St Julians: Powerboat Gozo, Comino and Blue Lagoon

The appeal here is simple: one fast powerboat links Gozo, Comino, and Blue Lagoon in a single day. You get two hours to explore Gozo, three hours for swimming and sunbathing, and a quick look at Comino’s sea caves without changing boats or planning separate tickets.

I like the efficient route and the generous Blue Lagoon stop. I also like that the boat goes straight from St George’s Bay to Gozo in about 30 minutes, instead of making you spend the whole morning on a slow ferry. The catch is that this is a shared speedboat ride, not a relaxed private cruise, and the boat will not wait for late arrivals.

Key points

• Three Maltese islands in one day: Gozo, Comino, and the Blue Lagoon all fit into one straightforward outing.
• Two hours in Gozo: You have free time to explore, but sightseeing and admission costs are not included.
• Three hours at Blue Lagoon: The longest stop is set aside for swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing.
• Comino’s caves by boat: You see the caves from the water on the return journey.
• Fast, seated boat ride: Passengers remain seated for the ride, so expect speed and spray rather than a gentle cruise.
• Blue Lagoon pass required: Since April 29, 2025, you must reserve official access in advance or you may be sent to nearby Santa Maria Bay.

The route from St George’s Bay to Gozo

You meet at 8 ix-Xatt Ta’ San Ġorġ in St George’s Bay, St Julian’s. Look for the black gate, walk down the ramp, turn left, and follow the yellow line painted on the jetty.

Arrive at least 15 minutes before departure. This is important. The boat will not wait for late arrivals, and a missed departure means losing the ticket. I would allow extra time to find the jetty, especially if you do not know St George’s Bay well.

The first crossing to Gozo takes about 30 minutes, with the published transport segment listed at roughly 35 minutes. The boat is promoted as the fastest powerboat in Malta, so the ride is built for speed. You stay seated throughout the trip, and this is not suitable for anyone who wants to stroll around, stand at the rail, or move freely while underway.

The speed is part of the fun, especially if you enjoy a lively ride. It also means you should secure hats, phones, and loose belongings before the boat leaves. Bring sunscreen even if you plan to spend little time on the boat. Much of the day is exposed to the sun.

Two free hours to see Gozo your way

The boat drops you at Gozo Harbour, where you have about two hours of free time. This is the most independent part of the day. There is no included sightseeing program, guide-led visit, or entry ticket in Gozo, so you need to decide how to use the time.

Two hours is enough for a short walk, a meal, a drink, or a quick look around the harbor area. It is not enough for a full tour of Gozo. The island has far more to see than can fit between the boat’s arrival and the 1 p.m. pickup.

That limitation is worth understanding before you book. If your main goal is to see Gozo’s inland towns, landmarks, or countryside, this outing will feel rushed. If you simply want a taste of the island before moving on to the sea, the stop works well.

Food and drinks are not included, so Gozo is a sensible place to buy something for the afternoon. You should keep an eye on the time rather than wander too far. The powerboat is scheduled to collect passengers from Gozo Harbour at 1 p.m.

The best way to handle this stop is to keep your plan modest. Use the two hours to explore near the harbor, eat something quick, and return early to the pickup point. Trying to pack in several distant sights could turn the afternoon into a race of its own.

The Blue Lagoon gets the longest stop

From Gozo, the boat takes about 10 minutes to reach the Blue Lagoon. You then have three hours for swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing. This is the heart of the trip and the main reason many people will choose it over a simple island transfer.

Three hours gives you time to swim without watching the clock every few minutes. You can get in the water, dry off, swim again, and still have time to sit in the sun. Bring a towel and beachwear, since the day is designed around being in and around the water.

The Blue Lagoon is also the busiest and most regulated part of the visit. Under a government policy issued on April 29, 2025, all visitors must reserve access through the official website:

Blue Lagoon

You need a valid pass with correct details. Without one, you will not be allowed into the Blue Lagoon area. The alternative is Santa Maria Bay, a nearby beach, but that is not the same stop and may disappoint you if the lagoon is the main point of your booking.

I would treat the access pass as essential planning, not a minor extra step. Arrange it before the day of the boat trip, check that the details match your booking, and keep proof of the reservation available. The boat ticket does not appear to replace the official Blue Lagoon access pass.

The three-hour stay is a good balance for a beach stop, but it is not a private beach day. The boat is shared, and the Blue Lagoon is a popular place. If you want quiet water and plenty of personal space, the setting may feel busy. If you want an easy chance to swim in one of Malta’s best-known spots, the long stop is useful.

Comino’s caves on the return

At about 4 p.m., the boat collects you from the Blue Lagoon and spends part of the return route visiting Comino’s caves. The ride from Comino back toward St George’s Bay takes about 25 minutes, with arrival scheduled for around 4:45 p.m.

The cave visit is a pleasant extra because it requires no separate walk or ticket. You see the formations from the boat, adding a little sightseeing to what could otherwise be a direct transfer. It also gives you a final look at Comino after your time in the water.

Keep your expectations in check. This is a boat visit to the caves, not a long cave tour on foot or a separate snorkeling excursion. The supplied details do not promise that you will enter every cave or stop for swimming there.

Timing is the one point I would watch closely. One reported booking had confusion over the departure time from Blue Lagoon, with the passenger expecting the boat at 4:45 p.m. and the boat arriving around 5:15 p.m. That does not mean every departure will run late, but it does show why you should confirm the exact pickup instructions with the crew and remain close to the agreed meeting point.

