St Julians: Powerboat Gozo, Comino and Blue Lagoon

The best part of this day is the amount of ground you cover by boat. From St George’s Bay, you reach Gozo in about 30 to 35 minutes, then continue to Comino and the Blue Lagoon without spending the day on slow road transfers.

I like the two-hour break in Gozo, which gives you room to explore at your own pace. I also like the generous three-hour stop at the Blue Lagoon, long enough for a proper swim rather than a quick photo stop. The main drawback is that this is a fast, shared boat ride with a firm schedule, not a relaxed private cruise.

Key points at a glance

• Fast transfer to Gozo: Reach Gozo by powerboat in roughly 30 to 35 minutes.
• Two islands in one day: Combine Gozo and Comino without arranging separate ferries.
• Two hours in Gozo: You have free time rather than a guided sightseeing program.
• Three hours at Blue Lagoon: Swim, snorkel, and sunbathe with plenty of time on shore.
• Comino cave visit: The return route includes a look at Comino’s caves from the boat.
• Strict meeting rules: Arrive at least 15 minutes early because the boat will not wait for late arrivals.

A fast island day from St George’s Bay

This tour is built around speed and simple timing. You meet 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 painted on the jetty.

That last detail matters. The departure point is not simply a broad beach where you can wander around and hope to spot the boat. Give yourself time to find the gate and jetty, especially if you are unfamiliar with St Julians.

You need to be at the base at least 15 minutes before departure. The boat leaves on schedule, and a late arrival means losing the ticket. I would treat the meeting time as a firm appointment, not a suggestion.

The host speaks English, and the boat is shared rather than private. You remain seated for the full ride, so this suits you if you enjoy a brisk crossing and do not need the freedom to move around while underway.

The powerboat ride to Gozo

The first crossing takes about 30 to 35 minutes. The operator describes this as the fastest powerboat in Malta, and the experience is clearly designed to get you from one island to the next quickly.

That speed is useful. A slower boat could eat up a large part of your day, while this route leaves substantial time for Gozo and Comino. One French customer compared the ride to a good amusement-park attraction, which gives you a fair idea of its character: lively, exposed to the motion of the sea, and more about getting there with a bit of excitement than sitting quietly on a large ferry.

You should expect to stay seated throughout the crossing. The ride may not suit you if you have back problems, heart problems, a pre-existing medical condition, or strong sensitivity to boat motion. Pregnant women are not permitted, and children under five are not suitable for this activity.

Bring beachwear, a towel, and sunscreen. You will want them later at Blue Lagoon, but sunscreen is also sensible for the open boat sections, where shade may be limited.

Two free hours on Gozo

The boat takes you to Gozo, where you have about two hours of free time. This is an important point: sightseeing in Gozo is not included, and no specific Gozo attraction or guided route is provided.

You get the freedom to use the time as you wish, but you also carry the responsibility for using it well. Two hours is enough for a short walk, a meal, a look around the harbor area, or a quick visit to something close by. It is not enough for a broad tour of Gozo’s villages and major sights.

I like this pause because it breaks up the boat travel. You are not rushed directly from one swimming stop to another, and you can experience a little of Gozo on your own terms. If you enjoy independent exploring, this is a useful slice of free time.

If you prefer a guide explaining the island, you may find the stop too open-ended. Food and drinks are not included, so plan to pay for anything you want during this break. Keep your return time in mind, since the boat is scheduled to collect you from Gozo Harbour at around 1 p.m.

The timing also means you should not stray far from the port. Missing the pickup is a serious problem on a shared excursion, and there is no promise that the boat can return for you.

Blue Lagoon and three hours in the water

After leaving Gozo, the powerboat takes about 10 minutes to reach Comino’s Blue Lagoon. This is the day’s main swimming stop, with roughly three hours for swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing.

That long stop is one of the strongest features of the trip. You can get into the water, dry off, take a break, and swim again without watching the clock every few minutes. A short boat stop often feels like a rushed dip; three hours gives you a more useful beach day.

The water is the main attraction here. Bring your own towel and sunscreen, and wear beachwear under anything you use for the boat ride. Food and drink are not included, so budget separately for refreshments.

There is also a new access rule to handle before you arrive. Under the government policy issued on April 29, 2025, all visitors to the Blue Lagoon must reserve access through the official website at blcomino.com/product/blue-lagoon/. Your pass details must be correct, too.

Without a valid pass, you will not be allowed into the Blue Lagoon area. In that case, the operator redirects you to Santa Maria Bay, the nearby alternative beach. This makes the official reservation an essential part of your planning, not an optional extra.

The access rule adds a small task to a simple day trip, but it is easy to overlook. Check the official pass requirement before departure and make sure the details match your booking. If your plan depends entirely on swimming at Blue Lagoon, do not leave this until the morning of the trip.

