St. Julian’s: Comino Blue Lagoon Sunset Cruise by Speedboat

Sunset changes the Blue Lagoon completely. This 2.5-hour speedboat trip offers a fast ride from St. Julian’s and a quieter evening visit to Comino, with the Santa Maria Caves and St. Paul’s Islands along the way. I like the efficient route and the chance to see the lagoon after the daytime crowds thin out. The main drawback is comfort: this is a practical speedboat, not a soft, relaxing cruise.

I also like that fuel, an experienced skipper, and free time at Comino are included in the $53 price. You should know, though, that the vivid daytime blue may look darker at sunset, and stepping ashore at the Blue Lagoon now requires a government access pass.

Key points to know before booking

• About 35 minutes to Comino: The outward ride is quick, though the speed and open-water conditions can make it bumpy.
• Santa Maria Caves are a drive-by stop: You will pass the caves by boat rather than spend time exploring them on foot.
• Blue Lagoon access now requires a pass: Apply through blcomino.com and select the evening time slot.
• The boat is built for speed, not comfort: Bench seating and a position near the bow can make the ride rougher.
• Sunset brings fewer crowds: The lagoon is calmer than during the daytime, though the water may look darker as the light fades.
• No guide or formal commentary: Your skipper handles the boat, while your time on Comino is your own.

What this Comino sunset cruise is really like

This trip is best understood as a quick evening transfer to Comino with scenic stops, not as a traditional sightseeing cruise. You leave from St. Julian’s, ride north toward Comino, pause near the sea caves, spend time around the Blue Lagoon, and return along the coast past St. Paul’s Islands.

The total time is 2.5 hours, so the schedule is tight. That works well if you want to reach Comino without committing to a full-day boat tour. It is less suitable if you want a long swim, a leisurely meal, detailed island commentary, or a polished yacht experience.

The price is $53 per person. That is reasonable if you value a direct speedboat transfer, sunset timing, and fuel included in the fare. It feels less attractive if you are mainly paying for comfort or a guided cultural experience, because neither is the focus here.

Finding the jetty behind St. George’s Bay

The departure point is at the jetty behind the Verdi St. George’s Bay Marina Hotel, formerly called the Marina Hotel Corinthia Beach Resort. The address is 8, Ix-Xatt Ta’ San Ġorġ in St. Julian’s.

The meeting point is not simply the hotel lobby or the main waterfront. Near the entrance to the hotel’s underground parking area, look for a black iron gate. Go through it, walk down the ramp, turn left, and follow the yellow line painted on the ground until you reach the jetty, where the boats and jet skis are kept.

Give yourself enough time to find this route without rushing. The meeting instructions are precise, but the departure point is tucked behind the hotel. Comfortable shoes are useful here, especially if you are carrying swimwear and moving between the ramp, jetty, and boat.

This experience does not include hotel pick-up or drop-off. You need to make your own way to St. Julian’s.

The speedboat ride from St. Julian’s to Comino

The first part of the trip is the main transport leg. The speedboat heads from St. Julian’s toward Comino through the north Comino Channel, covering the distance much faster than a slower sightseeing vessel.

The ride takes roughly 35 minutes before the cave viewing begins, followed by a short continuation around the island toward the Blue Lagoon. That makes this a good choice when you want to spend your limited evening time at Comino rather than sit on a boat for hours.

Speed comes with tradeoffs. The boat has long bench seats along the sides, with space for roughly 8 to 15 people. The farther forward you sit, the more movement you may feel. A verified booking described the ride near the front as particularly hard on the body, with repeated jolts over the water.

I would choose a seat toward the rear if you are sensitive to motion. Bring motion sickness prevention if you need it. The trip is specifically unsuitable for people prone to seasickness, and it is also not recommended for pregnant women, people with back or heart problems, people with mobility impairments, wheelchair users, or children under three.

This is an open, active ride rather than a cushioned boat outing. You may enjoy the speed and sea air, but do not book it expecting a quiet, smooth passage.

