Comino, The Blue Lagoon & Caves Powerboat from St Julian’s

Comino’s Blue Lagoon is Malta’s famous splash of turquoise water, and this trip gets you there by powerboat rather than a slow ferry. From St Julian’s, you’ll speed past St Paul’s Islands, visit the Santa Maria caves, and reach Comino in roughly 30 to 40 minutes.

I like two things here: the quick ride saves you from a long day on the water, and the boat gives you a lively view of Malta’s coast before dropping you near the island’s best-known swimming spot. Captain Alex and staff members such as Rebecca have also earned warm praise for friendly help.

The main drawback is comfort and reliability. A fast boat can jolt hard in rough water, and there have been complaints about late pickup, mechanical trouble, and one serious return journey involving smoke and an engine problem. This is an adventure trip, not a polished yacht cruise.

Key points to know before booking

• The Blue Lagoon is about 30 to 40 minutes away by powerboat, making this one of the quicker ways to reach Comino from St Julian’s.
• Santa Maria caves and St Paul’s Islands are part of the scenery, usually seen during the outbound or return journey.
• You get several hours on Comino, with departure options at 10:30 a.m. or 12:30 p.m.
• The boat ride can be rough, so this suits people who enjoy speed and sea spray more than those seeking a calm crossing.
• Alex and Rebecca receive particular praise for their service, adding a friendly touch to the trip.
• The Blue Lagoon can feel crowded and practical rather than peaceful, with rocky places to sit and small vans selling drinks and snacks.

A fast run from St Julian’s to Comino

You meet at Sun & Fun Water Sports beside the Corinthia Beach Resort in St Julian’s. Arrive 15 minutes before departure. The meeting point is near public transportation, and the trip ends back there after the return crossing.

The usual options are:

• Depart at 10:30 a.m., return at 4:30 p.m.
• Depart at 12:30 p.m., return at 5 p.m.

That gives you roughly four to six hours, depending on the departure. The earlier boat offers more time overall, while the later departure may suit you if you prefer a slower morning.

The powerboat is the point of the trip. You are not simply being ferried to Comino. The boat moves quickly, and the ride itself becomes part of the entertainment. Music, jokes, and a lively captain can make the crossing feel like an outing rather than a transfer.

You should also set your expectations correctly. A powerboat is not the smoothest way to travel. One passenger described the ride as jolty, though sea conditions make a big difference. If you suffer from motion sickness, the combination of speed, wind, and waves deserves serious thought.

Passing St Paul’s Islands by sea

The route takes you past St Paul’s Islands, a pair of small rocky islands with strong links to Malta’s Christian tradition. From the water, you see them as dramatic outcrops rather than as a place to explore on foot.

This is a good example of what the trip does well. You get a moving view of Malta that you would miss from a road transfer. The coast, open water, and rock formations give the ride a sense of occasion before Comino comes into view.

Do not expect a formal history talk or a long sightseeing stop here. The focus is on the ride and the scenery. If you want detailed commentary, ask the captain what you are passing as the boat moves along.

Santa Maria caves and the rocky side of Comino

The Santa Maria caves are one of the most appealing parts of the route. Natural openings in the rock create darker patches along the coast, with water and stone forming the main show. The boat may pass through or close to the cave area, depending on sea conditions and the day’s running order.

The caves are especially useful for breaking up the ride. You are not spending the entire crossing simply looking ahead at the horizon. The rock formations give you a few memorable photo opportunities, though you should keep your phone secure on a fast-moving boat.

The timing of the cave visit can vary. The trip description places the caves along the route, and the exact position may be on the way out or on the way back. That is normal for a sea trip, since the captain must work around traffic, waves, and operating conditions.

Blue Lagoon time: beautiful water, limited comfort

The Blue Lagoon is the main reason to book. The water around Comino is famously clear and strongly colored, and it is ideal for swimming when conditions are good. You can cool off, take photographs, or simply sit near the shore and watch the boats come and go.

I would not picture a quiet, sandy beach day. Much of the shoreline around the popular area is rocky, and one account describes uneven places to sit or sunbathe. Small vans sell drinks and snacks, but Comino is not presented as a full resort with broad facilities.

Bring practical beach gear. Water shoes would be useful on uneven rock, though they are not listed as a required item. A towel, sun protection, drinking water, and a secure dry bag would also make the stop easier. These are sensible preparations for any exposed swimming stop, especially when your return time is fixed.

The amount of time on Comino is one of the trip’s strengths and one of its possible weaknesses. The longer departure gives you plenty of time for a swim and a relaxed look around. Some people may find the island time longer than necessary, particularly if they are not swimming or sunbathing.

That matters because the Blue Lagoon is visually spectacular but physically simple. Once you have seen the water, taken photographs, and had a swim, there may not be much more to do in the immediate area. The appeal is the setting, not a long list of attractions.

What the ride feels like in real conditions

The boat is designed for speed, and that can be thrilling in calm weather. You feel the wind, see the coastline from a low viewpoint, and reach Comino far faster than on a conventional ferry.

