Sliema: Powerboat to Comino Caves & Blue Lagoon with a Swim

Planning a trip to Malta and searching for a fun, adventurous way to explore its most iconic sights? This powerboat tour from Sliema to the stunning Comino island offers an exhilarating ride, close-up cave visits, and plenty of time to relax and swim in the famous Blue Lagoon. It’s a popular choice for those craving some adrenaline and authentic scenery away from crowded beaches and slow ferries.

What makes this experience stand out is the high-speed boat ride—you’ll feel the wind in your hair and the spray of the sea as you speed past rugged coastlines and hidden caves. Plus, the 4.5-hour stay at the Blue Lagoon provides ample time to swim, snorkel, or simply soak up the sun surrounded by clear turquoise waters. One thing to keep in mind is that the trip is quite fast-paced, which might not suit travelers looking for a more relaxed, leisurely cruise.

This tour is perfect for adventure lovers and families who enjoy a bit of thrill, scenery, and sun. If you’re after a memorable day packed with excitement, stunning views, and a good dose of natural beauty, this excursion will likely tick all your boxes. That said, if you prefer laid-back boat trips or want to explore at a slower pace, it might be worth considering other options.

Key Points

• High-speed thrill: The boat ride is fast, exciting, and filled with music, making it a memorable way to see the coast.
• Close-up caves: You get to explore the Santa Maria Caves and other sea caves up close—great for photos and cave enthusiasts.
• Ample swimming time: The 4.5 hours at Blue Lagoon allows plenty of time for swimming, snorkeling, or relaxing on the boat.
• Authentic scenery: Expect dramatic cliffs, hidden coves, and crystal-clear waters that showcase Malta’s natural beauty.
• Professional guides: Skippers like Baso are loved for their humor, helpfulness, and local knowledge—making the trip both fun and informative.
• Good value: At around $71 per person for 6 hours, the tour offers a lot of activity and scenic highlights without breaking the bank.

An In-Depth Look at the Experience

The Departure and First Stop: Santa Maria Caves

Starting from Sliema Ferries at 11:00 AM, the journey kicks off with a short scenic drive along the coast, offering views of Malta’s rugged shoreline. The highlight here is a photo stop at the Santa Maria Caves, a favorite for many travelers who appreciate close-up encounters with impressive sea caves. Reviewers noted that these stops are a good chance for photos, and the caves themselves are a bit of a highlight despite their small size. One reviewer mentioned, “Baso was a absolute legend,” highlighting how guides make or break the experience, especially when they share interesting tidbits about the caves.

The boat ride to Comino is described as thrilling and music-filled, with many reviewers emphasizing the fun of bouncing across the waves at speed. For those who love a bit of adrenaline, this part of the trip offers the perfect mix of excitement and scenic coastlines. The boat is described as powerful and fast, often compared to a theme park ride lasting about 25 minutes.

Exploring Comino’s Sea Caves

Once in the vicinity of Comino, you’ll get a chance to see the famous sea caves up close. While some reviews suggest that the cave visits are quick, and in some cases, the caves appeared to be a bit “oversold,” the fact remains that you’ll get to see them from a close perspective. Several travelers appreciated the informative and humorous guiding style—with Captain Baso earning particular praise for his personality. “He made the trip memorable,” noted one traveler, highlighting that the guide’s charisma can elevate the experience.

The Blue Lagoon: Swimming and Relaxation

After the caves, the boat heads into the Blue Lagoon, a turquoise paradise renowned for its calm, clear waters. You’ll have around four hours and a half to enjoy the lagoon. Reviewers describe this as “the best part,” with many saying it’s “well worth the trip” despite the crowds. The lagoon is perfect for swimming, snorkeling, or just lounging on the boat with a drink in hand.

A common concern among visitors is the crowded nature of the lagoon—some found it challenging to find a shaded spot or a quiet place amid the sea of people. One reviewer shared, “It was very busy with nowhere to sit except on hard rocks and dirt in the sun,” but highlighted that the food and toilets available on-site helped make the long stay more comfortable.

The Return Journey

The trip wraps up with a scenic, energetic ride back to Sliema, often accompanied by music and laughter. Many reviews emphasize how well-organized the return is, with some stopping at St. Julian’s for a quick sightseeing detour. The overall experience lasts about six hours, balancing thrilling moments with enough time to unwind.

