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

The best part of this six-hour outing is the way it links Gozo and Comino in one day without making you choose between them. The powerboat gets you across quickly, and the ride itself is part of the fun, with open sea, fresh air, and a much more exciting feel than a slow ferry.

I like the two-hour stop in Gozo, which gives you enough time to reach Victoria, see the Citadel, or arrange a short taxi or quad-bike visit. I also like the long afternoon stop at Blue Lagoon, where the clear water and sandy bottom are made for swimming. The catch is simple: the boat can be bumpy, and Blue Lagoon can be extremely crowded in summer.

Key points to know

• Two islands in six hours: Visit Gozo and Comino without booking separate transport.
• Fast powerboat ride: The boat saves time, but rough water can make the journey uncomfortable.
• Two hours in Gozo: Enough for one focused outing, but not a full island tour.
• Afternoon at Blue Lagoon: Bring swimwear, sunscreen, a hat, and a government access pass.
• Comino sea caves: The return route includes a cave visit when weather and sea conditions allow.
• Independent exploring: There is no guide, so you must plan how to use your free time.

A fast route from St. Julian’s to two islands

At $77 per person, this is priced as a practical sampler of Malta’s two smaller islands rather than a full sightseeing tour. You are paying for the powerboat transfers, skipper, fuel, time at two stops, and the chance to see the Comino caves without arranging separate transport.

The boat leaves at 10:30 AM from the jetty behind the Verdi St. George’s Bay Marina Hotel in St. Julian’s. This location is useful if you are staying nearby, but allow extra time to find it. 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 to the jetty.

There is no hotel pickup, food, or guide included. You need to arrive independently and bring what you need for the day. Large bags, luggage, strollers, wheelchairs, and electric wheelchairs are not permitted, so pack lightly in a small day bag.

The boat ride is quick and lively. That is a major reason to choose this trip, but it is also the main comfort warning. The powerboat can bounce over the water, and the experience is not suitable for people prone to motion sickness, people with back or heart problems, pregnant women, or children under three. If you often feel queasy at sea, bring motion sickness prevention and think carefully before booking.

Two hours at Mġarr Harbour in Gozo

The boat reaches Mġarr Harbour, Gozo’s main port, at about 1 PM. You then have two hours of free time. This is not a guided visit, so the value of the stop depends on how well you use those 120 minutes.

Mġarr Harbour itself is pleasant, but two hours is too short for a broad tour of Gozo. You need to pick one plan before leaving the boat. If you simply wander around the port, you will see only a small piece of the island. If you want Victoria and the Citadel, arrange transport as soon as you arrive.

A taxi to Victoria has been used at about €5 per person, with a return pickup arranged in advance. That price is a useful guide, but confirm the current fare and return plan before setting off. The Citadel gives you a strong payoff in a short visit, with high views and a compact area to explore.

Other possible uses of the stop include hiring quad bikes or arranging a driver to reach sights such as the Blue Hole, the salt beds, or the Ġgantija Temples. These options can make the stop much more rewarding, but they also use up time. You do not want to find yourself far from Mġarr Harbour when the boat is due back.

The timing is the weak point here. Several hours would suit Gozo better, while two hours forces you to keep moving. One focused sight, followed by a quick meal if time permits, is a sensible plan. Trying to cover Victoria, the Citadel, the temples, and the coast will leave you watching the clock.

The boat returns to Mġarr Harbour at around 3 PM and heads for Comino. Skippers such as Abe and Mario have been praised for being friendly and professional, and the crew’s attitude matters on a small, fast boat. You should still listen closely to the return instructions, since missing the pickup would create a serious problem.

Blue Lagoon in the afternoon

Comino’s Blue Lagoon is the main event for most people. The water is famously clear, with a pale sandy bottom and a bright turquoise color that looks almost unreal in good light. You can swim, snorkel, sunbathe, or walk around the island during the stop.

The timing gives you a useful contrast. Gozo is your active sightseeing stop, while Comino is where you slow down and get in the water. After a warm afternoon on Gozo, the swim can feel especially welcome.

