Two Maltese islands, one fast powerboat day. What makes it interesting is the mix of powerboat speed and Blue Lagoon time, with free time where you decide the pace. It runs about 6 hours, starting at 10:30 AM in St. Julian’s.

I like that you land at Mġarr Harbour in Gozo with 2 hours to explore on your own, not on a tight checklist. I also like that the day still leaves room for Comino, including swimming and snorkelling at the main lagoon area.

One drawback you must plan around is the Blue Lagoon access pass rule from Malta. If you do not have the required pass in advance, you will be taken to Santa Marija Bay instead, with no refunds.

Key things to know before you go

• Fast, direct island hopping: St. Julian’s to Gozo first, then Gozo to Comino, then return.
• Two hours in Gozo is short on purpose: pick one area and go for it.
• Blue Lagoon is the main event: think turquoise water, white sand, and lots of swimmers.
• The May 2025 access pass is real: secure the limited afternoon slot ahead of time.
• Sea caves are a weather bonus: you get them on the return trip when conditions allow.

St. Julian’s Powerboat Departure: Where You Meet and How the Day Moves

This is a half-day style island jump that actually feels like a single, smooth routine. You meet at the jetty behind the Verdi St. George’s Bay Marina Hotel (formerly Marina Hotel Corinthia Beach Resort) in St. Julian’s, located at 8, Ix-Xatt Ta’ San Ġorġ.

Go to the black iron gate near the entrance to the hotel’s underground parking lot. Walk down the ramp, turn left, and follow the yellow line painted on the ground until you reach the boats and jet skis area. It is a practical setup, especially if you are already staying in St. Julian’s or close by.

The timing is also straightforward. Departure is at 10:30 AM. You return around 4:30 PM. That gives you a full day feel, but you are still back before evening gets hectic.

The Ride Itself: Quick Speed, Real Bumps, and Motion Sickness Planning

The core experience here is a high-speed powerboat ride. The upside is obvious: you spend less time on ferries and more time in the water at Comino. You also get that cool ocean breeze on your face, which helps when you are building energy for the swim.

The downside is also practical: powerboats can feel bumpy. One person noted the speedboat felt uncomfortable for a trip like this, and another mentioned enjoying it but still describing it as quick and rough. If you are sensitive to motion, this part matters as much as the destinations.

Your checklist should match the ride:

• motion sickness prevention (bring it, use it as needed)
• sunglasses and sun hat, because you will be outside
• comfortable shoes for getting on and off safely

Also note who should not plan on this: the trip is listed as not suitable for people prone to seasickness, plus several health and mobility categories. If you fit one of those, treat this as a strong warning rather than a minor note.

Gozo Stop From Mġarr Harbour: Exactly How to Use Your 2 Hours

Gozo is the sister island many people come for, but here you get it in a concentrated dose. You disembark at Mġarr Harbour and get about 2 hours of free time to explore before the powerboat picks you up around 1:00 PM.

Because there is no guided tour, you will want a simple plan that uses public transport or a taxi efficiently, then focuses on one cluster of sights. With only two hours, trying to cover too much becomes rushing for no reason.

Here are a few smart ways to spend that time based on what people have done:

• Head toward Victoria for the Citadel area. One person used a taxi to Victoria and fit in the Citadel for views plus lunch.
• Use the bus toward Victoria if you want an easy, flexible route. One booking reported managing a quick look at the cathedral while staying on schedule.
• If you like active touring, consider hiring something local like quad bikes for moving around faster, which one person did because there was not much on the port itself.

If you want temples and countryside, you might combine a driver with a quick route. One person mentioned a driver taking them to the Blue Hole, salt beds, and Ġgantija Temples. That sounds like a full-feeling route, but you still need to respect the boat pickup time.

My practical advice: pick one priority, then add only one bonus. With a tight window, it is better to leave Gozo feeling like you made a choice, not like you got chased by the clock.

Comino Blue Lagoon: Swimming Time, Crowds, and the Access Pass You Must Secure

If you only remember one part of the day, it should be the Blue Lagoon. This is the iconic Comino stop: turquoise, crystal-clear water, a white sandy base, and marine life you might spot while you snorkel.

You step ashore for the afternoon, then you are picked up around 3:45 PM for the return. That afternoon block is where most people aim to get their swim in, and it is also where you will want to be realistic about crowds.

Two big on-the-ground considerations:

1. Shade can be scarce. Bring sun protection even if you plan to wander. One person specifically flagged not much shade and recommended being sun protected.
2. It can be very crowded. The lagoon gets packed, and finding comfortable space can be hard. If you hate crowds, keep your expectations flexible.

The access pass rule is the non-negotiable planning step. Malta’s directive effective May 2025 requires an access pass in advance for visitors who want to disembark at the Blue Lagoon. Passes are limited, and you are instructed to choose the afternoon slot when applying on the official government site, blcomino.com.

If you do not have the pass, you will be taken to Santa Marija Bay instead. The trip operator also notes there are no refunds if you cannot access the lagoon without the pass. In plain terms: before you book, decide whether you are willing to do that extra step now.

