Sliema: Powerboat trip to Gozo & Comino with Caves

Hold on tight, the fun starts before the islands. This six-hour powerboat trip from Sliema mixes a fast, noisy ride with two useful stops: 2.5 hours in Gozo and 1.5 hours at Comino’s Blue Lagoon. I like the lively music and the chance to see Malta’s coast from the water, rather than spending the day on a slow ferry. I also like that the tour includes Comino’s Crystal Lagoon caves, fuel, safety equipment, and a local captain for $77 per person.

The main caution is simple: this is a genuine thrill ride, not a quiet sightseeing cruise. The boat can be loud, bumpy, and very fast. The Blue Lagoon is beautiful but heavily crowded in summer, and the Gozo stop gives you time to explore only on your own. Plan well, pack lightly, and this can be a terrific half-day adventure.

Key points at a glance

• Fast powerboat ride from Sliema: Expect speed, music, sharp turns, and plenty of movement on the sea.
• Gozo stop of 2.5 hours: Walk around the harbor, eat by the water, or arrange your own short outing.
• Blue Lagoon stop of 1.5 hours: Enough time for a swim and some sun, but not a full relaxed beach day.
• Comino cave tour included: The boat visits the Crystal Lagoon caves and rock formations before returning.
• Captains add much of the personality: Baso has received especially warm praise for his humor, music, and driving.
• Best for active visitors: Children under three, pregnant women, and people with back or heart problems should not book.

What this Sliema powerboat trip is really like

The trip starts at 11:00 from the Sliema Ferries area, opposite McDonald’s and beside the ticket information office. That is a handy central meeting point, but give yourself enough time to find the exact departure spot and complete the required waiver before boarding.

From the beginning, the mood is more party boat than formal excursion. Music plays during the ride, and the captain may encourage passengers to raise their hands or enjoy the speed. Several captains have been praised for keeping the mood cheerful, with Baso mentioned particularly often. Connor and Johnny have also been singled out for clear instructions, humor, and friendly service.

That personality matters here. A fast boat can feel tense if the crew is cold or unclear. On this trip, the captain is part driver, part entertainer, and part safety lead. You should still expect a firm ride rather than a polished luxury cruise.

The boat’s speed lets you cover the water between Malta, Gozo, and Comino in a way that feels exciting. You get open sea views, rocky coastlines, and the pleasure of arriving by water. The tradeoff is comfort. The ride can be noisy and bumpy, especially if the sea is active, so this is not ideal if you prefer a smooth crossing.

Leaving Sliema with speed and music

The first part of the journey is the reason many people choose this experience instead of a standard boat trip. The powerboat moves quickly, and the combination of acceleration, music, and open water creates a real adrenaline rush.

I would not describe it as a gentle scenic cruise. You may need to hold on, and you should keep loose items secure. Comfortable clothes and beachwear are sensible, while comfortable shoes help around the departure point and during the day.

The boat includes full safety equipment, fuel, liability insurance, and a local expert captain. You must sign a waiver before boarding. Alcoholic drinks are not allowed in the vehicle, and the rules also prohibit drugs, fire, baby strollers, baby carriages, and electric wheelchairs.

The ride is especially suited to friends, couples, and families with older children who want activity rather than quiet transportation. The minimum age is three, but the tour is not suitable for people with back or heart problems, pregnant women, people over 95, or people with hearing impairments. Those restrictions make sense given the noise, speed, and bouncing motion.

Gozo: 2.5 hours to make your own plan

Gozo is the first major stop, with 2.5 hours of free time at the harbor. This is a useful amount of time, but it is not a guided Gozo tour. No island excursion is included, so you are responsible for deciding how to spend the stop.

You can stay near the waterfront, find food, walk around, or arrange your own transport. The harbor area gives you an easy place to get your bearings, but reaching Gozo’s inland sights requires planning. A visit to Victoria, Gozo’s main town, is possible only if you organize transport and leave enough time to return.

One useful tip is to consider the bus from the harbor into Victoria. One passenger paid about €10 for a return bus trip and found it practical, while also warning that walking there would take too long for the available stop. The key point is timing: you need to be back at the harbor for the boat’s departure to Comino.

Food planning also deserves attention. Cafes opposite the harbor may serve breakfast or other food, so do not assume you must travel inland for a meal. You can use this stop for lunch, a harbor walk, or a short look at Gozo without turning it into a stressful race across the island.

I like this arrangement because you are not locked into a large organized group excursion. You can choose a simple meal and walk, or make a more ambitious plan. The drawback is that the tour does not provide a guide or transport around Gozo. If you want to see several inland sights, this is not enough time for a casual, unplanned visit.

Comino’s Blue Lagoon in 1.5 hours

After Gozo, the boat continues to Comino’s Blue Lagoon for 1.5 hours. This is the part most people picture when they imagine a Malta boat day: clear turquoise water, rocky shores, swimming, snorkeling, and sun.

The stop is long enough for a proper swim, but I would not treat it as a slow beach afternoon. The Blue Lagoon can be extremely busy, particularly in the warmer months. You will have time to get into the water, enjoy the color, and dry off, but the crowded setting can limit the sense of peace.

Bring biodegradable sunscreen, beachwear, and only what you need. Lockers are available at the Blue Lagoon, though one large locker cost €7 and was suitable for only a smaller backpack. That makes traveling light the smart choice. A phone, towel, sunscreen, water, and a small bag are more practical than a full beach kit.

