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

What makes this trip so interesting is the fast powerboat ride that gets you from St. Julian’s to Comino’s Blue Lagoon in about 30 minutes. I love that the day is built around water time in the best place, not wasted transit.

I also like that once you land, you’re on your own schedule. You get free time on Comino Island and at the Blue Lagoon for swimming, snorkelling, sunbathing, or a slow walk around the little island.

One consideration is the ride itself. This trip is high-speed, so if you’re sensitive to motion or you want a super-gentle boat, you’ll want to plan carefully and bring motion sickness prevention.

Key things to know before you go

• 30-minute high-speed crossing from St. Julian’s to Comino, along Malta’s eastern coast
• Free time at Comino and Blue Lagoon so you can swim, snorkel, or wander at your own pace
• Comino Sea caves stop on the return (weather permitting)
• Blue Lagoon access pass required under Malta’s May 2025 rule, limited daily allocation
• Bring swim gear and sun protection because you’ll spend hours in strong Mediterranean light
• Not ideal if you’re prone to seasickness or have mobility or heart-related concerns

Fast powerboat to the Blue Lagoon, with a real half-day rhythm

This is a half-day style outing that targets one goal: maximum time around the Blue Lagoon without a long, drawn-out journey. You’re leaving from St. Julian’s, then racing across the water to Comino and stepping ashore to enjoy the day on your own.

The best part is the pacing. Even though the overall trip runs about 6 hours, the actual time traveling is kept short, with a quick outbound run and a return pickup later in the afternoon. That matters in Malta, where summer crowds can eat up your day faster than you expect.

The powerboat format also changes how you experience the area. You see the coastline pass by at speed, and you get a more “hit the highlight and enjoy it” feeling than you would with a slower ferry.

Where you meet: Verdi St George’s Bay Marina jetty directions

Your start point is a jetty behind Verdi St George’s Bay Marina Hotel in St. Julian’s. The place is listed as Ix-Xatt Ta’ San Ġorġ, St. Julian’s, and you’ll find it near the entrance to the hotel’s underground parking lot.

Here’s the practical route when you arrive:

1) Look for the black iron gate near the underground parking entrance.

2) Go through the gate, go down the ramp, and turn left.

3) Follow the yellow line painted on the ground until you reach the jetty area where boats and jet skis are parked.

Tip: arrive early enough to actually find the gate and get settled. This trip runs on fixed departure times, with two options: 10:30 AM and 12:30 PM.

The schedule that runs your day: 10:30 or 12:30, then back around 4:30 or 5:00

You’ll set off on one of two departures:

• 10:30 AM departure, with an estimated return to St. Julian’s around 4:30 PM
• 12:30 PM departure, with an estimated return around 5:00 PM

The crossing is quick, designed as a high-speed trip from St. Julian’s to Comino. On the way, you cruise along Malta’s eastern coast and pass St. Paul’s Islands before heading straight toward the Blue Lagoon.

Once you arrive at Comino, you step ashore and spend the day exploring at leisure. Later, the boat picks you up from the Blue Lagoon for the return journey.

Comino Island and the Blue Lagoon: your free time, your pace

This isn’t a guided tour once you land. You get free time, which is great if you like options. The water and the sand are the stars here, but you also have room to choose how active you want to be.

At the Blue Lagoon, expect the famous look: bright turquoise water, clear visibility, and plenty of space to swim and snorkel. If you’re the type who wants to just float, you can. If you want to move, you can do that too. Many people treat this as the main swim stop of their Malta trip.

On Comino itself, you can also slow down. You might find a countryside walk if you feel like exploring beyond the beach. Even if you only do a short wander, it helps break up the day so you don’t feel like you’re only doing water plus sun.

Practical mindset: this place can get crowded, so you’ll be happier if you don’t show up thinking you’ll have it all to yourself. If your goal is calmer water and easier space to get into the sea, plan to spend time there early in your window.

Comino Sea caves on the way back, when the weather cooperates

On the return journey, the powerboat may visit the Comino Sea caves, depending on conditions. This is one of those “nice bonus” elements that gives you something to look forward to even after the main swim time.

Since it’s weather dependent, keep your expectations flexible. If conditions are rough, the caves stop could be limited or skipped. Either way, you still get the main Comino and Blue Lagoon time as the anchor of the experience.

Boat-ride reality check: fast feels fun, but it can be bumpy

A key part of the trip is that it’s intentionally quick. High speed means you can feel more motion than you would on a slower boat. The experience can feel exhilarating to some people, and uncomfortable to others.

The operator provides guidance on what to bring for motion sensitivity, including motion sickness prevention. They also list it as not suitable for people prone to seasickness and for certain medical and mobility concerns.

If you’re planning based on comfort, here’s how I’d think about it:

• If you hate waves and motion, this may be stressful even though it’s short.
• If you’re comfortable in boats and you want speed, you’ll likely enjoy the direct run and the energy of the ride.
• If you have back issues or heart problems, the trip is specifically not recommended.

And yes, the ride is part of the package. That means you should show up expecting some bounce. If your plan includes keeping your legs stable and avoiding rough landings, you’ll want to be cautious and pack accordingly.

Blue Lagoon access pass: the May 2025 Malta rule you must handle

This is the big administrative detail that can make or break your day.

