Sliema: Powerboat to Comino Caves & Blue Lagoon with a Swim

Trade the ferry for a sea-level thrill. This six-hour trip from Sliema to Comino combines a fast, music-filled powerboat ride with a long stop for swimming at the Blue Lagoon. I like the quick crossing and the close look at Santa Maria Caves, though four hours on a crowded, sunbaked beach may feel long.

The boat is the star here. Captains such as Baso and Johnny have earned praise for making the ride funny, lively, and safe, while the return trip gives you more sea time than a standard ferry. Bring water, sunscreen, and a willingness to get bumped around. This is not a quiet cruise.

Five things to know before you book

• The powerboat reaches Comino in roughly 25 to 30 minutes, making it much faster and more entertaining than a regular ferry.
• Santa Maria Caves and the Crystal Lagoon Caves are visited from the water, with time for photos and close-up views.
• The Blue Lagoon stop lasts about four hours, giving you plenty of time to swim, snorkel, walk, eat, and sunbathe.
• The ride can be loud, wet, and bumpy, especially if you sit toward the back or the sea is lively.
• The lagoon is beautiful but crowded, with limited shade and much of the available seating on hard rock.
• Snorkel equipment is not reliably supplied, so bring your own if you want to spend serious time in the water.

Why the speedboat is the real attraction

The Blue Lagoon gets most of the attention, but I think the powerboat makes this outing worth considering. You leave from the Sliema Ferries area at 11:00, opposite McDonald’s, and head north across the open Mediterranean at a brisk pace.

This is not a sedate transfer. Music plays loudly, the boat moves quickly, and the ride can bounce over the waves. Some departures feel like a short amusement-park ride on water. Others are calmer, depending on sea conditions. You may get splashed, so beachwear is the sensible choice.

The crossing takes about 25 to 30 minutes according to several firsthand accounts. That saves time compared with slower boats, but the bigger gain is the mood. You are not simply sitting in transit. You are watching Malta’s coast slip past while the captain turns the journey into part of the day.

Baso receives especially strong praise for his humor, music choices, and friendly manner. Johnny is also noted for explaining where the ride will be bumpiest and for keeping the trip entertaining. The captain can shape the whole experience, so expect a lively host rather than a formal guide giving a long speech.

That distinction matters. You get scenery and some commentary, but this is mainly a fun transport and swimming day, not a detailed cultural tour. If you want a quiet boat with a lecture about Malta’s geology and history, this is the wrong fit.

Leaving Sliema and finding your seat

The meeting point is at the Sliema Ferries, opposite McDonald’s. Give yourself enough time to find the exact departure area and complete the required waiver before boarding. The tour provider supplies safety equipment, fuel, local taxes, liability insurance, and a local captain.

The seating arrangement matters more than you might expect. The rear of the boat is described as the less bumpy area, while the ride at the front can feel more exposed to the motion. You may not be able to change seats on the return journey, so choose carefully when you board.

I would sit where you can enjoy the view but still feel secure. If you are sensitive to motion, have back trouble, or simply want a gentler ride, ask the crew where the smoothest seats are before setting off. The trip is designed for excitement, not comfort.

The boat has been described as clean, new, and fast. Safety equipment is included, but you should still take the restrictions seriously. The activity is not suitable for children under three, pregnant women, people with heart or back problems, people recovering from recent surgery, wheelchair users, or anyone over 95.

Santa Maria Caves from the water

The first scenic stop is around Comino’s Santa Maria Caves. The boat slows down so you can see the openings in the cliffs and take photographs from the water. The captain may guide the boat close to the cave entrances, giving you a better view than you would get from a distant ferry.

This part is brief, roughly 20 minutes in the published schedule, so keep your camera ready. The caves are attractive because you see Comino from sea level, with the pale rock, dark openings, and clear water all packed into one view.

I would keep expectations sensible. The cave visit is a scenic boat stop, not a long underground expedition. Some passengers find the caves memorable, while others feel the stop is modest, especially if they have already seen Malta’s larger cave sites. The value comes from the combination of cliffs, coves, and fast boat handling rather than from a long guided explanation.

There is also mention of the Crystal Lagoon Caves as part of the experience. Exact stops can vary with conditions and the captain’s route, so consider this a chance to see Comino’s coastal formations up close rather than a guaranteed cave-by-cave tour.

Four hours at the Blue Lagoon

After the sea ride and cave stops, you get about four hours at the Blue Lagoon. The water is the obvious prize: clear, bright, and inviting for swimming. You can snorkel, float, walk along the coast, or simply find a patch of sun and watch the boats come and go.

The long stop gives you freedom. You are not rushed into a ten-minute swim before being called back aboard. Families can spread the day between the water and the shore, while confident swimmers can spend much of the time in the lagoon.

There is a catch. The Blue Lagoon is one of Malta’s best-known swimming spots, and it can become extremely crowded. Finding a comfortable place for a towel may be difficult. Much of the shoreline is rocky, exposed, and short on shade. A small number of loungers with umbrellas may be available for a fee, but they can fill quickly.

For that reason, four hours will feel different to different people. If you love swimming and do not mind sitting on rocks, the time is useful. If you want a quiet beach day with soft sand and a shaded lounger, the stop may feel too long.

You can buy food and drinks on Comino, and toilets are available. Still, I would bring plenty of water and protect yourself from the sun. A hat, sunglasses, high-factor sunscreen, and a light cover-up will make the afternoon much easier. Sea shoes are also a smart choice because the rocks can be sharp.

