From St. Julian’s: Gozo, Comino, Blue Lagoon by Powerboat

The Blue Lagoon is the star here: clear cyan water, a pale sandy bottom, and a swim that feels wonderfully out of place in the Mediterranean. The powerboat makes it possible to combine that famous Comino stop with a quick taste of Gozo in one six-hour outing, without spending the day on a slow ferry.

I like two things right away. First, the boat ride is part of the fun, not just transport, with a brisk trip across the channel and a close look at Comino’s sea caves on the return. Second, you get genuine free time rather than a guide herding you from one photo stop to the next. The tradeoff is time: two hours in Gozo is enough for one focused plan, but not enough to see much of the island at a relaxed pace.

Key points to know before booking

• The route covers two islands in six hours: Gozo first, then Comino and the Blue Lagoon.
• The powerboat ride is quick and lively: Expect wind, spray, and a bumpy trip when the sea is rough.
• Gozo requires a plan: A taxi to Victoria, a quad-bike rental, or one selected sight works better than trying to see the whole island.
• The Blue Lagoon requires an access pass: Since May 2025, you need an afternoon government-issued pass to step ashore.
• There is no tour guide: You explore Gozo and Comino on your own during the scheduled stops.
• The cave visit depends on the weather: The boat visits the Comino Sea Caves on the return when conditions allow.

Why this powerboat trip works

At $77 per person, this is not the cheapest way to reach Gozo or Comino. It can be good value if you want both islands in one day and like the idea of a fast boat rather than a standard ferry or a large sightseeing vessel.

The price includes the powerboat between St. Julian’s, Gozo, and Comino, fuel, an experienced skipper, your two hours in Gozo, free time at the Blue Lagoon, and the sea caves on the way home. You still pay for food, drinks, taxis, activities, and any transport you arrange in Gozo.

That last point matters. This is a transport-focused outing with scenic stops, not a fully organized island tour. You are paying for access and speed, then making your own choices ashore. If that sounds liberating, the format works well. If you want historical explanations, a local guide, or a carefully planned Gozo route, you may find it too loose.

The experience has earned a 4.5 rating from 122 bookings, with especially strong praise for the captains and the fun of the boat itself. Captain Abe, Andre, Captain Mario, and other crew members have been singled out for being professional, friendly, and attentive. That is useful on a powerboat, where a capable skipper makes a real difference to comfort and confidence.

Finding the jetty in St. Julian’s

The departure point is behind the Verdi St. George’s Bay Marina Hotel, formerly the Marina Hotel Corinthia Beach Resort, at 8, Ix-Xatt Ta’ San Ġorġ.

The entrance is easy to miss if you expect a large marina ticket office. Look for the black iron gate near the entrance to the hotel’s underground parking area. Walk through it, go down the ramp, turn left, and follow the yellow line painted on the ground. That line leads to the jetty, where the boats and jet skis are parked.

The boat leaves at 10:30 AM and returns at about 4:30 PM. Give yourself time to find the gate and jetty, especially if you are unfamiliar with St. Julian’s. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you arrange your own way to the meeting point.

The operator offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure and allows you to reserve now and pay later. Those policies are handy when your Malta plans depend on the weather, but they do not remove the need to check the sea forecast. A powerboat trip can be uncomfortable in rough conditions, and departures may need to change when the sea is too bad.

The first crossing to Gozo

The opening ride takes you from St. Julian’s toward Mġarr Harbour, Gozo’s main port. The boat is quick, open, and more exciting than a standard ferry, but the speed comes with movement. On a calm day, you get a refreshing rush of air and a lively ride. On a choppy day, expect bumps.

The operator specifically advises motion sickness prevention, and that advice is worth taking seriously if you are prone to seasickness. Sit where you feel most stable, keep your sunglasses and hat secure, and bring sunscreen. You will be exposed to sun and wind for much of the day.

This is not a large coach-style boat with a guide narrating the route. You get an experienced skipper and the freedom to enjoy the crossing, but not a running commentary. That suits people who want scenery without a formal presentation.

