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

The best part of this trip is its efficient use of Malta’s small size. In six hours, you can ride a fast powerboat from St. Julian’s to Gozo’s Mġarr Harbour, swim at Comino’s famous Blue Lagoon, and see the sea caves on the way home. It is a lively day on the water, not a slow sightseeing cruise.

I love the speed and freedom. The boat cuts down transfer time, then leaves you to explore Gozo and Comino on your own. I also like the practical route: two hours in Gozo, a longer afternoon at the Blue Lagoon, and cave viewing before the return to St. Julian’s. The catch is clear: Gozo gets only two hours, and the Blue Lagoon can be packed with little shade.

• Two islands in six hours: Gozo and Comino fit into one busy outing.
• Mġarr Harbour stop: Use the two-hour break for Victoria, the Citadel, a driver, or quad-bike hire.
• Blue Lagoon access rule: You need a government-issued afternoon pass to step ashore.
• Fast, open-air transport: The powerboat is exciting but can be bumpy and uncomfortable in rough seas.
• Sea caves on the return: Weather permitting, the boat takes you close to Comino’s caves.
• Independent format: There is no guide, so you choose how to spend your time at each stop.

A Fast Route From St. Julian’s to Two Maltese Islands

This outing suits you if you want a lot of Malta in one day without arranging separate ferries, taxis, and boat trips. The boat leaves St. Julian’s at 10:30 AM and returns at about 4:30 PM, giving you a clear six-hour plan.

You meet at the jetty behind the Verdi St. George’s Bay Marina Hotel, formerly the Marina Hotel Corinthia Beach Resort. Finding the jetty takes a little attention. Near the entrance to the hotel’s underground parking area, look for a black iron gate. Go down the ramp, turn left, and follow the yellow line painted on the ground to the boats and jet skis.

This is not a guided tour. The skipper handles the route and transfers, while you make your own plans ashore. That keeps the trip flexible, but you need to arrive with a rough idea of what you want to do in Gozo and Comino.

The boat ride itself is part of the appeal. You get sea air, open views, and a much quicker crossing than a slower ferry. It is also the tradeoff. Powerboats move fast and may bounce over the water, so this is a poor match if you are prone to seasickness, have back problems, or simply prefer a calm ride.

Two Hours at Gozo’s Mġarr Harbour

The first stop is Mġarr Harbour, Gozo’s main port. You have about two hours here before meeting the boat again at roughly 1 PM.

The harbor area is not the whole of Gozo, and this short stop does not give you enough time to see the island at a relaxed pace. If you stay close to the port, you may find the choices limited. To see more, you need a plan and reliable transport.

One useful option is to arrange a taxi to Victoria, Gozo’s main town. A ride mentioned by one passenger cost about 5 euros per person, with the driver arranged to collect the group later at the harbor. From Victoria, you can visit the Citadel and enjoy its high views, though two hours still means keeping an eye on your watch.

Another practical choice is hiring a driver for a short circuit. A group used its Gozo stop to visit the Blue Hole, salt beds, and the Ġgantija Temples. These sights are spread around the island, so a private driver can make better use of the limited time than waiting for public transport.

Quad-bike hire is another possibility mentioned at the port. This can suit an active group that wants to cover ground, but you need to confirm the return timing before setting off. Sightseeing buses may not get you back to Mġarr Harbour in time, so do not choose a slow option unless the operator gives you a firm schedule.

I would treat Gozo as a quick taste, not a full island visit. The two-hour stop works well if you pick one target, such as the Citadel, or arrange a short private route. It works less well if you hope to wander several towns and monuments.

The Blue Lagoon in the Afternoon

At about 1 PM, the powerboat collects you at Mġarr Harbour and heads for Comino. The main event is the Blue Lagoon, where you have the afternoon to swim, sunbathe, snorkel, or walk around Comino.

The water is famously clear, with a pale sandy bottom and bright blue-green color. You can swim across toward the opposite beach, although the distance and conditions depend on your comfort and the day’s water movement. The appeal here is simple: clear sea, warm sun, and time in the water rather than a long list of formal sights.

The visit is also where the trip needs the most planning. Since May 2025, anyone who wants to step ashore at the Blue Lagoon must obtain a government-issued access pass in advance through blcomino.com. You need the afternoon time slot for this excursion. The number of passes is limited, and the responsibility is yours.

If you arrive without the pass, you will not be allowed to step ashore at the Blue Lagoon. The boat will instead take you to Santa Marija Bay on Comino. No refund is offered for missing the lagoon because of an absent pass, so check this before you leave your hotel.

The Blue Lagoon is beautiful, but it is not quiet. In summer, finding a patch of shade or a comfortable place to put your things can be difficult. Food and drinks are sold there, and left-luggage storage is available, but you should still bring only what you need.

Bring swimwear, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat. There is little shade, and the bright water and pale ground reflect the sun. Comfortable shoes help if you plan to walk beyond the swimming area.

The timing gives you a welcome chance to cool off after Gozo. Several hours at the lagoon also mean you are not forced to swim immediately after stepping ashore. You can look around first, find your place, and get in the water when it suits you.

Comino’s Sea Caves on the Way Home

At approximately 3:45 PM, the boat leaves the Blue Lagoon for St. Julian’s. If conditions allow, the skipper takes you past the Comino Sea Caves before continuing home.

This is a viewing stop from the water rather than a separate shore visit. The powerboat can get close to the caves, giving you a different view of Comino’s rocky coast and openings in the cliffs. It is a fine final touch because you get scenery without giving up much of your Blue Lagoon time.

