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

Comino’s Blue Lagoon takes on a different mood at sunset. This 2.5-hour trip gets you there after the worst daytime rush, with a fast ride from St. Julian’s, a look at Santa Maria Caves, and time for the sea and sky to change color. I especially like the evening timing and the return route past St. Paul’s Islands.

The speedboat is efficient, but it is not a floating lounge. Expect a long boat with bench seating, a lively ride, and stronger bumps near the front. The sunset may soften the crowds, but it can also make the lagoon look darker rather than brilliantly blue.

Key points to know

• The sunset slot avoids the busiest daytime hours at Blue Lagoon, though other boats and visitors may still be nearby.
• Santa Maria Caves are viewed from the boat, with a short pass by rather than a long cave visit.
• A government access pass is required to step ashore at Blue Lagoon from May 2025 onward.
• The ride can be rough, especially near the front of the boat, so motion sickness planning matters.
• The stop is unescorted free time, not a guided walk or history tour.
• The best value comes from the scenery and speed, not comfort, food, drinks, or luxury service.

The evening run from St. Julian’s to Comino

The trip begins at the jetty behind the Verdi St. George’s Bay Marina Hotel, formerly called the Marina Hotel Corinthia Beach Resort. From the hotel’s underground parking entrance, look for a black iron gate. Go down the ramp, turn left, and follow the yellow line to the boats and jet skis.

That last detail matters because the meeting point is not simply a hotel lobby. Give yourself enough time to find the ramp and jetty without rushing. The host or greeter speaks English, and an experienced skipper operates the boat, but this is not a guided sightseeing tour with a running commentary.

Once underway, you get the main practical benefit of a speedboat: Comino is reached quickly from St. Julian’s. The outward ride takes roughly 35 minutes according to the detailed timing provided for the trip, followed by a short pass by the caves and another eight minutes or so around the bend to Blue Lagoon.

You should expect a basic, open speedboat rather than a cushioned cruise vessel. Seating consists of benches along the sides, with room for roughly 8 to 15 people according to the description of the boat. The front gives you the most exposed ride. If you prefer less impact, sitting farther back is the sensible choice.

Santa Maria Caves, seen from the water

The route heads through the north Comino Channel and passes Santa Maria Caves. This is one of the more attractive parts of the ride because the boat lets you see Comino’s rocky shoreline from sea level, where the openings and cliffs make more sense than they do from a distant viewpoint.

Keep your expectations in check. The boat passes by the caves rather than stopping for a lengthy exploration. You will have a quick look from the water, not a guided cave visit or a chance to walk ashore and inspect the area.

That short visit still adds variety to the trip. Instead of racing directly from St. Julian’s to the lagoon, the route gives you a taste of Comino’s sea caves before reaching the main stop. Have your camera ready, but do not expect the boat to linger for every passenger to frame a perfect photograph.

Blue Lagoon after the daytime rush

The main reason to choose this cruise is the timing at Blue Lagoon. During the day, Comino can feel crowded with excursion boats, swimmers, vendors, and people arriving for a quick visit. In the evening, the pressure eases somewhat, giving you more room to appreciate the water and the changing light.

I like this timing because Blue Lagoon is not only about swimming. The setting sun gives the cliffs and sea a warmer, quieter look, and the ride back adds another scenic stretch after the main stop. You also avoid spending the hottest part of the day on a boat or beside a heavily visited swimming area.

Still, less crowded does not mean empty. Other boats may remain near the lagoon, and the stop can retain some of the daytime feel, especially around the access area. The setting sun also changes the famous color. Instead of the bright blue often shown in daytime photographs, the water may look darker as the light fades.

That is not a flaw in the natural setting, but it is an important expectation. If your main goal is to see the lagoon at its most intensely blue, an earlier trip may suit you better. If you want softer light and a cooler evening atmosphere, this departure time makes more sense.

