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

A 30-minute boat ride sets the day up. This high-speed powerboat hop from St. Julian’s to Comino is the quickest way to reach the Blue Lagoon, and once you’re there you get real freedom to swim, snorkel, and explore at your own pace. One thing to consider is the ride can feel bouncy and fast, so if you are prone to motion sickness or have mobility limits, this may not be the best match.

I like how straightforward the flow is: jetty pickup, a direct run to Comino, a full block of free time, then a return trip that may include a stop at the Comino Sea caves. The big practical catch is the May 2025 requirement for an official Blue Lagoon access pass, and the fact that disembarking without it means you will be taken to Santa Marija Bay instead.

Key things to know before you go

• Two departure times: 10:30 AM and 12:30 PM from St. Julian’s.
• Blue Lagoon access pass required: get it in advance on blcomino.com, with time slots.
• No guided tour: you get leisure time on Comino and the Blue Lagoon.
• Sea caves are on the return: weather permitting.
• Bring motion sickness prevention: the trip is high speed and not for people prone to seasickness.

Getting to the jetty behind Verdi St George’s Bay Marina Hotel

This trip starts at a very specific spot in St. Julian’s: the jetty located behind the Verdi St George’s Bay Marina Hotel (formerly Marina Hotel Corinthia Beach Resort). The address is 8, Ix-Xatt Ta’ San Ġorġ, St. Julian’s.

When you arrive, look for a black iron gate near the entrance to the hotel’s underground parking lot. Go through the gate, walk down the ramp, turn left, then follow the yellow line painted on the ground until you reach the jetty where boats and jet skis are parked. I find it helps to arrive early, not because check-in sounds complicated, but because you want a stress-free start before you switch from city pace to sea pace.

Also note that this is not a hotel pick-up. You’ll be responsible for getting yourself to the meeting point.

Fast crossing to Comino in a powerboat, what to expect

You’ll leave St. Julian’s and head out fast for a roughly 30-minute voyage to Comino’s Blue Lagoon area. The route takes you along the eastern coast of Malta, and you pass by St. Paul’s Islands before heading straight for Comino.

That quick transit is the main appeal. Most Comino day trips are about time management, and this one is built for efficiency. You lose less time getting there and more time in the water and around the island.

Still, treat this as a speedboat day. The trip is high speed, and some people in the feedback described the ride as rough, with hard plastic seating and a bouncy feel in choppy conditions. I would not ignore that. If you think you might feel seasick, pack motion sickness prevention and keep expectations realistic about comfort on the way out and back.

If you want a calmer day, consider that the same powerboat speed that gets you there fast is also what can make the boat feel less forgiving when the sea is unsettled.

Blue Lagoon access pass rules and how they change your day

Here’s the big Malta logistics update that affects almost everything about this experience: starting May 2025, you need a government-issued access pass to step ashore at the Blue Lagoon. Passes are limited by daily allocation, and you must get them in advance at blcomino.com.

This matters because the tour is timed around two departures:

• For the 10:30 AM trip, you are required to book both the morning and afternoon time slots when applying for your pass.
• For the 12:30 PM trip, you book the afternoon time slot.

Read that twice, then schedule it correctly when you apply. If you arrive at the wrong time without the right pass, you won’t be able to disembark at the Blue Lagoon.

And there is a Plan B, but it changes the scenery. If you do not have the required pass, you will be taken to Comino’s Santa Marija Bay instead of the Blue Lagoon.

My practical advice is simple: handle the access pass before you even pack. If you’re traveling in busy season or on a date with limited quotas, the pass becomes the gatekeeper for the Blue Lagoon itself.

Blue Lagoon free time: swimming, snorkeling, and sun without a script

Once you reach Comino, you step ashore to spend the day at your own pace. That means no guide herding you from point to point. You decide when to swim, when to snorkel, when to lie down, and when to walk.

The Blue Lagoon area is famous for its turquoise, crystal-clear water and a sandy base. It’s set up for a day that mixes water time with relaxing on the shore. You can do:

• swimming and sunbathing
• snorkeling (best when you are comfortable in open water and can manage getting in and out)
• strolling around Comino Island and checking out the countryside on foot

If you want the best chance of actually enjoying the water, aim to get in early rather than treating the morning as a casual bonus. In the feedback, at least one person specifically suggested arriving early at the Blue Lagoon because crowds can get large.

That lines up with how day-time beach access works on a small island. Even with free time built in, it’s smart to plan to be ready to enjoy the water sooner, not later.

Also remember: this stop is leisure time. If you need explanations about what you’re seeing, this is not that kind of tour.

Exploring Comino at your pace, including a backup bay

Comino is small, so free time gives you real flexibility. One person can focus on swimming and snorkeling while another does short walks and takes photos. If you’re comfortable on foot, you can also stroll through the countryside areas of the island.

Because the access pass can determine where you disembark, your “day on Comino” can have two different versions:

• With the access pass, your plan centers on the Blue Lagoon.
• Without the pass, the day shifts to Santa Marija Bay.

Santa Marija Bay is your fallback, and it still gives you island time. But it is not the same Blue Lagoon experience, so I would not treat the pass as a paperwork detail. Treat it as part of the itinerary.

Comino Sea caves on the return trip, weather permitting

On the way back, the powerboat picks you up in the afternoon and heads toward St. Julian’s. The schedule is approximate:

• If you departed at 10:30 AM, you arrive back around 4:30 PM.
• If you departed at 12:30 PM, you arrive back around 5:00 PM.

Weather permitting, the return journey includes a visit to the Comino Sea caves. That part is not guaranteed, and it depends on conditions on the water.

