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

The sea is the star of this day. This affordable Hornblower cruise links Comino’s Blue Lagoon, Malta’s northern coast, and Gozo in roughly seven hours. I like the chance to swim from the boat, use its slide, and see caves that are difficult to reach from land. I also like the simple price, about $36.28 per person, though food, rentals, and optional transfers cost extra.

The main compromise is time. You get only about 90 minutes at the Blue Lagoon and three hours in Gozo, including transport time. That is enough for a taste of both islands, but not enough for a full Gozo visit or a long, leisurely swim if you add the speedboat cave trip.

Key points to know before boarding

• Blue Lagoon stop: You get about 90 minutes to swim, snorkel, sunbathe, walk ashore, or use the boat’s 10-meter slide.
• Gozo choice: Spend three hours independently at Mġarr Harbour or pay €5 cash for a shuttle to Victoria and a scenic viewpoint.
• Cave cruise: The boat passes Ahrax Cave, Santa Maria Cave, and other coastal formations, with time for photographs.
• Early arrival matters: The upper deck loungers are first come, first served, and fill quickly, even when you arrive well before departure.
• Extra costs: Bring cash for the €5 Gozo shuttle, €15 speedboat ride, locker rental, and snorkel equipment.
• Best value: This suits you if you want a low-cost, full-day introduction to Comino and Gozo rather than detailed sightseeing on either island.

Why this cruise works for a first Malta visit

For a modest fare, this outing covers a lot of water and several of Malta’s best-known coastal sights. You start at Bugibba Jetty in St. Paul’s Bay, sail along Malta’s northern coast, stop at Comino, continue to Gozo, and return to Malta around 5 p.m.

That route saves you from arranging separate boat trips, ferry tickets, and local transport. The boat also gives you a useful base during the Blue Lagoon stop. You can swim, walk onto Comino, return for the toilets or cafeteria, and use the deck rather than hunt for a place on the crowded shore.

The experience is more about scenery, swimming, and easy island access than serious sightseeing. I would choose it for a sunny day when I wanted to see a lot without spending much. I would not choose it if my main goal were a detailed visit to Gozo’s Citadel, museums, villages, or countryside.

The advertised rating is 4.6 from 1,923 ratings, with 91 percent recommending the experience. That matches the strongest points: friendly staff, good value, a smooth schedule, and a memorable Blue Lagoon stop. The lower scores focus mainly on crowding, the older boat, and confusion or delays connected with the Gozo shuttle.

Getting to Bugibba Jetty for the 10 a.m. departure

You make your own way to Bugibba Jetty, Dawret Il-Gzejjer, in St. Paul’s Bay. The boat leaves at 10 a.m., and arriving early is one of the most useful things you can do.

The upper sun deck has free loungers, but they are limited and not reserved. Several people arrived close to an hour early and still had to share a lounger. If you want the highest deck and open views, aim to arrive around 9:30 a.m. or earlier.

The meeting point matters, especially if you are staying in Valletta. One person reported that the bus journey from Valletta took a little over an hour, although the fare was only €2. A taxi or Bolt can save time but costs more. Check your route carefully and leave room for delays.

The boat can carry up to 232 people, so this is not a small, quiet sailing trip. On a full departure, the main deck and upper deck can feel busy. You will find sunny and shaded seats, an air-conditioned lower deck, toilets, a cafeteria, and a limited number of lockers.

Malta’s northern coast, St. Paul’s Island, and the caves

The first part of the cruise gives you a coastal introduction before the swimming begins. You pass St. Paul’s Island, where tradition places the apostle’s shipwreck in 60 A.D. An 8.3-meter statue of St. Paul now rises from the island, making it easy to spot from the water.

The boat also passes Ghadira Bay, commonly known as Mellieha Beach, described as Malta’s largest sandy beach. The shoreline then becomes more rugged, with a stop at Ahrax Cave for photographs.

