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

Comino’s Blue Lagoon is the star here: bright, clear water, rocky coves, and a boat set up for swimming, sunbathing, and a 10-meter slide. Captain Kevin adds live commentary as you cruise past cliffs, caves, St. Paul’s Islands, and historic landmarks.

I like two things in particular. You get both a swim stop and several hours on Gozo, so this is more than a quick photo cruise. I also like the friendly family-run feel, reasonable onboard food prices, and optional €5 minibus to Victoria. The main drawback is the crowds: arrive an hour early if you want an upper-deck chair.

Key points to know before booking

• Blue Lagoon swim: Spend about 1.5 hours in Comino’s famous clear water, with swimming, snorkeling, jumping, and sliding from the boat.
• Gozo in one day: You have three hours to explore, with an optional €5 cash minibus to Victoria.
• Boat sightseeing: Cruise near Malta’s northern cliffs, rock formations, caves, St. Paul’s Islands, and St. Mary’s Tower.
• Best seats go early: Upper-deck seating and deck chairs are first come, first served. Arrive 45 to 60 minutes before departure.
• Extras cost extra: Bring cash for the Gozo transfer, optional speedboat ride, snorkel rental, food, drinks, and lockers.
• Good value at $34: The fare includes the seven-hour cruise, Blue Lagoon stop, Gozo stop, slide, and deck-chair access when available.

A full day split between Malta, Comino, and Gozo

This is a long, active boat day rather than a quiet sightseeing cruise. From St. Paul’s Bay, you spend much of the morning and afternoon moving between islands, stopping for views, swimming, and independent exploring.

For $34 per person, the basic package covers round-trip transport by boat, a 1.5-hour Blue Lagoon stop, three hours on Gozo, and use of the slide. I consider that strong value if you want to see two islands without arranging separate ferries and buses.

You should still think about the pace. Gozo is a large island, and three hours gives you a taste rather than a full visit. The boat also attracts families and sun-seekers, so the upper deck can fill well before departure. This is a social, lively outing, not a small private sailing trip.

Boarding at St. Paul’s Bay

The boat leaves from Hornblower Cruises, Sirens Quay 24, Triq San Geraldu, St. Paul’s Bay. The boat is white and blue, with Hornblower written in red on the side, behind LOA Restaurant.

The departure time is firm. The boat leaves at 10:00 AM and does not wait for late arrivals. Malta traffic can be heavy, and parking is limited, so I would aim to reach the quay at least 45 minutes early, preferably an hour early.

That early arrival serves two purposes. First, it protects you from traffic and a frantic dash to the pier. Second, it gives you a better chance at an upper-deck seat or deck chair. Deck chairs are limited, and several people found that even arriving 30 minutes early meant taking one of the last available seats.

You can reach the area by local bus, with Parades, Bandieri, and Toni within walking distance. Free roadside parking is available in white-marked spaces, along with a small parking area near the stop, though availability is not guaranteed. If you use a taxi, give the driver the full Hornblower address rather than only saying St. Paul’s Bay.

Malta’s northern coast from the water

Once underway, the cruise follows Malta’s northern coast. This is one of the best reasons to take the boat instead of simply traveling overland. From the sea, the high rocky cliffs and small coves line up in a way you cannot see from a road.

The crew points out natural rock formations, sea caves, and coastal landmarks. Captain Kevin provides live English commentary, mixing basic history and cultural details with information about the places passing by. The commentary helps turn the ride into sightseeing rather than just transportation.

You pass the islands associated with St. Paul and see the large statue of St. Paul, linked to the shipwreck traditionally dated to AD 60. You also pass several coastal formations before reaching Comino. The stops near the caves are short, often around five to ten minutes, so have your camera ready before the boat arrives.

The Santa Maria caves and Ahrax caves are mainly photo stops. You should not expect a long walk inside them. The boat gets as close as conditions allow, giving you a good angle for pictures and a quick look at the rock walls and openings.

Santa Maria caves and Comino’s coastal views

The route includes the Santa Maria caves, Santa Maria Bay, and other coastal viewpoints around Comino. These short pauses break up the journey and give you different views of the island’s pale rock and narrow inlets.

The timing here can feel brief. If you want a good photograph, stay alert and keep your phone or camera ready. The boat may pass by a feature in only a few minutes, and the most useful commentary comes while the captain is pointing out what you are seeing.

