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

The best part of this five-hour powerboat trip is the amount of time you spend in the water. You visit Crystal Lagoon, Comino’s Blue Lagoon, and a swim stop near Ħalfa Rock in Gozo, then cruise past caves along Comino’s rocky coast. Captain Tony brings local stories, humor, and 55 years of experience on the water.

I like the smaller, faster boat, which can reach the islands more quickly than a large sightseeing vessel. I also like the mix of swimming, snorkeling, a short walk on Comino, and coastal sightseeing. Tony and Rafael add plenty of personality, and the free mask saves you one small rental cost.

The main consideration is space. The boat can carry up to 40 people, and some departures feel full. The included snorkeling equipment may mean only a mask or goggles, not a breathing tube, so bring your own snorkel if you want to spend serious time looking underwater. Blue Lagoon can also be crowded, while conditions at Crystal Lagoon may be choppy.

Key points to know before booking

• Three useful swim stops: Crystal Lagoon, Blue Lagoon, and the Gozo coast near Ħalfa Rock give you more than one chance to get in the sea.
• A lively local guide: Captain Tony is known for humor, music, stories, and close attention to passengers.
• Fast transport: The powerboat covers more ground than a large, slower boat and leaves time for several stops.
• Free mask, but check what you need: Masks are provided, while a snorkel may not be.
• Comino time is built in: You get time to leave the boat, walk around the island, and see its natural reserve and sand dunes.
• Plan for a full boat: Capacity is listed at 40, with some departures carrying about 20 people and others feeling more crowded.

Why this Sliema boat trip works so well

Malta is surrounded by clear water, but getting to the best swimming spots can take planning. This trip handles the transport from Sliema Ferries and links several famous coastal sites in half a day. You are not stuck on one stretch of beach, and you do not spend the whole day on a large vessel packed with sun loungers.

The route also has a good rhythm. You ride out from Sliema, stop for a swim, spend time at Comino, visit another swimming area near Gozo, and finish with caves along the Comino coast. That variety matters. You get open sea, limestone cliffs, a short land visit, and underwater time without committing an entire day.

The experience is especially useful if you have only a few days in Malta. At $47 per person, the price covers the boat ride and a snorkeling mask, with no separate transport cost between the islands. Food, drinks, and towels are extra, so the real cost stays reasonable if you bring your own supplies.

Leaving Sliema and crossing toward Comino

Look for the white boat with the blue tent at Sliema Ferries. The meeting point is simple, but give yourself enough time to find the correct boat along this busy waterfront. The boat has shade, which becomes important during the warmer part of the day, and there is room to sit during the crossings.

The powerboat gives you a quicker ride than the larger cruise boats that make similar trips. You can admire St. Paul’s Island on the way out, while Tony points out coastal features and explains parts of Malta’s past. His style is energetic and direct, with plenty of jokes and music mixed into the information.

Tony is the main reason this trip feels personal rather than purely transport-based. He is 77 and has about 55 years of experience on the water. That age and experience combination is part of the charm, but it also has a practical benefit: he adjusts the route when wind, waves, or congestion make one stop less appealing.

Rafael helps with the day-to-day running of the boat. He assists with masks, swimming access, and general questions, and his calm approach balances Tony’s high energy.

Crystal Lagoon: the first swim

Crystal Lagoon is the first major stop and usually the first chance to jump from the boat into Malta’s clear water. You swim directly from the vessel rather than walking onto a beach. That keeps the stop simple and gives you an early taste of the trip.

The water can be exceptionally clear, with fish visible around the rocky edges. You can use the supplied mask to look below the surface, though you should not assume a full snorkel set is provided. Several people found that the equipment consisted of goggles or a mask only. Bring your own snorkel if you want to breathe through the tube while swimming.

Crystal Lagoon is also where weather matters most. On calm days, it can be the prettiest swim of the day. In windy conditions, the water may feel choppy, and entering from the boat requires more confidence. A pool noodle may be available for use, which helps if you are not a strong swimmer or simply want to float without effort.