Two hours around Mġarr Harbour and Gozo

You have roughly two hours in Gozo, arriving at Mġarr Harbour at about 11:00 AM and returning to the boat around 1:00 PM. Mġarr is attractive and useful as a starting point, but the main issue is distance. Gozo is much larger than Comino, and its best-known sights are not all within an easy walk of the harbour.

You need to choose one plan before you arrive. One practical option is a taxi to Victoria, also known as Rabat, followed by a short visit to the Citadel. One booking party paid about €5 per person for a taxi and arranged for the driver to collect them again at the harbour. That approach makes sense if you want a taste of Gozo’s inland character and wide views from the Citadel.

Another option is to hire quad bikes, which one group used to get beyond the port. This gives you more freedom, but the short stop still means you must watch the clock carefully. A sightseeing bus can be risky during this visit because delays or a slow route could leave you late for the powerboat.

You might also arrange a driver to visit selected sights such as the Blue Hole, the salt beds, and the Ġgantija Temples. These are very different kinds of stops, so pick based on your interests rather than trying to squeeze in all three. The temples require a planned transfer, and the Citadel is a better fit if you want a compact stop with views and a sense of Gozo’s old town.

The main weakness of the itinerary appears here. Two hours sounds generous until you include getting off the boat, arranging transport, reaching a sight, seeing it, returning to the harbour, and allowing a safety margin. Several people found that an extra hour in Gozo would have made the stop easier.

I would treat Gozo as a sampler, not a full island visit. If Gozo is your main reason for coming to Malta, spend a separate day there. If you mainly want the Blue Lagoon and enjoy a quick scenic side trip, two hours is workable.

The afternoon at Comino’s Blue Lagoon

After collecting you at Mġarr Harbour around 1:00 PM, the boat heads to Comino. The Blue Lagoon stop lasts until about 3:45 PM, giving you a substantial afternoon break.

The water is the reason to come. It is clear and bright, with a sandy bottom and marine life visible below the surface. You can swim, snorkel, sunbathe, walk through Comino’s countryside, or simply sit near the water and watch the boats move through the channel.

Bring your own towel, swimwear, sunscreen, sunglasses, and sun hat. Shade is limited, and the pale water and stone reflect plenty of sunlight. Food and drinks are not included, though they are available for purchase at the Blue Lagoon. There is also a place for left luggage, according to the supplied visitor information, which can help if you are carrying more than a small day bag.

The crucial new rule is the Blue Lagoon access pass. Since May 2025, anyone stepping ashore at the Blue Lagoon must obtain a government-issued pass in advance through blcomino.com. You need the afternoon time slot for this trip, and daily allocations are limited.

This is your responsibility, not something arranged by the boat operator. If you arrive without the correct pass, you will not be refunded for missing the Blue Lagoon landing. Instead, you will be taken to Santa Marija Bay on Comino. That alternative may still provide sea and scenery, but it is not the same as stepping ashore at the famous lagoon.

The other thing to understand is crowding. The Blue Lagoon is beautiful, but it is also one of Malta’s most popular swimming spots. In summer, finding a quiet patch of shore can be difficult, and personal space may be limited. The water can still be excellent, but the setting is not a secret cove.

For the best experience, bring realistic expectations. You are visiting a famous natural attraction during the warm season, not arriving at an empty beach. The clear water remains the main reward, and the three-hour stop gives you time to swim without rushing.

Comino’s sea caves on the return

At around 3:45 PM, you board the powerboat for St. Julian’s. When weather and sea conditions allow, the skipper takes you past and into the Comino Sea Caves before the final crossing.

This is a strong ending because it adds a sightseeing element to what would otherwise be a straightforward return trip. The boat can get close to the caves, giving you a better look at the rock openings and water than you would get from a distant ferry.

The cave visit is not guaranteed in poor weather. That is sensible, since the same rough conditions that make the ride uncomfortable can make a close approach unsafe. Think of it as a worthwhile bonus included in the route, not the one feature to book the trip around.

