Sliema: Comino Blue Lagoon Powerboat Tour with Comino Caves

The best part of this Comino trip is the fast powerboat ride. From Sliema, you reach the Blue Lagoon in roughly 25 to 30 minutes, with music, sharp turns, open sea, and cave views along the way. It feels more like a short amusement-park ride than a slow boat transfer.

I like the small-group feel and the chance to see Comino’s caves before swimming. I also like the generous time at the Blue Lagoon, since you can swim, snorkel, sunbathe, and walk along the island’s paths instead of rushing back to the boat.

The main drawback is the Blue Lagoon itself. It is beautiful but often packed, with little shade and limited comfortable seating. Four hours can feel long if you want more than swimming and sunbathing, so bring beach shoes, water, and a plan.

Key points to know before booking

• The boat ride is the star: Expect a quick, bumpy trip with music and open-air views.
• Cave stops add variety: Santa Maria Caves and Crystal Lagoon caves are included, mainly for viewing and photographs.
• You get about four hours at Comino: That is plenty for swimming, but it may feel excessive if you dislike sitting on rocks in full sun.
• The Blue Lagoon is crowded: The water is clear, but finding a patch of shore can be difficult.
• This is not a quiet cruise: Choose it for speed, energy, and fun rather than a calm ride.
• Bring your own snorkel gear if needed: Equipment may not be provided, though rental is available on Comino according to the tour information and on-site experience described by participants.

Leaving Sliema on a high-speed boat

The meeting point is the Supreme Power Boats ticket booth at the Sliema Ferries, opposite McDonald’s. The scheduled departure is 11:00, and the activity lasts about six hours from start to finish.

You board with a local captain and full safety equipment. Before setting off, everyone must sign a waiver. The boat uses an open, energetic setup rather than the quiet, polished feel of a sightseeing yacht, so your first decision is simple: do you enjoy speed and movement on the water?

The ride can be bumpy. If you sit at the back, the motion may be gentler than near the front, according to one detailed account of the trip. Even so, expect jolts, wind, loud music, and a good chance of getting wet. The boat is designed for fun, not for keeping your hair perfectly in place.

That makes this a useful choice if you want to reach Comino quickly without spending a long morning on a large, crowded ferry. The boat ride itself becomes part of the outing rather than mere transportation.

Several captains have been praised for keeping the trip lively and showing passengers the coast. Johnny was singled out for explaining the seating and making both journeys enjoyable. Other comments describe humorous, enthusiastic crews who pointed out caves and helped passengers when needed.

The 25-minute run toward Comino

The crossing from Sliema to Comino takes roughly 25 to 30 minutes, depending on conditions and the exact route. During that time, you get a moving view of Malta’s coastline and a strong sense of speed.

The music is part of the package. Some departures use loud, lively tracks, which suits the party-boat mood but may not suit you if you want a quiet morning at sea. You should treat the ride as a thrill attraction with scenery, rather than a guided coastal lecture.

The boat is described as new, clean, fast, and well maintained. Safety equipment, fuel, local taxes, liability insurance, and a local captain are included in the price. That matters because the $68 cost covers the main transport and the Comino stop, not just a short transfer.

The fast crossing also gives you more time on the island than some slower boat options. On the other hand, the speed and small boat mean less room to stretch out. You will not have the same stable deck or easy access to shade that you might find on a larger vessel.

Santa Maria Caves and the Crystal Lagoon caves

The first major sightseeing element is a stop near Santa Maria Caves. The itinerary lists this as a photo stop, so you should expect a quick look from the boat rather than a long walk through a cave system.

The cliffs and openings are attractive subjects for photographs, especially from the water. The boat may come close enough for clear views and pictures, and the captain may explain what you are seeing. On some outings, the crew also takes the boat through or close to smaller openings.

Crystal Lagoon Caves are included as part of the cave tour. These stops add something special to the transfer, but you should keep your expectations sensible. This is not a full geological tour with a long guided visit inside every cave.

One person found the cave portion less impressive than expected, describing it as a couple of short rounds with little to see. Another praised the captain for showing the caves and getting close enough for good photographs. Both impressions can be true: the cave visit is a pleasant bonus, but the powerboat ride and the Blue Lagoon are the main reasons to book.

If you have already visited Malta’s Blue Grotto, you may find these caves less dramatic. If this is your first cave trip by boat, they provide a nice change of pace and a few memorable views before the long swimming stop.

Four hours at the Blue Lagoon

The Blue Lagoon is the central stop, with about four hours set aside for swimming, snorkeling, sunbathing, and exploring. Some tour descriptions refer to roughly 4.5 hours, so allow for a little variation in the exact time available.

The water is the reason people come. It is famously clear, and the pale shallows make it easy to see why Comino is one of Malta’s most popular swimming destinations. You can enter the water, float, snorkel, or simply sit near the shore and watch the boats move through the bay.

The setting has a catch, though. The Blue Lagoon can become extremely crowded, especially during the middle of the day. Comfortable places to sit are scarce, and much of the shore is made up of hard rock rather than soft sand.

There may be a small number of paid loungers with umbrellas, but these can be taken early. Do not assume you will have a shaded chair waiting for you. If you need shade, bring suitable cover and prepare for a day in full sun.

Food, drinks, and toilets are available at the lagoon, which makes the long stop easier. Still, you should not rely on the island for all your needs. Bring water, sun protection, and any snacks you prefer. Food and drinks are not included in the tour price.

