Comino Blue Lagoon Tour by Powerboat

The best part of this Malta outing is the ride itself. You race north from Sliema in a sleek, 33-foot powerboat with twin 300-horsepower Yamaha engines, then reach Comino’s famous Blue Lagoon by sea. I like the fast, open-water crossing and the separate cruise through Comino’s sea caves, two features that make this more than a simple beach transfer.

I also like the generous stop at the lagoon, with about four hours for swimming, snorkeling, sunbathing, or walking around the island. The price of $60.15 per person is fair if you want transport, the speedboat trip, and the cave cruise in one package. The main caution is the sea: rough conditions can bring a slower return by cruise boat, and the bouncing ride may be hard on anyone with back trouble.

Key points to know before you book

• Twin 300-horsepower engines: The 33-foot Chaudron powerboat is built for speed, not a quiet harbor cruise.
• Four hours at Blue Lagoon: You have plenty of time to swim, sit in the sun, or explore Comino independently.
• Sea caves included: The boat takes you along Comino’s coast and into natural grottoes and arches.
• Pickup can simplify the day: Transfers are available from central Sliema, Valletta, Bugibba, and selected resorts.
• Food is not included: Bring your own drinks and snacks, since the package covers the boat services but not meals.
• Weather affects the ride: Wind and swell may change the return boat, even if the tour still operates.

The Sliema start and the 11 a.m. schedule

The tour begins at 11 a.m. from Sliema Ferry. You can make your own way to the pier, or use the pickup service if you are staying in central Sliema, Valletta, Bugibba, or another selected location.

That choice matters. If you are already near Sliema, meeting at the ferry is likely the simplest plan. If you are staying farther away, pickup saves you from arranging your own bus or taxi, but communication about pickup times deserves attention. Confirm the time carefully, especially if you are using the transfer service. A previous scheduling mix-up was corrected only after repeated contact the evening before departure.

The exact start point is practical rather than scenic. Allow enough time to find Sliema Ferry and get settled before departure. You will receive confirmation when you book, and the activity ends back at the meeting point after the return ride.

The advertised group maximum is 22 people, while the powerboat is described as a 20-seater. Either way, this is a small-group boat trip compared with the large harbor and island cruises common around Malta. Space is still limited, so do not expect to spread out with a large beach bag or lots of equipment.

A powerboat built for speed

Once aboard, you receive a safety briefing before heading out past Malta’s coast. The boat is a 33-foot, 10-meter Chaudron, a Malta-based boat design known for high-performance craft. Its twin Yamaha 300-horsepower engines explain the character of the ride: this is a lively run across open water, with spray, quick acceleration, and plenty of movement when the sea is not calm.

I like this part because the crossing becomes part of the attraction. You see Malta from the water, including views toward Valletta, then leave the busy harbor behind as the boat heads toward Comino, the small island between Malta and Gozo.

The ride is not ideal for everyone. You should have a moderate level of physical fitness, and the front seats can take the hardest impact when the boat hits waves. One useful piece of advice is to avoid this tour if you have back problems. Even fit passengers may feel stiff afterward, particularly on a windy day.

A calm sea can make the powerboat feel thrilling and smooth. A rough sea changes the equation. You may still enjoy the speed, but the ride becomes more tiring, and spray and bouncing are part of the bargain. Wear clothing that can handle salt water, and protect anything you do not want wet.

Arriving at Comino’s Blue Lagoon

Comino’s Blue Lagoon is the visual prize of the outing. The inlet is framed by pale rock and sand, with shallow water that appears bright turquoise in good conditions. The sheltered setting makes it an appealing place to swim and snorkel, and the clear water is the main reason people come here.

You have about four hours to use as you wish. You can swim from the shore, sunbathe, look for nearby coves, or walk around parts of Comino. This independence is useful because not everyone wants the same island day. Some people will head straight for the water, while others will prefer a slow lunch break and a walk.

The drawback is that the Blue Lagoon can feel very crowded. The boat drops you into a popular spot rather than a quiet corner of Comino, and the first few minutes may feel disorienting if you do not know where to go. Take a moment to get your bearings, choose a meeting point, and keep track of the time.

The long stop is both a strength and a weakness. Four hours gives you room to swim without rushing, but it can feel excessive if you are mainly interested in the boat ride and caves. If you tire of sitting by the lagoon, use the time to explore nearby coves or walk on Comino instead of treating the whole stop as a beach session.

Bring your own food and drinks. They are not included in the $60.15 price, and the supplied information does not promise a meal or refreshments. Water is especially important during a long outdoor stop. A towel, swimsuit, hat, sunscreen, and secure footwear will also make the day easier, though these items are not provided as part of the tour.

Cruising into Comino’s sea caves

The cave trip is a separate highlight and helps justify choosing this experience over a basic water taxi. The boat follows Comino’s rocky coast, then cruises into and around natural sea caves and arches. You remain aboard, so the focus is on views and photographs rather than walking through the caves.

The powerboat works well here because it can move along the coast quickly and approach the openings from the water. Have your camera ready, but keep a firm grip on your phone. Boat movement, spray, and bright sunlight can make photography tricky.

The cave cruise also gives you a different view of Comino. At the lagoon, you are looking outward from shore. Along the coast, you see the island’s rock formations from sea level, with the boat slipping under or beside natural openings. It is a short addition compared with the long lagoon stop, but it adds shape to the day and keeps the outing from becoming a simple drop-off and pickup.

