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

Blue water, caves, and a boat slide make a lively day out. This family-run Hornblower cruise from St. Paul’s Bay gives you a long stop at Comino’s famous Blue Lagoon, plus views of Malta’s northern coast, St. Paul’s Islands, Santa Maria caves, Crystal Lagoon, and St. Mary’s Tower. I especially like the fact that the boat remains your base during the main stop, and the four-and-a-half hours at the Blue Lagoon gives you time to swim, eat, sunbathe, or walk ashore.

I also like the mix of calm sightseeing and silly holiday fun. Captain Kevin shares information about the coast, while the upper deck offers deck chairs and the boat’s 10-meter slide provides the kind of entertainment children remember. The main consideration is that the ride can be rough and bumpy, and the Blue Lagoon is very busy, even though this boat moors in a more secluded area.

Key things to know before booking

• The boat moors in a quieter section of the Blue Lagoon: You can swim straight from the boat in water about 3 meters deep, rather than being dropped off and left to find a place on shore.
• The 10-meter slide is included: You can also jump or use the steps to get in and out of the water, with a buoyancy aid available for a €10 deposit.
• The optional cave speedboat costs €15: Bring cash if you want a fast ride around Comino’s smaller caves.
• Arrive 45 to 60 minutes early: The boat is behind LOA Restaurant at Sirens Quay in St. Paul’s Bay, and early arrival helps you claim one of the limited upper-deck chairs.
• Blue Lagoon access now requires a QR code: For trips from 19 May 2025 onward, check blcomino.com for the free time-slot pass. The scheduled stop is 11:00 to 15:20, so you need both morning and afternoon slots.
• This suits swimmers, sunbathers, and families best: It is not suitable for people with mobility impairments, and the boat ride may be uncomfortable if you get seasick.

Starting at St. Paul’s Bay with Captain Kevin

The meeting point is Hornblower Cruises Malta, Sirens Quay 24, Triq San Geraldu, St. Paul’s Bay. Look for the large white and blue boat with Hornblower written in red, positioned behind LOA Restaurant.

I would not cut the arrival time close. The operator recommends reaching the boat 45 minutes to an hour early, and that is especially useful if you want an upper-deck deck chair. The chairs are limited, and once they are taken, you may need to use the main deck or find a place to sit elsewhere.

Three bus stops are within walking distance: Parades, Bandieri, and Toni. If you drive, free parking is available in white roadside boxes, along with a small parking area near the departure point. Taxi passengers should give the driver the full address, since Sirens Quay can be less obvious than the general name St. Paul’s Bay.

The cruise is hosted in English. Captain Kevin gives information about the places along the route, and the crew’s friendly manner is one of the reasons this trip feels more personal than a simple transport boat. Music also forms part of the atmosphere, and several guests particularly enjoyed Kevin’s personality and music choices.

Malta’s northern coast and the view from St. Paul’s Islands

The boat first follows Malta’s northern coast from St. Paul’s Bay. You pass St. Paul’s Islands and the statue of St. Paul, then continue toward Ahrax Point and the Coral Lagoon area.

This part of the trip is mainly a sightseeing cruise, so keep your camera ready rather than expecting a long stop. The coast is best appreciated from the water, where the cliffs, rock shelves, and openings in the shoreline line up in a way you cannot see from a road.

A useful seating tip is to sit on the left side as you leave Malta. That side gives you a better view of the island as the boat passes, though you may want to move around during the cruise for different angles. The upper deck is best for sun and wide views, while the main deck gives you shade and a break from the heat.

The boat may move quickly between stops, and the ride can become bumpy. If you are prone to motion sickness, sit somewhere stable, keep your eyes on the horizon, and consider whether a full day on open water is right for you. The roughness is not a flaw unique to this trip, but it is an important practical detail.

Ahrax Cave, Santa Maria Cave, and the northern Comino channel

After the first coastal views, the boat enters the north channel of Comino. You pass Elephant’s Head, Santa Maria Bay, St. Nicholas Bay, and the Comino Hotel.

The route includes short entries into Ahrax Cave and Santa Maria Cave. These are quick viewing stops, not extended cave visits, but they give you a close look at the pale rock walls and water-cut openings. If you enjoy photography, this is one of the most useful parts of the cruise because the boat offers angles that are hard to get from land.

