Five hours, three swims, pure blue water. This Sliema powerboat trip strings together Crystal Lagoon and Comino Blue Lagoon plus Gozo and cave scenery, with shade on board and time to swim.

What I like most is how it gives you multiple chances to cool off in the Mediterranean, not just one rushed stop.

Next, I really like the human factor. Captain Tony is a legend on this route, and you feel it in the way he keeps the day moving with jokes, stories, and practical swim pointers. His right-hand helper, Raphael, also helps keep things smooth when it is time to get in and out.

One consideration: Comino Island itself now needs an online ticket as of 1 May 2025, so plan ahead if you want to walk around. If you only swim from the boat, that island ticket rule does not apply.

Key points before you go

• Free snorkeling masks are included, and the water time is the whole point of the day
• Captain Tony and Raphael help turn a boat day into a Malta story with energy
• Multiple swim stops include a Crystal Lagoon dip and a Comino Blue Lagoon swim window
• Comino Island bird sanctuary time is short but worthwhile for dunes and coastal vegetation
• Gozo’s Halfa Rock and Comino-area caves add variety beyond the lagoons

Sliema to Comino by powerboat, what you see first

This is a speedboat-style day trip from Sliema, leaving from Sliema Ferries on a white boat with a blue tent. Expect quick water, not a slow ferry crawl. In the first stretch, you get that classic Malta viewpoint game as you cruise past St Paul’s Island.

The boat is built for comfort during sun and sea breaks. There is shade on board, plus enough space to sit between swims, and even a toilet onboard based on passenger accounts. That matters because this trip is active. You are not just watching from the deck.

If the sea is choppy, you will still keep moving. The captain experience level shows in how the day stays organized and how swim moments get timed around conditions. This is also one reason the smaller boat setup can feel better than big-boat congestion.

Crystal Lagoon swim stop, how the first dip sets the tone

Your first real swim hit is Crystal Lagoon. From the boat, you get a short in-water break, then you move on. The value here is simple: you get that wow factor early, while you are fresh and your expectations are still high.

Crystal Lagoon tends to be calmer than the main Blue Lagoon for many days, and on this itinerary it usually acts like a warm-up. You’ll feel the temperature shift right away when you jump in. Bring your best beach-mood attitude, because the Mediterranean here rewards quick, confident swimming.

Snorkeling is the next layer. You get the mask included, and most people use it immediately. A practical note from real-world experience: the included gear is a snorkeling mask, and the tour information emphasizes masks, not a full snorkel kit. If you want a true snorkel setup, you may prefer bringing your own snorkel.

Comino Blue Lagoon and island time, ticket rules that affect your plan

Comino is where the day grabs attention. The boat heads to Comino Blue Lagoon, where you get a longer swim window and also time to be on land.

Here is the key rule change you should know about before you make assumptions: as of 1 May 2025, you need to apply for an online ticket to go on the island at https://blcomino.com/. The important detail is that if you are swimming only from the boat and not planning to step onto Comino, that island ticket requirement does not apply.

What you can do during the Comino stop

Time on Comino is designed to feel like a coastal reset, not a hikeathon. You can take a stroll around parts of the island, which is a bird sanctuary and natural reserve. That means you should expect a more fragile, protected vibe. You are there to look, breathe, and move slowly.

A common theme is noticing the island textures: sand dunes, coastal vegetation, and limestone coastlines. It is raw and unpolished in a way that feels different from Malta’s main towns.

If you are a sun person, do not rely on perfect timing. You are sharing the water with other boats, and the line between calm and crowded can change fast. Plan on doing your best swim early in the stop, then use the land time for shade and photos.

Ħalfa Rock in Gozo swim, a second water hit with a different mood

After Comino, the route shifts toward Gozo, and the next swim moment is near Ħalfa Rock in Gozo. This is a smart move in the itinerary. It prevents the day from feeling repetitive. Same sea, different coastline feeling.

Halfa Rock is often dramatic because of how it rises from the water and how limestone edges frame the view. Even if you only do a swim and not full-on snorkeling, the setting changes the whole mood.

Also, this stop is useful for people who did not love the main lagoon crowd energy. You get another chance to float, swim, and reset your body before the final cave cruise.

Caves along the Comino coast by boat, what to watch from your seat

The day ends with cave scenery along the Comino coast, viewed from the boat after departing Gozo. This is not a land exploration. It is a scenery sequence, where you sit back, look, and let the captain position the boat for views.

