Malta: Gozo, Comino Island and Blue Lagoon Cruise

Malta looks best from the water. I like the smaller Seahorse Cruises boat, which feels calmer and more personal than the big excursion vessels, and I like the easy mix of Gozo sightseeing, Blue Lagoon swimming, and coastal views. The tradeoff is time: Victoria gets about two hours, while some people still wish they had longer to explore Gozo.

This is a busy six-and-a-half-hour day, but the route gives you a useful first look at two islands without arranging several separate trips. Captain Owen and his friendly crew receive especially warm praise, and the boat has a sun deck, toilet, shower, snack bar, and water-entry platform.

Five details that shape the day

• A smaller boat with a calmer feel: Seahorse Cruises is praised for avoiding the packed, party-boat atmosphere of larger vessels.
• Gozo by shuttle bus: You reach Victoria, Gozo’s capital, by included shuttle transport rather than wandering straight off the boat.
• Blue Lagoon swimming away from the thickest crowds: The boat anchors away from the main crush, though you need a free QR code to step ashore.
• Santa Maria Caves and Elephant’s Head: The return cruise includes striking sea caves and a distinctive rock formation.
• Food and drinks are reasonably priced: You can buy snacks and beverages onboard, but bring cash because cards are not accepted.
• A full day for $53: The price covers the boat, commentary, Gozo transport, facilities, and a long swimming stop, making it good value if you want variety.

Why this cruise works for a first Malta trip

Malta’s main island is compact, but its best coastal views often arrive when you leave the roads behind. From the boat, you see rocky shores, inlets, caves, and bright water that can be hard to appreciate from land.

This cruise links Gozo and Comino in one outing. That matters because the islands offer different kinds of sightseeing. Gozo gives you a short taste of inland Malta, with Victoria’s streets, shops, and historical sights. Comino gives you the classic sea day, with snorkeling and swimming at the Blue Lagoon.

I would not call this a deep visit to either island. It is a sampler with plenty of time on the water. If you want to study Gozo’s churches, villages, and countryside, book a separate Gozo day. If you mainly want to swim, sunbathe, see caves, and enjoy a boat ride, this combination makes good sense.

The boat leaves Bugibba Jetty at 10:30 AM, but boarding closes at 10:00 AM. Treat that cutoff seriously. You need to find the vessel named Seahorse Cruises at Dawret il-Gzejjer in San Pawl il-Baħar, and a late arrival could mean missing the whole trip.

The Bugibba departure and northern coast

Once underway, the cruise gives you about an hour of scenic viewing before the main stops. The route passes St. Paul’s Island, Mellieha Bay, and Smuggler’s Cove Cave.

This opening stretch is useful because it lets you settle into the boat before the day becomes more active. You can sit on the sundeck, listen to live commentary in English or Italian, and watch Malta’s rugged shoreline pass at an easy pace.

The boat itself earns much of the praise. It is described as spotless, comfortable, and just the right size: not so large that you feel lost in a crowd, and not so small that every wave becomes a personal event. That balance is valuable on a six-and-a-half-hour trip.

The crew also seems to be a major part of the experience. Captain Owen is repeatedly singled out for his warmth and attention, while the wider crew is described as friendly, helpful, and well organized. You should still keep your expectations practical. Commentary is available, but the amount of explanation may vary. One person found there was not enough guidance while exploring Gozo independently.

Gozo and two hours in Victoria

Gozo is the first major stop. When the boat arrives, you transfer to a shuttle bus operated for the cruise and ride to Victoria, the island’s capital.

You get about two hours here. That is enough to take photos, walk around the central sights, browse the market, and buy small souvenirs such as fridge magnets. It is not enough for a broad tour of the island, and you should not expect to reach every major Gozo attraction during this stop.

Victoria is the right choice for a short visit because it gives you a compact taste of Gozo’s urban and historical character. You can get off the bus, find your bearings, and explore at your own pace. The self-guided format also suits you if you prefer to set your own rhythm rather than follow a fixed walking tour.

The weakness is the schedule. Once you account for the transfer, orientation, food, and the walk between sights, two hours can pass quickly. Several people wished for more time, especially since Victoria offers more than a quick photo stop.

My advice is to keep the visit focused. Decide in advance if you want historical sights, shopping, lunch, or a simple walk. Trying to do everything will leave you hurrying. If Gozo is your main reason for visiting Malta, choose a separate island tour instead. If Gozo is one part of a broader sea day, this stop is fair value.

The Blue Lagoon and the QR code rule

The afternoon belongs to Comino’s Blue Lagoon, with about 1.5 hours for swimming, snorkeling, or relaxing onboard. This is the emotional high point of the cruise for many people, and it is easy to see why. The water is famously clear and turquoise, and the boat carries a snorkeling mask with a €10 deposit.

The important detail is where the boat anchors. Seahorse Cruises aims to stop away from the worst of the crowds, giving you the option to swim from the boat in a quieter patch of water. That can be better than stepping onto the packed shoreline, especially in summer.

You can use the onboard water-entry platform, then rinse off at the shower near the side ladder. A toilet is also available, which makes the long day more comfortable. If you prefer not to swim, the sundeck gives you a place to sunbathe and watch the water.

As of May 1, 2025, Malta requires a free QR code if you want to get off the boat at the Blue Lagoon. Check your ticket details and reserve the 13:30 to 17:30 time slot. The code is not described as an extra charge, but it is required for shore access. Without it, plan to enjoy the lagoon from the boat or enter the water directly from the vessel.