Since May 2025, Malta requires an access pass to disembark at the Blue Lagoon. The daily allocation is limited, and you must obtain the pass in advance through blcomino.com.

Here’s the important part for planning:

• For the 10:30 AM trip, you need to book both morning and afternoon time slots in your pass application for that trip.
• For the 12:30 PM trip, you need to book the afternoon time slot.

If you don’t have the official pass, you won’t be allowed to step ashore at the Blue Lagoon. Instead, you’ll be taken to Comino’s Santa Marija Bay.

Practical tip: don’t treat the pass as something you can figure out last minute. Access pass slots can sell out because they’re capped. If your whole trip plan depends on Blue Lagoon sand and water, you want that pass locked in before you travel.

Price and value: $65 for speed, time, and caves potential

At about $65 per person for a roughly 6-hour outing, this trip is priced for people who want the fastest route and a focused day. You’re paying for the direct powerboat transportation, experienced skipper, fuel, and the included Comino cave stop attempt on the return.

What you’re not paying for is the flexibility that comes from having a private experience. You’re joining a set departure, with set pickup points, and you follow the timing that comes with shared transport.

To decide if it’s worth it for you, ask:

• Do you want more time at the water and less time traveling?
• Do you plan to spend hours swimming and snorkelling?
• Do you care about the caves stop as a bonus?

If you answered yes, this is usually good value because the day is structured around the best-known area on Comino, not around long scenic transit.

What to bring (and what to leave behind)

This trip is simple, but the sea day needs the basics.

Bring:

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

Leave at home:

• Pets
• Baby strollers
• Luggage or large bags
• Non-folding wheelchairs
• Baby carriages
• Electric wheelchairs

If you can travel light, you’ll make boarding and moving around easier. The trip’s format expects quick handling and simple storage, so pack like you’re going to the beach, because that’s exactly what you’re doing.

Who should book this, and who should skip it

This is a great fit for:

• Adults and older kids who are comfortable on a boat and want speed to beat the day’s crowds
• People who enjoy swimming and snorkelling and like spending hours without a rigid schedule
• Travelers who prefer free time over a full guided day

It’s a tougher fit or not recommended for:

• Children under 3
• Pregnant women
• People with back problems
• People with mobility impairments
• People with heart problems
• Wheelchair users
• People prone to seasickness or motion sickness

Also, if you know you struggle with bumpy water, don’t rely on hope. Take the motion guidance seriously, because the route is intentionally fast.

Quick practical tips that make the day easier

These are small choices that can seriously improve your experience on Comino.

• Handle your Blue Lagoon pass early. You need the right time slots, and disembarking without it is not allowed.
• Pack for sun and water. You’re out for hours with strong exposure, so sunscreen and a hat matter.
• Keep your day flexible inside the free time. Start with a swim, then switch to exploring or relaxing, instead of forcing one long activity.
• Respect the meeting point. Follow the black gate and the yellow line so you don’t stress yourself out right before departure.
• If you want calmer water, think about arriving early in your window. Crowds can grow quickly around the lagoon.

Should you book this Comino and Blue Lagoon powerboat trip?

Book it if you want the quickest way from St. Julian’s to Blue Lagoon with a half-day format, free time on Comino, and the chance to see the sea caves on the way back. It’s also a good choice if you value speed and don’t need a guided narrative once you arrive.

Skip or reconsider if you have motion sensitivity, mobility or medical limitations listed by the operator, or if you’re not ready to get the required Blue Lagoon access pass in advance. The pass requirement is the one detail that can turn a dream day into a different stop, and it’s worth planning around that from the start.

If you’re comfortable with the boat ride and you handle the pass correctly, this is one of those “high-impact Malta days” that feels like you used your time well.

FAQ

What time does the powerboat leave St. Julian’s?

The boat departs from St. Julian’s at 10:30 AM or 12:30 PM.

How long is the trip?

The total duration is listed as 6 hours.

What is included in the price?

It includes the powerboat trips from St. Julian’s to Comino and back, free time on Comino Island and at the Blue Lagoon, a visit to the Comino Sea caves on the return journey (weather permitting), an experienced skipper, and all fuel costs.

Do I get food or drinks on board?

No. Food and drinks are not included.

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

Yes. A government-issued access pass is required to disembark at the Blue Lagoon under the Malta directive effective May 2025.

What happens if I don’t have the Blue Lagoon access pass?

If you don’t have the access pass, you will be taken to Comino’s Santa Marija Bay instead of stepping ashore at the Blue Lagoon.

Is this a guided tour?

No. It’s not a guided tour. You’ll have leisure time at Comino Island and the Blue Lagoon.

Does the tour include Comino Sea caves?

Yes, the return journey can include a visit to the Comino Sea caves, weather permitting.

Where exactly is the meeting point?

You meet at the jetty behind Verdi St George’s Bay Marina Hotel in St. Julian’s. Follow the directions to the black iron gate, down the ramp, turn left, and follow the yellow line to the jetty.

Who should avoid this trip?

The operator lists it as not suitable for children under 3, pregnant women, people with back problems, people with mobility impairments, people with heart problems, wheelchair users, and people prone to seasickness or motion sickness.