The best use of the stop is to treat it as a water-and-walking break rather than a traditional beach holiday. Swim first, before the sun feels strongest. Then walk some of Comino’s trails for wider views of the coast. If the central swimming area feels packed, you may find a calmer stretch by moving away from the main lagoon area, although the provided details do not guarantee a particular quiet spot.

Snorkeling, equipment, and what to pack

Swimming is central to the day, and snorkeling is listed as an option. However, equipment has not always been supplied despite some expectations that it would be included. One account specifically notes that snorkel gear was available to rent on Comino instead.

The safest plan is to bring your own mask and snorkel if you have them. That avoids both rental costs and uncertainty. If you do not own equipment, you can still enjoy the clear water without snorkeling gear.

Pack light, but pack well:

• Beachwear and a towel
• Water and any snacks you prefer
• Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat
• Sea shoes for rocky shorelines
• A waterproof pouch for your phone and valuables
• A light layer for the boat ride back

Do not count on the boat as a place to store everything you bring comfortably. Keep essential items secure and avoid carrying anything you would regret getting wet.

The return to Sliema

The ride back is part of the entertainment, not an afterthought. After several hours at Comino, you climb aboard for another fast run across the water. Music, spray, and the boat’s movement can feel even more exciting after a swim.

A few departures have included a stop or drop-off near St. Julian’s before continuing to Sliema, which may be convenient for some passengers. Do not assume that option is available every time. The stated return point is the Sliema Ferries area.

Some people have spotted dolphins on the return journey, but dolphin watching is not promised. Book this for the powerboat ride and the Comino stop, not for wildlife viewing.

The full outing lasts six hours, including the transfer, cave viewing, and Blue Lagoon break. That makes it a substantial part of your Malta day. You will want to keep your evening plans flexible, especially if you need to walk back to your accommodation after returning to Sliema.

Is $70 good value?

At $70 per person, this is not the cheapest way to reach Comino. A basic ferry may cost less, but it will not provide the same high-speed ride, close cave viewing, or hosted atmosphere.

The value depends on what you want from the day. If the Blue Lagoon is your only goal, the premium may not seem worthwhile. If you would enjoy the crossing as an attraction in its own right, the price covers a six-hour outing with a captain, safety equipment, fuel, insurance, cave stops, and roughly four hours at the lagoon.

I consider it fair value for an active day, especially if you prefer a faster boat over a crowded standard ferry. It is less convincing for someone who wants a comfortable place to sit at Comino, because food, drinks, snorkel rental, and possible paid seating are extra.

The main thing you are buying is not luxury. You are buying speed, energy, and a more memorable transfer. That distinction helps prevent disappointment.

Who will enjoy this Comino trip most?

I would recommend it to couples, groups of friends, families with older children, and anyone who likes a little adrenaline with a swim. Teenagers often get more out of this than they would from a slow sightseeing boat, and the long lagoon stop leaves room for everyone to set their own pace.

It is also a good choice if your schedule is tight. The fast crossing gives you more time on Comino than slower boats may allow, although the four-hour stop can feel excessive if you are not interested in swimming or walking.

I would choose another option if you dislike loud music, motion, spray, or hard rocky ground. People with the listed medical restrictions should not book it, and anyone with limited mobility should ask directly before committing. One captain made special efforts to assist a passenger with poor mobility, but the experience is not designed for wheelchair access and assistance cannot be assumed.

The activity is also not ideal for a quiet nature outing. The music and speed are part of the appeal. You get scenery, but the tone is energetic rather than peaceful.

Practical booking advice

The activity offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure and a reserve-now, pay-later option. That flexibility is useful when sea conditions or your Malta plans are uncertain.

The host service is available in English, French, Italian, and Spanish. You must sign a waiver before boarding. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so plan your own route to the Sliema Ferries meeting point.

I would book an earlier departure if you have a choice, since the Blue Lagoon can become more crowded as the day progresses. The stated departure is 11:00, so check the available start time when booking rather than assuming every date follows the same schedule.

Should you book the Supreme Powerboats trip?

Book it if you want the ride to be part of the adventure. The powerboat is fast, funny, and far more lively than a basic ferry, with a captain-led atmosphere that can make the crossing the highlight of your day. The cave views add a useful scenic stop, and the Blue Lagoon gives you a long chance to swim.

Skip it if you want shade, soft sand, quiet water, or a detailed cave tour. The lagoon can be crowded, the rocks are uncomfortable, and four hours may feel like too much once you have seen the main swimming area.

For an active Malta day with music, speed, sea spray, and clear water, $70 is a reasonable spend. Just pack for heat, bring your own snorkeling gear if possible, and board ready for a bumpy ride.

FAQ

Where does the powerboat leave from?

It leaves from the Sliema Ferries area, opposite McDonald’s.

How long does the experience last?

The full activity lasts six hours. The published departure time is 11:00, but you should check the available starting time for your chosen date.

How long is the stop at the Blue Lagoon?

You get about four hours at the Blue Lagoon for swimming, snorkeling, walking, eating, and relaxing.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not included, though food and drink options are available on Comino.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Snorkeling is offered, but equipment is not reliably supplied. You should bring your own gear or plan to rent it on Comino.

What should I bring?

Bring beachwear, a towel, water, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat. Sea shoes and a waterproof phone pouch are also useful for the rocky shore and wet boat ride.

Is the ride suitable for everyone?

No. It is not suitable for children under three, pregnant women, people with back or heart problems, people with recent surgeries, wheelchair users, or people over 95.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. A reserve-now, pay-later option is also available.