Sliema: Powerboat trip to Gozo & Comino with Caves

The main attraction here is the high-speed powerboat ride. This is not a quiet ferry crossing. You get music, sharp turns, sea spray, and plenty of motion on the way from Sliema to Gozo and Comino. Captains including Baso, Paso, Connor, and Johnny bring plenty of energy to the trip.

I like the generous 2.5-hour stop in Gozo, which gives you time for lunch and a short walk instead of a rushed photo stop. I also like the 1.5 hours at Comino’s Blue Lagoon, followed by a cave tour. The catch is simple: the ride can be loud, fast, and bumpy, and the Blue Lagoon can be packed in summer.

Key points at a glance

• A true speedboat ride: Expect noise, music, fast turns, and a fair amount of bouncing on open water.
• 2.5 hours in Gozo: Use the time for lunch, a harbor stroll, or a paid island excursion.
• 1.5 hours at the Blue Lagoon: Enough time for swimming and sun, but not a full, quiet beach day.
• Caves included: The route includes Comino’s Crystal Lagoon caves and a cave tour.
• Lively captains: Baso is especially well known for humor, music, and making passengers feel at ease.
• Best for active visitors: This suits people who want several highlights in one day, not a slow sightseeing cruise.

Why this Sliema powerboat trip feels different

Many boat trips around Malta are mainly about sitting back and looking at the coast. This one is more like a day of fast transport mixed with swimming stops. You cover three popular places, but the journey itself is part of the entertainment.

The boat leaves from the Sliema Ferries area at 11:00. The meeting point is opposite McDonald’s, next to the ticket information office. That is useful to know because Sliema’s waterfront has several ferry and boat operators, and the correct departure spot matters.

Once the captain opens the throttle, you should expect a lively ride. The boat is described as fast, noisy, and bumpy, with music playing during the trip. I would not choose this for a calm morning on the water, but I would choose it if the idea of a small speedboat crossing sounds more exciting than a standard ferry.

The captain is an important part of the experience. Baso receives especially strong praise for his driving, jokes, music, and clear instructions. Paso, Connor, and Johnny are also named as entertaining and reassuring captains on different departures. The exact person operating your boat can vary, but the format is clearly built around an outgoing skipper rather than a silent transfer.

The ride from Sliema to Gozo

The first major stretch takes you north from Sliema toward Gozo. This is where the tour earns its powerboat label. You will feel the boat rise and fall over the water, especially when the sea is not perfectly flat.

That movement is fun for some people and tiring for others. You need to hold on, follow the captain’s instructions, and keep loose belongings secure. Comfortable clothes and shoes make sense, but beachwear is equally practical because swimming is part of the day.

Music adds to the party feel. Several passengers particularly enjoyed the playlist and the captain getting everyone involved, including putting their hands in the air during faster sections. If you prefer quiet commentary and long stretches of peaceful viewing, this may not be your ideal boat outing.

The ride also gives you broad views of Malta’s coast and the sea between the islands. The attraction is not a guided history lesson. It is the combination of speed, open water, rock formations, and the sense that you are moving quickly between Malta’s best-known swimming and island stops.

Making the most of 2.5 hours in Gozo

You get about two and a half hours in Gozo, with free time rather than a full guided island tour. That distinction matters. The boat gets you to Gozo, but excursions around the island are not included.

The arrival point is a harbor area, where you can eat, walk, or simply enjoy the waterfront. Two and a half hours is enough for a relaxed meal and a little exploring nearby. It is not enough to see all of Gozo, so you should keep your plans modest.

Some passengers use local transport to reach Victoria, Gozo’s main town. One useful tip is to allow time for the return journey. A bus trip to Victoria and back has been described as costing about €10 per person, and you should not expect to walk there and return comfortably before the boat leaves. If you choose this option, confirm the timing before setting off.

You may also find food near the harbor. Do not assume that every café waits until midafternoon to serve lunch. Cafés opposite the harbor may serve breakfast and other food earlier in the day. Still, you should keep an eye on the boat departure time rather than turning lunch into an island-wide expedition.

This stop works best if you choose one simple plan:

• Have lunch near the harbor and walk along the waterfront.
• Use local transport for a quick visit to Victoria.
• Relax near the landing point and save your energy for Comino.

I like this part of the schedule because it gives you a proper break from the boat. You can stretch your legs and eat without trying to squeeze Gozo into a frantic guided tour. The trade-off is that independent planning is up to you.

Swimming at Comino’s Blue Lagoon

After Gozo, the boat continues to Comino for about 1.5 hours at the Blue Lagoon. The water is clear and turquoise, making this the natural swimming stop of the day.

You can swim, snorkel, sunbathe, or simply cool off before the return trip. The time limit is helpful. The Blue Lagoon is famously popular, and in summer it can feel crowded and very touristy. An hour and a half gives you enough time to enjoy the water without pretending you have a quiet private cove.

Food and drink stands are available at the Blue Lagoon, and payment may be made by card or cash. Lockers are also available. A smaller backpack is the sensible choice, since a large locker costing about €7 may hold less than you expect.

I would bring only the basics: towel, sunscreen, phone, water, and a small change of clothes. Biodegradable sunscreen is requested, and comfortable clothing makes the transfer between boat, shore, and water easier. Keep valuables to a minimum even when lockers are available.

The Blue Lagoon is beautiful, but beauty does not remove crowds. If you want Malta’s famous water and do not mind sharing it, this stop is rewarding. If your dream is a silent swim in an empty bay, you should look at a smaller or more private boat experience instead.

