Okikoki Banis – Comino Blue Lagoon Speedboat Trip- Fast Ferry

The best part of this trip is the combination of fast coastal travel and long free time. You get a lively ride from St. Julian’s, views of Malta’s eastern coast and St. Paul’s Islands, then a cave tour before settling into Comino’s Blue Lagoon for roughly five hours.

I like the small maximum group of 20 and the fact that fuel, taxes, guiding, and round-trip transport are included. I also like the early arrival at Comino, which can help you enjoy the lagoon before the heaviest summer crowds. The main caution is the sea: the boat can pitch and roll, and spray may get your clothes or belongings wet.

Key points to know before you book

• Five hours at Comino: Most of the day is yours for swimming, relaxing, food, showers, toilets, or paid beach rentals.
• Caves included: The speedboat makes a tour of Comino’s caves rather than simply dropping you at the beach.
• Friendly skipper commentary: Guides named Ian and Toni have been praised for clear local information, good humor, and careful handling.
• Quick transfer: The ride from St. Julian’s to Comino takes about 35 to 40 minutes, depending on sea conditions.
• Shared boat, up to 20 people: This is not a private charter, so expect a social group setting.
• Weather matters: The route or schedule can change in winter and poor conditions can lead to a new date or full refund.

A fast start from St. Julian’s Bay

You meet at Oki-Ko-Ki Banis Watersports in Spinola Bay, near Happy Dayz Bar, in St. Julian’s. The information gives both a 9:00 a.m. start time and a 9:30 a.m. meeting time, so I would rely on the private message sent after booking and arrive early.

That small timing difference is worth taking seriously. A boat cannot wait long for late arrivals, and the meeting point is beside the water rather than at a large transport terminal. The location is near public transport, but you still want enough time to find the watersports desk and get settled.

The boat leaves shortly after the group gathers. This is a shared ride with a maximum of 20 people, which keeps the trip smaller than the large sightseeing ferries that serve Comino. You will have less room than on a full-size boat, but you also get a faster, more direct crossing and a better chance to hear the skipper.

The ride along Malta’s eastern coast

The outward journey takes about 35 to 40 minutes in suitable conditions. Rather than heading straight across open water, the speedboat cruises toward the northern part of Malta, giving you views of the eastern coast and St. Paul’s Islands.

This is one of the tour’s useful touches. The transfer becomes part of the sightseeing instead of a simple commute. The skipper provides information about what you see, so keep your eyes up and your camera ready. The exact ride time depends on the sea, and the water can change the feel of the trip quickly.

Several people have singled out the guides’ manner. Ian is described as informative and reassuring, while Toni is praised for his warmth and for answering questions after many years in the job. The names may vary by departure, but you can expect a driver-guide rather than a silent boat transfer.

The speed is part of the fun. It is also the part that needs the clearest warning. One account describes heavy pitching and rolling, and the operator information notes that spray can reach passengers. If you are sensitive to motion, sit where the crew advises and keep personal items protected from water.

A dry bag is sensible. At the very least, use a sealed pouch for phones, passports, wallets, and cameras. The boat is open enough that spray should be treated as a normal possibility, not a rare accident.

Comino’s caves before the beach

A tour of Comino’s caves is included in the outing. This gives you a short sightseeing circuit before the long beach stay, and it is an important part of the price because you are not paying only for transport to the Blue Lagoon.

The exact caves visited can depend on sea conditions and the skipper’s route. You should expect a boat-level view rather than a walk through the caves. The appeal is the change of pace: after the quick ride from Malta, the skipper takes you close to Comino’s rocky shoreline and points out the formations from the water.

The cave portion is brief compared with the five hours on land. That is a good balance if your main goal is swimming and relaxing, but it may feel too short if you want a full coastal sightseeing cruise. This is primarily a Blue Lagoon day with a cave tour included, not an all-day geology trip.

Five hours beside the Blue Lagoon

The main stop is Comino, where you have around five hours on the beach. That long pause is the tour’s strongest practical feature. You are not rushed through a quick photo stop or forced to leave after a single swim.

You can use the time in your own way. Food, drinks, toilets, and showers are available on the island, while sunbeds and umbrellas can be hired at an additional cost. Watersports are also available, though their prices are not included in the tour.

The basic trip price is $59.13 per person. For that amount, you receive the boat transfer in both directions, the fuel surcharge, local taxes, the guide, and the cave tour. Food, drinks, sunbeds, umbrellas, and watersports cost extra, so plan your spending around those add-ons.

I see this as good value if you want a full day by the water without arranging separate ferries, taxis, and a sightseeing boat. The value is less clear if you only want a short swim at the lagoon or prefer to choose your own departure and return times. Five hours is generous, but it also means you are committed to the group schedule.

The Blue Lagoon can be very busy in summer. An early arrival may give you a more comfortable start before the largest crowds build, though five hours on a popular beach still requires patience. Do not expect a private cove. The attraction is the clear water and famous setting, not solitude.

