St Julian’s: Powerboat Comino Blue Lagoon

Comino’s Blue Lagoon is the main attraction, but the speedboat ride is almost as memorable. The boat reaches the island in less than 30 minutes, giving you more time by the water than a slower transfer would. Along the way, you pass St Paul’s Islands and visit the sea caves near Santa Maria.

I like the fast crossing and the chance to see the caves without booking a separate boat trip. I also like that the $65 price includes transport from St Julian’s, the return ride, and free time for swimming and snorkeling. The catch is the rough ride: the boat can jump over waves, so this is not a good choice if you have back or heart problems, or if you are pregnant.

Key points

• A quick crossing: Reach Comino in about 30 minutes instead of spending much longer on a slower boat.
• A lively ride: The fast powerboat is exciting, but you must remain seated for the whole trip.
• Two water highlights: Spend time at Blue Lagoon and cruise through the caves at Santa Maria.
• Plenty of water time: Swim, snorkel, walk, or simply find a place to sit near the lagoon.
• A crowded destination: Blue Lagoon is beautiful, but summer crowds can make the experience feel busy.
• Advance access required: Reserve both the morning and afternoon Blue Lagoon slots through the official website before you go.

The fast way from St Julian’s to Comino

This half-day outing is built around speed. From the Ganado meeting point in St Julian’s, you walk through the open black gate, go down the ramp, turn left, and follow the yellow line on the jetty. Boats and jet skis are ahead.

The crossing takes about 25 to 30 minutes. The route runs along Malta’s east coast, passing St Paul’s Islands before crossing toward Comino. That short travel time matters. A slower boat can make the journey feel like the main event, while this service gets you to the water quickly.

You do not get to wander around the boat during the crossing. Everyone must remain seated for the full ride. That rule is important, not just a minor detail, because this is a high-speed boat rather than a calm ferry.

Expect the ride to be lively. One recent passenger described the boat as fast and fun, but also noted that it can leave the water over larger waves and land with a noticeable thump. I would choose this trip for the speed and excitement, not for a smooth, quiet crossing.

What the $65 price really covers

At $65 per person, this is not the cheapest way to reach Comino. You are paying extra for a fast boat, a shorter crossing, the cave visit, and transport back to St Julian’s.

That price can make sense if your time in Malta is limited. You receive a direct outing from St Julian’s, rather than arranging separate transport to a harbor, finding a boat, and then paying again for a cave cruise. You also avoid spending much of your day on a slow transfer.

The value is strongest for people who want a boat ride as part of the fun. If you only want to reach Blue Lagoon as cheaply as possible, a slower public or group boat may suit you better. If you want to get there quickly and enjoy a spirited ride, the extra cost is easier to justify.

The experience has a 4.9 rating from seven published ratings, with the strongest praise focused on the speed, the caves, the atmosphere on board, and the amount of time at the lagoon. The small sample means I would treat that number as encouraging rather than decisive, but the pattern is clear: this trip works best when you want action rather than quiet transport.

Getting to the Ganado meeting point

The meeting point is practical once you know what to look for. Find the open black gate, pass through it, and walk down the ramp. Turn left and follow the yellow line painted along the jetty.

The boats and jet skis are by the water. There is no named guide supplied for this trip, and the host or greeter speaks English. I would arrive with enough time to identify the correct boat, especially since the arrival instructions rely on the gate, ramp, and yellow line rather than a large indoor check-in desk.

The shore facilities may feel basic. The waiting area has been described as needing more shade and more seating, with clearer instructions about boarding. Bring a little patience at the start, and do not expect a polished terminal.

Wear swimwear under your clothes if possible. Bring a towel, sunscreen, and anything you need for several hours around the water. Those last items are practical rather than optional, since the main point of the outing is swimming and snorkeling.

The crossing past St Paul’s Islands

Once you are seated, the boat heads along Malta’s eastern coast. St Paul’s Islands provide one of the first notable sights before the route cuts across to Comino.

The ride is short enough that you will not spend the morning staring at open water. The boat’s speed gives the crossing a clear purpose: you are moving quickly toward the lagoon, with a little coastal scenery along the way.

This is also where you learn if the ride suits you. The boat can bounce on the waves, and the impact may be strong when it comes down. Keep both hands free for stability, follow the crew’s seating instructions, and avoid this trip if you have a back condition or heart condition.

Pregnant women and children under three are not permitted on the boat. Children who are allowed to join must be accompanied by an adult. The operator states that passengers must remain seated, so this is not a good outing for anyone who needs to move around frequently.

Blue Lagoon: beautiful water, busy shoreline

Comino’s Blue Lagoon is the center of the trip. The water is clear, and you have time to swim, snorkel, walk, or simply take in the view from the shore.

The strength of this boat trip is the amount of time you get at the destination. The published schedule describes extended free time on Comino and at Blue Lagoon, with the full activity lasting about 4.5 hours. The exact split between riding, cave viewing, and free time can depend on the day, so check the start time and current schedule when booking.

The main drawback is crowding. In August, the lagoon can be very busy, even when the water remains beautiful. The quick boat gets you there fast, but it does not give you a private corner of Comino. You may need to accept noise, limited space, and a lively shore.

I would bring realistic expectations. This is not a secluded beach escape. It is a convenient way to enjoy one of Malta’s most famous swimming spots without losing much time on the crossing.

The water is the reason to pack swimwear and a towel. If snorkeling is important to you, bring your own mask and snorkel unless the operator confirms equipment is supplied. The activity information only promises opportunities for swimming and snorkeling, not rental gear.

St Maria’s Caves add a worthwhile second stop

Before returning, the boat visits St Maria’s Caves, also known as the caves near Santa Maria. This is a useful addition because it gives you a different view of Comino, away from the open swimming area.

The boat cruise through the caves is one of the most praised parts of the outing. You remain on board and see the rock openings and water from the boat, rather than making a separate land walk. It breaks up the free time at Blue Lagoon and gives the return journey a clear point of interest.

Do not confuse the cave stop with a long guided visit. The available information describes a cruise and visit, not a structured walking tour or an extended cave exploration. The experience is mainly about seeing the formations from the water.

For me, this extra stop helps the price feel more reasonable. You are not paying only for a fast taxi to a crowded swimming area. You also get a short coastal sightseeing ride that would otherwise require another excursion.

Who will enjoy the powerboat most

This is a strong match for you if you want to:

• Reach Blue Lagoon quickly from St Julian’s
• Spend most of the outing in and around the water
• Add a cave cruise without arranging another boat
• Enjoy speed, spray, and a lively ride
• Travel with older children or teenagers who are comfortable on a fast boat

The experience particularly suits active families with children over three, couples who prefer a short outing, and anyone with limited time in Malta. Two teenage passengers, aged 15 and 19, were described as loving the speed, which gives you a useful sense of the target audience.

It is less suitable if you want a calm ferry ride, a quiet beach, or a carefully paced guided tour. It is also unsuitable for pregnant women, people with back problems, people with heart problems, and children under three.

The boat’s festive atmosphere may appeal to you if you like music, energy, and a social mood. If you prefer silence and slow scenery, you may find the ride tiring.

The new Blue Lagoon access rule

A crucial planning detail applies from April 29, 2025. All visitors to Blue Lagoon must reserve access through the official website:

Blue Lagoon

You are instructed to book both the morning and afternoon slots. This reservation is separate from the boat booking, so do not assume that paying for the powerboat automatically secures your entry to the lagoon.

I would handle this before the day of the trip. Keep the reservation information available on your phone, and check the official site for the current access requirements. This rule can affect the entire outing, so it deserves attention before you pay for transport.

Cancellation and booking flexibility

You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. The reserve-now-and-pay-later option also lets you hold a place without paying immediately, which is useful if your Malta plans are still shifting.

The activity lasts about 4.5 hours, and starting times vary. Check the available departure time carefully against your hotel plans, dinner plans, and the separate Blue Lagoon access reservation.

The tour is conducted in English. Since the key experiences are the ride, the scenery, the caves, and free time at the water, a long spoken presentation is not the main reason to choose it.

My practical verdict on the ride

I would book this powerboat if I wanted the quickest practical route from St Julian’s to Blue Lagoon and liked the idea of making the crossing part of the entertainment. The fast arrival is genuinely useful, and the cave cruise adds value.

I would not book it for a gentle day on the water. The boat can hit hard over waves, and the Blue Lagoon itself can be crowded during the summer. The simple waiting area and limited seating at the meeting point are also worth knowing in advance.

At $65, the trip earns its price through speed and convenience rather than luxury. You get a straightforward transfer, several hours around Comino, and a cave visit. Pack swimwear and a towel, reserve both Blue Lagoon access periods, and choose this only if you are comfortable with a brisk, bouncy ride.

Should you book this Comino powerboat?

Book it if speed, swimming, and a lively boat ride are your priorities. You will reach Blue Lagoon in about 30 minutes, see St Paul’s Islands and St Maria’s Caves, and have time for snorkeling or a walk around Comino.

Choose another option if you need a smooth crossing, a quiet shore, or the lowest possible price. For the right passenger, this is an efficient and fun way to see Comino. For anyone with a back or heart condition, pregnancy, or a very young child, it is the wrong boat.

FAQ

How long does the St Julian’s powerboat trip last?

The stated duration is 4.5 hours. The boat crossing takes about 25 to 30 minutes each way, with the remaining time used for Comino, Blue Lagoon, and the cave visit.

How much does the experience cost?

The price is $65 per person.

Where does the boat leave from?

The meeting point is at Ganado in St Julian’s. Pass through the open black gate, go down the ramp, turn left, and follow the yellow line along the jetty to the boats and jet skis.

How quickly does the boat reach Blue Lagoon?

The crossing to Blue Lagoon takes less than 30 minutes, with the listed water transport time given as about 25 minutes.

What places does the boat visit?

The route passes St Paul’s Islands, crosses to Comino, visits Blue Lagoon, and includes a cruise by St Maria’s Caves.

Can I swim or snorkel during the trip?

Yes. The free time at Comino and Blue Lagoon includes opportunities for swimming and snorkeling. You should bring swimwear and a towel.

Do I need to reserve Blue Lagoon access separately?

Yes. Under the stated government policy from April 29, 2025, visitors must reserve access through the official Blue Lagoon website. You are instructed to book both the morning and afternoon slots.

Who cannot join the powerboat?

Children under three, pregnant women, people with back problems, and people with heart problems are not suitable for this activity.

Can I cancel the booking?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. A reserve-now-and-pay-later option is also available.