Sliema: Powerboat Trip to Gozo with Caves and Island Stop

Gozo arrives with a jolt of speed. This trip pairs a high-speed powerboat ride with a cave visit, giving you a more exciting route than a standard ferry crossing. I especially like the chance to see Malta’s rocky coast from the water and the generous free time in Gozo. The main drawback is that food, drinks, and transport around Gozo are not included.

You should also know that this is not a guided Gozo sightseeing tour. You get about 4.5 hours to explore independently, which is excellent if you already have a plan, but less useful if you want a guide to lead you from village to village. The boat trip may include music and a lively party mood, so this suits people looking for energy rather than a quiet cruise.

Key points to know before booking

• The boat ride is the main event: You travel from Sliema to Gozo by fast powerboat rather than by regular ferry.
• You get around 4.5 hours in Gozo: That is enough time for a meal, a swim, a walk, or a self-planned visit.
• The cave stop adds a scenic change: You see rock formations and clear water from the boat.
• The published schedule needs a careful look: Departure is listed at 11:30am, with return at 5:15pm, while the activity is also described as lasting five hours.
• The atmosphere can be lively: Music and fast runs outside the bay have been praised, especially by younger groups.
• The price is $77 per person: It covers the boat, cave tour, and Gozo stop, but not meals, drinks, or transport on the island.

Why this Sliema to Gozo trip feels different

Many trips around Malta focus on a slow boat ride, a swimming stop, or a full-day island tour. This outing takes a different route. The powerboat is not just transport. It is part of the attraction.

You meet at the Sliema Ferries area, opposite McDonald’s. From there, Supreme Power Boats takes you across the Maltese waters toward Gozo, with a stop at a scenic cave along the way. The route gives you a mix of speed, sea views, rock formations, and free time on land.

I like this format because you are not locked into a full guided schedule once you reach Gozo. You can choose how to use the long island stop. At the same time, you need to accept that the operator does not provide a bus tour or a guided tour of Gozo.

The experience has earned a rating of 4.6 from 18 ratings, with particularly strong praise for the speed, cave scenery, music, and skipper named Baso. That gives you a useful sense of the outing’s character: it is more of an energetic coastal adventure than a calm sightseeing transfer.

Meeting at Sliema Ferries

The meeting point is simple to identify: Sliema Ferries, opposite McDonald’s. You should arrive ready to board, wearing comfortable clothes and bringing beachwear if you plan to swim.

A central meeting point matters in Sliema, since it avoids the need to find a remote marina. Still, the information provided does not give a precise boarding procedure, boat capacity, or recommended arrival time. I would allow extra time to locate the Supreme Power Boats staff and complete the required waiver before boarding.

Every participant must sign a waiver form. This is especially important for anyone who has a medical concern, recent surgery, or a condition that could be affected by a fast ride on open water.

The listed departure time is 11:30am. The return time is 5:15pm. The activity is described as five hours, but those published times cover about five hours and 45 minutes. Since the description also says you receive approximately 4.5 hours of free time in Gozo, check the exact schedule when booking.

The powerboat ride across Malta’s waters

The speedboat ride is the part most likely to make this outing memorable. Instead of simply sitting on a ferry deck, you feel the boat accelerate once it leaves the bay. The trip is designed to provide an adrenaline rush, and the fast pace is a central reason to choose it.

A powerboat also gives you a closer view of the coast. You see cliffs, inlets, and exposed rock from a low position on the water. The boat can move between slower vessels, according to the experience described by Pauline from the United Kingdom, who particularly enjoyed the high-speed run around Malta, Gozo, and Comino.

You should not expect a quiet nature cruise. Maria’s birthday outing for her 13-year-old daughter included party music, a lively mood, and a thrilling burst of speed outside the bay. That sounds ideal for a celebration or a group of friends. If you prefer gentle cruising and long stretches of silence, a traditional sightseeing boat may fit you better.

The boat ride can also be physically demanding. The activity is not suitable for children under three, pregnant women, wheelchair users, people with back or heart problems, people with pre-existing medical conditions, or people who have had recent surgery. The operator also lists an upper age limit of 95 years.

The cave stop and clear-water scenery

The cave visit gives the trip a scenic centerpiece. You travel by boat to a natural cave where you can see unusual rock formations and clear water. The cave stop is included in the price, so you do not need to arrange a separate boat excursion for this part.

The available information does not name the cave or promise a specific swimming duration. That means you should think of it as a short sightseeing stop rather than a guaranteed long swim session. Conditions at sea can affect how much time the boat spends near the cave and how easy it is to enter the water.

The scenery is likely to be strongest from the boat itself. Rock walls, openings in the coast, and bright water create the sort of setting that rewards having your phone or camera ready. Keep your belongings secure, since a fast boat and sea spray are a poor combination for loose items.

Beachwear is listed among the recommended things to bring. That suggests swimming may be possible, but the information does not confirm a specific swimming stop or provide equipment such as masks, snorkels, or towels. Bring only what you need and do not assume that food, drinks, or beach equipment are supplied.

Four and a half hours to make your own Gozo plan

Once you reach Gozo, you have approximately 4.5 hours of free time. This is the strongest practical feature of the tour for independent visitors.

You can use the time for lunch, a swim, a walk, or your own chosen Gozo activity. You are not rushed from one stop to the next by a guide. That freedom makes the trip more flexible than a tightly scheduled island excursion.

The tradeoff is that you must organize yourself. There is no bus tour or guided tour included, and the information provided does not specify transport arrangements on Gozo. You should therefore decide in advance how you want to spend the stop and confirm how you will get around once you arrive.

