Gozo and Comino, nonstop for six hours. I love the powerboat speed and the Blue Lagoon swim time, but you only get a short window in Gozo, so some big sights can feel rushed. The payoff is easy island-hopping: fast crossings, clear-water swimming, and Comino’s sea caves on the ride back.

This trip runs on a simple rhythm: you start from St. Julian’s, get free time on Gozo, then step ashore on Comino for the Blue Lagoon and a swim-friendly afternoon. It’s not a guided tour, so you’ll plan your own mini-adventure at each stop.

One key detail before you go: from May 2025, you must have a government Blue Lagoon access pass in advance to step ashore there. If you don’t have it, you’ll be taken to Santa Marija Bay instead, and there’s no refund for missing access.

Key highlights to pay attention to

• High-speed transfers that get you off Malta and onto the water fast, without long ferry waiting
• Two hours in Gozo—enough for a quick plan, not enough for a slow, everything day
• Blue Lagoon access pass requirement (limited daily allocation) starting May 2025
• Blue Lagoon water time with the option to swim, snorkel, and hang out on sandy shallows
• Comino Sea Caves visit on the return when weather allows it
• Not guided—you control your stops, timing, and what you do with your free time

Entering the day: what this powerboat combo really gets you

If you want a single-day hit of Malta’s sister islands, this is the practical way to do it. You’re trading slow travel for speed, and it shows in how quickly the day moves. The tone is light and fun: quick boat rides, then you get time on your own to explore.

The biggest win is the match of places. Gozo gives you that more laid-back island feeling, while Comino delivers the water you came for. The day is built around swimming and views, not museum stops or a strict guided checklist.

The boat part matters more than people expect. This is a powerboat, so the ride is quick and exciting, but it can feel bumpy. If you’re prone to motion sickness, you’ll want to treat this as a real factor, not an afterthought.

St. Julian’s pickup: finding the jetty without stress

You meet at the jetty behind the Verdi St. George’s Bay Marina Hotel (formerly Marina Hotel Corinthia Beach Resort). The address is listed as 8, Ix-Xatt Ta’ San Ġorġ, St. Julian’s.

If you arrive and feel that typical Malta parking-lot confusion, here’s the simple method: look for the black iron gate near the entrance to the hotel’s underground parking area. Go through the gate, go down the ramp, turn left, and follow the yellow line painted on the ground until you reach the jetty.

This matters because the trip runs on set departure timing. A smooth arrival is the easiest way to start the day calm, not rushed.

Morning crossing to Gozo: your two-hour window starts quickly

The departure from St. Julian’s is at 10:30 AM. You cruise over to Gozo by powerboat and disembark at Mġarr Harbour, where you get about 2 hours of free time.

That two-hour block is the heart of the Gozo side of the trip, and it’s designed for quick choices. In real-world terms, you’re not doing a full circuit of the island. You’re picking one main area, seeing a key viewpoint or two, and getting back on schedule.

What I like about this setup: you still get the “I’m really there” feeling on Gozo, not just a quick pier photo. What to watch: if your plan requires lots of back-and-forth transport, two hours can vanish fast. Build in buffer time.

Gozo freedom: how to use your time in Victoria and the Citadel area

Gozo’s main charm is the sense of place. You can feel it in the slower pace around town centers and viewpoints. With only two hours, you’ll get the best results by focusing on one zone rather than trying to tick every box.

A common smart move is to head toward Victoria for views. From Mġarr Harbour, people often use taxis to get to viewpoints and then time lunch around it. One practical tip you’ll see works well: arrange pick-up timing so you’re not stranded when the boat schedule comes around.

If your goal is the classic “high viewpoint” feel, the Citadel area is a frequent target because it delivers strong scenery with relatively little transit time. With your free time, you can fit in the basics: a short walk for the views, a quick look at the main area, and enough time to return without sprinting.

Want to go more on your own? You might find rental options like quad bikes mentioned as a way to get around quickly when you’re tied to a short schedule. Just keep expectations realistic: you’re managing your own logistics while also working against the clock.

Comino Blue Lagoon: the swim stop, the crowd reality, and the access pass

Comino is where the day shifts from “island exploring” to “water time.” Around 1:00 PM, the powerboat picks you up at Mġarr Harbour and heads to the Blue Lagoon. You step ashore in Comino for the afternoon block.

The Blue Lagoon is famous for clear water and a sandy shallows feel. The water can look almost see-through near the edges, and it’s a great spot for swimming and snorkelling if you want that easy, friendly entry into the marine scenery. People also often enjoy strolling around Comino Island areas nearby if they want a break from the heat and water.

Here’s what you should plan for: shade can be limited, and the lagoon can be crowded. That combination means you’ll want sun protection early and you might have less lounging space than you imagined. Pack accordingly.

Most importantly, the May 2025 rule can make or break this stop. You need a government-issued access pass in advance to step ashore at the Blue Lagoon. The pass is acquired via blcomino.com, and you should select the afternoon slot for this cruise. Daily allocation is limited.

If you don’t have the pass, you won’t get Blue Lagoon time as planned. Instead, you’ll be taken to Santa Marija Bay. That’s not the same experience, so don’t treat the pass like optional paperwork.

Sea caves on the return: weather permitting, then back to St. Julian’s

At about 3:45 PM, you return by powerboat and the pickup is from the Blue Lagoon. On the way back, the operator visits the Comino Sea caves if weather permits.

