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

Comino’s water is the star here, but the real surprise is the lively, personal feel created by Captain Tony and deckhand Rafael. This fast powerboat links Crystal Lagoon, Blue Lagoon, Gozo, and sea caves in five hours, with several chances to swim rather than one long stop at a single bay.

I like the smaller boat, which gets you across the water faster than the big day boats, and I like the mix of swimming and local stories. Tony has decades of experience and keeps the ride social with humor, music, and practical safety advice. The main drawback is space: the boat can carry up to about 40 people, and it may feel crowded when everyone is seated or storing wet bags.

Key points to know before booking

• Three main water stops: Swim at Crystal Lagoon, Comino Blue Lagoon, and near Ħalfa Rock in Gozo.
• Captain Tony sets the tone: Expect Maltese history, jokes, music, and plenty of energy from the guide.
• Fast powerboat, not a slow cruise: You cover more coast in five hours and spend less time simply getting there.
• Only a mask is supplied: Bring your own snorkel if you want to look underwater properly.
• Blue Lagoon time is also shore time: You can leave the boat, walk on Comino, and buy food or drinks.
• Bring a towel and protect your bags: Towels, food, and drinks are not included, and wet gear can make storage awkward.

Why this five-hour boat trip works well

This is a compact way to see a lot of Malta’s northern coast without giving up half a day to a large excursion boat. The route begins at Sliema Ferries, where you look for a white boat with a blue tent. From there, the powerboat heads toward Comino and Gozo, passing St. Paul’s Island along the way.

The boat has shade, which matters in Malta’s strong sun. You can sit under the blue canopy when you are not swimming, then jump into the sea at the scheduled stops. The boat is also equipped with a toilet, according to the supplied details, though the available space is more limited than on a large vessel.

I see the main appeal as variety. You are not simply ferried to the Blue Lagoon and left there. You get open-water swimming, a short stop on Comino, a Gozo swim, and a boat ride along the caves. That gives the outing a better rhythm than a single-destination transfer.

The boat can be quite full. Some trips have had around 20 people, while others have approached the stated maximum of 40. That is still a smaller setup than many large charter boats, but you should not expect a private cruise or lots of room to spread out.

Crystal Lagoon: the first swim and often the best one

Crystal Lagoon is the first proper stop, and you swim directly from the boat. The water is clear, with the pale limestone around Comino giving it the bright color people come to see.

This stop is short, so have your swimwear on before departure and keep your towel easy to reach. You do not want to rummage through a wet bag while everyone else is ready to get into the water.

The lagoon can be choppy when the wind picks up. One practical tip from the trip is to bring a pool noodle or similar flotation aid if you are not a confident swimmer. Free swimming noodles may also be available on board, but you should not rely on every preferred piece of equipment being ready for you.

The first swim is often a strong part of the day because it feels less tied to a built-up shore stop. You jump from the boat, look back at the limestone cliffs, and have the sea around you rather than a busy beach at your feet. Snorkeling is possible, but remember the equipment detail: the boat supplies masks, not full mask-and-snorkel sets. Bring your own snorkel if seeing fish underwater is important to you.

Comino Blue Lagoon: beautiful water, busy surroundings

The Blue Lagoon is the one stop where you can leave the boat. You have about an hour and a half on Comino, although exact timing can change with the day’s conditions and the captain’s decisions.

This gives you time to swim, walk a little, see the island’s natural vegetation, and look at the sand dunes. Comino is a bird sanctuary and natural reserve, so the stop is not only about the famous water. The dry, rocky setting and low vegetation show you a quieter side of the island, at least away from the busiest areas.

You can also find places for food and drinks during this stop, but neither is included in the price. Carry some cash or a payment method suitable for the available vendors, and do not forget water. A five-hour boat trip under the Maltese sun can leave you thirsty even if you spend much of the time in the sea.

The tradeoff is crowding. Blue Lagoon is the most famous stop on this route, and many boats gather there. The shore can feel more commercial and packed than Crystal Lagoon or the later Gozo stop. If you want a peaceful swim, this may not be your favorite part of the day.

That is not a reason to skip the tour. It is a reason to use the Blue Lagoon stop for what it offers: a chance to walk ashore, buy a drink or snack, and see the place from land. The quieter swimming often comes at the other stops.

From May 1, 2025, anyone planning to go onto Comino needs to apply for an online ticket through the Blue Lagoon booking site. This does not apply if you remain on the boat and swim from it. Check the current rule before your trip, since shore access requirements can change.

Ħalfa Rock in Gozo: a different setting for swimming

After Comino, the boat heads toward Gozo and stops near Ħalfa Rock for another swim. This gives you a look at Malta’s sister island from the water without adding a full land tour of Gozo.

The setting feels different from the Blue Lagoon. Instead of a famous beach area, you get open sea, limestone rock, and a more direct jump-from-the-boat swim. The stop is valuable because it breaks up the route and gives you another chance to snorkel or float.

Water conditions matter here. On windy days, the sea can become rough, and the ride may be bouncy. Captain Tony’s long experience helps him adjust the route and manage the boat, but no captain can make a windy day flat. If you are prone to seasickness, sit where you can see the horizon, stay hydrated, and consider bringing your usual remedy.

The captain may alter the exact order or location if one area is too crowded or conditions are poor. That flexibility is useful. You may not get a perfectly fixed schedule, but you have a better chance of enjoying the water instead of sitting among a cluster of boats.

Caves along Comino’s coast

The cave section comes after the Gozo stop, as the boat travels back along Comino’s coast. You stay on board for this part and view the openings, cliffs, and dark blue water from the sea.

The caves are not a long walking or climbing excursion. Think of them as a scenic boat passage, with the captain pointing out features and explaining parts of the coast. This is a good time to stay under the canopy, keep your camera ready, and listen to the stories.

