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

Blue water is only half the story. This seven-hour Hornblower cruise packs Malta’s north coast, Comino, the Blue Lagoon, caves, and Gozo into one reasonably priced day at sea. I like the mix of sightseeing and swimming, and I like that you can add a €5 shuttle to Victoria instead of arranging Gozo transport yourself. The main catch is time: with only 90 minutes at the Blue Lagoon and three hours in Gozo, you get a taste of both islands rather than a full visit to either.

I also like the useful onboard setup, including toilets, shaded seating, an air-conditioned lower deck, a cafeteria, and a 10-meter water slide. Arrive early if you want a top-deck sun lounger, since those seats disappear quickly. The boat is comfortable and practical, but it is not a sleek luxury yacht, and it can feel crowded during busy periods.

Five things to know before sailing

• The day begins at 10 a.m. from Bugibba Jetty: You make your own way to Dawret Il-Gzejjer in St. Paul’s Bay.
• Blue Lagoon time lasts 90 minutes: Swim from the boat, walk onto Comino, use the slide, or relax on deck.
• Gozo is a three-hour stop: Travel time between the port, Victoria, and the viewpoint counts within those three hours.
• The €5 Gozo shuttle is worth considering: It gives you 90 minutes in Victoria and a short stop at a scenic viewpoint.
• Bring cash and your own towel: Bus transfers, speedboat rides, snorkel hire, and lockers involve extra charges.
• The cruise carries up to 232 people: Early arrival matters if seating and deck space are important to you.

Why this cruise works for a first Malta visit

Malta’s islands are close together, but seeing Comino and Gozo independently in one day takes planning. You need to coordinate ferries, buses, taxis, and walking time. This cruise removes much of that work for $36.28 per person, before optional extras and food.

I see the value in the route. You get coastal views from the water, cave entrances, a swimming stop at Comino, and a short introduction to Gozo. It is a sensible choice if you have limited time in Malta and want a broad first look rather than a slow, detailed visit.

The schedule is also easy to understand. The boat leaves Bugibba at 10 a.m. and returns to the same meeting point at about 5 p.m. That makes this a full day, but not an exhausting late-night outing. You need to arrange your own transport to Bugibba, so check your connection carefully if you are staying around Valletta. One bus journey from Valletta can take a little over an hour, while a taxi or app-based ride may be quicker.

The strongest part of the day is the variety. You are not sitting on a boat for seven hours with nothing to do. The route keeps changing, from Malta’s cliffs and beaches to Comino’s caves, then Gozo’s port and capital. Still, the tradeoff is clear: every stop is brief.

Sailing past St. Paul’s Island and Malta’s north coast

The cruise starts by heading along Malta’s north coast from St. Paul’s Bay. One of the first sights is St. Paul’s Island, linked by tradition to the apostle’s shipwreck in 60 AD. An 8.3-meter statue of St. Paul marks the island and makes a striking view from the boat.

You also pass Ghadira Bay, Malta’s largest sandy beach, commonly called Mellieha Beach. From the water, the coastline gives you a useful sense of how rocky and exposed northern Malta can be. The captain provides information about the sights along the route, which helps turn the crossing into part of the tour rather than simple transport.

The boat enters Ahrax Cave for a short look and photo stop. Later, it passes more coastal features around Comino, including Elephant’s Head, Santa Maria Cave, Santa Maria Bay, St. Nicholas Bay, and the Comino Hotel.

These stops are viewed from the boat, so set your expectations correctly. You are not walking through the caves or spending long periods on each beach. The reward is the changing view and the chance to photograph rock formations that are difficult to see from land.

If you want the best views, arrive early and head for the upper deck. The sun loungers are free, but they are first come, first served. Even arriving around 9:30 a.m. may not guarantee a private lounger on a busy sailing.