Captain Kevin explains the sights as you go. That commentary adds context to what could otherwise become a succession of pretty views. Still, keep your expectations sensible: this is a moving boat tour, not a long guided walk through every site.

The optional speedboat ride later in the day is separate from the main cruise. It takes you around the smaller caves near Comino and costs €15 in cash on site. The ride is not required to enjoy the main trip, but it is likely to appeal to anyone who wants a faster, more active look at the cave coastline. One speedboat guide with long rastafarian-style hair was singled out for making the ride both exciting and informative, although the guide’s name was not recorded.

Four and a half hours at the Blue Lagoon

The main event is the long stop at Comino’s Blue Lagoon. The scheduled stay runs from 11:00 to 15:20, for about four and a half hours.

The boat moors in a secluded, less crowded section of the lagoon. This is a real advantage. Instead of leaving you on shore with nowhere to sit, the boat acts as your changing room, shade area, café, toilet stop, and swimming platform. You can remain on board all afternoon or get off and explore Comino.

The water beside the boat is about 3 meters deep. That makes it excellent for confident swimmers, but less comfortable for anyone who cannot swim well. A beach entry is available if you prefer shallower water, and a buoyancy aid can be borrowed with a €10 deposit.

The clearest reason to choose this cruise is the freedom to structure the stop your own way. You can:

• Swim from the boat
• Snorkel in the clear water
• Use the 10-meter slide
• Sunbathe on the upper deck
• Sit in the shade on the main deck
• Explore Comino on foot
• Buy food and drinks on board
• Use the toilets and limited lockers

The slide is a major hit with families, but adults often enjoy it too. You can also jump from the boat, then use the steps to climb back aboard. The water is the star here, with bright turquoise color and unusually clear visibility in good conditions.

The Blue Lagoon itself is not a quiet secret. It is one of Malta’s most popular sights, and shore areas can become crowded. The boat’s separate mooring area helps, but you should not expect an empty bay. Staying on the boat may actually be the more relaxing choice, especially if you want a deck chair, easy access to your belongings, and a place to buy a cold drink.

Snorkeling, food, lockers, and practical comfort

Mask and snorkel rental costs €5, with a €15 deposit and €10 refunded afterward. You can bring your own equipment if you prefer, but the rental option saves space and keeps the activity simple.

Lockers are available on the boat in limited numbers for an additional fee. If you need one, arrange it early rather than assuming one will remain available later in the day. You should still bring only what you need: swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and perhaps a waterproof pouch for small valuables.

Lunch is not included. The onboard cafeteria serves hot and cold drinks, and the boat also has a small grill. Food and drink prices are described as reasonable, which helps the $34 starting price feel like a good deal for a long day on the water. Fresh pineapple drinks are a fun choice, though one practical note is that they can be very icy.

The toilets are useful during such a long stop, but cleanliness can vary. A few comments specifically called for better bathroom cleaning, so I would treat the facilities as functional rather than polished.

The upper deck is the place for sunbathing and broad views, but the limited chairs make early arrival worthwhile. The main deck provides shade, which may be the better choice during the hottest part of the day. Malta’s sun is strong, and four and a half hours outside can be tiring if you do not use sunscreen and take regular breaks.

Why the boat base works better than a simple drop-off

A typical boat transfer to Comino may leave you with the island and the water, but not necessarily a comfortable place to store your things or rest. Hornblower’s setup gives you a stable home base throughout the Blue Lagoon stop.

That matters in practical ways. You can return to the boat for shade, use the toilet without searching for facilities, buy a drink, or take a break from the water without ending your day. Parents can use the boat as an easy meeting point, and sunbathers do not have to compete for a patch of ground on the island.

The trade-off is that the boat can feel busy, particularly around the slide and swimming access. Upper-deck chairs are limited, and the main deck may be your only shaded option once the boat fills. I would choose this trip for flexibility and convenience, not for solitude.

Gozo and the return through Crystal Lagoon

At the end of the Comino stop, the boat heads toward Gozo without stopping. You cruise around Mgarr Harbour and see important sites from the water.

