Sliema: Comino Blue Lagoon Powerboat Tour with Comino Caves

The best part of this Comino outing is the powerboat ride itself. You race across the water from Sliema, music playing, with the boat pitching over the waves and stopping near Comino’s caves. It feels more like a short sea adventure than a simple ferry transfer.

I like the quick crossing, which can take about 25 to 30 minutes, and the generous time for swimming at Blue Lagoon. I also like the smaller boat, since it gives the captain room to point out the caves and keep the ride lively. The main catch is the lagoon’s popularity: four hours on a crowded, sunny shoreline can feel too long if you want shade, a soft place to sit, or peace and quiet.

Key points at a glance

• A fast Sliema departure: Meet at the Supreme Power Boats booth opposite McDonald’s at Sliema Ferries for an 11:00 departure.
• A lively ride to Comino: The boat is fast, bumpy, and often wet, with music throughout the journey.
• Cave viewing included: The route includes Santa Maria Caves and Crystal Lagoon caves, usually with time for photos.
• Long Blue Lagoon stop: Plan on about four hours for swimming, snorkeling, sunbathing, food, and a short walk.
• Crowds shape the experience: Blue Lagoon can be packed, with little shade and rocky places to sit.
• Best for active passengers: This suits people who enjoy speed and sea spray, but not children under three, pregnant women, or anyone with certain medical or mobility limits.

A speedboat start from Sliema

You meet at the Supreme Power Boats ticket booth at Sliema Ferries, opposite McDonald’s. The tour departs at 11:00, and the full outing lasts about six hours, though you should check the selected date for the exact starting time.

The Sliema location is useful if you are staying around Sliema, St. Julian’s, or nearby parts of Malta. There is no hotel pickup, so you need to make your own way to the ferry area. The tour returns to the same meeting point at the end.

Once aboard, the tone is clear: this is not a quiet sightseeing cruise. The boat uses speed and music to make the crossing part of the attraction. Captains such as Johnny have been praised for keeping the mood cheerful, explaining the seating, and making the trip feel safe while still giving it some edge.

The ride can be bumpy. That is a feature for some people and a warning for others. The back of the boat is generally less rough, according to the guidance given during the trip, while seats nearer the front can feel more exposed to the motion. You may also get sprayed, so wear beachwear and protect anything that should stay dry.

The crossing can be surprisingly quick, often around 25 to 30 minutes. That saves time compared with slower boats and leaves more of the day for Comino. The tradeoff is that the boat ride is active rather than restful. If you want to sit back in silence and watch Malta pass by, this is not the right vessel.

Santa Maria Caves and the Comino shoreline

Before settling at Blue Lagoon, the boat visits the caves around Comino. Santa Maria Caves is listed as a photo stop, and the route also includes the Crystal Lagoon caves. The captain may bring the boat close to the openings so you can photograph the rock walls and the clear water around them.

This part adds welcome variety. You are not simply dropped at the lagoon and left there. The caves show a quieter side of Comino, with low rock formations, narrow openings, and water that often looks especially clear from the boat.

Keep your expectations in check. A cave stop from a powerboat is a brief sightseeing visit, not a guided geological tour. One account described the cave portion as two short rounds with little to see, especially for anyone who has already visited Malta’s Blue Grotto. Another person reported that the planned cave visit did not happen on their departure.

That inconsistency is worth knowing. The experience includes a cave tour in its advertised program, but sea conditions, timing, or the captain’s route can affect what you see. Treat the caves as a bonus rather than the main reason to book. The powerboat crossing and the Blue Lagoon stop are the core of the day.

Four hours at Blue Lagoon

Comino’s Blue Lagoon is famous for its clear, pale water, and you get a long stop here, listed as about four hours, or around four and a half hours in the overall description. That gives you time to swim, snorkel, sunbathe, buy something to eat, and walk along the nearby paths.

The water is the star. You can spend a good part of the stop in the sea, and many people simply use the lagoon as a long swimming break. The shore also has food and drink vans, toilets, and lifeguards, so you do not need to pack a full picnic to get through the afternoon.

The difficult part is the ground. Comfortable seating is scarce, and the shore is largely made up of hard rock. Shade is limited, too. A small number of seats with umbrellas may be available for an extra charge, but they can fill quickly. If you expect a sandy beach with room to spread out, Blue Lagoon may disappoint.

Bring sturdy water shoes if you have them. Sharp or uneven rocks can make getting in and out awkward, and footwear also helps when walking around the shoreline. A towel, sunscreen, and a hat are sensible additions, though beachwear is the only item specifically required.

Four hours is generous for someone who wants to swim several times and explore the paths. It can feel excessive if you mainly want one swim and a quick look. Some people find that one and a half to two hours would be enough, especially when the lagoon is crowded. Others stay in the water much of the time and enjoy the long break.

You can use the time in different ways:

• Swim in the clear lagoon water.
• Snorkel from the rocky edge.
• Look for a place to sit in the sun.
• Walk along Comino’s paths for wider views.
• Buy food or drinks from the vendors.
• Spend the afternoon in the water if the shore becomes uncomfortable.

The timing matters. An earlier departure may make it easier to find a place near the water, while later periods can bring heavier crowds. This tour leaves Sliema at 11:00, so you should expect to reach Blue Lagoon after the morning rush has already begun.

What the music and speed add

The boat is often described as fast, loud, and bumpy, with music playing during the ride. Some people compare the sensation to a short theme-park attraction. That is a useful description: the journey is not just transport, but it is also not a calm cruise.

