Catamaran vs speedboat for Comino: which should you book?

Why the boat choice matters more than you’d think

You’ve decided to visit Comino and the Blue Lagoon. Now you’re looking at two very different types of boat on GYG and wondering which to book. The difference between a catamaran trip and a speedboat trip to the Blue Lagoon is substantial — not just in speed but in the entire character of the experience.

This guide lays out the honest comparison so you can choose based on what actually matters to you.

Catamaran tours: what to expect

A catamaran is a twin-hulled vessel — wide, stable, and spacious relative to a motorboat of similar length. Malta’s Blue Lagoon catamarans typically carry 20–50 passengers and operate at a relaxed cruise speed (around 10–14 knots). Journey time from Sliema: approximately 60–75 minutes each way.

Advantages of a catamaran:

• Very stable ride — minimal rocking, good for those prone to seasickness
• More deck space and shade
• Usually includes snorkelling equipment, sometimes kayaks
• Often includes a stop at the sea caves (inaccessible from the main Blue Lagoon beach)
• Social atmosphere — you’ll interact with other passengers
• Usually includes lunch or snacks in the price
• Typically the best value per hour on the water

Disadvantages:

• Slower — you spend more time in transit and less time at the destination
• Larger groups — 30–50 people on the same boat means the Blue Lagoon experience is shared with a crowd
• Fixed schedule — the boat leaves when it leaves
• Less ability to anchor in quieter spots

Book the catamaran tour from Sliema/Bugibba to Gozo and Comino

Book the Blue Lagoon, beaches and bays catamaran trip from Bugibba

The Bugibba departure has a meaningful advantage for catamaran tours: Bugibba is significantly closer to Comino than Sliema, cutting the transit time to about 45 minutes and giving you more time at the Blue Lagoon for the same departure time.

Speedboat tours: what to expect

Malta’s Blue Lagoon speedboats (often called “powerboats”) are fast motorised vessels carrying 8–16 passengers and capable of reaching Comino in 20–30 minutes from Sliema — roughly half the catamaran transit time. The journey is louder, rougher in any chop, and more physically engaging.

Advantages of a speedboat:

• Fast: 20–30 minutes from Sliema vs 60–75 minutes for a catamaran
• Earlier arrival at Blue Lagoon for the same departure time
• Smaller group (8–12 typically) — more intimate
• Greater flexibility to anchor in different spots
• Often more capable of reaching the sea caves and Crystal Lagoon
• Good for those who find the slower cruise boring

Disadvantages:

• Rougher ride — particularly in any swell or choppy conditions. Not ideal for those prone to motion sickness
• Less shade — open deck, more exposure to sun and spray
• Usually does not include meals
• Per-person cost is typically similar to or slightly higher than catamaran
• Noise — speedboat engines are significantly louder than catamaran engines

Book the Sliema speedboat tour to Comino Blue Lagoon with caves

Book the Sliema powerboat trip to Gozo with caves and island stop

Private speedboat vs private catamaran

For a private charter, the same principles apply but the cost equation changes:

A private speedboat (up to 8–10 people) for 3 hours starts at around €300–400. A private catamaran for the same duration starts at €500–700. Both give you full control of timing and itinerary.

If you have a group of 4–6, the private speedboat is often the better deal — faster, more responsive, and in the same price range per person as a premium group catamaran tour.

Book a private speedboat to Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon

Which is better for specific types of traveller

For families with young children

Catamaran wins. The stability, the deck space, the shade, and the relaxed pace are far better suited to children under 10. Speedboats are exciting but the spray and the noise and the rough ride in any chop make for a miserable experience with small children.

For solo travellers or couples

Catamaran wins for meeting people (social atmosphere). Speedboat wins for those who prefer a quieter, less social experience — smaller groups, less interaction with strangers.

For photography

Speedboat wins if your priority is reaching the Blue Lagoon early (best light, clearest water). Catamaran wins if you want to photograph the sea caves at a relaxed pace.

For those who get seasick

Catamaran wins decisively. The twin-hull design is significantly more stable than a motorboat hull. In choppy conditions (common in Malta in spring and autumn), a speedboat ride can be rough enough to make passengers genuinely ill. The catamaran is far more forgiving.

For groups of 4–8

Private speedboat or private catamaran is likely the best option — see the private charter guide. Per-person costs are comparable to a premium group tour once you split the charter price.

The sailing option: a third category

Both catamaran and speedboat tours use engines. A third option — a proper sailing cruise — uses wind power and moves at a completely different pace. Sailing tours to Comino are rarer and more expensive, but they offer quiet (no engine noise), a traditional feel, and a different perspective on the Maltese coastline.

Book a full-day sailing charter covering Malta, Gozo and Comino

For those who specifically want a sailing experience rather than a motor cruise, see the Malta sailing day charter guide.

Departure points compared

Departure	Catamaran time to Blue Lagoon	Speedboat time to Blue Lagoon
Sliema	60–75 min	25–35 min
Bugibba	45 min	18–22 min
Mellieha	35 min	15–18 min
St Julian’s	65–80 min	28–38 min

The closer your departure point to Comino, the less the speed difference matters. From Mellieha, even a catamaran gets you there in 35 minutes, making the transit time advantage of a speedboat relatively minor.

Cost comparison (2026 estimates)

Option	Group size	Duration	Per person
Standard group catamaran (Sliema)	30–50 pax	5–7 hours	€30–45
Standard group speedboat (Sliema)	8–16 pax	3–4 hours	€35–50
Private catamaran charter	8–16 pax	4–5 hours	€600–900 total (split)
Private speedboat charter	4–10 pax	3 hours	€300–450 total (split)

Frequently asked questions about catamaran vs speedboat in Malta

Is a catamaran or speedboat faster to the Blue Lagoon?

Speedboats are significantly faster: 25–35 minutes from Sliema vs 60–75 minutes for a catamaran. From Bugibba, the difference is smaller: about 18–22 minutes (speedboat) vs 45 minutes (catamaran).

Which boat is better for seasickness?

Catamarans are far more stable than speedboats and significantly better for those prone to motion sickness. In choppy conditions, a speedboat ride can be rough. If motion sickness is a concern, always choose a catamaran.

Do catamarans stop at the sea caves?

Many catamaran tours include a stop at or passage through the sea caves near Comino — check the specific tour description. Some basic catamaran tours focus only on Blue Lagoon. Speedboats are typically more agile at navigating into the smaller cave openings.

Are children allowed on speedboat tours to Blue Lagoon?

Many speedboat tours have a minimum age requirement (often 6 or 8 years old) due to the rough ride and safety considerations. Check the specific tour before booking with children.

Is the Blue Lagoon experience the same from both boats?

Once you’re off the boat and in the water, yes — the Blue Lagoon is the Blue Lagoon. The difference is in the journey, the group size and atmosphere on the water, and the flexibility to visit Crystal Lagoon or the sea caves.

Can I combine a speedboat there and a catamaran back?

No — tours are generally one boat the entire trip. If you want both experiences, book separate tours on separate days.

Which is cheaper: catamaran or speedboat?

The difference is smaller than you’d expect. Group catamaran tours start around €30–35/person; group speedboat tours start around €35–50/person. The speedboat’s smaller group size makes it more per-person even though the total boat cost is lower.

Last reviewed: 2026-04-20