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

The best part of this trip is the variety packed into five hours on a fast powerboat. You swim at Crystal Lagoon, stop at Comino’s Blue Lagoon, visit Ħalfa Rock near Gozo, and cruise past caves along Comino’s limestone coast. Captain Tony brings local stories, jokes, music, and 55 years of experience on the water.

I like the quick boat, which gets you to the coves faster than a large sightseeing vessel, and I like the mix of swimming and time ashore. The main drawback is space: the boat can carry up to 40 people, and several people found it a little crowded. Also, the free snorkeling equipment is a mask only, so bring your own snorkel if you want to watch fish underwater.

Key points at a glance

• Three chances to swim: Stop at Crystal Lagoon, Comino Blue Lagoon, and Ħalfa Rock near Gozo.
• Captain Tony sets the tone: Expect local history, humor, music, and plenty of direct help in the water.
• A fast, smaller boat: The powerboat covers a lot of coast in half a day, though it may feel full at maximum capacity.
• Caves are viewed from the boat: You cruise along Comino’s coast to see the openings and clear water rather than making a cave landing.
• Comino time is built in: You get about 1.5 hours to swim, walk, find refreshments, and see the island’s natural setting.
• Bring a snorkel: Masks are supplied, but the mask does not include a breathing tube.

From Sliema to Malta’s clearest water

Meet at Sliema Ferries and look for the white boat with the blue tent. The departure point is practical if you are staying in Sliema, and the boat leaves the city behind quickly as it heads toward Comino.

The first stretch gives you views of the coast and St. Paul’s Island. Captain Tony usually keeps up a running commentary, mixing facts about Malta with jokes and personal stories. His style is lively and direct. If you prefer a silent cruise, this may feel like a lot of personality. If you enjoy a guide who keeps the group involved, it is a major part of the appeal.

The boat has shaded seating, which matters in Malta’s strong sun. You should still pack a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a towel. Food and drinks are not included, though you can buy refreshments during the stop at Comino. Keep bags tucked into a dry, secure spot if possible. One person found that bags at the back became wet after the first swim.

Crystal Lagoon: the first swim stop

Crystal Lagoon is usually the first water stop. You swim directly from the boat, so there is no beach arrival or long walk before getting in. This keeps the pace brisk and gives you an early chance to cool off.

The water here is a major reason to book a boat trip around Comino. On a calm day, it is clear enough for easy snorkeling close to the boat. Fish and underwater rock formations add interest, though the supplied mask is not a full snorkeling set. It lets you see below the surface, but you need your own snorkel for comfortable face-down swimming.

Conditions can change. Crystal Lagoon may be choppy when the wind is up, and a few people found the first swim rougher than expected. If you are not a strong swimmer, ask about using a swimming noodle. Noodles are available, and the crew gives safety instructions before people enter the water.

This is not a gentle, supervised pool experience. You jump or climb into open Mediterranean water and return to the boat afterward. That makes it exciting, but you need to be comfortable in the sea and follow the crew’s directions.

Comino Blue Lagoon and time on shore

The boat then heads to Comino’s famous Blue Lagoon. This is the most recognizable stop and the one where you can get off the boat. You have time to swim, use the mask, buy food or drinks, and take a walk on the island.

The Blue Lagoon is striking because of its pale limestone, shallow-looking turquoise water, and steep rocky edges. It is also the busiest part of the trip. Large numbers of boats gather here, so the setting can feel crowded, especially in the main season. The boat’s smaller size helps with speed, but it does not remove the crowds at the destination.

Allow about 1.5 hours at Comino. That is enough for a swim and a short walk, but not enough for a serious island hike. Comino is a bird sanctuary and natural reserve, with sand dunes and low local vegetation. Walk carefully and stay on sensible paths so you do not damage the fragile ground.

From May 1, 2025, anyone planning to go ashore at the Blue Lagoon needs an online access ticket through blcomino.com. This requirement does not apply if you stay on the boat and swim from it. Check the current access rules before departure, since the ticket affects the most important practical choice of the day: getting off the boat or remaining on the water.

Some people may prefer more swimming time at Crystal Lagoon or the later stop. Others will appreciate the chance to stretch their legs and buy a cold drink. The stop is useful, but the Blue Lagoon is not the quietest part of the outing.

Ħalfa Rock near Gozo

After Comino, the boat crosses toward Gozo for another swim near Ħalfa Rock. This stop gives you a different setting from the Blue Lagoon. Instead of spending time among the island’s facilities and footpaths, you remain close to the boat and focus on the sea.

The water is often the highlight here. The stop can feel more open and less tied to the main tourist hub. You may swim, use the mask, and look for fish around the rocky water. The length of the stop varies with conditions and the day’s timing, but the schedule is designed to give you a proper swim rather than a quick photo pause.

Wind matters at this point. Rough water can make climbing back aboard harder and can reduce visibility. Captain Tony has a long record on these waters and adjusts the route when conditions or boat traffic make another location a better choice. That flexibility is useful, although it means the exact feel of the trip depends on weather.

The boat can move quickly between sites, which is one of its strongest practical advantages. You spend less time slowly motoring from one stop to another and more time looking at the coast or swimming.

