Okikoki Banis – Comino Blue Lagoon Speedboat Trip- Fast Ferry

Malta’s best swim stop is reached by boat. This seven-hour trip combines a fast ride from St. Julian’s Bay, a cruise past St. Paul’s Islands, a short tour of Comino’s caves, and about five hours at the Blue Lagoon. I especially like the generous beach time and the lively, personal guiding from skippers such as Ian and Toni. The main caution is the ride itself: on rough water, the speedboat can pitch and roll hard, and spray may leave you wet.

The $59.13 price is fair if you want transport, a guide, the cave cruise, and a full day at Comino without arranging several separate pieces. I also like the early arrival, since the Blue Lagoon becomes much busier later in the day. Still, food, drinks, sunbeds, umbrellas, and watersports cost extra, so this is not an all-inclusive beach day.

Key Points Before You Book

• Five hours at Comino: You get a proper beach stay, not a rushed photo stop.
• Fast departure from St. Julian’s: The speedboat reaches Comino in about 35 to 40 minutes.
• Caves included: The boat makes a sightseeing trip around Comino’s caves at no extra charge.
• Good local commentary: Ian and Toni received special praise for friendly, informative guiding.
• Rough-water warning: The boat may pitch and roll, and passengers can get hit by spray.
• Simple return plan: Pickup from Comino is around 3:30 p.m., with arrival back in St. Julian’s near 4:30 p.m.

From Spinola Bay to Comino in 40 Minutes

The meeting point is Oki-Ko-Ki Banis Watersports at Xatt Is-Sajjieda in Spinola Bay, St. Julian’s. The listed start time is 9:00 a.m., while the operating instructions describe meeting around 9:30 a.m. and departing shortly after. Because of that difference, check the private message sent after booking and follow the latest meeting instructions.

That small bit of planning matters. A boat trip is not the place to arrive casually, especially when the group is limited to 20 people and the departure depends on sea conditions. The meeting point is near public transport, which helps if you are staying in St. Julian’s or nearby.

Once aboard, you head north along Malta’s eastern coast. The ride is part sightseeing trip and part transportation. You get views toward St. Paul’s Islands, and the skipper provides information about what you are seeing. The route gives you a different angle on Malta than a road tour, with the coast passing quickly beside you.

The speedboat reaches Comino in roughly 35 to 40 minutes. That is much quicker than a slower boat service, but speed brings a trade-off. The ride can be lively. One person found the pitching and rolling too heavy, and the operator does warn that water spray can reach passengers. Protect phones, cameras, wallets, and anything else you cannot afford to soak.

The Blue Lagoon: Five Hours to Settle In

The biggest strength of this outing is the amount of time at Comino. You have about five hours on the beach, which gives you room to swim, rest, eat, and find your own pace. Many boat excursions allow only a short stop, leaving you watching the clock just as you get comfortable. This one gives you most of the day.

The Blue Lagoon is the main attraction, and its clear water is the reason Comino appears on so many Malta itineraries. The early arrival is useful. The beach and water can become crowded during the main summer hours, so getting there before the largest crowds build gives you a better chance to enjoy the setting.

I would treat the five hours as flexible beach time rather than a carefully managed program. You can swim if conditions suit you, sit by the water, or pay for a sunbed and umbrella. Food, drinks, toilets, and showers are available on the island, but they are not included in the tour price. Bring money for anything you plan to buy, and remember that beach facilities may be in high demand during the busiest period.

Watersports are also available, though the activity fee is separate. The tour does not promise a particular watersport, so ask locally about current choices and prices if that is important to you.

The beach setup is convenient, but it is not a private escape. Comino’s popularity is part of the experience. You get famous water and easy facilities, but you should not expect silence or a deserted cove in high season.

Comino’s Caves by Speedboat

The cave tour adds welcome variety to a day that could otherwise become five hours of sitting in one place. The boat takes you around the caves of Comino, giving you views that are difficult to get from the beach.

This part of the trip is included, so you do not need to choose between beach time and a separate cave excursion. The skipper’s commentary also helps give the ride some context. Several strong ratings praised the information provided by the crew, with Ian singled out as engaging and interesting, and Toni praised for answering questions and drawing on decades of work in the job.

The exact cave route and time on the water can change with sea conditions. That is normal for a small-boat excursion. You should think of the cave visit as a scenic extra, not a guaranteed long exploration of every opening along Comino’s coast.

The boat also makes the ride itself memorable. The speed and close views of the coast appeal to people who find a ferry too dull. If you prefer smooth, quiet transport, this may feel more like an adventure than a simple transfer.

A Crew That Adds Personality

The guide can make or break a shared boat trip. Here, the strongest praise focuses on the skippers’ friendliness, safety, and commentary.

Ian was described as informative, interesting, and careful while still giving the group a fun, fast ride. Toni was praised for being warm and approachable, with the ability to answer questions about the area. Those details matter because a small boat creates more contact with the crew than a large ferry does.

The tour is offered in English. The group size can reach 20 people, which is small enough for a more personal feel but not so small that you should expect a private charter. Your experience may depend on the mix of people aboard and the skipper working that day.

