Sliema: Powerboat Trip to Gozo with Caves and Island Stop

The best part of this outing is the high-speed ride across Malta’s clear coastal waters, followed by a cave visit and a long, independent stop on Gozo. It packs sea views, a little adrenaline, and island time into one five-hour trip.

I like the generous 4.5 hours of free time in Gozo, since you are not rushed from one short photo stop to the next. I also like the lively boat atmosphere, with music and a fast run once the boat leaves the bay. The main drawback is just as clear: you must arrange your own food, transport, and sightseeing on Gozo.

Key points

• Fast boat from Sliema: Meet opposite McDonald’s at the Sliema Ferries for an 11:30am departure and a 5:15pm return.
• Caves and clear water: The trip includes a cave visit, with time for scenic views and swimming.
• Long Gozo stop: You get about 4.5 hours of free time, but no bus tour or guided island tour is provided.
• Skipper-led atmosphere: Skipper Baso received especially warm praise for his friendly handling, music, and sense of fun.
• Active outing: This is a speedboat experience, not a quiet sightseeing cruise, so expect motion and a lively ride.
• Good booking flexibility: You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund and reserve now while paying later.

A fast start from Sliema

This trip begins at the Sliema Ferries, opposite McDonald’s, at 11:30am. That meeting point is easy to recognize, but give yourself enough time to find the exact boarding spot and complete the required waiver before you get on the boat.

The boat ride is the main event, not simply a way to reach Gozo. Supreme Power Boats takes you across the Maltese waters at speed, with the ride becoming more exciting once the boat clears the bay. One family used the outing for a 13th birthday celebration and especially enjoyed the music, the lively mood, and the burst of speed in open water.

You should expect movement, spray, and a ride with some punch. Wear comfortable clothes and bring beachwear. If you prefer a calm boat trip with a quiet commentary, this may feel too energetic. If you like the sensation of speed and want your transport to be part of the fun, it is a strong match.

The activity is conducted in English. The supplied information does not give a fixed boat capacity, seating plan, or detailed safety briefing, so you should ask the operator about those points if they matter to you before booking.

The cave stop adds more than a boat transfer

The cave tour gives the outing a visual focus beyond simply racing from Malta to Gozo. You will see rock formations and clear water from the boat, with the chance to appreciate the coastal shapes at close range.

The exact cave name and length of the stop are not specified, so do not treat this as a full walking cave excursion. It is better understood as a boat-based look at Malta’s coastal caves, built into a wider trip to Gozo.

The water is one of the experience’s biggest draws. Swimming is part of the appeal, and the instructions specifically tell you to bring beachwear. Still, the supplied details do not confirm the exact swimming location, water temperature, or how long you will have in the water. Pack what you need, but keep your expectations flexible.

A useful point here is that the cave portion is not the whole day. The outing gives you a quick succession of sea views, boat speed, caves, and then a substantial period on land. That mix makes the experience more varied than a short coastal boat ride.

What the Gozo stop really gives you

The Gozo stop lasts about 4.5 hours, which is unusually generous for an excursion built around a speedboat. You have time to eat, walk around, see a few sights, or simply slow down after the fast ride.

The catch is that this is free time rather than a guided Gozo tour. No bus tour, island guide, or included transport is provided. That can be a plus if you like making your own choices, but it requires planning. You need to decide what you want to do before arrival and work out how you will get there from the drop-off point.

The activity details do not state the precise Gozo landing place. That makes it hard to give a reliable walking plan or recommend a particular Gozo attraction. Ask where the boat leaves you and where it will collect you again before you set off for the day.

I would also keep an eye on the return time. The advertised schedule is a departure at 11:30am and a return to Sliema at 5:15pm. With a fixed boat departure, you should not wander too far without allowing plenty of time to get back to the meeting point.

For some people, this freedom is the best feature. You can shape the island stop around your own interests instead of following a flag through Gozo. For others, the lack of transport and guidance will make the day less convenient than a coach-based island tour.

The ride with skipper Baso

The reviews give skipper Baso special credit for making the trip feel festive and personal. One birthday group singled out his handling, music, and friendly approach, describing the speed outside the bay and the cave views as the highlights of the day.

That gives you a useful picture of the tone. This is not presented as a formal history lesson or a sedate nature cruise. The boat may have music and a party-like feel, with the high-speed sections adding a clear adrenaline rush.

Another strong account describes the boat moving quickly around slower boats during a trip that included Gozo, the caves, and Comino. That detail reinforces the difference between this outing and a standard sightseeing vessel. You are booking the thrill of the boat as much as the destination.

The skipper on your departure may not be Baso, and the operator does not promise a specific captain. Still, his name is worth noting if you are comparing this experience with other Sliema boat trips. The strongest praise centers on the combination of competent boat handling and an upbeat atmosphere.

