Malta: Comino, Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon & Caves Cruise

Comino’s Blue Lagoon is the star here, but the best part is having the boat as your base. You can jump straight into clear water, climb back aboard for shade or a drink, and avoid being stranded on a crowded strip of shore. Captain Kevin adds useful commentary as you pass Malta’s coast, caves, bays, and historic sights.

I like two things in particular: the 4.5-hour stop gives you time to swim without rushing, and the boat’s slide, upper deck, toilets, lockers, and cafeteria make the day easy for families. The main caution is the sea journey itself. The boat can be bumpy, and upper-deck deck chairs are limited, so arrive 45 minutes to an hour early if you want the best spot.

Key points to know before booking

• Captain Kevin narrates the route: You get information about Malta, Comino, the caves, bays, and landmarks along the way.
• The Blue Lagoon is your main base: The boat moors in a quieter area, with water about 3 meters deep, rather than simply dropping you off.
• The 10-meter slide is included: You can slide or jump into the lagoon, then use the boat steps to get back out.
• The cave speedboat is extra: Bring €15 in cash if you want the optional ride around Comino’s smaller caves.
• Top-deck chairs go early: The chairs are limited, and early arrival is your best chance of getting one.
• The current access system matters: From May 19, 2025, you need a free Blue Lagoon QR access pass, including both a morning and afternoon slot for the scheduled 11:00 to 15:20 stop.

From St. Paul’s Bay to Comino by family-run boat

The day begins at Hornblower Cruises Malta, at Sirens Quay 24 in St. Paul’s Bay. Look for the large white and blue boat with Hornblower written in red, behind LOA restaurant. The meeting point is close to bus stops called Parades, Bandieri, and Toni, and free roadside parking is available in the white-marked spaces.

I would arrive at least 45 minutes early, and closer to an hour early if you want an upper-deck chair. This is not a minor tip. The upper deck is the best place for sun, open views, and a clear look at the coast, but the number of deck chairs is limited.

The boat is run by a family team, with Captain Kevin handling the commentary. The tone is relaxed and social, with music, drinks, and a friendly crew. This feels more like a full day on the water than a plain transfer to Comino.

The advertised duration is four to seven hours, depending on the departure time, with about 4.5 hours at the Blue Lagoon. The exact start time changes by date, so check the schedule carefully before planning the rest of your day.

Malta’s northern coast sets the scene

Once you leave St. Paul’s Bay, the boat follows Malta’s northern coast. The first sights include St. Paul’s Islands and the statue of St. Paul, followed by Ahrax Point and Coral Lagoon.

These early sections are mainly scenic cruising and photo stops rather than long visits on land. That is useful to know. You get a broad view of the coast and several landmarks, but the value comes from seeing them from the water, not from walking through each site.

The boat then enters the north channel of Comino. Along the way, Captain Kevin points out the Elephant’s Head, Santa Maria Bay, St. Nicholas Bay, and the Comino Hotel. You can take pictures from either side, but one useful seat tip is to choose the left side when possible, since that side gives better views of Comino as you pass.

The ride also gives you time to settle into the boat. You can stay on the main deck for shade or move upstairs for sun and wider views. If you are prone to motion sickness, keep this section in mind. The boat can be quite bumpy, and the open-water ride may not suit everyone.

Ahrax Cave and Santa Maria Cave

The cruise makes quick entries into Ahrax Cave and Santa Maria Cave. These are brief scenic visits, designed for close-up views and photographs rather than a long cave exploration.

The caves are one of the reasons this route feels more complete than a simple Blue Lagoon shuttle. You see cliffs, openings in the rock, and changing views of Comino’s shoreline before settling in for the main swimming stop.

Conditions on the water affect how close the boat can get and how smooth the ride feels. The crew provides information as you go, but you should think of the cave sections as short viewing moments. If you want a more active cave experience, the optional speedboat ride near Comino is the better choice.

That extra ride costs €15, payable in cash on-site. It is not part of the base fare, but it is worth considering if you enjoy fast boat rides and want to get closer to the smaller caves. One particularly enthusiastic crew member, known for long rasta hair, has been praised for making the speedboat trip both exciting and informative, though the guide’s name is not specified.

