Sliema: Powerboat trip to Gozo & Comino with Caves

Fast boats make Malta feel wonderfully close. This six-hour trip from Sliema combines a thrilling ride, 2.5 hours in Gozo, and 1.5 hours at Comino’s Blue Lagoon. I like the smart mix of free time and guided boat action, plus the Crystal Lagoon cave tour adds something beyond the usual swim stop. The main drawback is simple: this is a loud, bumpy speedboat ride, not a calm cruise.

I also like that fuel, safety equipment, insurance, and a local captain are included in the $77 price. Captains such as Baso, Connor, and Johnny have earned strong praise for keeping the mood lively and instructions clear. Still, the Blue Lagoon can be packed with people, and 1.5 hours may feel short if you want a quiet beach day.

Key points to know before you book

• The ride is the main event: Expect high speed, loud music, sharp bursts of excitement, and plenty of bouncing on the water.
• Gozo time is independent: You get 2.5 hours at the harbor, but food, transport, and any Gozo excursion cost extra.
• The Blue Lagoon is beautiful but crowded: The turquoise water is ideal for swimming, though the setting can feel busy in peak season.
• The cave visit adds variety: You see Comino’s grottoes and rock formations before returning to Sliema.
• Baso is a frequently praised captain: His humor, music choices, and energetic driving have made a strong impression.
• Pack light and wear swimwear: Comfortable shoes, biodegradable sunscreen, and secure belongings will make the day easier.

Why this Sliema powerboat trip works

This excursion is designed for people who want to cover several highlights in one day without spending hours on a slow ferry. You meet at the Sliema Ferries, opposite McDonald’s and next to the ticket information office, at 11:00. From there, the powerboat heads toward Gozo with music, speed, and open-water views.

I like the structure because it gives you three different experiences. First comes the ride itself. Then you have free time to choose your own Gozo stop. Finally, you get swimming time at Comino followed by a cave visit.

That combination is useful if you are staying in Malta and want a quick taste of the northern islands. It is less suitable if your ideal day means sitting quietly on a nearly empty beach. The boat is part transport and part entertainment, and the entertainment is turned up high.

The ride from Sliema to Gozo

The powerboat is not a quiet shuttle. You should expect loud music, fast movement, and a rougher ride when the sea is choppy. Several captains have been praised for making the journey fun, with Baso receiving especially strong comments for his jokes, music, and lively style.

I see this as the best choice for an adrenaline-seeking day on the water. You get the excitement of speed without having to book a separate ride. The captain also handles the route and safety instructions, so you can focus on the coast and the sensation of racing across the Mediterranean.

That same speed can be tiring. If you have back or heart problems, this activity is not suitable. Pregnant women, children under three, people over 95, and people with hearing impairments are also excluded. You must sign a waiver before boarding, so take those restrictions seriously rather than treating them as fine print.

Two and a half hours to shape your own Gozo stop

The Gozo stop lasts 2.5 hours, giving you more time than the Blue Lagoon portion. You arrive at the harbor and then decide how to spend it. You might walk along the waterfront, find a seaside meal, or arrange your own short trip toward Victoria.

The important point is that no Gozo excursion is included. You are not joining a guided island tour with transport to several sights. This is free time, and you need to watch the clock carefully because the boat will leave for Comino.

A practical tip comes from the experience of past passengers: a bus trip to Victoria can cost €10 per person for a return journey, but it also uses valuable time. Walking from the harbor is not realistic within the allotted stop, so do not plan a long inland visit unless you have confirmed the transport timing.

Food planning also deserves attention. Cafés near the harbor can serve breakfast, so you do not need to assume that everything opens only later in the day. I would still bring a small snack or eat before the trip if you want to avoid spending part of your Gozo stop searching for lunch.

For many people, the harbor itself will be enough. You can stretch your legs, take photographs, browse for food, and enjoy a slower pause after the fast crossing. If Gozo is your main goal, though, this outing is not a substitute for a full island tour.

Comino Blue Lagoon after Gozo

The boat next takes you to Comino’s famous Blue Lagoon for 1.5 hours. The water is the star here: clear, bright, and inviting for swimming or snorkeling. You can also stay dry and sit in the sun if that suits you better.

The short stop is both a strength and a limitation. Ninety minutes is enough for a swim and a quick look around, but it does not give you a relaxed beach afternoon. You will need to get in, enjoy the water, gather your belongings, and return to the boat on time.

Expect crowds, especially during the warmer months. The Blue Lagoon is one of Malta’s best-known swimming spots, and its popularity is obvious. The water may be beautiful, but the shore can feel busy and commercial rather than peaceful.

There are food and drink stands, and both card and cash are accepted. Lockers are available, although one practical report noted that a large locker costing €7 may only hold a smaller backpack. I would bring as little as possible and keep valuable items secure.

The Blue Lagoon works well as a scenic swimming stop within a busy day. It works less well if you want silence, personal space, or a long snorkel. The 1.5-hour limit may actually help you avoid becoming worn out by the crowds.

Comino’s caves and rock formations

Before returning, the boat visits Comino’s caves, including the Crystal Lagoon area. This part gives the trip a change of pace and shows you the island from the water rather than only from a swimming spot.

The cave tour is included in the price, along with fuel, safety equipment, liability insurance, and local taxes. You do not need to arrange a separate boat ride for the grottoes. The captain takes you close to the formations so you can see the shapes and colors from the water.

