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

Sliema: Boat Trip to Comino Blue Lagoon, Gozo, and Caves — A Practical Guide

If you’re heading to Malta and love the idea of spending a day on the water, this boat trip from Sliema offers a balanced mix of stunning scenery, swimming, and casual exploration. It’s a popular choice among travelers looking for a more intimate experience compared to bigger cruise ships, with reviews consistently praising the friendly guide, beautiful locations, and good value for money.

Two things that really stood out in the reviews are the personal touch provided by the guide, Tony, and the variety of stops that allow ample time to swim and explore. The trip offers clear, warm waters perfect for snorkeling, along with visits to iconic spots like the Blue Lagoon and caves along the coast—truly a highlight for beach lovers and scenery seekers alike.

A potential drawback? The trip lasts around five hours, which is plenty of time to see a lot but also requires handling the midday sun and some choppier waters that can make the boat a bit bumpy. It’s best suited for those comfortable on a boat and eager to enjoy water-based sightseeing. It’s especially ideal for travelers who prefer smaller groups and personalized attention over large, crowded tours.

If you’re craving a relaxed, scenic, and activity-packed day on Malta’s coast, this tour fits the bill for couples, groups of friends, or even solo travelers wanting to meet others. It’s a flexible, straightforward outing that balances adventure with leisure.

Key Points

• Small Group, Personal Service: The tour is praised for its intimate size, making it easier to interact with the guide and enjoy the environment.
• Ideal for Swimming & Snorkeling: The included masks and the warm Mediterranean waters make it perfect for water lovers.
• Unforgettable Scenic Stops: From the Blue Lagoon to caves, each location offers breathtaking views and unique experiences.
• Flexible & Well-Organized: The 5-hour schedule allows enough time to relax and explore without feeling rushed.
• Value for Money: At $51, considering the stops and inclusive snorkeling gear, most reviewers feel it’s a solid deal.
• Experienced Guide & Fun Atmosphere: Tony’s humor, knowledge, and professionalism shine through in the glowing reviews.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Experience in Detail

Starting Point & Group Size:
Your adventure kicks off at Sliema Ferries, where you’ll spot the white boat with a blue tent—an easy landmark. The size of the boat usually accommodates around 20-30 guests, creating a cozy, friendly vibe. Several reviews mention how the smaller group makes the experience more personal and less crowded than large cruise options.

Itinerary & Highlights:
The tour lasts about five hours, giving you a good balance of sightseeing, swimming, and relaxing. You’ll first head out on a powerboat across the Mediterranean, with your friendly guide Tony at the helm. The initial stop at St Paul’s Island offers a quick view of this storied spot along with a chance to dip into the sea.

Next up is the Crystal Lagoon, a favorite among travelers for its clear, inviting waters. Reviews rave about the short swim here, describing it as refreshing and enjoyable. The water’s warmth and clarity make it especially appealing for snorkelers, with some even calling it a highlight of the trip. “Tony was very informative and funny,” one reviewer said, which hints at the friendly, relaxed vibe.

The Blue Lagoon on Comino is often the main event. Most guests get to disembark and swim in the turquoise waters, with around two hours to relax and explore the sandy shores. It’s important to note that from May 2025, visitors will need to apply for an online ticket to go ashore on Comino. However, if you prefer to stay on the boat and swim in the bay, this doesn’t apply. Many reviewers mention the water here as stunning, with some saying the lagoon is a must-see when in Malta.

Exploring Comino:
The island itself is a bird sanctuary and natural reserve, where you can stroll around dunes, snap photos, or just enjoy the peaceful environment. Multiple reviews highlight how the smaller boat allows you to avoid the crowds often seen on larger tours, giving a more personal experience.

Next Stop – Gozo & Alfa Rock:
After Comino, the boat heads toward Gozo, stopping near Halfa Rock for another swim. The water here is described as beautiful and calm, a perfect spot for a quick dip before heading back to explore caves along the coast. Visitors often describe the caves as raw limestone formations, ideal for photos or just marveling at the natural beauty.

Final Cave Visit & Return:
The boat tour concludes with a scenic cruise past caves along the coast of Comino, adding a touch of adventure to the last leg of your journey. The trip wraps up back at Sliema, generally around the same time it started, leaving travelers with plenty of memories and photos.

