Comino Blue Lagoon Tour by Powerboat

The best part of this Comino trip is the ride itself. You leave Sliema in a sleek 20-seat powerboat, pass Malta’s coast, and then race across open water toward Comino. The boat is built by Malta’s Chaudron and packs twin 300hp Yamaha engines, so this is much more than a slow harbor cruise. The high-speed run is the main event, not just transportation.

I like the combination of speed and scenery, followed by a long stop at the Blue Lagoon. I also like that the sea-cave visit is included rather than left as an optional extra. The main caution is comfort: rough water can make the ride hard on your back, and poor sea conditions may mean returning on a slower cruise boat instead of the powerboat.

Key points to know before booking

• Twin 300hp engines: The 33-foot powerboat delivers a lively, fast ride across the channel to Comino.
• About four hours at the Blue Lagoon: You have time to swim, snorkel, sunbathe, and explore at your own pace.
• Sea caves included: The boat makes a separate run along Comino’s coast to natural grottoes and rock arches.
• Pickup can simplify the day: Transfers are available from central Sliema, Valletta, Bugibba, and selected resorts.
• A small boat with a lively ride: The boat carries up to 20 people, while the full activity has a maximum of 22.
• Weather matters: Wind and swell can change the return boat and the comfort of the crossing.

From Sliema Ferry to open water

The tour begins at Sliema Ferry at 11:00 am, unless you arrange pickup from one of the listed collection points. You can also make your own way to the pier. That choice is useful if you are staying in Sliema and want to keep the morning simple, while pickup may save time if you are based in Valletta, Bugibba, or another supported location.

The boat is a 33-foot, or 10-meter, Chaudron powerboat. It has room for 20 people and uses twin Yamaha 300hp engines. Chaudron is a Malta-based builder, and the boat design has a sporting pedigree, with championship wins in the Powerboat PI Supersport competition in 2007 and 2008.

That information matters because you are not booking a standard sightseeing ferry. The ride is built around speed, open water, and the feeling of skimming across the waves. After a safety briefing, you head out with views toward Valletta before making for Comino, the small island between Malta and Gozo.

I would choose a calm day if you can. On a smooth sea, the powerboat can be exhilarating. With wind and swell, the same speed can mean a hard ride, especially for anyone with back problems. One detailed account described strong back soreness after sitting toward the front, so I would take that warning seriously and consider asking the crew about the most comfortable seating area.

The powerboat ride to Comino

The crossing gives you a different view of Malta than a road trip or a large ferry. From the water, the coast opens up as you leave the harbor, and the boat’s speed lets you cover the distance quickly. You feel the spray, hear the engines, and bounce across the waves as Comino comes closer.

This is the part I would value most if you enjoy boats for their own sake. A standard ferry gets you to Comino, but it does not offer the same quick turns, acceleration, or low-to-the-water feel. The tradeoff is that a powerboat is less forgiving in rough conditions. If you want a soft, quiet ride, this is probably the wrong transport.

The boat has a maximum of 20 seats, and the total activity is limited to 22 people. That is considerably smaller than a large excursion vessel. Still, a full boat can feel close-packed, especially when everyone is carrying towels, bags, and swimming gear. The small size helps with the ride and cave viewing, but it does not guarantee solitude at the Blue Lagoon itself.

Four hours beside the Blue Lagoon

Once you reach Comino, you go ashore for independent time at the Blue Lagoon. The inlet is known for clear turquoise shallows, rocky edges, and sheltered water. The plan allows roughly four hours here, giving you far more time than a quick photo stop.

You can swim, snorkel, sunbathe, or walk around nearby coves. No guided program fills every minute, so you need to be comfortable making your own plan. I like that freedom. You can get in the water immediately, find a place to sit, or use the time for photographs instead of being hurried from one stop to the next.

The catch is that the Blue Lagoon is a major attraction, not a private swimming cove. At busy times, the shore and water can feel crowded. The bright water is the reason to come, but the setting can be less peaceful than its name suggests. Bring realistic expectations: you are visiting one of Malta’s best-known swimming spots, not discovering an empty island inlet.

You should also plan your own food and drinks because they are not included. The supplied details do not specify meal arrangements at Comino, so do not assume lunch is part of the package. A towel, swimwear, sun protection, and water are sensible choices for several hours beside the sea.

The long stop works best for people who like unstructured time. If you want a tightly guided tour with constant commentary and scheduled stops, four hours may feel excessive. One account found the time at the lagoon too long, while other experiences appreciated having enough time to explore Comino. Your ideal length depends on how much you enjoy swimming and sitting by the water.

Comino’s sea caves by boat

During the Comino stop, the boat also takes you along the island’s coast to its sea caves. You cruise into and around natural grottoes and rock arches, with the chance to take photos from the boat.

This part adds welcome variety. The Blue Lagoon is about water and shore time, while the cave trip gives you a moving view of Comino’s rock formations. You do not need to arrange a second boat or pay a separate cave-tour charge. The cave tour is included in the stated price.

Your viewing experience will depend on the sea and the boat’s exact route. The information does not promise that the boat enters every cave in all conditions, so treat this as a coastal boat tour rather than a guaranteed close approach to every grotto. Still, including it makes the six-hour outing feel more complete than a simple transfer to the lagoon.

Keep your phone or camera secure. The boat may move quickly, and spray is part of the experience. You will want photographs, but the ride is not the place for loose belongings.