Four and a half hours at the Blue Lagoon

After roughly an hour of cruising, the boat reaches Comino’s famous Blue Lagoon. This is where most of your day happens.

The boat moors in a more secluded, less crowded area of the lagoon. The water beside the boat is about 3 meters deep, so this is mainly a swim-from-the-boat stop. You can use the ladder and steps to enter and leave the water, or go to the beach if swimming from the boat is not comfortable.

The long stop is a major strength. Four and a half hours gives you room to split the day into several parts:

• Swim from the boat and use the slide.
• Snorkel around the clear water.
• Sunbathe on the upper deck.
• Sit in the shade on the main deck.
• Buy a drink or food from the cafeteria.
• Walk onto Comino for a change of pace.

The lagoon is famous for its bright, clear water, and the color is the main attraction. It is particularly good for swimming and photos, though you should not expect solitude. The Blue Lagoon is one of Malta’s most popular places, and the wider area can become busy.

The boat helps solve part of that problem. You have your own base, toilets, places to sit, and somewhere to store items if you pay for a locker. You can return to the boat whenever you want instead of carrying everything around the shore.

For weaker swimmers, a buoyancy aid is available for a €10 deposit. The mooring area is not shallow, so this detail matters. You should bring your own confidence in the water or use the provided aid rather than treating the boat entrance as a shallow beach swim.

The slide, swimming platforms, and upper deck

The 10-meter slide is included and is one of the most memorable features for families and active adults. It sends you straight into the Blue Lagoon, and you can climb out using the boat’s steps.

You can also jump from the boat, as long as you follow the crew’s instructions. Children especially seem to enjoy the combination of swimming, jumping, and sliding. If you prefer a quiet day, you can ignore the slide entirely and use the boat as a floating sun terrace.

The upper deck has a limited number of deck chairs. Arriving early is the best way to claim one, especially if lying in the sun is important to you. The main deck offers shade, which may be the wiser choice during the hottest part of the day.

The boat also has male and female toilets, a cafeteria, and a limited number of lockers. Lockers cost extra and are paid for on-site. Food and drinks are available for purchase, with reasonable prices and a mini grill offering hot food. Bring a towel, swimwear, and sunscreen, since the day is built around time in the open sun.

Mask and snorkel rental costs €5, with a €15 deposit and €10 refunded. That makes the effective rental cost €5, provided you return the equipment properly. You can also bring your own equipment if you prefer.

A quick look at Gozo, Crystal Lagoon, and Saint Mary’s Tower

At the end of the Blue Lagoon stop, the boat heads toward Gozo without stopping. You cruise around Mgarr Harbour and see parts of the harbor from the water.

This is a sightseeing pass, not a Gozo shore excursion. You will not have time to explore Gozo on foot during this trip, so do not book it as a substitute for a full Gozo visit. It works well as a brief coastal preview if you plan to return to Gozo separately.

The return route uses Comino’s south channel. The boat passes Crystal Lagoon and its caves, then Saint Mary’s Tower. Crystal Lagoon is another strong photo stop, with clear water and rock formations viewed from the boat.

Saint Mary’s Tower adds a touch of Comino’s past to a day otherwise focused on swimming and scenery. The stop is short, so you should have your camera ready rather than expect a detailed visit. The boat then returns to the original Hornblower meeting point in St. Paul’s Bay.

Is $34 good value for Malta?

At $34 per person, this is a strong value if you want a full day on the water rather than a short transfer. The price includes the cruise, cave viewing, the 4.5-hour Blue Lagoon stop, upper-deck chairs when available, and the 10-meter slide.

You still need to budget for lunch, drinks, a locker, snorkel rental, and the optional speedboat. Those costs are not hidden, but they can raise the total if you add several extras. The speedboat alone requires €15 in cash, so plan ahead.

The real value is the boat itself. A water taxi that simply drops you at the lagoon may cost less or take less time, but it leaves you looking for somewhere to sit and store your things. Here, the boat remains your base, with shade, toilets, food, a slide, and access to the water.

I would consider this especially good value for families, swimmers, and anyone who wants a relaxed structure to the day. It is less useful if you want to spend most of your time hiking around Comino or exploring Gozo on foot.

Timing, crowds, and the new Blue Lagoon access pass

The scheduled Blue Lagoon stop is from 11:00 to 15:20. Under the access rules introduced on May 19, 2025, visitors must present a QR code showing their designated Blue Lagoon time slot.

