St Julians: Powerboat Gozo, Comino and Blue Lagoon

The best part of this trip is how much Maltese coast you can cover in one day. You leave St George’s Bay by powerboat, reach Gozo in roughly 30 to 35 minutes, then continue to Comino and the Blue Lagoon without spending the day on a large ferry.

I like the fast boat ride, which makes the transfers feel like part of the outing rather than dead time. I also like having two separate blocks of free time: two hours in Gozo and three hours at the Blue Lagoon. The tradeoff is that Gozo time is short and self-guided, while the Blue Lagoon can be very busy in peak season. You also need to arrive early, since the boat will not wait for late passengers.

Key points to know before booking

• Three Maltese stops in one day: Visit Gozo, the Blue Lagoon, and Comino’s caves without arranging separate transport.
• A fast shared powerboat: The boat ride is a major part of the experience, but passengers must remain seated for the full trip.
• Two hours in Gozo: You get free time to explore, but sightseeing and transport on the island are not included.
• Three hours at Blue Lagoon: Plan on swimming, snorkeling, sunbathing, and finding a place to settle near the water.
• Blue Lagoon access is now controlled: You must reserve an official entry pass, or you may be redirected to nearby Santa Maria Bay.
• Strict timing matters: Arrive at the St George’s Bay base at least 15 minutes early and follow the yellow line on the jetty.

What this powerboat day actually offers

This is a coast-and-islands sampler, not a guided tour of Malta’s culture or historic sights. You spend the day moving between three famous points, with the sea and the boat ride providing much of the excitement.

The trip begins at 8 ix-Xatt Ta’ San Ġorġ in St George’s Bay. To find the base, walk through the black gate, go down the ramp, turn left, and follow the yellow line painted on the jetty. That detail matters because the meeting point is beside the water, not simply a street-side office.

The boat is shared rather than private. You should expect other people on board, and you must remain seated during the ride. This is not the right outing if you want a slow, quiet cruise or the freedom to move around the deck.

It is a better fit if you enjoy a brisk ride and want to make the most of one open day. One French customer described the trip as being like a good amusement-park ride, which gives you a useful sense of the tone: the transfer itself can feel lively and fast.

The first run from St George’s Bay to Gozo

The opening ride takes about 30 to 35 minutes, depending on the exact conditions and timing. The advertised route uses the fastest powerboat in Malta, so the journey is designed to get you across the water quickly rather than linger at every viewpoint.

You need to be at the base at least 15 minutes before departure. This is not a casual suggestion. Late arrivals can lose their tickets because the boat will not wait.

For comfort, wear beach clothing beneath something light and bring sunscreen from the start. You will want a towel and swimwear later, but the early boat ride is also a good time to protect your shoulders and face before the sun gets stronger.

The boat has no private-tour flexibility. The route and stops are set for the group, and passengers remain seated throughout the ride. If you have back problems, heart problems, a mobility impairment, or another medical condition, this outing may not suit you. Pregnant women are not allowed, and wheelchair users cannot take part.

Two free hours to make sense of Gozo

Gozo is the first major stop, with about two hours of free time. That gives you enough time to get a quick taste of the island, but not enough to treat this as a full Gozo sightseeing day.

The key point is that sightseeing in Gozo is not included. The boat delivers you to Gozo and collects you at the scheduled time, but you are responsible for deciding what to do during the stop. No named guide or planned Gozo excursion is provided.

I would keep your plan simple. Use the two hours to walk around the immediate area, find a meal or drink if available, or focus on one nearby sight rather than trying to cross the island. You do not want to spend most of this short stop worrying about transport or racing from one end of Gozo to another.

The boat is scheduled to collect you at 1 p.m. from Gozo Harbour. Keep track of the meeting time yourself. A self-guided stop gives you freedom, but it also means no guide is watching the clock for you.

This part of the day is valuable because it breaks up the swimming schedule. You get a taste of Gozo’s slower island feel before heading back to the coast, but you should book this trip with realistic expectations. Two hours is an introduction, not a full exploration.

