From St. Julian’s: Gozo, Comino, Blue Lagoon by Powerboat

The Blue Lagoon is the star here, but the powerboat ride is what turns this into a lively Malta day out rather than a simple beach transfer. In six hours, you reach Gozo, Comino, and the Comino sea caves without arranging separate ferries, buses, or taxis.

I like the fast link between the islands and the freedom at each stop. You can use Gozo’s two hours for the Citadel, a taxi trip, or a quick lunch, then spend a longer stretch swimming in Comino’s clear water. Captains such as Abe, Andre, and Mario have also been praised for friendly, professional handling.

The catch is simple: Gozo feels rushed, and the Blue Lagoon can be packed with people. The boat is quick, but it may bounce over the water, so this is a poor fit if you are prone to seasickness or need a smooth, slow cruise.

Key points to know before booking

• Two islands in one outing: Visit Mġarr Harbour in Gozo and the Blue Lagoon area of Comino in one six-hour trip.
• A fast, open-air ride: The powerboat saves time and gives you sea views, but the ride can be bumpy.
• Two hours in Gozo: Enough for a focused visit, but not enough for a relaxed tour of the whole island.
• Afternoon Blue Lagoon access: From May 2025, you need a government access pass to step ashore at the Blue Lagoon.
• Sea caves on the return: The boat visits the Comino caves when weather and sea conditions allow.
• A self-guided day: You get free time, not a guide-led tour, so plan each stop before leaving St. Julian’s.

Why this powerboat trip works well

At $77 per person, this is best viewed as a transport-and-swimming day rather than a traditional sightseeing tour. The price covers the powerboat between St. Julian’s, Gozo, and Comino, fuel, an experienced skipper, and the return cave visit.

That matters in Malta, where visiting both islands independently takes more planning. You would otherwise need to coordinate transport to Gozo, arrange a way around the island, then find another boat or ferry connection to Comino. Here, the main movements are bundled together.

I like the direct route. You leave St. Julian’s at about 10:30 AM, head first to Gozo, then continue to Comino around 1 PM. The return from the Blue Lagoon is scheduled for approximately 3:45 PM, with arrival back in St. Julian’s around 4:30 PM.

The service is not guided. That is a plus if you dislike being led from one sight to the next, but a drawback if you want local explanations or a planned tour. You decide how to use your time, and you need to keep an eye on the pickup time.

Finding the jetty in St. Julian’s

The departure point is at the jetty behind the Verdi St. George’s Bay Marina Hotel, formerly called the Marina Hotel Corinthia Beach Resort, at 8, Ix-Xatt Ta’ San Ġorġ.

The entrance is easy to miss if you are looking only for a large ticket booth. Near the hotel’s underground parking entrance, find the black iron gate. Go through it, walk down the ramp, turn left, and follow the yellow line painted on the ground to the jetty where the boats and jet skis are kept.

Allow extra time to find it. The route is specific, and arriving at the hotel area is not the same as being at the boat. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you must make your own way to St. Julian’s.

Wear shoes that are easy to walk in, and keep your belongings compact. Large bags, luggage, baby strollers, non-folding wheelchairs, and electric wheelchairs are not permitted. A small day bag with swimwear, sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and a towel is the sensible setup.

The powerboat ride to Gozo

The first leg is the most energetic part of the day. You get the sea breeze, a quick run across the water, and views of Malta from a low boat rather than from a larger ferry.

That speed is useful. You spend less of the six-hour outing simply getting from place to place. It also gives the trip a sense of occasion, especially if you enjoy boats and do not mind a little spray or movement.

The same feature can be tiring. A powerboat is not a cushioned sightseeing vessel, and the ride may feel bumpy. The experience is not suitable for children under three, pregnant women, people with back or heart problems, people with mobility impairments, wheelchair users, or people prone to seasickness and motion sickness.

If you are unsure how you will handle the ride, bring motion sickness prevention and tell the crew early if you feel uncomfortable. The boat operators have been praised for taking safety seriously, and one rough-weather cancellation was handled by arranging an alternative boat outing. Still, sea conditions control the day.

Two hours at Mġarr Harbour in Gozo

You reach Mġarr Harbour, Gozo’s main harbor, at roughly 11 AM and have about two hours before the boat returns at around 1 PM.

Mġarr is attractive, but the main issue is time. You do not have enough of a window to wander without a plan and still see much of Gozo. If you stay near the harbor, you can enjoy a short look around, find food, or simply keep the day relaxed.

If you want to see more, arrange your transport before the boat leaves. A taxi to Victoria, Gozo’s main town, has been available at about €5 per person on some outings, with a return pickup arranged in advance. That can give you time for the Citadel and a quick meal, but you must allow for traffic and the journey back to Mġarr.

The Citadel is a strong choice because it offers views and a clear sense of place in a short visit. Some people have also used their Gozo stop for the Blue Hole, the salt beds, or the Ġgantija Temples, but fitting several of these sights into two hours would be tight.

Quad-bike hire has also been used as a way to see more of Gozo quickly. I would treat that as an option only for confident riders who have already arranged the details. You do not want to spend most of your short stop organizing transport.

My advice is to choose one Gozo goal. Pick the Citadel, a harbor-area break, or one specific sight. Trying to cover the island will leave you watching the clock instead of enjoying the stop.

