Sliema: Powerboat to Comino Caves & Blue Lagoon with a Swim

The best part of this Comino trip is the journey itself. You race from Sliema on a fast powerboat, music playing, wind in your face, and the Maltese coast slipping past in a blur. The ride takes about 25 to 30 minutes, far less than a slow ferry, and captains such as Baso and Johnny add plenty of humor and energy.

I like the close look at Santa Maria and Crystal Lagoon caves, plus the generous stop at the Blue Lagoon. You get about four hours for swimming, snorkeling, walking, or simply sitting by the water. The catch is simple: the lagoon can be packed, sunny, and short on comfortable places to sit, so this suits you best if you enjoy an active beach day rather than a quiet boat cruise.

Key points to know before you book

• The powerboat is the main event: Expect a quick, bumpy ride with loud music and a real sense of speed.
• Caves are viewed from the water: You stop for photos and see the formations up close, but this is not a long cave walk.
• Blue Lagoon time is generous: Plan on roughly four hours for swimming, snorkeling, food, and a little island walking.
• The lagoon gets crowded: Shade and seating are limited, and much of the shoreline is rocky.
• Captain Baso is a passenger favorite: He is known for keeping the ride lively while also helping people feel safe.
• Bring beach basics: Wear swimwear and pack water, sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and sturdy footwear for sharp rocks.

The Sliema departure sets the tone

You meet at the Sliema Ferries departure point, opposite McDonald’s. The boat leaves at 11:00, so arrive with your swimwear ready and your belongings secured. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you make your own way to Sliema.

Once aboard, this is not a quiet sightseeing cruise. Supreme Power Boats uses a fast craft, and the mood is closer to a short amusement-park ride than a sedate harbor tour. Music plays loudly, the boat gathers speed, and the open Mediterranean gives you plenty of wind and spray.

The ride is usually bumpy, though how much you feel depends on the sea and where you sit. One useful point from the crew is that the back of the boat tends to be less bumpy. Even so, you should expect movement, and you may get wet. If you dislike sudden jolts, loud music, or speed, a regular ferry may be a better fit.

For many people, though, the boat makes the trip worthwhile before Comino even appears. It gets you to the island in roughly half an hour and avoids the slower, more ordinary ferry ride. The powerboat also gives you a better sense of the coastline as you skim past cliffs, coves, and open water.

Santa Maria Caves and Comino’s rocky coast

The route includes a stop near the Santa Maria Caves, with time for sightseeing and photographs. You approach the rock formations by boat, giving you a low, close view of the openings and pale cliffs.

The cave portion is scenic rather than lengthy. You should think of it as a series of brief coastal stops, not a guided underground visit. The captain may circle or enter small openings, depending on sea conditions and the day’s route. That makes the caves good for photographs, but you should keep expectations realistic if you have already seen Malta’s larger cave attractions.

The Crystal Lagoon caves are also part of the experience. Their clear water and rock walls make a fine contrast with the open sea, especially when viewed from the boat. The captain handles the boat while pointing out the formations, though the amount of commentary can vary. This is primarily a fun ride with scenic stops, not a formal history or geology tour.

You may find the cave visit is the most variable part of the day. Some departures spend more time showing the coastline, while others make a shorter circuit before heading to the Blue Lagoon. Sea conditions, boat traffic, and timing all matter.

Four hours at the Blue Lagoon

The boat brings you to Comino’s famous Blue Lagoon, where you have about four hours of free time. This is the longest part of the outing, and it gives you room to set your own pace.

The water is remarkably clear and inviting. You can swim from the rocky edge, snorkel, sit in the sun, or walk along the coast. The lagoon’s color is the star attraction, and you will understand why Comino is one of Malta’s most popular day trips as soon as you see the water.

The trade-off is popularity. The Blue Lagoon can be densely crowded, especially in the warmer months. Towels may be difficult to place, shade is scarce, and much of the available sitting space is on hard rock or dirt. A small number of shaded seats may be available for a fee, but you should not count on getting one.

That makes four hours feel generous to some people and too long to others. If you love swimming and sunbathing, the time gives you freedom and removes the need to rush. If you prefer a quiet beach or a comfortable lounge area, you may run out of things to do before the boat leaves.

I would plan your stop in stages. Swim first, while you are fresh. Then take a walk along the nearby trails for higher views of the coast. Return to the water when the heat builds, and use the food and drink stands if you need a break. Toilets and lifeguards are available at the lagoon, according to the provided information.

Snorkeling is possible, but equipment is not clearly supplied as standard. One passenger found gear available to rent on Comino, but I would bring your own mask and snorkel if you have them. At the very least, confirm the equipment details before departure.

What the powerboat ride feels like

The boat ride has received the strongest praise, and that makes sense. You get the thrill of speed without committing to a full-day adventure activity. The route to Comino is short enough to stay exciting, and the return ride gives you another burst of movement after your beach stop.

Captain Baso is repeatedly singled out for his lively approach. He mixes music and jokes with practical help, creating a party-like mood on board. Other captains, including Johnny, are also described as entertaining and clear about where the ride is less bumpy.

