Sliema: Comino Blue Lagoon Powerboat Tour with Comino Caves

Fast boats, clear water, and a very crowded lagoon. This six-hour Comino trip mixes a lively powerboat ride from Sliema with cave sightseeing and roughly four hours at the Blue Lagoon. I like the quick crossing, the music, and the smaller boat setting. I also like that fuel, safety gear, insurance, and a local captain are included.

The catch is simple: the Blue Lagoon can be packed, with little shade and limited room to sit. Four hours may feel generous if you plan to swim and sunbathe, but long if you want a quiet beach day. This is best for people who see the boat ride as the main event, not just a way to reach Comino.

Key points before you book

• The powerboat ride is the star: The crossing can take about 25 to 30 minutes and is fast, bumpy, musical, and sometimes wet.
• You get a long Blue Lagoon stop: Plan on about four hours for swimming, snorkeling, walking, eating, and sunbathing.
• The caves are viewed from the boat: Santa Maria Caves and other Comino formations make good photo stops, though the cave portion is brief.
• Blue Lagoon comfort is limited: Expect hard rocks, full sun, crowds, food stalls, drinks, toilets, and little spare space.
• The group is smaller than a large cruise boat: That gives the ride a more personal feel and lets the captain point out sights along the coast.
• Bring beachwear and expect to sign a waiver: This is an active speedboat outing, not a smooth sightseeing cruise.

The boat ride from Sliema is the real attraction

You meet at the Supreme Power Boats ticket booth at the Sliema Ferries, opposite McDonald’s. There is no hotel pickup, so leave enough time to reach the meeting point and identify the booth before departure. The stated departure is 11:00, though you should check the current schedule when booking.

Once aboard, the tone is more amusement ride than quiet harbor cruise. The boat moves quickly toward Comino, with music playing and a lively atmosphere on board. The ride is described as fast and bumpy, and several people found it thrilling. You may also get splashed, so beachwear is a better choice than anything you need to keep dry.

The back of the boat is usually the less bumpy area, according to captain Johnny’s explanation to one group. If you want the mildest ride, ask about sitting toward the rear. If you enjoy the strongest motion, the front may appeal more, but the company does not promise a smooth trip in any seat.

The crossing can be as short as 25 minutes and is often around 30 minutes, which makes this a useful choice if you want to reach Comino quickly. Larger boats take longer and can feel more like transport. Here, the journey itself is part of the fun.

That speed comes with a tradeoff. This is not the right outing if you have back problems, a heart condition, a recent surgery, or if you are pregnant. It is also not suitable for children under three, wheelchair users, or people over 95. Every passenger must sign a waiver before boarding.

Santa Maria Caves and Comino’s rocky coast

The boat makes a photo stop at Santa Maria Caves, with additional views of Comino’s cave formations along the route. The captain may bring the boat close enough for pictures and point out the rock openings from the water. These stops break up the crossing and give you a different view of Comino before you settle in at the lagoon.

Keep your expectations in check. The cave visit is short, and the boat may make only a couple of passes or turns near the openings. If you have already seen Malta’s Blue Grotto or expect a full cave expedition, this part could feel slight.

Still, the stop has value. You are seeing the caves from the best practical angle, directly off the island’s coast, without spending extra time on a walking route. The captain’s humor and commentary also add personality. One especially praised captain, Johnny, was described as clear about seating and good at making both crossings entertaining.

The cave portion can vary with the conditions and the day’s operation, so treat it as a sightseeing bonus rather than the reason to book. The strongest reason to choose this trip is the fast boat access to Comino.

Four hours at the Blue Lagoon

After the boat reaches Comino, you have roughly four hours of free time. Some descriptions call it four and a half hours, while the itinerary lists a four-hour swimming stop. Either way, this is a long break, not a quick photo stop.

The Blue Lagoon’s water is the star. It is famously clear, and the pale shallows make it tempting to get in right away. You can swim, snorkel, sunbathe, and walk along nearby trails and cliffs for broader views of the coast.

The water itself is rewarding, but the shore is not designed for peace and quiet. Space can be tight, especially around the most popular swimming area. You may end up sitting on hard rock or dirt in full sun rather than on a soft beach.

There are some practical facilities. Food and drink vans serve the area, toilets are available, and lifeguards are on duty. Paid seats with umbrellas may be available, but the supply is limited. One account noted around 25 seats, with umbrellas costing about 15 euros, and they were already taken.

Bring something to sit on if you have room in your bag, but remember that the powerboat has limited storage and you may get wet. Sea boots are a smart addition because the rocks can be sharp. They also make getting in and out of the water easier than bare feet.

Snorkeling gear is not consistently included. One booking description lists snorkeling as an activity, but a passenger found that no mask or snorkel was supplied and had to rent equipment on Comino. To avoid disappointment, ask the operator about current gear arrangements or bring your own equipment if practical.

Is four hours too long at Comino?

That depends on how you use the stop. If you want to swim for a long time, snorkel, eat, walk the trails, and enjoy the sun, four hours can pass comfortably. The clear water gives you a good reason to return for more than one swim.

If your main goal is seeing the lagoon and taking pictures, the stop may feel excessive. The lack of shade and comfortable seating becomes more noticeable as the afternoon continues. One person found that roughly 1.5 to 2 hours was enough, while another group stayed comfortable by spending much of its time in the water.