The order of the cave cruise and beach time can vary with operating conditions. The key point is that the cave tour is included in the boat outing, not an optional extra that you must buy once you reach Comino.

The return ride and the weather question

The plan is to return to Sliema by powerboat, with drop-off at the original pickup point if you used a transfer. But sea conditions can affect this part of the day.

On rougher days, the operator may use a slower cruise boat for the return. This can be less exciting than the morning ride, and the layout may restrict where you can sit or move. If the sea is too lively for the powerboat, safety and operating limits take priority, but you should understand that the return may not match the outbound experience.

For the best chance of enjoying the full-speed return, choose a day with lighter wind when possible. That is not a guarantee, since weather can change, but it is a sensible planning tip. If you are prone to motion sickness, the combination of a fast crossing, several hours in the sun, and a possible slow boat back deserves some thought.

The weather policy is clear: if poor weather causes cancellation, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. The same applies if the minimum number of bookings is not reached. For your own cancellation, cancel at least 24 hours before the 11 a.m. start time to receive a full refund. Changes or cancellations inside that window are not accepted for a refund.

Is $60.15 a good value?

At $60.15, this tour sits in a reasonable middle ground for a half-day Malta boat outing. You are paying for the round-trip powerboat, the cave cruise, local taxes, and several hours at one of Malta’s most famous swimming spots. Pickup from selected areas adds practical value if you would otherwise need to arrange transport.

The value is strongest for someone who wants variety. In one outing, you get a high-speed coastal ride, views toward Valletta, a Comino landing, free time at the Blue Lagoon, and a cave cruise. A simple transfer might cost less, but it would not include the same boat experience or coastal sightseeing.

The value is weaker if you dislike crowded swimming areas or do not want four hours of free time. You are not receiving a guided walking tour of Comino, a meal, or included drinks. Much of the island stop is self-directed, so you should be comfortable making your own plan.

The 3.9 rating from 31 published ratings reflects that split. The most positive experiences focus on the speed, the caves, the beauty of the lagoon, and friendly, capable crew members. The serious problems involve overbooking, poor customer service, pickup communication, and an unexpected boat change on the return. Those are not minor concerns, so I would confirm the pickup details and arrive early rather than treating the booking as completely hands-off.

Who will enjoy this Comino outing?

This is a good fit for you if you want an active boat day rather than a quiet beach transfer. The powerboat is the main event, and the lagoon stop gives you enough time to swim and relax after the crossing.

You will probably enjoy it most if you:

• Like fast boats and sea spray
• Want to see Comino’s caves from the water
• Prefer a self-guided island stop
• Are happy to bring your own food and drinks
• Can handle a moderately physical ride
• Want pickup options from several Malta locations

I would choose something calmer if you have back problems, dislike rough water, or want a fully guided day with a fixed program. I would also think twice if your main goal is a peaceful Blue Lagoon visit. The lagoon is popular, and the long free period may feel slow once you have swum and taken photos.

Families and mixed-age groups can find the flexible stop useful, but the powerboat itself is the deciding factor. Some people love the speed. Others would prefer a steadier vessel. Explain that difference before booking so nobody is surprised when the boat begins to bounce.

Practical ways to make the day better

Arrive prepared for both a beach stop and a fast sea crossing. Wear swimwear under comfortable clothes, and keep sun protection close at hand rather than buried in a bag. You may want a waterproof pouch for your phone and money.

Bring enough water and food for the island stop. The tour includes no food or drinks, and four hours is a long time to spend outdoors without supplies. You can decide how much to carry, but avoid bringing bulky luggage onto a small boat.

If you are sensitive to motion, sit where the movement feels manageable and look toward the horizon during the crossing. The front of the boat can feel especially rough when the sea is up. A calm-weather forecast is worth seeking out, both for comfort and for the best chance of returning by powerboat.

Set a clear personal plan for the Blue Lagoon. You might swim first, then walk and take photos, or explore before the hottest part of the afternoon. Do not assume the stop will feel organized for you once you step ashore. The freedom is part of the appeal, but you need to manage your own time.

Should you book the Comino Blue Lagoon powerboat tour?

Book it if you want the journey to be as memorable as the destination. The twin-engine powerboat, Comino cave cruise, and long Blue Lagoon stop create a lively six-hour outing at a reasonable price. The highest praise is reserved for the speed, the caves, the lagoon, and the friendly crew, and those are the parts most likely to make your day.

Skip it if you need a gentle ride, guaranteed powerboat transport in both directions, or a quiet lagoon with little crowding. Before booking, confirm pickup details, check the wind forecast, and accept that the return vessel may change in rough seas. For the right person, this is an exciting way to see Comino. For someone seeking comfort and calm, it may feel like too much boat and too much free time.

FAQ

Where does the tour start?

The tour starts at Sliema Ferry in Sliema, Malta, at 11 a.m. Pickup is also available from central Sliema, Valletta, Bugibba, and selected island locations.

How long does the experience last?

The experience lasts approximately six hours, including the powerboat ride, the Comino sea cave cruise, and about four hours at the Blue Lagoon.

Is food or drink included?

No. Food and drinks are not included, so you should bring your own provisions for the Comino stop.

Is the cave tour included in the price?

Yes. The Comino sea cave tour is included, along with the powerboat tour and local taxes.

How many people can join the tour?

The activity has a maximum of 22 people. The powerboat is described as a 20-seater.

What happens if bad weather cancels the tour?

If poor weather causes cancellation, you will be offered a different date or a full refund. The experience may also be canceled if its minimum number of participants is not reached, with the same options available.