Sliema: Boat Trip to Comino Blue Lagoon, Gozo, and Caves

The best part of this five-hour powerboat trip is the amount of time you spend in the water. From Sliema, you reach Crystal Lagoon, Comino Blue Lagoon, Ħalfa Rock in Gozo, and several caves without giving up a full day. Captain Tony brings local stories, jokes, and 55 years of experience on the water, while Rafael helps keep things moving.

I like the three swimming opportunities, especially because Crystal Lagoon and the final Gozo stop can feel more rewarding than the famous Blue Lagoon. I also like the small powerboat format: it is faster and more personal than a large cruise boat, though a group of up to 40 people can still feel crowded, and storage for bags is limited.

Key Points

• Three water stops: Swim at Crystal Lagoon, Comino Blue Lagoon, and near Ħalfa Rock in Gozo.
• Captain Tony’s local touch: Expect history, humor, music, and plenty of direct interaction.
• Fast powerboat travel: You cover Malta, Comino, and Gozo in five hours rather than spending a full day at sea.
• Caves by boat: See coastal caves along Comino after the Gozo stop.
• Mask included, snorkel uncertain: A mask is supplied, but several people found they needed to bring their own snorkel.
• Blue Lagoon time has a trade-off: You can leave the boat and walk around Comino, but this stop may be busier than the other swimming spots.

What This Sliema Boat Trip Is Really Like

This is a compact, active day on the Mediterranean rather than a slow sightseeing cruise. You leave from Sliema Ferries on a white boat with a blue tent, then speed toward Comino and Gozo with the coast and open water around you.

The boat has shade, which matters in Malta’s strong sun. You can cool off in the sea, return to the boat, and sit out of direct sunlight without losing the view. The pace is brisk, but the five-hour length works well if you want time for another activity later.

Captain Tony is a major part of the experience. He is 77, has spent about 55 years doing this work, and brings a forceful personality to the trip. Expect jokes, music, historical stories, and plenty of encouragement to join in. If you prefer a quiet boat ride with little commentary, this may feel loud or busy. If you enjoy a guide who talks directly with the group, Tony gives the trip much of its character.

Rafael works alongside him and helps people during the stops. That extra pair of hands is useful when passengers are getting in and out of the water, collecting masks, or finding space for personal items.

Leaving Sliema and Passing St Paul’s Island

The meeting point is Sliema Ferries. Look for the white boat with the blue tent, rather than assuming every boat at the waterfront belongs to this trip.

The first part of the ride gives you views along Malta’s coast and past St Paul’s Island. The boat is built for speed, so you reach the outer stops more quickly than you would on a larger, slower vessel. That leaves more of your five hours for swimming and exploring.

A powerboat also changes how the ride feels. On a calm day, the speed adds a little fun and makes the route feel efficient. In strong wind, the ride can become choppy. Several people still enjoyed the trip in rougher conditions because Tony handled the boat confidently, but anyone prone to seasickness should think carefully about the weather and bring suitable protection.

Crystal Lagoon: The First Swim

Crystal Lagoon is the first swimming stop. You usually enter the water directly from the boat, so there is no long walk to a beach and no need to search for a place on shore.

The water is clear, and this is a strong place to use the mask and look below the surface. Fish and underwater rock formations can make the swim more interesting than simply floating in a crowded bay. In rough weather, the lagoon can be choppy, so you should be comfortable in open water or use one of the swimming noodles available on board.

Bring your towel and keep it somewhere secure. One practical issue with the boat is that bags placed in exposed areas may get wet after the first swim. Pack valuables in a waterproof bag and avoid bringing anything you do not need.

The supplied equipment needs a little explanation. The tour provides a free snorkeling mask, but the mask may be goggles only, without a breathing tube. If you want to snorkel properly, bring your own snorkel. The boat may also have noodles for people who want extra support in the water.

Comino Blue Lagoon and the Island Stop

The boat then reaches Comino Blue Lagoon, the name most people recognize before booking. Here you can swim and snorkel in the bay, but you also get time to leave the boat and walk on Comino.

That choice is useful. You can stay in the water if swimming is your priority, or use the stop to see the island’s raw limestone, sand dunes, bird habitat, and low vegetation. Comino is a protected natural area, so the appeal is its open, unbuilt feel rather than shops, streets, or formal attractions.

The Blue Lagoon is also the busiest stop on the route. Larger boats use the same famous bay, especially in the warmer months. The water remains beautiful, but the shoreline and water can feel crowded compared with Crystal Lagoon or the later Gozo stop.

Allow about an hour and a half here, based on the timing described for this trip. That is enough to swim, walk a little, and get something to eat or drink if available. The trade-off is clear: some people would prefer more time at the quieter swimming spots, while others value the chance to step onto Comino.

From May 1, 2025, anyone intending to go onto Comino Island needs to apply for an online ticket through the official Blue Lagoon booking site. This requirement does not apply if you remain on the boat and swim from it. Check the current rule before your trip, since access procedures can change.

Ħalfa Rock in Gozo

After Comino, the boat heads toward Gozo and stops near Ħalfa Rock for another swim. This section gives you the pleasure of seeing Gozo from the water without committing to a long land excursion.

The rock and cliffs show off Malta’s pale limestone in a more natural setting. You can swim, use your mask, and look for fish near the boat. The water here may feel calmer or clearer than the more crowded Blue Lagoon, although conditions depend on wind and sea state.

This is one reason I think the route offers good value. Many short boat outings focus almost entirely on Blue Lagoon. This one adds a proper Gozo water stop, so you get a wider view of the islands and more time in the sea.

