Reviewed · FERRY & ISLAND TRANSFERS
Okikoki Banis – Comino Blue Lagoon Speedboat Trip- Fast Ferry
Comino’s Blue Lagoon is the prize here, but the fast boat ride is half the fun. From St Julian’s Bay, you head along Malta’s eastern coast, pass St Paul’s Islands, and reach Comino in roughly 35 to 40 minutes. The boat also makes a tour of Comino’s caves before leaving you with five hours on the island.
I like the generous beach time and the useful sightseeing commentary from the skipper. I also like the small-group limit of 20 people, which should make the ride easier and more personal than a large ferry. The main concern is the sea: one passenger found the boat pitched and rolled heavily, so this is not the right choice if you are sensitive to motion or want a calm crossing.
Key points to know before booking

- Five hours at Comino: You have plenty of time for swimming, sitting by the water, food, and paid beach extras.
- A fast 35 to 40 minute crossing: The speedboat gets you to Comino quicker than a slower boat service.
- Caves included: A short boat tour around Comino’s caves is part of the day, not an extra charge.
- Helpful skippers: Ian and Toni are named by passengers as friendly, informative guides, though the exact skipper is not guaranteed.
- Weather matters: Sea conditions affect travel time and may change the winter schedule.
- Bring water protection: Spray can reach the boat, so keep phones, cameras, towels, and other belongings in a waterproof bag.
The 9:30am meeting in Spinola Bay
You meet at Oki-Ko-Ki Banis Watersports on Xatt Is-Sajjieda in Spinola Bay, St Julian’s, close to Happy Dayz Bar. The supplied booking details also show a 9:00am start time, while the operating instructions call for a 9:30am meeting. Treat the private message sent after booking as the final word, and arrive early enough to avoid a rushed start.
This is a convenient meeting point near public transport. The day ends back at the same place, so you do not need to arrange a separate return from another harbor.
The boat leaves shortly after everyone is ready. Since this is a shared trip with a maximum of 20 people, you get the social feel of a group outing without the scale of a major sightseeing boat.
Other boats out to Comino from Malta:
- Malta: Gozo & Comino Islands, Blue Lagoon & Seacaves Tour
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The fast ride past Malta’s eastern coast
The trip begins with a brisk run north from St Julian’s. The route gives you views of Malta’s eastern coast, with St Paul’s Islands among the key sights. The skipper provides information about what you are seeing, so the crossing is more than simple transport.
I like this part because it gives the journey a sense of place. You are not being dropped at a beach with no context. You get a moving view of the coast and a few spoken details before the main stop.
The ride takes about 35 to 40 minutes, but that is only an estimate. Wind, waves, and other sea conditions can change the timing. A speedboat is quicker and more exciting than a standard ferry, yet it also exposes you more to spray and motion.
Wear clothes that can handle water. Protect anything valuable before you board rather than waiting until spray starts flying. A waterproof pouch for your phone is a sensible piece of kit.
The boat can pitch and roll heavily when the sea is rough. That is the clearest drawback in the available feedback, and the operator does not control every condition on the day. If you often feel seasick, consider the weather forecast carefully and ask about the conditions before departure.
Comino’s caves before the Blue Lagoon

Before settling ashore, the speedboat includes a tour around Comino’s caves. This adds a welcome change of pace to the day. You see parts of the island from the water and get the kind of close coastal view that is difficult to arrange once you are on the beach.
The cave visit is especially useful for anyone who wants more than a beach transfer. The boat can approach the rocky shoreline, while the skipper explains the sights. Exact cave stops depend on sea conditions, so do not expect a fixed route in every season.
This portion is also a good reason to keep your camera ready, but protect it from spray. You may get a better shot from the boat than from the crowded shore, though the ride itself is not always smooth.
The guides receive strong praise for making the trip feel lively and informative. Ian is described as friendly, careful, and interesting to listen to. Toni is noted for answering questions and bringing decades of work experience to the role. The company does not promise a particular skipper, so think of these names as examples of the guiding style rather than a guaranteed assignment.
Five hours at Comino’s Blue Lagoon
The main stop gives you about five hours at Comino. That is a long stay, and it is one of the strongest features of the trip. You are not forced to leave just as you have found a place to sit or finished a swim.
The Blue Lagoon is the natural focus. You can spend the time swimming, sunbathing, walking around, or simply resting by the water. The area has food, drinks, toilets, and showers, which makes a long beach stay easier than a short stop with no facilities.
Sunbeds and umbrellas are available to hire. They are not included in the tour price, so add that cost if shade and a proper lounger matter to you. Food and drinks are also extra.
The five-hour window gives you freedom, but it also means the day is not guided every minute. After the cave tour and drop-off, you are largely setting your own pace. I see that as a benefit if you want an easy beach day. If you prefer a tightly planned sightseeing program with constant commentary, the open time may feel less structured.
Crowding can also affect your impression of the Blue Lagoon. The exact feel depends on the season and day. One passenger enjoyed reaching the area before the biggest summer crowds, but the schedule is not presented as an early-morning arrival guarantee. You should book this for the island and the time on the water, not on the promise of having the lagoon to yourself.
