Sliema: Powerboat trip to Gozo & Comino with Caves

Hold on tight, Malta gets lively at sea. This six-hour trip packs a high-speed powerboat ride, two island stops, the Blue Lagoon, and a cave tour into one busy day. I like the generous 2.5 hours in Gozo, and I like that the 1.5-hour Comino stop leaves enough time for a swim without turning the day into a long beach stay. The catch is the ride itself: it can be loud, bumpy, and intense, especially when the captain opens the throttle.

This is not a quiet sightseeing cruise. Music plays, the boat moves fast, and the fun depends heavily on the captain’s style. Captains such as Baso, Paso, Connor, and Johnny have earned especially warm praise for their humor, driving, music, and clear instructions. The Blue Lagoon is beautiful but crowded, so you should book this for energy and variety, not peace and solitude.

Key points at a glance

• A genuine speedboat thrill: Expect fast acceleration, loud music, and a bumpy ride rather than a gentle cruise.
• 2.5 hours in Gozo: You have time for lunch, a harbor walk, or a short independent outing, but no Gozo excursion is included.
• 1.5 hours at the Blue Lagoon: Enough time for swimming and sun, while keeping the stop short enough to avoid a full day in the crowds.
• Crystal Lagoon cave tour: The route includes Comino’s caves and unusual rock formations before the boat returns.
• Captain-led entertainment: Baso, Paso, Connor, and Johnny are repeatedly praised for making the ride feel personal and fun.
• A practical meeting point: Meet at the Sliema Ferries, opposite McDonald’s and next to the ticket information office.

Why this six-hour boat trip works

At $77 per person, this is priced as an active half-day-plus outing rather than a simple transfer. You get the boat, fuel, safety equipment, captain, insurance, two scheduled stops, and the cave tour in one package. Food, drinks, hotel transport, and optional Gozo activities cost extra, so the real value depends on how much you want to do independently.

I see the strongest value in the combination. A ferry or basic boat transfer may get you between Malta, Gozo, and Comino, but this trip adds the speed, music, cave viewing, and a swimming stop. You also avoid spending a separate day arranging each island connection.

The trade-off is limited control. Gozo gets 2.5 hours, and Comino gets 1.5 hours. That is enough for a taste of each place, but not enough for a relaxed, detailed visit to Gozo. If you want museums, inland villages, or a long meal, you will need a dedicated Gozo day instead.

Meeting the boat at Sliema Ferries

The meeting point is at Sliema Ferries, opposite McDonald’s and beside the ticket information office. That is useful because Sliema’s waterfront has several recognizable landmarks, but you should still allow time to find the exact boarding area.

The scheduled start is 11:00, with the total outing lasting about six hours. You will need to sign a waiver before boarding. The captain provides full safety equipment, and fuel, local taxes, and liability insurance are included in the price.

Bring comfortable clothes, beachwear, comfortable shoes, and biodegradable sunscreen. Pack light. A small day bag is much easier to manage on a speedboat than a large suitcase or bulky beach kit.

The boat does not include hotel pickup or drop-off. You are responsible for reaching Sliema Ferries and getting back afterward. One captain reportedly dropped a group near St. Julian’s, but you should not count on that as part of the standard service.

The ride from Sliema to Gozo

The first part is the main event for anyone who enjoys speed. The boat heads across the Mediterranean toward Gozo with fast turns, strong acceleration, music, and plenty of sea air. Several people describe the ride as a true thrill experience, and that is the right way to picture it.

You may find the boat noisy and bumpy. One useful description is that it is not for the faint-hearted. That is not a complaint, but a warning about the style of the trip. If you expect a smooth cruise with quiet commentary, you may be disappointed. If you like a little adrenaline and want the journey itself to feel active, the ride is a major reason to book.

The music is part of the package. Captains have been praised for choosing lively playlists and encouraging everyone to enjoy the ride. Baso receives especially frequent credit for being funny, energetic, and good at making people feel involved. Paso is also praised as a skilled and entertaining captain.

Because the boat moves quickly and can bounce over the water, people with back or heart problems should not book. Pregnant women, children under three, people over 95, and people who are hearing-impaired are also listed as unsuitable for this activity. The loud music is worth taking seriously if you are sensitive to noise.

Two and a half hours to make your own Gozo plan

The Gozo stop gives you 2.5 hours of free time near the harbor. That is a useful amount of time for a meal, a waterfront walk, or a quick independent outing. It is also long enough to feel that you have actually stepped onto Gozo, rather than simply changing boats there.

The limitation is clear: no Gozo excursion is included. You will not have a guided island tour arranged for you, and the boat must leave on schedule for Comino. I would keep your plan simple and stay close to the harbor unless you have carefully confirmed transport times.

A bus into Victoria was recommended by one person as a practical way to reach the island’s center, with a reported return fare of €10 per person. The same advice includes an important warning: walking to Victoria and back will not fit comfortably into the available time. If you use a bus, leave a generous margin for the return trip.

Food advice is also worth noting. Some people were told that cafés near the harbor would not serve food until 3:00 p.m., but breakfast was available at cafés opposite the harbor. The safe approach is to check opening times when you arrive and avoid planning a long meal far from the boat.

This stop suits independent visitors who can get their bearings fast. It is less suitable if you want a carefully guided introduction to Gozo’s villages and historic sights. For that, book a separate full-day Gozo tour.

Comino’s Blue Lagoon: beautiful, busy, and brief

After Gozo, the boat continues to Comino’s Blue Lagoon for 1.5 hours. The water is the visual prize of the day: clear, turquoise, and ideal for swimming or snorkeling. You can also stay on shore and enjoy the sun, though space can feel tight during busy periods.