Food and drink stands at the Blue Lagoon accept both cash and cards, according to the available information. Still, the tour does not include food or drinks, so you should budget separately. The 1.5-hour limit also means you should not spend too long standing in line or wandering far from the boat.

The Blue Lagoon works well as a refreshing swimming stop after the fast ride. It is less suitable if your dream is a quiet, uncrowded cove. The water may be the star, but the setting is popular for a reason, and popularity brings crowds.

The Crystal Lagoon caves and rock formations

The cave portion gives the trip more than a simple transfer between swimming spots. Before heading back, the boat visits Comino’s Crystal Lagoon caves and passes unusual rock formations along the coast.

This is a sightseeing section from the water, not a land-based cave walk. You stay with the boat and see the grottoes from the sea. That makes it easy and adds variety after the Gozo stop and Blue Lagoon swim.

The caves also give the captain a chance to show off the coastline at a slower sightseeing pace. You get a different view of Comino’s rock than you would from the swimming area. If you enjoy photographs, keep your camera ready, but protect it from spray and hold it securely during the faster sections.

Do not expect a long archaeological or geological explanation. The appeal is visual: sea caves, openings in the rock, and the changing color of the water around Comino. Together with the powerboat ride, it rounds out the day nicely.

Is $77 good value?

At $77 per person, the price is reasonable if you want several experiences packed into one six-hour outing. You are paying for the boat, captain, fuel, safety equipment, insurance, a 2.5-hour Gozo stop, a 1.5-hour Blue Lagoon stop, and the cave tour.

The value is strongest for people who would otherwise book separate transport to Gozo and Comino. You also avoid spending the whole day on a conventional ferry. The boat itself is part of the entertainment, not merely a way to get from one port to another.

The price looks less attractive if you want a guided tour of Gozo, a meal, hotel transportation, or a calm day on the water. None of those are included. You also need to pay for food, drinks, any transport around Gozo, and possible locker use at the Blue Lagoon.

I would compare this tour with your own priorities. If speed, music, and swimming are worth paying for, $77 is fair. If you want detailed sightseeing on Gozo, spend more time comparing options before booking.

The captains make a real difference

The strongest praise has gone to the guides and drivers, especially Baso. He has been described as funny, energetic, careful, and good at keeping everyone involved. His music choices and lively approach seem to be a major part of the experience.

Other captains have also made a good impression. Connor was praised for being entertaining and for stopping to look at dolphins during the return ride. Johnny was noted for giving clear instructions and helping a family feel comfortable.

Captain availability can change, so you should not book solely on the hope of having one particular person. Still, the pattern is clear: the crew has a major effect on the mood of the trip. The boat’s speed may get you onboard, but the captain helps turn it into a memorable day rather than a basic transfer.

What to bring and what to leave behind

Pack for water, sun, and movement. Biodegradable sunscreen is specifically requested, and beachwear is essential if you plan to swim at Comino.

A practical day bag should contain:

• Swimsuit and comfortable clothing
• Comfortable shoes
• Biodegradable sunscreen
• Towel and drinking water
• A small amount of cash and a payment card
• Waterproof protection for your phone

Keep the bag small. Locker space at the Blue Lagoon may be limited, and a heavy bag is annoying on a fast, bumpy boat. Alcoholic drinks are not permitted onboard, and you should not bring anything prohibited by the safety rules.

Who should book this experience?

I would recommend it to people who want a lively day on the water and do not mind noise or motion. It suits friends, couples, and families with children aged three and older who enjoy swimming, music, and a little controlled chaos.

It is also a good choice if you want to see Gozo and Comino in one day without arranging several boat connections. The 2.5-hour Gozo stop gives you genuine freedom, while the Blue Lagoon stop delivers a clear target: swim, relax briefly, and return to the boat.

I would choose something else if you have back trouble, heart problems, strong motion sensitivity, or a preference for quiet sightseeing. Pregnant people, children under three, people over 95, and those with hearing impairments should not book this activity.

Cancellation is flexible up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later. The host or greeter can communicate in English, Italian, French, or Spanish.

Should you book the Sliema powerboat trip?

Book it if you want speed, music, swimming, and several Malta highlights in one day. The strongest reasons are the energetic boat ride, the free time in Gozo, the beautiful but crowded Blue Lagoon, and the included cave tour.

Do not book it expecting a peaceful cruise or a guided tour of Gozo. You will need to organize your own food, keep track of time, and accept a loud, bumpy ride. For the right person, that is not a flaw. It is the point.

FAQ

Where does the powerboat trip depart?

It departs from Sliema Ferries, opposite McDonald’s and next to the ticket information office.

What time does the trip start?

The stated departure time is 11:00.

How long does the activity last?

The full activity lasts six hours.

How much free time do I get in Gozo?

You get 2.5 hours of free time at the Gozo harbor.

Is a Gozo island excursion included?

No. You have free time in Gozo, but excursions around the island are not included.

How long is the stop at Comino’s Blue Lagoon?

You get 1.5 hours at the Blue Lagoon.

Is swimming allowed at the Blue Lagoon?

Yes. You can swim, snorkel, or relax in the water during the stop.

Is the cave tour included?

Yes. The tour includes the Crystal Lagoon caves and a cave tour around Comino.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not included. Food and drink stands are available at the Blue Lagoon, and you pay separately.

Can I cancel for a refund?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later.