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

The best part of this 2.5-hour sunset cruise is the timing. You reach Comino after the main daytime crowds have eased, then watch the sun lower over the Mediterranean from the Blue Lagoon. I like the fast ride from St. Julian’s and the chance to see the Santa Maria Caves and St. Paul’s Islands in one short outing. I also like that the evening slot gives you a calmer setting than a midday boat trip.

The trade-off is comfort. This is a working speedboat with bench seating, not a cushioned sightseeing vessel, and the ride can be rough, especially near the front. You also need a government access pass if you want to step ashore at the Blue Lagoon, so this trip takes a little planning.

Key points to know before you book

• Sunset changes the Blue Lagoon: The famous bright blue water can look darker as evening approaches, but the sunset gives the stop a different mood.
• The speedboat saves time: The outward ride takes about 35 minutes before the caves and final approach to the lagoon.
• Santa Maria Caves are a short viewing stop: You pass the caves by boat rather than making a long cave visit.
• A Blue Lagoon access pass is required: Since May 2025, you must arrange the official evening pass before stepping ashore.
• The boat is basic and exposed: Bench seating, sea spray, and bumps are part of the package.
• The return route adds St. Paul’s Islands: You see more of Malta’s coast instead of simply retracing the outward route.

Why an evening boat ride can be the right way to see Comino

Comino’s Blue Lagoon is famous for its clear water and pale limestone setting, but daytime visits can be crowded and noisy. This departure from St. Julian’s aims at a different experience: a quick ride to the island, free time near the lagoon, and sunset rather than midday swimming.

I like the basic idea. You are not spending a full day on a large boat, and you are not committing to a long island tour. The speedboat gets you from Malta’s busy eastern coast to Comino quickly, leaving more of your evening free.

The tour is also useful if your main goal is the view rather than a full guided explanation. There is no tour guide, and the skipper does not provide a structured history lesson. You receive transport, scenic views, a stop at Comino, and time to do as you please.

That freedom works well for independent visitors. You can swim, walk, take photos, or simply sit near the water. If you want detailed information about Comino, Malta’s coastal history, or the caves, you will need to prepare that yourself.

Finding the jetty behind St. Julian’s marina

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

The entrance is easy to miss if you are looking only for a large tour office. Go near the hotel’s underground parking entrance and look for a black iron gate. Walk through it, follow the ramp down, turn left, and continue along the yellow line painted on the ground. The jetty is where the boats and jet skis are kept.

Give yourself enough time to find this spot. Hotel names can change, and the departure point is at the water rather than inside the hotel. Since hotel pick-up is not included, you must make your own way to St. Julian’s.

Large bags, luggage, strollers, and non-folding wheelchairs are not allowed. Pack light. Comfortable shoes, swimwear, and motion sickness prevention are the useful basics.

The 35-minute speedboat ride to Comino

The outward ride is the fastest part of the experience in more ways than one. The speedboat covers the distance from St. Julian’s to Comino in roughly 35 minutes, though the exact feel depends on sea conditions and where you sit.

The boat has bench seats along the sides, with room for roughly 8 to 15 people. This layout keeps the vessel compact and quick, but it does not offer much padding or personal space. Sitting near the front can mean a bumpier ride, particularly when the boat meets choppy water.

If you are prone to seasickness, this is an important concern. The trip is short compared with a full-day cruise, but the speed and open boat can make motion more noticeable. People with back problems, heart problems, mobility impairments, or pregnancy are advised not to take this activity. Children under three are also not permitted.

I would choose a middle or rear seat if possible. That may not remove the bumps, but it can be more forgiving than the very front. Keep your belongings secure, and do not bring anything you would be unhappy to expose to spray.

The skipper is experienced, and fuel is included in the price. The English-speaking host or greeter handles the departure arrangements, but this is not a narrated sightseeing cruise.

Passing Santa Maria Caves by boat

The route uses the north Comino Channel and passes the Santa Maria Caves. These sea caves are one of the most attractive parts of the route, with limestone cliffs and openings cut by the sea.

You should set your expectations correctly. The boat makes a brief pass by the caves rather than stopping for an extended visit. One account of the timing describes seeing two caves during the first pass, followed by about eight more minutes around the bend to the Blue Lagoon.

That makes the caves a scenic extra, not the main event. Keep your camera ready, but do not expect a long photo stop or a guided explanation of the rock formations. If you want to explore caves at length, a dedicated cave cruise would be a better match.

The short passage still adds variety to the trip. You get cliffs, open water, and a change in pace before reaching the lagoon. For a 2.5-hour outing, that is a sensible use of the route.

What happens at the Blue Lagoon

The boat reaches the Blue Lagoon after passing the caves and rounding Comino. You then have free time at Comino and the lagoon, with a possible short swim stop.

The exact use of that time depends on the conditions and on how you choose to spend it. The available stop is described as about an hour and 15 minutes, giving you enough time for a swim, a walk, or a look around before returning to the boat.

Here is the key rule: since May 2025, anyone who wants to step ashore at the Blue Lagoon must have an official government-issued access pass. You arrange this separately through blcomino.com, and the daily supply is limited. Select the evening slot when applying.

Without the pass, you will not be allowed to disembark at the Blue Lagoon. Instead, the boat will take you to Santa Marija Bay on Comino. That is not a minor technical detail. If standing on the shore, walking around, or reaching the water by land is central to your plan, arrange the pass before booking or confirm that one is available.

