REVIEW · ST JULIAN S
From St. Julian’s: Comino and Blue Lagoon Trip by Speedboat
Book on GetYourGuide →Operated by Robert Arrigo & Sons Limited · Bookable on GetYourGuide
Speedboat rides to Comino feel like a shortcut to paradise. This one runs from St. Julian’s to the Blue Lagoon fast, then gives you free time on Comino to swim, snorkel, and wander at your own pace—plus a return stop at the Comino Sea caves when conditions allow.
I like two things most about it. First, the trip is built around speed: think quick, efficient transit instead of waiting around for buses or slow ferries. Second, the main moment is yours to manage—when you land at Blue Lagoon/Comino, you get real free time rather than being marched around on a rigid schedule.
My one watch-out is the Blue Lagoon access rule. Since May 2025, you must have a government-issued access pass to disembark at the Blue Lagoon, and capacity is limited. If you don’t have it, you’ll be taken to Santa Marija Bay instead.
In This Review
- Key highlights that matter in real life
- Why this speedboat beats the bus to Comino
- Meeting at St. Julian’s jetty: black gate, yellow line, no guessing
- Fast crossing: the St. Paul’s Islands route and what to expect
- Your time at Comino: Blue Lagoon + Comino Island at your own pace
- Blue Lagoon reality check: crowds, deck chairs, toilets, and extras
- The May 2025 Blue Lagoon access pass: the rule that can change your stop
- Comino Sea caves on the return: a weather-shaped bonus
- Price and value: what $53 buys you (and how to judge it)
- Who should book this speedboat trip from St. Julian’s?
- Should you book? My decision checklist
- FAQ
- Do I need a government access pass to get off at the Blue Lagoon?
- What happens if I don’t have the access pass?
- How long is the trip from St. Julian’s to Comino?
- What’s included in the ticket price?
- Is there food or drinks included?
- Is this a guided tour with a tour guide?
- Where do I meet the boat in St. Julian’s?
- Is the speedboat ride suitable if I get seasick?
Key highlights that matter in real life

- A quick high-speed run from St. Julian’s means you spend more time in the water, not in transit
- Free time on Comino Island so you can swim, snorkel, or walk wherever you like
- Blue Lagoon time on a fixed window (with the bay often crowded) that’s easier to manage than a full day commitment
- Comino Sea caves on the return, weather permitting for an extra visual bonus
- Bring a pass for Blue Lagoon or you’ll miss the main stop
Why this speedboat beats the bus to Comino

Comino is one of those places that looks simple on a map but can eat your day in real life. This speedboat layout is about time efficiency: you head straight toward Comino and the Blue Lagoon instead of spending the morning sorting out slower connections.
That matters when you’re dealing with peak season crowding. The Blue Lagoon can be busy, so your “best move” is getting there with enough energy to enjoy it—not arriving late and already exhausted.
It also helps that the trip is designed as a straightforward transfer with a clear rhythm: fast go, free time, then a scenic return that can include the sea caves.
Meeting at St. Julian’s jetty: black gate, yellow line, no guessing

The meeting point is not complicated once you know what to look for—but you do need to arrive on time. The boat departs from the jetty behind Verdi St. George’s Bay Marina Hotel (formerly Marina Hotel Corinthia Beach Resort).
Here’s the practical route: near the entrance to the hotel’s underground parking lot, find a black iron gate. Go through the gate, down the ramp, turn left, and follow the yellow line painted on the ground until you reach the jetty with boats and jet skis.
One more point: this is a speedboat setup with strict space rules. You can’t bring luggage or large bags, and pets and strollers aren’t allowed. If you travel light, you’ll move faster and feel less stressed at check-in.
Fast crossing: the St. Paul’s Islands route and what to expect

You’re cruising along the eastern coast of Malta and passing St. Paul’s Islands before heading straight to Comino. The journey is described as about a 45-minute high-speed ride in the general overview, and in practice some departures run closer to around 30 minutes each way in the accounts you’ll find.
Either way, the key experience is speed. This isn’t for people who want a leisurely view from a ferry deck. It’s for people who want to arrive feeling ready for the day.
Safety and comfort come up in real feedback. On at least one return trip, conditions were rough enough that life jackets were provided. If you’re prone to seasickness or motion sickness, this matters: the activity is not suitable for people who are prone to it, and the boat is fast by design.
Your time at Comino: Blue Lagoon + Comino Island at your own pace

Once you arrive, you step ashore to spend free time exploring Comino Island and the Blue Lagoon. This is not a guided walking tour. You’re basically renting the day for swimming, snorkeling, relaxing, and wandering.
What you’re looking for in the water:
- Clear, bright water with a sandy bottom
- Plenty of marine life for snorkel-friendly moments
- A bay with that famous cyan look you came for
What you might do on Comino Island:
- Sunbathe and swim right from the shoreline area
- Walk around the countryside on the island (good shoes help more than you’d think)
- Find a spot to rinse off and recharge between swims
This is also the time window where you choose your own pace. If you want a calm corner, you’ll likely need to walk a bit from the most packed swim zones. When Blue Lagoon is busy, wandering the island gives you breathing room.
Blue Lagoon reality check: crowds, deck chairs, toilets, and extras

