Sliema: Powerboat trip to Gozo & Comino with Caves

The best part of this outing is the speedboat ride itself. You race north from Sliema with music playing, sea spray in the air, and Malta’s coastline slipping past fast. I like the generous 2.5-hour stop in Gozo, and I like that the trip adds both swimming time and a cave tour instead of simply dropping you at the Blue Lagoon.

The trade-off is comfort. This is a loud, bumpy, high-speed trip, not a gentle cruise. I would also plan for crowds at the Blue Lagoon, especially in summer, and remember that the Gozo stop gives you free time only, not a guided island tour.

Key points before you book

• A real speedboat ride: Expect fast turns, bumps, noise, and lively music rather than a quiet cruise.
• Two useful stops: You get 2.5 hours in Gozo and 1.5 hours at Comino’s Blue Lagoon.
• Captain-led entertainment: Baso, also written as Boso in some booking details, receives especially warm praise for his humor, driving, and music choices. Other named captains include Connor and Johnny.
• Caves included: The route includes a Crystal Lagoon cave tour and time to see Comino’s rock formations from the water.
• Best for active visitors: The trip suits people who enjoy speed, swimming, sun, and a busy day at sea.
• Pack lightly: Bring beachwear, comfortable clothes, comfortable shoes, and biodegradable sunscreen. Food, drinks, and Gozo excursions cost extra.

A fast way to reach Gozo and Comino

Malta’s northern islands are easy to admire but not always easy to fit into one day. A road trip to Gozo takes planning, and a standard boat outing can feel like little more than transport to a crowded swimming spot. This six-hour trip takes a livelier approach, linking Sliema, Gozo, Comino, and the caves in one compact day.

You meet at the Sliema Ferries, opposite McDonald’s and next to the ticket information office. The listed departure is 11:00, so I would arrive with enough time to find the exact boarding point and sign the required waiver before getting on the boat.

The boat is the main event. You travel at high speed with music playing, and the ride can feel like a theme-park attraction on open water. Reports from the trip describe it as exciting, noisy, and bumpy, with plenty of sudden movement. That makes it fun for an adventurous adult or older child, but less suitable for anyone who wants a calm sightseeing cruise.

The captain sets the tone. Baso is repeatedly praised for keeping the mood light, giving clear instructions, and choosing energetic music. Connor and Johnny are also named as friendly, entertaining skippers. The captain is not just steering the boat, he is part of the show.

The Sliema departure and the ride north

Sliema is a practical starting point because it puts you directly on the water and avoids spending part of the day on a bus. Once you leave the ferry area, the boat heads toward Gozo and Comino, turning the transfer into the first major activity.

You should expect wind, spray, and a firm seat rather than lounge-style comfort. Keep loose belongings secured, and do not bring more than you need for the day. The boat has full safety equipment, liability insurance, and fuel included in the price, but the experience still calls for sensible preparation.

The sound level matters. Several comments describe loud music, which is part of the atmosphere but may not suit people who prefer quiet scenery. The ride is also physically demanding because of the speed and chop. People with back or heart problems, pregnant women, and those over 95 are not considered suitable for this activity. Children under three cannot join, and the activity is not suitable for people with hearing impairments.

That may sound like a long list of limits, but it tells you what kind of trip this is. If you enjoy a fast, spirited ride, the movement adds to the fun. If you need a smooth boat or have mobility concerns, choose a slower outing.

Two and a half hours to make your own Gozo plan

The Gozo stop lasts 2.5 hours, which is enough time for a simple harbor visit, lunch, and a short walk. It is not enough time to see the whole island, and no Gozo excursion is included, so you need to keep your plans modest.

The boat arrives at a harbor area where you can stay nearby, eat, and look around, or arrange your own transport. One useful tip is to ask carefully about local transport and food rather than accepting the first answer you hear. A bus trip into Victoria has been used successfully, with one reported option costing €10 per person for a return journey. That can work, but you must watch the clock and return to the boat on time.

I would not attempt a long independent Gozo itinerary during this stop. Victoria and other inland sights may be possible only with careful timing, and the 2.5 hours pass quickly once you include walking, lunch, and the return journey. For most people, the sensible plan is to explore close to the harbor, have a meal, and enjoy a little free time on land.

Food is not included. Cafes near the harbor may serve breakfast and other meals, and food stands are available at the Blue Lagoon later in the day. Still, I would carry water and perhaps a small snack, especially if you do not want to spend your limited stop searching for a table.

The value of this stop is freedom. You are not pushed through a fixed sightseeing route, and you can decide how much time to spend eating, walking, or simply sitting by the water. The downside is that you are responsible for your own navigation and timing.

One and a half hours at Comino’s Blue Lagoon

After Gozo, the boat continues to Comino and the famous Blue Lagoon. You get 1.5 hours here, which is a practical amount of time for swimming and sun without pretending that the area is peaceful in high season.

The water is the star. It is clear and turquoise, making the lagoon a fine place to swim or snorkel. You can also stay on deck or near the shore and enjoy the color of the water without getting in. Beachwear is essential, and biodegradable sunscreen is specifically recommended.

The setting comes with a major catch: the Blue Lagoon can be extremely busy. Food and drink stands operate in the area, and they accept both cards and cash. Lockers are available, though a large locker costing €7 may hold only a small backpack. I would travel with a compact bag and leave anything valuable at your accommodation when possible.

An hour and a half is enough for a swim, a look around, and a quick purchase of something to eat. It is not enough for a relaxed beach day, especially if you need time to find a locker or wait for access to the water. The short visit works well because the boat continues to another part of Comino instead of keeping you at the lagoon all afternoon.