Passing the Santa Maria Caves

On the way to the lagoon, the boat passes the Comino Sea Caves, including the attractive Santa Maria Caves. The skipper takes you by the rock formations as part of the route.

The cave stop is brief. The boat passes two caves by water rather than anchoring for an extended visit or taking you ashore. That is enough for a quick look and some photographs, but it is not a cave exploration session.

This detail matters because the word visit can suggest more time than you actually receive. If you want a dedicated cave tour, you should look for an outing built around cave access and swimming. Here, the caves add variety to the journey and make the outward ride more scenic, but the Blue Lagoon is the main event.

There is no tour guide providing a full explanation of the geology or local stories. The host or greeter language is English, and the experienced skipper operates the boat, but your time on Comino is independent.

Arriving at the Blue Lagoon after the daytime rush

The boat continues around Comino to the Blue Lagoon, where you get free time. The evening departure is the central reason to choose this tour.

During the day, the Blue Lagoon can feel crowded and hectic. Arriving later gives you a better chance to enjoy the setting without the full daytime rush. The lower number of people can make the shoreline feel easier to take in, even though the area may still have activity and vendors.

The trip allows a short refreshing swim stop. You should not count on an extended beach afternoon, since the total tour lasts only 2.5 hours and includes both the outward and return journeys.

There is an important access rule. Since May 2025, anyone who wants to step ashore at the Blue Lagoon must obtain a government-issued access pass in advance through blcomino.com. The daily allocation is limited, and you must select the evening slot when applying.

Without the pass, you cannot disembark at the Blue Lagoon. Instead, the boat will take you to Santa Marija Bay on Comino. That alternative may still provide a pleasant island stop, but it is not the same as walking ashore at the Blue Lagoon.

Do not treat the access pass as an optional extra. It is essential if your main reason for booking is time on the lagoon shore.

Sunset colors, swimming, and the shore stop

Sunset gives the Blue Lagoon a different look from the famous midday photographs. The water may appear darker as the sun drops, so you should not expect the brightest turquoise color shown in daytime promotional images.

That is not necessarily a flaw. The evening light can make the setting feel calmer and more atmospheric. Still, if your priority is brilliant blue water, strong overhead light is more favorable than sunset.

The practical experience of getting into the water may also affect your enjoyment. The boat pulls in near rocks between larger party barges, and you then make your way toward the swimming area. A verified booking described a walk up and around the shore, passing vendors, before reaching the sea.

That means the stop is not simply a quiet swim directly from the speedboat. If you would rather avoid the shore activity, the boat operator does not promise a swim directly from the vessel. This is one of the clearest differences between the experience offered and an idealized picture of a peaceful sunset swim.

Bring swimwear, but also bring realistic expectations. You may get a refreshing swim, some free time, and a sunset view. You may not get a private cove, a completely quiet shoreline, or a long period in the water.

The return past St. Paul’s Islands

After the Comino stop, the speedboat returns toward St. Julian’s along the coastline. The route passes the St. Paul’s Islands, adding another scenic point to the ride home.

The islands are viewed from the water, not visited on foot. This final section lets you see more of Malta’s coast without adding another formal stop to the already short schedule.

The return ride may feel different depending on the sea and where you sit. If the outward journey is uncomfortable, the ride back gives you another period on the same type of bench seating. For that reason, motion-sensitive passengers should think carefully before booking, even if the sunset itself sounds appealing.

The boat arrives back at the same St. Julian’s base. Since no hotel transfer is included, you finish where you started and make your own onward arrangements.

Comfort, group size, and what to bring

The boat is designed for quick coastal transport. It is not a luxury vessel, and the seating is basic. The side benches can accommodate a small group, with an estimated capacity of 8 to 15 people, but the exact group size may vary.

I would bring:

• Comfortable shoes for the jetty and shore
• Swimwear
• Motion sickness medication or another prevention method if needed
• Only a small personal item

Large bags, luggage, baby strollers, baby carriages, non-folding wheelchairs, and electric wheelchairs are not allowed. Pets are also not permitted.