Comino’s caves on the return route

At around 4 p.m., the boat collects you from Blue Lagoon and visits the caves in Comino before heading back to St George’s Bay. The cave visit is made from the boat, so you should think of it as a short coastal sight rather than a separate cave excursion on foot.

This is a nice way to use the return journey. After three hours by the water, you get one more feature of Comino before the final crossing. The schedule allows about 25 minutes for the boat ride back, with arrival in St George’s Bay at around 4:45 p.m.

The published timing deserves your attention. One booking ended badly when the passenger understood that the boat would leave at 4:45 p.m., while the actual pickup apparently happened later. The practical lesson is simple: listen carefully to the boat staff’s instructions at Blue Lagoon and confirm exactly where and when you must meet the boat.

Do not wander off assuming the stated time is flexible. Stay near the agreed pickup area and ask the host to repeat the return time if anything is unclear. A short conversation can save you from spending the afternoon trying to work out what happened.

What $78 gets you

At $78 per person, the value comes from transport and time saved. The price includes the powerboat from St George’s Bay to Gozo, the transfer from Gozo to Blue Lagoon, the return trip, free time on both islands, and the Comino cave visit.

You are effectively buying a one-day island-hopping route without having to coordinate several public boats. That is useful if you are staying in St Julians and want a compact way to see Gozo and Comino in a single day.

The price does not cover meals, drinks, or sightseeing in Gozo. It also does not turn Gozo into a guided tour. If you want a driver, a private boat, or a detailed explanation of the island, you should compare this with a more structured excursion.

For a traveler who mainly wants sea time and simple transfers, the price is easier to justify. Three hours at Blue Lagoon is a substantial stop, and the Gozo break gives you a second island rather than treating the whole day as one beach visit.

The shared boat keeps the experience less personal. You are paying for an efficient route, not exclusivity. That distinction is central to deciding if the tour fits you.

Who will enjoy this tour most

I would recommend this trip to you if you want a full day around Malta’s northern islands but do not want to plan the connections yourself. It works especially well if your priority is swimming, sun, and a quick look at Gozo rather than detailed cultural sightseeing.

It also suits people who like a lively ride. The powerboat is the point here, and the fast crossings make the day feel active. The English-speaking host provides the basic support you need, while the free-time stops leave the day fairly open.

Families need to read the age rules carefully. Children under five are not suitable, and children under 10 must be accompanied by an adult aged 18 or older. The boat is not suitable for wheelchair users or people with mobility impairments.

I would be cautious about booking if you have back or heart problems, are pregnant, or have another medical condition that could make a fast boat ride difficult. Passengers must remain seated, and the company places responsibility on you to follow the conditions of the activity.

How to prepare for a smoother day

Arrive early, wear practical beach clothing, and pack the items you will actually use. Your short checklist is:

• Towel
• Sunscreen
• Beachwear
• Money for food and drinks
• Your Blue Lagoon access pass

Keep your belongings compact. You will move between the jetty, boat, Gozo, and the beach, so a small bag is easier than a large suitcase.

Plan your expectations for Gozo. You have two hours of free time, not a guided island tour. Decide in advance if you want a quick meal, a short walk, or a simple look around the harbor area.

At Blue Lagoon, protect the three-hour stop by keeping an eye on the pickup instructions. The boat will not wait for late arrivals at the start, and you should be just as careful at the return meeting point.

The activity offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure and a reserve-now, pay-later option. Starting times vary by availability, so check the schedule when booking.

Should you book the St Julians powerboat day?

Book it if you want two islands, one swimming stop, and fast boat transfers in a single day. The route is efficient, the three hours at Blue Lagoon are generous, and the Gozo stop gives you room to explore independently.

Skip it if you want a quiet cruise, a private boat, or a guided tour of Gozo. The ride is shared, passengers remain seated, the schedule is firm, and the Blue Lagoon access pass requires extra planning.

For most active visitors who value time in the water over detailed sightseeing, $78 is a fair price for the route. Just arrive early, arrange the Blue Lagoon pass, and confirm the return pickup time before you leave the boat.

FAQ

Where does the powerboat leave from?

The meeting point is 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 painted on the jetty.

How long do I get in Gozo?

You have about two hours of free time in Gozo. Sightseeing in Gozo is not included, so you decide how to use the break.

How long do I get at Blue Lagoon?

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

Do I need a Blue Lagoon pass?

Yes. Under the government policy issued on April 29, 2025, visitors must reserve access through the official Blue Lagoon website. Anyone without a valid pass, or with incorrect pass details, will be redirected to Santa Maria Bay.

Is food included?

No. Food and drinks are not included, so bring money or make your own arrangements.

Is the boat suitable for everyone?

No. The activity is not suitable for children under five, pregnant women, people with back, heart, or other pre-existing medical conditions, people with mobility impairments, or wheelchair users. Children under 10 must be accompanied by an adult aged 18 or older.