I like these sections because they give you a sense of Comino beyond the Blue Lagoon. Still, the main attraction is not a detailed cave tour. The caves are viewed from the boat, and the trip continues fairly quickly toward the swimming stop.

Blue Lagoon: swim, snorkel, or stay aboard

The boat spends about 1.5 hours at the Blue Lagoon. This is the most playful part of the day. The water is remarkably clear, and you can swim from the boat, walk to the small sandy beach, snorkel, jump from the boat, or use the 10-meter slide.

The upper deck is the place for sun. The main deck has shaded seating, which matters after a swim or if you do not want seven hours in direct sun. Deck chairs are limited, so an early arrival is useful here too.

You can rent a mask and snorkel for €5, with a €15 deposit and €10 returned when you bring the equipment back. Lockers cost €2 and are limited. Bring a towel, sunscreen, swimwear, and cash, and keep an eye on where you leave your valuables.

The optional speedboat ride costs €15 in cash and depends on availability. It takes you around the Blue Lagoon area and into caves, with close views of the water and rock formations. Expect to get soaked. It is not part of the basic fare, but it may be worth adding if you want a more active look at Comino.

One practical point deserves emphasis: some people choose to stay at the Blue Lagoon for the entire day instead of continuing to Gozo, but the advertised experience includes a three-hour Gozo stop. Confirm the day’s arrangement with the crew if you are considering changing plans. The Blue Lagoon is beautiful, but it can be crowded, and the time passes quickly once you start swimming and using the slide.

Three hours on Gozo

After Comino, the boat continues to Gozo. You get around three hours of free time, which is enough for a focused visit to Victoria, some food, shopping, and a walk, but not enough to see the whole island.

You have two choices. You can explore independently, or you can pay €5 in cash for the minibus transfer to Victoria, Gozo’s capital. I would choose the minibus unless you already have a clear plan and local transport arrangements. The transfer saves time and makes it easier to reach the Citadel and central streets.

The bus transfer is especially useful because the port and Victoria are not the same place. Walking or figuring out another connection would eat into your three hours. The €5 charge is small compared with the convenience, but remember that it is not included and must be paid in cash.

Victoria gives you a compact taste of Gozo. You can walk, shop, eat lunch, and take photographs. The Citadel is the obvious target for a short visit, though the exact amount you see depends on how quickly you leave the bus and how much time you spend in town.

The schedule may also include a short visit or photo stop around Xlendi Bay. Treat this as a scenic taste, not a full beach outing. With only about 20 minutes noted for that part of the route, you will want to keep your plans simple.

The return route through Crystal Lagoon

On the way back to Malta, the boat uses Comino’s south channel. You pass the Crystal Lagoon, more sea caves, and St. Mary’s Tower before returning to St. Paul’s Bay.

The Crystal Lagoon is often the most striking photo stop after the Blue Lagoon. The boat views the water and caves from offshore, but you should not assume you will have a separate swimming stop there. The main scheduled swim is at the Blue Lagoon.

St. Mary’s Tower adds a historic landmark to the final stretch. By this point, you may be tired from the sun, swimming, and walking around Gozo, but the return route keeps the last part of the cruise interesting.

The boat returns to the original Hornblower meeting point. Since the day runs about seven hours, you should plan nothing urgent afterward.

Food, seating, and onboard comfort

Lunch is not included, but hot food, snacks, and drinks are available onboard. Prices are described as reasonable, which makes the boat’s café useful if you do not want to pack a meal for the Gozo stop.

I would still bring water and a few snacks if you have dietary needs or prefer to control costs. The boat has both sunny and shaded areas, though the best upper-deck spots go quickly.

The atmosphere is relaxed and family-friendly, with music and a crew that keeps the day moving. Captain Kevin’s playlist has become part of the experience for many people, and crew members such as Brahim have been singled out for being friendly and helpful.

The boat is not suitable for wheelchair users. Getting on and off the boat, using the slide, and joining the optional speedboat ride require mobility and care. If you have an older family member, speak with the crew before paying for any additional ride. The crew has helped older passengers board and transfer, but the experience still involves uneven movement around a boat.

