REVIEW · SLIEMA
Sliema: Powerboat Trip to Gozo with Caves and Island Stop
Book on GetYourGuide →Operated by Supreme Power Boats · Bookable on GetYourGuide
Gozo by powerboat feels like a mini rocket. I like the high-speed ride across the Maltese islands and the way it mixes that rush with a proper cave tour and time to swim in clear water. One downside to plan for: your Gozo time is only about 4.5 hours, so this is not the slow, deep-drift type of day.
The trip runs from 11:30am to 5:15pm, starting at Sliema Ferries opposite McDonald’s. You’ll get a simple structure: head out fast, see caves, then land on Gozo with enough hours to wander, eat on your own, and reset before you head back.
In This Review
- Key points that matter for this Gozo speedboat day
- Sliema to Gozo, with a fast start at 11:30am
- Cave tour time: rock formations and the swim break
- The big reward: about 4.5 hours of free time on Gozo
- Why this $77 price can feel fair (and when it might not)
- Comfort and safety reality check on a powerboat day
- Who should book this Gozo caves speedboat, and who should skip it
- Should you book Supreme Power Boats to Gozo?
- FAQ
- How long is the powerboat trip from Sliema to Gozo?
- Where do I meet for the tour in Sliema?
- What’s included in the price?
- Are food and drinks included?
- What should I bring?
- Is this tour suitable for young children or people with medical conditions?
Key points that matter for this Gozo speedboat day
- 11:30am Sliema departure from Sliema Ferries opposite McDonald’s, returning at 5:15pm
- About 4.5 hours free time on Gozo with no bus tour or guided tour included
- Cave tour plus a swim stop in crystal-clear water
- Speed is the point: it’s a powerboat built for adrenaline, not a sightseeing cruise
- Bring beachwear since the day includes water time, and plan for food/drinks on your own
Sliema to Gozo, with a fast start at 11:30am
This is a “get out there and move” kind of tour. You meet at Sliema Ferries opposite McDonald’s, and boarding involves signing a waiver form before you go. If you want a smooth start, arrive a little early, get the paperwork done, and get settled before the boat leaves.
Once you’re underway, the basic promise is clear: you’re on a high-speed powerboat crossing the water between Malta and Gozo, with views of the coastline from a perspective most people never get. Even if you’ve visited Malta before, the speed changes how you experience the day. Less time admiring from the dock, more time feeling the motion and speed as you head toward Gozo.
The timing also works well if you like full afternoons. You leave at 11:30am and still come back at 5:15pm, so you’re not losing your whole day to travel. And because you’re doing caves and island time in one package, you avoid stitching together separate boat trips and island excursions.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Sliema.
Cave tour time: rock formations and the swim break
The caves are the signature stop, and they’re built into the experience on purpose. You’ll get a tour connected to those famous rock formations and crystal-clear water, with enough “see it” time to enjoy the scenery and enough “do it” time to get in the water.
Here’s what I find useful to understand before you go: caves on a boat day often mean a mix of close-up views from the water plus quick windows where you can get the best shots and then move on. You shouldn’t expect this to feel like a slow, guided museum-style walkthrough. It’s active. You’ll likely spend less time standing still and more time reacting—looking up at the rocks, checking the water, and getting ready for the swim window when it’s offered.
What to bring shapes how much you enjoy this part. Beachwear matters because the day includes water time, and comfortable clothes help you move between boarding areas, ladders/steps if provided, and time spent on the island after the boat ride.
Also note the overall vibe: you’re on a speedboat, so this is not the place for a “quiet contemplative” mood. If you like energy and a bit of adrenaline while you travel, caves are even more fun when the boat experience matches the setting.
The big reward: about 4.5 hours of free time on Gozo
After the water portion and cave touring, you’ll have approximately 4.5 hours free time on the island of Gozo. This is your main freedom window, and it’s long enough to do something meaningful without feeling like you’re rushing every five minutes.
Because there’s no bus tour or guided tour included in Gozo, you’re in charge. That can be a good thing. You’re not stuck to a group pace or a scripted checklist, and you can choose what fits your mood—whether that’s wandering streets, finding a viewpoint, or just taking your time to enjoy being on an island rather than on a boat.
