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

Crystal water is only half the story. This five-hour powerboat trip from Sliema packs in three swimming stops, Comino’s Blue Lagoon, Gozo’s Ħalfa Rock, and coastal caves without taking up your whole day. I like the small, fast boat and the lively local captain Tony, whose jokes, stories, and 55 years on the water add real character. I also like the free mask, shaded seating, and time to swim rather than simply stare at the sea.

The main catch is that the boat can feel crowded, especially near its stated maximum of 40 people. The Blue Lagoon stop is also the busiest part of the route, and the included snorkeling gear may mean only a mask, not a full mask-and-snorkel set. Bring your own snorkel if underwater exploring matters to you.

Quick take: what makes this boat trip worth considering

• Three chances to swim: Crystal Lagoon, the Blue Lagoon area, and Ħalfa Rock give you more water time than a sightseeing cruise that only pauses for photos.
• Tony makes the difference: His humor, local stories, music, and energetic style are a major part of the experience.
• Fast powerboat transport: You cover Malta, Comino, and part of Gozo in five hours, with less time spent chugging between stops.
• A useful half-day plan: At about $47 per person, this suits you if you want the islands without giving up a full day.
• Free mask, but check the gear: A swimming mask is supplied, while several people found they needed their own snorkel.
• Expect open-water conditions: Wind can make the ride and swimming choppy, especially at Crystal Lagoon.

Leaving Sliema for Malta’s northern waters

Look for a white boat with a blue tent at Sliema Ferries. That simple description matters because the waterfront has plenty of boats and activity, so give yourself enough time to find the right one.

Once aboard, you get a quick view of Sliema’s busy shoreline before heading toward Comino. The boat is fitted with shade, which becomes important under Malta’s strong sun. You can sit out of direct sunlight between stops, but this is still a boat day, not a fully protected indoor excursion.

The ride is by powerboat, so you reach the northern islands quickly. That is one of the strongest reasons to choose this trip over a larger, slower vessel. The group may be around 20 people, though the boat can hold up to 40. At a smaller group size, the trip feels more personal and it is easier to hear Tony’s commentary. At full capacity, seating and bag space can feel tight.

Tony is the captain and guide most closely associated with this experience. He is 77, has been operating boats for about 55 years, and brings a very direct, playful style to the day. His repeated Merry Christmas and Happy New Year jokes have become part of his act. You will either find that wonderfully entertaining or slightly loud, but his warmth and effort are hard to miss.

Raphael helps on board, assisting with equipment and passengers. Together, they keep the mood light while giving practical instructions for swimming and moving around the boat.

Crystal Lagoon: the first swim of the day

The first major stop is Crystal Lagoon, where you swim directly from the boat. The water is clear, blue, and ideal for a quick look beneath the surface. You do not need to wait for a beach or pier, which gives this stop a more natural feel.

I like this part of the route because it gets you into the water early. You can settle into the rhythm of the day, test the temperature, and use the provided mask before the more famous Blue Lagoon stop.

Conditions matter here. Wind can make the water choppy, and some swimmers may find the first jump less calm than expected. If you are not a confident swimmer, ask about a swimming noodle. Noodles have been available for use, and they can make the open-water stop more comfortable.

Bring your own snorkel if you want to watch fish properly. The supplied equipment is described as a snorkeling mask, but practical use may amount to goggles without the breathing tube. That is a small but important distinction. The free mask is useful for surface viewing, but serious snorkeling requires your own snorkel.

Comino’s Blue Lagoon and the island stop

The Blue Lagoon is the best-known stop, and the trip gives you time to leave the boat and spend about an hour and a half on Comino. This is the only stop where you are specifically able to walk around the island, so wear something easy to move in and keep your belongings secure.

The water is the star here. On a calm day, the bright blue color is striking, and the bay is a good place for another swim. You can also use the time to look at Comino’s rough limestone, natural vegetation, and sand dunes. The island is a bird sanctuary and natural reserve, so its appeal is less about buildings and more about exposed rock, sea, and open space.

The Blue Lagoon is also the most crowded section of the route. Other boats gather here, and the shore can feel busy. That does not ruin the stop, but it changes the mood. You are not getting a private cove. You are getting a chance to see Malta’s most famous swimming spot while having enough time for a walk, a drink, or another swim.

There is an important access rule. From May 1, 2025, anyone disembarking on Comino needs to apply online for a ticket through the official Blue Lagoon booking site. If you stay on the boat and swim from it, that island access rule does not apply. Check the current requirement before you go, since the practical difference is simple: swimming off the boat is not the same as setting foot on Comino.

Food and drinks are not included. The extended Blue Lagoon stop gives you the chance to buy something, but budget separately for it. Towels are also not supplied.

Ħalfa Rock in Gozo: a quieter water stop

After Comino, the boat heads toward Gozo and stops near Ħalfa Rock. This is another swim from the boat, not a long land visit. The setting feels less like a famous resort stop and more like a chance to enjoy the water away from the main Blue Lagoon crowd.

The exact condition of each stop depends on wind, boat traffic, and the day’s sea state. At one location, the water may be calm and clear. At another, the surface may be rougher. Tony has adjusted the order or choice of spots when an area became too crowded, which is useful on a busy summer day.

This is where the powerboat format earns its price. You are not tied to one beach for the whole afternoon. You reach several parts of the coast and get repeated chances to swim, take photographs, and watch the rock formations from the water.

Some people will wish for more time at the quieter swimming locations and less time at the Blue Lagoon. That is a fair criticism. The famous stop is part of the appeal, but the less crowded water near the other locations can be the real highlight.

