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

The best part of this six-hour trip is the variety packed into one day: a fast powerboat ride, a short taste of Gozo, a swim at Comino’s famous Blue Lagoon, and a close look at sea caves. I like that you can see both sister islands without arranging separate ferries, buses, and boat trips.

I also like the two-hour stop at Gozo, which gives you enough time to reach Victoria or arrange a quick island outing, and the friendly skippers, including Captains Abe, Andre, and Mario. The main drawback is simple: two hours is not much time for Gozo, while the Blue Lagoon can be extremely crowded, especially in summer.

Key points to know before booking

• Fast island-hopping route: Leave St. Julian’s at 10:30 AM, visit Gozo first, then continue to Comino.
• Two hours in Gozo: You can stay near Mġarr Harbour or arrange transport to Victoria and the Citadel.
• Afternoon at the Blue Lagoon: Swimming and sunbathing are the main draw, but shade is scarce.
• Government access pass required: From May 2025, you need an afternoon pass to step ashore at the Blue Lagoon.
• Sea caves on the return: The boat visits Comino’s caves when weather and sea conditions allow.
• Not a guided sightseeing tour: You explore independently, with transport handled by the skipper.

A brisk start from St. Julian’s

This trip suits you if you want Malta’s island highlights without spending a full day on a large boat. The powerboat leaves from the jetty behind the Verdi St. George’s Bay Marina Hotel, formerly the Marina Hotel Corinthia Beach Resort, at 10:30 AM.

Finding the jetty takes a little attention. Near the hotel’s underground parking entrance, look for a black iron gate. Go through it, walk down the ramp, turn left, and follow the yellow line on the ground to the boats and jet skis.

The route begins with a lively ride north. A powerboat gets you between the islands much faster than a slow ferry, and the open-air trip gives you sea views and a refreshing breeze. You should also expect spray, engine noise, and a fair amount of bouncing when the water is choppy.

Wear practical clothes and shoes with a good grip. Sunglasses, a hat, swimwear, sunscreen, and motion sickness medication are sensible choices. The operator does not allow large bags, luggage, strollers, non-folding wheelchairs, or electric wheelchairs, so pack lightly.

Two hours around Mġarr Harbour in Gozo

The first stop is Mġarr Harbour, Gozo’s main port. You have about two hours of free time, with no guide leading you around and no fixed sightseeing route once you leave the boat.

That freedom works well if you already know what you want to see. You can stay close to the harbour, find something to eat, or arrange a quick ride inland. It becomes harder if you want to cover several major sights, since Gozo is much larger than the small time allowance suggests.

Victoria, also called Rabat, is the most practical inland target. The Citadel gives you an important viewpoint and a compact place to explore, but reaching it and returning to Mġarr takes planning. A taxi has been arranged for about €5 per person in one reported outing, with the driver scheduled to collect the group later at the harbour.

That kind of arrangement can work well, but you need to protect your return time. Public transport and sightseeing buses may not get you back quickly enough, and quad-bike hire can leave you wishing for another hour. If you choose a driver, agree on both the price and the pickup time before leaving the port.

You could also use the two hours for a more focused Gozo visit. Some people have fitted in the Citadel, a quick meal, or a short vehicle trip to sights such as the Blue Hole, salt beds, or the Ġgantija Temples. You should treat those examples as ambitious rather than guaranteed. The schedule gives you a taste of Gozo, not a full island tour.

I like the order of the day for one practical reason: Gozo comes before the swim. You can use your first stop for sightseeing while you are fresh, then cool off at Comino. Still, if swimming at the Blue Lagoon is your top priority, the order has a weakness. A delayed boat or slow transfer in Gozo can eat into the time you most want at the water.

The Blue Lagoon: beautiful, busy, and tightly regulated

After Gozo, the boat heads to Comino and the Blue Lagoon. You arrive at roughly 1:00 PM and have until about 3:45 PM, giving you close to three hours for swimming, sunbathing, snorkeling, or walking around Comino.

The water is the star here. It is clear and bright, with a pale sandy bottom and marine life below the surface. You can swim from the shore, spend time in the shallows, or bring a mask and look beneath the water. The setting is genuinely attractive, but you should set realistic expectations about peace and quiet.

The Blue Lagoon is one of Malta’s most popular stops, and the small shore area can feel packed. Finding a comfortable patch of shade may be difficult, and there is little natural cover. Bring strong sun protection and plan to spend much of your time in the water if the afternoon is hot.

Food and drinks are available at the lagoon, and there is even a place for left luggage. Still, I would not depend on the stop for all your refreshments. Bringing water is wise, provided you follow the operator’s luggage limits and avoid carrying a large bag.

There is an important rule you must handle before departure. Since May 2025, anyone stepping ashore at the Blue Lagoon needs a government-issued access pass from blcomino.com. The daily allocation is limited, and this trip requires the afternoon time slot.

The pass is your responsibility, not the boat operator’s. If you arrive without one, you will not be allowed to step ashore at the Blue Lagoon, and no refund is provided for that problem. Instead, the boat will take you to Santa Marija Bay on Comino.

This makes advance planning especially important. Apply for the correct afternoon slot before your trip, then keep proof of the pass available. Do not assume that booking the boat automatically secures permission to land.

Sea caves on the way back

At about 3:45 PM, you meet the powerboat for the return to St. Julian’s. If sea and weather conditions allow, the skipper takes you past Comino’s sea caves before the final run back.