The short hop from Gozo to Blue Lagoon

After Gozo, the powerboat continues toward Comino and the Blue Lagoon. The listed transfer takes about 10 minutes, so this is a quick change from island wandering to swimming time.

The Blue Lagoon is the main beach stop, with three hours set aside for swimming and sunbathing. You can also snorkel, so pack a mask if you have one and want to spend more time in the water. The supplied information does not promise snorkeling equipment, so do not assume it will be provided.

Three hours sounds generous, but it can pass quickly. You need time to leave the boat, find a place for your belongings, swim, dry off, and be ready for the return pickup. Keep your watch or phone accessible, and do not wander far from the agreed pickup area.

The Blue Lagoon is also the part of the trip that requires the most advance planning. Since April 29, 2025, visitors must reserve access through the official Blue Lagoon website:

Blue Lagoon

Your pass details must be correct. If you arrive without a valid pass, you will not be allowed into the Blue Lagoon area. In that case, the operator says you will be redirected to Santa Maria Bay, a nearby alternative beach.

This rule can change the feel of your day, so handle it before departure. Booking the boat alone is not enough. You need to check the official pass requirement and arrange access separately.

What three hours at the Blue Lagoon feels like

The Blue Lagoon is the day’s main water stop, and the schedule gives you time to actually use it rather than simply take a photograph from the boat. Swimming and sunbathing are the core activities, with snorkeling as another option.

Bring a towel, sunscreen, and beachwear. Those items are not included, and food and drinks are not included either. If you want refreshments, plan ahead according to what you can carry comfortably and safely.

This is a shared boat trip, so the experience is not built around personal space. The lagoon can be crowded, and you may need to be practical about where you sit or leave your things. Keep valuables to a minimum and stay aware of the boat’s return time.

The benefit of the long stop is flexibility. You can swim for a while, dry off, and spend time by the water without being rushed after 20 minutes. The drawback is that the stop is less appealing if you dislike crowded beach areas or prefer a quiet, secluded cove.

The official alternative, Santa Maria Bay, may be used if you do not have a valid Blue Lagoon pass. The information provided does not promise the same conditions or facilities there, so treat it as a backup rather than an equal substitute.

Comino’s caves on the return route

At around 4 p.m., the powerboat is scheduled to collect you from the Blue Lagoon. The return route includes a visit to caves in Comino before heading back to St George’s Bay.

The cave visit is a nice addition because it gives you a look at the rocky coast from the water, even though it is not described as a guided cave tour or a landing. You remain on the powerboat, and the stop is part of the return cruise.

The final ride is listed at about 25 minutes, with arrival back at 8 ix-Xatt Ta’ San Ġorġ around 4:45 p.m. Keep in mind that one booking reported a delay at Blue Lagoon, with the boat arriving later than expected. That does not prove a regular problem, but it is a useful reason to stay close to the pickup point and confirm the departure instructions before you leave the boat.

If you have an evening booking, leave some breathing room after the advertised return time. Boat schedules can be affected by conditions, loading, and the practical work of collecting passengers from a busy beach.

Is $78 a fair price?

At $78 per person, the value depends on what you want from the day. The price covers the main boat transfers from St George’s Bay to Gozo, Gozo to Blue Lagoon, and back to St George’s Bay. It also includes free time at Gozo and Blue Lagoon, plus the Comino cave visit.

That is a useful package if you would otherwise need to arrange several separate boat journeys. You get a full day of island connections without renting transport or figuring out your own route between Malta, Gozo, and Comino.

The price does not include food, drinks, a Gozo sightseeing tour, or the separate Blue Lagoon access pass. Those exclusions matter. If you expected a guide to show you Gozo, you will need to arrange your own plan. If you expected lunch and beach equipment, bring your own budget and supplies.

I see the strongest value in the transportation. The boat lets you combine places that are awkward to connect in a single day on your own. The weaker value is the Gozo stop if you want a detailed island tour, since two free hours can feel brief and there is no included sightseeing.

