From St. Julian’s: Gozo, Comino, Blue Lagoon by Powerboat

Fast boats, two islands, one busy lagoon. This six-hour trip gives you two hours in Gozo and a generous afternoon at Comino’s Blue Lagoon, all for $77 per person. I like the quick sea crossings and the chance to visit both islands in one outing, but the short Gozo stop and crowded Blue Lagoon require realistic expectations.

I also like the simple format: an experienced skipper handles the driving while you choose how to spend your time ashore. The main practical catch is the government access pass for Blue Lagoon, required from May 2025 and not included in the price. Without it, you will be taken to Santa Marija Bay instead.

Key points to know before booking

• Gozo gets two hours: Enough for a quick visit to Mġarr Harbour or a prearranged taxi trip, but not enough for a relaxed island tour.
• Blue Lagoon access now requires a pass: Apply at blcomino.com and select the afternoon time slot.
• The powerboat saves time: You travel directly between St. Julian’s, Gozo, and Comino instead of waiting for slower connections.
• The Blue Lagoon is beautiful but crowded: Clear water and a sandy bottom make it excellent for swimming, while shade and free space are limited.
• The return route includes Comino’s sea caves: This is weather permitting and viewed from the boat.
• There is no guide: You get freedom at both stops, but you must arrange your own transport and sightseeing in Gozo.

What this six-hour route actually gives you

The schedule is tight but well judged for a first look at Malta’s sister islands. You leave the jetty behind St. George’s Bay at about 10:30 AM, reach Gozo, spend two hours ashore, then continue to Comino. The boat leaves Blue Lagoon at roughly 3:45 PM and reaches St. Julian’s around 4:30 PM.

That timing makes this a sampler rather than a full Gozo tour. You get the famous water at Comino, a taste of Gozo, and a boat ride along the coast. If you want museums, long walks, quiet beaches, or several Gozitan towns, book separate days.

The powerboat is the main reason to choose this outing. It moves quickly between the islands and gives the day a lively feel, with sea air and open-water views instead of a long ferry crossing. The trade-off is comfort. A fast boat can be bumpy, and the experience is not a good fit if you are prone to seasickness or have back problems.

Finding the jetty behind St. George’s Bay

The departure point is at 8, Ix-Xatt Ta’ San Ġorġ, behind the Verdi St. George’s Bay Marina Hotel, formerly the Marina Hotel Corinthia Beach Resort. It is near the entrance to the hotel’s underground parking area.

Look for the black iron gate. Go through it, walk down the ramp, turn left, and follow the yellow line painted on the ground to the jetty where the boats and jet skis are kept.

This is not a hotel pickup service, so allow time to find the dock. You will need to make your own way there, and the operator does not include food, drinks, or transport from your accommodation. If you are staying near St. Julian’s, the location can be especially handy. One booking party found it about a ten-minute walk from its hotel.

At check-in, pay attention to any wristband or boarding instruction you receive. A mix-up with the wrong band once nearly caused a party to miss the Gozo portion, so it is sensible to confirm that you are assigned to the correct boat and route before leaving the dock.

The powerboat ride to Gozo

The first crossing takes you straight toward Mġarr Harbour, Gozo’s main port. The ride is fast and entertaining, but expect motion. The boat’s speed is useful because it protects your limited sightseeing time, yet the ride may feel uncomfortable for anyone who prefers a calm ferry.

Take motion sickness prevention if you need it. Bring a hat and sunglasses, and keep sunscreen close. Comfortable shoes are useful once you step ashore, particularly if you plan to walk beyond the harbor.

The skipper is an important part of the experience. The service is in English, and the crew members are described as friendly and professional. Captains named in the feedback include Abe, Andre, and Mario, with particular praise for their safe handling and good spirit. One skipper also adjusted the trip after rough seas made the planned powerboat outing impossible, helping arrange another boat option within hours.

That kind of flexibility matters in Malta, where wind and sea conditions can change the practical plan. It does not remove the need for caution, though. The activity excludes children under three, pregnant women, people with heart or mobility problems, wheelchair users, and people with serious back or motion sickness concerns.

Two hours around Mġarr Harbour in Gozo

Gozo is the more difficult stop to judge because two hours passes quickly. Mġarr Harbour itself is attractive and gives you an immediate sense of Gozo’s smaller scale, but you should not expect to see the island properly from the port alone.

You can stay near the harbor and keep the pace easy, or arrange transport in advance. A taxi trip to Victoria, also called Rabat, has been available at about €5 per person in one reported arrangement. The useful trick is to ask the driver to return for you at an agreed time, rather than trying to find a ride at the last minute.

Victoria gives you access to the Citadel, where you can get broad views and see the cathedral. With only two hours, though, you will need to move briskly. A quick visit to one main sight is more sensible than trying to combine several distant attractions.

Other trips made during the stop included the Blue Hole, the salt beds, and the Ġgantija Temples. Those sights are spread out, so you would need a prearranged driver, taxi, or suitable transport. Sightseeing buses may not work well here because the return time to Mġarr is fixed. Quad bike hire is another option mentioned by visitors, but it also requires careful attention to the clock.

This is where the tour’s biggest weakness appears. Several people felt an extra hour in Gozo would have helped. The boat’s schedule gives you just enough time for a focused visit, not a leisurely one. If Gozo is your main reason for coming to Malta, take a separate Gozo day trip. If you mainly want Comino and like the idea of adding a quick taste of Gozo, two hours is a fair compromise.

