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

Catch Malta at its bluest. This five-hour powerboat trip links Sliema, Comino, Gozo, and several swimming spots without committing your whole day to the sea. I like the fast boat, the mix of swimming and sightseeing, and the chance to see caves from the water. I also like that Captain Tony brings local stories, jokes, and a lively personality to the ride.

The main trade-off is space. The boat can carry up to 40 people, and some departures feel full, especially around the swimming stops. The Blue Lagoon stop can also be crowded, while the Crystal Lagoon and final swim often offer a calmer, more enjoyable experience.

Key things to know before booking

• Captain Tony is a major part of the experience: His humor, Malta stories, music, and energetic style receive exceptional praise.
• Three swimming opportunities shape the day: Crystal Lagoon, the Blue Lagoon area, and a Gozo stop near Ħalfa Rock.
• The boat is quicker and smaller than large sightseeing vessels: That means less time spent getting from place to place, but limited personal space.
• The Blue Lagoon includes time on land: You can swim, walk around Comino, see its natural reserve, and find food or drinks.
• The free equipment is a mask, not a full snorkel set: Bring your own snorkel if you want to look underwater comfortably.
• The price is $47 per person: For five hours, several swim stops, boat transport, and a guide, that is strong value for an active half-day.

Leaving Sliema on a compact powerboat

The trip begins at Sliema Ferries. Look for the white boat with the blue tent. That detail matters because Sliema’s waterfront can be busy, and a clear visual marker is more useful than simply searching for a name.

The powerboat gives this outing a different feel from a slow harbor cruise. You reach Comino and Gozo faster, leaving more of the five-hour schedule for swimming and exploring. The boat has shade, seating, and a toilet, according to the information provided, though storage is limited.

Keep your belongings secured and away from the edges. One passenger found bags wet after the first swim, so a dry bag or sealed plastic pouch is a sensible addition. You will also want to arrive ready for the water rather than carrying a large beach bag.

As Sliema fades behind you, the route passes St. Paul’s Island. This adds a bit of Malta’s past before the day turns toward clear water and limestone. Captain Tony usually supplies commentary along the way, mixing local history with humor. His reputation is a big reason this trip feels more personal than a simple transfer by boat.

The boat usually carries around 20 people on some departures, while the stated maximum is 40. That difference is important. A smaller group gives you more room to hear the guide and move around, while a full boat can feel cramped.

Crystal Lagoon: the first swim and a strong start

Crystal Lagoon is the first major stop. You swim directly from the boat, so there is no long walk to a beach and no need to find a changing area. Bring your swimwear under your clothes and have your towel ready.

The water here is the real attraction. It is clear enough for swimming with fish and looking down into the blue below. The crew provides masks at no extra cost, but these are goggles or masks only. They do not include a snorkel, so pack your own if underwater viewing is important to you.

Crystal Lagoon can be choppy when the wind rises. That does not make the stop impossible, but it can make getting into the water less comfortable. If you are not a confident swimmer, ask about a noodle or use one of the swimming noodles available on the boat. Do not feel pressured to jump in simply because others do.

I would treat this as a swim-first stop, not a quiet beach visit. You remain near the boat, and the appeal is the water, cliffs, and open view. On calm days, it can be one of the prettiest parts of the route.

The Blue Lagoon stop: famous, useful, and crowded

The boat next heads to Comino’s Blue Lagoon. Here you can get off the boat and spend time in the bay. The stop lasts about an hour and a half on many departures, giving you enough time to swim, walk, take photos, and find food or drinks.

This is the most famous part of the trip, but fame brings crowds. Other boats gather here, and the shoreline can feel busy. If you want a peaceful swim, Crystal Lagoon or the later Gozo stop may suit you better.

The Blue Lagoon stop is still valuable because it gives you something the boat-only swims do not. You can set foot on Comino, stroll through the island’s natural setting, and see its bird sanctuary, sand dunes, and local vegetation. You also have a chance to buy refreshments, though food and drinks are not included in the $47 price.

As of May 1, 2025, visitors who want to go onto Comino need to apply online for an access ticket through blcomino.com. This does not apply if you stay on the boat and swim from it. Check the current access rules before departure, especially if stepping ashore is central to your plan.

I like the balance here: the trip does not treat Blue Lagoon as just a photo stop. You get time on land, but you are not left there for the entire day. The weakness is that the stop may feel more commercial and crowded than the other locations.

Walking Comino between swims

Comino is small, dry, and exposed. The short walk gives you a break from the boat and lets you see the island beyond its famous water. Expect natural ground, bright limestone, and low vegetation rather than a developed resort setting.

Wear sturdy sandals or shoes that can handle uneven surfaces. A hat and sunscreen are essential because shade on the island is limited. The boat itself has shade, which is useful when you return from the water, but the island walk is more open.

This stop works best for people who want variety. You can swim, stretch your legs, look around, and then return to the sea. If you prefer nonstop swimming, the land time may seem long. If you want a full picture of Comino, it is a worthwhile pause.

Gozo and Ħalfa Rock: another chance to get in

After Comino, the boat heads toward Gozo for another swim near Ħalfa Rock. The exact feel of this stop depends on wind, boat traffic, and sea conditions. On good days, the water is clear and the rock setting gives you a more open, less crowded place to swim.

Several people especially enjoyed the swim stops on either side of the Blue Lagoon visit. That makes sense. The Blue Lagoon is the famous name, but the quieter water stops often give you more freedom to swim and watch marine life.

The crew may point out fish or encourage you to use the masks in the water. Bring a snorkel if you want a proper underwater session. The supplied mask helps you see below the surface, but it is less useful without a breathing tube.