Follow the crew’s instructions before jumping. The boat will not feel like a beach, and you need to be comfortable climbing back aboard using the boat’s access point. This is a swimming stop, not a supervised swimming lesson.

Blue Lagoon and time on Comino

The boat then heads to Comino’s Blue Lagoon, the best-known stop on the route. Here, you can leave the boat and spend time on the island. The usual stop lasts about an hour and a half, giving you more than a quick photo break.

Blue Lagoon is famous for its bright water and pale limestone surroundings, but it is also the most crowded part of the trip. The bay can fill with boats, and the shore has a much busier feel than the quieter swimming areas. If you want an empty cove, this is not the right expectation. If you want to see Malta’s most recognized sea view and have time to stretch your legs, it works well.

As of May 1, 2025, anyone planning to go onto Comino needs to apply for an online ticket through the official Blue Lagoon system. This requirement does not apply if you stay on the boat and swim from it. Check the current rules before departure, since island access requirements can change.

On land, you can walk around the bird sanctuary and natural reserve, look at the sand dunes, and see Comino’s low vegetation. The walk is not a full island hike, but it adds something that a boat-only outing cannot provide. You can step away from the engine noise, see the rough limestone up close, and understand how sparse and exposed the island is.

Food and drinks are not included. You may find places to buy refreshments during the Blue Lagoon stop, but bringing water is the safer plan. A hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, swimwear, and a towel are all useful. There is shade on the boat, but the island stop itself is not a guarantee of comfortable shade.

Gozo near Ħalfa Rock

After Comino, the boat crosses toward Gozo for another swim near Ħalfa Rock. This stop helps justify choosing a route that includes both islands. You see more of Malta’s coastline and get another chance to swim away from the main Blue Lagoon crowd.

The exact feel of this stop depends on wind and boat traffic. On a calm day, the water is clear and inviting. On a rougher day, the same open-water setting can feel lively, and getting in may not suit everyone. The crew gives safety instructions, but you should judge your own comfort honestly.

This is also a good point to use the mask. Fish and underwater rock formations can make the swim more interesting than simply floating in a bright bay. If you bring a phone or camera, keep it secure. Bags placed at the rear of the boat have been known to get wet after swimming stops, so use a waterproof bag and avoid leaving valuables loose.

Caves along Comino’s limestone coast

The final sightseeing section takes you along Comino’s coast to see caves from the boat. This is a quieter way to finish the route, especially after several swims. You remain aboard while the boat moves close to the rough limestone cliffs and openings in the shoreline.

The caves are not a separate walking tour. Their value comes from the changing light, dark openings, and contrast between pale rock and blue water. Tony may point out extra coastal features depending on conditions, including additional caves or unusual underwater sights.

The coastline looks raw because Comino has very little development. That is one of the trip’s strongest visual qualities. You see low scrub, exposed rock, and sea shaped by wind rather than a built-up resort shore. Keep your camera ready, but also listen to the guide, since the stories and place names give the coastline more meaning than photographs alone.

Tony’s guiding style and the feel on board

Tony is not a quiet, formal guide. He jokes, dances, plays music, and keeps the group involved. His humor can be a major plus if you like a social outing with a strong personality at the center. He also shares information about Malta’s coastline, history, and past civilizations, so the entertainment is not all noise.

His energy has been a consistent highlight of this experience. He remembers to include people, explains what is happening, and keeps the mood upbeat when the weather turns rough. That last point matters. A windy day can produce a bumpy ride, but an experienced skipper who communicates clearly makes the conditions easier to handle.

The atmosphere is international and mixed in age. You may find families, couples, younger people, and older passengers sharing the boat. The trip suits people who enjoy meeting others and being part of a group. It is less suitable if you want a silent, private cruise.