What You’ll Love About This Tour

1. The Personal Touch & Guide:
A standout feature, according to reviews, is Tony. Described as knowledgeable, funny, and professional, he makes the trip lively and informative. One reviewer delightfully noted, “Tony has a great sense of humor, and the day was a lot of fun with him.” His experience (55 years on the water!) shines through, and many travelers appreciate the way he keeps everyone safe, even in choppy waters.

2. Perfect Water & Snorkeling Gear:
Snorkeling masks are included, and the warm, clear waters are perfect for underwater exploration. Many reviews mention how refreshing and enjoyable the swimming stops are, especially in the Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon. One reviewer even called snorkeling here a highlight, noting the turquoise waters and the chance to see marine life.

3. Beautiful Locations & Views:
From limestone cliffs to sandy dunes, the scenery along the coast is truly striking. The Blue Lagoon’s vibrant hue often steals the show, with visitors describing it as a must-see. The caves add a sense of mystery and natural wonder, making the trip visually captivating.

4. Flexibility & Value:
At $51, with included snorkeling masks and multiple stops, most guests agree it’s a worthwhile investment. The trip’s length is just right—long enough to see a variety of sites but not so extended that it becomes tiring.

Things to Keep in Mind

Weather & Sea Conditions:
Choppy waters can make the boat ride a bit bumpy, which some passengers find exhilarating, but others might find uncomfortable. A few reviews mention the water being choppy, though Tony’s skillful navigation kept everyone safe. If you’re prone to seasickness, bring caution or medication just in case.

What to Bring:
Since food and drinks aren’t included, bringing snacks, water, and your own towels is recommended. Sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, and swimwear are essentials, especially during warmer months or on hot days. Many travelers find that a small bag with these essentials makes the experience more comfortable.

Time on Comino:
You’ll have around two hours in the Blue Lagoon, which is enough to relax, swim, or snorkel. If you’re eager to explore the island more thoroughly, you might find the time slightly limited, but most reviews find it sufficient for a quick dip and some photos.

Online Tickets for Comino:
Starting May 2025, a new requirement to buy an online ticket to land on Comino may add an extra step. However, if your plan is to swim from the boat or stay in the bay, this shouldn’t impact your experience.

The Bottom Line

This boat trip offers a wonderful way to experience Malta’s coastline. With its small group feel, friendly guide, and the chance to swim in some of the clearest waters in the Mediterranean, it’s a trip most travelers find worth the price. The stops at Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon, and caves deliver on scenic beauty and photo opportunities, while the relaxing pace makes it suitable even if you prefer a leisurely day.

It’s particularly well-suited for water lovers, those seeking a more intimate tour experience, and people who prefer to avoid large crowds. If you’re looking for a balanced mix of sightseeing, swimming, and laid-back fun, this trip has a lot to offer.

FAQ

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts around five hours, starting from Sliema Ferries. It’s designed to give you enough time at each stop without feeling rushed.

What is included in the price?
The price of $51 covers boat transport from Malta to Comino, snorkeling masks, and the guided tour. Food, drinks, and towels are not included, so plan to bring your own.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, it’s recommended to check availability and reserve your spot, especially during peak seasons. You can often reserve now and pay later for flexibility.

Can I go ashore on Comino?
Yes, you can disembark and explore the island, but starting in May 2025, you’ll need to apply for an online ticket to land there. If you prefer staying in the water or in the boat bay, this requirement doesn’t apply.

Is this tour suitable for children?
While the reviews don’t specify age restrictions, the focus on swimming and boat trips suggests it’s best for those comfortable in the water and on boats. Always consider your children’s comfort with sea travel and swimming.

What should I bring?
Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, swimwear, towels, and water. Snacks are a good idea since food isn’t included.

To sum it up, this Sliema boat trip blends stunning scenery, friendly guiding, and plenty of opportunities for swimming and relaxing. It’s a simple yet memorable way to explore Malta’s coast, especially if you enjoy water-based adventures without the crowds. For anyone wanting a more personal experience with beautiful views and clear waters, this tour hits the right notes.

You can check availability for your dates here: