and allow extra time after the scheduled return. If you accept the chance of a bumpy ride, this is a strong way to reach Comino without spending the day on a slow ferry.

FAQ

How long does the Comino speedboat trip last?

The experience lasts approximately seven hours. Departure is in the morning, pickup from Comino is planned for around 3:30 p.m., and return to St. Julian’s Bay is expected around 4:30 p.m.

Where does the tour start and finish?

It starts and ends at Oki-Ko-Ki Banis Watersports, Xatt Is-Sajjieda, Spinola Bay, St. Julian’s, Malta. The meeting point is near Happy Dayz Bar.

What is included in the price?

The price includes fuel surcharge, local taxes, the driver-guide, round-trip shared transfer, and the speedboat tour of Comino’s caves.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not included. Comino has places to buy them during the beach stay.

Can I hire a sunbed or umbrella at Comino?

Yes. Sunbeds and umbrellas can be hired on the beach, but they are not included in the tour price.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The experience requires good weather. If it is canceled because of poor conditions, you will be offered another date or a full refund. The winter schedule, starting in October, may also change because of weather.