If your main goal is quiet swimming, this stop may disappoint in the busiest months. If your goal is to see the famous water and enjoy a quick swim as part of a bigger day, the timing feels more sensible.

The Crystal Lagoon caves by boat

The cave section gives the trip a change of pace. After the fast ride and busy Blue Lagoon stop, you get to see Comino’s rock formations and grottoes from the water. The Crystal Lagoon caves are included, so you do not need to arrange a separate cave trip.

Caves are best appreciated from a boat because the shapes of the cliffs and openings become clear as you move past them. The route lets you see parts of Comino that you would miss by staying on the main swimming beach. Water color, shadow, and pale rock make this a good chance for photographs, though keep your phone secure during the faster sections.

The supplied details do not promise a long stop inside each cave or a separate snorkeling session there, so I would think of this as a scenic cave tour rather than a full exploration program. The captain handles the route, and the experience depends on sea conditions and the timing of the day.

This is also where the trip feels more complete. You are not paying only for a ride to the Blue Lagoon. You get a route through several parts of the islands, with the caves adding scenery and variety.

What the $77 price really buys

At $77 per person, the price is fair if you want transport, entertainment, and several stops in one outing. The package includes the captain, safety equipment, liability insurance, fuel, the Gozo stop, the Blue Lagoon stop, and the cave tour. You are also paying for a faster route than a basic ferry and for the lively boat atmosphere.

The price is less attractive if you planned to spend most of the day quietly in one place. Food and drinks are extra, and the free time in Gozo does not include a guide or island excursion. You may also spend more on lockers, lunch, drinks, or self-arranged transport.

For a family of four, the cost can look high at first. Yet the outing fills six hours and combines three distinct elements: a speedboat ride, time on Gozo, and swimming at Comino. If everyone in your group enjoys active outings, I can see the value. If one person dislikes noise, speed, or crowded swimming areas, the group may not feel the same way.

The strongest value comes from the entertainment. Captains such as Baso are praised for humor, clear instructions, and high energy, which means the ride is not just a transfer between stops. You are buying an experience with a strong personality.

Who should choose this boat trip

I would recommend it to you if you want to see Gozo and Comino in one day without arranging several separate tickets. It suits couples, groups of friends, and families with older children who enjoy movement and music.

It is especially good for:

• People who want an adrenaline-filled boat ride
• Visitors with only one day for Gozo and Comino
• Swimmers who want clear water and a short Blue Lagoon stop
• Anyone who likes a captain who entertains as well as drives
• People comfortable making their own plan during free time in Gozo

I would look elsewhere if you want a quiet, smooth cruise, a guided tour of Gozo, or a long, uncrowded beach visit. The boat ride can be bumpy, the music can be loud, and the Blue Lagoon is often packed.

The activity is not suitable for children under three, pregnant women, people with back or heart problems, people over 95, or people with hearing impairments. Baby strollers, baby carriages, electric wheelchairs, alcohol, and drugs are not permitted. You must sign a waiver before boarding.

Practical packing advice for a six-hour day

Wear comfortable clothes and bring beachwear underneath if that makes changing easier. Comfortable shoes help during the Gozo stop, while a compact bag is easier to manage around the boat and lagoon.

Bring biodegradable sunscreen, water, and any personal medication you need. Food and drinks are not included, so plan to buy them in Gozo or at Comino, or bring suitable supplies if allowed by the operator.

I would avoid carrying a large suitcase or bulky beach bag. The boat is built for a day on the water, not heavy luggage, and the locker information at the Blue Lagoon suggests that storage space is limited.

Keep your phone and camera protected from spray. The route includes speed, turns, and water close to the boat. A waterproof pouch is a sensible extra, even though it is not listed as a required item.

Booking flexibility and meeting details

The meeting point is at Sliema Ferries, opposite McDonald’s and beside the ticket information office. The listed departure is 11:00, with a total duration of six hours.

The host service is available in English, Italian, French, and Spanish. You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and the reserve-now, pay-later option lets you hold a place without paying immediately.

Those terms are useful in Malta, where weather and sea conditions can affect how appealing a boat day feels. I would still check the exact start time and availability before booking, since the activity page advises checking for current departure times.

Should you book the Sliema powerboat trip?

Book it if you want a lively day rather than a restful one. The combination of speed, Gozo free time, Blue Lagoon swimming, and the Crystal Lagoon caves gives you a lot in six hours, and captains such as Baso have clearly become a major part of the appeal.

Go in with realistic expectations. Gozo is an independent stop, not a guided island tour. The Blue Lagoon is beautiful but crowded, and the powerboat is loud and bumpy. If those points sound like part of the fun, $77 is a reasonable price for a packed day on the water. If they sound tiring, choose a slower boat outing with more time in one place.

FAQ

Where does the powerboat trip leave from?

The meeting point is at Sliema Ferries, opposite McDonald’s and next to the ticket information office.

What time does the tour start?

The listed departure time is 11:00. The full activity lasts six hours, though you should check current availability for the exact start time when booking.

How long do I get in Gozo?

You get 2.5 hours of free time in Gozo. Food, walking, and any transport or island excursion are your responsibility.

How long is the Blue Lagoon stop?

You get 1.5 hours at Comino’s Blue Lagoon for swimming, snorkeling, or relaxing by the water.

Is food included?

No. Food and drinks are not included. Food and drink stands are available at the Blue Lagoon, and cafes can be found near the Gozo harbor.

Who should not take this activity?

The trip is not suitable for children under three, pregnant women, people with back or heart problems, people over 95, or people with hearing impairments. A waiver must be signed before boarding.