Comino Blue Lagoon Tour by Powerboat

Fast boats make this outing memorable. This six-hour trip combines a thrilling ride from Malta with time at Comino’s Blue Lagoon and a coastal cave cruise. I like the twin 300-horsepower powerboat and the generous stop at the lagoon, where you can swim, snorkel, sunbathe, or wander without being rushed.

I also like that pickup and drop-off are available from Valletta, Bugibba, central Sliema, and selected resorts. The main caution is the return journey: rougher seas may mean a switch from the powerboat to a slower cruise boat, and some passengers have found communication about that change poor. The Blue Lagoon itself can also feel crowded, so this is not a quiet island escape.

Key points to know before booking

• 33-foot powerboat: The boat is a 10-meter Chaudron craft with twin Yamaha 300hp engines and room for about 20 people.
• Four hours at Comino: Most of the day is free time at the Blue Lagoon, with swimming, snorkeling, sunbathing, and nearby coves to explore.
• Sea caves included: A boat ride along Comino’s coast takes you into natural grottoes and beneath rock arches.
• High-speed ride: The crossing is part sightseeing trip, part thrill ride, with sea spray and plenty of bouncing over the waves.
• Pickup can simplify the morning: Transfers are available from several Malta locations, though pickup communication deserves careful attention.
• Weather affects the return: Wind and swell can lead to a slower boat replacing the powerboat on the way back.

Why the powerboat changes the whole trip

Comino is close to Malta on a map, but the way you reach it shapes the day. A fast powerboat turns the crossing into an active part of the outing rather than a simple transfer. You get views toward Valletta, open water, spray, speed, and the sensation of the hull bouncing across the sea.

The boat is a 33-foot, 20-seater Chaudron built in Malta. Its twin Yamaha 300hp engines explain the strong acceleration. This is not a sedate harbor cruise. The ride is a genuine attraction, especially if you enjoy speed and do not mind a firm, sometimes jarring trip across choppy water.

I would think carefully if you have back problems. One passenger reported strong back muscle soreness for two days after sitting at the front. The bow position can give you the most exciting ride, but it is also where the boat may rise and drop sharply over the waves. If you want a gentler crossing, ask the crew about seating before departure.

The group is advertised at a maximum of 22 people, while the boat itself is described as a 20-seater. Either way, this is much smaller than a large sightseeing vessel. That smaller scale should make the ride feel more personal, although the boat may still feel compact when the sea gets rough.

Leaving Sliema with Valletta in view

The main departure point is Sliema Ferry, with the boat leaving at 11:00 a.m. You can make your own way to the pier, or use a pickup from central Sliema, Valletta, Bugibba, and some other island locations.

The opening stretch gives you a useful orientation to Malta from the water. Valletta looks different from offshore, with its fortified shoreline and harbor setting making more sense when viewed from the sea. Then the boat moves out toward Comino, positioned between Malta and Gozo.

A safety briefing comes before the faster section of the ride. Pay attention, especially if you are carrying a phone, camera, hat, or loose beach items. The combination of speed and spray makes secure storage important, and the provided information does not indicate that food, drinks, or equipment are included.

Pickup is the part of the logistics that needs the most care. Communication about collection times has not always been clear, with one passenger receiving an incorrect time before it was corrected the evening before the trip. If you book a transfer, check the pickup details more than once and confirm the meeting point before the morning of departure.

The Blue Lagoon is beautiful, but rarely peaceful

Comino’s Blue Lagoon is the visual prize. The inlet is framed by rock and sand, and the shallow water is famous for its clear turquoise color. In good weather, it is easy to see why this spot is one of Malta’s most popular day trips.

You get roughly four hours at the lagoon. That is enough time to swim, snorkel, sit in the sun, or walk toward nearby coves. The long stop is useful because you are not forced to rush through every activity. You can spend the first hour in the water, take a break, then explore the shoreline later.

There is a trade-off. The lagoon can be very crowded, and being dropped off without much structure may leave you feeling unsure at first. I suggest deciding on a simple plan before you leave the boat:

• Find a place for your belongings.
• Walk along the edge to get your bearings.
• Swim before the busiest part of your visit.
• Save time for the cave cruise and a final look at the water.

The extended stop suits independent visitors who like making their own day. It is less suitable if you want a guide leading you from one point to the next. The activity gives you free time rather than a tightly planned island tour.

You should also bring food and drinks for the stop. They are not included in the price. The supplied information does not specify onboard catering or beach facilities, so it is sensible to arrive prepared rather than assume refreshments will be provided.

Swimming and snorkeling at Comino

The Blue Lagoon is best enjoyed from the water. The sheltered setting creates shallow areas for swimming, and the clear conditions make snorkeling appealing. You can use the time at your own pace instead of trying to fit a quick swim between several scheduled stops.

This is also a good place to manage your energy. A high-speed crossing followed by hours in the sun can be tiring. I would alternate swimming with shade or rest, drink plenty of water, and avoid treating the four-hour stop as four straight hours in the water.

The trip information says you can explore nearby coves, but it does not promise specific snorkeling equipment, beach chairs, umbrellas, or other supplies. Bring what you need, and do not count on the price covering anything beyond the powerboat trip and cave tour.

The lagoon’s popularity matters here. If your ideal beach day means silence, empty water, and a quiet shoreline, this outing may disappoint. If you mainly want easy access to clear water and enough time to enjoy it, the long stop works well.