What happens during the free-time stop

The stop at Comino is at leisure. You are not led around the island, and there is no tour guide providing commentary or organizing activities. You get free time at Comino and Blue Lagoon, with a short refreshing swim stop available as part of the visit.

The access point can involve walking up and around the shore area, with vendors along the way. You may want to keep your expectations modest if you are hoping to step off the boat and immediately swim in an empty cove. The stop is more practical than polished.

There is also a key rule that can change the destination. Since May 2025, anyone who wants to disembark at Blue Lagoon must obtain a government-issued access pass in advance through blcomino.com. The daily allocation is limited, and you need to select the evening slot when applying.

Without that pass, you will not be allowed to step ashore at Blue Lagoon. Instead, the boat will take you to Santa Marija Bay on Comino. This is not a minor booking detail, so check the official access system before paying for the cruise. The pass is separate from the $53 tour price and is not included.

The ride itself: fast, scenic, and firm

The speedboat is the practical heart of this experience. You cover the route much faster than you would on a slower sightseeing boat, leaving more of the 2.5-hour schedule for Comino and the sunset.

The trade-off is comfort. A long boat with bench seats is functional, not luxurious. The front can deliver hard jolts when the sea is lively, and even the rear may feel active. One detailed account compared the impact to repeated kidney punches, which tells you more about the ride than the word speedboat ever could.

I would not choose this trip if you need a smooth, relaxing cruise. I would choose it if you want to get to Comino efficiently and do not mind a brisk ride. Wear comfortable shoes, keep loose belongings secure, and consider motion sickness prevention before leaving St. Julian’s.

The tour specifically advises against bringing luggage or large bags. Pets, baby strollers, non-folding wheelchairs, baby carriages, and electric wheelchairs are not allowed. The experience is also unsuitable for children under three, pregnant women, people with back or heart problems, people with mobility impairments, wheelchair users, and anyone prone to seasickness or motion sickness.

Sunset color, swimming, and the Blue Lagoon name

The Blue Lagoon name sets up a powerful image: bright turquoise water, white limestone, and strong Mediterranean sun. The evening cruise offers a different version. As the sun lowers, the water can lose that vivid daytime color and appear dark.

You may still get a beautiful sunset over the Mediterranean, but the main visual reward is the changing light rather than a guaranteed postcard-blue lagoon. If you care most about swimming, the trip includes the opportunity for a short refreshing swim stop, but the available time is limited and the stop is shared with the practical demands of getting on and off the boat.

The best approach is to treat swimming as an option, not the entire purpose of the outing. Bring swimwear, but also bring a light layer if you tend to cool down after sunset. Comfortable footwear is useful for the path and shore area.

Food and drinks are not included. There is no stated meal service, and you should not expect the skipper to provide refreshments. Since the total duration is only 2.5 hours, this is easy to manage, but plan ahead if you need something to eat before departure.

The return past St. Paul’s Islands

The return journey follows the coastline and passes St. Paul’s Islands. This gives you a second scenic section rather than simply reversing the outward route.

The islands are tied to one of Malta’s best-known religious stories, but this outing does not include a guide or a formal explanation. You are seeing them as part of the coastal route, not joining a history lesson. That suits anyone who wants a visual finish to the evening, but it may leave you wanting more context if you prefer detailed commentary.

The ride back is also a chance to settle into the boat and watch St. Julian’s approach from the water. After the stronger movement of the outward leg and the stop at Comino, you may appreciate having one more coastal view before returning to the same jetty.

Is $53 a fair price?

At $53 per person, the price is reasonable only if you value speed, the sunset schedule, and the route. Fuel, the experienced skipper, the outward and return boat trips, the cave visit, free time at Comino, and the passage by St. Paul’s Islands are included.

The price does not include food, drinks, hotel transportation, a guide, or the government access pass for Blue Lagoon. Those exclusions matter because the boat itself provides transport and scenery, not a full-service cruise experience.