What the $60.15 price really covers

At $60.15 per person, the price covers the round-trip powerboat experience, the Comino sea-cave tour, and local taxes. Pickup and return service are available from Valletta, Bugibba, central Sliema, and selected island locations, which can add practical value if you would otherwise need to arrange transport to Sliema Ferry.

The price is strongest for someone who specifically wants a fast boat and a long Blue Lagoon stop. You are paying for two distinct elements: the high-speed crossing and the included cave route. If you only want to reach Comino as cheaply as possible, a basic ferry may make more sense. If you want a more exciting ride and do not mind paying extra for it, this package has a clear purpose.

Food and drinks are excluded. That keeps the base price easy to understand, but it means your actual day will cost more if you buy refreshments or need additional transport outside the listed pickup area. I would compare the total cost, not just the advertised fare.

The service has received a mixed overall score of 3.9 from 31 ratings. The most positive experiences focus on the speed, the caves, the clear water, and friendly captains. One Italian-language account described the boat ride as exceptionally fast and memorable, while another praised the captain and the amount of time available around Comino.

The negative experiences are more serious. One person described a dispute with a crewman after the return journey changed from the powerboat to a slower company cruise boat. Another reported arriving for a booked departure and being told the boat was overbooked, with a disagreement about a refund. These accounts do not establish that such problems are routine, but they are important reasons to confirm your pickup and departure details before the day.

Weather, seating, and the return journey

The activity requires good weather. If conditions force cancellation, you are offered another date or a full refund. The same weather issue can affect the return even when the morning crossing goes ahead.

Wind and swell may lead the operator to substitute a slower cruise boat for the powerboat on the way back. This possibility matters if the speedboat is the main reason you are booking. It also changes the comfort and atmosphere of the final leg. A slower vessel may be easier on your back, but it will not feel like the same ride.

The boat operator’s decision will depend on sea conditions. You should not assume that a powerboat used in the morning will also be used in the afternoon. If that change would ruin the experience for you, check the forecast and consider choosing a day with lighter wind. The supplied information specifically warns that weather can affect the return arrangement.

The physical demand is moderate, according to the tour details. That does not mean you need athletic ability, but you should be comfortable boarding a small boat, sitting through a fast ride, and spending time around the shore. Anyone with back problems should think carefully about the seating and the effect of repeated bumps.

The activity is mobile-ticket friendly, and confirmation is provided at booking. Cancellation is free if you cancel at least 24 hours before the 11:00 am start. Changes or cancellations inside that window are not accepted for a refund, except when the operator cancels for poor weather or because the minimum number of participants is not reached.

Who will enjoy this Comino trip

I would recommend this outing to you if you want more action than a ferry offers and like having several hours to use as you please. It suits couples, friends, and confident swimmers who want the Blue Lagoon as the main destination but also want the crossing to be part of the fun.

It is also a practical choice if pickup from Valletta, Bugibba, or a selected resort fits your plans. The return to the original meeting point or pickup area helps keep the day straightforward, though you should confirm the exact pickup time because communication about transfers has not always been smooth.

I would be more cautious if you have back or neck problems, dislike spray and bouncing, or need a quiet boat ride. I would also skip it if you want a deserted beach. The Blue Lagoon can be crowded, and the long independent stop may feel like too much time if swimming is not your main interest.

Families and mixed groups need to agree on expectations. The ride can be the highlight for one person and the uncomfortable part for another. Since the tour does not include food or a structured shore program, everyone should be happy with swimming, sunbathing, and exploring on their own.

Should you book the powerboat to Comino?

Book it if you want the journey to feel exciting, not merely functional. The Chaudron powerboat, twin Yamaha engines, Blue Lagoon swimming time, and included cave tour make this a fuller experience than a simple boat transfer. At $60.15, it offers fair value when you will use both the fast ride and the long stop.

Before paying, check three things: the weather forecast, your comfort with a small fast boat, and the pickup details. Choose a calm day, avoid the front if you are sensitive to jolts, and do not count on the return being by powerboat in rough conditions.

My final call is favorable for active visitors who want speed and free time. It is not the best match for anyone seeking peace, guaranteed transport by the same vessel, or a private-feeling Blue Lagoon visit. Go for the ride, the water, and the caves, and treat the weather as part of the decision.

FAQ

Where does the tour start?

The listed meeting point is Sliema Ferry in Sliema, Malta. The scheduled start time is 11:00 am.

Can I arrange pickup instead of going to Sliema Ferry?

Yes. Pickup and drop-off are available from central Sliema, Valletta, Bugibba, and selected locations around the island.

How long does the experience last?

The tour lasts approximately six hours.

How much time do I get at the Blue Lagoon?

You can expect about four hours at the Blue Lagoon for swimming, snorkeling, sunbathing, and independent exploration.

Is the sea-cave tour included?

Yes. A boat tour along Comino’s coast to its natural sea caves and rock arches is included.

Is food included in the price?

No. Food and drinks are not included.

How many people can join the tour?

The powerboat has 20 seats, and the activity has a maximum group size of 22 people.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The experience requires good weather. If it is canceled because of poor conditions, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.

Can I cancel for a refund?

Yes. You can cancel at least 24 hours before the local start time for a full refund. Cancellations and changes made less than 24 hours before the start are not accepted for a refund.