Caves along Comino’s limestone coast

The final coastal section takes you past caves along Comino. These are viewed from the boat, so expect a scenic cruise rather than a cave walk. The openings, pale rock, and dark blue water make good subjects for photographs, especially when the boat moves close enough for a clear look.

The crew may show you more than the basic plan when time and conditions allow. Extra caves and unusual spots have sometimes been added, including an area associated with an underwater statue of Jesus. Do not treat these extras as guaranteed stops, but they show how the captain can shape the route around the day.

This is also a good time to stay under the blue canopy and let the coast pass by. The limestone is raw and weathered, with little decoration beyond the rock, sea, and sky. You get a better sense of Comino’s character from the water than from a quick walk at the Blue Lagoon alone.

Captain Tony and deckhand Raphael

Captain Tony is central to this outing. He is 77 and has been running boat trips for about 55 years. His style is energetic, humorous, and personal. He tells stories about Malta, points out coastal features, and keeps the group involved with music and playful banter.

You should not book this trip expecting a quiet, formal lecture. Tony may dance, use recurring jokes, and greet people with his famous Merry Christmas and Happy New Year lines, even outside the holiday season. His humor is part of the experience, and many people find it makes the ride feel social rather than mechanical.

Raphael works alongside him and helps people during the swimming stops. He is especially useful when passengers need help with masks, noodles, boarding, or general questions. The two-person crew gives the boat a friendly feel, though service can never be fully individual when the boat is near capacity.

The guide style also adds value to the price. A basic transfer to Comino might get you there, but this trip gives you commentary, route decisions, safety guidance, and a host who pays attention to the mood on board.

Is the $47 price good value?

At $47 per person, this is good value if you want several coastal stops in one half-day. The price includes the boat from Sliema to Comino and back, time near Gozo, the cave cruise, and use of a snorkeling mask. You also get shade and a faster ride than many large excursion boats.

You still need to pay for food and drinks, and towels are not supplied. Bring your own towel, swimwear, sun protection, and snorkel. Since the mask is provided without a snorkel, serious swimmers should pack their own equipment.

The value depends on what you want from Comino. If your priority is a full day at the Blue Lagoon, this five-hour trip may feel too short. If you want to see several places, swim more than once, and return to Sliema without giving up an entire day, the format works well.

The group size needs an honest mention. The boat may carry up to 40 people, though some departures have around 20. A full boat can feel tight, especially when everyone is seated with bags and wet towels. The smaller vessel still has advantages, but do not confuse it with a private charter.

Weather, swimming, and who should book

The Mediterranean can be calm and glassy, but wind changes the ride. Several departures have had choppy water, and the open powerboat can feel lively when the sea is rough. Tony’s experience helps, but no captain can make wind disappear.

This trip suits confident swimmers, couples, families with older children, and anyone who wants an active half-day near Malta. It also works well for first-time visitors who want a quick look at Comino and Gozo without arranging several separate outings.

You may want a different option if you dislike open-water boarding, prefer a quiet boat, or need plenty of room around you. The Blue Lagoon access rule also adds one small task if you want to step ashore. Apply for the online ticket ahead of time, or plan to swim from the boat instead.

The cancellation policy is helpful for weather-sensitive plans: you can cancel up to 24 hours ahead for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later, which gives you some flexibility while you watch the forecast.

What to pack for the five hours

Keep your packing simple and useful:

• Swimsuit and towel
• Sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses
• Your own snorkel if you want to snorkel properly
• A small bag that can tolerate spray
• Water and snacks, if you do not want to buy them at Comino
• A swimming noodle if you like extra support, though noodles are available on board

Wear footwear you can manage around a boat and rocky shore. The most important items are sun protection and a towel. You will spend much of the outing exposed to light, wind, and sea spray.

Should you book this Comino and Gozo boat trip?

Book it if you want several swims, a fast boat, and a lively local captain for $47. The combination of Crystal Lagoon, the Blue Lagoon, Ħalfa Rock, and the Comino caves gives you a full coastal sampler in five hours. Captain Tony and Raphael add warmth, information, and practical help that a simple boat transfer would not provide.

Think twice if you want a peaceful cruise, a spacious deck, or a complete snorkel set. The boat can feel crowded, the Blue Lagoon is busy, and rough weather can make the sea less comfortable.

For most visitors who want an active half-day from Sliema, this is a strong choice. Bring your own snorkel, protect your bags from spray, check the Blue Lagoon access rule, and let Tony handle the route and the jokes.

FAQ

How long is the boat trip?

The trip lasts five hours.

Where does the boat leave from?

It departs from Sliema Ferries. Look for a white boat with a blue tent.

Which places does the tour visit?

The route includes Crystal Lagoon, Comino Blue Lagoon, Ħalfa Rock near Gozo, and caves along the Comino coast.

Can I get off the boat at the Blue Lagoon?

Yes. The trip includes time to disembark at Comino Blue Lagoon, swim, and walk on the island.

Do I need an online ticket for Comino?

From May 1, 2025, you need to apply for an online ticket to go onto the island through blcomino.com. 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. A snorkel is not included, so bring your own if you want to breathe through a tube while swimming.

Are food, drinks, and towels included?

No. Food, drinks, and towels are not included.

What language is the tour in?

The live tour guide speaks English.