You should arrive back in St. Julian’s at approximately 4:30 PM. Delays are possible. On one trip, a boat-starting problem caused a return about 30 minutes late, though the issue was fixed promptly. Allow some flexibility if you have dinner plans, airport transfers, or another timed activity afterward.

Comfort, safety, and who should skip it

The powerboat is best for people who enjoy a brisk ride and can manage a few bumps. It is not suitable for children under three, pregnant women, people with back or heart problems, people with mobility impairments, wheelchair users, or people prone to seasickness or motion sickness.

You cannot bring pets, baby strollers, large bags, non-folding wheelchairs, baby carriages, or electric wheelchairs. Pack light. Comfortable shoes are useful for walking around Gozo and Comino, while swimwear and sun protection are essential.

The crew speaks English, and the skipper is your main point of contact. Since there is no guide, you need to keep track of the meeting times yourself. Pay close attention to the return instructions at both islands. Being independent is part of the appeal, but so is being punctual.

The ride can feel uncomfortable for anyone expecting a smooth, slow cruise. If you prefer stable transport, a larger boat may suit you better. If you like the feeling of speed and want to cover more water in less time, the powerboat is the better match.

Is $77 a fair price?

The value depends on how you would otherwise arrange the day. For $77, you get a six-hour route between three Malta locations, an experienced skipper, fuel, two island stops, and a sea-cave visit when conditions permit. The boat also saves you from organizing separate crossings between Malta, Gozo, and Comino.

You will spend extra on anything you do in Gozo, such as a taxi, driver, quad bike, food, or entry fees. You also need to arrange your own transport to St. Julian’s and obtain the Blue Lagoon pass yourself. Those costs and tasks should be part of your calculation.

I think the price is fair for a visitor staying around St. Julian’s who wants an active day with swimming and fast boat travel. It is less convincing if your priority is detailed Gozo sightseeing, generous time at each stop, or a quiet beach.

Should you book this Gozo and Comino trip?

Book it if you want a high-energy sampler of both sister islands, especially if you are staying near St. Julian’s and like swimming, sunshine, and open-water rides. The crew receives strong praise, the Blue Lagoon stop is long enough to feel worthwhile, and the sea caves add a pleasant extra.

Skip it if you are seasick, need accessible transport, dislike crowded swimming spots, or want to explore Gozo properly. Before paying, secure the afternoon Blue Lagoon access pass and decide exactly what you will do in your two hours at Gozo.

My practical choice would be a taxi to Victoria and the Citadel, or a prearranged driver for one selected group of sights. Do not count on seeing all of Gozo. Treat the island as a quick taste, then enjoy your unhurried swim at Comino.

FAQ

How long does the powerboat tour last?

The activity lasts about six hours. It departs St. Julian’s at approximately 10:30 AM and returns around 4:30 PM.

Where does the boat depart from?

The meeting point is the jetty behind the Verdi St. George’s Bay Marina Hotel in St. Julian’s, at 8, Ix-Xatt Ta’ San Ġorġ. Use the black iron gate near the underground parking entrance, follow the ramp, turn left, and follow the yellow line to the jetty.

How much free time do I get in Gozo?

You get about two hours at Mġarr Harbour, from approximately 11:00 AM until 1:00 PM.

Is this a guided tour?

No. There is no tour guide. You receive transport by powerboat and free time to explore Gozo and Comino independently.

Do I need a pass for the Blue Lagoon?

Yes. Since May 2025, you need a government-issued access pass to step ashore at the Blue Lagoon. Apply through blcomino.com and choose the afternoon slot.

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

You will be taken to Santa Marija Bay on Comino instead of stepping ashore at the Blue Lagoon. No refund is provided if you cannot access the lagoon because you did not obtain the required pass.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not included in the price, though they are available for purchase at the Blue Lagoon.

Can everyone take this powerboat tour?

No. The activity is not suitable for children under three, pregnant women, people with back or heart problems, people with mobility impairments, wheelchair users, or people prone to seasickness or motion sickness. Pets, strollers, large bags, and several types of wheelchairs are also not allowed.