I value this addition because it makes the outing feel more complete. Without it, the day would mainly be a fast transfer to Gozo followed by a crowded swim. The caves add a sightseeing element and make use of Comino’s rocky coastline.

The exact amount of time spent at the caves is not specified, so you should think of it as part of the return route rather than a long shore visit. If your priority is a detailed cave expedition, this may feel brief. If you want a quick look at Comino’s natural features, it fits neatly into the schedule.

Captains, music, and the personality of the trip

The captain can shape your day as much as the destinations. Baso is praised repeatedly for being funny, energetic, and a confident driver. Other praised captains include Connor and Johnny, with Johnny noted for clear instructions and a reassuring manner.

That enthusiasm is part of what makes this activity popular. The music turns the crossing into a party-like ride, and the captain may encourage passengers to raise their hands or join the fun. The result is more lively than a standard sightseeing boat.

You should also know what that means in practical terms. The music is loud, the boat is noisy, and the ride can be bumpy. One passenger described it as a true thrill ride that is not for the faint-hearted. If you prefer a quiet guide explaining every coastal feature, this is probably the wrong format.

The crew’s attitude matters because you spend hours in a compact boat. A captain who gives clear instructions and keeps the group comfortable can make the speed feel exciting rather than stressful. Based on the praise for Baso, Connor, and Johnny, the human side of the experience is a major part of its appeal.

What the $77 price delivers

At $77 per person, this trip offers good value if you want transport, swimming, caves, and entertainment in one package. You would otherwise need to organize separate boat connections between Sliema, Gozo, and Comino, then arrange a cave visit on top.

The price includes a local expert captain, full safety equipment, fuel, local taxes, liability insurance, the 2.5-hour Gozo stop, the 1.5-hour Blue Lagoon stop, and the Crystal Lagoon cave tour. Those inclusions make the cost easier to judge because the main boat expenses are already covered.

You still need money for food and drinks. Any excursion in Gozo is also extra, as are optional items such as lockers at the Blue Lagoon. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not provided, so you must reach the Sliema meeting point independently.

For a family of four, the total can look expensive at first. Yet the day includes a fast boat experience and two major island stops, not just a short transfer. I would call it good value for active visitors who want variety, but less useful for someone who only wants time on a beach.

Who will enjoy this most

I would recommend this trip to you if you enjoy:

• Fast boats and open-water excitement
• Loud music and a social atmosphere
• Swimming in clear water
• Short, flexible stops rather than a fixed guided walk
• Seeing Gozo and Comino in one day
• A captain who entertains as well as drives

It is especially useful for a first Malta visit when you want a broad sample of the islands. You can see Gozo, swim at Comino, visit caves, and return to Sliema within six hours.

I would be more cautious if you have back trouble, heart problems, limited hearing, or a strong dislike of rough boat rides. You should also reconsider if you want a slow Gozo sightseeing day. The free time is generous enough for the harbor, but not enough for a full island tour.

What to bring and how to stay comfortable

Wear beachwear under comfortable clothes so you can change quickly for the Blue Lagoon. Comfortable shoes are listed as essential, and biodegradable sunscreen is the responsible choice for swimming areas.

Pack light. A small bag is easier to manage on a fast boat and more practical around the caves and water. Take only what you need for the day, especially if you plan to use a locker at Comino.

Alcohol and drugs are not allowed, and you cannot bring alcoholic drinks into the vehicle. Baby strollers, baby carriages, electric wheelchairs, and fire-making equipment are also prohibited.

The meeting point is straightforward, but arrive with enough time to find the Sliema Ferries area opposite McDonald’s and next to the ticket information office. Hotel transport is not included, so plan your route before the 11:00 departure.

Cancellation and languages

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. A reserve-now, pay-later option is also available, which is useful if you are still adjusting your Malta plans.

The host or greeter can communicate in English, Italian, French, or Spanish. You still need to sign the waiver before boarding, and the safety rules apply to everyone.

Should you book this powerboat trip?

Book it if you want a lively day that packs Gozo, Comino, caves, and a high-speed ride into one outing. The strongest reasons are the energetic captains, the useful combination of stops, and the fact that the $77 price covers the main boat costs.

Skip it if you want peace and quiet, a long Gozo sightseeing program, or an uncrowded Blue Lagoon. My practical advice is to travel light, keep your Gozo plans modest, and treat the ride itself as one of the main attractions. For the right person, this is not simply transport between islands. It is a full-throttle day on the Mediterranean.

FAQ

Where does the powerboat trip leave from?

The meeting point is at Sliema Ferries, opposite McDonald’s and next to the ticket information office.

What time does the trip start?

The experience starts at 11:00 and lasts six hours.

How long do I have in Gozo?

You have 2.5 hours of free time in Gozo.

How long is the Blue Lagoon stop?

The stop at Comino’s Blue Lagoon lasts 1.5 hours.

Is the cave tour included?

Yes. The Crystal Lagoon caves and cave tour are included.

Is food included in the price?

No. Food and drinks are not included.

Are Gozo excursions included?

No. Any additional excursion in Gozo is paid for separately.

What languages are available?

The host or greeter can communicate in English, Italian, French, or Spanish.

Can I cancel the booking?

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