Comino Blue Lagoon Tour by Powerboat

The best part of this Malta day trip is the ride itself. You leave Sliema in a sleek, 33-foot powerboat with twin 300-horsepower Yamaha engines, race along the coast, then reach Comino by water rather than simply arriving on a large ferry. The boat also takes you around Comino’s sea caves before giving you several hours at the famous Blue Lagoon.

I like the fast, exciting crossing and the fact that the cave trip is built into the day rather than sold as an extra. I also like the generous swim stop, which gives you time to float, snorkel, sunbathe, and explore the nearby coves at your own pace. The tradeoff is that the Blue Lagoon can feel very crowded, and rough seas may mean your return ride changes from the powerboat to a slower cruise boat.

Key points to know before booking

• Twin 300-horsepower engines: The 20-seater Chaudron powerboat makes the crossing lively, quick, and spray-filled.
• About four hours at the lagoon: You get plenty of free time for swimming, sunbathing, and exploring Comino.
• Cave cruise included: The boat visits natural grottoes and arches along Comino’s coast.
• Sliema departure at 11 a.m.: You can meet at Sliema Ferry or use selected pickup services from Valletta, Bugibba, Sliema, and other locations.
• Weather affects the return: Wind and swell can lead to a slower boat transfer instead of the advertised powerboat ride.
• Best for fit, active visitors: The trip requires moderate physical fitness and can be hard on your back in choppy water.

Leaving Sliema on a 33-foot powerboat

The day begins at Sliema Ferry at 11 a.m. You can make your own way to the pier, or arrange pickup from central Sliema, Valletta, Bugibba, and selected resorts. Since pickup details have caused confusion for some customers, confirm the meeting time and location carefully before the morning of the trip.

The boat is a Chaudron model built in Malta. It is about 33 feet long and carries roughly 20 people, although the stated maximum for the activity is 22. Twin Yamaha 300-horsepower engines give it far more punch than a standard sightseeing boat. After a safety briefing, you head out past Valletta and toward the open sea.

This is not a quiet harbor cruise. The powerboat is designed for speed, and the ride can include bouncing over waves and plenty of sea spray. That is a major part of the appeal if you like a little motion and excitement. Sit where you can enjoy the views, but be ready to hold on as the boat picks up speed.

The boat’s pedigree adds a neat local detail. The Chaudron builder won the Powerboat PI Supersport championship in 2007 and 2008. You do not need to know anything about racing to enjoy the craft, but it helps explain why the crossing feels more like a proper speedboat ride than a basic transfer.

The crossing from Malta to Comino

Comino lies between Malta and Gozo, so the trip gives you a water-level view of the coast before the main stop. You will see Valletta from offshore, then head across open water toward the island’s rocky shoreline.

The ride can be one of the most memorable parts of the outing. Several people praised the speed and the captain’s handling, describing the experience as exciting and worth repeating. That enthusiasm makes sense: you cover ground quickly, feel the boat respond to the waves, and arrive at the lagoon with the outing already feeling like an adventure.

Still, speed has a cost. The boat can be bumpy, particularly in wind or swell. One customer reported two days of strong back soreness after sitting near the front. If you have back problems, ask about seating and think carefully before booking. The front section may take more of the impact when the boat lands after a wave.

The ride also depends on the sea. On calm days, the return journey should be part of the fun. In rougher conditions, the operator may use a slower cruise boat instead. One complaint centered on this change, especially because passengers felt the restrictions and altered transport were not explained clearly. I would treat the powerboat return as weather-dependent, not guaranteed.

Four hours beside the Blue Lagoon

Comino’s Blue Lagoon is the main event. The water is clear and turquoise, and the inlet is sheltered by rock and sand. Once you are dropped off, the schedule gives you about four hours to use as you wish.

You can swim in the shallow water, snorkel, work on your tan, or walk around the nearby coves. There is no tightly managed sequence of stops here. That freedom is useful because you can set your own pace instead of being hurried from one photo stop to the next.

The long stay is also the main point of difference between this trip and a simple boat excursion. You have time to get wet, dry off, swim again, and still see more of Comino. If you want a full afternoon in the water, that is good value.

But the Blue Lagoon is famous for a reason, and fame brings crowds. The small inlet can feel packed, especially during the central part of the day. One person found the stop too crowded and felt a little lost after being dropped off. If you expect a quiet cove, adjust those expectations. This is a popular swimming stop, not a private beach escape.

A little planning helps. Bring what you need for several hours in the sun, since food and drinks are not included. The tour gives you time, but it does not provide a meal or refreshments as part of the $60.15 price. Keep track of the meeting instructions so you know where and when to return to the boat.

Comino’s caves from the water

At some point during the Comino visit, the boat takes you along the coast for a cave tour. You cruise into and around natural grottoes, arches, and rocky openings, with the chance to take photographs from the boat.

This portion adds variety to the day. The Blue Lagoon is about swimming and sitting in the sun, while the cave ride gives you a closer look at Comino’s rough coastline. You stay aboard, so you do not need to climb into the caves or handle a separate activity.

