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

Crystal water, quick crossings, and a captain with comic timing. This five-hour powerboat trip links Sliema with Comino, Gozo, Crystal Lagoon, the Blue Lagoon, Ħalfa Rock, and coastal caves without taking up your whole day. I especially like the chance to swim at several different spots and the smaller, faster boat, which gets you across the water more quickly than a large sightseeing vessel. The main trade-off is space: with as many as 40 people aboard, the seating and bag area can feel tight.

The trip costs $47 per person, which is strong value if you want swimming time rather than a long narrated cruise. Captain Tony is a major part of the experience, bringing local stories, jokes, music, and plenty of energy, while deckhand Rafael helps with masks and practical matters. Just pack your own snorkel if you want to breathe through one, since the included equipment is generally a mask only.

The trip in brief

• Three useful water stops: Swim at Crystal Lagoon, the Blue Lagoon, and near Ħalfa Rock in Gozo.
• A lively local captain: Tony combines Maltese history, coastline facts, humor, and safety advice.
• A quicker small-boat format: The powerboat carries up to about 40 people and reaches Comino and Gozo faster than larger boats.
• Free mask use: Masks are provided, and swimming noodles may also be available, but a snorkel is not normally included.
• A proper Comino stop: You get time to leave the boat, walk around the nature reserve, and find food or drinks.
• A weather-sensitive outing: Wind can make the ride choppy, and popular bays may be crowded with other boats.

Leaving Sliema for Malta’s northern coast

The meeting point is at Sliema Ferries. Look for a white boat with a blue tent, a useful detail because the waterfront can be busy with several boats and operators.

Once aboard, you travel by powerboat toward Comino and Gozo. The boat has shade, and the covered area matters in Malta’s strong sun, especially when you have already spent time swimming. The trip also has a toilet, according to the practical details shared about the boat.

The crossing gives you views of Malta’s northern shoreline and St Paul’s Island. This is not a slow harbor cruise with every building explained at length. It is a faster ride designed to get you to the water, with Tony adding information and jokes along the way.

Tony’s style is a big part of the appeal. He has worked on the water for about 55 years and is known for an energetic, direct way of speaking. Many passengers praise his warmth, humor, local stories, and ability to keep an international group involved. His age, reported as 77 in the supplied information, does not appear to have slowed his enthusiasm.

The tone is social rather than formal. You can expect music, dancing, jokes, and spontaneous conversation alongside facts about Malta and its past. If you prefer a quiet boat with a highly structured lecture, this may feel too lively. If you like a captain who treats the outing as a shared celebration, Tony can make a short trip feel personal.

Crystal Lagoon: your first jump into the sea

Crystal Lagoon is the first swimming stop. You remain with the boat and enter the water from there, rather than walking onto a beach.

This format has two advantages. You avoid a long landing process, and you get straight into the clear water. The lagoon is praised for its visibility, marine life, and bright color, though wind can make the surface choppy. One useful tip is to take a swimming noodle if you like extra support. Noodles have been available free of charge on some trips.

The first stop sets the pattern for the day: jump in, swim, use the mask, and enjoy the view from sea level. You should be comfortable getting into open water from a boat. The crew gives safety instructions, but this is not a supervised pool session and conditions can change with wind.

The mask arrangement needs a clear explanation. The activity includes a free snorkeling mask, but the supplied information and passenger comments indicate that this usually means goggles or a mask without a breathing tube. If you want to snorkel properly, bring your own snorkel. You can still look below the surface with the mask, but you should not expect a complete snorkel set.

Comino Blue Lagoon and the island stop

The next major stop is Comino’s Blue Lagoon, the most famous name on the route. Here, you can leave the boat for a period of about 1.5 hours, depending on the day’s exact timing.

This is an important difference from the first stop. At Crystal Lagoon, you swim from the boat. At the Blue Lagoon, you get time on Comino itself, with the option to swim, walk, buy food or drinks, and look around the island.