Do not leave the Blue Lagoon area assuming the boat will find you elsewhere. If the crew gives a specific location, stay there and keep your phone available if contact details are provided.

What the $78 price really buys you

At $78 per person, this is not the cheapest way to visit one beach. The value comes from combining several transfers into one day: St George’s Bay to Gozo, Gozo to Blue Lagoon, Comino’s caves, and the return to St George’s Bay.

You are paying for movement and access to several stops, not for a guided tour of Gozo. Food, drinks, and Gozo sightseeing are extra. The Blue Lagoon access pass is also a separate requirement, so your actual cost will be higher than the advertised boat price if you need to purchase or reserve anything connected with the lagoon.

I think the price is fair for someone who wants maximum island coverage in one day. Booking separate boats or trying to connect public transport between Malta, Gozo, and Comino could take more planning and leave less time for swimming.

The value is weaker if you only want Blue Lagoon. In that case, a shorter direct boat trip may suit you better. It is also weaker if Gozo is your priority, since two hours gives you only a brief taste and no included guide.

The main strength is convenience. You do not need to arrange separate transport between Gozo and Comino, and the boat takes you back to your starting point. That simple loop is worth paying for if your time in Malta is limited.

Is the fast boat comfortable?

The boat ride has a clear personality. It is quick, open, and active. One passenger compared the trip to a good amusement-park ride, which tells you more about the feel than a dry timetable does.

That can be a plus if you enjoy speed. It can be a drawback if you suffer from back trouble, motion sensitivity, or discomfort on rough water. Passengers must remain seated for the entire ride, and the activity is not suitable for people with back problems, heart problems, mobility impairments, or pre-existing medical conditions.

Pregnant women are not allowed to take the boat. Wheelchair users cannot join, and children under five are listed as unsuitable. Children under ten must be accompanied by an adult aged 18 or older.

These rules are not minor details. A fast shared boat gives you less control over the ride than a private charter. If you have any medical concern, check the restrictions before paying rather than assuming the crew can make an exception.

The boat is not private, so you share the ride with other passengers. That keeps the price below a private charter, but it also means you cannot set the route, slow down for a long photo stop, or change the departure time to suit yourself.

What to bring for the day

Pack lightly, but bring the items that make a beach and boat day easier:

• Towel
• Sunscreen
• Beachwear
• Drinking water and food money
• A secure way to carry your phone and valuables
• Your official Blue Lagoon access pass

Food and drinks are not included. You can buy something during free time in Gozo, but you should not depend on a long meal break. The schedule moves from one island to the next, and the boat will leave at its stated pickup time.

Sunscreen matters even on the crossings. You will spend time outside at Gozo, Blue Lagoon, and Comino, and the water reflects the sun. Beachwear is also more practical than trying to change during a busy day with several boat movements.

Who will enjoy this trip most?

I would choose this outing if I wanted a busy, efficient day on the water and did not want to organize several separate excursions. It suits confident swimmers, sunbathers, couples, friends, and families with older children who can manage a fast shared boat.

It is a particularly good fit if you have only one free day for Gozo and Comino. You get a brief island visit, a long swimming stop, and a cave visit without giving up an entire day to transport.

I would hesitate if you want a slow and detailed Gozo visit. Two hours is too short for a full island tour, and the free time comes without included sightseeing.

I would also skip it if you dislike speedboats, need step-free access, have a back or heart condition, or want a private experience. The same applies if your schedule cannot tolerate a possible delay at the Blue Lagoon pickup.

The crew’s driving has been a strong part of the experience for many people, with praise for the driver and the lively ride. At the same time, the reported pickup confusion shows that you should listen closely to the departure instructions and stay near the agreed meeting point.

Should you book this Gozo and Comino boat trip?

Book it if your priority is seeing Gozo, Comino, and Blue Lagoon in one day with as little transport planning as possible. The fast crossing, two hours in Gozo, three hours at the Blue Lagoon, and cave visit make good use of a limited Malta schedule.

Before booking, confirm that you can obtain the official Blue Lagoon pass and that everyone in your group meets the health, age, and mobility rules. Arrive early at St George’s Bay, bring beach gear, and treat the boat times as firm.

Skip it if you want a full Gozo tour, a private charter, or a calm cruise. For the right kind of day, though, $78 buys a practical island loop with plenty of time in the water.

FAQ

Where does the boat leave from?

The meeting point is 8 ix-Xatt Ta’ San Ġorġ in St George’s Bay, St Julian’s. Walk through the black gate, go down the ramp, turn left, and follow the yellow line on the jetty.

How early should I arrive?

You should arrive at least 15 minutes before departure. The boat will not wait for late arrivals, and late passengers may lose their ticket.

How long do I have in Gozo?

You have about two hours of free time in Gozo. Sightseeing in Gozo is not included, so you arrange and pay for any activities, food, or admissions yourself.

How long do I have at Blue Lagoon?

You have about three hours for swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing.

Do I need a Blue Lagoon access pass?

Yes. Since April 29, 2025, visitors must reserve access through the official Blue Lagoon website. Anyone without a valid pass, or with incorrect pass details, will not be allowed entry and will be redirected to Santa Maria Bay.

Is food included?

No. Food and drinks are not included in the price.

Who cannot take this boat trip?

The activity is not suitable for children under five, pregnant women, people with back, heart, mobility, or other pre-existing medical conditions, and wheelchair users. Children under ten must be accompanied by an adult aged 18 or older.