The restrictions reflect the boat’s limited space and the nature of the landing point. Pack lightly. A swimsuit, towel, phone, and small day bag are more practical than a full beach kit.

The trip is not suitable for children under three, pregnant women, people with back or heart conditions, people with mobility limitations, wheelchair users, or anyone prone to motion sickness. These are significant limitations, not minor footnotes.

Is $53 a fair price?

At $53, the cost sits in the middle range for a short Malta boat outing. The fare includes the speedboat ride in both directions, the cave pass-by, the Comino stop, the sunset timing, the experienced skipper, and fuel.

I think the price works best for you if convenience matters. You avoid arranging separate transport to Comino, you get there quickly, and you see the lagoon at a time when it is generally less crowded. The return past St. Paul’s Islands also adds value to the ride.

The value is weaker if you want comfort, a guide, or a long shore visit. Food and drinks are not included, and there is no hotel transfer. You also need to arrange the Blue Lagoon access pass yourself, and that pass is subject to limited daily availability.

A verified booking rated the trip three out of five, praising the spectacular views and the friendly driver while criticizing the hard bench seating, rough ride, limited information, and shore access. That is a fair warning. This is a functional speedboat trip with excellent scenery, not a luxury sunset cruise.

Who should book this evening trip?

I would recommend it to you if you:

• Have limited time in Malta and want a quick Comino visit
• Prefer a speedboat to a slow ferry or large sightseeing boat
• Want to see the Blue Lagoon after the daytime crowds ease
• Enjoy scenic rides more than formal guiding
• Are comfortable with basic bench seating and a bumpy crossing
• Plan to swim and can secure the required evening access pass

I would look for another option if you:

• Want a smooth, quiet, or romantic boat ride
• Need accessible boarding or shore facilities
• Are prone to seasickness
• Want to swim directly from the boat
• Expect bright midday Blue Lagoon colors
• Prefer a guide explaining the caves and islands
• Need plenty of time for food, shopping, or a longer beach stop

The strongest part of the experience is the timing. The weakest part is the physical comfort and the short, somewhat practical nature of the stop.

Should you book the St. Julian’s sunset speedboat?

Book it if you see the Blue Lagoon as a scenic evening stop and value speed over comfort. Secure the government pass first, select the evening slot, sit toward the rear if possible, and prepare for a ride that can be rough.

Skip it if you picture a peaceful yacht cruise, a private swim, or a fully guided tour. The views can be spectacular, and the quieter timing is genuinely appealing, but the boat, shore access, and limited information keep this from being a polished luxury experience.

At $53, I would call it a fair but conditional purchase. It is best for an active, flexible visitor who wants a quick sunset look at Comino and understands exactly what the boat ride involves.

FAQ

How long is the Comino sunset cruise?

The experience lasts 2.5 hours, including the speedboat journey from St. Julian’s to Comino, free time at the Blue Lagoon or Santa Marija Bay, and the return trip.

Where does the boat leave from?

The boat departs from the jetty behind the Verdi St. George’s Bay Marina Hotel in St. Julian’s, at 8, Ix-Xatt Ta’ San Ġorġ.

How do I find the jetty?

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

Is hotel pick-up included?

No. You must arrange your own transportation to and from the St. Julian’s departure point.

Do I need a pass for the Blue Lagoon?

Yes. Since May 2025, you need a government-issued access pass to step ashore at the Blue Lagoon. Apply through blcomino.com and choose the evening slot.

What happens if I do not have a Blue Lagoon access pass?

You will be taken to Santa Marija Bay on Comino instead of stepping ashore at the Blue Lagoon.

Is this a guided tour?

No. The experienced skipper operates the boat, but there is no tour guide. Your time on Comino is at leisure.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not included in the price.

What should I bring?

Bring comfortable shoes, swimwear, and motion sickness prevention if you need it.

Is the boat suitable for wheelchair users or people with mobility limitations?

No. The experience is not suitable for wheelchair users or people with mobility impairments. Non-folding and electric wheelchairs are not allowed.