The cave cruise is also a practical reason to choose this tour over a basic point-to-point boat transfer. You are not paying only to be taken to Comino and collected later. The route includes a proper coastal outing, with the captain bringing the boat close enough for you to see the formations from the water.

The exact order of the swim stop and cave visit can depend on the day’s operation and sea conditions. Keep your phone or camera protected from spray. The powerboat’s speed and open layout are fun, but they are not ideal for leaving electronics exposed.

Is $60.15 good value?

At $60.15 per person, this is a fair price if you want transport, a high-speed boat ride, a cave cruise, and several hours at the Blue Lagoon in one package. The cost is easier to justify for visitors who would otherwise need to arrange separate transport to Comino and pay for another boat outing.

The value drops if you mainly want a quiet beach day. The lagoon can be crowded, food and drinks are extra, and the return boat may change if the sea turns rough. You are paying for the full combination of speed, sightseeing, and free time, not for a secluded beach.

Pickup can also add value if you are staying in Valletta, Bugibba, or a selected resort. You avoid arranging your own way to Sliema, though the pickup service needs careful confirmation. If you are already near Sliema Ferry, independent arrival is simpler.

The trip lasts about six hours, with roughly four hours at the Blue Lagoon. One account described the beach time as closer to five hours and found it a little too long. I see this as a matter of travel style. Swimmers and sunbathers will welcome the extra time. Anyone who gets restless after a few hours on a busy beach may prefer a shorter outing.

What the sea conditions can change

Weather is not a minor detail on this trip. The activity requires good conditions, and poor weather can lead to a new date or a full refund. Even when the tour runs, wind and swell can affect the ride and the type of boat used for the return.

A calm day gives you the best version of the experience: a fast crossing, comfortable time on the water, and a more pleasant return. A rough day may bring a hard ride and a slower cruise boat home. Ask about the day’s forecast, but remember that conditions can change after departure.

This is also why the moderate fitness requirement matters. You need to board a powerboat, sit through a lively crossing, move around the island stop, and manage your own swimming time. The boat is not the right choice for anyone who needs a very steady, gentle ride.

Booking, pickup, and cancellation details

The meeting point is Sliema Ferry in Sliema, with an 11 a.m. start. The activity ends back at the meeting point. Selected pickup and drop-off service is available from central Sliema, Valletta, Bugibba, and other island locations.

Confirmation is provided at booking. Still, I would check every pickup detail yourself, particularly if you are relying on hotel transport. Communication about pickup times has not always been smooth, and a wrong time can turn an easy morning into a stressful one.

Free cancellation is available if you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations made within 24 hours are not accepted for a refund. If bad weather or an insufficient number of bookings cancels the trip, you can choose another date or experience, or receive a full refund.

There has also been a serious complaint about an overbooking problem, with a customer saying they were refused boarding despite booking far in advance. That is not a routine detail you should expect, but it is a reason to keep your confirmation handy and arrive with enough time at the pier.

Who will enjoy this Comino trip?

I would choose this outing if you want a lively day on the water rather than a passive ferry ride. It is a strong match for people who enjoy speed, swimming, sun, and a flexible block of free time.

It also suits couples, friends, and active families who can handle a bouncy boat ride. The cave visit gives you a little sightseeing, while the long lagoon stop lets each person choose their own pace.

I would be cautious if you have back or mobility concerns, dislike crowded swimming spots, or need a guaranteed powerboat in both directions. The trip is weather-sensitive, and the Blue Lagoon is popular enough to feel busy.

Should you book the Comino Blue Lagoon powerboat tour?

Book it if the powerboat ride is part of the reason you want to visit Comino. For $60.15, you get a fast crossing, a cave cruise, round-trip transport, and a long swim stop. The strongest praise goes to the speed, the captain’s handling, and the fun of combining caves with lagoon time.

Skip it if you want solitude, a quiet boat, or a short visit to the water. Before booking, check your pickup details, consider the forecast, and avoid the trip if a rough ride could cause problems for your back. For the right kind of day, this is an energetic and practical way to see Comino, but it is not a peaceful escape from Malta’s summer crowds.

FAQ

Where does the Comino Blue Lagoon tour start?

The tour starts at Sliema Ferry in Sliema, Malta.

What time does the tour begin?

The stated start time is 11 a.m.

How long does the experience last?

The tour lasts approximately six hours, with about four hours scheduled at the Blue Lagoon.

Is hotel pickup available?

Pickup and drop-off are available from central Sliema, Valletta, Bugibba, and selected locations on the island. You can also travel independently to the Sliema departure pier.

What does the price include?

The $60.15 price includes local taxes, the powerboat tour, and the Comino cave tour.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not included.

Does the tour visit Comino’s sea caves?

Yes. The boat cruises along Comino’s coast and visits natural sea caves, grottoes, and arches.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes, if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours in advance are not refunded.