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

Hold on, Malta’s Blue Lagoon comes with horsepower. This six-hour trip trades the regular ferry for a fast, music-filled powerboat ride from Sliema, with close views of Comino’s caves and roughly four hours to swim at the famous lagoon. I especially like the quick crossing and the chance to see the coast from sea level, and the captains, particularly Baso and Johnny, have earned praise for keeping the ride lively and safe.

The main catch is the Blue Lagoon itself. It is beautiful, but in summer it can be packed, short on shade, and uncomfortable for four full hours if you do not enjoy sitting on rocks or staying in the water. The boat ride is also bumpy, loud, and not suitable for everyone.

Key points to know before you book

• The crossing takes about 25 to 30 minutes, much faster and more entertaining than a standard ferry ride.
• Captain Baso is a favorite, with a funny, high-energy style and music that turns the trip into a small sea party.
• The Santa Maria and Crystal Lagoon caves are viewed from the boat, with time for photos and close-up sightseeing.
• The Blue Lagoon stop lasts about four hours, enough time for swimming, snorkeling, food, a walk, and a little sun.
• The lagoon has limited comfortable seating and shade, so bring water, sunscreen, a hat, and beach shoes.
• This is a thrill ride first and a sightseeing cruise second, especially on windy or choppy days.

The Sliema departure sets the tone

You meet at the Sliema Ferries area, opposite McDonald’s. The boat departs at 11:00, and the whole outing lasts about six hours, including the ride out, the Comino stop, and the return to Sliema.

That central meeting point is useful if you are staying in Sliema, St. Julian’s, or nearby parts of Malta. Hotel pickup is not included, so you need to make your own way to the ferry area. Arrive with your swimsuit already under your clothes if possible. This is not the sort of trip where you want to change at the dock.

The powerboat is the attraction from the moment it leaves. Music plays at a high volume, the boat picks up speed, and the open water gives you a clear view of Malta’s coast. The ride has been compared to a short theme-park attraction, though the sea decides how smooth the experience will be.

On calm days, the motion may feel exciting without being too rough. On windier days, expect more bouncing and a good chance of getting wet. The back of the boat is generally the less bumpy area, according to one captain’s advice, while front seats give you more spray and movement.

A faster, livelier alternative to the ferry

The regular ferry may suit you if you want a quiet crossing and a stable seat. This powerboat is for something else. It gets you to Comino quickly and makes the journey part of the day rather than a simple transfer.

The ride often takes around 25 to 30 minutes. That saves time compared with slower boats and gives you more of the day at Comino. The trade-off is comfort. There is no promise of a calm, dry crossing, and the loud music may not suit anyone looking for a peaceful cruise.

The atmosphere depends partly on the captain. Baso receives especially warm praise for mixing jokes, music, and useful information without making the trip feel like a formal lecture. Johnny has also been singled out for clear safety advice and a fun return ride. You may get a different skipper, but the general format remains energetic and informal.

Safety equipment, fuel, liability insurance, and a local captain are included. Before boarding, every passenger must sign a waiver. That is worth taking seriously because the boat can move sharply and the sea may be rough.

Santa Maria Caves and Comino’s rocky coast

The route includes a stop or slow pass by the Santa Maria Caves, with scenic views and time for photographs. You also get access to the Crystal Lagoon caves and a cave tour as part of the outing.

The caves are best understood as a short coastal sight rather than a full underground expedition. The boat can take you close to the rock openings, giving you a fresh angle for photos and a quick look at the water and cliffs around Comino. Some passengers have found this part memorable, especially when the boat moves right into the cave area.

I would keep your expectations modest. The cave visit may involve only a couple of short rounds rather than a long exploration. If you have already seen Malta’s Blue Grotto or other major sea caves, this portion may feel brief. It is still a pleasant addition, but the powerboat ride and swimming stop are the main reasons to choose this trip.

The coastal views are one of the strongest parts of the route. From the water, Comino’s pale cliffs, sharp rock shelves, small coves, and sea-worn openings look different from what you see on land. You get a quick but enjoyable sample of the island before settling at the Blue Lagoon.

Four hours at the Blue Lagoon

The main stop lasts about four hours. You can swim, snorkel, sunbathe, walk along the cliffs, and find food or drinks from the vendors near the lagoon.

The water is the star. It is famously clear, and the bright color is exactly what brings people to Comino. You can spend much of the stop in the sea, which may be the smartest way to handle the heat and limited shade.

The practical problem is space. In the busiest months, the Blue Lagoon can feel crowded, with towels spread across the rocks and very few comfortable places to sit. Paid loungers with umbrellas may be available, but there are limited spots and they can fill quickly. You should not picture a quiet beach with a large strip of sand.

There are food and drink vans, toilets, and lifeguards on duty, which makes the stop easier than a completely remote beach visit. Still, the shore is rocky and exposed. A hat, sunscreen, plenty of water, and sunglasses are basic equipment, not optional extras. Sea shoes are a smart idea because the rocks can be sharp.