Is $77 a fair price?

At $77 per person, this trip is not the cheapest way to reach Gozo. But a direct comparison with a ferry would miss the point. You are paying for a high-speed powerboat ride, the cave tour, the sea experience, and the chance to spend several hours on Gozo.

The value is best if you want several things in one booking. You get transport from Sliema, a faster and more exciting crossing, a cave visit, and about 4.5 hours on the island. You do not need to pay separately for a boat ride and a cave outing.

The price is less attractive if you mainly need basic transport to Gozo. Since food, drinks, guided sightseeing, and a Gozo bus tour are excluded, your final cost will rise if you add meals, local transport, or other activities.

I see this as a good value for an active half-day. It is especially suitable for couples, friends, and families with older children who want a memorable boat ride rather than a plain transfer. The birthday outing shows how well it can work for a small celebration.

Who should book this powerboat trip?

I would consider this outing if you enjoy speed, open-water movement, and a relaxed day with room for personal choice. The format works well for someone who wants to see Gozo but does not want to spend the entire day on a slow coach tour.

It also suits families with children old enough to handle a lively boat ride. Children under 3 are not accepted, and the activity is not suitable for pregnant women, wheelchair users, people with back or heart problems, people with recent surgery, people with other pre-existing medical conditions, or people over 95.

That list matters because the boat’s motion is part of the experience. If you have a health concern, do not assume the waiver replaces medical advice. You must sign a waiver before boarding, and it is sensible to check with the operator before paying if you are unsure.

This is not the right pick if you need step-free access, a slow pace, or a structured Gozo sightseeing program. It is also a poor fit if you dislike loud music, fast travel, or making your own plans after arriving on the island.

How to prepare for the five hours

Bring comfortable clothes and beachwear. You will want to be ready for both the boat ride and possible time in the water, rather than dressing only for a town visit.

Food and drinks are not included. Since your Gozo stop is long, plan for your own refreshments. The information supplied does not say if food or drinks can be purchased on the boat, so do not rely on onboard service.

The timing is simple: meet at Sliema Ferries opposite McDonald’s, leave at 11:30am, and return around 5:15pm. The total duration is five hours, with roughly 4.5 hours set aside for Gozo. Check the current availability when booking because the activity page says starting times should be confirmed.

Bring only what you need for the day. You will be on a moving boat, and beachwear, a towel, sun protection, and secure personal items make practical sense. The operator specifically confirms comfortable clothing and beachwear, while other packing details are not provided.

You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. The reserve-now, pay-later option is useful if your Malta plans are still shifting, especially during a trip with several moving parts.

What the strong ratings tell you

The overall rating is 4.6 from 18 reviews, with repeated five-star praise for the speed, cave scenery, Gozo stop, and value. The clearest pattern is enthusiasm for the boat itself.

One account calls the trip brilliant and well worth the money. Another praises the fast run to the caves, Gozo, and Comino, while the birthday group focuses on the music, the skipper, and the excitement once the boat reaches open water.

That praise should be read in the right way. The outing succeeds because it feels fun and active. It is not being praised for a detailed island lecture, a carefully planned meal, or a long guided visit at each stop. Those things are not included.

The small number of reviews also means you should keep your expectations measured. A 4.6 rating is encouraging, but the experience can depend on sea conditions, the skipper, and how comfortable you are with speed. The operator does not provide detailed information here about weather procedures or alternate routes.

My practical verdict

I like this trip for its clear mix of adrenaline and freedom. The powerboat gives you an exciting way to travel, the caves add a memorable coastal stop, and 4.5 hours in Gozo gives you enough time to make the island portion your own.

I would book it if you are happy to arrange your own food and Gozo transport, and if you want a lively boat ride rather than a formal guided excursion. The $77 price makes sense when you value the speedboat and cave experience, not just the crossing.

I would choose another option if you want a quiet cruise, a fully organized Gozo tour, or an accessible boat setup. For the right person, though, this is a compact, high-energy way to combine Malta’s sea views with a proper stretch of time on Gozo.

FAQ

Where does the powerboat trip meet?

The meeting point is at the Sliema Ferries, opposite McDonald’s in Sliema.

What time does the trip leave?

The stated departure time is 11:30am.

What time does the boat return to Sliema?

The planned return time is 5:15pm.

How long does the activity last?

The total duration is five hours.

How much free time do I get on Gozo?

You get approximately 4.5 hours of free time on Gozo.

Is a guided tour of Gozo included?

No. A bus tour and guided tour of Gozo are not included, so the island stop is independent.

Is food or drink included?

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

What should I bring?

Bring comfortable clothes and beachwear. Beachwear is useful because the experience includes clear-water swimming opportunities.

Can I cancel the booking?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later.