There is no promise of a long visit on land in Gozo. The attraction here is Ħalfa Rock and the swim, not a walking tour of Gozo’s towns or historic sites. If you want churches, villages, and inland sights, you need a separate day on the island.

Comino’s Caves from the Water

After leaving Gozo, the boat visits caves along the Comino coast. Seeing them from a small boat gives you a closer look at the openings, pale rock, and dark water inside.

The cave section is a sightseeing pause between swims. You do not need to hike or squeeze through a cave, and the boat allows you to stay dry if you have had enough water for the day. Some trips include two caves and an extra cave if timing and conditions allow.

Tony may also point out other coastal details and lesser-known spots. One extra sight mentioned on this route is the underwater Jesus statue, though additional stops can depend on time, traffic on the water, and conditions.

The caves are not a separate expedition. Think of them as a worthwhile coastal add-on that breaks up the swimming and gives you photographs of Comino’s limestone edge.

Tony, Rafael, and the Mood on Board

Tony’s personality is the clearest reason this trip feels different from a standard boat transfer. He tells stories about Malta, points out places along the coast, and keeps the mood light with his familiar jokes and catchphrases. His energy is remarkable, but it will not suit everyone equally.

I would choose this trip if you like a guide who actively entertains the group. Tony does not simply steer while you look around. He talks, dances, jokes, and checks that people are enjoying themselves. His long experience also helps when the sea turns rough.

Rafael adds a calmer, practical presence. He helps with the water stops and makes the boat easier to manage. That combination works well: Tony keeps the atmosphere lively, while Rafael helps with the hands-on details.

The group can reach about 40 people. That is smaller than some large party boats, and the powerboat gets around quickly, but it is not an intimate private charter. At full capacity, seating and movement may feel tight. One important advantage is the shade tent, which gives you a break from the sun without leaving the boat.

Is $47 a Fair Price?

At $47 per person, this is good value if you want a half-day built around swimming. The price includes boat transport from Sliema to Comino and Gozo, the return ride, access to several swimming locations, the cave visit, and a snorkeling mask.

You are also paying for speed. A slower boat may offer more space, but this powerboat reaches the outer locations efficiently. The route covers three islands or island areas in five hours, which is a lot of coastline for a half-day.

Food, drinks, and towels are not included. Bring water, snacks, sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, swimwear, and a towel. You may find refreshments during the Comino stop, but you should not count on food being provided as part of the boat trip.

The main value question is what you want most. For swimming, caves, and scenery, the price is strong. For a quiet ride, generous personal space, or a full visit to Gozo, choose another format.

Who Should Book This Experience?

I would recommend it to couples, families with confident swimmers, solo visitors who enjoy social groups, and anyone looking for a lively half-day on the water. The stops give you several chances to swim, while the island walk at Comino offers a break from being on the boat.

It also suits people who want Malta’s best-known coastal sights without giving up an entire day. The route is active but not complicated. You board in Sliema, follow the guide’s instructions, swim, walk briefly on Comino, and return by boat.

You should think twice if you dislike speedboats, get seasick easily, need a quiet atmosphere, or want lots of room for bags and personal gear. Non-swimmers can enjoy the views and stay aboard, but the heart of the trip is getting into the sea.

The trip is conducted in English. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later, which is useful if your weather plans are still shifting.

What to Pack for a Better Day

Pack lightly, but protect what you bring. The boat has limited storage, and bags in the wrong spot may get wet during the first swim.

Bring:

• A towel and spare dry clothing
• Swimwear, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat
• A waterproof pouch for your phone and money
• Your own snorkel if you want to breathe through a tube
• Water and a small snack
• A swimming noodle if you rely on extra flotation, though noodles may be available on the boat

Wear secure footwear for the Comino stop. The information provided does not specify a particular type of shore access, so practical sandals or shoes are wiser than loose flip-flops.

Should You Book the Sliema Powerboat Trip?

Book it if your ideal Malta outing includes clear water, several swims, coastal caves, a short Comino walk, and a guide with a big personality. The route is well packed for five hours, and $47 is a reasonable price for the boat transport and number of stops.

The strongest version of the experience comes on a calm day, with space to enjoy the water and a group that appreciates Tony’s humor. The main drawbacks are the possible crowding, limited bag storage, busy Blue Lagoon, and the fact that the included mask may not include a snorkel.

My practical choice would be to bring your own snorkel, waterproof your belongings, and treat Crystal Lagoon and Ħalfa Rock as the likely highlights. If you want a lively, active introduction to Malta’s coast rather than a quiet cruise, this is an easy tour to recommend.

FAQ

Where does the boat trip depart from?

It departs from Sliema Ferries. Look for a white boat with a blue tent.

How long does the experience last?

The trip lasts five hours. Starting times depend on availability.

Which places does the boat visit?

The route includes Crystal Lagoon, Comino Blue Lagoon, Ħalfa Rock in Gozo, and caves along the Comino coast.

Can I get off the boat at Comino Blue Lagoon?

Yes. There is a stop on Comino Island, giving you time to swim, snorkel, and walk around the island.

Do I need an online ticket for Comino?

From May 1, 2025, you need to apply for an online ticket to go onto Comino Island through the Blue Lagoon booking site. This does not apply if you swim from the boat and do not go onto the island.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

A snorkeling mask is included for the day. The information does not confirm that a snorkel tube is supplied, and several people found it useful to bring their own snorkel.

Are food, drinks, and towels included?

No. Food, drinks, and towels are not included, so bring your own supplies and towel.

What language is the tour conducted in?

The live tour guide speaks English.