St Julians: Powerboat Gozo, Comino and Blue Lagoon

The appeal here is simple: two Maltese islands in one day, with the fast boat ride acting as both transport and part of the fun. I like the generous two hours of free time in Gozo, and I like that you get three hours at the Blue Lagoon rather than a rushed photo stop. The boat also visits Comino’s caves before heading home.

The tradeoff is that this is an active, open-water outing with no private boat, no included meal, and no guided sightseeing in Gozo. You must stay seated during the ride, arrive early, and accept that the Blue Lagoon can be crowded and that boat times may shift.

Key Points at a Glance

• Gozo in roughly 30 to 35 minutes: The powerboat gets you across quickly, leaving two hours for your own plan on the island.
• Three hours at Blue Lagoon: You have time for swimming, snorkeling, sunbathing, and finding a quieter patch near the main swimming area.
• Comino caves by boat: The return route includes a short look at the sea caves, adding a scenic element beyond beach time.
• A fast ride, not a gentle ferry: Passengers remain seated throughout the crossing, and the boat is not suitable for several health and mobility conditions.
• Blue Lagoon access now needs a pass: Since April 29, 2025, you must reserve access through the official Blue Lagoon website before arrival.
• Good value for an island sampler: At $78 per person, the trip combines transport to Gozo, Comino, and Malta, but you pay extra for food and any sightseeing in Gozo.

One Day, Three Malta Stops

This trip is built for you if your Malta visit is short and you want to see more than the main island. Instead of spending a full day on Gozo and another on Comino, you get a brisk sample of both in a single outing.

You leave from the base at 8 ix-Xatt Ta’ San Ġorġ in St George’s Bay, part of St Julians. The meeting instructions are specific: walk through the black gate, go down the ramp, turn left, and follow the yellow line on the jetty.

Arrive at least 15 minutes before departure. The boat will not wait for late arrivals, and a missed departure means losing the ticket. That rule matters here because the day runs on a tight schedule, especially once you reach Gozo and Blue Lagoon.

The boat crossing takes about 30 to 35 minutes. You are not just sitting on a standard passenger ferry, either. The operator presents this as the fastest powerboat in Malta, so the crossing is intended to feel lively and quick. You remain seated for the whole ride, which is important if you expect to move around for views or photographs.

Two Hours to Make Your Own Gozo Plan

The boat picks you up at Gozo Harbour at 1:00 p.m., giving you two hours on the island. That is enough for a focused visit, but not enough to see Gozo in depth.

The key point is that Gozo sightseeing is not included. You are free to explore, but transport, entrance fees, and any organized visit are your responsibility. The supplied information does not specify an included driver, guide, or sightseeing route, so you should arrive with a simple plan rather than expecting a ready-made island tour.

Two hours can work well if you want to walk around the harbor area, find a café, browse local shops, or arrange a short independent visit nearby. It is less suitable if you hope to cover several far-flung sights. Gozo is a separate island with enough to fill a full day, and this outing gives you a taste rather than a complete tour.

I like this free-time format because it avoids forcing everyone into the same bus route. You can choose a quiet break, a meal, or a quick look around. The downside is that you must watch the clock and make your own transport decisions.

Bring money for food and drinks. Neither is included, and the schedule gives you little room for a long, leisurely meal. Keep your return point in mind as you explore. Missing the 1:00 p.m. pickup from Gozo could end the rest of your day very quickly.

From Gozo Harbour to Comino’s Blue Lagoon

After the Gozo pickup, the powerboat takes roughly 10 minutes to the Blue Lagoon. This short ride brings you to the main swimming stop of the day.

You get about three hours there, generally from around 1:00 p.m. until the boat collects you at about 4:00 p.m. The exact flow depends on the day’s departure and boat timing, but the format gives you a proper block of beach time rather than a brief stop for photographs.

The Blue Lagoon is the reason many people choose this trip. The water is clear, and the setting is made for swimming and snorkeling. You can also spend the time sunbathing or simply sitting by the water. Bring beachwear, a towel, and sunscreen. Comfortable footwear may also be useful, though it is not listed as a required item.

There is an important new condition. Since April 29, 2025, every person visiting the Blue Lagoon must reserve access through the official website at blcomino.com/product/blue-lagoon/. Your pass details must be correct. If you arrive without a valid pass, you will not be allowed into the Blue Lagoon area and will instead be redirected to Santa Maria Bay, the nearby alternative beach.

That rule changes the booking process. The powerboat ticket does not appear to replace the official lagoon access pass. You should arrange the pass before the trip and check that the names or details match what is required. This is the single most important practical step to handle before departure.

Three hours sounds generous, but the Blue Lagoon is a popular place. Do not expect solitude, especially during the warmer months. The value is having enough time to swim and relax at your own pace, not having an untouched cove to yourself.

A Short Look at Comino’s Sea Caves

At about 4:00 p.m., the boat collects you from Blue Lagoon and makes a short visit to the caves in Comino before returning to Malta. The listed boat time from Comino back to St George’s Bay is about 25 minutes, with arrival around 4:45 p.m.

The cave visit is a nice extra because it lets you see more of Comino without giving up most of your swimming time. It is a boat-based look rather than a guided cave walk. You should think of it as a scenic pass by the rock formations, not a separate exploration stop.

Timing deserves attention here. One booking experience recorded a delayed pickup and a later return than expected, with the passenger initially worrying that the boat had left without them. The published schedule says pickup is around 4:00 p.m. and return is around 4:45 p.m., but conditions on the water can affect the day.