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure and the reserve-now, pay-later option make the booking less rigid. Still, you should not wait until the day of the trip to deal with the Blue Lagoon access requirement.

Who will enjoy this day most

I would choose this outing if you want a high-energy day with water, speed, and several locations. It suits people who would rather see a little of Gozo and Comino than spend the whole day in one place.

It is also a good choice for strong swimmers and beach fans who will use the three-hour Blue Lagoon stop. The trip works well for couples, friends, and families with older children who can follow strict timing and remain seated on the boat.

Children under 10 must be accompanied by an adult aged 18 or older. Children under 5 are not suitable for this activity, and the age rules should be taken seriously because the boat ride is fast and passengers remain seated throughout.

I would skip it if you have back, heart, mobility, or other medical concerns. It is also a poor match if you want a private boat, a slow sightseeing cruise, a fully guided Gozo visit, or a quiet beach with plenty of personal space.

The host language is English. No individual guide names are supplied, so you should not book this expecting a named local guide or a lecture about the islands. The focus is transport, free time, and the coastal ride.

Practical tips that make the day easier

Arrive early, then follow the black gate, ramp, left turn, and yellow line to the jetty. The meeting point instructions are clear once you are in the right area, but arriving just before departure leaves no room for confusion.

Bring only what you need for a beach day. A towel, sunscreen, and beachwear are specifically required items. Food and drinks are your responsibility, as are any personal swimming or snorkeling items.

Check the official Blue Lagoon pass rules before you go. Make sure the names and details on the pass are correct, because an invalid pass can mean being sent to Santa Maria Bay instead.

Keep your return time in mind at every stop. The boat is shared, and late arrivals can lose their tickets. At Blue Lagoon, stay near the pickup point and allow time to return from the water.

Finally, do not build a tight evening schedule around the advertised 4:45 p.m. return. The trip may run late, and one reported experience included a delayed pickup from Blue Lagoon. A little spare time will make the end of the day much less stressful.

Should you book the Gozo and Blue Lagoon powerboat?

Book it if you want to cover Gozo, Comino, and the Blue Lagoon in one energetic day, and you are happy to trade a full Gozo tour for two hours of independent time. The strong points are the fast shared boat, the efficient route, the long swimming stop, and the Comino caves on the way back.

Think twice if you dislike crowds, need a gentle ride, or want a carefully guided visit to Gozo. The $78 price is sensible for the transfers, but it is not an all-inclusive day. Add the Blue Lagoon pass, food, drinks, and any Gozo sightseeing costs when judging the final value.

For the right person, this is a practical way to sample Malta’s island coast without spending days arranging connections. Just arrive early, confirm your Blue Lagoon access, and treat the schedule as firm but not guaranteed to the minute.

FAQ

Where does the powerboat trip start?

The meeting point is at 8 ix-Xatt Ta’ San Ġorġ in St George’s Bay. 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 must arrive at the base at least 15 minutes before departure. The boat will not wait for late arrivals, and late passengers may lose their tickets.

How long is the trip to Gozo?

The transfer from St George’s Bay to Gozo takes about 30 to 35 minutes.

How much free time do I get in Gozo?

You get about two hours of free time in Gozo. Sightseeing and transport around Gozo are not included.

What time does the boat collect passengers from Gozo?

The scheduled collection from Gozo Harbour is at 1 p.m.

How long do I have at the Blue Lagoon?

You have about three hours at the Blue Lagoon for swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing.

Do I need a Blue Lagoon access pass?

Yes. Under the stated government policy, visitors must reserve access through the official Blue Lagoon website. You need a valid pass with correct details to enter.

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

You will not be allowed into the Blue Lagoon area and may be redirected to Santa Maria Bay, an alternative beach next to the Blue Lagoon.

Is food or drink included?

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

Is the boat private?

No. The powerboat is shared, and passengers must remain seated for the whole ride.