On top of swimming, this stop is also good for small explorations: you can sunbathe, swim, snorkel, and stroll through Comino’s countryside areas depending on how you feel in the heat.

Comino Sea Caves on the Return: The Weather Bonus

The day is not only about swimming. On the return, when the sea allows it, the powerboat visits the Comino Sea Caves before heading back to St. Julian’s.

This is listed as weather permitting, so do not treat it as guaranteed. When conditions are good, people describe it as a fun ride that gets you close to the caves. When conditions are rough, you should expect the route plan to change. One booking described that the sea was too bad for the planned powerboat outing and the operator helped sort an alternative boat trip quickly. That is the kind of response you want to see when the weather refuses to cooperate.

Either way, you are still on a fast return schedule, reaching St. Julian’s around 4:30 PM.

Price and Value for $77: What You Get, What You Pay Separately

At $77 per person, the value mainly comes from transportation plus time. You are getting:

• powerboat transport from St. Julian’s to Gozo
• powerboat transport from Gozo to Comino
• powerboat transport from Comino back to St. Julian’s
• fuel costs included
• an experienced skipper
• free time in Gozo and free time at Comino and the Blue Lagoon
• a visit to the Comino Sea caves on the return journey (when weather permits)

What you do not get:

• the government access pass for Blue Lagoon (acquired separately via blcomino.com)
• a tour guide (this is not guided)
• hotel pickup and drop-off (meeting point is the jetty)
• food and drinks

So is it a good deal? Usually, yes, if you want the “I did not spend my day in transit” benefit. You are not cobbling together separate legs between ports. And you are not stuck waiting around while you figure out timing to catch ferries.

Also, Comino has practical reality covered. One person said food and drinks are available for sale at the lagoon, and they even mentioned a place for left luggage. That means you can avoid hauling everything in swimwear all afternoon, though it is still smart to pack light since the trip has restrictions on luggage and large bags.

The access pass is the one added cost that can change the math. If you plan ahead and secure it, you are paying a manageable add-on. If you forget or wait too long, the consequences are clear.

Practical Packing and On-Board Limits (So Your Day Stays Fun)

This trip is short and active, so pack like you are going to swim and walk a bit, not like you are going sightseeing all day.

Bring:

• comfortable shoes
• sunglasses
• sun hat
• swimwear
• sunscreen
• motion sickness prevention

Keep in mind what is not allowed:

• pets
• baby strollers
• luggage or large bags
• non-folding wheelchairs and baby carriages
• electric wheelchairs

If you are coming with minimal gear, the day feels easier. You will be moving between boats and shore areas, so bulky items just add stress.

Who This Tour Fits Best, and Who Should Skip It

This tour is best for people who want a fast, high-energy day with built-in free time. It is also ideal if you are staying around St. Julian’s and want to avoid extra transfer time before and after.

You will probably enjoy it if:

• you can handle boats and do not get seasick easily
• you want the classic Blue Lagoon swim experience
• you like making your own choices on Gozo, with minimal structure
• you travel with friends or as a couple and just want a memorable day

You should think hard before booking if you:

• are prone to motion sickness
• have back problems, heart problems, or mobility impairments (the activity is listed as not suitable)
• are traveling with a child under 3
• are pregnant

Also, since there is no tour guide, it helps if you are comfortable with a self-directed visit. Two hours in Gozo goes fast, and you will be better off choosing one plan instead of hoping everything magically fits.

Should You Book This Gozo, Comino, Blue Lagoon Powerboat Day Trip?

I think you should book this when Blue Lagoon is at the top of your Malta list and you are willing to do one key prep step: secure the Blue Lagoon access pass for the afternoon slot. If you do that, the day is a strong mix of fast transport and real free time, with the Sea Caves as a bonus when conditions allow.

Skip it, or at least look for an alternative, if you know you get motion sick on boats, or if you want a calm, uncrowded experience. The lagoon can be packed, and the powerboat ride can feel bumpy.

If you can handle those tradeoffs, this is one of the cleaner ways to hit both sister islands in a single trip, without spending your day stuck on logistics.

FAQ

Where is the meeting point for the powerboat?

You meet at the jetty behind the Verdi St. George’s Bay Marina Hotel in St. Julian’s. There is a black iron gate near the hotel’s underground parking entrance, then you go down the ramp, turn left, and follow the yellow line to the jetty.

How long do I spend in Gozo and Comino?

You get about two hours of free time in Gozo at Mġarr Harbour. You then have free time at Comino Island and the Blue Lagoon in the afternoon before boarding again around 3:45 PM.

Is this a guided tour?

No. This is not a guided tour. You will have free time during the stops on Gozo and Comino Island.

Do I need an access pass for the Blue Lagoon?

Yes. Since a Malta government directive effective May 2025, you must obtain an access pass in advance from blcomino.com to disembark at the Blue Lagoon. Choose the afternoon slot. If you do not have the pass, you will be taken to Santa Marija Bay instead, and no refunds are provided if you cannot access the lagoon.

What should I bring for the trip?

Bring comfortable shoes, sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear, sunscreen, and motion sickness prevention.

Is hotel pickup or drop-off included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. You should plan to get to the jetty meeting point in St. Julian’s.