Other boats you can book whole out of Malta:
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What the $59.13 price really covers
At about $59.13 per person, the trip bundles several useful pieces: fuel surcharge, local taxes, a driver-guide, round-trip shared transport, and the Comino cave tour. You are paying for a full seven-hour outing, not only the ride to the island.
The value is strongest if you want a straightforward way to combine transport, coastal sightseeing, caves, and a long beach visit. Arranging each part separately could take more planning, and you would still need to organize the return.
The price does not include food, drinks, sunbeds, umbrellas, or watersports. Plan for those as optional extras. If you bring your own food and skip paid beach equipment, the listed fare covers the core experience well.
I would compare the price with what you value most. For five hours at Comino and a quick transfer, it is sensible. For a short guided sightseeing cruise with little beach time, it may be more than you need. The long stay is what makes the cost easier to justify.
Watersports and practical beach time
Comino offers watersports activities in addition to swimming and relaxing. The exact choices and prices are not specified, so check locally if you have a particular activity in mind.
Because food and drink are not included, you have two simple choices: buy them on the island or bring your own. The presence of toilets and showers means you can stay for the full five hours without roughing it, although paid comfort items such as loungers and umbrellas remain separate.
Pack lightly but protect your belongings. The speedboat can spray water into the passenger area, and the operator specifically warns that personal items may get wet. A dry bag, sealed plastic pouch, or waterproof phone case is more useful here than a large beach bag.
You should also wear footwear and clothing suitable for a beach stop, but the supplied details do not specify the surface or any special equipment. Keep the plan simple: swimwear, sun protection, towel, water protection for electronics, and money for optional purchases.
Who will enjoy this Comino trip most
I would choose this for someone who wants a full day built around Blue Lagoon but does not want to spend the day on a slow ferry. The speedboat adds energy, and the cave tour gives you a second reason to be on the water.
It also suits couples, friends, and families who like unstructured beach time. The skipper’s commentary adds interest for people who want a little sightseeing without joining a formal walking tour.
You should think twice if you dislike bumpy boat rides. One experience describes heavy pitching and rolling, and the operator warns that sea conditions affect the transfer. The boat is shared, so you also cannot choose the pace or route as you could on a private charter.
The seven-hour length is another point to weigh. Five hours on Comino is generous, but anyone hoping for several separate Malta sights in one morning will find this outing focused on one island and the journey there.
The activity is offered in English. The maximum group size is 20 people, and most people can take part according to the supplied participation details. Weather can alter the plan, especially in the winter season beginning in October.
Booking, weather, and cancellation details
You receive confirmation at booking. Afterward, follow the private instructions from OkiKoKi Banis Watersports, especially because the published meeting information gives both a 9:00am start and a 9:30am meeting time.
The winter program may change because of weather. Travel times are approximate in every season, since sea conditions control how quickly the boat can move and which cave areas are suitable.
You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the local start time. Changes or cancellations made less than 24 hours ahead are not accepted for a refund. If poor weather causes the operator to cancel, you are offered another date or a full refund.
Should you book the Okikoki Banis Comino trip?
Book it if you want a lively boat ride, a cave tour, and five relaxed hours at the Blue Lagoon for about $59.13. The strong points are the long stay, quick transfer, included coastal and cave sightseeing, and guides such as Ian and Toni who bring humor and useful information to the ride.
Skip it if you need a very calm crossing, guaranteed shade, or a tightly guided program from start to finish. The boat can roll in rougher water, and beach extras cost more.
For most people who want a practical day trip from St Julian’s to Comino, this is a well-priced package. Check the weather, protect your belongings, confirm the meeting time, and book at least a day ahead if your plans might change.
FAQ
Where does the Comino speedboat trip start?
The trip starts at Oki-Ko-Ki Banis Watersports on Xatt Is-Sajjieda in Spinola Bay, St Julian’s, Malta, near Happy Dayz Bar.
What time does the trip start?
The booking details list a 9:00am start, while the meeting instructions state 9:30am. Confirm the exact time in the private message sent after booking.
How long does the full activity last?
The activity lasts about seven hours. The planned return to St Julian’s is around 4:30pm.
How long is the speedboat ride to Comino?
The ride to Comino takes about 35 to 40 minutes, depending on sea conditions.
How long do you stay at Comino?
You have about five hours on Comino before the speedboat collects you at around 3:30pm.
Is the cave tour included?
Yes. A speedboat tour around the caves of Comino is included in the activity.
Are food and drinks included?
No. Food and drinks are not included in the price.
Are sunbeds and umbrellas included?
No. Sunbeds and umbrellas can be hired on the beach at an additional cost.
Can the boat ride be rough?
Yes. Passengers may experience water spray, and sea conditions can cause the boat to pitch and roll. Transfer times may also change.
What happens if bad weather cancels the trip?
You can choose another date or receive a full refund if poor weather causes the operator to cancel.
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