In choppy water, the same speed becomes a drawback. The hull may hit the waves with a hard jolt, and sitting for a long stretch can become tiring. If your back, neck, or stomach is sensitive, a slower boat may be a better choice.

There is also a serious safety point to consider. One account describes an engine overheating on the return, followed by leaking pink fluid, black smoke, and a rescue by another powerboat. The account also raises concerns about delayed safety instructions and the handling of passengers afterward.

That is not something to dismiss. Most of the available feedback is positive about the scenery, speed, and staff, but any report involving smoke, fire risk, or a rescue deserves attention. Before departure, make sure you know where life jackets are and listen to the captain’s instructions. If conditions look poor, ask how the operator is handling the crossing.

The activity requires good weather. If poor weather cancels it, you are offered another date or a full refund. That rule is sensible for a sea trip, though the experience itself cannot be changed or refunded simply because you change your mind.

Service from Alex, Rebecca, and the Sun & Fun team

The human side of the trip appears strongest when the staff are engaged. Alex is singled out for keeping the ride lively with music and jokes, while Alex and Rebecca are praised for assistance during the day.

That can make a difference on a short, active excursion. A clear welcome, simple pickup instructions, and a captain who explains the route help you relax before the boat accelerates.

Service has not been perfectly consistent. There have been complaints about a late pickup at the end and a boat that was not operating properly on the return. If you have an onward reservation, flight, cruise departure, or dinner booking, leave extra time after the scheduled return.

The advertised experience is focused on Comino, the Blue Lagoon, and caves. Because some boat excursions sold in the St Julian’s and Valletta area can differ in routing or transport arrangements, confirm that you are booking the powerboat version from Sun & Fun Water Sports at the Corinthia Beach Resort. This is particularly important if the powerboat itself is the reason you are choosing this trip.

Is $66.09 good value?

At $66.09 per person, this is fair value if you want a quick ride, a cave visit, and several hours around the Blue Lagoon in one half-day outing. The price is not just paying for transport. You are also paying for the scenic coastal run and the excitement of the powerboat.

The value is strongest for you if:

• You have limited time in Malta.
• You want to reach Comino quickly from St Julian’s.
• You enjoy speed and open-water scenery.
• You plan to swim at the Blue Lagoon.
• You prefer a simple package rather than arranging boat transport yourself.

The value is weaker if you want a quiet beach, soft sand, or a carefully timed sightseeing tour. The Blue Lagoon area may feel too exposed and rocky for a long stay, and the boat ride can be uncomfortable in rough conditions.

The maximum group size is 66 people. That is not an intimate private excursion. You can expect a shared outing with other passengers, though the exact feel will depend on the boat and the day’s numbers.

Who should book this Comino trip?

I would recommend it to confident swimmers, active families with older children, couples who enjoy a brisk sea ride, and anyone staying in St Julian’s who wants to see Comino without losing an entire day.

It is also a good match for people who want photographs. St Paul’s Islands, Santa Maria caves, and the Blue Lagoon give you several different coastal scenes in one outing.

I would think twice if you dislike jolting boat rides, become seasick easily, need a sandy beach, or want firm control over your schedule. It is also not ideal if a delayed return would cause problems later in the day.

Families should pay close attention to the sea conditions and the captain’s instructions. The trip is open to most participants, but the practical experience depends on being comfortable aboard a fast boat and around rocky swimming areas.

Final verdict: book it for speed, not luxury

Book this trip if your priority is reaching Comino quickly and adding an exciting boat ride to your Blue Lagoon visit. The clear water, Santa Maria caves, and views from the sea offer good value at $66.09, especially with a longer departure that leaves you several hours on the island.

Choose another option if you want a calm crossing, a soft beach, or a highly structured sightseeing program. Before paying, confirm the departure point, the powerboat arrangement, and the return plan. Once aboard, listen carefully to the safety briefing and allow extra time after the scheduled finish.

FAQ

Where does the tour depart from?

It departs from Sun & Fun Water Sports beside the Corinthia Beach Resort in St Julian’s, Malta.

Where does the tour finish?

The activity ends back at the same meeting point in St Julian’s.

How long does the experience last?

The experience lasts approximately four to six hours, depending on the departure option.

What are the departure and return times?

One option departs at 10:30 a.m. and returns at 4:30 p.m. The other departs at 12:30 p.m. and returns at 5 p.m.

How long does the powerboat ride to Comino take?

The ride is described as taking about 30 minutes, with one account placing the journey at about 40 minutes.

What sights are included on the boat route?

The route passes St Paul’s Islands and includes a visit to the Santa Maria caves. The timing of the cave visit can be on the outbound or return journey.

How much time do I get at the Blue Lagoon?

The schedule allows several hours on Comino. The exact time depends on your departure option and the day’s operation.

Is swimming included?

The Blue Lagoon stop gives you the opportunity to swim in the clear water, but swimming itself is not presented as a separate guided activity.

How many people can join the tour?

The maximum group size is 66 people.

What happens if bad weather cancels the trip?

If poor weather causes cancellation, you are offered a different date or a full refund. If the minimum number of participants is not reached, you are offered another date, a different experience, or a full refund.