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

Two islands, one fast boat, six useful hours. This trip gives you Gozo and Comino in one outing, with a thrilling powerboat ride, two hours at Gozo’s Mġarr Harbour, and a longer swim stop at the famous Blue Lagoon. I like the efficient route and the chance to see Comino’s sea caves from the water. The main drawback is time: two hours in Gozo is tight, especially if you want to reach Victoria or visit the temples.

The Blue Lagoon is the star, with clear water, a sandy bottom, and good swimming conditions when the sea is calm. I also like that the boat leaves from St. Julian’s, which is handy if you are staying nearby. Just remember that the lagoon can be extremely crowded, and since May 2025 you need a government access pass to step ashore there.

Key points at a glance

• Fast route from St. Julian’s: Leave at 10:30 AM and reach Gozo by powerboat rather than spending much of the day on a slow ferry.
• Two hours in Gozo: Use the time carefully, with a taxi, private driver, or quad bike rental if you want to get beyond Mġarr Harbour.
• Blue Lagoon access now requires a pass: Apply through blcomino.com and select the afternoon time slot.
• Swimming is the main event: The water is clear and inviting, but shade is limited and the shoreline gets crowded.
• Sea caves finish the day: Weather permitting, the return route includes a close look at Comino’s caves.
• Best for active visitors: The boat ride is quick and fun, but also bumpy, and the trip is not suited to people with mobility or serious motion concerns.

Leaving St. Julian’s on a powerboat

The meeting point is at the jetty behind the Verdi St. George’s Bay Marina Hotel, formerly called the Marina Hotel Corinthia Beach Resort. At 8, Ix-Xatt Ta’ San Ġorġ, look for the black iron gate near the entrance to the hotel’s underground parking area.

Go through the gate, walk down the ramp, turn left, and follow the yellow line painted on the ground. That leads to the jetty, where the boats and jet skis are parked. This is not a hotel pickup service, so allow time to find the gate and walk down to the water.

The boat leaves at about 10:30 AM. You get an experienced English-speaking skipper, fuel, and transportation between all three stops. There is no guide giving a running commentary, so think of this as transport plus free time, not a sightseeing tour with a set program.

The powerboat is part of the fun. You feel the sea air, cover the distance quickly, and avoid losing hours on larger, slower boats. But speed comes with motion. The ride can be bumpy, especially when the water is rough, so bring motion sickness medication if you need it. People prone to seasickness, and anyone with back or heart problems, should think carefully before booking.

Gozo in two hours at Mġarr Harbour

The first stop is Mġarr Harbour, Gozo’s main port. The boat drops you here for about two hours, giving you the freedom to choose how much ground you want to cover.

Mġarr itself has a pleasant harbor setting, but two hours is not enough for a relaxed tour of the whole island. You can stay near the port, or arrange transport to see more. Some people use a taxi to Victoria, Gozo’s main town, and visit the Citadel for its views. One practical arrangement is to ask the driver to return at a fixed time, since you must be back at Mġarr for the boat.

A taxi to Victoria has been arranged for about €5 per person in one reported case, though prices and availability can change. A private driver can also take you to several sights, such as the Blue Hole, the salt beds, or the Ġgantija Temples. Quad bike rental is another option if you want a more active way to cover ground.

The catch is timing. Public sightseeing buses may not get you back to the harbor on schedule, and even a short visit to Victoria can feel rushed. You should have a clear plan before you arrive. If your priority is Gozo’s villages, museums, and ancient sites, a full-day Gozo excursion is a better choice.

Still, the stop has real value. You get a taste of Gozo without giving up the afternoon at Comino. The Citadel is particularly worthwhile if you can reach Victoria efficiently, since its high position offers broad views and a compact historic area to explore.

Blue Lagoon rules and the afternoon swim

Around 1 PM, the powerboat collects you at Mġarr and heads to Comino. The main stop is the Blue Lagoon, where you have free time until about 3:45 PM.

The water is the reason this place is famous. It is clear, bright, and shallow near the sandy bottom, making it appealing for swimming and snorkelling. You can sunbathe, walk around the island, or spend most of your time in the water. In good conditions, you can swim toward the opposite beach and see the lagoon from another angle.

Since May 2025, anyone who wants to step ashore at the Blue Lagoon must obtain an official government access pass in advance through blcomino.com. Select the afternoon slot for this tour. The daily number of passes is limited, and you are responsible for securing one.

This detail matters. Without a pass, you cannot simply get off the boat at the Blue Lagoon. You will instead be taken to Santa Marija Bay on Comino. No refund is provided if you fail to obtain the pass and cannot use the planned stop.

The lagoon’s beauty comes with a crowd problem. During busy periods, finding a comfortable patch of shore can be difficult, and the water may have plenty of swimmers around you. There is also little shade, so bring a sun hat, sunscreen, and enough water. Food and drinks are available for purchase, but they are not included in the price.

The best way to enjoy the stop is to accept what it is: a scenic and popular swimming bay, not a quiet beach escape. If your ideal afternoon means clear water and a lively setting, it works well. If you want peace, empty sand, and shade, the crowds may wear you down.

Comino’s sea caves on the way home

At about 3:45 PM, you return to the powerboat for the trip back to St. Julian’s. If weather and sea conditions allow, the skipper takes you past the Comino Sea Caves.

