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

There’s something special about watching Comino turn gold. This St Julian’s to Comino speedboat cruise is built for a fast ride, a cave stop, and a Blue Lagoon sunset when the water is calmer and crowds are thinner. I like how efficient the route feels, and I like that you get real free time to enjoy the lagoon at your own pace. One key drawback to plan around is Malta’s new requirement for a Blue Lagoon access pass, or you will be taken to a different bay.

The trip runs for about 2.5 hours and follows a clear rhythm: out along the north Comino Channel, a look at caves, then time at Comino. On board, expect a small, bench-seat setup for groups in the 8 to 15 range, so it is not a luxury lounge. If you are prone to motion sickness, you will want to take the prevention advice seriously before you go.

Key Highlights That Matter on This Comino Sunset Cruise

• Fast transfer from St Julian’s to Comino, saving you time versus slower boats
• Comino Sea caves stop, including pass-by views of Santa Maria Caves
• Blue Lagoon time in the evening, when it is typically less crowded than daytime
• Short swim stop opportunity, plus a chance to enjoy the lagoon at sunset
• Return route by St Paul’s Islands, with coastal scenery on the way back
• Bring your own plan for access, because a Blue Lagoon disembark pass is required

Sunset Cruise Timing: Why the Evening Blue Lagoon Feels Different

The biggest reason to choose an evening cruise is simple: you are catching the Blue Lagoon when the place is not packed wall-to-wall. Daytime on Comino can feel like a busy water park, with long lines to get near the shoreline and boats stacked up in the same handful of spots. This sunset timing is designed to flip that script, so you spend your best light in a calmer mood.

You also get a different light show. When the sun is dropping, the water color shifts. That can mean darker, moodier water, not always that candy-blue everyone imagines from photos, but it often looks more dramatic. If you are chasing maximum photo-blue, set expectations. If you are chasing atmosphere, you are in the right time window.

The Speedboat Ride From St Julian’s: Quick, Small, and Not a Spa

You start at the jetty behind Verdi St George’s Bay Marina Hotel in St Julian’s, at 8, Ix-Xatt Ta’ San Ġorġ. It helps to arrive with time to find the black iron gate near the hotel’s underground parking entrance, then follow the ramp and the yellow line to the boats.

The sailing style is built for speed and views. You are traveling on a speedboat, and the route is meant to be efficient, not slow and scenic. That usually saves you time for Comino itself, but it can also mean more motion.

In real-world terms, you should expect a long bench-seat layout with rows on either side, made for quick hops. One traveler described it as bumpier toward the front, and that matches the usual tradeoff with smaller, faster boats. If you are sitting toward the front, hang on, go steady, and use motion sickness prevention.

Passing Santa Maria Caves and Comino Sea Caves: What You Actually See

This cruise includes a visit to the Comino Sea caves, and the route takes you via the north Comino Channel. You will pass Santa Maria Caves along the way, which is the kind of sight that looks best from the water, with the coastline slipping by at boat speed.

Here is the practical part: a cave experience on a speedboat is mostly about viewpoint, not a long guided hike. You should think of it as seeing cave formations from the boat during the transit, then continuing on to the main Comino break. If your dream is to explore caves on foot with a guide, this is not that kind of tour.

Still, it adds variety to the trip. A quick cave sighting breaks up the ride and gives you something to watch besides shoreline and water.

Blue Lagoon Time, Including the Swim Stop and the Access Pass Rule

Once you reach the iconic Blue Lagoon, you get free time at Comino and the lagoon area. The plan includes a chance for a short refreshing swim stop, then time to enjoy the sunset views.

Here is the big logistics point that can affect your whole experience: after a government directive effective May 2025, you must obtain an access pass in advance to disembark at the Blue Lagoon. The passes are acquired through the official site blcomino.com, and daily allocation is limited. The operator asks you to select an evening slot when applying.

If you do not have the pass, you will not be allowed to step ashore at the Blue Lagoon. Instead, you will be taken to Comino’s Santa Marija Bay. That is still on Comino, but it changes the look, the shore experience, and how close you get to the classic Blue Lagoon scene.

So, the tour can be great, but only if you handle the access pass before you show up.

What Free Time Really Means: No Guide, No Escorted Plan

This is not a guided tour. Once you are on Comino, the stop is at leisure, meaning you decide how you want to spend your time at the lagoon.

That is a plus for people who like flexibility. You can swim, float, walk a bit, take photos, or just sit and watch the water change color. It also means you should plan for what you want to do before you arrive, because you will not get a structured walkthrough.

One thing that may surprise people is that time on Comino can involve moving from where the boat docks to where you want to swim. In one account, the docking setup involved getting off near rocks and then walking around to reach the water, with vendors visible along the path. Your experience may vary based on conditions and dock arrangements, but it is smart to bring comfortable shoes, not just flip-flops.

Group Size and Comfort: Why Bench Seats Matter on a Short Trip

The cruise is offered with an experienced skipper, and the on-site communication is in English. That helps if you want clear answers, especially about where to go and when to return to the boat.