The sea can be rough in windy weather. Captain Tony’s long experience helps the crew adjust the route and manage conditions, but no captain can make the Mediterranean flat. If you are prone to motion sickness, sit where you can see the horizon and bring any usual remedy with you.

Caves along the Comino coast

The final sightseeing section takes place from the boat along Comino’s coast. You pass limestone cliffs and enter or approach coastal caves, seeing the water change color beneath the rock.

This is a scenic finish because you can stay dry after the last swim while still seeing more of the island. The caves are not a long walking visit. You view them from the boat, so keep your camera ready and listen for the guide’s explanations.

The route can change with sea conditions and boat traffic. Captain Tony has been praised for moving away from congested areas and adding extra cave views when time and conditions allow. That flexibility is useful because the busiest location is not always the best one.

Look for contrast rather than expecting a formal cave tour. The attraction is the raw limestone, openings in the coast, and the bright water around the boat. The setting is simple and natural, not heavily developed.

What makes Captain Tony so important

The boat, route, and swimming stops are good reasons to book. Captain Tony is the extra ingredient. He is 77, has about 55 years of experience, and is repeatedly praised for his energy, jokes, storytelling, and attention to people on board.

His style is lively and direct. He may use music, dancing, nicknames, and playful comments to keep the group involved. If you prefer silent cruising, this could become tiring. If you enjoy a social boat ride, his personality can turn ordinary travel time into part of the entertainment.

He also provides useful information about Malta’s coast, past civilizations, and landmarks. His assistant Raphael is described as friendly and helpful, particularly when people are getting in and out of the water or need a hand on board.

I would not book this trip solely for a quiet nature experience. Book it if you want scenery with a human touch. The strongest praise centers on the feeling of being welcomed, not just transported.

Is $47 a fair price for five hours?

At $47 per person, the value is solid. The price includes transport from Malta to Comino and Gozo, the powerboat ride, guide service, several swim opportunities, and a mask for the day. A half-day schedule also leaves you free to spend the morning or evening elsewhere in Malta.

The boat’s speed improves the value. A large, slower vessel may give you more deck space, but the compact powerboat can move between locations quickly. You get a mix of water time, a Comino stop, Gozo scenery, and caves in one outing.

Food, drinks, and towels cost extra or must come from you. Bring water, snacks, sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, swimwear, and a towel. If you plan to snorkel, bring your own snorkel. That small detail avoids disappointment.

The main value question is comfort. At 20 people, the boat can feel friendly and manageable. At 40, you may have less room for bags, sitting, and moving around. If personal space matters more than speed, a larger vessel may suit you better, though you may spend longer reaching the stops.

Who will enjoy this trip most?

I would recommend it to active visitors who want several swims rather than one long beach stop. It suits couples, families with older children, solo visitors who enjoy meeting people, and anyone looking for a lively half-day on the water.

It is also a good choice if you want to combine Comino and Gozo without arranging separate transport. The route gives you a taste of both islands, although it is not a full visit to Gozo. Your time there is focused on the coast and Ħalfa Rock, not inland sightseeing.

Strong swimmers will get the most from the water stops, but non-swimmers can remain on the shaded boat and enjoy the scenery. The crew provides swimming noodles, which can help people who want extra support. Sea conditions still matter, so this is not the right pick if you need a guaranteed calm-water outing.

You should think twice if you dislike lively guides, crowded famous sites, or sitting close to other people. You should also avoid treating the free mask as full snorkeling equipment. Pack your own snorkel for the best result.

Simple preparation for a better day

Wear swimwear beneath your clothes and keep your towel accessible. A towel packed at the bottom of a bag is not much use after the first swim.

Bring:

• Sunscreen and sunglasses
• A hat
• Swimwear and towel
• Water and any food you want
• A dry bag or waterproof pouch
• Your own snorkel, if desired
• Comfortable footwear for Comino’s walk

Keep valuables to a minimum. Storage space is limited, and wet bags are possible. A waterproof phone case is also practical if you want photos from the water.

The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure and a reserve-now, pay-later option. Starting times vary, so check availability for the day you want.

Should you book the Sliema powerboat trip?

I would book this if your Malta plans include swimming, clear water, and a lively guide. The combination of Crystal Lagoon, Blue Lagoon, Ħalfa Rock, Comino’s natural setting, and coastal caves gives you a lot in five hours. The $47 price is reasonable, especially when you value speed and several water stops.

Go in with the right expectations. The boat may be full, the Blue Lagoon may be crowded, and the mask does not include a snorkel. Bring your own equipment, protect your bags from water, and expect Captain Tony to be as much a part of the day as the scenery.

For a quiet, spacious cruise, choose another style of boat. For an energetic half-day that packs Malta’s best-known coastal colors into one trip, this is a strong choice.

FAQ

How long does the boat trip last?

The experience lasts five hours.

Where does the boat leave from?

Departure is from Sliema Ferries. Look for a white boat with a blue tent.

Which places does the trip visit?

The route includes Crystal Lagoon, Comino’s Blue Lagoon, Ħalfa Rock near Gozo, and caves along the Comino coast. It also passes St. Paul’s Island.

Can I get off the boat at the Blue Lagoon?

Yes. The trip includes a stop on Comino Island, where you can swim, walk around, and explore the natural surroundings.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

A free snorkeling mask is included. A snorkel is not provided, so bring your own if you want to breathe through a tube while looking underwater.

Are food, drinks, and towels included?

No. You need to bring or buy your own food and drinks, and you should bring a towel.

What language is the tour conducted in?

The live guide conducts the tour in English.