There is an important rule here. Since May 2025, you need a government-issued access pass to step ashore at Blue Lagoon. You must obtain it in advance through blcomino.com, and you need to choose the afternoon slot for this trip. Daily passes are limited, so do not leave this until the morning of departure.

This pass is separate from your boat booking. If you arrive without it, you cannot step ashore at the Blue Lagoon, and no refund is provided for that missed access. You will instead be taken to Santa Marija Bay on Comino. That is a useful backup, but it is not the same experience, especially if Blue Lagoon is the reason you booked.

Blue Lagoon is beautiful, but it is not peaceful in the busy season. In July and August, the shore can be packed, and finding a patch of shade is difficult. Food and drinks are available for purchase, and there is even a left-luggage facility, but you should still bring water, sun protection, and only a small amount of gear.

The lack of shade deserves special attention. Wear your sun hat, apply sunscreen often, and do not assume that a swim will protect you from the strong Mediterranean sun. Sunglasses and comfortable shoes are also useful, especially if you plan to walk beyond the water.

The stop is long enough for swimming and a little exploring, but the exact amount of time ashore is tied to the schedule. The boat collects you at approximately 3:45 PM. Keep an eye on the time and return to the pickup point early.

Comino’s sea caves on the way home

The return journey is more than a straight ride back to St. Julian’s. When sea conditions allow, the powerboat passes by the Comino Sea Caves and gets close enough for a good look at the rock formations.

This is a nice extra because it requires no separate ticket or walking. You stay on the boat, take in the caves, and enjoy another scenic section of the ride. The crew’s ability to get close will depend on weather and water conditions, so treat it as a planned possibility rather than a guarantee.

The final run to St. Julian’s is expected to arrive around 4:30 PM. If the boat has a mechanical delay or the sea slows the schedule, arrival can be later. One trip had a minor engine problem and arrived about 30 minutes late after the issue was fixed. That kind of delay is not typical enough to cancel your plans, but avoid booking a tight evening commitment.

What the powerboat ride is really like

The powerboat is the reason this tour covers both islands in one day. It is faster and more lively than a standard ferry, and you get open views rather than sitting inside a large vessel. The ride between stops also gives the day a sense of movement instead of feeling like two disconnected shore visits.

The tradeoff is comfort. A small powerboat can feel rough when the sea is unsettled. The ride has been described as fun and quick, but also bumpy and uncomfortable for some people. Sit where the crew advises, hold on when the boat picks up speed, and bring motion sickness medication if you need it.

This is not a luxury cruise. You are choosing speed, access, and excitement over a smooth ride, onboard dining, and a structured commentary. The experienced skipper is there to operate the boat and manage the route, not to lead a history lesson.

That distinction is important. If you want stories about Malta, Gozo, and Comino as you travel, choose a guided excursion instead. If you prefer to decide what to see during the stops, this setup gives you more freedom.

How to make the two Gozo hours count

You can improve the day considerably with a little planning. Before boarding, decide whether Gozo is mainly about Victoria and the Citadel, a coastal outing, or an activity such as quad biking.

A practical Gozo plan looks like this:

• Arrange a taxi or driver at Mġarr Harbour.
• Choose one main sight rather than several distant ones.
• Agree on a firm return time before leaving the port.
• Keep a little time for the journey back to the boat.
• Have a backup plan if transport is delayed.

Victoria and the Citadel are a sensible choice because they offer a concentrated visit. A driver taking you to the Blue Hole, salt beds, and Ġgantija Temples can cover more ground, but you will see each place quickly. Quad bikes can add fun and flexibility, though the available time remains tight.

Do not depend on a sightseeing bus unless you have confirmed the schedule and return journey. A late bus could put the Comino part of the day at risk. The boat will not wait for an independent excursion.

Is $77 good value?

I think the price is fair if you want both Gozo and Comino and value efficient transport. Separate trips, taxis, and ferry arrangements can take more time and planning, while this outing gives you one booking, a skipper, fuel, three boat legs, and a cave visit when conditions permit.