What the extra fees really mean

The headline price is attractive, but I would budget for a few additions:

• Gozo minibus to Victoria: €5 cash
• Optional Blue Lagoon speedboat: €15 cash, subject to availability
• Mask and snorkel rental: €5, plus a €15 deposit with €10 returned
• Locker: €2, limited availability
• Lunch, snacks, and drinks: available for purchase onboard

You do not need to buy any of these. The cruise, Blue Lagoon stop, Gozo stop, and slide are included in the $34 fare.

The minibus is the extra I would most readily recommend because it protects your limited time on Gozo. The speedboat is best for people who want more action and do not mind getting wet. Snorkel rental makes sense if you do not have your own equipment, but bring your own mask if you prefer a better fit.

Who will enjoy this cruise most

I would book this for a first visit to Malta when you want one easy day covering sea views, Comino, and Gozo. It works well for families, couples, and friends who want swimming and sightseeing in the same outing.

The slide, beach access, shaded seating, and onboard food make it easy for a mixed group. One person can swim while another stays dry on deck. The three-hour Gozo stop also gives you a break from the boat.

I would hesitate if your main goal is a quiet visit to Gozo. You will not have time to cover the island in depth, and the cruise schedule leaves little room for spontaneous detours. I would also reconsider if you dislike crowded boats, direct sun, or fixed departure times.

For photographers, the route offers plenty of material: cliffs, caves, bays, towers, rock formations, and the Blue Lagoon. Just remember that many of the coastal stops are short, so you need to be ready before the boat arrives.

Practical tips for a smoother day

Arrive at the boat 45 to 60 minutes early. This is the single best way to reduce stress and improve your seating options.

Bring cash in euros. You may need it for the Gozo minibus, speedboat, snorkel rental, locker, and purchases onboard.

Pack a towel, sunscreen, swimwear, and a dry change of clothing. The speedboat can leave you soaked, and even the main cruise involves spray and swimming.

Use sunscreen more often than you think you need. The upper deck is exposed, and the long cruise gives the sun plenty of time to work.

Keep your sightseeing plan on Gozo simple. If you take the minibus to Victoria, head directly toward the Citadel or choose a clear walking and lunch plan.

Do not cut the departure close. The boat leaves promptly at 10:00 AM, and there is no refund for a missed departure or late arrival.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance, and you can reserve now and pay later. The operator’s language is English.

Should you book the Hornblower cruise?

I would book it if you want a good-value introduction to Malta’s northern coast, Comino, and Gozo in one day. The combination of a proper Blue Lagoon swim, three hours on Gozo, live commentary, caves, and the slide gives you much more than a simple harbor ride.

Choose the €5 Victoria transfer unless you are confident handling Gozo transport on your own. Add the speedboat only if you want extra action and do not mind paying cash and getting wet.

The main tradeoff is crowding and limited time. Arrive early, accept that Gozo will be a brief visit, and treat the caves and Crystal Lagoon as scenic boat stops. With those expectations, this family-run cruise offers a fun, efficient day at a fair price.

FAQ

Where does the cruise depart from?

The cruise departs from Hornblower Cruises, Sirens Quay 24, Triq San Geraldu, St. Paul’s Bay, behind LOA Restaurant. Look for the large white and blue boat with Hornblower written in red.

What time does the boat leave?

The boat departs promptly at 10:00 AM. It will not wait for late arrivals, so arriving 45 to 60 minutes early is recommended.

How long does the cruise last?

The activity lasts about seven hours and returns to the original meeting point in St. Paul’s Bay.

How long is the Blue Lagoon stop?

The scheduled Blue Lagoon stop lasts about 1.5 hours. You can swim, snorkel, use the slide, jump from the boat, or walk to the small sandy beach.

How much time do I get on Gozo?

You get approximately three hours of free time on Gozo. The visit can include Victoria, shopping, lunch, sightseeing, and walking.

Is transport to Victoria included?

No. An optional minibus transfer to Victoria costs €5 and must be paid in cash. You can also explore Gozo independently.

Does the tour include lunch?

No. Hot food, snacks, and drinks are available to buy onboard.

How much does the optional speedboat ride cost?

The speedboat ride costs €15 in cash and depends on availability. It may include views of caves and the Crystal Lagoon, and you should expect to get wet.

Is the cruise suitable for wheelchair users?

No. The activity is not suitable for wheelchair users.