This is a sightseeing pass, not a Gozo visit. If you want to walk through Mgarr or spend time inland, you need to plan a separate day. The short cruise still gives you a useful introduction to the harbor and provides a change of scenery after the long swim stop.

The return route uses Comino’s south channel. You pass Crystal Lagoon and its caves, then continue by St. Mary’s Tower. Crystal Lagoon offers another attractive photo stop, with clear water and dramatic rock formations. The boat pauses for about 10 minutes, enough to take pictures and hear the guide’s explanation, but not enough for an extended swim.

St. Mary’s Tower adds a strong historical shape to the coastal views. From the boat, you get a clear look at the tower and the surrounding shoreline without needing to walk across the island. The return route also helps make the cruise feel like more than a single trip to one swimming spot.

What the $34 price really gives you

At about $34 per person, this is strong value if you want a full day built around Comino. The price includes the cruise, the long Blue Lagoon stop, cave viewing, upper-deck deck chairs when available, and the slide. It also includes the return route past Gozo, Crystal Lagoon, and St. Mary’s Tower.

You still pay extra for lunch, drinks, lockers, snorkeling equipment, and the optional €15 speedboat ride. These costs are easy to manage if you know about them in advance. Bring cash for the speedboat, and do not assume the mask and snorkel rental or locker is included.

The main value comes from time. A short transfer may be cheaper, but it will not give you the same number of hours to swim, sunbathe, and use the boat’s facilities. If you plan to spend the day at the Blue Lagoon anyway, the cruise turns transport into the main activity.

The price is less attractive if you dislike open-water rides, do not plan to swim, or want a quiet cultural tour. Much of the experience is sun, sea, music, and casual sightseeing. That is exactly the point for many people, but it is not a substitute for a land-based tour of Malta’s historic towns.

Who should book this Comino cruise?

I would recommend it most strongly for families, couples, groups of friends, and solo visitors who want a relaxed swimming day with a little sightseeing. The slide, easy boat access, shade, toilets, and onboard food make it more comfortable than relying entirely on the island.

It is also a good choice if you want to photograph caves and coastal scenery without organizing several separate stops. The optional speedboat adds a lively extra for people who want a short burst of speed and close cave views.

You should think twice if you have mobility difficulties, as the activity is not suitable for people with mobility impairments. You should also consider motion sickness, the deep water beside the boat, and the intense sun. A towel, swimwear, and sunscreen are essential, not optional extras.

For the best experience, arrive early, try for an upper-deck chair, bring cash, arrange your Blue Lagoon QR access pass in advance, and decide before boarding if you want the optional speedboat ride.

Should you book Hornblower Cruises Malta?

Book it if you want a high-value sea day with a long Blue Lagoon stop, fun swimming access, cave views, and a boat that remains available as your base. The friendly crew, Captain Kevin’s commentary, reasonable onboard food prices, and well-loved slide add plenty of personality.

Skip it if you want silence, a small private boat, a detailed land tour, or guaranteed calm water. For most swimmers and families, though, the combination of time, facilities, scenery, and a $34 starting price makes this one of Malta’s more practical ways to see Comino.

FAQ

Where does the Comino cruise depart from?

It departs from Hornblower Cruises Malta at Sirens Quay 24, Triq San Geraldu, St. Paul’s Bay, behind LOA Restaurant. Look for the large white and blue Hornblower boat with red lettering.

How early should I arrive?

You should arrive 45 minutes to an hour before departure. Early arrival is particularly useful if you want one of the limited deck chairs on the upper deck.

How long do you stay at the Blue Lagoon?

The scheduled Blue Lagoon stop lasts about four and a half hours, from 11:00 to 15:20.

Do I need a QR code for the Blue Lagoon?

Yes. From 19 May 2025, visitors must present a QR code showing their designated time slot. You can request the free access pass through blcomino.com, and the scheduled stop requires both morning and afternoon slots.

Can I swim directly from the boat?

Yes. The boat moors in a secluded area of 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 included?

No. A mask and snorkel can be rented for €5, with a €15 deposit and €10 refunded afterward.

Does the cruise include lunch?

No. Hot and cold drinks and food are available to buy on board. Lockers are also available in limited numbers for an additional fee.

How much does the optional cave speedboat ride cost?

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