Comino: Blue Lagoon & Caves Boat Cruise

The best feature here is simple: the boat remains your base at the Blue Lagoon. You can swim from its quieter mooring, return to a deck chair, buy lunch, and avoid spending the whole day hunting for a patch of beach. Captain Kevin keeps the trip lively with commentary, music, and a friendly family-run feel.

I like the 10-meter waterslide and the easy mix of activity and rest. I also like the sensible onboard prices, especially when compared with the food and drinks available around the lagoon. The main drawback is that the boat can get busy, and top-deck chairs disappear quickly, so arriving early matters.

Key points to know before booking

• Captain Kevin sets the tone: Expect a warm, informal trip with music, commentary, and a crew willing to help with life vests, pool noodles, and timing questions.
• The Blue Lagoon stop lasts 4.5 hours: That is enough time to swim, snorkel, eat, use the slide, and still sit quietly on deck.
• The boat moors in roughly 3 meters of water: Confident swimmers can jump or use the slide, while buoyancy aids and beach access help less confident swimmers.
• The €15 cave speedboat is optional: It is not included, but it adds a fast, close look at Comino’s caves and is widely considered worth the extra cost.
• Arrive 45 to 60 minutes early: The upper deck has limited deck chairs, and the best spots fill well before departure.
• You need a free Blue Lagoon QR pass: Select both a morning and afternoon time slot at blcomino.com before setting out.

Starting from St. Paul’s Bay with room to settle in

This seven-hour cruise leaves from Bugibba Jetty in St. Paul’s Bay. The boat is a large white and blue vessel with Hornblower written in red on the side, so it is not hard to identify once you reach the waterfront.

The meeting point may appear under several names, including Hornblower Cruises Malta, Hornblower Malta, and Bugibba Jetty. That is worth noting when you arrange a taxi. By bus, the nearby Moll and Anthony stops are within walking distance. Free parking is available in white roadside boxes, but spaces are limited, and traffic can be slow. I would aim to arrive 45 minutes to an hour early, especially in summer.

Boarding early is not just about avoiding stress. It gives you a better chance of claiming an upper-deck chair. The top deck is sunny and comfortable, but the supply is limited. The main deck offers shade, seating, toilets, and access to the snack bar. If you care more about comfort than the best view, the shaded area is a sensible choice.

The boat’s setup suits a mixed group. Children can focus on the slide and jumping points, while adults can settle with a drink and watch the coast pass by. Smoking is allowed only in designated areas, and outside food and drinks are not permitted.

Malta’s north coast, from St. Paul’s Islands to Coral Lagoon

The first hour is a moving tour of Malta’s northern coast. The boat passes St. Paul’s Bay and St. Paul’s Islands, including the statue associated with St. Paul. Captain Kevin points out the main sights and gives basic information about Malta as the boat heads toward Comino.

You also pass Ahrax Point and Coral Lagoon. These early views are best enjoyed from the side of the boat, where you can watch the coast slip past at water level. One useful tip is to sit on the left side for much of the outward route, since that is generally the better side for seeing Comino as you approach.

The commentary adds context, but it is not a full guided history tour. Some announcements can be hard to hear when the sea is rough or the music is playing. The departure and return times are written near the exit, and you should also listen for the crew’s instructions before leaving the boat.

The sea can be calm, but it can also be choppy. One passenger described a sunny, windy day with large waves along the route, while the Blue Lagoon itself remained calm. If you are prone to motion sickness, sit where movement feels least severe, consider taking your usual remedy, and remember that conditions can change.

Ahrax Cave, Santa Maria Cave, and Comino’s north channel

The route continues through the north channel of Comino, passing the unusual rock formation known as the Elephants Head, Santa Maria Bay, St. Nicholas Bay, and the Comino Hotel.

The boat makes quick stops near Ahrax Cave and Santa Maria Cave. These are viewing stops rather than long shore visits. You get a close look from the water, with time for photographs, but the main swimming and exploration period comes later at the Blue Lagoon.