I like this add-on because it gives you something scenic on the way home without turning your day into a long, crowded tour. You’re already in “island mode,” then you get a final nature payoff before heading back to St. Julian’s.

Price and value: what $65 covers, and what to budget for

The price listed is $65 per person, and for this kind of route that can be good value when you compare it to longer, slower transfers. You are paying for speed, fuel, and the direct connection between St. Julian’s and Comino, plus the sea caves stop if conditions allow.

What’s included:

• powerboat trip from St. Julian’s to Comino
• free time at Comino Island and the Blue Lagoon
• powerboat trip from Comino to St. Julian’s
• Comino Sea caves visit on return (when weather permitting)
• experienced skipper
• all fuel costs

What’s not included:

• the government access pass to step ashore at the Blue Lagoon
• food and drinks
• hotel pick-up and drop-off
• tour guide

So you should budget for food and drinks on the island, plus the Blue Lagoon access pass cost. Even if the base price is attractive, the pass is the part that can surprise you if you forget it or assume it’s automatic.

Also, with no guide, don’t expect storytelling or structured sightseeing. The value is in transportation plus time.

Who this powerboat trip suits, and who should skip it

This trip is a clear match for:

• swimmers who want a focused day in the water
• people who hate long commutes and want the quickest route to Comino
• adults and older teens who are comfortable with a high-speed ride and basic beach logistics
• visitors who like freedom, not a fixed schedule

It may not be a good match if:

• you are prone to seasickness or motion sickness (the trip is high speed, and the water can be unsettled)
• you have mobility limits or need wheelchair access (wheelchair users are not suitable, and the trip is listed as not suitable for people with mobility impairments)
• you have heart problems
• you have back problems
• you are pregnant
• you have young children (children under 3 years are not suitable)

There’s also a practical restriction list: pets are not allowed, baby strollers are not allowed, and luggage or large bags are not allowed. If you’re traveling light, that’s easy. If you like to bring lots of gear, you’ll need to rethink it for this boat.

One more thing I would take seriously: a comment raised concerns about safety precautions and ride comfort. I cannot say how common that is across all days, but it’s enough to justify a quick check for yourself. If life jackets are part of the procedure, make sure you see them and feel comfortable before the ride.

Packing list that makes the day actually enjoyable

For a Comino and Blue Lagoon day, you want gear that works fast, works wet, and does not slow you down.

Bring:

• comfortable shoes
• sunglasses
• sun hat
• swimwear
• towel
• sunscreen
• motion sickness prevention

I also suggest you plan for quick transitions. You’ll be getting off the boat and into water activities, so you’ll want your essentials easy to access.

Avoid bringing:

• pets
• baby strollers
• luggage or large bags
• non-folding wheelchairs, baby carriages, electric wheelchairs

If you’re unsure about what counts as luggage, use a minimalist mindset. One small bag you can manage is better than a bulky setup you’ll regret once you’re on the jetty.

Making your day feel less crowded and more relaxed

The day on Comino can be busy, especially around the Blue Lagoon. The tour gives you free time, but it doesn’t magically prevent crowds. Here’s how to make it feel smoother.

First, choose your departure time strategically. If you want more relaxed water time, consider the earlier 10:30 AM departure and focus on being ready quickly once you disembark. A person in the feedback specifically recommended getting to the Blue Lagoon as early as possible because crowds can get large.

Second, keep your plan flexible. Since you’re not on a guided schedule, your day can adjust. If one area feels full, switch locations on the island and come back later.

Third, protect yourself from the sun. Even if you spend time in the water, you still catch sun on the shore. Sunscreen and a hat matter.

Finally, if the sea is choppy, take motion precautions seriously. Sit where you feel safest, hold on if you need stability, and accept that bouncing is part of the high-speed experience.

Should you book this Comino and Blue Lagoon powerboat trip?

I would book this if you want a fast, efficient way to reach Comino and you’re excited for free time at the Blue Lagoon. The value is strong for what you get: direct powerboat transfers, a full block of island time, and a chance for sea caves on the return.

I would think twice if you:

• need a guided experience (this is not guided)
• might get seasick easily
• rely on mobility assistance
• forget to plan the May 2025 access pass

If you do book, do the pass step first, pack for sun and water, and treat the boat ride as part of the deal, not a minor detail.

If you tell me your travel month and whether you’re swimming or mainly sightseeing, I can suggest which departure time fits you better and how to plan around the access pass slots.

FAQ

How long is the trip?

The trip duration is 6 hours.

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

The boat departs at 10:30 AM or 12:30 PM.

Where is the meeting point?

You meet at the jetty behind the Verdi St George’s Bay Marina Hotel (formerly Marina Hotel Corinthia Beach Resort) at 8, Ix-Xatt Ta’ San Ġorġ, St. Julian’s. Look for the black iron gate, go through it, go down the ramp, turn left, and follow the yellow line to the jetty.

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

Yes. A government-issued access pass is required to disembark at the Blue Lagoon. You must obtain it in advance from blcomino.com.

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

If you do not have the pass, you will be taken to Comino’s Santa Marija Bay instead.

Is food included?

No. Food and drinks are not included.

Is this a guided tour?

No. It is not a guided tour, and the time at Comino Island and the Blue Lagoon is at leisure.

Do you visit the Comino Sea caves?

Yes, on the return journey, weather permitting.

What should I bring for the day?

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

What items are not allowed on board?

Pets are not allowed. Baby strollers and luggage or large bags are not allowed. Non-folding wheelchairs, baby carriages, and electric wheelchairs are also not allowed.

Who is the trip not suitable for?

It is 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, and people with motion sickness.