Comfort-wise, the tradeoff is that speedboats are built for movement, not lounging. One traveler noted the ride was not lux or relaxing, and described it as feeling more intense toward the front. If you have back issues, heart problems, or you are prone to seasickness, the tour is not suitable based on the operator’s own guidance.

This is also why motion sickness prevention is listed. Take it seriously. If you wait until you feel sick, it may be too late to enjoy the best part, which is the swim and sunset.

Price and Value: Is $53 Per Person Worth It

At $53 per person for about 2.5 hours, this is not a budget day trip. Whether it is worth it depends on what you care about most.

You are paying for three main things:

• Speed and efficiency getting from St Julian’s to Comino
• Time at the Blue Lagoon during sunset
• Transport plus cave sightseeing as part of the route

The value gets better if you:

• Want to maximize time at the water and minimize time traveling
• Are motivated by sunset lighting and fewer-daytime crowds
• Plan ahead for the Blue Lagoon access pass so you actually get the classic lagoon shore experience

The value drops if:

• You arrive without the access pass and end up at Santa Marija Bay instead
• You expected a cushy, relaxed boat experience rather than a bench-seat speedboat ride
• You want a long, guided exploration rather than leisure time

Also note that government access pass costs are not included, and food and drinks are not included. Pack water if you are able to before the cruise, and plan snacks on your own if you think you might need them later. (What is available on land is not listed here, so I would not count on it.)

Who This Cruise Fits Best (and Who Should Skip It)

This works well for adults who can handle short time on the water and want a tight itinerary with a strong payoff at sunset. It is a good match if you:

• Want a quick, efficient way to reach Comino from St Julian’s
• Enjoy swimming and want a short swim stop
• Prefer free time over a guided lecture

It may not be right for you if you:

• Are sensitive to motion and you tend to feel queasy on boats
• Need mobility support, wheelchair access, or have serious back or heart issues
• Are traveling with young children, since it is not suitable for kids under 3

On top of health and comfort considerations, there are also rules about what you can bring. No luggage or large bags, and no pets. If you want an easy, light pack day, it is fine. If you like bringing everything, you will need to travel lighter.

Meeting Point Reality Check: How to Avoid Wasted Time

The meeting point is specific, and it is behind the hotel marina jetty area. Go through the black iron gate, follow the ramp down, turn left, then follow the yellow line on the ground until you reach the jetty where boats and jet skis are parked.

This matters because the entire cruise is short. If you arrive late, you may simply miss the departure window. I recommend you treat this as a come-and-go run: arrive early, find the jetty, and then relax once you are seated.

Practical Tips to Get the Best Sunset Experience

Bring the basics the operator lists: comfortable shoes, swimwear, and motion sickness prevention if you are at all prone. Also think about the access pass process as part of your packing checklist, not as an afterthought.

A few more practical ideas help most people:

• Plan your timing around the access pass request for an evening slot, since that is what determines Blue Lagoon disembark
• Keep your day light in terms of bag size, since luggage or large bags are not allowed
• If you hate rough rides, choose seating that feels more stable once you are on board, since the ride can be bumpier in certain spots
• Don’t expect a long guided route on land, because it is leisure time with no tour guide

If you do those things, you increase your odds of getting exactly what you came for: sunset light over Comino’s famous water, with the day’s crowds kept at arm’s length.

Should You Book This Comino Blue Lagoon Sunset Cruise?

I would book it if you want an efficient, time-smart way to reach Comino for sunset and you are willing to plan ahead for the Blue Lagoon access pass. The quick speedboat format and the cave sights make the trip feel like more than just a straight transfer, and the evening timing is a real quality upgrade.

I would hesitate if you cannot guarantee you will secure the access pass for an evening disembark slot. If you end up at Santa Marija Bay instead, you may still have a nice Comino moment, but it likely will not match the Blue Lagoon shore experience you are imagining.

I would also skip it if you know you get seasick or you are sensitive to bumpier rides. This is a short outing, but the boat comfort factor matters, and the suitability rules are there for a reason.

If you tick the boxes, this cruise can be a fun Malta highlight: caves from the water, a swim break, and sunset views that feel calmer than the daytime rush.

FAQ

How long is the cruise?

The cruise duration is listed as 2.5 hours.

Is this tour guided?

No. It is not a guided tour, and the Comino Island stop is at leisure with free time.

Where do I meet the boat in St Julian’s?

The boat departs from the jetty behind the Verdi St George’s Bay Marina Hotel (formerly Marina Hotel Corinthia Beach Resort). Go to 8, Ix-Xatt Ta’ San Ġorġ, St. Julian’s, then use the black iron gate near the hotel’s underground parking entrance and follow the yellow line to the jetty.

Do I need an access pass to get off at the Blue Lagoon?

Yes. Since a government directive effective May 2025, visitors wishing to disembark at the Blue Lagoon must obtain an access pass in advance from blcomino.com. If you do not have the pass, you will be taken to Santa Marija Bay instead.

What should I bring?

Bring comfortable shoes and swimwear. The operator also recommends motion sickness prevention.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not included.