The Comino caves and Crystal Lagoon stop

The cave section adds a scenic element beyond the swimming stop. The route includes the Crystal Lagoon caves and a cave tour around Comino’s rock formations.

You will see openings in the cliffs, unusual stone shapes, and sheltered water where the boat can pass close to the rock. The caves are viewed from the boat as part of the route, so this is not a land-based walking tour through underground passages.

That makes the cave visit easy to combine with the Blue Lagoon. You do not need to give up your swimming time for a separate activity, and you avoid adding another transfer to an already full day.

The caves also provide a change of pace. After the speed and music, the boat moves into a more scenic mode, giving you time to look at the cliffs and water. The length of the cave portion is not specified, so treat it as a highlight along the route rather than a long, stand-alone tour.

Is the $77 price good value?

At $77 per person, this is not the cheapest way to reach Gozo or Comino. You are paying for more than transport, though. The price includes the captain, safety equipment, insurance, fuel, the Gozo and Blue Lagoon stops, and the cave tour.

The value depends on how many parts of the day you would otherwise book separately. If you want a fast ride, a Gozo stop, swimming at the Blue Lagoon, and a Comino cave route in one six-hour outing, the price is reasonable. It also saves you from arranging several boat connections.

The value is weaker if you mainly want to reach Gozo for a full day of sightseeing. Since island excursions are not included, you would need to arrange and pay for your own transport or activities after arrival. Likewise, someone interested only in a calm swim could find a simpler boat trip more suitable.

Families should calculate carefully. One family of four found the total cost worthwhile because everyone enjoyed the ride and the captain made the day comfortable. The experience has broad appeal, but the speed and bouncing are real parts of the product, not minor details.

Who should book this trip?

I would choose this for adults, older children, couples, and groups of friends who want a lively day on the water. It works particularly well as a holiday highlight because it combines transport, scenery, swimming, music, and a little independent time.

You should be comfortable with:

• Fast boat movement and sudden bumps.
• Loud music.
• Limited time at each stop.
• Swimming from a busy public attraction.
• Planning your own food and activities in Gozo.

This is not suitable for children under three, pregnant women, or people with back or heart problems. It is also not suitable for people over 95 or for hearing-impaired passengers. Everyone must sign a waiver before boarding.

The boat cannot accommodate baby strollers, baby carriages, or electric wheelchairs. Alcoholic drinks, drugs, and making fire are not allowed. Those rules are standard for a fast boat, but you should take them seriously because space and movement are limited.

What to bring and how to prepare

Wear beachwear under comfortable clothes, and bring comfortable shoes for the Gozo stop. A biodegradable sunscreen is required as part of the recommended packing list.

A small, secure bag is better than a large one. You will be moving between boat, harbor, swimming area, and caves, so heavy luggage quickly becomes annoying. Bring enough money for food, drinks, local transport in Gozo, and a possible locker at the Blue Lagoon.

I would also keep a dry layer available for the return ride. The combination of spray, swimming, and wind can make you feel cooler later in the day, even after a warm afternoon.

Arrive at the Sliema meeting point with enough time to identify the operator. The location is Sliema Ferries, opposite McDonald’s and beside the ticket information office. Since several boats use the waterfront, check that you are standing at the correct spot before boarding.

The tour can be cancelled up to 24 hours ahead for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later. Availability and starting times should be checked when booking, although the listed departure is 11:00.

The captain can make or break the day

The boat and route provide the framework, but the captain shapes the mood. Baso is repeatedly singled out for being funny, energetic, and good at making people feel comfortable. His music choices and clear explanations are part of the appeal.

Other named captains include Paso, Connor, and Johnny. Connor even made an unscheduled dolphin sighting stop on one return trip, although you should not book this expecting dolphins. Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed.

A good captain also matters for safety. You need clear instructions when the boat is moving fast, when passengers are boarding, and when you are getting ready to swim. The combination of safety equipment, liability insurance, and a local expert captain is included in the price.

The overall rating is 4.7 from 62 ratings, which fits the character of the experience: strong appeal for people seeking excitement, with the main complaints likely to come from those who prefer quiet or dislike crowded swimming spots. The important thing is to choose it for what it is.

My verdict: book it for speed, not solitude

I would book this Sliema powerboat trip if I wanted one busy, fun day covering Gozo, Comino, the Blue Lagoon, and the caves without arranging each leg myself. The fast ride and lively captain give it more character than a basic transfer, while the long Gozo stop keeps the schedule from feeling like one continuous boat ride.

I would skip it if I wanted a peaceful cruise, a full day in Gozo, or a quiet beach. The Blue Lagoon is crowded, the boat is loud and bumpy, and your time on each island is limited.

For the right person, $77 buys a useful mix of transport and entertainment. Bring light luggage, plan your Gozo stop before boarding, and accept the crowds at Comino. Do that, and this is a strong choice for an active Malta day.

FAQ

Where does the powerboat tour meet in Sliema?

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

What time does the tour depart?

The listed departure time is 11:00. You should check availability for the exact starting time when booking.

How long does the experience last?

The tour lasts six hours.

How much free time do I get in Gozo?

You get approximately 2.5 hours of free time in Gozo.

How long is the stop at Comino Blue Lagoon?

You get approximately 1.5 hours at the Blue Lagoon for swimming, snorkeling, or relaxing.

Is the cave tour included?

Yes. The trip includes the Crystal Lagoon caves and a cave tour around Comino.

Is food included?

No. Food and drinks are not included. You should budget separately for meals and refreshments in Gozo or Comino.

Can I arrange an excursion around Gozo?

Gozo excursions are not included. You have free time, and any island transport or excursion must be arranged separately.

Who should not take this trip?

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