Malta: Gozo, Comino Island and Blue Lagoon Cruise

The best part of this trip is the mix: you get a taste of Gozo, a proper swim stop at Comino, and a scenic cruise along Malta’s northern coast in one day. The smaller Seahorse boat feels more personal than the big party boats, and Captain Owen has earned praise for being welcoming, safety-minded, and attentive.

I like the quiet Blue Lagoon anchorage, where you can swim from the boat away from the thickest crowds. I also like the simple onboard setup: food and drinks, a toilet, outdoor shower, sun deck, and diving platform. The main drawback is time. One and a half hours in Victoria is short, and the same amount of time at the Blue Lagoon may leave you wishing for a longer swim.

Key points to know before you book

• A full 6.5-hour island day: Cruise from Bugibba to Gozo and Comino, with several scenic passages along the way.
• Victoria in a tight two-hour window: You reach Gozo’s capital by shuttle bus, with time for photos, sights, and a quick look at the market.
• A quieter Blue Lagoon swim: The boat anchors away from the thickest crowds, with a platform and ladder for easy access to the water.
• Santa Maria Caves on the return: The cruise passes the caves and the rock formation known as Elephants Head.
• A smaller boat with useful facilities: You get a sundeck, toilet, shower, bar-style food and drinks service, and snorkel masks for a €10 deposit.
• Plan around the new Blue Lagoon rule: If you want to step off the boat, you need a free QR code for the 13:30 to 17:30 time slot.

Why this Gozo and Comino cruise works

At $53 per person, this is a practical way to see two islands without arranging separate transport, a ferry, a shuttle, and a boat trip. You are paying for a long day on the water, transport into Victoria, commentary in English and Italian, and a swim stop in one of Malta’s most famous places.

The value is strongest if you want variety. You will not spend the whole day in Gozo, and you will not get a long, leisurely beach afternoon at Comino. Instead, you get a sampler of the islands, plus the pleasure of being on a boat for much of the day.

The boat itself is a major part of the experience. Seahorse Cruises uses a smaller sailing boat rather than one of the very large excursion vessels. That does not make it private or empty, but it can feel calmer and less like a floating crowd scene. Several bookings describe the boat as comfortable, spotless, and not too crowded, while one person who repeated the trip clearly found the format worth doing again.

You should still expect a busy summer outing. A past booking described more people joining the return journey from other tour groups, so the quieter feel is not guaranteed at every moment. The boat’s size is a benefit, but it does not remove the popularity of Gozo and Comino in July and August.

Bugibba Jetty and the first hour at sea

The day begins at Bugibba Jetty in the town of Bugibba. The vessel is called Seahorse Cruises, and it is identified as the only sailing boat at the meeting point. Boarding closes at 10:00 AM, despite the stated 10:30 AM start, so treat 10:00 as the real deadline.

The first hour is a sightseeing cruise. You pass St. Paul’s Island, Mellieha Bay, and Smuggler’s Cove Cave as the Maltese coast slips past. This is a good time to settle into the boat, listen to the live commentary, and decide how you want to use the sun deck, shaded areas, or seating.

The route gives you a useful sense of Malta from the water. Rugged shorelines and caves make more sense from a boat than from a road, and the moving view is part of the reason to choose this outing over a direct ferry to Gozo.

Bring comfortable shoes for the boat and the shore, along with swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and cash. Food and drinks are available onboard, but only cash is accepted. The current rules also say not to bring food, drinks, coolers, luggage, or large bags, so pack lightly.

A quick look at Crystal Lagoon

The route includes a short scenic stop at Crystal Lagoon, listed as about 10 minutes. This is primarily a photo and sightseeing pause rather than a long swimming session.

You will want to keep your camera ready, since the stop is brief. It is one of those moments when the boat’s position matters more than the amount of time ashore. You see the water and surrounding rock from the deck, then continue toward Gozo.

Do not confuse this brief stop with the later Blue Lagoon visit. The main swim period comes in the afternoon at Comino, and that is where you should save your towel, mask, and serious swimming energy.