The boat is smaller than many large island vessels, but do not confuse smaller with private. The maximum capacity is 40, and one departure had about 20 people on board. When full, seating and personal space can feel tight. The benefit is speed and a more direct connection with the crew. The tradeoff is less room to spread out.

What to bring, and what not to expect

Pack lightly, but pack for water.

• Bring a towel, since none is supplied.
• Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat.
• Bring swimwear and a change of clothing if you dislike sitting damp during the ride back.
• Bring water and snacks, since food and drinks are not included.
• Bring a snorkel if you want more than a quick look underwater.
• Use a waterproof bag for phones, wallets, and spare clothes.

The listing describes free snorkeling masks, but practical use may mean a mask or goggles without a snorkel. That is still useful for looking below the surface, but it is not the same as a complete snorkeling set.

The boat has shade, which is a real advantage. You can cool down between swims instead of sitting in full sun for five hours. Still, shaded seating may be limited when the boat is full, so sunscreen remains essential.

This is not a luxury yacht outing. You should expect a functional powerboat, shared seating, swimming from the vessel, and a lively crew. The value comes from the route, speed, number of swim stops, and guide rather than from padded seats or onboard catering.

Is $47 a fair price?

For a five-hour trip, $47 is a strong value if your priority is swimming and seeing several coastal sites. A single boat transfer to Comino can take up much of a day, while this route adds Gozo, caves, and three water stops. The free mask also removes one small expense.

The price is less attractive if you want a quiet, uncrowded day or a full snorkeling package. You pay extra for food and drinks, and you may want to purchase or bring your own snorkel. A private charter would give you more control, but it would cost far more.

I see the biggest value in the efficient route. The powerboat moves quickly, and Tony can adjust the order or location when one area is too crowded or the water is rough. That flexibility helps you spend more time seeing and swimming rather than waiting.

Who should book this experience?

I would choose this trip if you want an active half-day on the water and do not want to spend your whole holiday at one beach. It suits confident swimmers, families with older children who can follow boat safety rules, couples, solo visitors, and anyone who likes a guide with a big personality.

It is also a good match for first-time visitors to Malta. You see Comino and Gozo in one outing, hear basic background about the islands, and get a broad sense of the coast without arranging several separate trips.

Think twice if you are prone to seasickness, dislike loud or highly social groups, or need a lot of personal space. Wind can make the crossing choppy, the Blue Lagoon can be congested, and a full boat may feel cramped.

Cancellation is flexible if you cancel at least 24 hours ahead for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later. The tour is conducted in English.

Should you book the Sliema to Comino and Gozo boat trip?

Book it if you want clear water, several swims, fast transport, and a memorable skipper. The combination of Crystal Lagoon, Blue Lagoon, Ħalfa Rock, and Comino’s caves gives you a lot in five hours.

My practical advice is to bring your own snorkel, secure your bags in waterproof storage, and accept that Blue Lagoon will probably be the busiest stop. If you can handle a lively group and a possible bumpy ride, the route offers excellent value and a more personal feel than a large boat cruise.

FAQ

How long is the boat trip?

The activity lasts five hours.

Where does the boat leave from?

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

Which places does the boat visit?

The route includes Crystal Lagoon, Comino Blue Lagoon, Ħalfa Rock in Gozo, and caves along the Comino coast. You can also see St. Paul’s Island from the boat.

Can I get off the boat at Blue Lagoon?

Yes. There is a stop on Comino Island, with time to swim, snorkel, and walk around the island.

Do I need an online ticket for Comino?

As of May 1, 2025, you need to apply for an online ticket to go onto Comino through the Blue Lagoon booking system. This does not apply if you swim from the boat without going onto the island.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

A snorkeling mask is included for the day. The equipment may not include a snorkel, so bring your own breathing tube if you want to snorkel properly.

Are food, drinks, and towels included?

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

What language is the tour conducted in?

The live tour is conducted in English.