Five hours of Mediterranean color, at speed. This Sliema boat trip hits Comino and Gozo with multiple swim stops, cave views from the water, and a lively Captain Tony steering the day. Even with waves or wind, the format is simple: fast travel by powerboat, then time in the sea.

I love the repeated swimming chances. You start with Crystal Lagoon (a quick jump from the boat), then you get proper time at Comino Blue Lagoon with snorkeling masks included for the day. I also love how the guide experience feels personal and fun, especially with Captain Tony (and help from Raphael), mixing jokes with real details about what you’re seeing.

One consideration: the boat can get crowded, and the ride gets choppy when the wind picks up between stops. If you’re sensitive to rough water, it helps to plan for that and keep an eye on how your day feels once you’re out on open water.

Key highlights

• Captain Tony sets the tone with nonstop energy, local stories, and good group control
• Crystal Lagoon + Blue Lagoon means more than one real swim moment, not just a quick photo stop
• Snorkelling masks are free for the day (a great add-on at this price)
• Comino time on the island includes a bird sanctuary and natural reserve vibe
• Halfa Rock (Gozo) is another swim stop that breaks up the day nicely
• Caves along Comino coast are best seen from the boat, not from dry land

Sliema to Comino and Gozo by powerboat: why this 5-hour format works

If you’re doing Malta and you want water time without giving up your whole day, this trip is built for you. The total duration is about 5 hours, which is long enough to feel like a proper outing, yet short enough that you’re back in the Sliema area before your evening plans fall apart.

The key is the rhythm. You don’t spend hours commuting. You leave from Sliema Ferries on a powerboat, see landmarks from the water as you go, then hit a series of swim moments. It also helps that the boat is set up with shade, so when you’re not in the sea you’re not roasting on deck.

Another big plus: the tour style tends to feel like a guided boat day, not a rigid lesson. Captain Tony runs the experience with humor and local know-how, and you get practical advice for getting in and out safely. Even when weather conditions weren’t ideal for some days, he kept things moving and adjusted on the fly, according to the experience people shared.

Finding the boat at Sliema Ferries: what to look for

Start simple. Your meeting point is Sliema Ferries. When you arrive, look for a white boat with a blue tent. That’s the easiest visual cue, and it saves you the stress of running around the dock asking random questions.

Once onboard, you’ll want to take a quick scan of where you’ll sit and where the shade is. With several swim stops, you’ll likely bounce between deck time and time in the water. If you can, position yourself so you’re not getting sprayed every time the boat turns. It sounds small, but it makes the whole day feel smoother.

Crystal Lagoon: the first swim stop and what makes it special

The day begins with departures from Sliema Ferries by powerboat, and you’ll also get views from the water along the way, including St Paul’s Island. Then the first real water time is Crystal Lagoon.

This stop is described as a short swim from the boat. Translation: you don’t linger for a long beach break here. You jump in, get your swim done, and get back aboard before the group flow moves on.

Why I like this kind of first stop: it gets you acclimated fast. Malta’s coast can look different from the water than it does from shore. In the sea, the colors jump—turquoise, deep blue patches, and limestone shadows in the shallows. And because it’s early in the trip, you’re not already exhausted from saltwater time.

Potential drawback: if the day is windy, you may find the water conditions can feel rough at the first swim spot. A choppy ride isn’t a tour-killer, but it can change how comfortable you feel about jumping in.

Comino Blue Lagoon: snorkeling masks, cavey coastline, and real time in the bay

After Crystal Lagoon comes the main attraction: Comino Blue Lagoon. This is where the tour gives you the longest and most flexible water moment.

You’ll reach the bay by boat and have time to swim and snorkel. You’re also set up with a free snorkeling mask for the day, which matters more than people expect. At this price point, that’s a real cost saver, and it makes snorkeling feel accessible even if you don’t own gear.

Two things I’d emphasize about the Comino Blue Lagoon experience:

• The entry points and timing are the whole game. Since you’re getting in from the boat, you’re not navigating crowds on a beach.
• The water clarity is the payoff. Many people highlight how gorgeous it looks once you’re floating and looking down at the limestone tones beneath you.

Then there’s the island component. After your time in the water, you get the chance to explore Comino on foot during a stop on the island. Comino is a bird sanctuary and natural reserve, so the mood is less about shops and more about raw island nature—sand dunes and local vegetation.

The Comino island ticket rule (important for May 1, 2025 and after)

As of 1 May 2025, you need to apply for an online ticket to go on the island at https://blcomino.com/. Here’s the practical nuance: if you’re only swimming from the boat, the online island ticket rule does not apply.

So the decision is easy. If you plan to walk around Comino during the island stop, check the ticket requirement beforehand.

Halfa Rock (Gozo): a second swim stop that breaks up the day

Once the Comino segment is done, the trip moves toward Halfa Rock in Gozo for another swim. This is a valuable change of pace. Instead of doing all your water time in one bay, you get a different coastal feel and another chance to cool off.

Halfa Rock works well as a “middle” moment because it resets your attention. You’ve already seen the famous Comino lagoon colors. Now you get a different kind of scenery and a fresh stretch of open water to enjoy from the boat.