I see the value in this trip for someone who has limited time and wants a direct evening run to Comino. You are paying for access and timing. You are not paying for a padded seat, a meal, a guided island walk, or a luxury sunset boat.

If you strongly dislike rough rides, the value drops quickly. The boat’s comfort is basic, and the short cave viewing does not justify the cost on its own. You need to want the full combination of speedboat transport, sunset light, and Blue Lagoon access.

Who should book this Comino cruise?

I would point this trip toward active adults and older children who can handle a firm boat ride. It suits you if you want to swim, take photos, watch the sunset, and enjoy a compact evening away from St. Julian’s without committing to a full-day excursion.

It is also useful for anyone who wants to avoid the heaviest daytime crowds. The quieter timing is the strongest feature, even though the lagoon will not be empty.

I would steer you elsewhere if comfort comes first. Pregnant passengers, people with back or heart problems, anyone with limited mobility, wheelchair users, and people prone to motion sickness should not book this activity. Children under three are also excluded.

The lack of a guide cuts both ways. You get freedom and no forced commentary, but you must manage your own time, swimming, walking, and return to the boat. If you enjoy independent stops, that is a plus. If you want local stories and organized sightseeing, it is a limitation.

Practical details that make the evening easier

Book the government access pass before the cruise if you want to step ashore at Blue Lagoon. Use blcomino.com, choose the evening slot, and remember that the pass is subject to a limited daily allocation.

Arrive at the St. Julian’s jetty with enough time to follow the black gate, ramp, left turn, and yellow line. Hotel pick-up and drop-off are not included, so you need to make your own way to the marina area.

Wear comfortable shoes and bring swimwear. Avoid large bags, luggage, and bulky equipment. If you are sensitive to motion, take appropriate prevention before departure rather than waiting until the boat is moving.

The operator offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and allows you to reserve now and pay later. Check the departure time when booking, since the exact starting time depends on availability.

Should you book it?

Book this cruise if you want the quickest practical route from St. Julian’s to Comino, prefer an evening setting, and are comfortable with a bumpy bench-seat ride. The sunset, Santa Maria Caves, and return past St. Paul’s Islands give the trip more variety than a simple transfer.

Skip it if you want a calm luxury cruise, bright midday Blue Lagoon colors, or a guided island experience. The access pass is essential for stepping ashore, and the stop can involve vendors and walking rather than an effortless swim from the boat.

For the right passenger, $53 buys a lively scenic outing with strong sunset potential. For someone seeking comfort and polish, the same price may feel high. Check the pass first, sit toward the rear if you want less impact, and book only if the speed and evening timing matter more to you than soft seats and full service.

FAQ

How long is the St. Julian’s Blue Lagoon sunset cruise?

The cruise lasts 2.5 hours.

Where does the boat leave from?

It leaves from the jetty behind the Verdi St. George’s Bay Marina Hotel in St. Julian’s, formerly known as the Marina Hotel Corinthia Beach Resort, at 8, Ix-Xatt Ta’ San Ġorġ.

How do I find the jetty?

Near the entrance to the hotel’s underground parking lot, look for a black iron gate. Go through the gate, walk down the ramp, turn left, and follow the yellow line to the jetty.

Is a guide included?

No. An English-speaking host or greeter is available, and an experienced skipper operates the boat, but this is not a guided tour. Your time at Comino is at leisure.

Do I need an access pass for Blue Lagoon?

Yes. From May 2025, anyone who wants to step ashore at Blue Lagoon must obtain an official government access pass through blcomino.com. Select the evening slot when applying.

What happens if I do not have the access pass?

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

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not included in the price.

What should I bring?

Bring comfortable shoes, swimwear, and motion sickness prevention if needed. Large bags and luggage are not allowed.

Is the cruise suitable for everyone?

No. It is not suitable for children under three, pregnant women, people with back or heart problems, people with mobility impairments, wheelchair users, or people prone to seasickness or motion sickness.