Victoria, Gozo: useful, but undeniably short

Gozo is the first major stop. After the boat arrives, staff direct you to a shuttle bus for the ride to Victoria, Gozo’s capital. Transport to Victoria is included, which removes the usual hassle of figuring out how to reach the island’s central city from the waterfront.

You have about two hours in Victoria, with the time described as free time and a self-guided visit. That gives you enough room to take photos, see some historic sights, and browse the local market. You can pick up souvenirs such as fridge magnets, which may sound humble, but it is useful if you want a quick reminder of Gozo without spending time hunting through shops.

The catch is that two hours disappears quickly. You need to account for the shuttle ride, getting your bearings, photos, possible food, and the return meeting time. If you want a serious museum visit, a slow meal, or a thorough look around the city, this is not enough time.

I would treat Victoria as an introduction, not a full Gozo visit. You can see the capital, get a taste of the island, and decide if you want to return for a separate day. One practical choice is to skip a sit-down meal and buy something quick, since several minutes matter here. Food and drinks are also sold back on the boat.

Some people will find the pace frustrating, especially if Gozo is their main reason for booking. One booking specifically wished for more time in Victoria, and another suggested doing Gozo and the Blue Lagoon as separate trips if you want to explore properly. That is fair advice. This cruise gives you breadth, not depth.

The Blue Lagoon from the diving platform

In the afternoon, the boat heads to Comino and spends about 1.5 hours near the Blue Lagoon. This is the heart of the day for many people.

The boat drops anchor away from the thickest part of the crowds, allowing you to swim from the vessel rather than squeeze onto the busiest part of the shoreline. You can stay on the boat, sunbathe, use the snorkel mask, or climb down from the platform into the clear water.

The diving platform and side ladder make the setup much more convenient than scrambling over rocks. A shower near the ladder lets you rinse off afterward, and the onboard toilet is useful during a long day at sea. The arrangement suits confident swimmers who are happy entering the water from the boat.

A snorkel mask is available with a €10 deposit. Bring your own mask if you prefer not to deal with the deposit, but the included option means you do not have to buy or pack equipment for a single swim.

The Blue Lagoon itself is famous for its turquoise water, but the shore can be extremely crowded. This boat’s approach is a real advantage if you would rather swim in open water than fight for a patch of sand. You are not getting a private lagoon, and the surrounding area can still be busy, but anchoring away from the main crush changes the mood.

There is an important administrative detail. From May 1, 2025, anyone who wants to get off the boat at the Blue Lagoon must book a free QR code under Malta’s new access rules. The required time slot for this outing is 13:30 to 17:30. Check your ticket and arrange it before the day begins. If you remain on the boat and swim from it, the supplied information distinguishes that from stepping ashore, but you should still follow the current instructions given with your booking.

Use sunscreen carefully, drink water, and pace yourself. The combination of sun, salt, and a moving boat can wear you down faster than expected. The best use of this stop is simple: swim, rinse off, dry in the sun, and enjoy the view without trying to turn 90 minutes into a full beach day.

Santa Maria Caves and Elephants Head

After Comino, the boat begins the return cruise to Bugibba. The route passes through the Santa Maria Caves, with about 10 minutes for a photo stop and views from the water.

The caves are best understood as a short scenic passage, not a full shore excursion. The boat gives you a chance to see the openings and rock forms from close range. The named feature to watch for is Elephants Head, an unusual rock formation that looks especially good from the water.

Some bookings have praised an optional speedboat ride inside the caves, but this is not listed among the included features. If it is offered onboard, ask about the extra cost and timing before committing. The main cruise already includes the cave passage, so you do not need the add-on to see this part of the coast.

The final hour is another sightseeing cruise. After a day of short stops and swimming, it gives you time to sit down, compare photos, and enjoy the coast without rushing from one activity to the next. The boat returns to Bugibba Jetty at about 5:00 PM.

Food, drinks, and comfort onboard

Lunch is not included, but food and drinks can be purchased onboard. The pricing has been described as fair, which matters on a six-and-a-half-hour trip. You should still carry cash because cards are not accepted onboard.

The boat has a toilet, sun deck, diving platform, and shower near the side ladder. Those are not flashy extras. They are the details that make a long cruise workable, especially when you are traveling with children or anyone who prefers not to spend the whole day ashore.

