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

Comino looks like a postcard, then you get to swim there. This 5-hour powerboat trip from Sliema Ferries mixes sea time with short stops at Crystal Lagoon, the Blue Lagoon area in Comino, swimming near Ħalfa Rock in Gozo, and cave views along Comino’s coast. The big payoff is how much time you spend in the water, plus the comfort touches on board like shade.

I love the focus on multiple swims rather than one long stop. I also like that the crew includes snorkelling masks so you can make the most of clear spots without extra gear hunting. The main drawback to think about is that on windier days the ride can get choppy, so if you are sensitive to waves, pack accordingly and keep your expectations realistic.

Tony and Raphael run the experience with serious energy and plenty of reassurance, which matters when you are hopping in and out of the sea from a moving boat.

Key highlights worth planning around

• Small, fast boat feel: quicker water time and less hanging around between stops
• Crystal Lagoon then Comino Blue Lagoon: two different swim moments built into the day
• Snorkelling mask included: you can gear up right on the boat
• Short island time on Comino: bird sanctuary vibes and limestone scenery from the shore
• Caves along Comino’s coast by boat: you see the dramatic cliffs without any hiking
• Tony and Raphael on-board: guiding with stories and upbeat, practical directions

Riding out of Sliema Ferries, with shade and real sea views

This is a classic Malta powerboat format, but it works because the day is arranged around quick, high-impact moments. You start from Sliema Ferries on a powerboat, so the first minutes are already about the coastline. From the boat, you get a chance to admire St Paul’s Island as you head out.

What I like for your planning is that this trip is not pretending you will tour Malta on land. You are here for water views, swims, and the Comino-Gozo coastline drama. The boat has shade, which sounds minor until the sun is high and you have been in and out of the water. A shaded deck also makes the between-stop time feel less stressful.

Now the one thing that can change your comfort level is the sea state. Even with skilled handling, powerboats react to weather. If the wind picks up, expect a rougher ride at times and plan for it. That is not a reason to skip the trip, it is just a reason to bring the right mindset and sun protection.

Tony’s vibe and Raphael’s help, why the tour feels organized

You will likely hear the name Tony a lot. Many people call him fun, fast, and sharp on local knowledge, and the consistent theme is that he keeps the group moving with clear directions and good humor. The tone matters on a boat day because you are going to get wet, you are going to climb on and off safely, and you will want to understand the plan quickly.

Raphael shows up as the practical helper. In the reviews you provided, he is mentioned as friendly and efficient, especially around the logistics of keeping everyone comfortable and sorted out. That kind of crew support is the difference between a stressful group swim and a smooth rhythm.

Also, Tony’s approach seems to adjust to conditions. When weather is less cooperative, he still steers the day so you get the best possible use of the stops. That is a big reason this trip scores highly, even when the sea is not perfectly calm.

Crystal Lagoon: your first swim stop, short but sweet

The itinerary begins with a first swimming opportunity at Crystal Lagoon. This stop is described as a short swim from the boat. That means you are not waiting for a long beach session. You jump in, get your bearings, and then the boat moves on.

For you, this is actually a smart design. The water is the headline, and the timing helps you avoid feeling like the day stretches on with too little payoff. You also get to compare conditions and color between lagoons. Crystal Lagoon is often a place where the water clarity stands out quickly, so it sets the tone for what comes next in Comino.

One consideration: because it is a boat-side swim, you will likely get limited time to fully explore underwater. If you want longer snorkeling sessions, you should focus your effort on the Comino stop, where there is time to swim and snorkel in the bay.

Comino Blue Lagoon: swim and snorkel in the most talked-about water

Comino Blue Lagoon is the main event. After the Crystal Lagoon stop, the powerboat heads to Comino, and you disembark for a chunk of time to swim and snorkel in the bay.

This is where you will feel why people plan their Malta trip around Comino in the first place. The water is deep blue in feel, and the limestone cliffs frame the scene. You are also swimming in one of the areas where the water can look almost unreal from the boat.

A key practical point is the included gear. The trip includes snorkelling masks, and you get them for free for the day. A mask helps you see what is around you, even if your snorkeling skills are rusty. What is not guaranteed, based on comments you shared, is that a snorkel tube is part of the kit. If you want full snorkel breathing gear, bring your own snorkel so you are not limited to mask-only surface viewing.

Another comfort tip from real experience: bring a hat and sunscreen even if you think you will stay in the shade. Between stop timing can still leave you sun-exposed, and the best photos happen when you are upright and looking out.

Comino Island time, and the online ticket rule from 1 May 2025

After your first swim in the Blue Lagoon area, there is time to check out Comino on foot. This is not a long stroll with a packed route. It is more of a look around: sand dunes, local vegetation, and the island’s role as a bird sanctuary and natural reserve.

Here is the important rule you need to know for planning. As of 1 May 2025, you need an online ticket to go on the island at https://blcomino.com/. The information you shared also says that if you swim off the boat, this island-ticket rule does not apply.

So decide what you want before you show up. If you want the shore time and the chance to walk around Comino, take care of the online ticket. If your priority is just swimming and snorkeling back-to-back, you can keep the plan focused on being in the water.

Either way, the value of the island stop is that it breaks up the day. Water time is great, but seeing the island even briefly gives you context for why Comino looks so raw and stripped down, with limestone and hardy vegetation rather than buildings and streets.