Four hours is generous if you love swimming and walking. It may feel long if you want a shaded chair, dislike crowds, or prefer sightseeing to sitting by the sea. One useful approach is to divide the time: swim first, walk the nearby paths later, and return to the water when the shore becomes too hot.

You can also use the extra time to explore beyond the main lagoon area. The cliffs and paths offer better views than staying in one crowded patch beside the water. Do not expect a full island hike, but even a short walk can give you some breathing room.

Snorkeling, swimming, and what to pack

Swimming is included in the plan, but snorkel equipment is not listed among the included items. One passenger reported that no snorkel gear was supplied and that rental equipment was available on Comino. To avoid wasting time, bring your own mask and snorkel if you have them.

Pack light, but pack for exposure:

• Swimsuit and a towel
• Sunscreen and a hat
• Sunglasses with a secure fit
• Refillable water bottle
• Beach shoes or sturdy sandals
• Dry clothing for the ride home
• A waterproof pouch for phone and valuables

Beachwear is specifically recommended. You may get wet on the crossing, even if you do not enter the water until Comino. Keep cameras and phones protected, especially during the faster sections of the journey.

Food and drinks are not included. You can buy refreshments at the lagoon, but bringing water is sensible. Malta’s summer sun can make four hours by the sea feel longer than expected.

Is the $70 price good value?

At $70 per person, the trip costs more than simply treating the boat as transport. You are paying for a round-trip powerboat ride, a local captain, safety equipment, fuel, cave sightseeing, and a long stop at Comino.

I think the price makes sense if you would otherwise pay for a separate boat transfer and want the ride itself to be part of the entertainment. The fast crossing is the biggest value point. You get to Comino quickly, avoid a slower ferry experience, and see the caves from close range.

The value is weaker if your only goal is to swim at the Blue Lagoon. The lagoon is free to enjoy once you arrive, and the four-hour stop can feel excessive if you are uncomfortable on rocky ground or in strong sun. In that case, a shorter visit or a boat where you can remain on board and swim directly from the deck may suit you better.

The high rating, 4.8 from 298 reviews, reflects a clear pattern: people love the boat, the music, the speed, and the captains. The less enthusiastic comments focus on the crowded lagoon, the long stop, or cave expectations. That tells you how to judge the purchase. Choose it for the complete combination of thrill ride and swim, not for a quiet beach day.

Who will enjoy this most

This is a strong choice for couples, groups of friends, and families with older children who enjoy speed and a little spray. Teenagers in particular may prefer the powerboat to a slow transfer, and several parents have described the ride as a highlight for their children.

You should be comfortable with motion, noise, and open water. The ride is not designed for a quiet sightseeing mood. Pregnant women, children under three, wheelchair users, people with back or heart problems, people recovering from recent surgery, and anyone over 95 should not book it according to the stated restrictions.

The trip may also be difficult if you have limited mobility. One captain made a special effort to help a passenger with poor mobility, but the boat and rocky lagoon shore remain practical challenges. Ask before booking if you have any concern about boarding or moving around Comino.

Timing, cancellations, and the small details

You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and the reserve-now, pay-later option keeps the booking flexible. The available host languages are English, French, Italian, and Spanish.

The return is scheduled for the Sliema Ferries area. On some departures, the boat has also stopped near St. Julian’s on the way back, which can be convenient, but you should confirm the exact return arrangements rather than rely on that possibility.

The experience provider is Supreme Power Boats. The crew supplies safety equipment, and you must sign the waiver before boarding. Bring beachwear, but do not assume that food, drinks, hotel transport, or snorkel equipment are included.

Should you book this Comino powerboat trip?

Book it if you want the journey to be exciting, you enjoy loud music and speed, and you plan to spend much of the day swimming. The fast ride, cave views, and easy access to Comino make it a more memorable option than a plain ferry transfer.

Skip it if you want shade, soft sand, a quiet boat, or a short visit to the lagoon. The Blue Lagoon can be crowded, and four hours on exposed rocks is not everyone’s idea of relaxation.

For the right person, this is a lively Malta day out with a clear formula: thrilling ride, quick cave sightseeing, beautiful water, and plenty of time to swim. Just bring sun protection, accept the crowds, and let the boat ride do its noisy, bumpy work.

FAQ

Where does the powerboat leave 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 full experience last?

The experience lasts six hours, including the boat rides and the stop at Comino.

How much time do I get at the Blue Lagoon?

You get about four hours at the Blue Lagoon for swimming, snorkeling, walking, and relaxing.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not included, though food and drink vendors are available at the Blue Lagoon.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Snorkel equipment is not listed as included. One report states that equipment could be rented on Comino, so bring your own if you have it.

Who should not take this powerboat trip?

The activity is not suitable for children under three, pregnant women, people with back or heart problems, wheelchair users, people with recent surgeries, or people over 95 years old.