Sliema: Comino Blue Lagoon Powerboat Tour with Comino Caves

The best part of this Comino trip happens before you even reach the water. From Sliema, you race across the Mediterranean in a small powerboat, with loud music, sharp turns, and a ride that can feel more like an amusement attraction than a ferry. The trip to Comino usually takes about 25 to 30 minutes, so you reach the Blue Lagoon quickly.

I like the fast, entertaining boat ride and the chance to see Comino’s caves without spending most of your day on a large vessel. I also like the generous swimming stop, which gives you time for the Blue Lagoon, nearby paths, and a relaxed lunch. The main drawback is simple: the lagoon gets extremely crowded, and four hours on hot, hard rocks may feel too long if you want shade or a comfortable seat.

Key points to know before booking

• The powerboat ride is the main attraction: Expect speed, loud music, bumps, and a chance of getting wet.
• You visit Santa Maria and Crystal Lagoon caves: These are short scenic stops, mainly useful for photographs and a look at Comino from the water.
• You get about four hours at the Blue Lagoon: That is plenty of time for swimming, snorkeling, sunbathing, food, and a short walk.
• The boat holds a smaller group than many Comino services: This makes the ride feel more personal and helps the captain show you the coast.
• Captain Johnny has made a strong impression: He is described as funny, enthusiastic, safety-minded, and helpful with passengers who need extra care.
• Bring beachwear and water shoes if you have them: The shore can be rocky and sharp, and there is little natural comfort at the lagoon.

Why the ride from Sliema is the real highlight

The tour begins at the Supreme Power Boats ticket booth at the Sliema Ferries, opposite McDonald’s. Departure is scheduled for 11:00, though you should check the booking calendar for the current starting time. There is no hotel pickup, so plan your own way to Sliema and allow enough time to find the booth.

Once aboard, the boat heads north toward Comino. This is not a quiet sightseeing cruise. The powerboat moves quickly, the music can be very loud, and the ride is distinctly bumpy. Several parts may spray you, although some trips stay surprisingly dry. Wear swimwear beneath your clothes and protect anything that should not get wet.

If you want the smoothest seat, ask about the back of the boat. One captain explained that the rear is less bumpy, though it will still not feel like a calm ferry ride. If you enjoy speed and a bit of controlled chaos, the crossing is excellent fun. If you suffer from back problems, dislike rough water, or want a peaceful morning at sea, this is the wrong transport.

The boat ride has another useful advantage. Many larger Comino excursions can feel crowded from the moment they leave Malta. This smaller powerboat format gives you a more direct trip and less time spent shuffling through a big group. The journey itself becomes part of the day rather than a necessary transfer.

Santa Maria Caves and the short cave stops

The route includes a photo stop at the Santa Maria Caves, along with a visit to the Crystal Lagoon caves. The captain takes you close enough to see the rocky openings and the clear water around them. These stops give you a different view of Comino, one that you cannot get while sitting on the shore at the Blue Lagoon.

Keep your expectations measured. This is a quick coastal look, not a long cave walk or a full geological tour. The caves are attractive for photographs, but the stop can feel brief, and the exact amount of time spent exploring may vary with conditions and the captain’s route.

The views are still worth having. The pale rock, narrow openings, and bright sea make a good contrast with the crowded swimming area later in the day. I would keep your phone ready, but use a secure case or strap. A fast boat, spray, and loose belongings are not a good combination.

One important point is that the tour includes the cave visit, but snorkel equipment is not included. Equipment may be available to rent on Comino, but do not board assuming a mask and fins will be waiting for you. If snorkeling is central to your plans, bring your own gear if practical, or check the current rental arrangements before departure.

Four hours beside the Blue Lagoon

The main stop is the Blue Lagoon, where you have roughly four hours for swimming, snorkeling, sunbathing, eating, and walking. The water is the reason Comino became one of Malta’s best-known day stops. It is clear, bright, and inviting, especially when viewed from the surrounding rocks.

The catch is popularity. By late morning, the Blue Lagoon can be packed. Finding a comfortable place to put down a towel may be difficult, and much of the available shore is rocky, exposed, and short on shade. A small number of umbrella seats may be available for a fee, but you should not count on getting one.

That changes how I would use the stop. I would spend much of the time in the water, then take a break with food or a short walk rather than expect a proper beach day. The lagoon has food and drink vans, toilets, and lifeguards, which makes the long stop easier to manage. Still, this is not a soft-sand beach with plenty of loungers.

Water shoes are a smart addition. The rocks can be sharp, and getting in and out is less comfortable without some protection. Beachwear is the one required item listed for the activity, but a towel, sun protection, and a secure waterproof bag also make practical sense.

You may also want to walk along some of Comino’s paths for views away from the main swimming area. The tour gives you enough time to do this, though the exact amount of walking you choose is up to you. Stay aware of the return meeting time. A boat departure is less forgiving than a bus stop.

Is four hours too long?

This depends on what you want from Comino. If you plan to swim, snorkel, sunbathe, eat, and walk, four hours gives you room to do everything without rushing. It also lets you stay in the water when the rocks become uncomfortable.