Ħalfa Rock near Gozo: another swim, another angle on the coastline

Next up is a swim near Ħalfa Rock in Gozo. This segment changes the scenery and keeps the day from feeling repetitive. Instead of only chasing lagoon colors, you get a rocky landmark that gives a different sense of space.

Because this is another boat-side swim, the same practical thinking applies: you will want swimwear that is easy to move in, and you will want sunscreen reapplied if the sun is out. If the sea is choppy, a rock-side swim can feel different from lagoon water. It is still fun, but you should treat it like a “check your footing” moment, not a casual swim in calm conditions.

This is also a good place to practice mask comfort. If your snorkeling mask fits well and you can keep it in place while you float, you will get more out of these short windows.

Comino caves by boat: limestone drama without the hike

After leaving Gozo, the boat visits caves along the Comino coast. This is not presented as a walking stop. You see the caves as you pass by, which changes the experience. You get the shape and the dark openings, but you are not responsible for a shore trek.

Why this matters for your day: caves can turn into long sightseeing time in other destinations. Here, the cave viewing stays tied to the flow of the boat trip, so you do not lose momentum.

The cliff scenery around Comino is limestone-focused, and that is the kind of geology that looks best from the water. Light reflects off rock faces in a way you just do not get from land. Even if the sea has a bit of motion, the caves still deliver that sense of rugged coastline.

Gear and comfort: make the most of the included snorkeling mask

The tour includes snorkelling masks and you should consider that the core piece of gear. Towels are not included, so plan to bring your own towel and a change of clothes for after.

You should also bring what the tour suggests for day comfort:

• sunglasses
• hat
• swimwear
• towel
• sunscreen

A couple more practical notes based on what people said in the reviews you shared: the included kit appears to be mainly the mask, not a full snorkel setup. If you want to snorkel in the classic way, bring a snorkel tube and maybe even your own small anti-fog solution.

If you are worried about buoyancy, you might find the crew provides swimming noodles for comfort in at least some sessions. Do not count on it as your only plan, but it is worth knowing as a backup if you want an extra assist in choppier water.

Price and value: what $47 buys in a 5-hour half-day

At about $47 per person for a 5-hour outing, the value is not just the boat ride. The price ties to three big things you actually want on this kind of trip: time on the water, multiple swimming stops, and cave viewing.

Many boat trips in Malta can feel like a single swimming stop with lots of cruising. This one aims for a rhythm: Crystal Lagoon first, then Comino Blue Lagoon with more time, then a swim near Ħalfa Rock, then caves. Add in the live guide in English, plus the included snorkelling masks, and you end up with a strong mix for a half-day.

Also, because it is a smaller, faster powerboat experience (people describe it as smaller than some big-boat options), you tend to spend less time idling. That can matter when you have limited time in Malta and you want one clear activity with a clear payoff.

What you do not get for the price is food and drinks. Plan to eat before or after. If the sun is out, you may also want to bring water even though it is not included.

Best for who, and who should adjust expectations

This trip is a good match if you want a Malta day that is mostly sea time. If you are short on time, the 5-hour format is a practical way to see Comino and Gozo without turning your day into a long transportation puzzle.

It also suits people who enjoy boat energy. Reviews you shared repeatedly praise the guide’s humor and the upbeat atmosphere. If you prefer silent sightseeing, this might feel lively rather than quiet.

It might be less ideal if you:

• get motion sickness easily
• want long, beach-style lounging
• expect a full snorkeling gear kit beyond a mask

In those cases, you can still enjoy the trip, but you should pack for comfort and bring what you need.

Booking call: should you go on this Sliema boat trip

If your goal is to swim in Comino waters, see Comino and Gozo from the best vantage point, and enjoy cave scenery without extra hiking, this one deserves a spot on your list. The combination of multiple water stops, included snorkelling masks, and a guide crew that keeps things running smoothly is a strong value play at this duration.

I would book it if you:

• want a half-day plan that stays active
• are comfortable with getting in and out of the sea
• like a guided, entertaining day rather than a quiet cruise

I would think twice if you are very sensitive to choppy water or if you require a full snorkel set. In that case, bring your own snorkel and be ready for variable sea conditions.

If that sounds manageable, you are in the right place. Comino is the reason people come, and this is one of the more practical ways to experience it in a single shot.

FAQ

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

The duration is 5 hours.

Where do we meet in Sliema?

You should look for a white boat with a blue tent at the meeting point near Sliema Ferries.

What does the price include?

The experience includes boat transport from Malta to Comino and snorkeling masks.

What is not included in the trip price?

Food and drinks are not included, and towels are not included.

Do I need to buy an online ticket to go on Comino Island?

As of 1 May 2025, you need an online ticket to go on Comino Island at https://blcomino.com/. If you swim off the boat, the ticket rule does not apply.

What swimming stops are part of the route?

The trip includes a short swim at Crystal Lagoon, swimming and snorkelling time in the Comino Blue Lagoon bay, and another swim near Ħalfa Rock in Gozo.

Is there time to explore Comino Island on foot?

Yes. There is time to stroll on Comino after the swimming stop, including checking out sand dunes and local vegetation.

What language is the tour guide?

The live tour guide is in English.

Can I cancel and get a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.