St Julian’s: Powerboat Comino Blue Lagoon

The main selling point here is simple: speed to the Blue Lagoon. The powerboat can cover the crossing from Malta in about 25 minutes, leaving more of your half-day for clear water, swimming, and a look at Comino’s sea caves.

I like the direct route and the St Maria’s Caves stop, which adds more than a simple beach transfer. I also like the fun, energetic feel onboard, especially if you enjoy a fast ride. The catch is equally clear: the boat can bounce hard over waves, and the Blue Lagoon itself can be extremely crowded in summer.

Key points

• About 25 minutes each way: This is much quicker than slower boat options.
• Fast, open-water ride: Passengers must stay seated for the full crossing.
• St Maria’s Caves included: The return route includes a cruise past Comino’s caves.
• Free time for swimming and snorkeling: Bring your own swimwear and towel.
• Blue Lagoon access now needs a separate reservation: Book both the morning and afternoon access slots through the official website.
• Best for active visitors: It is not suitable for children under 3, pregnant women, or people with heart or back problems.

The quick route from St Julian’s to Comino

From the Ganado meeting point, you walk through a black gate, down a ramp, and turn left along the yellow line on the jetty. The boats and jet skis are down by the water.

The trip begins along Malta’s east coast, with views toward St Paul’s Islands before the boat crosses toward Comino. The ride takes about 25 minutes in each direction, according to the supplied timing. That is the real value of this outing. You spend less time getting there and more time near the water than you would on a slower transfer.

The boat is marketed as the fastest powerboat on the island, and the ride is clearly designed to feel fast rather than calm. You remain seated for the entire journey. On a smooth day, that makes the crossing exciting and efficient. When the sea is choppy, the boat can hop over waves and land with a firm jolt.

I would not treat this as a gentle sightseeing cruise. Think of it as a speedboat transfer with scenery attached. If you enjoy motion, the crossing is part of the fun. If you want a quiet ride, or if your back is easily bothered, choose another way to reach Comino.

What the 25-minute crossing feels like

The boat passes Malta’s eastern shoreline before heading across open water. St Paul’s Islands are one of the notable sights along the way, and the crossing gives you a quick look at the coast without spending most of the day onboard.

You must stay seated for the whole ride. That rule matters here because the boat can bounce over waves. Do not plan to stand for photos, move around to find a better view, or stretch your legs while underway.

The experience has a lively feel. It is especially suited to people who like speed and do not mind a little spray or jolting. A family traveling with older children or teenagers may find the ride memorable, but children under 3 are not allowed. Pregnant women and people with heart or back problems should not board.

There is no guide name provided for this trip. The host or greeter speaks English, so you can expect basic assistance in English at the departure point and during the outing.

Blue Lagoon: beautiful water, busy shore

The Blue Lagoon is the main reason to book this trip. Its clear water is ideal for swimming and snorkeling, and the bright color is most impressive when seen from the boat before you go ashore or enter the water.

You receive free time here rather than a tightly managed guided visit. That gives you room to swim, snorkel, walk, or simply take in the view. I prefer this kind of arrangement at a swimming stop because you can set your own pace.

The important warning is crowding. In August, the lagoon can be very full. The water may be beautiful, but the setting is not likely to feel quiet or secluded during the busiest part of the season. Expect the best experience if you are happy to share the area with many other people.

A government policy introduced on April 29, 2025, requires all visitors to reserve Blue Lagoon access through the official website. You need to arrange this separately at blcomino.com/product/blue-lagoon. The instructions say to book both the morning and afternoon slots. Do this before your boat trip, since a powerboat ticket alone does not replace the required lagoon reservation.

Bring swimwear and a towel. The activity does not list snorkeling gear as included, so check what you already have or confirm arrangements before departure.

St Maria’s Caves add a useful second stop

Before returning to Malta, the boat visits St Maria’s Caves in Comino. This is one of the best features of the trip because it breaks up the outing and gives you something to see beyond the lagoon.

The cave visit is made from the boat, with a cruise through the area rather than a separate land walk described in the schedule. You can expect a short scenic look at Comino’s rocky shoreline and openings along the water. The exact amount of time spent there is not specified, so think of it as a sightseeing addition to the return trip, not a long exploration stop.

The caves also help make the price easier to justify. You are not paying only for transportation to a crowded swimming spot. You get a fast crossing, time at the lagoon, and a second coastal sight before heading back.

How the timing actually works

The advertised duration is 4.5 hours. The transport portions are listed as about 25 minutes each way, leaving roughly three hours and 40 minutes for time around Comino if those figures are applied strictly.

The supplied schedule also contains longer time blocks for Comino and Blue Lagoon, including five hours and four hours. Those figures do not match the stated 4.5-hour total, so I would confirm the precise departure and return schedule before booking. The practical takeaway is that this is a half-day experience, not an all-day beach outing.