If your priority is simply seeing the Blue Lagoon, the time may feel excessive. Some people find that one and a half to two hours is enough, especially when the shore is crowded and there is no comfortable place to sit. In that case, the boat ride becomes the clear star of the day, while the lagoon is a scenic swimming stop rather than a full beach escape.

This is one reason to compare the tour with alternatives. A boat where you can remain aboard, lie down, and jump straight into the sea may suit you better if comfort matters more than speed. The Sliema powerboat is aimed at people who want a lively transfer and the freedom to spend several hours on Comino.

What the captain and boat add

The experience depends heavily on the captain’s style. Captain Johnny is specifically praised for making the ride funny and enjoyable while explaining the boat and the less-bumpy seating. He is also described as caring and helpful when one passenger had poor mobility.

That personal touch matters on a small boat. You are not just being delivered to the island. The captain points out caves, manages the pace, and shapes the mood of the crossing. Other staff members are described as friendly and sympathetic, with English, French, Italian, and Spanish available.

The boat itself is described as new, clean, and very fast. It is also considered safe by people who enjoyed the trip, but safety does not mean gentle. You still need to accept the physical nature of the ride. The operator supplies full safety equipment, fuel, liability insurance, and local taxes, so the advertised price is not being padded with a separate fuel charge.

Everyone must sign a waiver before boarding. The activity is not suitable for children under three, pregnant women, people with back or heart problems, wheelchair users, people recovering from recent surgery, or anyone over 95. A captain may offer practical help, but that does not make the boat wheelchair accessible.

What the $68 price really covers

At $68 per person, the tour sits in the middle of the market for a half-day Comino outing, but the value comes from its transport rather than from included extras. You are paying for the powerboat, captain, safety equipment, fuel, insurance, cave visits, and a long Blue Lagoon stop.

Food, drinks, hotel transport, and snorkeling equipment are not included. That keeps the basic price clear, but you should budget for refreshments and any equipment rental on Comino. You may also pay for a shaded seat if one is available and you want more comfort.

I think the price is reasonable for the right audience. If you mainly want the quickest, most exciting way from Sliema to Comino, the fast crossing and smaller group help justify the cost. If you want a quiet boat, a shaded lounger, or a carefully guided island tour, you may find better value elsewhere.

The option to reserve now and pay later is useful if your Malta plans are still shifting. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. Check the exact terms at booking, especially if weather or your schedule could affect the day.

How to prepare for a less awkward day

Pack light. You need beachwear, but I would also bring a towel, sunscreen, a hat, water, and a waterproof pouch for your phone. Keep bags compact because space on a powerboat is limited compared with a large sightseeing vessel.

Wear shoes that can handle wet, uneven rock. Flip-flops may be fine for the boat, but they are less useful around the lagoon. Water shoes will make entry and exit easier and protect your feet from sharp stones.

Sit where you are most comfortable. The back is generally less bumpy, while other seats may give you a stronger sense of the speed. If loud music bothers you, consider ear protection. The music is part of the atmosphere, but it can be intense for six hours of total activity.

Do not leave valuables loose on your towel. The tour returns to the same Supreme Power Boats ticketing booth in Sliema, but you will spend much of the day away from the boat. Bring only what you need and keep important items secured.

Who will enjoy this Comino trip most?

This tour is a strong choice for you if you enjoy a fast ride, do not mind spray, and want to combine the Blue Lagoon with cave views in one half-day outing. It also suits anyone who would rather spend 25 to 30 minutes on a thrilling boat than a longer time on a slower, crowded vessel.

It works well for couples, friends, and older children who meet the safety requirements and enjoy active seaside days. The smaller group can also feel more sociable and personal than a large excursion boat.

I would hesitate if you have back trouble, need step-free access, dislike loud music, or want a calm day beside a comfortable beach. I would also think twice if you are visiting the Blue Lagoon mainly for peace and quiet. The water is beautiful, but the main area can be packed and exposed.

FAQ

Where does the tour leave from?

The meeting point is the Supreme Power Boats ticketing booth at the Sliema Ferries, opposite McDonald’s.

What time does the tour depart?

The listed departure is 11:00. Check availability when booking because starting times can change.

How long is the tour?

The full activity lasts six hours. The Blue Lagoon stop lasts about four hours, with the remaining time used for the powerboat ride and cave visits.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not included, though food and drink vans are available at the Blue Lagoon.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

No. Snorkeling equipment is not included. Equipment may be available to rent on Comino.

Is the tour suitable for everyone?

No. It 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. All passengers must sign a waiver before boarding.

Should you book the Sliema powerboat?

Book it if the journey matters as much as the destination. The speed, music, bumps, cave views, and friendly captain make this one of the more entertaining ways to reach Comino. The Blue Lagoon then gives you enough time to swim, snorkel, eat, and explore at your own pace.

Skip it if you want shade, soft sand, quiet water, or a comfortable place to sit for four hours. For the best match, think of this as a powerboat adventure with a long Blue Lagoon stop, not as a peaceful beach excursion. That distinction will determine whether the $68 feels like good value or too much time on crowded rock.