Arriving at Comino’s Blue Lagoon

After collecting you at Mġarr Harbour around 1 PM, the boat heads for Comino. You then have the afternoon to swim, snorkel, sunbathe, walk, or simply sit beside the water.

The Blue Lagoon’s appeal is easy to understand. The water is strikingly clear and turquoise, the bottom is sandy in places, and the bay is well suited to swimming. You can swim across to the opposite beach if conditions and your ability allow it. Food and drinks are sold nearby, and there is even a place to leave luggage, though large bags are not allowed on the activity itself.

The honest warning is the crowd. The lagoon can be packed, with little room to spread out and limited shade. The water may look peaceful in photographs, but the shore can feel busy in the middle of the day. Bring strong sun protection, since shade is not plentiful, and consider a hat, sunglasses, and a waterproof way to carry essentials.

Swimming is the main reward here. Snorkelling can also be enjoyable because the water is transparent and marine life is present. If you prefer a quiet beach, however, the Blue Lagoon may test your patience. The operator’s alternative for people without the required pass is Santa Marija Bay, which may suit you better if you want a less regulated landing point, though the exact conditions depend on the day.

The new Blue Lagoon access pass

From May 2025, anyone stepping ashore at Blue Lagoon must have a government-issued access pass. You obtain it yourself through blcomino.com, and the number of daily passes is limited.

Choose the afternoon slot to match this tour. The pass is not included in the $77 price, and the operator will not refund you if you arrive without one and cannot land at the lagoon. This is an important booking step, not a minor detail.

If you do not have the pass, you will be taken to Santa Marija Bay instead. You should treat the pass as part of the total cost and planning effort. Check the official government site before departure, apply early, and keep proof of the booking available.

Sea caves on the return to St. Julian’s

At about 3:45 PM, you meet the boat for the return crossing. When the weather allows, the skipper takes you past Comino’s sea caves before heading back to St. Julian’s.

This is a viewing stop from the boat, not a separate cave walk or snorkelling session. The powerboat can get close to the formations, giving you a different view of Comino after your time on the beach. It also breaks up the return trip and makes the final crossing feel like part of the sightseeing rather than simple transport.

Weather controls this section. Rough water may change the route, delay the boat, or prevent the cave visit. A previous trip was delayed by a boat starting problem and returned about thirty minutes late, although the issue was fixed promptly. Build a little flexibility into your afternoon plans rather than scheduling an important dinner or flight immediately afterward.

Is $77 a fair price?

At $77 per person, the value comes from combining three boat transfers, fuel, a skipper, two islands, free time at both stops, and the chance to see the sea caves. You avoid arranging separate ferry connections and do not spend much of the day waiting for transport.

The price is less attractive if you mainly want a long Gozo visit. You still need to pay for any taxi, driver, quad bike, food, or drinks, and the Blue Lagoon access pass is an extra requirement. There is no guide to explain Gozo’s sights or organize a sightseeing route for you.

I see it as a good value for a compact Malta highlights day. You pay for speed and convenience, not a deeply guided cultural tour. The experience works best when you plan one clear Gozo target, then use Comino for swimming and relaxation.

What to bring and who should skip it

Pack swimwear, sunscreen, sunglasses, a sun hat, and comfortable shoes. Motion sickness prevention is wise even if you do not usually feel ill on boats. Keep your belongings small because luggage and large bags are not allowed.

This is a good match for you if you want:

• A fast and exciting boat ride
• A first look at Gozo without committing to a full day
• Several hours at a famous swimming spot
• Independent time rather than a guided schedule
• A compact outing from St. Julian’s

Think twice if you need a smooth ride, extra shade, lots of personal space, or step-free access. The trip is not suitable for wheelchair users, people with mobility impairments, or anyone with serious back, heart, pregnancy, or motion sickness concerns. Pets, baby strollers, and non-folding wheelchairs are also not allowed.

Should you book this powerboat trip?

Book it if you want Malta’s two best-known island stops in one efficient day and you are happy to organize your own sightseeing. The boat ride, clear Blue Lagoon water, and Comino caves make the outing fun, while the two-hour Gozo stop adds useful variety.

Do not book it expecting a full Gozo tour or a peaceful Blue Lagoon escape. Gozo requires a plan, and Comino can be crowded with little shade. Secure the afternoon Blue Lagoon pass first, choose one Gozo sight rather than three, and leave room for sea-related delays.

For an active visitor staying around St. Julian’s, this is a strong choice at $77. For a slower trip, a separate Gozo day and a quieter Comino visit will serve you better.

FAQ

How long does the trip last?

The activity lasts about six hours. It leaves St. Julian’s at approximately 10:30 AM and returns around 4:30 PM, although weather or boat issues can affect the timing.

How much time do I get in Gozo?

You get about two hours of free time at Mġarr Harbour. You explore independently, without a guide.

Do I need a pass for Blue Lagoon?

Yes. From May 2025, you need a government-issued access pass to step ashore at Blue Lagoon. Apply through blcomino.com and select the afternoon slot.

What happens if I do not have a Blue Lagoon pass?

You will be taken to Comino’s Santa Marija Bay instead. No refund is provided if you cannot access Blue Lagoon because you did not obtain the pass.

Is food included?

No. Food and drinks are not included, although they are available for purchase at Blue Lagoon.

Is this suitable for people prone to seasickness?

No. The activity is not suitable for people prone to seasickness or motion sickness. The powerboat ride can also be bumpy, and motion sickness prevention is recommended.