Comino’s sea caves by boat

The cave tour adds variety to the day. Rather than spending the entire visit on the beach, you take a boat ride along Comino’s coast and cruise into natural grottoes and beneath rock arches.

This part is especially useful for anyone who likes coastal scenery but does not want a full walking tour. You can photograph the cave openings from the boat, see sections of the shoreline that are difficult to reach on foot, and enjoy a change of pace after swimming.

The cave trip is still a boat-based view, not an underground expedition. You remain on the boat, and the supplied details do not promise a guided explanation at each cave. Think of it as a scenic coastal circuit with close views of rock formations.

The timing of the cave ride may vary within the island stop. Listen for instructions when you arrive so you do not miss it. With several free hours at the lagoon, it is easy to wander off or settle into a swim and lose track of the schedule.

The return ride is the biggest question mark

On calm days, the return to Sliema should provide another fast run across the water. That second crossing is part of the appeal, since the journey home is not simply a tired transfer after the main event.

Wind and swell can change the plan. The operator may replace the powerboat with a slower cruise boat if conditions make the faster craft unsuitable. This is a sensible safety decision, but the experience changes considerably. You lose the speed, and the return takes on a different character.

The practical problem is not the weather decision itself. It is the need for clear communication. One passenger described being moved to a cruise boat with restricted movement and said the change had not been explained clearly. Another account advised choosing a day with little wind if the powerboat return is important to you.

You should therefore book this outing for the island and caves first, with the full-speed round trip treated as weather dependent. If the fast ride is your main reason for booking, check the forecast and accept that the return may not match the morning crossing.

Is $60.15 a fair price?

At $60.15 per person, the cost is reasonable if you value the combination of transport, time at the lagoon, and the cave cruise. You are not paying only for a boat transfer. The price includes the powerboat tour, cave tour, local taxes, and, in selected areas, pickup and return transportation.

The value is strongest for someone who would otherwise need to arrange separate transport to Comino and find a way to see the caves. The high-powered boat also gives you a more exciting crossing than a standard ferry.

The value is weaker if you want a quiet beach day or plan to spend most of the time away from the lagoon. Crowding can reduce the sense of escape, and food and drinks cost extra. You are paying for access and convenience, not a private island setting.

I would compare the price with your priorities. For an active half-day at sea with a thrill ride, the package makes sense. For a calm, low-cost swim, a regular ferry or another basic boat option may better match your needs, though those alternatives are not part of this experience.

Who will enjoy this trip most?

I would recommend it to you if you:

• Like fast boats and open-water rides.
• Want several hours at the Blue Lagoon rather than a quick photo stop.
• Enjoy swimming, snorkeling, and unstructured beach time.
• Want to see Comino’s caves without arranging another boat.
• Are comfortable with changing sea conditions.
• Can manage a physically active day in sun and moving water.

I would be cautious if you have back problems, dislike bouncing boats, or need a perfectly predictable schedule. Families and mixed groups can enjoy the trip, but everyone should understand that this is a speedboat outing, not a gentle sightseeing cruise.

It also suits independent visitors better than people who want constant commentary. Once you reach Comino, the choice is yours. That freedom is a plus if you like setting your own rhythm. It can feel disorganized if you prefer a guide to gather the group and explain every step.

Booking, cancellation, and practical planning

Confirmation is provided at booking. The experience requires a moderate level of physical fitness, which fits the boat ride, island walking, swimming, and time in the sun.

Free cancellation is available if you cancel at least 24 hours before the 11:00 a.m. start time. Changes or cancellations made within 24 hours are not accepted for a refund. If bad weather cancels the trip, you should be offered another date or a full refund. The same applies if the minimum number of participants is not reached.

Since the departure is from Sliema Ferry, allow enough time to reach the pier if you are making your own way. If using pickup, verify the time and location carefully. The available service covers central Sliema, Valletta, Bugibba, and selected resorts, not every address on Malta.

Pack lightly but sensibly. Bring swimwear, sun protection, a towel, water, food, and a secure way to carry valuables. Food and drinks are not included, and the boat ride can be wet.

Should you book the Comino powerboat tour?

Book this trip if you want speed, clear water, sea caves, and a long independent stop in one outing. The strongest parts are the powerful Chaudron boat, the four-hour Blue Lagoon visit, and the included cave cruise. At $60.15, that is a fair mix of transport and activity for a six-hour day.

Think twice if you need quiet surroundings, gentle seating, or flawless transfer communication. The lagoon can be crowded, the return may switch to a slow boat in rough seas, and the speedboat can be hard on your back. My practical advice is to choose a calm-weather date, confirm pickup details, and book it for the full Comino day rather than the promise of a fast ride both ways.

FAQ

Where does the tour start?

The tour starts at Sliema Ferry in Sliema, Malta, at 11:00 a.m.

How long does the experience last?

The experience lasts approximately six hours.

How much time do I get at the Blue Lagoon?

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

Is a cave tour included?

Yes. The experience includes a boat tour along Comino’s coast, including natural sea caves and rock arches.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not included in the price.

Is pickup available?

Yes. Pickup and return service are available from central Sliema, Valletta, Bugibba, and selected locations and resorts on Malta. You can also travel independently to the Sliema departure pier.

Can the tour be canceled because of weather?

Yes. The experience requires good weather. If poor weather causes cancellation, you should be offered a different date or a full refund.