Malta: Comino, Gozo, Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon and Caves Tour

The Blue Lagoon stop is the star here, but the boat ride gives you much more than a quick swim. From St. Paul’s Bay, you cruise past sea caves, sandy beaches, St. Paul’s Islands, and Comino’s rocky coast before mooring beside the famous turquoise water.

I like the low price for a full day at sea, and I like having a choice on Gozo: explore on your own or pay €5 for a shuttle to Victoria. The main catch is time. You get a taste of several places, not a deep visit to Gozo, and the boat can feel crowded when the top deck fills.

Key points to know before you book

• Blue Lagoon first: You get 90 minutes to swim, snorkel, use the 10-meter slide, or walk onto Comino.
• Caves from the water: The cruise enters Ahrax Cave and Santa Maria Cave, with close views of unusual rock formations.
• Gozo is flexible: Spend three hours at Mġarr Harbour, use local transport, or take the optional €5 shuttle to Victoria.
• Arrive early for a lounger: Top-deck chairs are free but limited, and they go quickly.
• Bring cash and a towel: The Gozo shuttle and speedboat extras are paid separately, and towels are not supplied.
• Best for a broad sampler: This suits you if you want Comino, Gozo, swimming, and coastal scenery in one inexpensive day.

Starting at St. Paul’s Bay at 10 a.m.

You make your own way to Bugibba Jetty on Dawret Il-Gżejjer in St. Paul’s Bay. The boat leaves at 10 a.m. and returns to the same point at about 5 p.m., so you have roughly seven hours from start to finish.

I would arrive well before departure, especially if you want a free lounger on the upper deck. One person arrived nearly an hour early and still found the best seats were already being claimed. The boat has a spacious shaded main deck, sunny seating, an air-conditioned lower deck, toilets, a cafeteria, and a small number of lockers.

The boat is comfortable enough for a day on the water, but it is not a sleek modern yacht. That matters less when you are outside looking at Malta’s coast, though the vessel can feel busy on a full sailing. Capacity is listed at up to 232 people, so you should expect a shared excursion rather than a quiet private cruise.

The crew provides commentary as you pass the coast. The captain points out landmarks and gives information about the caves and islands, which adds useful context to what could otherwise be a long transfer by boat. Music and a relaxed onboard atmosphere are also part of the experience.

Malta’s north coast and the story of St. Paul

The opening cruise follows Malta’s north coast toward Comino. One of the first notable sights is St. Paul’s Island, marked by an 8.3-meter statue of St. Paul. According to the Bible, Paul was shipwrecked here in 60 A.D.

You also pass Ghadira Bay, Malta’s largest sandy beach, better known as Mellieħa Beach. From the boat, the coastline feels more rugged and open than it does from the island’s roads. This is one of the real values of the trip: you see parts of Malta that are difficult to appreciate from land.

The boat then enters Ahrax Cave for a short look and photo stop. The approach is worth having your camera ready for, since the rock walls and bright water change quickly as the boat moves through the coast.

This section is sightseeing rather than a guided shore visit. You do not get time to climb around the caves or linger at each beach. If you want long swims and very little narration, a Comino-only cruise may suit you better. If you want a broad coastal tour, the route gives you a useful overview before the main stop.

Comino’s caves, bays, and Crystal Lagoon

As the boat reaches Comino, it cruises through the north channel. You pass the rock formation known as the Elephant’s Head, Santa Maria Cave, Santa Maria Bay, St. Nicholas Bay, and the Comino Hotel.

These are short passing views, but they make the journey feel like a proper coastal tour rather than simple transport to the Blue Lagoon. The captain and crew point out features along the way, and the boat moves close enough for good photographs.

Crystal Lagoon is another memorable sight. It is especially popular with people who want deeper water, and it can be reached on foot from the Blue Lagoon in about eight minutes. The published schedule describes a cruise past Crystal Lagoon rather than a separate swimming stop, so do not assume you will have time to visit it independently.