Comino is a protected nature reserve and bird sanctuary. A short walk gives you a different view of the island’s limestone ground, sand dunes, and low vegetation. Do not picture a large village or a full range of facilities. The appeal is the exposed, natural setting and the chance to stretch your legs after sitting on a boat.

The Blue Lagoon is beautiful, but it is also the stop most likely to feel crowded. Other boats gather here, and the bay can be busy during popular periods. Some passengers prefer the quieter feel of Crystal Lagoon or the final swimming stop. That does not make the Blue Lagoon unworthy, but it does affect expectations.

The 1.5-hour stop is useful if you want a snack, drink, or walk. It can feel long if your main goal is swimming and you would rather spend every minute in clear water. The best choice depends on your priorities. If you want a proper look at Comino, the island time is welcome. If you want a pure swim trip, you may wish the schedule gave more time to the other bays.

As of May 1, 2025, anyone planning to go onto Comino needs an online ticket through the official Blue Lagoon reservation system at blcomino.com. The requirement does not apply if you stay on the boat and swim from it. Check the current rules before departure, since access arrangements can change.

Gozo and Ħalfa Rock for another swim

After Comino, the powerboat heads toward Gozo for another swim near Ħalfa Rock. This stop adds variety because you are no longer looking at exactly the same section of Comino coast.

The water is the star again. You can swim, use the provided mask, and watch the sea from close range. Some trips include playful activities such as jumping from low cliffs, but you should follow the captain’s instructions and only enter where the crew says it is safe. The supplied information does not promise cliff jumping as a formal part of every departure.

The Gozo stop also shows why a powerboat works well for this route. A faster boat can cover Malta, Comino, and Gozo in a half-day outing, leaving you with time to see several places rather than spending most of the day in transit.

Water conditions matter here. On windy days, the ride can be rough and a swim may have small waves. Several departures have still been enjoyed in poor conditions because Tony adjusted the route and handled the boat confidently. That said, rough water can be uncomfortable if you are prone to seasickness. The activity is at its best on a calm, sunny day.

Caves along Comino’s limestone coast

The final sightseeing section takes you past caves along the Comino coast after departing Gozo. You view them from the boat rather than treating this as a land-based cave visit.

The cliffs and openings show the raw limestone character of the island. The boat’s smaller size helps it get closer to coastal formations than a large vessel might, although exact access depends on sea conditions and boat traffic.

Some departures have included extra cave views and a stop near an underwater Jesus statue. These additions are not listed as guaranteed parts of every trip, so treat them as possible extras rather than promised stops.

This section is a good balance after several swims. You can stay seated in the shade, take photographs, and listen to Tony explain the coast. If you are tired after the water stops, it is also the easiest part of the day because you can simply enjoy the ride back.

What makes the crew so important

The route is attractive on its own, but the crew shapes the mood. Tony receives unusually strong praise for his energy, humor, history stories, and attention to each person aboard. He is described as direct, cheerful, and genuinely keen to make people enjoy the outing.

Rafael, the deckhand, also earns credit for helping people throughout the trip. His role matters when passengers need assistance with the masks, boarding, swimming arrangements, or general questions.

Tony does more than entertain. He gives clear instructions and adjusts the route when conditions or boat traffic make a stop less appealing. One departure moved away from a crowded swimming area to find a quieter place. That kind of judgment is valuable on a coast where conditions can change quickly.

The atmosphere is not polished luxury. It is friendly, informal, and sometimes a little mad in the best sense. Expect jokes, music, dancing, and recurring phrases such as Tony’s cheerful Merry Christmas and Happy New Year greetings. Families, couples, solo visitors, and mixed-age groups can all fit in, though people who want a calm, private charter should choose another style of trip.

Boat size, comfort, and practical limits

The boat is smaller than many large sightseeing vessels, which is one of its strengths. It moves quickly and keeps the group closer to the captain. A smaller boat can also feel more exposed to wind and waves, so the ride may be bumpy on an unsettled day.