Caves along Comino’s limestone coast

The final sightseeing section takes you along Comino’s coast to view caves by boat. You stay on board and look into the openings, where the sea appears darker and the limestone shows its rough, natural form.

The cave visit gives the trip some variety. Without it, the outing would be mostly transport and swimming. Instead, you get a short coastal tour that lets you appreciate how wind and water have shaped the island.

The boat may pass two caves and sometimes an extra one, depending on timing and conditions. There may also be additional points of interest on the return route, including an underwater Jesus statue area. These extra sights are not guaranteed as a formal stop, so treat them as possible additions rather than promises.

Tony’s commentary is especially useful here. He explains parts of Malta’s past, points out coastal features, and connects the scenery with the islands’ long human story. The information is delivered with plenty of humor, not as a formal lecture.

What the boat is really like for five hours

The boat has shaded seating and a toilet, both useful features on a half-day trip. There is some central storage for bags, but not every seat has a dry, convenient place for belongings. One person found bags at the rear became wet after the first swim.

Use a small waterproof bag if you have one. At minimum, keep phones, wallets, cameras, and documents in a sealed pouch. Do not assume every part of the boat will stay dry when people climb back aboard.

The boat’s size is a tradeoff. A smaller powerboat moves faster and creates a more social atmosphere. Tony can speak to the group, answer questions, and keep everyone involved. The downside is less personal room, especially when the boat is near its 40-person limit.

Music and dancing may form part of the ride, adding to the party mood. This is not the best pick if you want a silent, private cruise. It works better if you like a friendly group setting and do not mind a captain who enjoys being the center of attention.

Swimming, weather, and what to pack

You should be comfortable entering the sea from the boat. The trip is built around swimming, not simply viewing the water. If you prefer beaches, shallow entries, or a dry sightseeing cruise, choose a different outing.

Wind can change the experience quickly. Several departures have faced choppy conditions, yet the boat still operated with the captain adjusting to the sea. Rougher water can mean a bumpier ride, more difficult boarding, and less relaxed snorkeling.

Pack these basics:

• Swimsuit
• Towel
• Sunscreen
• Sunglasses
• Hat
• Waterproof pouch for valuables
• Your own snorkel, if you want to snorkel rather than simply look through a mask

The free mask is a pleasant saving, but do not read it as a complete snorkeling kit. You may receive the eye mask only. Swimming noodles have also been available, which helps if you want extra support in open water.

Is $47 good value for five hours?

At $47 per person, I consider this good value if you want transport, several swims, Comino, Gozo, and caves in one half-day. A slower boat could spend much of the day covering the same distance. Here, the powerboat lets you reach more than one island and still return to Sliema within five hours.

The value also comes from the number of active stops. You are not paying only for a ride past Comino. You get Crystal Lagoon, the Blue Lagoon area, Ħalfa Rock, cave viewing, shaded seating, a toilet, and a mask.

The price does not include food, drinks, or towels. Add those costs yourself, especially if you plan to spend the full Blue Lagoon stop ashore. If you already have a towel and snorkel, the extra spending can stay modest.

A larger boat may offer more room, but this trip’s faster transport and personal guide style are strong advantages. A smaller group is more enjoyable, though you should not expect a private charter.

Who will enjoy this trip most?

I would choose this for you if you want a lively half-day on the water and enjoy swimming from a boat. It suits couples, families with confident swimmers, solo visitors who like meeting people, and anyone who wants to see Comino without surrendering an entire day.

It is also a good fit if a guide’s personality matters to you. Tony’s energy is central to the experience. He gives historical information, jokes with the group, plays music, and makes an effort to include people. His style is warm and theatrical rather than quiet and formal.

I would be more cautious if you need lots of space, dislike loud entertainment, or want a calm, uncrowded Blue Lagoon visit. The boat can feel full, and the sea may be rough. People who need a full snorkeling setup should bring their own snorkel instead of relying on the supplied mask.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. Those terms are useful if your plans depend on the weather, but the sea itself remains the biggest variable.

Should you book this Sliema boat trip?

Book it if your ideal Malta day includes clear water, repeated swims, a fast boat, coastal caves, and an entertaining local captain. The strongest part is not one single sight. It is the combination of three swim areas, Comino time, Gozo views, and Tony’s memorable personality within five hours.

Skip it if you want a quiet cruise, a spacious boat, or a guaranteed full snorkeling kit. For everyone else, $47 is a sensible price for a lively introduction to Malta’s northern coast. Bring a snorkel, protect your bag from spray, and be ready for the Blue Lagoon to be busy. You will get more from the trip if you treat the famous lagoon as one part of the day, not the entire reason to go.

FAQ

How long is the Sliema boat trip?

The experience lasts five hours, including the boat ride, swimming stops, time at Comino’s Blue Lagoon, and the cave visit.

Where does the boat leave from?

The meeting point is Sliema Ferries. Look for a white boat with a blue tent.

Does the trip visit both Comino and Gozo?

Yes. The route includes Comino, the Blue Lagoon area, Crystal Lagoon, and a swimming stop near Ħalfa Rock in Gozo.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

A snorkeling mask is included for free. The available information and practical notes indicate that this may be only the mask, without a snorkel, so bring your own snorkel if you want to snorkel properly.

Do I need a ticket to visit Comino’s Blue Lagoon?

As of May 1, 2025, you need to apply online for a ticket if you disembark on Comino. This does not apply if you swim from the boat without going onto the island.

Are food, drinks, and towels included?

No. Food, drinks, and towels are not included, so bring or budget for them separately.