The boat has been praised for being clean and comfortable, and the crew for being friendly and attentive. Captain Owen is specifically named in several bookings, with people noting his personal welcome, safety instructions, and care for those onboard. Commentary is provided in English and Italian.

The tone is more relaxed than a loud party cruise, but you should not expect a silent yacht charter. There are other people onboard, announcements, and the normal movement of a day boat. If you get seasick, the smaller size may feel comfortable to some and lively to others. The supplied information does not recommend the activity for people with mobility impairments, so consider the boarding, shuttle, ladder, and platform before booking.

Who should book this day on the water?

I would choose this cruise if you want to see Gozo and Comino in one outing, especially if swimming is as important to you as sightseeing. Families, couples, and first-time Malta visitors can get a lot from the mix of coast views, a capital-city stop, and an easy swim from the boat.

It also suits you if you prefer a smaller vessel to a huge excursion boat. The crew’s friendly service is a repeated strength, and the boat has enough facilities to keep the day comfortable without turning the trip into a party.

I would not choose it if your priority is a detailed Gozo visit. Two hours in Victoria is a quick introduction. Nor is it ideal if you want a long Blue Lagoon beach session, since the swimming stop lasts about 90 minutes and the boat may anchor away from shore.

The tour is suitable for all ages, but the water entry is from a platform and ladder. Young children and weaker swimmers need sensible supervision. People with mobility impairments should look for a different outing.

Practical details that make the difference

Plan to reach Bugibba Jetty well before 10:00 AM. Boarding closes then, even though the departure is listed as 10:30, and missing the boat would wipe out the value of the booking.

Wear swimwear under comfortable clothes and bring a towel, sunscreen, and cash. Keep your bag small because large bags and luggage are not allowed. You can buy food and drinks onboard, but outside food and drinks are not permitted under the current information.

The captain can alter the route, start point, or end point because of weather, tides, or other operating conditions. That is normal for a boat trip, but it is worth remembering when you plan connecting transport later in the day.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance, and you can reserve now and pay later. Those terms make the $53 commitment easier if your Malta schedule is still shifting, though you should still confirm the current departure details before travel.

Should you book the Seahorse Cruises trip?

Book it if you want a well-packed island sampler with a friendly crew, a comfortable smaller boat, and a proper swim near the Blue Lagoon. At $53, the included Victoria shuttle, cave cruise, commentary, snorkel option, and onboard facilities make it good value for a first look at Gozo and Comino.

Skip it, or choose separate day trips, if you want to explore Victoria slowly or spend hours on Comino’s shore. The key question is not whether the scenery is worth seeing. It is whether you prefer a broad, active day with several stops or a slower visit focused on one island.

FAQ

Where does the cruise depart from?

The cruise departs from Bugibba Jetty at Dawret il Gzejjer, San Pawl il-Baħar, Malta. Look for the Seahorse Cruises sailing boat.

What time should I arrive?

Boarding closes at 10:00 AM. The listed tour start time is 10:30 AM, so arrive before the boarding deadline.

How long does the activity last?

The full experience lasts about 6.5 hours and returns to Bugibba Jetty at approximately 5:00 PM.

Which languages are used for the commentary?

Live commentary is provided in English and Italian.

Is transport to Victoria included?

Yes. Transport to Victoria on Gozo Island is included by shuttle bus.

How much free time do I get in Victoria?

You have about two hours in Victoria for sightseeing, photos, the market, and a self-guided visit.

How long is the Blue Lagoon stop?

The Blue Lagoon stop lasts about 1.5 hours. You can swim, snorkel, or stay onboard and relax.

Do I need a QR code for the Blue Lagoon?

You need a free QR code if you want to get off the boat at the Blue Lagoon. The required time slot is 13:30 to 17:30 under the stated regulations from May 1, 2025.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

A snorkeling mask is available with a €10 deposit. The boat also provides a diving platform, shower, toilet, and sun deck.

Can I buy lunch onboard?

Lunch is not included, but food and drinks are available to purchase onboard. Only cash is accepted onboard.