The short stop is a sensible design choice. The Blue Lagoon is widely known and often very crowded, with food and drink stands around the area. One useful assessment is that 1.5 hours is enough because the lagoon can feel too touristy for a longer stay. You get time for a swim and photographs without committing most of your day to a packed beach.

Food and drink stands accept both cash and cards, according to practical advice from the trip. Lockers are available, but large lockers reportedly cost €7 and may only fit a smaller backpack. I would carry only what you need for the water and keep valuables to a minimum.

This is not the place for a quiet, private swim. You will share the setting with many other people, especially in the warmer months. Still, the color of the water and the chance to swim directly from a Comino stop make it one of the strongest parts of the itinerary.

The Crystal Lagoon caves and rock formations

Before returning, the boat includes a cave tour around Comino’s Crystal Lagoon area. You will pass into grottoes and see unusual rock formations from the water, adding a sightseeing element to what could otherwise be only a speedboat and swimming trip.

The cave portion is included, so there is no extra charge for this part. It also gives you a break from the louder, faster sections of the ride. The boat can approach the rock formations in a way that is difficult to manage independently unless you hire a separate vessel.

The exact pace of the cave visit can depend on sea conditions and the captain’s handling, so think of it as a scenic boat tour rather than a long stop on land. You remain part of the group and continue according to the day’s schedule.

For me, this is an important part of the package because it adds variety. You get open-water speed, time on Gozo, a swim, and coastal scenery in one outing. The day would feel much thinner without the caves.

The captains make a real difference

The strongest praise goes to the people driving the boat. Baso is singled out repeatedly for humor, high energy, a good playlist, and making the ride feel special. Paso is described as both entertaining and skilled, while Connor earned praise for the boat handling and even stopping to look at dolphins during one return journey.

Johnny is also noted for giving clear instructions, helping people feel comfortable, and keeping the mood light. You should not assume that one particular captain will operate your boat, but the pattern is useful: the crew’s personality plays a major part in the experience.

That human element matters on a fast boat. A good captain does more than steer. You need clear safety instructions, confident handling, and enough awareness to keep the fun from becoming uncomfortable. The positive comments about humor and care suggest that the crew understands this balance.

Music is another part of the atmosphere. If you enjoy upbeat songs and a party-like boat ride, you will probably appreciate it. If you prefer to hear quiet commentary or the sound of the sea, the volume may wear you down.

What the $77 price includes

At $77, you are paying for a full six-hour program rather than a single short transfer. The included elements are:

• Local expert captain
• Full safety equipment
• Liability insurance and local taxes
• Fuel
• 2.5 hours in Gozo
• 1.5 hours at Comino’s Blue Lagoon
• Crystal Lagoon caves
• Cave tour

You still need to budget for food and drinks, and any paid activity or transport you arrange in Gozo. Hotel pickup and drop-off are also not included.

I consider the price fair if you want all three major ingredients: speed, swimming, and island stops. The boat lets you cover a lot of water in one day and avoids separate transport planning between Malta, Gozo, and Comino.

The value is weaker for someone who mainly wants time in Gozo. In that case, the 2.5-hour stop may feel too short, and a dedicated Gozo excursion could make better sense. The same applies if your priority is a calm cruise. You would be paying for speed you may not enjoy.

Who should book this experience?

I would recommend it to couples, friends, and families with older children who enjoy active outings. It is also a good choice if you have only a short stay in Malta and want to see Gozo and Comino in one day.

You are likely to enjoy it if you like:

• Fast boats and lively music
• Swimming in clear sea water
• Short, varied stops
• Independent exploration
• A captain who jokes and keeps the group engaged
• Seeing caves and rock formations from the water

I would choose another type of outing if you have back or heart problems, are pregnant, have a hearing impairment, or dislike loud, rough rides. It is also unsuitable for children under three and people over 95.

Pack beachwear, biodegradable sunscreen, comfortable shoes, and light clothes. Do not bring alcohol or drugs, and do not expect to bring a stroller, baby carriage, or electric wheelchair. All visitors must sign the waiver before boarding.

Final call: book it for speed, not silence

Book this Sliema powerboat tour if you want a lively day that combines a real ride with a taste of Gozo, Comino, and the caves. The captain’s energy, the music, and the quick changes of scenery give the outing a festive feel, while the Blue Lagoon supplies the classic Malta swim.

Skip it if you want a quiet boat, a detailed Gozo visit, or a calm afternoon beside uncrowded water. The best reason to choose this trip is its variety. You get moving quickly, spend enough time in Gozo for lunch and a short walk, swim at Comino, and see the caves before returning to Malta.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. That gives you some flexibility, but the main decision is simpler: if the words fast, loud, bumpy, and fun sound appealing, $77 is a reasonable price for the day.

FAQ

Where does the powerboat tour meet?

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

What time does the tour start?

The tour starts at 11:00 and lasts about six hours. Availability should be checked when booking because starting times can vary.

How much free time is provided in Gozo?

You receive 2.5 hours of free time in Gozo. Food, a harbor walk, and any additional Gozo transport or activities are not included.

How long is the stop at Comino’s Blue Lagoon?

The Blue Lagoon stop lasts 1.5 hours. You can use this time to swim, snorkel, or relax by the water.

Is the cave tour included in the price?

Yes. The package includes a Crystal Lagoon cave visit and a cave tour around Comino’s grottoes and rock formations.

What should I bring?

Bring comfortable shoes, comfortable clothes, beachwear, and biodegradable sunscreen. Travelling light is useful because large bags may be difficult to store.

Who should not book this activity?

The tour is not suitable for children under three, pregnant women, people with back or heart problems, people over 95, or people who are hearing-impaired. Baby strollers, baby carriages, and electric wheelchairs are not allowed.