The Blue Lagoon and Comino’s clear water

At about 1 PM, the boat leaves Gozo for Comino. This is where the day shifts from quick sightseeing to swimming and sun.

The Blue Lagoon is famous for transparent cyan water, a pale sandy bottom, and good conditions for swimming and snorkeling. You can also sunbathe or walk around Comino if you would rather stay dry. The water is the reason most people will choose this trip, and it can be striking when the light is good.

You should also set realistic expectations. The Blue Lagoon is one of Malta’s best-known spots, and it can be extremely crowded. Finding a quiet patch of shore may be difficult, and there is limited shade. Bring strong sun protection, a hat, and water. Food and drinks are not included, though refreshments are sold near the lagoon, and a left-luggage facility may be available there.

The most important practical change is the government access pass. Since May 2025, anyone who wants to step ashore at the Blue Lagoon must obtain a pass in advance through blcomino.com. You need the afternoon time slot for this outing, and the daily allocation is limited.

Do not assume your boat booking includes that permission. It does not. If you arrive without the pass, you cannot count on getting ashore at the lagoon, and no refund is provided for missing it. The alternative is Santa Marija Bay on Comino, where the boat will take you if you do not have the required pass.

This rule makes advance planning essential. Secure the pass before the trip, check that you selected the afternoon slot, and keep proof of it accessible. The lagoon is the centerpiece of the outing, so this is not a minor detail.

The Comino sea caves on the way home

The boat leaves the Blue Lagoon at approximately 3:45 PM. On the return to St. Julian’s, the skipper visits the Comino sea caves when weather and sea conditions permit.

This is a good use of the return journey. You get a closer look at the rocky coast and cave openings without giving up more of your limited time on Gozo or at the lagoon. It also breaks up the ride back.

The cave visit is weather-dependent, so it should not be treated as guaranteed. If the sea is rough, the skipper may skip it. That is the right call for safety, even if it means the trip ends with a more direct ride home.

You should arrive back at the St. Julian’s base around 4:30 PM. A mechanical delay has caused a late return on one outing, but the problem was fixed and the boat continued safely. Leave a little flexibility after the tour if you have dinner reservations or another fixed appointment.

How the $77 price measures up

The $77 price is fair if you value convenience and want both Gozo and Comino in one day. The boat connections, fuel, skipper, and cave visit are included, and you avoid booking separate island transport.

It is less attractive if your main goal is a long, quiet day in Gozo. Two hours is enough for one carefully chosen activity, not a broad tour. You also pay extra for food, drinks, local transport on Gozo, and the Blue Lagoon access pass.

The self-guided format helps keep the price focused on transport. You are not paying for a guide, but you also do not receive a structured explanation of Gozo’s sights or Comino’s history. I see this as good value for independent visitors who already know what they want to do.

For a group of friends, the arrangement works particularly well. You can split a taxi on Gozo, share the boat ride, and spend the afternoon swimming without following a guide. For someone traveling alone and hoping for detailed local stories, another kind of tour may offer more.

Who should book this outing

I would choose this trip if you are staying around St. Julian’s and want a compact way to sample Malta’s two sister islands. It suits confident swimmers, people who enjoy fast boat rides, and anyone happy to make their own plan at each stop.

It is also a good choice if you want a mix of experiences: harbor scenery, a short Gozo visit, open-water transport, a famous swimming spot, and sea caves. The schedule gives you variety without requiring a full day of transfers.

I would think twice if you want a calm boat cruise, a shaded beach, or plenty of time for museums and inland sights. The powerboat can be uncomfortable, Comino can be crowded, and Gozo deserves more than two hours if you want to explore it properly.

The tour is offered in English. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. Those terms help if your Malta schedule is still moving, but they do not remove the need to check the sea forecast and secure the Blue Lagoon pass.

FAQ

How long does the powerboat trip last?

The complete experience lasts about six hours. Departure from St. Julian’s is scheduled for 10:30 AM, with return around 4:30 PM.

How much free time do I get in Gozo?

You get approximately two hours at Mġarr Harbour, from around 11 AM until the boat departs for Comino at about 1 PM.

Is the tour guided?

No. The outing is not guided. You have free time to explore Gozo and Comino on your own.

Do I need a pass for the Blue Lagoon?

Yes. From May 2025, you need a government-issued access pass to step ashore at the Blue Lagoon. It must be obtained through blcomino.com, and you should choose the afternoon slot.

What happens if I do not have a Blue Lagoon access pass?

You will be taken to Santa Marija Bay on Comino instead. You cannot rely on receiving a refund if you cannot access the Blue Lagoon because you did not obtain a pass.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not included in the price, though food and refreshments are available for purchase at the Blue Lagoon.

Is the boat suitable for people with motion sickness?

No. The trip is not suitable for people prone to seasickness or motion sickness. The powerboat can be bumpy, so you should also consider this if you have back problems.

Should you book this Gozo and Comino trip?

Book it if you want maximum island coverage in six hours and are comfortable trading depth for variety. The fast boat, clear Blue Lagoon water, and cave visit give you a memorable taste of Malta’s coast, while the free-time format lets you shape the day yourself.

Skip it if Gozo is your main priority, if you need a smooth ride, or if crowded swimming spots put you off. For the right person, $77 buys a practical and exciting island sampler. Just secure the afternoon Blue Lagoon pass, choose one Gozo target, and arrive ready for sun, spray, and a bumpy ride.