Sliema: Boat Trip to Comino Blue Lagoon, Gozo, and Caves

This is the kind of Malta day that moves fast and pays off in clear water. You start in Sliema, speed to Comino’s lagoons, stop for swimming and snorkeling, then go on to Gozo spots and Comino caves, all in about 5 hours with shade onboard. If you like coastline scenery plus real sea time, this itinerary fits the bill.

My favorite parts are (1) the chance to swim more than once, including Crystal Lagoon and Comino Blue Lagoon, and (2) having a free snorkeling mask for the day without needing to plan gear. The one thing to consider is that conditions can get choppy in windier weather, and some swim stops can feel busy, so it helps to arrive in a good mood and be flexible.

Key things I’d circle before you book

• Multiple swim stops: Crystal Lagoon, Comino Blue Lagoon, and a Gozo swim near Halfa Rock
• Snorkeling mask included: you get the mask for the day, plus onboard help for water buoyancy (like noodles)
• A real Comino Island pause: bird sanctuary and natural reserve time to walk, look at dunes, and spot native vegetation
• Caves from the water: Comino coastal caves and limestone scenery seen at speed, from the sea
• Captain Tony energy: lots of local stories and humor from Captain Tony, with Raphael handling guest help on board

Why This Sliema to Comino and Gozo Speedboat Works So Well

This is not a sit-and-stare cruise. It’s a powerboat day built around what Malta does best: short travel stretches paired with big water moments. You get sea views out of Sliema’s harbor area, then the trip shifts into open-coast scenery, where limestone and color show up fast.

I also like that the pace is practical. A lot of half-day boat options fail because they spend too much time commuting or waiting. Here, you get several chances to get wet, plus time to cool down in shade on the boat.

The ideal mindset? Think of it as a sequence of swim breaks, not a single long beach day.

Meet Captain Tony and Raphael, the Secret Sauce of the Day

One reason people keep mentioning this trip is the on-board team. Captain Tony runs the day with a high-energy style, and his deckhand Raphael helps keep things moving smoothly. You’ll notice the difference quickly: instructions are clear, timing is organized, and the group stays engaged.

This matters more than it sounds. With boat trips, you’re always juggling the same basics: where to sit, when to get ready for water stops, how to handle boarding safely, and what to watch for. A captain who keeps the rhythm makes the whole day feel less chaotic.

And yes, the boat includes entertainment, including music onboard. It’s not a museum lecture. It’s a day out on the water with stories tied to what you can actually see.

Price and What You Really Get for $47 in a 5-Hour Day

At $47 per person for a 5-hour outing, the value comes from the mix: transport plus multiple swim stops plus snorkeling masks. If you try to recreate this yourself, you’d likely spend time and money just figuring out how to reach Comino, then pay for separate boat tickets or pay for masks somewhere.

What’s included:

• Boat transport from Malta to Comino areas
• Snorkeling masks

What’s not included:

• Food and drinks
• Towels

So the practical takeaway is simple. Budget for a towel and whatever you want to eat or drink, but you can plan around the fact that the “big ticket” items on the sea portion are already covered. That’s why this price tends to feel fair, even compared with longer trips.

The Route From Sliema Ferries: St Paul’s Island Views and the First Swim

The trip starts at Sliema Ferries on a powerboat. As you head out, you’ll get coastal views out toward St Paul’s Island, which is a nice visual warm-up before you’re focused on water color and swimming.

Then the day moves quickly to its first water stop: Crystal Lagoon. This is where the trip shows its logic. You get an early taste of Comino’s sea conditions with a short swim from the boat. It’s a good setup if you’re not sure you want to commit all your time to one single bay.

A small but useful tip: if you want the smoothest entry and exit, follow the crew’s timing and don’t sprint for the water. Jumping is fun, but the orderly process is what keeps the stop quick and safe.

Crystal Lagoon vs Comino Blue Lagoon: How to Think About Each Stop

Crystal Lagoon and Comino Blue Lagoon both deliver that clear-water look people come for. The difference is how you experience them.

Crystal Lagoon feels like the “arrive and reset” stop. It’s typically shorter, so it works well when you want to swim and snorkel without burning all your energy too early.

Comino Blue Lagoon is the bigger moment. You can disembark for time on land, and you also get a chance to swim and snorkel in the bay. This is often the emotional highlight of the day because the color reads as almost unreal when the light hits right.

One practical consideration: if the water is choppy, snorkeling can be harder. You might feel more comfortable using buoyancy support like noodles, which are available onboard. That extra support is one reason more people have an enjoyable snorkeling time.

Comino Island Stop and the Online Ticket Rule Starting 1 May 2025

After your swim in the Blue Lagoon area, you’ll get time to explore Comino on foot. Comino is a bird sanctuary and natural reserve. That means the island is not just “pretty beach.” It’s a protected setting, with dunes and native vegetation that make the island feel raw and unbuilt-up.

Starting 1 May 2025, there’s an online ticket requirement on blcomino.com for going onto the island. Here’s the important nuance: if you are only swimming off the boat, the ticket rule does not apply. You only need it if you plan to get off and go on shore.

So if you’re the type who loves walking, taking photos, and stretching your legs after time in the water, do two things:

• Plan for that island stop.
• Check the ticket requirement before you show up, so you’re not dealing with last-minute confusion.