If you mainly want a taste of Gozo, staying near the arrival area may be the simplest choice. If you want to reach several places, you need to allow time for transport and return to the boat. Four and a half hours sounds generous, but it can pass quickly if you spend a long time traveling around the island.

I like this setup for people who dislike group itineraries. You can keep things easy and unhurried, or build your own plan around food, swimming, and a particular Gozo sight. It is less suitable if you expect the operator to provide a complete introduction to the island.

Is $77 a fair price?

At $77 per person, the tour includes three main elements: the powerboat journey from Sliema, the cave tour, and approximately 4.5 hours of free time in Gozo.

That price makes reasonable sense if you value the fast boat ride as an attraction in its own right. You are paying for the experience of crossing by powerboat, not just for transportation. The cave visit adds another included activity, and the long stop lets you spend much of the day on Gozo.

The value is weaker if you only need a basic transfer to the island. Since meals, drinks, Gozo transport, and any guided sightseeing are extra, your final cost will rise if you want a full day of organized activities.

I would compare the price against your personal priorities. For a birthday, family outing with older children, or group day built around excitement, $77 can be worthwhile. For a quiet visit focused on museums, village streets, or a long meal, a slower and more independent transport option may give you better control over your budget.

The activity does offer free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure and a reserve-now, pay-later option. Those policies are useful if your Malta schedule is still changing.

Who will enjoy this outing most?

This trip fits you best if you like a combination of motion and free time. You should be comfortable with a fast boat, open water, and a ride that may include music and a party atmosphere.

It is a good choice for:

• Couples wanting a lively half-day on the water
• Families with children aged three and above who enjoy speed
• Teenagers and young adults looking for an energetic outing
• Friends celebrating a birthday or special occasion
• Independent visitors who want several hours to make their own Gozo plan
• People who want cave scenery without booking a separate coastal trip

The outing may not suit you if you have back or heart problems, are pregnant, use a wheelchair, have a recent surgery, or have another medical condition that makes a fast boat ride unsuitable. Children under three cannot join.

The operator lists English as the language used by the host or greeter. If you need detailed guidance in another language, this may not be the right choice.

Practical tips for a smoother day

Bring comfortable clothes and beachwear. You may also want sun protection, a towel, and a secure waterproof pouch for valuables, although the listed inclusions do not confirm that towels or water equipment are provided.

Plan your Gozo hours before you leave Sliema. Decide if you want to eat, swim, walk, or visit a particular place, then check how much time you need to reach it and return. Since no Gozo bus tour or guided tour is included, you are responsible for making the island portion work.

Keep an eye on the clock. The boat has a fixed return schedule, and the freedom of the Gozo stop does not mean you can return whenever you like. The listed return time is 5:15pm.

If you are traveling with a teenager, this can be a strong birthday option. Maria’s outing for her daughter’s 13th birthday was praised for the music, speed, cave scenery, and skipper Baso. I would not treat one skipper’s name as a guarantee, but it does show how much the crew can shape the mood of the day.

Finally, be realistic about comfort. Fast boats can be exciting, but they are not as sheltered or smooth as a large ferry. Wear clothes you can move in, follow the crew’s instructions, and sign the waiver only after you understand the activity’s conditions.

The overall experience in one morning and afternoon

The day begins with boarding in Sliema at 11:30am. The powerboat then carries you toward Gozo, with the ride itself providing the first burst of excitement.

The cave stop changes the pace. You get a chance to look at rock formations and clear water before continuing to Gozo. Depending on conditions and the operator’s timing, the cave portion may feel like a short scenic visit rather than a long, structured tour.

Gozo then gives you the longest block of time. With approximately 4.5 hours free, you can make the island stop as active or relaxed as you wish. This is where your own planning matters most.

The boat returns to Sliema at about 5:15pm according to the published schedule. That gives you an outing that occupies most of the afternoon, though the stated five-hour duration does not perfectly match the listed departure and return times. Confirm the exact timing before you commit to another booking afterward.

Should you book the Sliema to Gozo powerboat trip?

Book it if you want speed, sea views, a cave stop, and independent time in Gozo. The strongest praise centers on the thrilling ride, the clear-water scenery, the party music, and the crew’s ability to create a fun atmosphere. Baso received especially warm personal praise, and the trip worked well for a 13th birthday celebration.

Skip it if you want a quiet cruise, a fully guided Gozo tour, or a low-cost transfer with meals and transport included. The $77 price is easiest to justify when you see the powerboat ride as the main attraction, not merely a way to get from Sliema to Gozo.

For the right person, this is a lively and practical way to combine Malta’s coast with a substantial island stop. Just plan your Gozo time, bring beachwear, and make sure a fast boat suits your health and comfort needs.

FAQ

Where does the powerboat trip depart from?

The meeting point is Sliema Ferries, opposite McDonald’s in Sliema.

What time does the trip start?

The listed departure time is 11:30am.

What time does the boat return to Sliema?

The listed return time is 5:15pm.

How long is the activity?

The activity is advertised as lasting five hours, with approximately 4.5 hours of free time in Gozo. The listed 11:30am to 5:15pm schedule spans about five hours and 45 minutes, so confirm the exact timing when booking.

Is a guided tour of Gozo included?

No. You receive free time on Gozo, but a bus tour or guided tour of the island is not included.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not included in the price.

What should I bring?

Bring comfortable clothes and beachwear.

Do I need to sign anything before boarding?

Yes. All participants must sign a waiver form before boarding.

Who cannot take part?

The activity is not suitable for children under three, pregnant women, wheelchair users, people with back or heart problems, people with pre-existing medical conditions, people with recent surgeries, or people over 95 years old.