That distinction matters. The 90-minute Blue Lagoon stop sounds generous, but you need to account for walking, swimming, drying off, changing, and getting back aboard. If you add the optional speedboat ride, your free time disappears quickly.

Ninety minutes at the Blue Lagoon

The boat aims to reach the Blue Lagoon early, before the busiest part of the day. Once moored, you can move between the boat and Comino, using the vessel as your base.

The water is the main attraction: clear, bright, and ideal for a swim or short snorkeling session. You can enter from the shore, jump from the boat, or use the 10-meter slide. The upper deck has sun loungers, while the main deck offers shaded seats when you need a break from the heat.

I like the boat-based setup. You can return to the vessel for a drink, use the toilet, collect your belongings, or sit in the shade. You are not limited to whatever space you find on the beach. The downside is that the best deck chairs are first come, first served, so the early arrival at St. Paul’s Bay pays off later.

The Blue Lagoon is not a secluded swimming cove. Its fame brings crowds, even when the boat reaches it early. Still, the timing gives you a better chance to enjoy the water before the day reaches its busiest point.

Bring your own towel and sunscreen. Towels are not provided, and sunscreen is not sold onboard. Life vests are available on request, which is sensible if you are not a strong swimmer. Mask and snorkel rental costs €5, plus a €10 refundable deposit.

Food and drinks are available at the cafeteria, but they are not included in the tour price. The onboard menu includes hot and cold drinks and simple food, with prices described as reasonable. Some drinks are served in hollowed-out pineapples, and refills may be available for about €5 depending on the item.

Before the trip, download the free Blue Lagoon landing pass QR codes from www.blcomino.com. This is separate from your tour booking and is easy to overlook.

Three hours in Gozo, with a choice to explore

After Comino, the boat heads to Mġarr Harbour, Gozo’s main port. The schedule allows three hours on Gozo, but that time includes transport between the harbour, Victoria, and the later pickup point.

You have three basic choices:

• Stay around Mġarr Harbour and explore independently.
• Use local buses or a taxi to reach other parts of Gozo.
• Pay €5 in cash for the organised minibus shuttle.

The shuttle is the practical choice if you want to see Victoria without wasting much of your stop on transport. It includes about 90 minutes in Victoria, Gozo’s capital, followed by a 15-minute panoramic viewpoint stop. The driver then returns you to the harbour for the boat departure.

Victoria gives you time for a short walk, shopping, a meal, or a look at the Citadel area. It is a brief introduction, not enough time to see every corner. If Gozo is a major reason for your Malta trip, you may want a full-day land tour or a longer independent visit instead.

The shuttle also solves a real transport problem. A regular bus from the port to Victoria can take about 30 minutes, and you need the same time again to return. That leaves little room for exploring. A taxi is faster but costs more. The €5 minibus is cheap and designed around the boat’s schedule.

There is also a local €3 shuttle service from the Gozo bus terminal near the port to the Citadel. You may find this useful if you choose to explore independently, especially if walking uphill is difficult. The organised tour minibus and the local shuttle are separate options, so ask for clear directions before leaving the harbour.

The Gozo portion requires punctuality. The boat cannot wait for late arrivals, and the schedule includes the return transfer. The excursion is designed to keep moving, which is helpful for an efficient day but less appealing if you prefer slow, unplanned exploration.

Optional speedboat ride to Comino’s small caves

A separate speedboat ride costs €15 per person and is paid in cash. It takes you closer to smaller caves and rock formations around Comino, including places the main boat cannot approach as closely.

This is a fun add-on if you want a faster, more active look at the coastline. It also gives you views linked to films made in the area, according to the onboard commentary.

Plan carefully. You have only 90 minutes at the Blue Lagoon, and that time must cover the speedboat, swimming, snorkeling, changing, and returning to the main vessel. You probably cannot do all of these at length. If swimming is your priority, skip the speedboat. If you want close cave views and a short burst of excitement, the €15 can be worthwhile.