Halfa Rock in Gozo: Another Clear-Water Moment Before the Caves

Next comes another swim near Ħalfa Rock in Gozo. This stop changes the view again. You’ll shift from the Comino lagoon rhythm to a Gozo coastline feel, with more rocky structure and that “edge of the island” vibe.

This is a smart pacing move. By the time you reach Halfa Rock, most people have already warmed up to the day’s format: get ready, jump in, swim, snorkel, then back to shade. The result is a smoother experience, because you’re not constantly learning how the boat stops work.

If you’re prone to motion sickness, this is a good moment to keep your eyes on the horizon and avoid staring down at your gear. The crew’s guidance helps, but your body comfort is still your responsibility.

Comino Caves by Boat: Seeing Limestone Up Close From Sea Level

After the Gozo portion, you go for caves along the Comino coast by boat. This is where the limestone cliffs do their best work. From water level, caves feel more dramatic because you approach from the sea rather than viewing from a distance.

You should expect a “look and feel” stop. This is not a long exploration with lots of walking. It’s an on-the-water experience designed to keep the timing tight in a 5-hour window.

And because it’s done on a powerboat, you often get better coastal perspective than you would from a slower vessel that spends more time idling.

Swim Smart: What to Bring, What You Get, and What You Might Need

You’ll get the snorkeling mask as part of the trip, plus there’s shade on board. That’s great because it removes the biggest friction point for casual snorkelers who did not pack gear.

But here’s the one detail you should plan around: some people note that the mask is provided, but you might not get a full snorkel setup. So if snorkeling is your main goal, consider bringing your own snorkel mouthpiece if you already have one.

What to bring (this part is on you):

• Sunglasses
• Hat
• Swimwear
• Towel
• Sunscreen

If you forget a towel, you can still dry off as best you can, but it changes the vibe of the day. Bring sunscreen too, because you’ll be in and out of sunlight with your wet skin exposed.

Also, keep your belongings secure during swim stops. Even on well-run boats, gear gets wet if it’s stored poorly or if it’s too close to the splash zone.

Group Size, Comfort, and Why the Boat Size Matters

This trip tends to run on a smaller boat feel, with reports of a capacity around 40 passengers. That can make a difference on swim stops because there’s less crowding in the water and less time waiting in boarding lines.

Comfort is not about luxury. It’s about flow. You’ll want good footing, space to move when it’s time to jump in, and enough room so your bag is not constantly in the splash area.

One practical perk: the boat has a toilet, which matters more on a 5-hour outing than people think, especially when you’re trying to stay focused on the water.

Weather Reality Check: When the Sea Gets Choppy

Powerboats are quick, and quick boats react to wind. If the day is breezy, you may feel choppiness on the ride. The good news is that a seasoned captain can manage the route and keep everyone safe.

Your best strategy is to show up prepared:

• Hydrate before you board
• Eat something light if you’re prone to nausea
• Hold on where the crew indicates during the ride
• Keep an eye on the horizon during swim prep

Choppy water can limit how comfortable snorkeling feels, but it usually does not ruin the day if you accept that it’s a sea adventure, not a spa day.

Who Should Book This Trip, and Who Might Want a Different Style

This is ideal if you want:

• Multiple swimming and snorkeling moments in one outing
• A half-day format that does not waste hours
• A guided day with local storytelling from Captain Tony
• The freedom to get on Comino Island briefly, then return to the boat

You might want a different option if:

• You need a long, shore-based beach day with zero boat movement
• You’re very sensitive to wind and prefer calmer water conditions
• You plan to snorkel for extended periods without using any buoyancy help

For most people, this hits the sweet spot. It’s fast enough to be exciting, structured enough to be easy, and flexible enough to adapt when conditions change.

Should You Book This Sliema to Comino, Gozo, and Caves Boat Trip?

If you like your Malta days active, this is a strong yes. The value comes from the practical package: transport plus snorkeling masks plus several swim stops plus cave sightseeing, all wrapped into 5 hours. You also get a guided experience with Captain Tony and Raphael, which makes the timing feel smooth instead of stressful.

Book it if you want to maximize sea time and you’re comfortable with the idea that conditions can change. Bring your towel and sunscreen, check the Comino island ticket rule if you plan to step onto land after 1 May 2025, and you’ll be set for one of the most memorable coastline days in the area.

FAQ

How long is the Sliema to Comino, Gozo, and caves boat trip?

The duration is 5 hours.

What is the price per person?

The price is $47 per person.

Where do we meet for the boat trip?

Meet at the Sliema Ferries area and look for a white boat with a blue tent.

What’s included in the tour?

Boat transport from Malta to Comino areas and snorkeling masks are included.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not included.

Do I need to bring a towel?

Yes. Towels are not included, so bring your own.

What should I bring for swimming and sun?

Bring sunglasses, a hat, swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen.

Is there snorkeling help provided?

You’ll receive free snorkeling masks for the day. The trip also includes buoyancy support like noodles on board, and the crew gives advice for safer water time.

Do I need a ticket for Comino Island?

As of 1 May 2025, you need to apply for an online ticket on https://blcomino.com/ if you go onto the island. If you are only swimming off the boat, this ticket requirement does not apply.

What language is the guide speaking?

The live tour guide is English.