The wording also treats Comino and Blue Lagoon as separate itinerary entries, although the Blue Lagoon is on Comino. In real terms, you should expect time at the Blue Lagoon area plus the cave cruise, with the powerboat returning you to the St Julian’s area.

Check the available start times when booking. This matters because Blue Lagoon access now involves both morning and afternoon reservations. Your boat departure needs to line up with the access slots required by the official system.

Is $65 a fair price?

At $65 per person, this is not the cheapest way to reach Comino. The price makes sense if you care about reducing travel time and want the speedboat ride itself to be part of the day.

You are paying for transport from St Julian’s, the quick crossing, the return journey, and the visit to St Maria’s Caves. The service does not list meals, drinks, snorkeling equipment, or separate Blue Lagoon admission as included. Factor in anything you need to bring or arrange yourself.

I see the value in the trip for a short Malta visit. If your time is limited, arriving in about 25 minutes is useful. A slower, less expensive boat may take longer and offer a calmer ride, but it will not give you the same fast arrival.

The price is less appealing if you mainly want to sit at Blue Lagoon for hours. You still face the crowds, and you have to handle the new access reservation yourself. In that case, compare the total cost and timing with a slower boat or a longer Comino outing.

Who will enjoy this powerboat most

I would choose this trip if you like:

• Fast boat rides and a lively atmosphere
• Swimming and snorkeling in clear water
• A short outing from St Julian’s
• A simple transfer with free time rather than a full guided program
• A sightseeing stop at St Maria’s Caves
• A practical way to reach Comino quickly

Teenagers and adults who enjoy speed are likely to get the most from it. The boat ride itself can be a highlight, not just a means of transport.

I would think twice if you need a smooth, restful crossing. The boat can jump over waves, and the landing after a bounce can feel strong. The activity specifically excludes pregnant women and people with heart or back conditions, while children under 3 cannot join.

The experience may also disappoint you if you picture an empty lagoon. The water can be magnificent while the shore is crowded, especially in August. Go for the sea and the ride, not for a private beach atmosphere.

Meeting point and what to bring

The meeting point is at Ganado. Look for a black gate that is open. Walk through it, go down the ramp, turn left, and follow the yellow line along the jetty. The boats and jet skis are at the end area by the water.

The welcome area may have limited shade and seating, so arrive prepared to wait outside. Clear instructions about where to board may also be limited at the start. Give yourself enough time to find the jetty rather than arriving at the last minute.

Bring:

• Swimwear
• A towel

You may also want sun protection and drinking water, although these are not listed as included or provided. Keep your belongings secure and avoid bringing anything you cannot manage easily around a wet boat and swimming stop.

Safety and comfort details worth taking seriously

The seated rule is not a minor formality. Stay in your place during the crossing, especially when the boat is moving quickly or the sea is rough.

The provider does not accept people with heart conditions, back conditions, or pregnancies. Children under 3 are not permitted, and children who are old enough to attend must be accompanied by an adult. These limits reflect the speed and movement of the boat.

You should also be comfortable with an open-water ride. Even if the crossing takes only about 25 minutes, the boat may bounce over waves. If you are unsure about your physical comfort, a calmer boat is the safer choice.

My verdict: book it for speed, not solitude

I would book the St Julian’s powerboat if I wanted a quick, energetic way to see Blue Lagoon and Comino’s caves. The 25-minute crossing, free swimming time, and St Maria’s Caves stop make good use of a half-day, and the speed is a genuine part of the fun.

I would skip it if I wanted a peaceful ride, a quiet beach, or a long all-day stay at Comino. The lagoon can be crowded, the boat can hit hard over waves, and you must arrange the official Blue Lagoon access reservation separately.

Before paying, check the departure time against both required access slots and confirm the exact amount of free time. If those details work for you, this is a focused, fast Comino trip with a strong sightseeing bonus.

FAQ

How long does the powerboat take to reach Blue Lagoon?

The crossing from the St Julian’s area to Comino takes about 25 minutes. The return journey is also listed as about 25 minutes.

Where does the tour meet?

The meeting point is at Ganado. Pass through the open black gate, walk down the ramp, turn left, and follow the yellow line on the jetty toward the boats and jet skis.

Is Blue Lagoon access included automatically with the boat ticket?

No. Under the stated government policy, you must reserve Blue Lagoon access through the official website. The instructions say to book both the morning and afternoon access slots.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear and a towel. You should also check whether you need to arrange your own snorkeling equipment, since it is not listed as included.

Can children join the powerboat?

Children under 3 years are not permitted. Children who are allowed to join must be accompanied by an adult.

Who should not take this activity?

Pregnant women and people with heart or back problems should not board the powerboat. All passengers must remain seated for the entire ride.