This is a viewing stop rather than a separate cave excursion. The boat can bring you close to the rock formations, giving you a different angle on Comino after spending time on the shore. It adds a scenic finish without requiring another landing or a second ticket.

Weather matters here. Boat operators may change or skip the cave visit when conditions are poor, so you should regard it as a welcome extra rather than the main reason to book. The estimated arrival back at St. Julian’s is 4:30 PM.

Powerboat travel is part of the appeal, but it is not the gentlest way to move around. The ride has been described as fun and quick, yet bumpy and uncomfortable for some people. If you are prone to seasickness, have back or heart problems, are pregnant, or dislike rough boat movement, choose a calmer type of excursion.

Children under three are not accepted. The activity is also unsuitable for people with mobility impairments and wheelchair users, and the boat cannot accommodate non-folding or electric wheelchairs.

What you are paying for at $77

At $77 per person, the value comes from combining transport and free time across two islands. The price includes the powerboat from St. Julian’s to Gozo, the onward trip to Comino, the return journey, fuel, an experienced skipper, and the sea cave visit when conditions permit.

You are not paying for a guide, structured sightseeing, meals, or hotel transfers. That distinction matters. If you want a guide explaining Gozo’s history at each stop, this is not the right format. If you prefer to choose your own route and spend your time swimming rather than listening to commentary, the arrangement is more attractive.

The cost also saves you from coordinating separate connections between St. Julian’s, Gozo, Comino, and Malta. You give up some flexibility in return. The boat schedule is fixed, and two hours in Gozo may feel short if you want more than one major sight.

I see the best value for a first Malta visit when your goal is variety. You can get a quick taste of Gozo, spend a solid afternoon at Comino, and enjoy the boat itself as part of the day. I see less value if you already have a detailed Gozo plan or want a quiet, uncrowded beach afternoon.

The operator offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure and a reserve-now, pay-later option. Those policies help if your Malta plans are still moving, but they do not remove the risk of rough weather or limited Blue Lagoon passes.

Skippers, safety, and the feel of the day

The skipper shapes much of this experience. Captains Abe, Andre, and Mario have been singled out for being friendly, professional, and attentive, and the crew has handled delays or equipment problems promptly in the past.

One trip returned about 30 minutes late after a boat-starting problem. The issue was fixed, and the day continued, but the example is useful: small boats are more exposed to mechanical and sea-condition delays than large scheduled ferries.

The operator has also arranged alternatives when the sea was too rough for a powerboat. That is encouraging, though you should still keep a little breathing room in your plans after the excursion.

Tell the skipper if you are nervous about the speed or the sea. One useful tip is to speak up early, especially if you are worried about the ride. The crew can then understand your concerns before the boat reaches open water.

The English-speaking host or greeter handles the practical side, but this remains a free-time outing. You are responsible for watching the clock at both islands and getting back to the agreed pickup point.

Who will enjoy this boat trip most

I would choose this excursion if you want:

• A single day covering Gozo and Comino
• A fast, open-air ride instead of slower ferry travel
• Several hours for swimming at the Blue Lagoon
• Freedom to choose your own activity in Gozo
• A small-boat outing with a lively, informal feel
• A convenient departure from the St. Julian’s area

I would look elsewhere if you want a full Gozo sightseeing day, a quiet beach, a guided tour, or a smooth ride. Families with very young children, people with limited mobility, and anyone who regularly gets motion sickness should avoid this particular boat.

For Gozo, keep your plan modest. Choose Victoria and the Citadel, or arrange one focused vehicle outing. Trying to reach several far-flung sights in two hours leaves little margin for traffic, parking, or a delayed pickup.

For Comino, secure the access pass first, bring sun protection, and accept that the Blue Lagoon may be crowded. The clear water is worth seeing, but the experience is more about a memorable swim than solitude.

Should you book the Gozo and Comino powerboat?

Book it if you want a lively, efficient introduction to Malta’s two sister islands and you are comfortable with a bumpy boat ride. The route is well designed for variety, and the afternoon swim gives the day a clear high point.

Skip it if your main goal is to explore Gozo properly. Two hours is enough for a carefully chosen stop, not enough for a relaxed island tour. Also skip it if you dislike crowds, need shade, or cannot obtain the required Blue Lagoon access pass.

For most active visitors staying near St. Julian’s, $77 is a fair price for the transport, boat ride, and mix of stops. Just book with the right expectations: this is a fast sampler of Gozo and Comino, not a slow, guided discovery of either island.

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, formerly known as the Marina Hotel Corinthia Beach Resort. Use the black iron gate near the underground parking entrance, walk down the ramp, turn left, and follow the yellow line to the jetty.

What time does the trip depart and return?

The boat departs St. Julian’s at 10:30 AM and is expected to return at about 4:30 PM. The full activity lasts around six hours.

How much free time do I get in Gozo?

You have about two hours at Mġarr Harbour. The stop is unguided, so you choose how to spend that time and must return to the agreed pickup point promptly.

Do I need a pass for the Blue Lagoon?

Yes. From 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. Without a pass, you will be taken to Santa Marija Bay instead.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not included in the price. Food and drinks are available at the Blue Lagoon, and you should bring suitable sun protection and water for the day.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The activity also offers a reserve-now, pay-later option.