The Blue Lagoon: 90 minutes of swimming and sitting

After roughly an hour at sea, the boat reaches Comino’s Blue Lagoon. The operator aims to arrive early, which matters because this famous strip of turquoise water becomes crowded later in the day. The boat moors near the lagoon and remains your base for the stop.

You can walk on and off the island, but many people choose to stay on the boat. That is a smart option if you want to avoid the busiest patch of shoreline. From the deck, you can use a sun lounger, sit in shade, buy a drink, or jump directly into the clear water.

The boat has a slide that reaches about 10 meters, along with places for jumping into the lagoon. Life vests are available if you need swimming support. I would strongly suggest using one if you are not a confident swimmer, since the water access is from the boat and the stop is built around open-water swimming.

Snorkeling is another highlight. You can bring your own equipment or rent a mask and snorkel for €5, plus a €10 refundable deposit. A towel is not supplied, so pack one. The boat has a cafeteria selling hot and cold drinks and simple food at reasonable prices, but these purchases are not part of the ticket.

The 90-minute stop sounds generous until you add changing, walking, swimming, drying off, and possibly a paid speedboat ride. If you plan to snorkel, swim, and take the speedboat around the caves, choose your priorities before arriving. Trying to do everything can leave you with only 10 to 15 minutes in the water.

You also need a Blue Lagoon landing pass. The QR codes are obtained from blcomino.com, and this is separate from the tour ticket. Download it before sailing so you are not trying to sort it out at the island.

Crystal Lagoon and Comino’s caves from the water

Crystal Lagoon is known for deeper water and is especially popular with people who come to swim and explore from boats. On this cruise, you see it as the vessel approaches Comino and follows the southern channel toward the Blue Lagoon.

It is also about an eight-minute walk from the Blue Lagoon, according to the tour information, but the scheduled swimming stop is centered on the Blue Lagoon. Do not assume you will have a separate long stop at Crystal Lagoon.

The larger caves around Comino are part of the cruise route. The boat enters some of them or passes close to their openings, allowing you to see the rock walls and take photos without arranging another excursion.

There is also an optional speedboat trip to smaller caves for €15 per person, payable as an extra. This is a short, more active add-on, not a replacement for the cruise. It brings you closer to coves and rock formations, and it can be a lot of fun. The practical warning is time. If you take it, you will have less time for swimming, changing, or walking on Comino.

Three hours in Gozo, with Victoria as the main choice

After Comino, the boat continues to Mġarr Harbour, Gozo’s main port. You have three hours on the island, but that includes the travel time involved in getting around.

You can explore independently by local bus or taxi, stay around the harbor, or pay €5 for the organized minibus transfer. The shuttle is paid on the day and should be treated as an important practical extra if your goal is Victoria. It takes you to the capital for about 90 minutes, followed by a 15-minute stop at a panoramic viewpoint.

Victoria gives you a compact taste of Gozo. You can see the Citadel area, walk through the center, shop, or stop for food. The Citadel sits above the town, so the walk may involve stairs and an uphill route. A local €3 shuttle from the Gozo bus terminal to the Citadel has also been noted as an alternative, which may help if you are traveling with small children or prefer to avoid the climb.

The €5 tour shuttle is not a full guided tour of Gozo. It is primarily a transfer with planned stops. Commentary can vary, so book it for convenience and efficient transport, not for an in-depth history lesson.

If you skip the shuttle, public transport may take around half an hour to Victoria, leaving less time to explore. A taxi gives you more control but adds cost. For most people on this schedule, I would pay the €5 and use the organized transfer.

The central problem is the short visit. Ninety minutes in Victoria is enough for a quick walk and a look at the Citadel area, but not enough for a relaxed exploration of Gozo. If Gozo is your main reason for visiting Malta, choose a dedicated Gozo day instead. If this cruise is your only practical chance to see the island, the short stop is still worthwhile.

What the boat is like during a full day

The vessel is designed for a large group, with capacity for up to 232 people. It has a top sun deck, free deck chairs, shaded and sunny seating on the main deck, an air-conditioned lower deck, male and female toilets, limited lockers, and a cafeteria.