The water itself can make the long stop worthwhile. One practical way to handle the crowded shore is to spend more time swimming rather than trying to claim a perfect place on land. Another is to walk along some of Comino’s paths for views, then return to the water when the heat builds.

If you prefer a quiet beach day, this stop may disappoint. If you want clear water, a lively setting, and plenty of time to swim, it delivers the main experience promised by the tour.

Is four hours too long?

This depends on how you use the stop. Swimmers and snorkelers may appreciate having no pressure to get out after 45 minutes. You can swim, dry off, walk, eat, and return to the water without watching the clock.

For someone who wants a relaxed boat day with a comfortable seat, four hours may feel excessive. One detailed account found that 1.5 to 2 hours would have been enough because Comino offered limited options beyond swimming, eating, drinking, and sunbathing.

The difference comes down to your ideal day. I would choose this tour if you are happy to spend most of the afternoon in the water or on warm rocks. I would look for a different boat trip if you want a deck chair, shade, a longer cave tour, or several changing stops.

The tour is not built around a packed sightseeing schedule. Its rhythm is simple: fast ride, caves, long swim stop, fast ride back. That simplicity is a strength for some people and a limitation for others.

The return ride to Sliema

After the Comino stop, you board the powerboat for the journey back to the Supreme Power Boats ticket booth in Sliema. The return ride gives you another burst of speed and another look at the coast from the water.

You will normally remain in the same general seating arrangement, so do not expect a fully different view on the way back. Some routes have included an additional stop near St Julian’s before returning to Sliema, but this should not be treated as a guaranteed part of every departure.

The return is often where the boat feels most fun. You have already spent time in the water, the route is familiar, and the captain can focus on making the ride lively. Expect more bumps and music rather than a calm wind-down.

The activity ends where it begins, at the Sliema meeting point. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you need to make your own way to the ferries.

What the $68 price really covers

At $68 per person, this is not the cheapest way to reach Comino. You are paying for more than a basic boat transfer, though. The package includes the captain, safety equipment, fuel, insurance, taxes, cave viewing, and about four hours at the Blue Lagoon.

The strongest value comes from combining transport and entertainment. You get a quick ride, cave stops, and a long Comino visit in one half-day outing. If you would otherwise pay separately for transport and a sightseeing cruise, the price becomes easier to justify.

Extra costs remain. Food, drinks, and snorkel equipment are not included. Snorkel gear may be rented on Comino, but you should bring your own if you already have it and want to avoid another charge.

The value is weaker if you do not like speedboats or if you only want a short swim. In that case, the expensive part of the package is the ride itself. For people who enjoy a bumpy, music-filled trip, the crossing is one of the best parts.

Who should book this boat trip?

This outing suits you if you:

• Enjoy fast boats and a little physical movement
• Want to reach Comino quickly
• Like lively music rather than quiet cruising
• Plan to spend several hours swimming or snorkeling
• Want cave views without booking a separate cave excursion
• Prefer a smaller boat to a large ferry
• Can manage rocky shorelines and full sun

It is less suitable if you have back or heart problems, are pregnant, use a wheelchair, have had recent surgery, or need a highly stable boat. The activity is also not suitable for children under three or people over 95.

The boat can be wet and bumpy, so I would not choose it for a formal outfit or a day when you need to keep belongings perfectly dry. Wear beachwear and pack only what you can protect from spray.

Practical tips for a better Comino day

Bring beach shoes. The rocks around the lagoon can be sharp, and sturdy footwear makes entering and leaving the water easier.

Pack a towel, sun protection, and enough water for the long stop. There are food and drink sellers, but you may not want to queue when you would rather be swimming.

If you want a better chance of finding a comfortable place, an earlier departure may help, though this tour’s listed departure is 11:00. The lagoon can be crowded by the time you arrive, so do not count on a prime shaded spot.

Keep your phone and camera secure on the ride. The boat may not get you wet every time, but spray is part of the experience. A waterproof pouch is a sensible choice, especially if you want photographs at the caves.

If the crew explains that the rear seats are less bumpy, listen to that advice. The front can provide a stronger thrill, while the back may suit you better if you want the speed without quite as much movement.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. The activity is offered with English, French, Italian, and Spanish support.

Should you book the Sliema to Comino powerboat tour?

Book it if you want a fast, playful ride to clear water, and you are comfortable spending a long stretch at a crowded lagoon. The powerboat, cave views, and enthusiastic captains give this trip more character than a plain ferry crossing.

Skip it if your ideal Comino visit means quiet water, shade, soft seating, and a slow cruise. The Blue Lagoon is beautiful, but it is not peaceful at midday, and four hours on rocky shore can test your patience.

For the right person, this is a strong half-day choice. You get the thrill of the boat, a look at Santa Maria and Crystal Lagoon caves, and enough time to swim properly. Just book it for the ride and the water, not for a calm beach retreat.

FAQ

Where does the powerboat tour start?

It starts at the Supreme Power Boats ticket booth at the Sliema Ferries, opposite McDonald’s.

Where does the tour end?

The activity ends back at the Supreme Power Boats ticket booth in Sliema.

How long does the experience last?

The stated duration is six hours. The Blue Lagoon stop lasts about four hours, with some descriptions giving approximately 4.5 hours.

What time does the tour depart?

The listed departure time is 11:00. You should check availability for the exact starting time when booking.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not included, though they are available to buy at the Blue Lagoon.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

The tour information does not confirm that snorkeling equipment is provided. Equipment may be available to rent on Comino.

Who cannot take this tour?

The activity is not suitable for children under three, pregnant women, people with back or heart problems, wheelchair users, people with recent surgeries, or people over 95.