REVIEW · FAST FERRY TRIPS

Okikoki Banis – Comino Blue Lagoon Speedboat Trip- Fast Ferry

5.0 · 78 reviews 7 hours (approx.) From $59 Operated by OkiKoKi Banis Watersports · Bookable on Viator
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The best part of this Comino speedboat trip is the balance between a lively ride and a long stay at Blue Lagoon. You cruise Malta’s eastern coast, pass St. Paul’s Islands, enter Comino’s sea caves, then have about five hours to swim, eat, rent a sunbed, or simply claim a patch of shore.

I like the small shared boat setting, capped at 20 people, and the useful mix of speed, sightseeing, and free time. I also like that guides such as Ian and Toni have added local information and a friendly touch, rather than treating the crossing as a simple transfer.

The main caution is the ride itself. Speedboats can pitch and roll in rough water, and spray may leave you wet. Bring protection for phones and bags, and do not book this as a calm ferry crossing if you dislike motion.

Key Points

Okikoki Banis - Comino Blue Lagoon Speedboat Trip- Fast Ferry - Key Points

  • Around 35 to 40 minutes to Comino: The speedboat gets you across quickly, leaving most of the day for Blue Lagoon.
  • About five hours on Comino: You have time for swimming, food, showers, toilets, sunbeds, umbrellas, and watersports.
  • Cave tour included: The boat makes a sightseeing trip through Comino’s caves as part of the outing.
  • Coastal views on the way north: You see Malta’s eastern coast and St. Paul’s Islands while the skipper provides information.
  • A maximum of 20 people: This is shared transport, but not a huge boat excursion.
  • Weather controls the schedule: Sea conditions affect travel time, and the winter program can change.

A Fast Start From St. Julian’s Bay

The meeting point is Oki-Ko-Ki Banis Watersports at Xatt Is-Sajjieda in Spinola Bay, St. Julian’s. The instructions also refer to the area near Happy Dayz Bar. There is a small timing wrinkle: the booking details list a 9:00 am start, while the trip description says to meet at 9:30 am and leave shortly after.

I would follow the exact message sent after booking, rather than relying on a general time shown elsewhere. Arrive early enough to find the watersports office without rushing. St. Julian’s is well served by public transport, and the activity ends back at the same meeting point.

The boat is shared, with no more than 20 people on a booking. That gives the trip a social feel, but it is not a private charter. If you want a quiet, completely flexible day, this may feel structured. If you want an easy way to reach Comino without arranging your own boat, the shared format keeps things simple.

The Eastern Coast and St. Paul’s Islands

Once the boat leaves Spinola Bay, it heads toward the northern part of Malta. The crossing takes roughly 35 to 40 minutes, depending on the sea. That is a useful saving compared with a slower ferry, and the ride itself becomes part of the sightseeing.

You get views of Malta’s eastern coast from the water, with St. Paul’s Islands among the points of interest. The skipper provides information about what you are seeing, so keep your eyes up rather than treating the crossing as only a means of transport.

This is also the point where the boat’s character matters. A speedboat offers a fast, open-water ride, not the steady feel of a large ferry. The motion can be exciting in calm conditions, but the boat may pitch and roll when the sea is unsettled. The exact crossing time is only an estimate for that reason.

Protect anything you do not want sprayed. A dry bag or sealed pouch is sensible for phones, cameras, wallets, and spare clothes. The operator specifically warns that passengers may get wet from water spray.

Comino’s Caves by Speedboat

Okikoki Banis - Comino Blue Lagoon Speedboat Trip- Fast Ferry - Comino’s Caves by Speedboat

The trip includes a boat tour through the caves of Comino. This adds a proper sightseeing element to what could otherwise be a simple beach transfer.

From the boat, the caves give you a different view of Comino than you get from the beach. The rock formations and narrow coastal spaces are best appreciated from the water, and the skipper can point out what you are seeing as the boat moves through the area.

The cave portion is not presented as a long walking visit or a guided shore exploration. You remain with the boat, so it suits you if you want a quick coastal look without giving up your beach time. If caves are your main reason for booking, keep expectations in check: the core of the day is still the extended stay at Blue Lagoon.

Guides have included Ian and Toni. Ian has been described as informative and reassuring during the ride, while Toni has been praised for his friendliness and long experience in the job. Guide assignments can change, so you should not book on the assumption that one named skipper is guaranteed.

Five Hours at Blue Lagoon

The big value here is the length of the stop. You get about five hours on Comino, with pickup scheduled around 3:30 pm. The speedboat then returns to St. Julian’s Bay at about 4:30 pm, allowing for sea conditions.

Five hours gives you room to set your own pace. You can swim, sit by the water, eat, take a shower, or join a watersports activity. You are not forced into a rapid photo stop, which is a major advantage in a place often visited for its clear water and striking setting.

The beach has food and drink facilities, toilets, and showers. Sunbeds and umbrellas can be hired, though they are not included in the tour price. Bring extra money if you want those comforts, and remember that food and drinks are also separate costs.

Blue Lagoon is the main attraction, so expect the beach area to be popular. The early arrival helps you reach it before the heaviest summer crowds build, according to the day’s usual timing, but it does not turn the place into a private cove. The long stay works best if you are happy sharing a busy coastal setting.