I would describe the boat as functional rather than modern. It gives you the facilities needed for a day on the sea, but you should not expect a quiet yacht atmosphere or lots of personal space. Busy departures can make the upper deck feel crowded, and some people may need to share seating.

The crew receives strong praise for friendly service and clear information about the coastline. Music also contributes to the relaxed mood onboard. The captain’s commentary helps you identify the caves, bays, and islands as you pass them.

Food and drinks are available for purchase. Prices are described as reasonable, with snacks such as fries and novelty drinks served in hollowed pineapples available on some sailings. Bring your own sunscreen, since it is not sold onboard, and pack a light sweater or extra layer outside the hottest summer months. Sea air can feel cool, especially later in the day.

Lockers cost €2 plus a €10 refundable deposit. Snorkel hire costs €5 plus a €10 refundable deposit. Cash is needed for the €5 Gozo bus and €15 speedboat, so bring euros. The speedboat accepts cash or card, according to the tour details.

Timing, comfort, and who should book

This trip suits you if you want maximum variety for a modest price. It works especially well for a first visit, a short stay, families who want a simple day on the water, and anyone who wants swimming and sightseeing in the same outing.

It is also a good fit if you enjoy choosing your own pace. At the Blue Lagoon, you can swim or stay onboard. In Gozo, you can take the shuttle, use local transport, or remain near the harbor.

I would hesitate to recommend it if you dislike crowds, need a quiet boat, or want long swimming time. The Blue Lagoon stop is only 90 minutes, and adding the speedboat can make it feel shorter. The Gozo visit is useful but limited, especially once transport time is counted.

The tour is generally suitable for most people, and service animals are allowed. It depends on favorable weather, and poor conditions can lead to a different date or a full refund. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time. The operator also requires a minimum number of participants, so check the final confirmation details.

My verdict on the $36.28 price

At $36.28 per person, this is a strong value if you want a broad Malta sampler. A separate boat trip to Comino plus independent transport to Gozo could cost more and require much more effort. The cruise gives you a fixed schedule, coastal commentary, onboard facilities, and direct access to the day’s main sights.

The base price does not cover everything. Food, drinks, towels, snorkel equipment, lockers, the Gozo shuttle, and the optional speedboat all cost extra. If you add the €5 shuttle and €15 speedboat, the day remains fairly affordable, but it is no longer a strictly $36.28 outing.

I would budget for the shuttle, bring cash, and decide in advance if the speedboat matters to you. If swimming is your priority, skip the speedboat. If cave views and a faster ride sound more appealing, take the add-on and accept a shorter swim.

Should you book this Comino and Gozo cruise?

Book it if you want an inexpensive, well-paced introduction to Malta’s northern islands and you are happy with short visits. The Blue Lagoon, coastal caves, and views from the boat are the strongest reasons to go, while the Gozo shuttle makes a complicated island connection much easier.

Do not book it expecting a full Gozo tour, a peaceful yacht, or hours of snorkeling. Arrive early for a better seat, download the landing pass, carry a towel and cash, and choose between swimming and the speedboat before the boat reaches Comino.

For a first Malta trip with limited time, I think this is a practical choice. For a slower holiday, choose separate days for Comino and Gozo.

FAQ

Where does the cruise start and finish?

The cruise starts and ends at Bugibba Jetty, Dawret Il-Gzejjer, in St. Paul’s Bay, Malta.

What time does the tour start and return?

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

How long do you spend at the Blue Lagoon?

The scheduled stop at the Blue Lagoon lasts one hour and 30 minutes.

Is the Gozo bus tour included?

No. The optional minibus transfer costs €5 per person and is paid on the day. It includes about 90 minutes in Victoria and a 15-minute panoramic viewpoint stop.

Can you swim from the boat?

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

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.

What happens if bad weather cancels the cruise?

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