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

This is Malta from the water. The five-hour powerboat trip from Sliema packs in Crystal Lagoon, Comino’s Blue Lagoon, a Gozo swim stop, and coastal caves without taking up your whole day. I especially like the smaller, quicker boat and the chance to swim in three different spots rather than spend the day anchored in one bay.

The free mask, shaded seating, and lively guiding from Captain Tony add real value at $47 per person. Tony is known for his jokes, local stories, music, and boundless energy, while Raphael helps people on board. The main caution is space: the boat can carry up to 40 people, and some departures feel full.

Six things to know before you book

• Tony sets the tone: Captain Tony, a Maltese skipper with 55 years of experience, mixes coastline facts with plenty of humor.
• Three water stops: You can swim near Crystal Lagoon, Comino’s Blue Lagoon, and Ħalfa Rock in Gozo.
• A fast half-day outing: The powerboat covers a lot of coast in five hours, leaving room for another activity later.
• Blue Lagoon time includes land access: You get about an hour and a half to leave the boat, walk around, swim, and find food or drinks.
• The mask is only part of the kit: A free swimming mask is supplied, but it may be goggles rather than a full mask and snorkel.
• Pack for wet conditions: Bags can get splashed, especially at the rear of the boat, so use a waterproof bag for phones and clothing.

Leaving Sliema on a small powerboat

You meet the boat at Sliema Ferries. Look for the white boat with the blue tent, a useful detail because the waterfront can be busy with boats and passengers.

The first advantage becomes clear as soon as you leave. This is a powerboat rather than a slow, packed sightseeing vessel, so you get across the water quickly and spend more of the five hours at the places that matter. You can look back toward Sliema and enjoy Malta’s coast from a different angle, while St. Paul’s Island comes into view along the route.

I like this format for a short stay in Malta. You do not lose an entire day to a single boat outing, yet you still reach Comino and Gozo. The tradeoff is movement. A smaller fast boat can feel lively when the sea is choppy, and high winds have made some departures rough. Tony’s experience helps, but no skipper can smooth out bad weather.

There is shade on the boat, which matters during Malta’s bright summer sun. Seating is available, but do not expect the open space of a large catamaran. On some trips, about 20 people are on board. The boat can hold up to 40, and a full departure may feel tight, especially when everyone returns from swimming with towels and bags.

Crystal Lagoon: the first swim

Crystal Lagoon is the first main stop, and you swim directly from the boat. This is one of the strongest parts of the outing because you avoid the business of getting ashore and can get into the clear water quickly.

The lagoon is famous for its bright blue water and rocky setting. From the boat, you can appreciate the limestone cliffs and the raw, open character of Comino. This is not a polished beach resort. It is a sea stop built around swimming, floating, and looking beneath the surface.

The water can be choppy at Crystal Lagoon, especially when the wind picks up. If you are not a confident swimmer, ask about a swimming noodle. Free noodles have been available on board, and they give you a simple way to enjoy the water without fighting the current.

The supplied mask lets you look below the surface, but you should understand exactly what is provided. Several people found it was a mask or goggles without a snorkel. If you want to spend serious time looking for fish, bring your own snorkel. The water is clear enough for basic viewing, and the swim stops are more about easy enjoyment than a formal snorkeling lesson.

Blue Lagoon: beautiful, busy, and worth seeing

The boat then reaches Comino’s Blue Lagoon, the best-known stop of the day. Here you can get off the boat and spend around an hour and a half on or near the island. That gives you time to swim, use the mask, stroll on land, and find a drink or something to eat.

The color of the water is the draw. Comino’s limestone cliffs, pale rock, low vegetation, and open sea make the setting feel spare and natural. The island is a bird sanctuary and natural reserve, with sand dunes and local plant life adding interest beyond the water.

There is a practical rule to note. From May 1, 2025, you need an online ticket to go onto Comino Island, obtained through blcomino.com. If you stay on the boat and swim from it, that island access requirement does not apply.

The Blue Lagoon is also the most crowded part of the route. Other boats use the same famous bay, and the shoreline can feel far less peaceful than its photographs suggest. I would not book this trip expecting solitude here. Instead, think of the Blue Lagoon as the one stop where you get the classic Comino view, some time ashore, and access to food or drinks.

One useful point is that several people preferred the quieter swimming stops to the Blue Lagoon itself. If you care most about swimming, the first and final water stops may be more enjoyable. If you want to walk on Comino and see its famous bay, the Blue Lagoon stop gives you that opportunity.

Gozo and Ħalfa Rock

After Comino, the boat heads toward Gozo for another swim near Ħalfa Rock. This adds variety to the trip. You are not simply circling one island and returning to Sliema. You get a look at Malta’s sister island and another chance to enter clear Mediterranean water.

The Gozo stop is a swim from the boat, not a long visit ashore. That distinction matters. If you want villages, churches, or inland sights in Gozo, this trip is not a substitute for a full Gozo day. If you want to see the coast and swim beside the rock, it works well.

The open-water setting can be especially good for people who enjoy jumping in, floating, and watching fish with a mask. Conditions depend on wind and waves, so the exact comfort of the stop can change from day to day. Bring a towel, but also assume it may not stay dry for long.

The crew has sometimes used noodles here as well. That small extra can make a difference for children and anyone who likes support in the water. You should still follow Tony’s instructions, since the boat may be near rocks and the sea can move quickly.