The speedboat is not included in the $36.28 base price. Cash is the safest choice for the add-ons, including the €5 Gozo shuttle. The speedboat may accept cash or card, but carrying euros avoids delays.

What the $36.28 price really buys you

At $36.28 per person, this is an inexpensive way to combine Malta’s northern coast, Comino, the Blue Lagoon, and Gozo in one day. Comparable separate trips can cost more once you add transport and food, so the basic fare offers good value if you want many sights in a short visit.

The price includes the cruise, cave views, the 90-minute Blue Lagoon stop, deck access, and use of the boat’s slide. It does not include food, drinks, towels, snorkel hire, lockers, the Blue Lagoon landing pass, the Gozo shuttle, or the speedboat ride.

A realistic budget is the listed fare plus whatever extras matter to you. Add €5 for the Gozo minibus, €15 for the speedboat, and €5 plus a €10 refundable deposit for mask and snorkel rental. Lockers cost €2 plus a €10 refundable deposit.

The value is strongest for a first visit or a short Malta break. You can collect a set of memorable views without arranging several separate excursions. The value is weaker if you dislike fixed schedules, crowded boats, or short stops.

Who will enjoy this boat day most

I would recommend this excursion if you want an easy introduction to Malta’s islands and have only one free day. Families, couples, swimmers, photographers, and anyone who enjoys being on the water can find something useful here.

It also works well for you if the Blue Lagoon is the main goal but you would like to see Gozo without booking another trip. The boat has toilets, shaded seating, an air-conditioned lower deck, and life vests on request, so you do not need to spend the entire day in direct sun.

I would think twice if you want a quiet boat, a long swim, or a full visit to Gozo. The upper deck fills quickly, the vessel may feel crowded, and the schedule leaves little room for delays. Strong swimmers may enjoy jumping and sliding from the boat, but anyone uneasy in open water should request a life vest and stay within their comfort zone.

From Valletta, reaching St. Paul’s Bay can take more than an hour by public bus. A bus ride may cost only about €2, while a Bolt taxi is quicker but more expensive. Build this extra journey into your morning plans.

The tour is subject to good weather. If poor conditions cancel it, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time. Most people can take part, and service animals are allowed.

Should you book the Hornblower cruise?

Book it if you want the best-value sampler of Malta’s sea sights, Comino, and Gozo. Arrive early, bring cash, pack a towel and layers, and decide before boarding whether swimming or the speedboat matters more to you.

Skip it if you want several relaxed hours on Gozo or a small, peaceful sailing. For everyone else, this is a practical seven-hour outing with a superb Blue Lagoon stop, fine coastal views, and enough flexibility to make the day your own.

FAQ

Where does the tour depart?

It departs from Bugibba Jetty on Dawret Il-Gżejjer in St. Paul’s Bay, Malta.

What time does the boat leave and return?

The scheduled departure is 10 a.m. The boat returns to the meeting point at about 5 p.m.

How long is the Blue Lagoon stop?

You have approximately one hour and 30 minutes at the Blue Lagoon.

Can I swim from the boat?

Yes. You can swim, snorkel, jump from the boat, or use the 10-meter onboard slide. Life vests are available on request.

Is the Gozo bus tour included?

No. The optional minibus shuttle costs €5 per person and is booked and paid for on the day. Cash is required.

What does the Gozo shuttle visit?

It provides about 90 minutes in Victoria and a 15-minute stop at a panoramic viewpoint. Travel time between stops is included in the three-hour Gozo visit.

Are food, drinks, towels, and snorkeling equipment included?

No. Food and drinks are sold onboard. Towels are not provided, and mask and snorkel rental costs €5 plus a €10 refundable deposit.

Can the tour be canceled because of weather?

Yes. If poor weather causes cancellation, you can choose an alternative date or receive a full refund.