This is one of those “if it works out, it’s great” extras. Powerboats can get you close to coastal formations in a way slower boats can’t. When conditions are right, it adds a scenic change of pace before you’re back on Malta’s main island.

Then the day wraps with arrival back in St. Julian’s at around 4:30 PM. It’s a full day, but it doesn’t drag. You’ll feel the day’s pace most during the swim stop, because that’s where time can expand quickly while everyone else is doing the same.

What’s included (and what you should budget for)

The headline value is that you’re paying for transportation and time. This is not just a boat ride with nothing else. You get the full chain: St. Julian’s to Gozo, Gozo to Comino, and Comino back to St. Julian’s, plus fuel costs and an experienced skipper.

The package also includes:

• Two hours free in Gozo (Mġarr Harbour area)
• Free time at Comino Island and Blue Lagoon
• Visit to the Comino Sea caves on the return (when weather allows)
• Fuel costs covered

Not included are the practical things you’ll handle yourself:

• The Blue Lagoon access pass (required from May 2025)
• A tour guide (you’re on your own during stops)
• Hotel pickup/drop-off
• Food and drinks

One small real-world note: food and drinks are available for sale at the Blue Lagoon area, and there may be services like a place for left luggage. Still, don’t count on it as something you want to rely on. Treat it as a convenience, not part of your plan.

If you’re comparing value to alternatives, the strength of this tour is that it compresses travel time. You’re not paying for multiple separate taxi rides or ferry transfers plus another day of logistics. For many people, that time savings is the real bargain—especially with only a short Malta stay.

Boat-ride reality: comfort, seasickness risk, and what to bring

A powerboat is fun. It’s also physical. Expect a fast ride that can feel bumpy, especially if the water is not perfectly calm. If you’ve ever felt motion sickness on boats, take this seriously. The tour is not considered suitable for people prone to seasickness or those who need motion sickness prevention.

That’s also why the packing list is more than a formality. Bring:

• Swimwear (you’ll want it ready)
• Sunglasses and a sun hat
• Sunscreen
• Comfortable shoes
• Motion sickness prevention

Also: follow the rules about what you can bring. Pets, baby strollers, luggage or large bags aren’t allowed. If you’re traveling light, you’ll have an easier time.

One more comfort tip: think about your pace at Blue Lagoon. When it’s busy, you’ll spend energy moving between swim spots, shade (if any), and re-entry areas. Quick swims and frequent rehydration tend to work better than trying to claim a perfect spot for hours.

Who should book this, and who should skip it

This trip is best for you if your top priority is water + speed + two islands in one day. It’s great for couples, friends, and solo travelers who are comfortable making choices on the fly during free time.

It’s also a good option if you’re staying around St. Julian’s, because the meeting point is easy to reach. People note it’s a short walk from hotels nearby, which is exactly what you want when the day is already packed.

Skip it if you know you’ll struggle with the boat ride or the physical aspects. It’s not suitable for:

• Children under 3
• Pregnant women
• People with back problems
• People with mobility impairments or wheelchair users
• People with heart problems
• People prone to seasickness or with motion sickness

If you’re unsure, be honest with yourself. This is not a gentle cruise. It’s a high-speed format with swim stops.

Should you book this Gozo and Comino powerboat trip?

I’d book it if you want the classic Malta combo: Gozo for atmosphere, Comino for famous swimming, and a return that includes cave views when conditions allow. The value is strong because fuel, fuel costs, and the key transport pieces are handled, and your time is spent where it matters.

I would hesitate if you can’t reliably secure the Blue Lagoon access pass in advance. From May 2025, that’s not a minor detail—it’s a main gate to the experience. If you’re traveling last-minute, have changing plans, or forget paperwork easily, you risk ending up at Santa Marija Bay instead.

I’d also book only if you can handle the pace of a short Gozo window. Two hours goes fast. Plan for quick highlights, not full-island wandering.

In short: book this if you’re here for speed and water. Pass if you want a slow, guided, low-jostle day.

FAQ

How long is the Gozo, Comino, and Blue Lagoon powerboat tour?

The duration is listed as 6 hours.

What time does the tour depart and return?

It departs from St. Julian’s at 10:30 AM and returns at approximately 4:30 PM.

Where is the meeting point in St. Julian’s?

You meet at the jetty located behind the Verdi St. George’s Bay Marina Hotel in St. Julian’s. The instructions include finding a black iron gate, going down the ramp, turning left, and following the yellow line to the jetty.

Is this tour guided?

No. It is not a guided tour. You get free time during the stops on Gozo and Comino.

How much free time do I get in Gozo?

You get 2 hours of free time in Gozo at Mġarr Harbour.

Do I need an access pass to go to the Blue Lagoon?

Yes. Starting May 2025, you must obtain a government-issued access pass in advance to step ashore at the Blue Lagoon. The pass is acquired through blcomino.com and you should select the afternoon slot for this cruise.

What happens if I don’t have the Blue Lagoon access pass?

If you don’t have the access pass, you will be taken to Comino’s Santa Marija Bay instead. No refunds are provided if you can’t access the lagoon without a pass.

What time do you pick up from the Blue Lagoon?

The powerboat picks you up from the Blue Lagoon at approximately 3:45 PM.

Is the Comino Sea Caves stop guaranteed?

The visit to the Comino Sea caves is listed as weather permitting on the return journey.

What should I bring, and is food included?

Bring swimwear, sunscreen, sunglasses, a sun hat, comfortable shoes, and motion sickness prevention. Food and drinks are not included.

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