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

The best part of this Comino trip is the journey itself. You race across the Mediterranean from Sliema in a powerful boat, music playing, cliffs sliding past, and spray sometimes hitting the seats. It feels more like a short sea adventure than a standard island transfer. I especially like the fast ride to Comino and the chance to see Santa Maria Caves up close rather than simply passing them from a distant ferry.

The long stop at the Blue Lagoon gives you plenty of time to swim, snorkel, eat, and walk along Comino’s paths. Captains such as Baso and Johnny have earned strong praise for their humor, energy, and safe handling. The main drawback is the lagoon itself: it can be crowded, sunny, and short on comfortable seating, so four hours may feel too long if you want shade or quiet.

Quick points to know

• The boat ride is the main event: Expect a quick, bumpy trip with loud music and plenty of energy.
• Santa Maria Caves are viewed from the water: The boat makes a scenic stop for photos and a closer look.
• You get roughly four hours at the Blue Lagoon: That is enough for swimming and a walk, but the exposed shore can become tiring.
• Captain Baso is a frequent favorite: Johnny is also praised for making the ride entertaining and explaining the safety details.
• The lagoon is beautiful but crowded: Bring sun protection, water, and something comfortable for rocky ground.
• The $70 price buys speed and atmosphere: It is especially good value if you prefer a lively powerboat to a slower, crowded ferry.

Sliema to Comino in a high-speed boat

You meet at the Sliema Ferries area, opposite McDonald’s, for an 11:00 departure. There is no hotel pickup, so plan your own way to the waterfront and allow time to find the exact boarding point.

Once underway, the powerboat changes the tone of the day. A regular ferry gets you to Comino, but this boat turns the crossing into a ride. The trip is commonly described as taking about 25 to 30 minutes, depending on sea conditions and the route. You can expect speed, engine noise, music, wind, and some bumps.

The ride is not described as extreme by everyone, but it is lively enough that you should enjoy a moderate thrill. The rear seats are generally the less bumpy choice, according to one captain’s explanation. If you have back or heart problems, are pregnant, or have recently had surgery, this is not the right outing for you.

You may get wet, especially if the sea is choppy. Wear beach clothes from the start and keep phones, cameras, and other valuables protected. The boat has safety equipment, fuel, insurance, and a local captain included, but you should still treat the crossing as an active ride rather than a calm cruise.

The loud music is part of the appeal for some people and a nuisance for others. Several captains have created a party-like mood, with Baso receiving especially warm praise for his humor, timing, and enthusiasm. If you want a quiet nature trip with detailed commentary, choose another boat. If you want a fast, playful start to a beach day, this format fits well.

Santa Maria Caves from the water

The first scenic feature is the Santa Maria Caves on Comino. The boat passes close to the rock formations and pauses for photographs and views. This is a good use of a powerboat because the smaller craft can get closer to coastal openings and coves than a large ferry.

Keep your expectations sensible. The cave visit is brief and mostly a water-level sightseeing stop, not a long walk through underground chambers. Some routes describe several cave views, including the Crystal Lagoon caves, while the exact stops can depend on the captain and conditions.

I would bring a phone or camera with a secure strap, but do not make the caves the sole reason for booking. The scenery is attractive, and the boat approach is fun, yet the Blue Lagoon and the ride are the stronger parts of the day.

The cliffs and coves also give you a useful look at Comino before you reach the crowded swimming area. You see pale rock, clear water, and small coastal openings that are easy to miss from a large passenger boat. The captain may point out features along the way, although the trip is not built around a long formal explanation.

Four hours at Malta’s Blue Lagoon

The central stop lasts about four hours, with some descriptions allowing up to four and a half. That gives you time to swim without rushing straight back onto the boat. The water is famously clear, and the lagoon is the obvious place to cool off after the warm, exposed crossing.

You can swim, snorkel, sunbathe, buy food and drinks, use the toilets, or walk along Comino’s cliff paths. Lifeguards are reported to be on duty at the lagoon. The area has enough facilities for a beach stop, but it is not a secluded beach day.

The most important practical point is crowding. In the warmer months, the Blue Lagoon can be densely packed, with towels covering much of the available ground. Comfortable seating is limited, and paid loungers with umbrellas may sell out or be unavailable. Much of the shore is hard, rocky, and fully exposed to the sun.

That changes how you should judge the four-hour stop. If you plan to spend most of your time swimming, the length is useful. If you want a shaded chair, a quiet cove, or a soft beach, you may feel ready to leave well before the boat does.

Some people solve this by staying in the water for long stretches, walking the island paths, or treating the stop as a simple swim rather than a full beach resort visit. Sea shoes are a smart addition because the rocks can be sharp. Bring a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and more water than you think you need. Beachwear is essential, and a light cover-up can make the exposed shore more comfortable.

Snorkeling equipment needs a careful note. The experience includes time for snorkeling, but equipment is not clearly guaranteed. One report specifically noted that no snorkel gear was provided, though it could be rented on Comino. If snorkeling matters to you, bring your own equipment or be ready to rent it locally.