The best approach is to plan a loose routine:

• Swim early, before you become too warm or the shore feels even more crowded.
• Walk some of Comino’s trails for views away from the main swimming area.
• Bring money for food, drinks, or possible paid seating.
• Save time to return to the boat without rushing.
• Keep valuables secure and avoid bringing anything you cannot afford to get wet.

The long stop also gives you freedom. You are not being hurried through the water or pushed from one sight to the next. The weakness is that Comino does not provide a comfortable chair and shaded beach for everyone.

The return to Sliema keeps the energy up

The journey back is another fast ride, with music and the same bumpy motion. For many people, this was the most memorable part of the day. The trip can feel like a short theme park ride, but one with sea views and cave-studded coastlines instead of painted scenery.

Seating may remain assigned or fixed, so do not assume you can change sides for a different view on the return. If you care about your position, ask the crew before departure. The rear is generally the gentler choice, while the front tends to feel more exposed to the motion.

On some departures, the boat stops around St. Julian’s on the way back before returning to Sliema. That can be convenient if you are staying nearby, but you should not count on a different drop-off unless the crew confirms it. The official end point is the original meeting point at the Sliema Ferries.

The full activity lasts about six hours, including the crossing, cave viewing, and Blue Lagoon stop. Start times can vary, so check availability for the exact departure and return details.

What the $68 price covers

At $68 per person, this is not the cheapest way to reach Comino. Its value comes from combining fast transport, a cave tour, the long lagoon stop, fuel, safety equipment, liability insurance, local taxes, and a captain in one fare.

You are paying for time and motion as much as for the destination. A larger boat may offer a slower, more sedate crossing, while a simple transport option might cost less but offer fewer sightseeing touches. This powerboat is a good buy if you want the ride to be exciting and do not want to spend much of your day getting to Comino.

The value is weaker if you want a quiet, comfortable place to lounge. You may need to pay separately for an umbrella seat, buy your own food and drinks, and rent snorkeling equipment. Those extra costs matter because the Blue Lagoon stop is long.

The fare includes full safety equipment, but it does not include hotel transfers, food, drinks, or clearly guaranteed snorkeling gear. Plan your spending around those exclusions.

Who will enjoy this Comino outing?

I would choose this trip for an active couple, a group of friends, or a solo visitor who enjoys speed, music, and a little splash. It also suits anyone who wants to reach Comino faster than a large sightseeing boat and prefers a smaller group.

The tour works well if you want several experiences in one day:

• A high-speed Mediterranean crossing
• Views of Santa Maria Caves
• Clear water for swimming
• Time to explore Comino on foot
• A lively trip back to Sliema

I would be cautious if you dislike loud music, bumpy rides, or direct sun. The Blue Lagoon is beautiful, but it is not a secluded cove. You may have to sit on rocks, search for shade, and share the water with many other people.

This is also a poor fit for anyone with the listed medical restrictions or mobility needs. One captain did take extra care with a passenger who had limited mobility, but the activity is not rated suitable for wheelchair users, and boarding a speedboat can be physically demanding.

Tips for a smoother day

Wear your swimsuit under your clothes and take a light change of clothing if you have room. You may stay dry, but several accounts describe the ride as wet, and nobody wants to spend the return journey in soggy street clothes.

Pack sun protection and water. Shade is scarce at the lagoon, and the four-hour stop puts you outside for a long stretch. A small towel, water shoes, and a dry bag are especially useful.

Do not count on a beach chair. If comfort matters, ask about umbrella seating as soon as you arrive, though availability is limited and a fee may apply. If you prefer active time, use the trails and rocky viewpoints to break up the hours beside the water.

Bring snorkeling gear only if you are happy carrying it. The experience is advertised with snorkeling, but equipment may instead be available to rent on Comino. Confirm before you go if having gear is central to your plans.

Finally, listen to the captain’s safety instructions. The boat is quick and lively, but the crew provides safety equipment and explains seating. A waiver is required before boarding.

Should you book the Sliema powerboat to Comino?

Book it if the boat ride sounds as appealing as the Blue Lagoon. The crossing is quick, spirited, and often the highlight. The cave views add a worthwhile photo stop, and the long stay gives you plenty of time to swim in clear water and explore Comino.

Skip it if you want a shaded, quiet beach day or dislike hard rocks and crowds. In that case, the Blue Lagoon itself may not justify four hours, even though the water is beautiful.

For most active visitors, this is a strong choice at $68 because it combines transport and sightseeing in a smaller, more personal setting. Just arrive ready for a bumpy ride, bring beachwear and sun protection, and treat the caves as a bonus rather than a full cave tour.

FAQ

Where does the tour start?

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

Where does the tour end?

The activity ends back at the same meeting point at the Sliema Ferries.

How long does the tour last?

The total duration is about six hours. Check availability for the exact starting time.

How much time do I get at the Blue Lagoon?

You get approximately four hours for swimming, snorkeling, sunbathing, eating, and walking around Comino. Some tour details describe the stop as about four and a half hours.

Are snorkeling equipment, food, and drinks included?

Food and drinks are not included. Snorkeling is an activity on the tour, but equipment may not be provided and may be available to rent on Comino.

What should I bring?

Bring beachwear. Sun protection, a towel, water shoes, and a way to protect valuables from splashes are also practical choices, although only beachwear is specifically required in the tour information.

Who cannot take this tour?

The activity is not suitable for children under three, pregnant women, wheelchair users, people with back or heart problems, people with recent surgeries, or people over 95. Every passenger must sign a waiver before boarding.