The pass is not provided by the boat operator, and the $53 tour price does not include it. Food and drinks are also not included, so bring what you need within the operator’s rules. Large bags are not allowed.

Swimming, walking, or simply watching the sunset

The Blue Lagoon stop offers several ways to spend your free time. The obvious choice is a swim, and swimwear is recommended. You can also stay near the shoreline and watch the light change across the water.

One practical point matters here: the Blue Lagoon may not look as intensely blue at sunset as it does in bright midday photographs. As the sun drops, the water can appear darker, and the famous color may be less vivid. That does not make the view unattractive, but it changes what you are getting.

The sunset is the reason to choose this departure. You trade some of the lagoon’s strongest daytime color for softer light, fewer people, and a more peaceful end to the visit. If your priority is the brightest possible water for swimming photos, a daytime trip may suit you better. If you prefer evening light and less daytime commotion, this timing has a clear advantage.

Getting from the boat to the water may involve walking up and around the shore, passing local vendors along the way. The experience is not a private cove with a quiet path and empty rocks. You should expect an active landing area and a public island setting.

The return past St. Paul’s Islands

The return trip follows the coastline and passes St. Paul’s Islands before reaching St. Julian’s. This gives the outing a second scenic route rather than sending you straight back over the same water.

St. Paul’s Islands are linked with the story of St. Paul’s arrival in Malta, though this activity does not include a guided presentation about that history. You will see the islands from the boat, adding another recognizable point along Malta’s coast.

The return is also a good time to settle in and watch the shoreline. After the swim stop and sunset, the light should be lower and the coast may look quite different from the outward journey. Keep in mind that the boat remains a firm bench-seated speedboat for the ride home.

Is $53 a fair price?

At $53 per person, this cruise sits in the middle range for a short boat outing. The fare covers the speedboat ride in both directions, fuel, an experienced skipper, the cave pass-by, time at Comino, and the return route past St. Paul’s Islands.

The value depends on what you want from the evening. I think the price is reasonable if you care about saving travel time and seeing several coastal sights without spending a full day on a boat. You are paying for a direct ride from St. Julian’s and a sunset stop at Comino.

The value is weaker if you expect luxury seating, a quiet private cruise, extensive cave viewing, or a guided tour. The boat is functional rather than comfortable, and there is no included food, drink, or tour commentary. You also have to arrange and potentially pay for the Blue Lagoon access pass separately.

A fair comparison is this: you are buying transport and timing, not a high-end cruise. If you would happily pay for a quick ride and a sunset swim, the cost can make sense. If you mainly want to sit back in comfort, the rough ride may leave you feeling that the price is too high.

Who will enjoy this Comino trip most

I would recommend this outing to an active visitor who has limited time in Malta and wants to see Comino in one evening. It suits people who value a fast transfer, coastal scenery, and free time over organized commentary.

It is also a good fit for strong swimmers and visitors who like to make their own plans once they arrive. You can use the stop for a swim, a short walk, or sunset photos without being tied to a guided group.

I would think twice if you have back problems, motion sickness, or a strong need for a smooth ride. The speedboat is not especially comfortable, and the front seats can take hard bumps.

This is also not the best choice for anyone looking for a family outing with a stroller, a wheelchair, or a lot of luggage. Children under three are not accepted, and several types of wheelchairs are excluded.

Booking advice and small details that matter

Book only after checking the Blue Lagoon pass situation. The government pass is separate from the boat ticket, and you need the evening time slot. If passes are unavailable, you may still take the boat, but your stop will be at Santa Marija Bay rather than ashore at the Blue Lagoon.

Check the weather and sea conditions as your departure approaches. The operator allows free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later, which helps if your schedule is still changing.

Wear secure, comfortable shoes. Bring swimwear, but avoid bulky beach gear. Pack motion sickness medication if you need it, and expect basic seating rather than a padded excursion boat.

Should you book this sunset cruise?

Book it if you want a short, fast Comino visit with a sunset stop, cave views, and a coastal return through St. Paul’s Islands. The quieter evening timing is the strongest reason to choose it, especially if you want to avoid the worst daytime crowds.

Skip it if you want a comfortable boat, detailed guiding, or the brightest midday Blue Lagoon color. The boat ride can be rough, the cave visit is brief, and stepping ashore requires advance government permission.

My practical call: secure the evening access pass first, sit away from the very front, and treat this as an efficient scenic transfer with free time, not a luxury cruise. With those expectations, the trip can be a pleasant way to finish a day in Malta.

FAQ

How long is the Comino sunset cruise?

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

Where does the boat leave from?

The boat leaves from the jetty behind the Verdi St. George’s Bay Marina Hotel in St. Julian’s. Use the black iron gate near the hotel’s underground parking entrance, walk 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. Since May 2025, you need an official government access pass to disembark at the Blue Lagoon. Arrange it through blcomino.com and select the evening time slot.

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

You will not be allowed to step ashore at the Blue Lagoon. The boat will take you to Santa Marija Bay on Comino instead.

Is this a guided tour?

No. The trip includes an experienced skipper and an English-speaking host or greeter, but there is no tour guide. Your time on Comino is free time.

What should I bring?

Bring comfortable shoes, swimwear, and motion sickness prevention if needed. Food and drinks are not included, and large bags, luggage, strollers, baby carriages, and non-folding or electric wheelchairs are not allowed.