This part of the cruise is valuable because you see several coastal features in one outing without arranging separate transport. It also helps you understand Comino’s shape. The island is small, but its coves, channels, towers, and rock formations make the coast more varied than a single beach stop suggests.

For a closer cave experience, you can buy an optional speedboat ride for €15 on site. The fast boat enters smaller coastal spaces and adds a more energetic burst to the day. It is available as an extra, not part of the $35 tour price, and it is offered during the day cruise. Bring cash for this and for other purchases, since several people found it useful for food, drinks, lockers, and snorkel rental.

Four and a half hours at the Blue Lagoon

After roughly an hour, the boat reaches Comino’s famous Blue Lagoon. The long stop is the heart of the experience. You have about 4.5 hours to swim, snorkel, sunbathe, eat, walk around, or simply stay aboard.

Hornblower moors in a quieter part of the lagoon, away from the most crowded shore areas. That does not mean the Blue Lagoon is empty. The small shoreline can feel packed, especially during the high season. The boat gives you another option: swim directly from the stern, climb back up the steps, and return to your chair without carrying your things onto the island.

The water below the boat is about 3 meters deep. Confident swimmers can jump from the designated points or use the slide, but all such activity is at your own risk. If you are not a strong swimmer, ask for a buoyancy aid. A €10 deposit applies, and you can also reach the water from the beach.

The slide is one of the tour’s strongest family features. It is available for unlimited use, so you can make it part of the day rather than treating it as a one-time novelty. Children tend to make it their main event, while adults often join in after seeing how easy it is to climb back aboard.

Snorkeling is also worth your time. Mask and snorkel hire costs €5, with a €15 deposit and €10 returned. The clear water supports plenty of small fish, and the area around the boat can be more relaxing than trying to swim in the thick of the shore crowd.

You can leave the boat to explore Comino, but I would not assume that the island will be peaceful in peak season. Food trucks and crowded paths can make a short walk less enjoyable than a swim from the boat. Several hours is enough time to try both, then retreat to the deck when the shore feels too full.

Food, drinks, and the famous pineapple cocktail

The onboard cafeteria sells hot and cold drinks, burgers, fries, ice cream, snacks, and pineapple cocktails. Lunch is not included, but the prices are described as reasonable rather than inflated. That matters at a destination where buying food beside the water can quickly become expensive.

The pineapple drink is a fun signature item, served in a pineapple and suited to a slow afternoon on the upper deck. If you prefer a proper meal, the burger and fries are practical after swimming. You do not need to leave the boat to eat, which saves time and lets you keep your belongings close.

Bring a towel, swimwear, and sunscreen. A small number of lockers are available for €2, with a €10 deposit and €8 returned. Since lockers are limited, avoid bringing more valuables than you need.

The optional speedboat and the view toward Gozo

After the Blue Lagoon stop, the boat continues toward Gozo without stopping on the island. You cruise around Mgarr Harbour and see the port from the water. This is a useful introduction to Gozo, but it is not a Gozo land tour.

Some people prefer to stay at Comino for the full time, while others arrange their plans around Gozo. Speak to the crew if you are unsure about the timing. The staff are generally flexible about practical questions, including life vests, pool noodles, and whether you can change your plan. Still, listen carefully to the departure announcements so you do not miss the boat.

The cruise then returns through Comino’s south channel. It passes Crystal Lagoon, its caves, and St. Mary’s Tower. Crystal Lagoon makes a good photo stop, and the tower provides one of the route’s most recognizable historic sights. The boat usually passes these places rather than offering a long visit, so treat them as scenic additions to the main Blue Lagoon stop.

What the $35 price really covers

At $35 per person, this is strong value if you want a full day on the water rather than a simple transfer to Comino. The price includes the cruise, the long Blue Lagoon stop, onboard toilets, deck chairs, shaded seating, live commentary, music, and the waterslide.

It also gives you a floating base. That is the key financial advantage. You can buy food and drinks onboard at reasonable prices, keep your towel and belongings nearby, and avoid paying for another boat or transfer when you want to return to Malta.

