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

The best part of this Comino trip happens before you reach the beach. You rocket across the Mediterranean from Sliema in a fast powerboat, with music playing, wind in your face, and the coast opening up around you. I like the thrilling ride and the close look at Comino’s sea caves, especially when the boat slips right beside the rock walls.

I also like the generous stop at the Blue Lagoon. Four hours gives you time to swim, snorkel, find a food stall, and walk the nearby cliffs instead of rushing off after one quick photograph. The catch is simple: the lagoon gets very crowded, and four hours can feel long if you want shade, a comfortable seat, or a quiet beach day.

The Comino powerboat trip at a glance

• A 30-minute high-speed crossing: The powerboat gets you to Comino far faster than a regular ferry, with a lively ride rather than a sedate transfer.
• Caves viewed from the water: Santa Maria and Crystal Lagoon caves are part of the route, with time for sightseeing and photographs.
• Four hours at the Blue Lagoon: You can swim, snorkel, eat, drink, or walk the rocky paths around Comino.
• Music and energetic captains: Captain Baso is especially praised for his humor, music, and good-natured command of the boat. Other captains, including Johnny, have also made strong impressions.
• A ride for active passengers: The boat can be bumpy and wet, so bring beachwear, sunscreen, water, and a hat.
• A better fit than a slow ferry for many people: At $70 per person, you pay for speed, excitement, and cave access, not a quiet lounge seat.

Leaving Sliema at 11:00

Your meeting point is at the Sliema Ferries, opposite McDonald’s. The boat leaves at 11:00, so I would arrive with enough time to find the exact departure spot, sign the required waiver, and settle in without a last-minute scramble.

There is no hotel pickup or drop-off. That keeps the price focused on the boat trip, but you need to make your own way to Sliema. The departure area is easy to pair with a morning in Sliema, though you should not arrive carrying a large amount of gear. This is a swim day, and the practical packing list is short: beachwear, sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and plenty of water.

Before boarding, everyone must sign a waiver. The operator supplies safety equipment, fuel, local taxes, liability insurance, and a local expert captain. Food and drinks are not included, so bring water or plan to buy refreshments during the Comino stop.

The ride across the Mediterranean

The first major attraction is the boat itself. This is not simply transport to Comino. The powerboat is fast, lively, and designed to make the crossing part of the day.

Several passengers describe the ride as a little like a short theme-park attraction. Expect speed, music, sharp movement, and some bouncing over the water. The back of the boat is generally the less bumpy area, according to the practical guidance given by one captain. Even so, you may get wet, especially when the sea is active.

Captain Baso has earned a particularly strong reputation for keeping the mood high. His style includes loud music, jokes, and energetic interaction, while still offering useful instructions and information. Captain Johnny has also been praised for explaining the seating and making the ride fun without making it feel unsafe. Captains can change, so you should book for the experience itself rather than expecting one specific person.

I like this part of the trip because it gives you a clear choice. The standard ferry may suit you better if you want a calmer, quieter crossing. The powerboat is the better pick if you would rather turn the journey into an attraction.

Santa Maria and Crystal Lagoon caves

The route includes sightseeing around Comino’s coastal caves, including Santa Maria Caves and the Crystal Lagoon area. The boat passes close to the rock formations, allowing you to see the openings from the water and take photographs.

This is a scenic stop rather than a long land-based cave walk. The boat may pause or make short rounds near the caves, depending on the conditions and the captain’s route. That distinction matters. If you expect a major cave expedition with a long explanation at each site, you may find this section brief.

Still, seeing the caves from a low, fast boat has its own appeal. You get a water-level view of the pale cliffs, narrow openings, and clear water around Comino. The boat access also lets you see more than you would from the main swimming area.

Some passengers have found the cave portion less substantial than expected, while others valued the close views and photo stops. My advice is to treat it as a scenic highlight on the way to the Blue Lagoon, not as the main event.

Four hours at the Blue Lagoon

The boat gives you about four hours at Comino’s Blue Lagoon. That is enough time to swim without watching the clock, try snorkeling, eat, and take a short walk along the cliffs.

The water is the star here. It is clear enough to make swimming and snorkeling the natural activities, and the bright color explains why Comino draws so many day visitors. Lifeguards, toilets, and food and drink vans are available in the main area, which makes the long stop easier to manage.

The setting also has a less glamorous side. The Blue Lagoon can be densely packed, especially in the summer months. Seating is limited, much of the available ground is rocky, and shade is scarce. Paid seats with umbrellas may be available, but they can fill quickly. You should arrive ready to sit on rocks or spend much of your time in the water.

Bring water shoes if you have them. The rocks can be sharp, and comfortable footwear will make getting in and out of the water easier. A towel, strong sunscreen, and a hat are just as useful. If you dislike direct sun, four hours may feel excessive. If you love swimming and do not mind a crowded shoreline, the long stop gives you plenty of freedom.