Weather controls this part of the route. Rough water may make the caves unsafe or impractical, and the boat operator can change the plan. That is worth remembering if the caves are your main reason for booking. The Blue Lagoon and Gozo are the more dependable core stops.

The return to St. Julian’s takes you back to the same base at around 4:30 PM. You should still expect a lively ride rather than a gentle glide. One passenger found the speedboat uncomfortable, while others praised the fun of the fast crossings. Your experience will depend heavily on sea conditions and your tolerance for motion.

What the Powerboat Ride Feels Like

A powerboat is a smart choice when your goal is to connect Gozo and Comino in one outing. It avoids spending most of the day on transport. You get from St. Julian’s to Gozo, then Gozo to Comino, without giving up the stops that make the trip worthwhile.

The seats and ride can be bumpy. People with back, heart, or mobility problems should not book this activity, and it is not suitable for children under three, pregnant women, wheelchair users, or people prone to motion sickness. Baby strollers, large bags, non-folding wheelchairs, baby carriages, and electric wheelchairs are not allowed.

If you are sensitive to movement, bring motion-sickness prevention and choose a seat according to the skipper’s advice. Tell the crew if you are nervous. A skipper may be able to help you find a more comfortable position, though no seating arrangement can remove the effect of rough water.

The crew is one of the strongest parts of the experience. Captains named in the feedback include Abe, Andre, and Mario, with praise for friendly, professional handling. One captain helped keep the mood light and made nervous passengers feel more at ease. A mechanical problem on one return trip was fixed promptly, though the boat arrived about 30 minutes late. That is a reminder that sea transport can have small delays.

Bad weather can cancel the powerboat. In one case, the operator arranged an alternative boat trip within hours. The company offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later, which helps if your Malta plans are still shifting.

Is $77 a Fair Price?

At $77 per person, this is good value if you want both Gozo and Comino in one day. The price includes the powerboat transfers, the experienced skipper, fuel, two hours at Gozo, free time at Comino, and the Blue Lagoon stop. It also includes the sea-cave visit when weather permits.

The price does not include a guide, food, drinks, hotel pickup, or transport around Gozo. You also need to obtain and arrange the Blue Lagoon access pass yourself. Add the cost of a taxi, driver, quad bike, or other transport if you want to see more than Mġarr Harbour.

I would compare this with booking separate transport before deciding. If you only want the Blue Lagoon, a simpler Comino trip may be more focused. If you want a relaxed, detailed visit to Gozo, a dedicated Gozo day gives you more time. But if you want one efficient outing with two islands, the bundled boat route saves planning and gives you a lot for six hours.

How to Plan Your Time at Gozo

You will enjoy this trip more if you decide your Gozo plan before boarding. Here are the practical choices:

• Stay near Mġarr Harbour: This is the least stressful option, but you see only a small part of Gozo.
• Visit Victoria and the Citadel: Arrange transport in advance and keep a firm return time.
• Hire a driver: This works best if you want several sights, such as the Blue Hole, salt beds, and Ġgantija Temples.
• Try quad bikes: This suits an active group, but confirm the return route and timing.
• Avoid slow sightseeing buses: The two-hour window may not allow enough time to return to the harbor.

Do not let Gozo consume your entire stop. You need to be back at Mġarr Harbour by the pickup time, and the Blue Lagoon is the main afternoon section of the tour.

Who Should Book This Boat Trip?

I would choose this for a couple, group of friends, or independent adult who wants sea time and a quick taste of two islands. It is especially handy if you are staying around St. Julian’s and can walk to the meeting point. One person reached the jetty in about ten minutes from a nearby hotel, avoiding a long taxi ride to another departure port.

You should book it if a fast ride, swimming, and flexible free time sound better than a guided history tour. You should skip it if you need step-free access, a calm boat, extensive time in Gozo, or a quiet beach with plenty of shade.

Should You Book the Gozo and Comino Powerboat?

Yes, if you understand the limits. The route gives you a memorable mix of Gozo views, clear Comino water, and sea caves for $77, with fuel and boat transfers included. The crew has earned strong praise, and the schedule is easy to fit into a Malta stay.

Book only after securing the afternoon Blue Lagoon pass. Plan one focused activity in Gozo, pack light, protect yourself from the sun, and bring motion-sickness medicine if needed. With those details handled, this is a lively and efficient way to sample Malta’s sister islands.

FAQ

How long is the powerboat tour?

The activity lasts about six hours. It leaves St. Julian’s at 10:30 AM and returns at approximately 4:30 PM.

Where does the boat depart from?

The boat leaves from the jetty behind the Verdi St. George’s Bay Marina Hotel in St. Julian’s. Use the black iron gate near the underground parking entrance, follow the ramp and yellow line to the jetty.

How much time do I get in Gozo?

You have about two hours at Mġarr Harbour, Gozo’s main harbor.

Is this a guided tour?

No. The skipper operates the boat, but there is no tour guide. You have free time to explore Gozo and Comino independently.

Do I need a pass for the Blue Lagoon?

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

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

You will be taken to Santa Marija Bay on Comino instead of stepping ashore at the Blue Lagoon.

Is food included?

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

Is hotel pickup included?

No. You must make your own way to the jetty in St. Julian’s. Hotel drop-off is also not included.

Is the boat suitable for people with motion sickness?

The activity is not suitable for people prone to seasickness or motion sickness. The powerboat can be fast and bumpy, so motion-sickness prevention is worth bringing if you are sensitive.