For many people, this is where the day feels balanced. You’re not just rushing from one highlight to another with zero decompression. You have multiple swim moments, and the tour keeps moving so you don’t feel stuck waiting around.

Caves along Comino coast: seeing the limestone from the water

The last major visual portion of the tour happens by boat as you visit caves along the Comino coast after departing from Gozo.

This is one of those experiences where land-based sightseeing doesn’t really compare. The caves and limestone features are made to be viewed from the sea. From the boat, you get angles you won’t get from a viewpoint, and the color changes around rock faces look dramatic even on a gray or slightly rough day.

If you like coastline photography, this is where you’ll start paying attention to shadows and textures. When the boat turns, you can see how the limestone breaks the water and how the light shifts across the surfaces.

What you get for $47: value that’s easy to understand

At about $47 per person for roughly 5 hours, the value is mostly in two areas: transport and time in the water.

Included:

• Boat transport (Sliema to Comino and onward, then back)
• Snorkeling masks for the day

Not included:

• Food and drinks
• Towels

This pricing makes sense because you’re paying for a quick, guided speedboat day with multiple swim opportunities. You’re not buying a full-day ferry experience, and you’re not paying for a private charter. The included mask is also a smart add-on—if you were buying snorkeling gear separately, your total cost would go up fast.

A small practical note: even though masks are included, a full snorkel setup isn’t listed as included. If you’re particular about your snorkeling comfort, you might want to bring your own snorkel mouthpiece or gear.

The guide experience: Captain Tony and Raphael’s real impact

The standout quality repeatedly comes down to the people running the boat. Captain Tony is mentioned again and again for his humor, energy, and years of experience. He also keeps things interactive—people report feeling entertained, informed, and looked after during the day.

Raphael is also referenced as a helpful deckhand/assistant. You’ll notice it in small ways: people getting sorted with masks, advice about safe entry points, and assistance keeping everyone moving at the right times.

Why this matters for you: on a trip with multiple jumps and a moving schedule, the difference between a smooth day and a stressful one is usually communication and pacing. When the crew handles that well, you can focus on the water and the scenery instead of worrying about logistics.

Comfort and crowding: plan for a full boat day

This trip can feel fun and social, but it’s still a boat with limited space. Some people point out that the boat can be on the full side, and that can make deck comfort tighter than you’d like.

What I’d do:

• Pick your seat early and keep your stuff where it won’t get wet.
• Be ready for the fact that during swim stops you’ll share space in and out of the water.
• If you get seasick easily, consider bringing your usual remedy and avoid heavy meals before departure.

Also, water conditions matter. On windy days, the ride between stops can be more jostling. The good news is that Captain Tony’s approach is to keep the experience running and safe, even if the sea isn’t perfectly calm.

What to bring so you don’t waste time

Even though the boat offers shade, you’ll still want to protect yourself from sun once you’re out on the water. For this trip, bring:

• Sunglasses
• Hat
• Swimwear
• Towel
• Sunscreen

Food and drinks aren’t included, so plan accordingly. If you want snacks or a drink in between swim times, bring what you can carry comfortably. Some people also mention vendors showing up during the day for ice cream or drinks, but it’s safer to treat that as a bonus, not a guarantee.

One more gear thought: bring your own snorkel if you prefer a full setup. The trip includes masks, but it isn’t presented as a complete snorkel kit.

Who should book this Sliema to Comino and Gozo boat trip

This is a strong fit if you:

• Want multiple swim stops in a short window
• Like boat days where you see caves and coastline features from the sea
• Prefer an energetic guided experience over a quiet, DIY ferry day
• Are traveling as a couple, small group, or solo and want social energy on the water

It’s also a good pick for people who don’t want a long day of walking on islands but still want time to step onto Comino.

I’d think twice if you:

• Hate crowds and want lots of personal space on deck
• Are very sensitive to choppy water
• Expect a full snorkel kit beyond the included mask

Should you book it?

If your goal is a half-day Maltese water highlight, I think it’s worth booking. The math is simple: for around $47 you get boat transport plus a day in the sea with Crystal Lagoon, Comino Blue Lagoon, Halfa Rock, and cave views—and you’re not stuck paying extra for snorkeling masks.

The main tradeoff is comfort if the boat is full and water conditions aren’t calm. But if you can handle that, the payoff is real: you’ll come away with plenty of blue-water time, a memorable coastline route, and an experience led by Captain Tony that’s built to keep the energy high even when the sea has other plans.

FAQ

How long is the boat trip?

The tour duration is listed as 5 hours.

How much does the tour cost?

The price is listed as $47 per person.

Where do I meet for the trip?

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

What’s included in the price?

Boat transport and snorkeling masks are included.

Is food or drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not included.

Do I need to bring a towel?

Yes. Towels are not included.

Do I need an online ticket for Comino Island?

As of 1 May 2025, you need to apply for an online ticket to go on Comino Island at https://blcomino.com/. If you are swimming from the boat only, the online island ticket does not apply.

Is the tour guide English-speaking?

Yes. The tour includes an English live tour guide.