Practical Details and Value

The cost of $71 per person reflects a good balance of value considering the full six-hour experience packed with scenic sights, cave exploration, and a lengthy lagoon stop. The tour includes full safety equipment, liability insurance, and fuel, so there are no hidden costs on the day.

While food and drinks are not included, you’re encouraged to bring your beachwear, sunscreen, and perhaps a waterproof camera. Note that hotel pickup and drop-off are not part of the package, so you’ll need to make your way to Sliema Ferries. The meeting point is easy to find—opposite McDonald’s—and the staff speak multiple languages including English, French, Italian, and Spanish.

Accessibility and Restrictions

This tour isn’t suitable for children under 3, pregnant women, or anyone with health issues like back or heart problems. The boat experience involves high speeds and some bumps, so it’s best suited for those comfortable with a bit of an adrenaline rush.

Authentic Insights from the Reviews

Multiple guests mentioned Captain Baso as a highlight—his humor, helpfulness, and enthusiasm clearly stand out. One comment summed it up: “Baso is the best captain!!!! Fast and furious king! King of the speedboat! Love the ride!” His presence seems to elevate the trip from just a boat ride to a memorable adventure.

Other travelers appreciated the value for money, noting that this trip is a great alternative to slower, more crowded tours or ferry trips. The music and lively atmosphere on board also earned praise, making the ride more enjoyable and less like just a transfer.

Notable Downsides

Some reviewers pointed out that the caves are small and sometimes the visits are brief. Others found the Blue Lagoon crowded, which is common during peak season. A few mentioned that the stay on Comino can feel a bit long, especially if it’s very busy, but the overall consensus remains positive, thanks to the fun boat ride and stunning scenery.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This powerboat trip is ideal for adventure seekers who enjoy a fast-paced experience and stunning vistas. It’s also perfect for families with older children who are comfortable with speed and mild bumps. If you’re looking for authentic scenery and fun, rather than a slow, relaxing cruise, this tour fits the bill.

However, those seeking a quiet, leisurely exploration or traveling with very young children, pregnant women, or those with health issues might find this isn’t the best fit. The longer stay at the lagoon is suitable for those who enjoy a good swim or sunbathing, but consider the crowds if you’re seeking solitude.

Final Thoughts

This Sliema powerboat tour to Comino offers a perfect mix of adrenaline, natural beauty, and time to relax. It’s a high-energy way to see Malta’s iconic caves and Blue Lagoon, with some of the best guides and a lively atmosphere. At a reasonable price, it’s a fantastic option for travelers wanting something more exciting than the usual boat trips or ferry rides.

For those who thrive on adventure and scenic splashes, or simply want a memorable way to tick off Malta’s top sights, this tour is hard to beat. Just remember to bring your beachwear, sunscreen, and a sense of fun—you’re in for an unforgettable day.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included? No, you need to meet at Sliema Ferries, opposite McDonald's.
How long is the stay at Blue Lagoon? Approximately 4.5 hours, enough for swimming, snorkeling, and relaxing.
Are food and drinks included? No, you should bring your own or purchase at the lagoon, as food and drinks are not provided.
Can children participate? This tour isn't suitable for children under 3, pregnant women, or anyone with certain health issues like back or heart problems.
What should I bring? Beachwear, sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and waterproof camera are recommended.
Is the boat ride safe? Yes, the experience is conducted with full safety equipment, and the guides are experienced and personable.
How crowded is the Blue Lagoon? During peak season, it can get quite busy, so expect some crowded spots and limited shaded areas.
What makes this tour special? The combination of high-speed thrill rides, cave exploration, and ample swimming time makes it a well-rounded adventure.
How long does the entire tour last? Around 6 hours including departure, sightseeing, lagoon stop, and return.

To sum it up, this powerboat trip from Sliema to Comino offers a lively, scenic, and fun-filled day that balances adrenaline with natural beauty. It’s best suited for those craving excitement and memorable scenery, especially if you enjoy a spirited boat ride and a good dose of sunshine. Well-organized, reasonably priced, and full of authentic local guides, it’s a definite highlight for many visiting Malta.