Stay close to the agreed pickup point and listen carefully for instructions. If the crew gives you a specific collection time, write it down. If the boat is not immediately visible, avoid assuming it has gone, but do not wander far from the meeting area. A little patience and a clear watch check can prevent a stressful end to the outing.

What the $78 Price Really Covers

At $78 per person, the trip is priced as a transport-heavy day rather than a fully guided sightseeing tour. You are paying for the powerboat connections from St George’s Bay to Gozo, Gozo to Blue Lagoon, and Blue Lagoon back to St George’s Bay. The Comino caves visit and free time at both islands are part of the package.

That is solid value if you want the convenience of linking the islands by boat. Organizing the same route independently could mean comparing ferry and boat schedules, arranging a separate Comino trip, and coordinating your return to Malta.

The price is less compelling if you want a guide explaining Gozo, a meal, or organized sightseeing. Gozo is your responsibility during the two-hour stop. Food and drinks are also extra, as are any activities or admission costs you choose to arrange there.

I would compare this with the cost of a simple boat transfer plus your own beach plans. The advantage here is the efficient route and the combination of three destinations in one day. The compromise is a quicker pace and less control over how long you stay in each place.

The operator allows free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure, according to the booking conditions, and you can reserve now and pay later. Check the available start time before booking, since the activity is valid for one day and departure times depend on availability.

Who Will Enjoy This Powerboat Day

I would recommend this outing to confident swimmers, beach lovers, and anyone with limited time in Malta. It suits you especially well if your priority is seeing Gozo and Comino without committing two separate days.

It also works for people who enjoy a lively boat ride. The short crossings make good use of the day, and the powerboat gives the route a more energetic feel than a slow ferry. One French booking experience compared the ride to a fun fair attraction, which gives you a useful sense of the mood: exciting for some, uncomfortable for others.

This is not the right choice if you have back problems, heart problems, mobility impairments, a wheelchair, or a pre-existing medical condition that makes a fast boat ride difficult. Pregnant women are not allowed. Children under five are not suitable for the activity, and children under 10 must be accompanied by an adult aged 18 or older.

The boat is not private, so you cannot choose the schedule or expect extra room. Passengers must stay seated throughout the ride. If you want a calm, flexible day with long meals and unplanned stops, choose a slower or private option instead.

Practical Tips for a Smoother Day

Pack lightly. You need beachwear, a towel, sunscreen, and perhaps a small bag that can stay secure on the boat. Keep valuables protected from spray and avoid bringing anything you cannot manage easily during boarding.

Wear sunscreen before you leave, not only once you reach the lagoon. You will spend time on open water, and the boat ride adds sun exposure even when you are not swimming.

Plan your Gozo time before you arrive. With only two hours, decide whether you want food, a walk, or a particular sight. Trying to do everything will turn the stop into a race.

Keep your Blue Lagoon access pass ready on your phone or in the required format. The separate government access rule is not a small detail. Without the correct pass, you may be sent to Santa Maria Bay instead.

Arrive at the black gate meeting point at least 15 minutes early. Follow the ramp, turn left, and use the yellow line on the jetty. Do not rely on arriving just before departure, since late arrivals lose their place and the boat does not wait.

The English-speaking host or greeter can help with the basic operation of the day, but do not expect a full English-language tour of Gozo. The experience is mainly boat transport and free time.

The Verdict: Book It for Speed and Sea Time

Book this powerboat trip if you want an efficient island sampler with two hours in Gozo, three hours at Blue Lagoon, and a short Comino cave visit. The strongest points are the quick crossings, the long swimming stop, and the chance to cover several major Malta destinations in one day.

Skip it if you need a guided Gozo tour, have mobility or medical concerns, dislike fast boat rides, or want a private and highly flexible schedule. Also confirm your Blue Lagoon pass before departure, since the boat ticket alone does not guarantee entry.

For $78, I see this as a practical choice for a first Malta visit or a short stay. It gives you plenty of water time and a clear route, but you need to supply the food, the Gozo plan, the access pass, and the punctuality.

FAQ

How long does the activity last?

It is a one-day experience. The planned return to St George’s Bay is around 4:45 p.m., though boat timing can vary.

Where does the boat leave from?

The meeting point is at 8 ix-Xatt Ta’ San Ġorġ in St George’s Bay. Walk through the black gate, go down the ramp, turn left, and follow the yellow line on the jetty.

How early should I arrive?

You must be at the base at least 15 minutes before departure. The boat does not wait for late arrivals, and a missed departure results in a lost ticket.

How much free time do I get in Gozo?

You have about two hours in Gozo before the boat collects you at Gozo Harbour at 1:00 p.m.

How much time is available at Blue Lagoon?

You have about three hours for swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing. The boat collects you at around 4:00 p.m.

Do I need a separate Blue Lagoon pass?

Yes. Since April 29, 2025, visitors must reserve Blue Lagoon access through the official website. People without a valid, correctly completed pass may be redirected to Santa Maria Bay.

Is food included?

No. Food and drinks are not included. Sightseeing in Gozo is also not included.

Who cannot take this boat trip?

The experience is not suitable for children under five, pregnant women, people with back, heart, mobility, or pre-existing medical conditions, or wheelchair users. Children under 10 must be accompanied by an adult aged 18 or older.