Caves along Comino’s coast

The final sightseeing section takes you along the Comino coast to see caves from the boat. This is a good change of pace after several swims. You remain seated, dry off in the shade, and look up at the limestone walls and openings carved by the sea.

The route can include two caves and sometimes an extra cave if timing and conditions allow. Tony may also point out unusual underwater sights and local landmarks along the way. The attraction is not a formal cave walk. You are viewing the formations from the boat, which means you can appreciate the shape and color of the rock without climbing or scrambling.

I like this part because it shows Comino as more than a blue swimming pool. The cliffs and caves explain why the island feels so rugged. The sea has cut into the pale limestone, leaving a coastline that looks best from the water.

The route can change slightly if one area is crowded with boats. Tony has adjusted the order or chosen another nearby spot when needed. That flexibility is useful, though it also means the exact timing and cave count may vary.

Tony, Raphael, and the human side of the trip

Captain Tony is the central character here. He is 77 and has worked on the water for 55 years, facts he shares with plenty of personality. His style is energetic, direct, and playful. Expect jokes, music, dance moves, repeated holiday greetings, and frequent efforts to bring the whole boat into the fun.

I would choose this trip partly for the guide. Tony does more than drive the boat. He explains Malta’s coastline, points out historical places, and shares stories about the islands and the civilizations that shaped them. His warmth also helps when the weather is not perfect. Several departures with wind or rougher water still felt cheerful because he kept people informed and engaged.

Raphael works as the deckhand and provides practical help. He assists with masks, noodles, boarding, and general needs on the boat. That second pair of hands is valuable when people are getting in and out of the water.

This is not a quiet, private charter. If you want soft music, silence, and a secluded cove, the jokes and group energy may feel like too much. If you like a social outing with a guide who talks to everyone, Tony’s personality is a major reason to book.

What $47 gets you

At $47, this is strong value if you want several coastal stops in one half-day. The price includes transport from Sliema, the powerboat ride, and use of swimming masks. You also get access to the shaded boat, three swimming opportunities, time on Comino, a Gozo coastal stop, and cave viewing.

Food, drinks, and towels are not included. There may be chances to buy refreshments near the Blue Lagoon, and an ice cream or drinks boat has sometimes come alongside during the trip, but you should bring money and not count on a particular refreshment stop.

The biggest value is time. A slower boat can spend a large part of the day simply reaching Comino. This powerboat gets you out to the islands quickly, then returns to Sliema within five hours. For a couple, family, or solo visitor trying to fit several activities into a Malta itinerary, that is useful.

The main compromise is comfort. A full boat has less room for bags and bodies. One person found wet bags at the rear after the first swim because there was nowhere secure to place them. Use a waterproof pouch or dry bag for your phone, wallet, and spare clothes.

Who will enjoy this most

I recommend this for you if you want to swim several times, like a lively guide, and prefer a half-day outing to a full-day cruise. It suits people who want to see Comino and Gozo from the sea without arranging separate transport.

Families can enjoy the short format, noodles, shaded seating, and lively atmosphere, though children should be comfortable around open water and follow crew instructions. The international mix of ages also makes it a natural choice if you like meeting people rather than staying in a private group.

Strong swimmers will get the most from the clear water and cave-side stops. Less confident swimmers can still enjoy the trip, but bring a noodle if you want extra buoyancy and speak with the crew before entering the water.

I would choose another type of boat if you need lots of personal space, want a quiet luxury experience, or hope to spend most of the day on Gozo itself. This is a practical sightseeing and swimming trip, not a full island tour.

Practical tips for a better day

Bring swimwear, sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, and a towel. You should also carry a waterproof bag because bags can get wet, particularly around the rear seating area.

Bring your own snorkel if underwater viewing matters to you. The included equipment may be only a mask or goggles, not a complete mask-and-snorkel set.

Wear sunscreen before boarding. Shade is available, but you will spend time in bright sun during the swim stops. Keep some flexibility in your plan because wind, waves, and boat traffic can affect the order of stops.

If you want to walk on Comino, arrange the required online island ticket before the trip. That requirement does not apply when you only swim from the boat.

The cancellation policy allows a full refund when you cancel at least 24 hours in advance, and you can reserve now and pay later. The operating language is English.

Should you book this Sliema boat trip?

Book it if you want clear water, three swims, Comino scenery, Gozo coast, and a memorable guide in five hours. The boat is quick, the route covers a lot, and $47 is fair for the amount of coast and water time included.

Go in expecting a social group trip, not a private escape. Accept that Blue Lagoon may be crowded, the boat may feel full, and rough water can happen. If those limits suit you, Tony’s humor, local stories, and 55 years on the water can turn a simple boat ride into one of the most enjoyable half-days of your Malta stay.

FAQ

Where does the boat trip leave from?

The trip leaves from Sliema Ferries. Look for a white boat with a blue tent.

How long does the trip last?

The boat trip lasts five hours.

What places does the boat visit?

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

Can I get off the boat at the Blue Lagoon?

Yes. There is a stop at Comino Island where you can leave the boat, swim, snorkel, and walk around the island.

Do I need a ticket to visit Comino?

From May 1, 2025, you need to apply for an online ticket through blcomino.com if you go onto the island. This does not apply if you swim from the boat without going ashore.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

A free snorkeling mask is included for the day. The supplied equipment may be goggles or a mask without a snorkel, so bring your own snorkel if you want to snorkel properly.