Yes, it’s crowded. But that doesn’t automatically ruin it if you play it smart.
In practical terms, here’s how people make it work:
- Walking around the island helps you shake off the crush.
- Deck chairs are usually available for rent, and some vendors accept card payments (handy when you’re spending on the spot).
- Facilities tend to be taken care of: clean toilets are reported, with monitoring on site.
- You may find showers for a quick rinse off.
- Lockers can be available for a fee if you don’t want to keep everything on your person.
Food and drinks are not included in the ticket, so plan on buying what you need on Comino. The good news is you can keep it simple: you won’t be stuck bringing a picnic just to survive the day.
What to pack (and why)
The tour’s own “bring” list is spot on. Bring:
- Swimwear, towel, and sunscreen (the classic trio)
- Sunglasses and a sun hat
- Comfortable shoes for the island walk
- Motion sickness prevention if you’re sensitive
And one small but useful tip: you can spend more than you expect on ice-cold drinks and beach extras, so keep a card handy.
The May 2025 Blue Lagoon access pass: the rule that can change your stop

This is the big new logistics piece.
Since May 2025, the government of Malta requires visitors to obtain an access pass in advance to disembark at the Blue Lagoon. The pass comes via the official site: blcomino.com. Daily allocation is limited, so don’t treat this like a last-minute add-on.
If you don’t have the pass, you won’t be able to disembark at the Blue Lagoon. You’ll be taken to Comino’s Santa Marija Bay instead.
What that means for your expectations:
- If you came specifically for the Blue Lagoon water and photo spot, the pass is essential.
- If you’re flexible and mainly want Comino’s beaches and swimming, Santa Marija Bay could still be a fine outcome.
Also be aware that there can be security checks related to boarding/disembarkation tied to the pass. So plan to have what you need ready.
Comino Sea caves on the return: a weather-shaped bonus

On the way back, the boat may visit the Comino Sea caves, weather permitting. That condition matters because speedboats feel every change in wind and waves.
If the water is rough, it can add excitement—but it’s also why they advise motion sickness prevention and why life jackets can come out when conditions get choppy.
Even if you only catch a partial glimpse, the caves are a different visual from the beaches. It’s a good “last look” moment before you head back to St. Julian’s.
Price and value: what $53 buys you (and how to judge it)

At $53 per person, this is a mid-priced day-saver. You’re paying for:
- A fast, direct speedboat transfer
- Time on Comino and at the Blue Lagoon
- Return transport
- The cave stop if conditions allow
- Fuel costs and an experienced skipper
Not included is the access pass, food, drinks, and any hotel pickup. There’s also no tour guide running the stop as a guided experience.
So where’s the value? For me, it comes down to minimizing friction. Comino day trips can become a hassle when transit is slow or when schedules don’t line up with the best water time. This one reduces that problem: you’re not stuck. You get a compact experience—speed there, freedom once you arrive.
If you want a calm beach day with minimal planning, this usually fits better than a DIY ferry plan. But if you’re already in Comino and don’t need the transfer, the value shifts.
Who should book this speedboat trip from St. Julian’s?

This trip tends to be a strong fit for:
- People who want speed and a shorter, focused Comino visit
- Swimmers and snorkelers who like clear water and marine life
- Travelers who are comfortable handling their own time on the island (no guide required)
- Anyone who wants an easy “day escape” without dealing with bus schedules
It may be a poor fit for:
- Kids under 3
- Pregnant women
- People with back problems, heart problems, or mobility impairments
- Wheelchair users
- People prone to seasickness or motion sickness
If you’re on the fence because you get motion sick, I’d treat the “not suitable” note as a real warning, not a formality. This boat is quick and you’ll feel the ride.
Language is practical: the host/greeter is English, and you’ll be managing most of the free time yourself.
Should you book? My decision checklist
Yes, book it if you want a time-efficient Comino day with swimming freedom and an extra scenic return stop. The $53 price makes sense when you factor in how direct the ride is and how much of the day you keep for Blue Lagoon time.
Don’t book it yet—or at least plan carefully—if you’re missing the one big new requirement: the Blue Lagoon access pass. That pass can decide whether you get the iconic stop or a different bay.
Here’s my quick call:
- If Blue Lagoon is the reason you’re going, get the pass early at blcomino.com.
- If you’re flexible and mainly want Comino swimming time, the trip still has appeal even if you end up at Santa Marija Bay.
- If you’re prone to motion sickness, consider skipping or choosing a more gentle option.
FAQ
Do I need a government access pass to get off at the Blue Lagoon?
Yes. Since May 2025, you must obtain a government-issued access pass in advance to disembark at the Blue Lagoon. The pass is available on blcomino.com, and capacity is limited.
What happens if I don’t have the access pass?
If you don’t have the official pass to disembark at the Blue Lagoon, you’ll be taken to Comino’s Santa Marija Bay instead.
How long is the trip from St. Julian’s to Comino?
The duration is listed as 2.5 to 4.5 hours, depending on the departure time you select.
What’s included in the ticket price?
Included are the speedboat trips between St. Julian’s and Comino, free time at Comino/Blue Lagoon, the return cave visit when weather permits, an experienced skipper, and all fuel costs.
Is there food or drinks included?
No. Food and drinks are not included.
Is this a guided tour with a tour guide?
No. The stop at Comino Island is at leisure, and there is no tour guide for the island time.
Where do I meet the boat in St. Julian’s?
Meet at the jetty behind Verdi St. George’s Bay Marina Hotel (formerly Marina Hotel Corinthia Beach Resort). Go through the black iron gate, down the ramp, turn left, and follow the yellow line to the jetty.
Is the speedboat ride suitable if I get seasick?
It’s not suitable for people prone to seasickness or motion sickness. The trip also recommends motion sickness prevention.