This section is best enjoyed from the deck. The captain provides information about the places along the coast, and the boat gets close enough to the caves and rock formations for good pictures. Bring a phone or camera, but protect it from spray and keep a firm grip near the rail.

As the boat approaches Comino through the north channel, you pass the Elephant’s Head, Santa Maria Cave, Santa Maria Bay, St. Nicholas Bay, and the Comino Hotel. These names mean more once you can match them with the pale cliffs, small bays, and unusual rock shapes in front of you.

The optional speedboat ride later provides a closer look at small caves and coves. It costs €15 per person and is paid separately. I would treat it as a choice between two activities: if you want a proper swim and snorkel at the Blue Lagoon, skip the speedboat. If you have already had enough time in the water, the speedboat adds a lively coastal ride.

Blue Lagoon: beautiful water, limited time

The Blue Lagoon is the centerpiece of the day. The boat aims to arrive among the first cruise boats, then moors for about one hour and 30 minutes.

The water is remarkably clear and turquoise, and swimming from the boat is the simplest way to enjoy it. You can use the 10-meter slide, jump from the boat, snorkel, sunbathe, or walk onto Comino. Life vests are available if you need help in the water, which is useful if you are not a confident swimmer.

The boat’s location is a real advantage. The shore can become crowded, while the boat gives you deck space, shade, toilets, lockers, and access to the cafeteria. You can return aboard after a swim, buy a drink, dry off, and head back to the water without packing up your things.

The 90-minute stop goes quickly. Allow time to find your belongings, change clothes, walk to shore if you want, and return before departure. One person who combined snorkeling, the speedboat, and the Gozo visit ended up with only 10 to 15 minutes in the water. That is the key planning lesson: do not try to fit every optional activity into a short stop.

You need to bring your own towel. Snorkel equipment can be rented for €5, with a €10 refundable deposit, and lockers cost €2 with a €10 refundable deposit. Food and drinks are not included, but the onboard prices are described as reasonable. The cafeteria sells hot and cold drinks and simple food, and the pineapple drinks received special praise.

A landing pass for Comino is not included. You are instructed to download the free QR code from blcomino.com before the trip. Keep it available on your phone.

Crystal Lagoon and Comino’s south channel

The cruise also passes Crystal Lagoon as it approaches the Blue Lagoon through Comino’s south channel. Crystal Lagoon is known for deeper water and is especially popular with divers. You can also reach it on foot from the Blue Lagoon in about eight minutes.

For most people on this tour, Crystal Lagoon is a scenic pass rather than a separate swim stop. Still, it adds another look at Comino’s cliffs and gives you a sense of how close the island’s bays are to one another.

If you want extended swimming time, note that this cruise is not designed around long beach stops. A separate Comino, Blue Lagoon, and caves option is offered for people who prefer more time around Comino and less time sightseeing or visiting Gozo.

Three hours in Gozo, with two ways to spend it

After Comino, the boat continues to Mġarr Harbour, Gozo’s main port. You have about three hours on Gozo, although that period includes the transport time between the port and any inland stop.

Your first option is to explore independently. You can use a local bus or taxi, remain around the harbour, or arrange your own way toward Victoria. This gives you flexibility, but the timing requires care. Public transport may take around 30 minutes to Victoria, and a taxi costs more.

The second option is the organized shuttle for €5 per person. Pay for it on the day, and bring cash. The shuttle provides about 90 minutes in Victoria, Gozo’s capital, followed by a 15-minute stop at a panoramic viewpoint.

For a first visit, I think the €5 shuttle is usually the better value. It saves you from arranging transport and takes you to a central location, leaving time to see Victoria, shop, eat, or make your way toward the Citadel. A driver named Paul received warm praise for being helpful.

Do not expect a full guided tour of Gozo. The shuttle is mainly transport with scheduled stops. One account found the driver less informative than other drivers, and the time in Victoria may feel short. Another useful local option is a €3 shuttle from the Gozo bus terminal toward the Citadel, which can save you from a steep walk and stairs.