What the $59.13 Price Really Covers

At $59.13 per person, the price covers fuel surcharge, local taxes, the guide or driver, the return shared transfer, and the Comino cave boat tour. Food, drinks, beach rentals, and watersports cost extra.

I see the value in the transport and time saved. You are paying for a fast return ride, coastal viewing, a guided cave visit, and roughly five hours at Comino. For someone staying in or near St. Julian’s, it is a practical package that removes the need to arrange separate transport.

The price is less attractive if you only want a basic ferry crossing or plan to spend very little time at Blue Lagoon. It also does not include the small extras that can add up: a drink, lunch, an umbrella, a sunbed, or a watersports activity.

Think of it as a full-day access and sightseeing trip, not an all-inclusive beach day. If you plan to use the beach facilities and buy food there, set aside a separate budget.

The Ride Can Be Fun, But Know Your Comfort Level

The boat’s speed is one of the reasons to choose this outing. It gets you to Comino in well under an hour, and the open-water ride can feel lively and entertaining. The guides have been praised for making the trip informative as well as fun.

Still, the same feature can be a drawback. One account of the trip described heavy pitching and rolling, with the concern that passengers should be warned in advance. Sea conditions are not fully predictable, and the operator states that transfer times are approximate.

I would choose this boat if you enjoy a brisk ride and can handle some motion. If you are prone to seasickness, want a stable crossing, or are traveling with someone who dislikes fast boats, consider that carefully before paying.

Wear practical clothing and secure loose items. Since spray is possible, a waterproof phone pouch is more useful than a camera you cannot protect. The experience is casual, but your belongings still need planning.

Who Will Get the Most From This Comino Trip

This outing suits you if you want several experiences in one day:

  • A fast crossing from Malta to Comino
  • Sea views along Malta’s eastern coast
  • A guided look at Comino’s caves
  • Several hours at Blue Lagoon
  • Time for swimming, food, showers, or watersports

It is a good fit for couples, friends, and families whose members are comfortable with a shared speedboat. Most people can participate, and the group size is limited to 20.

It is less suitable if you want a private boat, a quiet sailing trip, or a tightly controlled schedule. It also may not suit anyone who needs a completely dry ride. The boat can create spray even when the weather is good.

The five-hour beach stay is especially useful if you do not want a rushed visit. You can swim early, stop for lunch, relax, and still have time before the afternoon pickup. That freedom is more valuable than a packed list of short stops.

Timing, Weather, and Winter Changes

The published day runs from the morning meeting in St. Julian’s to a return around 4:30 pm, for about seven hours in total. The boat should reach Comino after roughly 35 to 40 minutes, and pickup is planned for around 3:30 pm.

Those times are not fixed to the minute. Sea conditions can lengthen the crossing, and the winter program, from October onward, may change because of weather. Follow the private instructions sent after booking, especially if you are visiting outside the main summer season.

The trip requires good weather. If poor conditions force a cancellation, you can receive a different date or a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations inside that 24-hour window are not accepted.

If you have an evening flight, train, or dinner reservation, leave a buffer. The advertised return is around 4:30 pm, but the sea decides how neatly the schedule holds.

Practical Advice Before You Go

I would pack light. You need swimwear, sun protection, a towel, water, and a waterproof way to carry valuables. Since food and drinks are not included, decide if you will buy them on Comino or bring what is allowed for the boat.

Expect to pay separately for a sunbed or umbrella if you want one. Toilets and showers are available on the island, which makes the long beach stay easier, especially if you plan to remain until the afternoon pickup.

Keep the meeting instructions handy. The supplied details use both 9:00 am and 9:30 am, so confirm the final time and exact meeting point in the message received after booking. The location is in Spinola Bay near Oki-Ko-Ki Banis Watersports and Happy Dayz Bar.

The experience is offered in English. The skipper provides information about the coastal sights, and the guide can add context during the boat ride and cave tour.

Should You Book the OkiKoKi Banis Speedboat?

Book this trip if you want a fast, active route to Comino with a long Blue Lagoon stop. The combination of coastal views, cave sightseeing, and five hours of free time gives you more than a basic transfer, while the $59.13 price remains reasonable once you value the included return ride and guiding.

Think twice if rough water makes you anxious, if you need a calm ferry, or if you want every expense covered. The best choice comes down to your preferred pace: this is a lively boat day with plenty of free time on shore, not a gentle cruise.

FAQ

Where does the Comino speedboat trip start?

It starts at Oki-Ko-Ki Banis Watersports on Xatt Is-Sajjieda in Spinola Bay, St. Julian’s, near Happy Dayz Bar in San Ġiljan, Malta.

What time does the activity start?

The details list a 9:00 am start, while the trip description gives a 9:30 am meeting time. Check the private message sent after booking for the correct arrival time.

How long is the full experience?

The activity lasts about seven hours. The usual plan is to leave in the morning, spend about five hours on Comino, and return to St. Julian’s Bay around 4:30 pm.

How long does the speedboat take to reach Comino?

The crossing usually takes about 35 to 40 minutes, but the exact time depends on sea conditions.

Is the cave tour included?

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

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not included in the price. Comino has places where you can buy them.

Can I rent a sunbed or umbrella?

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

What happens if the weather is poor?

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

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