The tone is important. This is not a silent trip for admiring the coast in peace. Music can be very loud, and some departures feel like a floating party. That will be a major advantage if you are traveling with teenagers or friends who want energy. It may be tiring if you were hoping to nap or enjoy a calm conversation.

The boat is described as clean and modern, and full safety equipment is included. A local captain operates the boat, with fuel, liability insurance, and local taxes included in the price. You must sign a waiver before boarding.

You should also take the safety restrictions seriously. The activity is not suitable for children under three, pregnant women, people with back or heart problems, wheelchair users, people recovering from recent surgery, or anyone over 95. The ride may be manageable for many families with older children, but it is still a fast boat on open water, not a gentle ferry.

Is $70 a fair price?

At $70 per person, this trip is priced above a basic ferry crossing, but it includes more than transportation. You are paying for a six-hour outing, a fast return journey, cave sightseeing, captain and crew, safety equipment, fuel, and roughly four hours at the Blue Lagoon.

The value depends on what you want from Comino. If your main goal is simply to reach the lagoon as cheaply as possible, a regular ferry may cost less and may give you a calmer ride. If you want the transport itself to be part of the holiday, the powerboat makes a stronger case.

I think the price works best for people who would otherwise pay for a separate boat tour or who want to avoid losing time on a slow crossing. You get the coast, the caves, and the lagoon in one half-day package. The weak point is not the boat ride but the shore experience: you still face the same crowds, heat, rocks, and limited shade as anyone else visiting Comino.

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure and the option to reserve now and pay later add useful flexibility. Food and drinks are not included, so budget for those separately or bring what you need.

Practical packing advice for a hot Comino day

Wear your beachwear under your clothes. Changing options may be limited, and you will want to swim soon after arriving.

Bring plenty of water. One June departure was described as very hot, and the open shoreline offers little shade. Sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses are essential, while a waterproof bag can protect phones and wallets during the boat ride.

Footwear matters more than you might expect. The rocks around the Blue Lagoon can be sharp and uncomfortable. Sea shoes or sturdy sandals will make getting in and out of the water easier than bare feet.

A towel is not listed among the inclusions, so pack one. If you plan to snorkel, bring your own equipment or be prepared to rent it on Comino. Food and drinks are not included, although stands are available at the lagoon.

Keep loose items secure on the boat. The speed and wind can turn a hat, phone, or small bag into lost property in a second.

Who will enjoy this most

This is a strong choice for teenagers, couples, groups of friends, and families with older children who want a lively day on the water. It also works well if you have only one Comino outing planned and want the journey to feel like an attraction rather than a transfer.

You should enjoy the tour if you like:

• Fast boats and moderate thrills
• Loud music and an outgoing captain
• Swimming in clear water
• Short scenic stops for caves and cliffs
• Flexible free time instead of a tightly guided schedule

Think twice if you want quiet, shade, soft sand, or a detailed guided explanation at every stop. The Blue Lagoon is beautiful, but it is not peaceful in the busiest part of the season. Four hours can also feel excessive if you are not interested in swimming or sunbathing.

People with mobility concerns should speak with the operator before booking. One captain made a special effort to help a passenger with limited mobility, but the activity is officially not suitable for wheelchair users, and the rocky shoreline can be difficult.

How this compares with a regular ferry

The main advantage over a standard ferry is time and atmosphere. The powerboat reaches Comino in around 25 to 30 minutes, and the journey includes music, speed, and cave viewing. You spend less of the day sitting in transit.

The ferry may suit you better if you want a stable, quieter crossing or if you are sensitive to bumps. The powerboat is also not automatically better just because it is faster. Once you reach the Blue Lagoon, you still encounter the crowds and limited seating that affect every visitor.

For an active day, the powerboat is the more memorable choice. For simple transport, the ferry may be the more practical one. The decision comes down to whether you see the crossing as part of the experience.

Should you book this Comino powerboat tour?

Book it if you want a fast, playful ride and plenty of time to swim at the Blue Lagoon. The captains, especially Baso, have helped make this outing popular, and the combination of music, speed, cave stops, and clear water gives you a full day without complicated planning.

Skip it if you dislike bumpy boats, loud music, or crowded beaches. Also skip it if you expect a long cave tour or a comfortable shaded base on Comino.

My practical advice is to book this for the boat ride first and the lagoon second. If that sounds like a good deal at $70, you are likely to have a memorable half-day. If the lagoon’s crowds already sound frustrating, choose a quieter boat option or visit Comino at a less busy time.

FAQ

Where does the tour leave from?

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

What time does the boat depart?

The scheduled departure is at 11:00.

How long does the experience last?

The full activity lasts six hours.

How much time do I get at the Blue Lagoon?

You get about four hours at the Blue Lagoon for swimming, snorkeling, relaxing, and exploring.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not included, though food and drink stands are available at the Blue Lagoon.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Snorkeling is part of the activities available at the lagoon, but snorkeling equipment is not listed as included. Equipment may be available to rent on Comino.

Is the tour suitable for young children?

The activity is not suitable for children under three years old.

What should I bring?

Bring beachwear, water, sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, a towel, and footwear suitable for rocky ground. You must also sign a waiver before boarding.