Keep an eye on the departure time. The boat cannot wait for people who miss the scheduled return. Gozo is the part of the trip most likely to disappoint you if you expect a detailed island tour. It works best when you treat it as a short introduction.

What the boat is like during seven hours at sea

The boat is practical rather than luxurious. It has a large upper deck, shaded and sunny seating on the main deck, an air-conditioned lower deck, male and female toilets, lockers, and a cafeteria.

Several strong ratings praise the friendly crew, useful commentary, music, and relaxed atmosphere. Captain Kevin and the Hornblower team received particular praise for keeping the schedule moving and pointing out coastal sights.

The boat is older, and it can feel crowded on a busy departure. That is worth knowing before you book. I would arrive early, bring layers, and think of the boat as a comfortable working platform for swimming and sightseeing, not as a polished yacht.

The sea breeze can make the upper deck chilly, even when the sun feels warm. In autumn and winter, bring a sweater or light jacket. Sunscreen is not sold onboard, so pack it, along with a towel and water-resistant protection for your phone.

The real cost and what you should bring

At about $36.28 per person, the base price is strong for a seven-hour cruise linking Malta, Comino, and Gozo. It is cheaper than arranging the same combination separately, especially if you want the caves and a Blue Lagoon swim included.

Plan for these possible extras:

• Gozo shuttle: €5 per person, cash only
• Speedboat cave ride: €15 per person, cash only
• Snorkel rental: €5, plus a €10 refundable deposit
• Locker: €2, plus a €10 refundable deposit
• Food and drinks: available onboard, not included
• Towels: not provided
• Comino landing pass: free, but you must download the QR code

Bring enough cash for the extras you want. The speedboat ride is fun and gives you closer views of Comino’s coves, but it is not essential. The Gozo shuttle is more useful if you want to reach Victoria without losing much of your short stop.

Who should book this cruise?

I would book this tour if you want a low-cost overview of Malta’s northern waters and have only one day for Comino and Gozo. It suits couples, families, first-time visitors, and anyone who values an easy schedule over a slow, specialized tour.

It is also a good choice for a last-minute sunny-day plan. One person booked the night before and found the boat, Blue Lagoon, and speedboat ride worth the money.

I would choose another option if you want quiet surroundings, a modern vessel, or several hours of swimming. Families with young children should pay close attention to the Gozo transport plan and return times. Anyone who dislikes crowded boats may prefer a smaller cruise.

The free cancellation rule allows cancellation up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. Poor weather can also lead to a new date or a full refund. The trip depends on favorable conditions and a minimum number of participants.

Should you book it?

Yes, if you see this as a broad, affordable taste of northern Malta. The Blue Lagoon swim, cave cruise, and chance to visit two islands in one day offer excellent value at the base price.

Book it with realistic expectations. Arrive early for a good seat, bring cash and layers, choose either the speedboat or extended swimming, and pay for the Gozo shuttle if you want to reach Victoria efficiently. If you follow that plan, this is a lively and practical day on the water.

FAQ

Where does the cruise depart?

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

What time does the tour start?

The scheduled start time is 10 a.m.

How long does the experience last?

The cruise lasts about seven hours and returns to the meeting point around 5 p.m.

How long do I spend at the Blue Lagoon?

The boat stops at the Blue Lagoon for about one hour and 30 minutes.

Can I swim from the boat?

Yes. You can swim, snorkel, use the 10-meter slide, or jump into the Blue Lagoon from the boat.

Are life vests available?

Yes. Life vests are available on request for swimming assistance.

Is food included?

No. Food and drinks are available for purchase at the onboard cafeteria.

Is the Gozo bus transfer included?

No. The optional shuttle costs €5 per person and is booked and paid for on the day. Bring cash.

Can I rent snorkel equipment?

Yes. Mask and snorkel rental costs €5, plus a €10 refundable deposit.

What happens if the weather is poor?

If the cruise is canceled because of poor weather, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.