You need a free access pass from blcomino.com. For this cruise’s scheduled stop, you need both a morning and afternoon slot because your time at the lagoon crosses midday. Check the current requirements before you leave for the boat, since the cruise ticket itself does not replace the QR pass.

The boat moors in a quieter section, which helps, but the famous lagoon remains a popular place. Arriving early improves your chance of getting a chair and gives you a calmer start before the swimming area fills.

The long stop also lets you choose your own rhythm. You can swim early, eat later, move into the shade, and return to the water when you feel like it. That freedom is more valuable than a tightly packed schedule.

Who will enjoy this cruise most?

I would choose this trip if you want:

• A full day combining a scenic cruise and a long swim stop.
• Easy access to Blue Lagoon water without giving up a boat base.
• A family-friendly activity with a slide and simple swimming access.
• Cave views, coastal sights, and commentary from Captain Kevin.
• Food, drinks, toilets, shade, and sunbeds in one place.
• The option to add an exciting speedboat cave ride.

It may not suit you if you have mobility impairments, since the activity is not suitable for people with mobility impairments. It is also a poor match if rough water makes you uncomfortable or if you want a quiet, land-based day.

The host and commentary are in English. That matters if you want to follow the information about Malta and Comino as the boat passes each sight.

Small practical choices that improve the day

Arrive at the boat 45 minutes to an hour before departure. This reduces stress at the meeting point and gives you a better chance of an upper-deck chair.

Bring sunscreen and reapply it. It is easy to underestimate the sun when a sea breeze keeps you cool. A towel and swimwear are essential, and cash is useful for the speedboat, locker, and any on-site extras.

If you plan to snorkel, bring your own mask and snorkel or allow for the €5 rental charge and €15 deposit. If you are not a strong swimmer, ask about the buoyancy aid before entering the 3-meter-deep mooring area.

For the best coastal views, try the left side of the boat during the outward cruise. For comfort, move between the upper and main decks as the sun changes. The upper deck is ideal for views and tanning, while the main deck gives you shade and a break from the heat.

Should you book the Hornblower Comino cruise?

Book it if the main goal is to swim in the Blue Lagoon while keeping a comfortable base nearby. The combination of a long stop, cave viewing, Captain Kevin’s commentary, food and drinks, and the included slide gives you plenty for the $34 price.

I would be especially keen on it for a family day, a first visit to Malta, or a group with mixed interests. Swimmers can spend hours in the water, sun lovers can use the deck, and anyone who wants more action can pay for the speedboat cave ride.

Skip it if you dislike bumpy boat rides, need a quiet beach, or want substantial time walking around Comino or Gozo. For most people who want Malta’s clearest water with a little sightseeing on the way, this is a practical and enjoyable choice. Just arrive early, secure the QR access pass, and bring cash for the optional extras.

FAQ

Where does the cruise leave from?

It leaves from Hornblower Cruises Malta at Sirens Quay 24, Triq San Geraldu, St. Paul’s Bay, behind LOA restaurant.

How do I identify the boat?

Look for a large white and blue boat with Hornblower written in red on the side.

How long is the Blue Lagoon stop?

The scheduled stop at the Blue Lagoon lasts about 4.5 hours, from 11:00 to 15:20.

Do I need a Blue Lagoon access pass?

Yes. From May 19, 2025, visitors need a free QR access pass showing their designated time slot. For the scheduled stop, you need both morning and afternoon slots.

Is the slide included?

Yes. The 10-meter slide is included in the cruise price.

Can I swim directly from the boat?

Yes. The boat moors in the Blue Lagoon, where the water is about 3 meters deep. You can also enter from the beach or use a buoyancy aid with a €10 deposit.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

You can rent a mask and snorkel for €5. The rental requires a €15 deposit, with €10 refunded.

Does the cruise include lunch?

No. Lunch is not included, but hot and cold food and drinks are available to purchase from the onboard cafeteria.

How much does the optional speedboat ride cost?

The optional speedboat ride around Comino’s smaller caves costs €15 in cash, paid on-site.

Is the cruise suitable for people with mobility impairments?

No. The activity is listed as unsuitable for people with mobility impairments.