Extra costs can add up. Lunch, drinks, ice cream, lockers, snorkel equipment, the €15 cave speedboat, and any buoyancy aid deposit are separate. You also need the free Blue Lagoon QR access pass, and hotel transfers from Sliema, St. Julian’s, or Valletta are not included.

The experience has a rating of 4.7 from more than 3,000 bookings, which fits the main strengths: friendly service, good timing, clear value, and plenty to do. The less polished parts are also easy to understand. Toilets could be cleaner, loudspeaker announcements can be difficult to hear, and a large boat group can feel crowded.

Who will enjoy this Comino cruise most

I would recommend it to families, couples, groups of friends, and anyone who wants swimming, views, food, and a relaxed day without arranging each part separately. The slide and jumping points give children something active to do, while the deck chairs and shade suit anyone who wants a slower pace.

It is also a good choice for visitors who dislike being dropped at a crowded beach with nowhere to sit. The boat’s mooring gives you a quieter place to swim, and you can return to the deck whenever the shoreline becomes too busy.

You should think twice if you have limited mobility. The activity is not suitable for people with mobility impairments, and getting between the boat, water, and island requires stairs and movement on a marine vessel. You should also reconsider if rough seas cause serious motion sickness.

The boat is family-run, with Captain Kevin at the helm and a crew that keeps the atmosphere informal. A captain’s dog named Louie sometimes joins the trip, an unexpected bonus for animal lovers. Music is a major part of the mood, and the playlist has received plenty of praise, though anyone seeking a quiet nature cruise may find it too lively.

Practical timing advice for a better day

Arrive around 8:30 to 8:50 for a 10 a.m. departure if you want a good upper-deck chair. The boat may allow boarding before departure, but the best chairs can fill early.

Check the exact departure and return times with the crew, especially if the weather changes. The captain can alter or cancel the route for safety, and the start or end point may change with sea conditions.

Before departure, obtain the free Blue Lagoon QR code and select both the morning and afternoon slots. Pack light, bring sunscreen and a towel, and keep some cash available for optional purchases.

Should you book the Hornblower Comino cruise?

Book it if you want a full, active day built around the Blue Lagoon, with the comfort of a boat, food on hand, a slide, music, and plenty of swimming time. The long stop and reasonable onboard prices make the $35 cost easy to justify.

Skip it if you want a quiet, small-boat outing, a serious history tour, or a full day walking around Gozo. For most visitors who want to see Comino without managing several separate bookings, this is a well-priced and entertaining choice. Arrive early, claim your chair, consider the €15 cave ride, and treat the boat itself as your base.

FAQ

Where does the Comino cruise depart from?

The meeting point is Hornblower Cruises at Bugibba Jetty, Dawret il-Gzejjer, in St. Paul’s Bay. Look for the large white and blue boat with Hornblower written in red on the side.

How long is the cruise?

The full activity lasts about seven hours. The boat spends approximately 4.5 hours at the Blue Lagoon.

How much time is spent at the Blue Lagoon?

You have about 4.5 hours at the Blue Lagoon for swimming, snorkeling, sunbathing, eating, or exploring Comino.

Is food included in the ticket?

No. Food, drinks, and ice cream cost extra, but they are available from the onboard snack bar and cafeteria.

Is the waterslide included?

Yes. The 10-meter waterslide is available for unlimited use, but you use it at your own risk.

Do I need to bring snorkeling equipment?

You can bring your own equipment or rent a mask and snorkel onboard for €5. A €15 deposit applies, with €10 refunded.

Is the Blue Lagoon access pass included?

The free Blue Lagoon QR access pass is separate. You must obtain it from blcomino.com and select both morning and afternoon time slots.

Is the tour suitable for people who are not confident swimmers?

The boat moors in water about 3 meters deep, but you can access the water from the beach or request a buoyancy aid. The slide and jumping points are optional and should only be used if you feel safe.