If your day in Malta starts with salty speed, this is it. This fast speedboat run gets you from St. Julian’s to Comino quickly, then gives you free time to enjoy the Blue Lagoon at your own pace, with Comino Sea caves added on the way back (weather permitting). It is simple, time-efficient, and very “see the headline place, then relax.”

I particularly like the 45-minute high-speed ride that keeps you away from slower transit, plus the fact that you get independent time on Comino Island and the Blue Lagoon instead of being marched around. I also like the small practical touches hinted by recent experiences, like life jackets being available when waves pick up.

One consideration: the Blue Lagoon can get busy, and you must have the government access pass to step ashore there, otherwise you will be taken to Santa Marija Bay instead.

Key Points I’d Plan Around

Fast route from St. Julian’s, with a high-speed crossing that many people say feels closer to about 30 minutes each way.

Blue Lagoon free time at your own pace, not a guided walking tour.

Government access pass required to disembark at the Blue Lagoon, with limited daily availability.

Comino Sea caves on the return, only if conditions allow.

On-board safety for choppy water, with life jackets mentioned by visitors.

From St. Julian’s Jetty to Comino, What the Trip Actually Feels Like

This outing is built for one main goal: reaching the Blue Lagoon fast enough that your “vacation time” actually happens. The trip lists a 45-minute high-speed journey to Comino, and multiple recent visitors report it can feel about 30 minutes each way, depending on conditions.

Once you land, the tone changes completely. You step off and switch from speed mode to beach mode. No lecture, no strict schedule, just time to swim, snorkel, sunbathe, or walk around Comino Island.

For me, the best part is that you are not trading your day for transport. You are paying for speed, then using that time however you like.

Meeting Point at Verdi St George’s Bay Marina, Jetty Details That Matter

Plan to arrive early. The meeting point is very specific and easy to miss if you show up exactly on time.

You board at the jetty behind the Verdi St George’s Bay Marina Hotel (formerly Marina Hotel Corinthia Beach Resort). The address is 8, Ix-Xatt Ta’ San Ġorġ, St. Julian’s.

When you arrive:

• Look for a black iron gate near the hotel’s underground parking entrance
• Go through the gate, take the ramp down
• Turn left, and follow the yellow line painted on the ground to the jetty area where boats and jet skis are parked

If you want a smooth start, this is the place where paying attention beats rushing.

The Speedboat Ride Past St. Paul’s Islands, Views Without the Waiting

The ride is not just “getting there.” The route runs along the eastern coast of Malta, and you pass St. Paul’s Islands before heading straight toward Comino.

That matters because it turns a transfer into a real mini-sightseeing moment, even if you keep it simple and mostly watch the water. Expect the boat to feel lively. It is a speedboat designed for quick hops, so it is not the slow, gentle ferry style.

Practical tip: bring sunglasses, sun hat, and whatever helps with motion sickness prevention if you are prone to it. The tour specifically flags motion sickness and adds precautions for comfort.

Comino Island and the Blue Lagoon, Your Free Time and the Access Pass Rule

This is where the day lives. You get free time to explore Comino Island and the Blue Lagoon, and the stop is at leisure, meaning there is no tour guide accompanying you.

What the Blue Lagoon is like

The Blue Lagoon is described as turquoise, crystal-clear waters with a white sandy base and plenty of marine life. In plain terms, it is the kind of water where you can see what is under you, and where swimming and snorkelling can be genuinely fun.

The big rule for May 2025 onward: you need the pass

Starting May 2025, Malta requires a government-issued access pass for anyone wishing to disembark at the Blue Lagoon. Passes are available online at blcomino.com. The allocation is limited, so you should plan ahead.

If you do not have the official pass, you will not be allowed to step ashore at the Blue Lagoon. In that case, you will be taken to Comino’s Santa Marija Bay instead.

This changes the whole decision-making. If your dream is specifically the Blue Lagoon, you want the pass in hand before you go. If you do not get it, you might still have a great day in Comino waters, but it will not match the exact plan.

How to make the most of a busy place

Even with a perfect pass, expect crowds. Recent experiences make that clear: the lagoon can be very busy, even though the water quality is still the star.

My strategy in a crowded setting is simple: do not just plant yourself in the busiest spot. Walk around the island, find your swim rhythm, and use your time actively instead of hoping for a quiet shoreline.

Also, because you are not on a guided schedule, you control your pace. If you want to snorkel first, do it early. If you want calmer water views, walk for a bit before you decide where to relax.