Several trips have included two caves and an extra cave if time and conditions allowed. The boat’s smaller size helps here because it can move more easily along the coast than a large vessel. Still, the exact number of caves is not guaranteed, so treat any extra stop as a bonus rather than part of the promised core route.

The limestone cliffs are raw and pale, with the sea providing the strongest color. Malta’s coast can look stark and dramatic, especially when viewed from water level. You get a better sense of the island’s rock formations from the boat than you would from a road or town viewpoint.

Captain Tony and Rafael make the difference

The guide is a major part of this outing. Captain Tony is repeatedly described as energetic, funny, welcoming, and full of stories about Malta. He has around 55 years of experience operating boats and is 77, a detail that has become part of his cheerful character on the water.

Expect a guide who talks directly to the group, explains safety points, points out coastal features, and keeps the mood light. Tony uses humor and music to bring people together, and his style is more animated than formal. If you want a quiet boat ride with little commentary, this may feel like too much. If you enjoy a captain who performs a little and makes an effort with each person, it is a strong match.

Rafael works as the deckhand and helps passengers during boarding, swimming stops, and equipment use. His role matters most when the boat is busy, since people need help getting masks, handling bags, and moving safely around the deck.

The English commentary includes local history and stories about Malta’s past civilizations. You should not expect a full historical tour of Gozo or Comino, but you will get useful context while moving between stops. Tony’s personal connection to the islands gives the commentary a local feel rather than a memorized script.

What the boat setup means for you

This is a powerboat with a blue shade canopy, not a large open-deck catamaran. The smaller vessel moves quickly and gives the trip a more social, direct feel. It also means less room for luggage, wet towels, and personal space.

Keep your bags compact. One passenger found that bags stored toward the back became wet after the first swim, while storage in the middle was more protected. That is a useful warning, not a reason to leave everything behind. Use a waterproof bag or sealed pouch for phones, money, and documents.

Wear your swimsuit under your clothes. Bring sunglasses, a hat, sunscreen, and a towel. There is shade, but you will still spend a good part of the day exposed to sun, reflected light, and sea spray.

Food and drinks are not included. The Blue Lagoon stop gives you a chance to buy refreshments, and an ice cream boat or other vendor may come alongside during the trip, but do not plan the day around that possibility. Pack water and a snack if you need regular food.

The free mask is a useful extra, but the wording can cause confusion. You receive a mask or goggles, not necessarily a snorkel. Bring your own snorkel if you want to breathe while looking below the surface. This small bit of preparation can make the swimming stops much more enjoyable.

Price and value at $47 per person

At $47, this is good value if you want several water stops and a fast route to Comino and Gozo. The price includes the boat ride from Sliema, the five-hour outing, English guidance, shade, and use of a snorkeling mask. It does not include food, drinks, towels, or any equipment beyond the stated mask and available noodles.

The value improves if you would otherwise book separate transport to Comino or pay for a larger cruise that spends more time getting there. The powerboat covers the route efficiently, and the mix of swimming, shore time, and cave viewing gives you more than a simple Blue Lagoon transfer.

The value is less clear if your top priority is comfort and personal space. A boat carrying close to 40 people can feel tight, particularly when everyone returns from the water with wet towels and bags. You are paying for access to a varied coastal route and an engaging guide, not luxury seating.

The tour also includes free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure and a reserve-now, pay-later option. Starting times vary, so check the available departure when choosing your date.

Who should book this Malta boat trip?

You should consider it if you want a half-day on the water rather than a full-day cruise. It suits swimmers, casual snorkelers, couples, families with older children, and anyone who prefers several short experiences over one long beach stop.

It is also a good choice if you enjoy a guide with a big personality. Tony’s jokes, music, dance moves, and stories are central to the atmosphere. The trip feels communal, so solo visitors and mixed-age groups can easily become part of the action.

You may want another option if you dislike loud commentary, crowded boats, or rough water. The sea can be choppy in windy weather, and the boat may feel cramped at capacity. Strong swimmers will get the most from the open-water stops, though noodles can help if you want extra support.

The trip is not a full sightseeing tour of Gozo. You see Ħalfa Rock from the water and continue along the coast, but you do not have time to visit Gozo’s towns or inland sights. Book it for swimming and coastal scenery, not for a complete Gozo visit.

Should you book it?

I would book this tour if I had five hours to spare in Malta and wanted a lively, water-focused outing. The strongest reasons are the fast boat, three swimming opportunities, the Comino shore stop, and Captain Tony’s personal style.

Before booking, decide how you feel about crowds and equipment. Bring your own snorkel, pack a waterproof bag, carry water and sunscreen, and expect the Blue Lagoon to be busy. If that sounds manageable, $47 buys a lot of coastline, clear water, and time in the sea.

FAQ

How long is the boat trip?

The trip lasts five hours, with departure from Sliema and stops around Comino, Gozo, and the nearby caves.

Where does the boat leave from?

The meeting point is at Sliema Ferries. Look for a white boat with a blue tent.

What places does the tour visit?

The route includes Crystal Lagoon, Comino Blue Lagoon, Ħalfa Rock near Gozo, and caves along the Comino coast. You also pass St. Paul’s Island.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

A snorkeling mask is included, and swimming noodles may be available. A snorkel is not supplied, so bring your own if you want to snorkel comfortably.

Do I need an online ticket for Comino?

From May 1, 2025, you need to apply online to go onto Comino Island. This does not apply if you stay on the boat and swim from it.

Are food, drinks, and towels included?

No. Food, drinks, and towels are not included. Bring a towel, sunscreen, swimwear, sunglasses, and a hat.