At the same time, the limited time is real. With only 4.5 hours on the island, you’ll want a simple plan. I’d treat it like a “great taste test,” not a full-day Gozo deep dive. Pick one or two priorities, then leave buffer time for walking breaks and getting back to the meeting point before you lose track of the clock.
One practical advantage: you’re not carrying a guided schedule through Gozo. That means if you want to shift gears—skip something you don’t feel like doing and swap in something closer—you can. Just keep an eye on the return time back to the boat at 5:15pm.
Why this $77 price can feel fair (and when it might not)
At about $77 per person, this trip isn’t cheap, but it’s also not asking you to pay for extra things you don’t receive. You’re paying for three core components that cost time and logistics on their own:
- a powerboat ride between Sliema and Gozo
- cave touring
- around 4.5 hours of free time on Gozo
What you’re not paying for is just as important. Food and drinks are not included, and there’s no bus tour or guided tour on the Gozo island portion. So if you show up planning to eat on the boat or have lunch handled for you, you’ll be disappointed. If you’re comfortable buying your own snacks or lunch, the pricing makes more sense.
I also think you should judge value by the day’s rhythm. This is built for speed and action: you get the adrenaline of a fast boat, the visual impact of caves, and a chunk of island time in a single trip. If that mix fits how you like to travel, the price usually feels more reasonable than it looks on paper.
If you’re trying to keep plans flexible, the booking options are friendly: there’s free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, and reserve now & pay later is available. That lowers risk if you’re still deciding how much you want to pack into Malta.
Comfort and safety reality check on a powerboat day
This trip is for people who are okay with movement. It’s a high-speed powerboat, and that means the experience leans physical. The operator also has clear safety limits.
It’s not suitable for:
- children under 3
- pregnant women
- people with back problems
- people with heart problems
- wheelchair users
- people with pre-existing medical conditions
- people with recent surgeries
- people over 95
If any of those apply to you, skip this one and choose a calmer style of tour.
If you’re generally healthy, the best approach is still simple: wear what you’ll be comfortable in around boats and water, and keep your expectations aligned with the format. This is not a slow scenic ferry. It’s built around speed and water access, including a swim opportunity.
One more detail: you’ll sign a waiver form before boarding. So read it, sign it, and don’t wait until the last second. It’s one of those small steps that keeps the whole departure smooth.
Who should book this Gozo caves speedboat, and who should skip it
You’ll probably love this tour if you want a day that mixes:
- a fast, adrenaline-forward boat ride
- a caves stop with big rock views and water time
- a real chunk of unstructured Gozo time (around 4.5 hours)
It’s a great fit for couples, small groups of friends, and teens/young adults who like active travel. One review also highlighted skipper BASO and a fun mood with music, which tells me the company tends to keep the energy up during the ride. If that sounds like your kind of travel day, you’re in the right place.
You might want to pick something else if you prefer:
- long guided walks
- an unhurried island day
- tours where food and drink are fully handled for you
Also, if you get anxious about boats or have any of the health limitations listed earlier, don’t force it. Choose a different style of experience that matches your comfort level.
Should you book Supreme Power Boats to Gozo?
Book it if you want the efficient best-of combo: Sliema to Gozo by powerboat, caves as a real highlight, and enough island time to enjoy Gozo without needing extra transportation. The price feels most justified when you’re excited about speed and you’re fine handling food and drinks on your own.
Skip it if you want a calm, slow experience, or if you’re in any of the safety categories listed as not suitable. And if 4.5 hours on Gozo feels too short for your travel style, consider pairing a shorter boat trip with another Gozo visit later.
If you match the vibe—active day, caves, water time, and speed—this is a strong way to see Gozo without wasting your whole day on transit.
FAQ
How long is the powerboat trip from Sliema to Gozo?
The duration is 5 hours total, with approximately 4.5 hours free time on Gozo.
Where do I meet for the tour in Sliema?
Meet at Sliema Ferries opposite McDonald’s.
What’s included in the price?
Included are the powerboat trip from Sliema to Gozo, about 4.5 hours free time on Gozo, and a cave tour.
Are food and drinks included?
No. Food and drinks are not included.
What should I bring?
Bring comfortable clothes and beachwear.
Is this tour suitable for young children or people with medical conditions?
No. It is not suitable for children under 3, pregnant women, wheelchair users, and people with back or heart problems, pre-existing medical conditions, recent surgeries, or those over 95.