Capacity can reach 40 people. Some departures have carried around 20, while others have felt full. If you are sensitive to cramped seating, ask about the expected group size before booking if that information is available.

There is shade, but you should still bring a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen. You will spend time in direct Mediterranean light during swims and while sitting on deck. Bring a towel and swimwear, and keep valuables in a waterproof bag if possible. Bags may have limited storage, and one passenger reported that items in the rear area became wet after the first swim.

Food and drinks are not included. The Comino stop gives you a chance to buy refreshments, and some trips have had an ice cream or drink boat come alongside. Do not depend on that as a fixed part of the outing. Bring water and a snack if you need something at a specific time.

Is $47 good value for five hours?

At $47 per person, this trip offers good value for an active half-day. You get boat transport from Sliema, Comino, Gozo, three swimming areas, cave views, time on Comino, shade, and a mask at no extra charge.

The strongest value comes from the number of water stops. A standard sightseeing cruise may show you the same coast from a seat, while this trip gives you several chances to enter the sea. The powerboat also helps fit a lot into five hours.

There are limits. Food, drinks, and towels cost extra or must come from you. The mask may not include a snorkel, and the boat can feel crowded at full capacity. The Blue Lagoon stop can also be busy, so do not pay $47 expecting a private bay.

For an active visitor who wants Malta from the water, the price is fair. For someone mainly seeking a quiet beach day, a land-based beach or private boat may offer better comfort.

Who should book this boat trip?

I would choose this outing if you want to:

• Swim several times in clear Mediterranean water.
• See Comino and Gozo in one compact trip.
• Enjoy a lively captain and informal local stories.
• Travel faster than you would on a large boat.
• Spend part of the day on Comino without committing to a full-day cruise.
• Keep costs near $47 while still getting several major sights.

You should think twice if you dislike open-water entry, crowded boats, loud entertainment, or choppy rides. It is also not the right choice if you want a complete snorkel kit, since you may need to bring your own snorkel.

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure and reserve-now, pay-later booking add flexibility. Starting times vary, so check availability for your date.

My verdict on the Sliema to Comino tour

I like this trip because it uses five hours well. You get three chances to swim, one proper Comino stop, Gozo views, caves, and a fast ride between them. The strongest feature is the combination of efficient routing and Tony’s personality.

The compromises are clear: a full boat can feel tight, the Blue Lagoon is not peaceful at busy times, and the included mask may not be enough for serious snorkeling. Bring a towel, sunscreen, water, waterproof storage, and your own snorkel if that matters to you.

Book it if you want an energetic, social water day with plenty of swimming and a memorable captain. Skip it if you want privacy, silence, or a slow cruise. For most active visitors based in Sliema, $47 is a sensible way to see a large slice of Malta’s northern coast in half a day.

FAQ

How long does the boat trip last?

The trip lasts five hours.

Where does the boat leave from?

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

What islands does the trip visit?

The route includes Comino and Gozo, with departure from Malta and a return to Sliema.

Does the trip stop at the Blue Lagoon?

Yes. You can leave the boat at Comino’s Blue Lagoon for a period of time, usually around 1.5 hours depending on the day’s schedule.

Do I need a ticket to visit Comino?

As of May 1, 2025, you need to apply for an online ticket through blcomino.com if you go onto the island. This does not apply if you stay on the boat and swim from it.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

A free snorkeling mask is included. The supplied information indicates that this is generally a mask or goggles only, so bring your own snorkel if you want one.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not included, although you may have time to buy them during the Comino stop.

Should I bring a towel?

Yes. Towels are not included.

What should I bring?

Bring sunglasses, a hat, swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen. A personal snorkel and waterproof bag are also useful.

Is the trip available in English?

Yes. The live tour guide speaks English.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Reserve-now, pay-later booking is also available.