I like this setup if you want to reach Comino with some excitement. The ride gives the day a strong opening and ending, and the return crossing can be just as entertaining as the outward trip. Captains are expected to provide the safety equipment and explain basic instructions before departure.

The music may be too loud for some passengers. If you prefer conversation, quiet sightseeing, or a smooth crossing, look for a larger sightseeing boat instead. The same goes for anyone prone to motion sickness or uncomfortable with sudden movement.

The boat’s smaller size can work in your favor. It feels more personal than a packed ferry, and the captain can point out features along the coast. It also means the boat reacts more to waves. You gain speed and atmosphere, but you give up some stability.

How much value do you get for $68?

At $68 per person, the tour is not the cheapest way to reach Comino. The price includes the captain, safety equipment, fuel, liability insurance, local taxes, the Blue Lagoon stop, and the cave portion. It also includes the return trip to Sliema.

The value depends on what you want from the boat. If you only need transportation to Comino, a slower or simpler option may cost less. If you want a fast crossing, music, cave views, and a full half-day at Blue Lagoon, the package makes more sense.

I see the price as reasonable for someone who values the ride as much as the destination. You get roughly six hours away from Sliema, and the crossing is substantially more entertaining than a basic transfer. You will still need money for food, drinks, and any optional seating at the lagoon, and snorkeling equipment is not consistently supplied.

That last point is important. Snorkel gear is not included as a dependable part of the experience, and it may be available to rent once you reach Comino. If snorkeling matters to you, bring your own equipment or plan to rent it there. Do not assume that a mask and fins will be waiting on the boat.

The price also does not include hotel pickup. You need to reach the Sliema Ferries meeting point yourself and return from there after the tour. For people already based in Sliema, this is simple. For others, add local transport time and cost.

Who will enjoy this most?

I would recommend this trip to active adults, couples, and groups of friends who want a lively route to Comino. It works well if the boat ride sounds like part of your holiday rather than an unavoidable transfer.

You should be comfortable with:

• A fast boat and a rough ride.
• Music at a high volume.
• Getting wet from sea spray.
• Sitting on rocky ground at Blue Lagoon.
• Spending several hours in direct sun and open water.
• Making your own arrangements for food, drinks, and transport to Sliema.

This is not suitable for children under three, pregnant women, wheelchair users, people with back or heart problems, people recovering from recent surgery, or anyone over 95. You must also sign a waiver before boarding.

The boat is not designed for a passenger who needs easy wheelchair access. Even a person with limited mobility may find the boarding, movement, and rocky lagoon shore difficult. One captain made a special effort to help a passenger with poor mobility, but you should not assume that assistance removes the physical demands of the trip.

Language support is available in English, French, Italian, and Spanish. The captain is the key figure, since the experience relies on a good mix of safe driving, clear instructions, cave viewing, and a lively personality.

Practical tips for making the day easier

Wear swimwear from the start. You may get wet before you reach Comino, and changing facilities on a small powerboat are not part of the setup.

Bring a towel, water shoes, sunscreen, and a dry bag or waterproof case for your phone. The boat can be dry on one departure and spray-heavy on another, depending on the sea and where you sit.

If you want the gentlest ride, ask about the back seats. The front can provide a more thrilling view, but it also tends to feel rougher. You will need to follow the captain’s seating and safety instructions rather than choosing freely at every stage.

Bring cash or another payment method for food, drinks, and any paid umbrella seating at Blue Lagoon. The tour does not provide refreshments.

Do not plan a tight appointment immediately after the scheduled return. Sea conditions and loading times can affect the exact arrival, even though the advertised duration is six hours. The activity returns to the Supreme Power Boats booth in Sliema.

Finally, decide how you feel about crowds before booking. The water may be beautiful, but the famous lagoon can be densely packed. Walking some of Comino’s trails and spending more time swimming can make the long stop feel better than trying to claim a perfect patch of shore.

Should you book the Comino powerboat tour?

Book it if you want a thrilling ride, a quick crossing, and a long swim stop. The boat is the main attraction, and the combination of speed, music, cave viewing, and clear water gives you a full day out for the price.

Think twice if your ideal Comino visit means quiet coves, shade, comfortable loungers, or a short stop at the lagoon. Blue Lagoon can be crowded, seating is hard and exposed, and four hours may feel like a long time on the rocks.

For the best match, choose this tour because you enjoy the journey, not only because you want to see Blue Lagoon. Bring water shoes, your own snorkel gear if needed, and protection for your belongings. With those expectations, the trip offers a lively and practical way to reach Comino, with the powerboat ride likely to be your favorite part.

FAQ

Where does the tour start and finish?

The tour starts at the Supreme Power Boats ticket booth at Sliema Ferries, opposite McDonald’s. It ends back at the same meeting point in Sliema.

What time does the tour depart?

The stated departure time is 11:00. Check availability when booking because starting times can vary by date.

How long do I stay at Blue Lagoon?

You get about four hours for swimming, snorkeling, sunbathing, and exploring. The overall activity lasts about six hours, while the description gives the stop as roughly four and a half hours.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Snorkel equipment is not listed among the included items. It may be available to rent on Comino, so bring your own if snorkeling is important to you.

What languages are available?

The host or greeter can provide service in English, French, Italian, or Spanish.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The activity also offers reserve-now, pay-later booking.