The big win here is perspective. Caves and limestone formations are easier to understand from sea level. You will see how the coastline cuts, how light hits the rock faces, and how the deep blue water contrasts with pale limestone.

On some days, you may also get a little extra on the return loop if conditions allow, but you should think of that as a bonus, not a promise. The main value is that you leave the trip with more than two lagoon memories.

Captain Tony’s style, why the guide is a big part of the value

On this trip, the guide is not background noise. Captain Tony is part of what you’re paying for.

The common threads from onboard experiences are:

• Tony keeps people laughing and engaged, even if the sea is not perfectly smooth
• He shares Malta stories that connect the scenery you see to real places
• He gives practical swim instructions so you do not feel lost in the moment

Raphael’s role matters too. When it’s time to get in and out, a good deckhand keeps the flow calm. This is especially important when the group is larger, because a few seconds of confusion can turn into a whole stall.

A big practical point: if you are the type who needs a structured plan, this trip still delivers. Swim stops happen, transitions are organized, and the day has an energetic rhythm rather than random waiting.

Price and value at about $47 for 5 hours

At around $47 per person for a 5-hour half-day, the value comes from what you get for the time window.

You are paying for:

• Powerboat transport from Sliema and back
• Guiding and narration during the ride
• Multiple swim locations, which is the main product here
• Snorkeling masks included

Food and drinks are not included, and towels are not provided. That is normal for this style of tour, but it affects how you plan. If you forget sunscreen or show up without a towel, you will end up spending extra or cutting comfort short.

Where this trip can feel especially good is compared to larger boats. Smaller operations often mean you lose less time to crowd friction, and you tend to get a faster “between-water” pace. On this route, passengers describe the boat as smaller with a maximum group around 40, which changes the vibe.

So if you want a compact, water-focused day with guided context, this is easy to justify. If you want an all-day island meal-and-museum schedule, you might feel this is too action-heavy for your tastes.

Practical packing list, the small items that save your day

The tour basics you should plan around are simple. Bring:

• Swimwear
• Sunglasses and a hat
• Sunscreen
• A towel
• Sunscreen again, because salt water skips the part where you reapply

Also think about footwear for your Comino island walk. The itinerary includes a stroll, dunes, and natural areas. You do not need hiking gear, but you do want something you can walk in comfortably.

Because food and drinks are not included, you should either budget for purchases or come ready with your own plan. The itinerary does include a stop on Comino Island, and some days there are opportunities to buy snacks, but you should not count on it as a meal solution.

One more small tip: bring a waterproof phone pouch if you have one you trust. You will be hopping in and out of the water, and even with organization, wet hands and salt air happen fast.

Who this tour suits best, and who should choose another option

This is a good fit if you:

• Want swim time as the core of your day
• Like lagoon scenery and cave views without long ferry crossings
• Enjoy guides who bring personality and local context
• Prefer a half-day schedule over a full day planning marathon

It may be less ideal if you:

• Need long, uninterrupted time on Comino for beach lounging
• Expect a full snorkeling kit. The trip includes masks, and you may want to bring your own snorkel if that is your style
• Get uncomfortable in tighter seating if the group is packed during swim turns

If you are a strong swimmer, you’ll probably love it even more. If you are not, you can still have a great day by using buoyancy help like noodles, which have been used on this trip according to passenger accounts.

Should you book this Sliema boat trip to Comino Blue Lagoon, Gozo, and caves?

I’d book it if you want one efficient, scenic water day with multiple stops, guided stories, and the kind of on-board energy Captain Tony is known for. The combination of Crystal Lagoon, Comino Blue Lagoon, and cave viewpoints gives you variety without requiring you to make separate transport plans.

I would hold off or book with extra caution if the Comino Island ticket rule affects your plans. As of 1 May 2025, you will want to check https://blcomino.com/ and apply ahead if you truly want time on land. And if you are picky about snorkeling gear, plan to bring your own snorkel setup.

If your idea of a great Malta day is salt water, limestone views, and a guide who keeps things fun and moving, this is a solid choice.

FAQ

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

The duration is 5 hours.

Where do I meet for the tour?

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

What snorkeling gear is included?

Snorkeling masks are included.

Is food or drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not included.

Do I need a ticket to visit Comino Island?

As of 1 May 2025, you need an online ticket to go on the island. If you swim only from the boat, this island ticket requirement does not apply.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, sunglasses, a hat, sunscreen, and a towel. Towels are not included.

Is this tour refundable if my plans change?

Yes, it offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. It also offers reserve now & pay later.