I would use the time in three parts: swim early, eat before you get too hungry, then walk some of the coastal paths for a different view of Comino. A few hours can pass quickly if you stay active. It can also drag if you expect a quiet beach chair.

Is $70 a fair price?

At $70 per person, this is not the cheapest way to reach Comino. The value comes from combining the fast crossing, cave sightseeing, captain-led boat experience, safety equipment, fuel, and a long Blue Lagoon stop.

The key comparison is with a regular ferry. A ferry may be more suitable if price matters most or if you prefer a steady ride. The powerboat gives you a shorter crossing and makes the open-water journey part of the entertainment. It also avoids the feeling of being stuck on a slow, crowded transfer boat.

The price is strongest for people who genuinely enjoy speed. Several passengers have returned for the experience, sometimes more than once during the same Malta visit. That tells you where the value lies: not in luxury seating or a private beach, but in the combination of adrenaline and free time.

The value is weaker if your main goal is a peaceful place to sunbathe. You still face the same crowded Blue Lagoon as other day visitors, and the tour does not provide a private beach area, food, drinks, or guaranteed shade.

Who will enjoy this most?

This trip fits teenagers, active families, couples, and friends who want a lively day at sea. Families with older children may especially like the mix of speed, caves, swimming, and free time. The boat ride gives the day a sense of occasion, rather than feeling like a simple transfer to a beach.

You should be comfortable with a bumpy ride and possible spray. Pregnant passengers, people with back or heart problems, people with recent surgeries, wheelchair users, children under three, and people over 95 are not suited to this activity. If you have limited mobility, ask before booking. One captain made extra efforts to help a passenger with poor mobility, but the boat and rocky shore still present practical challenges.

The languages offered are English, French, Italian, and Spanish. Do not expect a long historical lecture. The focus is the boat ride, coastal scenery, and time in the water. Captains may share information and point out features, but the pace and music make this a casual excursion rather than a formal sightseeing tour.

What to pack for a wet, sunny day

Keep your bag simple and protect anything that should not get splashed. The supplied guidance specifically calls for beachwear, but I would also pack:

• Drinking water
• Sunscreen
• A hat and sunglasses
• A towel
• Water shoes for rough rocks
• A dry bag or waterproof pouch for phones and valuables

Snorkel equipment is not consistently supplied. One passenger found that gear could be rented on Comino, but you should not assume equipment is included. If snorkeling is important to you, bring your own gear if practical or plan to rent it locally.

The sun can be intense even when the boat ride feels breezy. A hat can blow away at speed, so secure it well. The same goes for sunglasses. You will want them on the water, but you should use a strap if you have one.

The return to Sliema

After the Blue Lagoon stop, you board the powerboat for the ride back to Sliema. The return is another chance to enjoy the speed and coastal views, though you may be tired, salty, and ready for a shower.

The boat may make additional stops depending on the route and passengers. One reported option included a stop near St. Julian’s before returning to Sliema, which can be useful if that area suits your plans. Do not count on a particular extra stop unless the crew confirms it on the day.

The total activity lasts about six hours, including the crossing, cave sightseeing, and Blue Lagoon time. The schedule is long enough to make the trip feel like a full day out, but the exact ride time and route can vary with sea conditions and operational decisions.

My practical verdict

I would book this Comino powerboat trip if I wanted a fast, cheerful, active day and did not mind noise, sun, or a crowded lagoon. The boat ride is the strongest part, and the long swim stop gives you room to choose your own pace.

I would choose another option if I wanted quiet transport, comfortable seating, guaranteed shade, or a less crowded place to swim. The cave visit is worthwhile as part of the route, but it is not a full cave tour in the traditional sense.

For the right passenger, $70 buys more than a ride to Comino. It buys a lively Mediterranean crossing, close coastal views, and enough time to enjoy the Blue Lagoon properly. Pack for heat and spray, sit toward the back if you want a gentler ride, and treat the lagoon as a beautiful but busy public swimming spot.

FAQ

Where does the Comino powerboat tour leave from?

It leaves from Sliema Ferries, opposite McDonald’s.

What time does the tour depart?

The stated departure time is 11:00.

How long does the full activity last?

The experience lasts about six hours.

How long do you stay at the Blue Lagoon?

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

Are the caves included?

Yes. The route includes Santa Maria Caves, Crystal Lagoon caves, and a cave tour from the boat.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Snorkeling is included as an activity, but equipment is not consistently provided. Snorkel gear may be available to rent on Comino.

Is food included?

No. Food and drinks are not included. Food and drink vans are available at the Blue Lagoon.

What should I bring?

Bring beachwear, sunscreen, water, a hat, sunglasses, and a towel. Water shoes can help on the rocky shore.

Is the powerboat ride bumpy?

Yes. The ride is fast and can be bumpy or wet. The back of the boat is generally the less bumpy area.

Who cannot take this activity?

It 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.

Do I need to sign anything before boarding?

Yes. Every passenger must sign a waiver before boarding.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The reserve-now-and-pay-later option is also available.