Food, facilities, and what to bring

You do not need to pack a full picnic because food and drinks are available on Comino. Still, those purchases are not included, and the supplied information does not give prices, menus, or details about the vendors.

Toilets and showers are available, which makes the five-hour stay easier. You can swim, rinse off, eat, and spend time on the beach without returning to the boat. Sunbeds and umbrellas can be hired, but bring a towel and protect your belongings because spray may reach you during the boat ride.

I would pack:

• A sealed waterproof pouch for valuables
• A towel and swimwear
• Sun protection
• Dry clothing for the return ride
• Money for food, drinks, rentals, or watersports

These are practical suggestions based on the wet boat ride and the facilities listed. The tour does not include personal equipment, meals, or beach rentals.

The return ride to St. Julian’s

Pickup is scheduled for around 3:30 p.m., with arrival back at St. Julian’s Bay around 4:30 p.m. The return transfer takes roughly an hour, although the operator makes clear that timing depends on sea conditions.

This gives you a proper full-day outing without taking up your evening. You return to the same meeting point, which is convenient if you are staying around St. Julian’s or need to continue by public transport.

Do not book a tight onward appointment immediately after the stated return time. Boats are affected by wind and waves, and the published times are estimates. The one-hour return also suggests that the boat may take a different route or travel more slowly than on the outward leg.

How the boat size changes the experience

With a maximum of 20 people, the boat should feel more personal than a large ferry. That matters when the skipper is explaining sights, answering questions, or guiding the cave portion.

It is still a shared trip. You will not control the departure time, the cave route, or the length of the beach stop. If you want complete privacy, a private charter would be a better fit, but that would be a different product and price level.

The group size also shapes the beach day. Everyone returns at the arranged pickup time, so watch the clock and make your way back to the meeting point before 3:30 p.m. Missing the boat would not be a minor inconvenience.

Sea conditions, winter changes, and safety

The tour requires good weather. If poor conditions cause a cancellation, you are offered another date or a full refund. During the winter season, beginning in October, the schedule and route may change because of weather.

You should follow the private instructions sent after booking. They may clarify the final meeting time, which matters here because the general information lists both 9:00 a.m. and 9:30 a.m.

The boat can pitch and roll heavily in rough water. The operator warns that passengers may get wet from spray, and one account specifically wished this had been made clearer in advance. Treat the ride as an active sea trip, not a calm ferry crossing.

Most people can take part, and the tour is near public transport. The provided details do not give special accessibility information, so you should ask the operator directly if you have mobility needs or concerns about boarding a speedboat.

Who will enjoy this Comino trip?

I would recommend it to you if you want three things in one day: a fast boat ride, a short coastal sightseeing experience, and a long stretch of free time at the Blue Lagoon.

It suits swimmers, beach lovers, couples, groups of friends, and families who can handle a lively boat ride. The five-hour stop also works well if different people in your group want different activities. One can swim, another can rent a sunbed, and someone else can look for food or try a watersport.

You should think twice if you dislike motion, want a quiet boat, or need a fixed arrival time back in St. Julian’s. The speedboat is part of the attraction, but it can be rough. You should also budget beyond the $59.13 price if you want food, drinks, shade, or paid activities.

Cancellation and booking details

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the local start time. Cancellations or changes made within 24 hours are not refunded or accepted.

Confirmation is issued at booking, and the maximum booking size is 20 people. Because departure details can change with weather, read the operator’s message soon after booking and again before you leave for the meeting point.

Should you book the Oki-Ko-Ki Banis speedboat?

Book this trip if you want a well-priced full day at Comino with more excitement than a standard ferry. The cave tour, coastal views, guide commentary, and five hours at the Blue Lagoon make the $59.13 fare a fair package for someone who values both transport and free beach time.

I would not choose it for a calm, luxury cruise or a private island visit. The ride can be rough, belongings can get wet, and the timetable depends on the sea. But if you pack carefully, allow for weather changes, and enjoy a fast boat, this is a strong way to reach Comino from St. Julian’s.

FAQ

Where does the tour start?

The tour starts at Oki-Ko-Ki Banis Watersports in Spinola Bay, St. Julian’s, near Happy Dayz Bar.

What time does the tour begin?

The meeting information gives 9:30 a.m., while the listed start time is 9:00 a.m. Check the private message sent after booking for the confirmed time.

How long is the experience?

The tour lasts about seven hours. The planned return to St. Julian’s is around 4:30 p.m.

How long do you stay at Comino?

You have about five hours on the beach at Comino.

Is the cave tour included?

Yes. A speedboat tour of the caves of Comino is included.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not included, though they are available on Comino.

Can I rent a sunbed or umbrella?

Yes. Sunbeds and umbrellas can be hired on the beach at an additional cost.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The experience requires good weather. If it is canceled because of poor conditions, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.