The 1.5-hour stop is long enough for a proper swim, but short for a full beach session. You may also find the shoreline much busier than the boat’s anchorage. That is another reason I like the option of staying onboard and swimming from there.

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and comfortable shoes. The sun can be strong, and the boat’s open areas offer limited escape from it. Cash is useful for drinks, food, and the snorkeling-mask deposit.

Santa Maria Caves and Elephant’s Head

The return journey includes a scenic cruise past Comino’s Santa Maria Caves. You spend around ten minutes viewing and photographing the caves, with the boat passing close enough for a good look at the rock openings and coastal shapes.

The highlight here is Elephant’s Head, a rock formation named for its outline. It is the sort of detail that makes the boat route worthwhile. From land, you can miss these shapes or see them only from a distance. From the water, the captain can point them out as part of the coastal story.

Some people also buy an optional speedboat cave ride onboard. That is not included in the $53 price, so treat it as an add-on rather than part of the main tour. The regular cruise already includes a view of the caves, while the speedboat option is for you if you want a more active and fast-moving look.

After the caves, the boat returns to Bugibba at about 5:00 PM. The day has a clear rhythm: coast, Gozo, swimming, caves, then home. It is active without requiring a full day of walking.

Food, facilities, and the boat itself

You cannot bring food, drinks, large bags, or a cooler onboard, so plan to purchase refreshments from the boat. Food and drinks are available, and the prices are repeatedly described as fair. Only cash is accepted, so bring euros.

The facilities are better than you might expect for a mid-priced day cruise. You have:

• A toilet
• A shower near the side ladder
• A sundeck
• A water-entry platform
• Snorkeling equipment with a €10 deposit
• Food and drinks for purchase
• Live commentary in English and Italian

These details matter because six and a half hours is a long time to spend at sea. A comfortable boat can turn a simple excursion into a pleasant day, while a cramped vessel can make the same route tiring.

The boat is not presented as a luxury yacht, but it does have a polished, comfortable feel. It is also not designed as a silent sailing trip or a private charter. You share the vessel with other people, and on one busy return journey, additional groups made the boat feel fuller. The overall impression is still more relaxed than the largest Blue Lagoon boats, but group size can change from one date to another.

What $53 really gets you

At $53 per person, this is strong value if you want several highlights in one booking. The price includes the cruise, Gozo stop, shuttle transport to Victoria, Blue Lagoon time, coastal sightseeing, cave views, onboard facilities, and commentary.

You are also buying convenience. Instead of arranging separate transport to Gozo, a ferry, a bus, and a Comino boat trip, you follow one organized route. That saves time and removes the need to coordinate island connections.

The price does not include lunch or drinks, and you should budget for those separately. The snorkeling mask requires a refundable-style deposit of €10, according to the tour details, so carry enough cash for both refreshments and equipment.

The main question is not cost but priorities. If your ideal day means one island explored in detail, this is too compressed. If your ideal day means swimming in clear water, seeing caves, enjoying a boat, and getting a short look at Gozo, the price is sensible.

Who should book this day on the water?

I would recommend this cruise for first-time visitors who want an overview of Gozo and Comino without spending several days on separate excursions. It also suits families, couples, and older children who can manage boarding, a shuttle transfer, and a swim stop.

It works especially well for you if you value a friendly crew and a smaller boat. The personal service is one of the strongest reasons to choose Seahorse Cruises over a much larger vessel.

You should think twice if you have limited mobility. The activity is not suitable for people with mobility impairments, and the boat, side ladder, shuttle bus, and independent stop in Victoria all require reasonable physical ease.

It may also disappoint you if you dislike a fixed timetable. The day moves on schedule, and the two hours in Victoria and 1.5 hours at the Blue Lagoon are fixed parts of the route. Weather, tides, or other conditions can also lead the captain or provider to change the route, departure point, or return point.

My verdict on Seahorse Cruises Malta

I like this cruise because it gives you a genuine mix of Malta’s water and islands without the feel of a huge floating crowd. The best parts are the comfortable boat, warm crew, well-priced onboard food, and the chance to swim from the boat away from the thickest Blue Lagoon crowd.

The weak point is the limited Gozo time. Victoria is a taste, not a full island visit, and the Blue Lagoon stop is long enough to swim but not to linger. The QR code rule adds one more thing to arrange if you want to step ashore.

Book it if you want variety, clear water, caves, and an easy day at sea for $53. Choose another option if Gozo deserves a full day of your attention or if you need step-free access. For most able-bodied first-time visitors, this is a friendly, well-paced introduction to Malta’s quieter islands.

FAQ

Where does the cruise leave from?

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

What time does boarding close?

Boarding closes at 10:00 AM. The stated departure time is 10:30 AM.

How long does the cruise last?

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

Is transport to Victoria in Gozo included?

Yes. Transport to Victoria by shuttle bus is included in the experience.

How much free time do I get in Victoria?

You have about two hours in Victoria for sightseeing, photos, shopping, 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, sunbathe, or relax on the boat.

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.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

A snorkeling mask is available, with a €10 deposit required.

Can I buy food and drinks onboard?

Yes. Food and drinks are available to purchase onboard. Only cash is accepted.

Is the cruise suitable for people with mobility impairments?

No. The experience is listed as unsuitable for people with mobility impairments.