What you can do on site

The tour focuses on free time, so what you do depends on what you feel like spending your money and energy on. Some on-site options you may come across include:

• Swimming and snorkelling in the lagoon
• Sitting on deck chairs (available via rentals)
• Renting day setup items like lockers for storage (at a price)

Because this is free time, you will also find food and drinks available from vendors, but they are not included in your tour price.

Comino Sea Caves on the Return, the Weather Check You Can’t Skip

On your way back, the speedboat may stop at the Comino Sea caves, weather permitting. That “if conditions allow” clause is not filler. It matters because this is open water, and cave visits can shift depending on sea state.

If it happens, it adds variety to the day. You go from bright lagoon water to something more dramatic, with caves that give you a different feel for Comino’s coastline.

If it does not happen, you still get the core experience: a fast transfer, free time on Comino, and the return to St. Julian’s.

Price, Timing, and Value for a 2.5 to 4.5 Hour Day

The price is listed at $53 per person, and the duration is 2.5 to 4.5 hours total. That range is important. It means your start time and the specific departure options affect how long you have on the island and in the water.

For value, I look at two things:

1) How much of the day is actually spent where you want to be

2) How much you save by avoiding slower travel

This trip is priced like a “time buy.” You pay for the speedboat so you can use more hours for swimming, snorkelling, and walking. Recent comments reinforce the efficiency, with visitors noting the ride time can feel close to 30 minutes each way.

Also, you are not paying extra for fuel in the boat ride. Fuel costs are included, along with an experienced skipper.

What you do pay for separately is predictable: the access pass (required for Blue Lagoon disembarkation), and food and drinks on site.

Net: if you want the Blue Lagoon without losing half a day to transit, this is one of the more rational ways to do it.

Who This Trip Suits, and Who Should Think Twice

This is best for people who want speed, water time, and flexibility.

You’ll likely love it if:

• You can handle a lively speedboat ride
• You want free time instead of a structured group tour
• You care about reaching Comino quickly from St. Julian’s

You should think twice or skip if you fit the tour’s “not suitable” categories. It is not recommended for:

• Children under 3
• Pregnant women
• People with back problems
• People with mobility impairments, wheelchair users, or those needing non-folding or electric wheelchairs
• People with heart problems
• People prone to seasickness or motion sickness

And a quick practical note: there are limits on what you can bring. Pets, strollers, luggage or large bags, and wheelchair types are not allowed. If you are the type who travels light anyway, this won’t bother you.

Should You Book the St. Julian’s to Comino and Blue Lagoon Speedboat?

Book it if your top goal is the Blue Lagoon and you want your time on Malta to feel efficient. The fast transfer, the self-paced free time, and the chance to add Comino Sea caves make it a smart half-day plan.

I would not book it if you:

• Do not want to deal with the access pass requirement
• Get sick easily on boats
• Need accessibility support, since the tour lists several limitations and it is not designed for wheelchair users

If you do book, the one move that protects your plan is simple: secure the Blue Lagoon access pass early. Then show up at the correct jetty on the yellow line and spend the day exactly how you want.

FAQ

How long does the trip take?

The total duration is listed as 2.5 to 4.5 hours, depending on the departure option you choose.

How fast is the boat ride to Comino?

The trip information describes a 45-minute high-speed journey to the Blue Lagoon area.

Where is the meeting point?

The boat departs from the jetty behind the Verdi St George’s Bay Marina Hotel in St. Julian’s. The meeting instructions include finding a black iron gate, going through it, down the ramp, turning left, and following the yellow line to the jetty.

Is this a guided tour?

No. This is not a guided tour. Your time on Comino Island and the Blue Lagoon is free time.

Do I need an access pass to step ashore at the Blue Lagoon?

Yes. A government-issued access pass is required to disembark at the Blue Lagoon, and it must be obtained in advance via blcomino.com.

What happens if I do not have the access pass?

If you do not have the official access pass, you will be taken to Comino’s Santa Marija Bay instead of stepping ashore at the Blue Lagoon.

What is included in the price?

Included: speedboat trips from St. Julian’s to Comino and back, free time at Comino Island and the Blue Lagoon, a return journey visit to the Comino Sea caves (weather permitting), an experienced skipper, and all fuel costs.

What is not included?

Not included: the access pass, food and drinks, hotel pickup and drop-off, and a tour guide.

Can I swim and snorkel at the Blue Lagoon?

Yes. The Blue Lagoon stop is set up for relaxing and swimming, and snorkelling is included as one of the activities you can enjoy during your free time.

What should I bring and wear?

Bring comfortable shoes, sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and motion sickness prevention if needed.