The value is strongest for first-time visitors with only a short stay in Malta. You can sample Gozo and Comino in one day, swim at the island’s most famous bay, and still return to St. Julian’s before dinner.

The value is weaker if you want a serious visit to Gozo. Two hours is simply not enough to understand the island or see several major sights without rushing. It is also weaker if your main goal is a quiet beach day, since Blue Lagoon may be crowded and exposed to the sun.

Food and drinks cost extra, as does any taxi, driver, or quad-bike hire in Gozo. The Blue Lagoon access pass is also your responsibility, although the supplied information does not state a fee for it. Add those likely costs to your budget before deciding.

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure and the reserve-now, pay-later option make the booking easier to manage. The bigger concern is weather. If the sea is too rough for a powerboat, the operator may arrange an alternative boat trip, as happened for one group, but the exact replacement depends on conditions and availability.

Who should book this boat trip?

I would choose this for active visitors who want a lively day and do not mind planning their own time ashore. It suits couples, groups of friends, and confident swimmers who want a quick taste of two islands rather than a slow, detailed tour.

It is also a good fit if you are staying around St. Julian’s. The jetty can be a short walk from nearby hotels, saving you a taxi ride to another departure port.

I would hesitate if you have back problems, serious motion sickness, reduced mobility, or a strong need for shade and quiet. The boat ride can be rough, the Blue Lagoon can be crowded, and the tour does not accept wheelchairs or large mobility equipment.

Families with children should note the minimum age of three. Pregnant women and people with heart problems are also listed as unsuitable for the activity.

Should you book the Gozo and Comino powerboat tour?

Book it if you want the most efficient way to combine Gozo, Blue Lagoon, and the Comino caves in one six-hour outing. Plan your Gozo visit in advance, secure the afternoon Blue Lagoon access pass, and bring protection from the sun.

Skip it if Gozo is your main priority or if a bumpy boat ride would spoil the day. For everyone else, the mix is appealing: a fast ride, a focused Gozo stop, a memorable swim, and a cave visit on the way home. Just remember that this is an independent island sampler, not a guided tour.

FAQ

How long does the tour last?

The experience lasts about six hours. It departs St. Julian’s at 10:30 AM and is scheduled to return at approximately 4:30 PM.

Where does the boat leave from?

The boat leaves from the jetty behind the Verdi St. George’s Bay Marina Hotel, formerly the Marina Hotel Corinthia Beach Resort, at 8, Ix-Xatt Ta’ San Ġorġ, St. Julian’s.

How do I find the departure jetty?

Near the entrance to the hotel’s underground parking lot, look for a black iron gate. Go through the gate, walk down the ramp, turn left, and follow the yellow line on the ground to the jetty.

How much free time do I get in Gozo?

You get about two hours at Mġarr Harbour. The time is unguided, so you decide how to use it.

Is there a tour guide?

No. This is not a guided tour. An experienced skipper operates the boat, while you explore Gozo and Comino independently.

Do I need a pass for Blue Lagoon?

Yes. Since May 2025, you need a government-issued access pass to step ashore at Blue Lagoon. Apply through blcomino.com and select the afternoon time slot.

What happens if I do not have a Blue Lagoon access pass?

You will be taken to Santa Marija Bay on Comino instead of stepping ashore at Blue Lagoon. No refund is provided if you cannot access Blue Lagoon because you did not obtain the pass.

Are the Comino Sea Caves always included?

The boat visits the Comino Sea Caves on the return journey when weather and sea conditions permit.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not included, although they are available for purchase at Blue Lagoon.

Can I bring luggage or a stroller?

No. Luggage, large bags, baby strollers, baby carriages, non-folding wheelchairs, and electric wheelchairs are not allowed.

Who should avoid this activity?

The tour is not suitable for children under three, pregnant women, people with back, heart, or mobility problems, wheelchair users, or anyone prone to seasickness or motion sickness.