This is a strong finish because you see parts of the coast that are difficult to reach on foot. The boat can get close to the caves, giving you a water-level view of the rock formations and openings. It is a viewing stop rather than a separate cave excursion, so keep your expectations in proportion.

The caves also depend on the weather. Rough seas can change the route or make a close approach unsafe. That is normal for a small-boat outing, and the skipper’s judgment matters more than following a fixed schedule.

The boat should arrive back at the St. Julian’s base around 4:30 PM. One trip ran about 30 minutes late after the boat briefly had trouble starting on the return journey, but the problem was fixed promptly. Build a little flexibility into your evening plans rather than scheduling a dinner reservation immediately after arrival.

What $77 really gets you

At about $77 per person, this is not the cheapest way to visit Gozo and Comino. It is also not simply a beach transfer. You are paying for a full six-hour outing, a powerboat ride between the islands, fuel, an experienced skipper, free time at two separate stops, and a possible cave visit.

The value is strongest if you are based in St. Julian’s and want a simple way to combine the islands. The nearby departure point can save you a long taxi ride to another harbor, and the fast boat gives you more usable time than a slower excursion may provide.

The value is weaker if Gozo is your main goal. Two hours is enough for a carefully arranged visit, but not enough for a leisurely look at the island. You also pay separately for food, drinks, transport around Gozo, and the Blue Lagoon access pass.

I would see the $77 as a fair price for a compact island sampler, especially if swimming at the Blue Lagoon is your priority. It is less suitable if you want an in-depth Gozo experience or a quiet day at sea.

Who should book this outing?

I would recommend it to active adults, couples, and groups of friends who want a lot packed into one day. It suits people who enjoy a fast boat ride, can handle some bumpiness, and are happy to organize their own time at each stop.

The trip also works well for anyone staying around St. Julian’s. The meeting point is walkable from some nearby hotels, and one person found it only about ten minutes away. You do not need to arrange hotel transport, but you do need to find the jetty yourself.

Families with children under three cannot join. The tour is also not suitable for pregnant women, wheelchair users, people with mobility impairments, people with back or heart problems, or anyone prone to seasickness. Large bags, luggage, strollers, baby carriages, and electric or non-folding wheelchairs are not allowed.

Bring comfortable shoes, swimwear, sunglasses, a hat, sunscreen, and motion sickness protection if needed. Pack light. This is a boat day, not an outing for suitcases.

Small details that can make a big difference

Check your wristband or departure marking before boarding. One group nearly missed the Gozo portion after receiving the wrong band at reception, and only caught the mistake by speaking up.

When you arrive at Mġarr, decide your Gozo plan immediately. If you want Victoria, the Citadel, or inland sights, arrange a return ride before setting off. The tight schedule leaves little room for waiting around.

For the Blue Lagoon, get the afternoon access pass before the day of departure. Do not assume that booking the boat automatically gives you permission to go ashore.

If the sea looks rough, take the skipper’s advice seriously. The powerboat is exciting in calm conditions, but comfort drops quickly when the water turns choppy. The operator has also arranged alternative boat trips when weather made the planned outing impossible, which is useful reassurance, though the exact replacement depends on conditions.

The English-speaking crews have generally been praised for being friendly and professional. Captains named Abe, Mario, and Andre received especially warm personal credit, and one skipper was thanked for making nervous passengers feel more comfortable. Your own crew may differ, but good boat handling and clear communication are important strengths here.

Is this Malta boat trip worth booking?

Book it if you want the Blue Lagoon, a quick taste of Gozo, and a lively powerboat ride in one efficient day. The clearest water, the cave approach, and the easy St. Julian’s departure make this a strong choice for a first look at Malta’s sister islands.

Skip it if you want a quiet beach, a detailed Gozo tour, or a smooth ride. The Blue Lagoon can be packed, Gozo feels rushed, and the boat can be uncomfortable in rough water.

My practical call is this: secure the Blue Lagoon afternoon pass first, plan your Gozo transport before departure, and keep your evening schedule flexible. Do that, and $77 buys a fun, well-packed introduction to Gozo and Comino.

FAQ

Where does the powerboat leave from?

It leaves from the jetty behind the Verdi St. George’s Bay Marina Hotel in St. Julian’s, at 8, Ix-Xatt Ta’ San Ġorġ. Enter through the black iron gate near the underground parking entrance, then follow the yellow line to the jetty.

What time does the tour depart?

The powerboat departs St. Julian’s at approximately 10:30 AM.

How long is the experience?

The outing lasts about six hours, with an expected return to St. Julian’s around 4:30 PM.

How much free time do I get in Gozo?

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

Is this a guided tour?

No. There is an English-speaking host or greeter and an experienced skipper, but the stops are self-guided free time.

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. Apply through blcomino.com and select the afternoon slot.

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

You will be taken to Santa Marija Bay on Comino instead. No refund is provided if you cannot access the Blue Lagoon because you did not obtain a pass.

Is food included?

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

Are the Comino Sea Caves always visited?

The boat visits the Comino Sea Caves on the return route when weather and sea conditions permit.

Can I bring luggage or a stroller?

No. Luggage, large bags, baby strollers, baby carriages, non-folding wheelchairs, and electric wheelchairs are not allowed.