The return ride and the value of speed

After your Comino stop, you return to Sliema by powerboat. The trip back is another chance to enjoy the speed, music, and open views. Depending on the day, the boat may make an additional stop or drop-off near St. Julian’s, but Sliema is the stated return point, so confirm your exact arrangement with the crew.

The return ride may feel bumpier than the outward journey if the wind changes. You cannot normally switch seats for a different experience, so choose your place with comfort in mind when boarding. The rear is often preferable for a softer ride, while other seats may give you a stronger sense of speed and more spray.

At $70 per person, this is not the cheapest way to reach Comino. The price makes more sense if you see the boat as part of the attraction. You are paying for the captain, fuel, safety equipment, the cave visit, the crossing, and a long Blue Lagoon stop.

A slower ferry may suit you better if you only need transport and want to spend as little as possible. The powerboat is the better buy if you dislike packed ferries, want a more exciting crossing, or value reaching Comino quickly. Several people have chosen it again during the same Malta stay, which tells you where its strongest value lies: the ride is memorable, not merely practical.

The 6-hour length also matters. You spend roughly half an hour each way on the boat and several hours at the lagoon. That leaves enough time for a relaxed swim, but not enough structure to fill every minute if you do not enjoy sunbathing or walking.

Captains, safety, and the boat atmosphere

The captain makes a real difference here. Baso is repeatedly singled out for being funny, attentive, energetic, and good at creating a party mood while still handling the boat well. Johnny is also praised for making the journey enjoyable and for explaining which seats would be less bumpy.

Do not assume every departure has the same captain or the same personality. The advertised languages are English, French, Italian, and Spanish, and the trip includes a local expert captain. Still, the experience is more about a lively ride and scenery than a formal guided tour.

Safety equipment and liability insurance are included, and all passengers must sign a waiver before boarding. Read it carefully, especially if you have any medical concern. The trip is not suitable for children under three, wheelchair users, people with back or heart problems, pregnant women, people with recent surgeries, or anyone over 95.

Families with older children and teenagers may find this a great match. Younger children who dislike loud music, bumps, or spray may not. The same goes for anyone who wants a gentle sightseeing cruise. This is a fun day at sea, but it asks you to accept a little discomfort in return for speed and excitement.

What to bring for a more comfortable day

Pack lightly, but pack with the Blue Lagoon in mind. You will want:

• Swimsuit and a towel
• Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat
• Plenty of drinking water
• Sea shoes for sharp or uneven rocks
• A waterproof case or secure bag for your phone
• Snorkel gear if you want to use it without renting
• A light cover-up for the ride and walk around Comino

Food and drinks are not included. You can buy refreshments at the lagoon, but bringing water is still wise, particularly in June, July, and August. There is limited shade, and the sun reflects off both the water and the pale rock.

A dry change of clothes can help after the boat ride. You might remain mostly dry on a calm day, but the possibility of spray is part of the deal. Keep loose hats and unsecured belongings under control when the boat accelerates.

Who should book this Comino trip?

I would choose this tour if you want the quickest, most entertaining way to reach the Blue Lagoon from Sliema. It works particularly well for couples, groups of friends, and families with teenagers who enjoy speed, music, and a bit of sea spray.

It also suits first-time visitors who want several Comino highlights in one day: the crossing, coastal cliffs, sea caves, swimming, and a little time on the island. The long stop means you do not need to rush from the water to the boat.

I would hesitate if your priority is peace and quiet. The music can be loud, the boat can be bumpy, and the Blue Lagoon can feel crowded. People with mobility concerns should ask detailed questions before booking, even though one captain made a special effort to assist a passenger with limited mobility.

Should you book the Supreme Powerboats experience?

Book it if the powerboat ride sounds as appealing as the Blue Lagoon. That is the central decision. You get a fast crossing, close views of the caves, a capable captain, and a long swim stop for $70.

Skip it if you mainly want a quiet beach, guaranteed shade, supplied snorkel equipment, or a detailed cave tour. The Blue Lagoon is beautiful, but it is busy and exposed, and four hours can feel excessive if you are not comfortable sitting on rocks or staying in the water.

For most active visitors, this is a strong Comino day trip. Bring water, sun protection, sea shoes, and realistic expectations about crowds. Then settle into the music, hold on during the fast sections, and treat the ride itself as half the attraction.

FAQ

Where does the powerboat depart from?

The meeting point is at the Sliema Ferries area, opposite McDonald’s.

What time does the tour depart?

The stated departure time is 11:00.

How long does the experience last?

The total duration is 6 hours.

How long do I stay at the Blue Lagoon?

The stop is described as about 4 hours, with some details allowing up to 4.5 hours.

Is swimming included?

Yes. The Blue Lagoon stop includes time for swimming and snorkeling.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

You should not rely on included equipment. One report states that snorkel gear was available to rent on Comino, but it was not provided on the boat.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not included in the price.

Which languages are available?

The host or greeter may speak English, French, Italian, or Spanish.

Can I cancel or pay later?

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