The crew also controls the pace and route. Follow their instructions, especially during boarding, the cave cruise, and pickup from Comino. Sea conditions can alter transfer times, and the operator says the exact duration depends on the water.

What the $59.13 Price Really Covers

At $59.13 per person, this is a reasonable midrange choice for a full-day Comino visit. You are paying for round-trip shared boat transport, fuel, local taxes, a driver-guide, and the cave cruise. You also avoid having to organize a separate route to Comino and a separate return.

The value comes mainly from time. Five hours at the Blue Lagoon is generous, and the boat gets you there quickly. If you want a swim day with a lively ride and some sightseeing, the package covers the main pieces.

The price does not cover food or drinks. It also does not include sunbeds, umbrellas, or watersports. Add those costs if you want a more comfortable or active day at the beach.

I would compare this trip with a basic ferry ticket and ask what you value. A ferry may suit you if you want the cheapest possible crossing and do not care about a guided coastal ride. This speedboat excursion makes more sense if you want a quicker transfer, a cave visit, and a guide who explains the route.

Timing, Weather, and What to Carry

The scheduled return pickup is around 3:30 p.m., with arrival at St. Julian’s Bay around 4:30 p.m. That gives you a solid day out without turning the trip into a late-night activity.

The timetable is approximate. Sea conditions can slow the boat, change the order of the program, or affect the winter schedule. From October onward, the advertised plan may change because of weather, so pay close attention to the operator’s message after booking.

Wear clothing that can handle spray. Keep phones and valuables in a waterproof pouch or another protected bag. The warning about getting wet is practical, not decorative. Even in good weather, a fast boat can send water across the seating area.

I would also bring whatever you need for several hours outside, since the tour includes a long beach stay. The information provided confirms that food, drinks, toilets, and showers are available on Comino, but your own requirements may be easier to manage if you prepare before boarding.

Because the tour requires good weather, poor conditions can lead to a different date or a full refund. Free cancellation is available if you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations inside that window are not accepted for a refund.

Who Will Enjoy This Boat Trip Most?

I would recommend this trip to you if you want three things in one day: a scenic boat ride, time to swim at the Blue Lagoon, and a little guided sightseeing. It works well for couples, friends, and families who enjoy being on the water and do not need a tightly structured schedule.

It is also a good choice for anyone staying around St. Julian’s who wants a simple round-trip outing. The meeting point is central to the local waterfront area and close to public transportation.

You should think twice if you dislike fast boats, motion, or getting wet. The speedboat may pitch and roll in rough conditions, and the operator cannot promise a perfectly calm crossing. A slower boat might suit you better if comfort matters more than speed.

This is also not ideal if you want a quiet, private beach. The Blue Lagoon is popular, and beach facilities can be busy. The early arrival improves your chances of a pleasant spot, but it cannot turn a famous attraction into an empty island.

How the Trip Compares With a Basic Beach Transfer

A plain transfer gets you to Comino. This outing gives you a reason to enjoy the journey as well.

The coastal cruise past St. Paul’s Islands adds sightseeing before you reach the beach. The cave trip breaks up the long stop. The English-speaking guide can answer questions and point out what you are seeing. Those extras explain why the price is higher than a bare ferry ride.

The trade-off is less control. You are on a shared schedule, and pickup is fixed for the afternoon. You cannot decide to stay later or return early unless the operator allows it. A private boat would offer more freedom, but it would also cost far more than $59.13 per person.

For many people, the shared format is the sensible middle ground. You get a quick ride and useful structure without paying for a private charter.

Should You Book the Comino Speedboat Trip?

Book it if you want a full day built around the Blue Lagoon, with five hours to enjoy Comino and a fast boat ride to make the journey part of the fun. The included cave cruise and friendly English-speaking skippers add real value, especially when Ian or Toni is guiding the boat.

Skip it if you need a calm crossing, dislike spray, or want every beach expense included. Also check the final meeting instructions carefully, since the listed start details differ slightly and weather can change the plan.

For an active, social, reasonably priced Comino outing from St. Julian’s, I think this is a strong choice. Just protect your belongings, budget for food and beach extras, and accept that the sea gets the final say.

FAQ

Where does the Comino speedboat trip start?

It starts at Oki-Ko-Ki Banis Watersports, Xatt Is-Sajjieda, Spinola Bay, St. Julian’s, Malta.

What time does the tour start?

The meeting information gives a 9:00 a.m. start time, while the operating details describe meeting around 9:30 a.m. Check the private message sent after booking for the exact instruction.

How long is the experience?

The trip lasts about seven hours. Transfer times are approximate and depend on sea conditions.

How long does the speedboat take to reach Comino?

The speedboat reaches Comino in about 35 to 40 minutes.

How much time do I get at the Blue Lagoon?

You have approximately five hours on the beach at Comino.

Is the cave tour included?

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

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not included in the price.

Are toilets and showers available on Comino?

Yes. The island has food, drink, toilet, and shower facilities.

Can I rent a sunbed or umbrella?

Yes. Sunbeds and umbrellas can be hired on the beach, but they are not included.

What happens if the weather is poor?

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