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

The best part of this seven-hour boat day is the mix of sea time and island time. You cruise along Malta’s rocky northern coast, stop at the Blue Lagoon for swimming, then get several hours on Gozo. Captain Kevin adds live commentary, music, and a relaxed family-run feel.

I like the 10-meter slide and the choice of spaces on board, from the upper sun deck to shaded seats below. I also like the useful €5 bus transfer into Victoria, since it gets you from Gozo’s harbor to the island’s capital without wasting your short stop on local transport.

The main catch is popularity. Upper-deck deck chairs are limited and claimed early, so arrive at least an hour before the 10:00 AM departure. The Blue Lagoon can also feel crowded, and some extras, including the speedboat and Gozo transfer, cost cash on the day.

Key points to know before you book

• Blue Lagoon swimming lasts about 1.5 hours, with a beach, swim platform, slide, and clear water for snorkeling.
• Gozo gets three hours, enough for Victoria and the Citadel, especially if you pay €5 for the bus transfer.
• The upper deck fills early, so early arrival matters more than the ticket price.
• Captain Kevin provides live commentary, with history and practical information about the coast and islands.
• The Crystal Lagoon is mainly a scenic pass-by, not a guaranteed swimming stop.
• The $34 price is strong value, but budget extra cash for food, the bus, snorkeling gear, lockers, or the optional speedboat.

A full day from St Pauls Bay to Comino and Gozo

This cruise gives you a lot for its base price: round-trip sailing, a Blue Lagoon stop, three hours on Gozo, sea caves, coastal views, and use of the boat’s slide. You are not paying for a private charter or a quiet yacht outing. This is a lively shared cruise with a full boat, music, commentary, and plenty of families and groups.

That tradeoff works well if you want to see several of Malta’s best-known coastal sights in one day. You avoid arranging separate ferries, buses, and island visits. You also get the views between stops, which are often the most enjoyable part of a Malta boat trip.

The boat leaves from Hornblower Cruises at Sirens Quay 24, Triq San Geraldu, in St Pauls Bay. Look for the large white and blue boat with Hornblower written in red, behind the LOA restaurant. The boat leaves promptly at 10:00 AM, and late arrivals receive no refund, so I would aim to be there between 9:00 and 9:15.

The ride along Malta’s northern coast

Once under way, you cruise close to Malta’s northern shoreline. This is not just transport to the lagoon. The boat passes high rocky cliffs, small coves, unusual rock formations, and sea caves, with time to take photographs from the deck.

The route includes the islands of St Paul’s and the large statue associated with St Paul’s shipwreck in Malta in AD 60. Captain Kevin gives live commentary as the boat moves along, mixing site information with historical and cultural details. The commentary adds useful context, though you should not expect a formal guided lecture or a printed guide.

Several short scenic stops follow. The boat passes Santa Maria Bay and enters the Ahrax and Santa Maria caves, getting as close as possible for photographs. These stops are brief, usually around five to ten minutes, so keep your camera ready and do not expect to walk ashore at each location.

I like this part because it gives you a broad look at the coast without asking you to hike from one viewpoint to another. The drawback is that photography from a moving boat depends on your seat, the weather, and how crowded the deck is. If you want the clearest views, the upper deck is the obvious choice, but it is also the first area to fill.

Blue Lagoon: clear water, crowds, and a very good slide

The cruise spends about 1.5 hours at the Blue Lagoon on Comino. This is the main swimming stop, with pale sand, exceptionally clear water, and a small beach you can reach from the boat.

You can swim from the boat, walk ashore, use the slide, or simply stay on deck with a drink. The 10-meter slide is included, and it is one of the most memorable features for children and adults who enjoy a little splash. You can also jump from the boat, though you should follow the crew’s instructions and use the designated access points.

The upper deck has deck chairs, but there are not enough for everyone. The chairs are not padded sun loungers, and some guests use the artificial grass area or regular seating instead. The main deck provides shade, which matters on a long sunny day.

The lagoon is beautiful, but it is not an empty patch of coast. The area is a major stop for boat trips, and the shared setting is part of the experience. You should expect activity around the boat and limited space on the beach. If your goal is quiet swimming, this may disappoint. If you want a convenient swim, a slide, a deck chair, and easy access to clear water, it works very well.

The water can also be chilly outside the hottest months. One April visit had less suitable swimming conditions, and the Crystal Lagoon was not used as a swimming stop. The Blue Lagoon remained the main place for swimming, sliding, and jumping.

Optional speedboat through the caves

The optional speedboat ride costs €15 in cash and depends on availability. It is not part of the base ticket, but it is a popular extra for good reason.

The smaller boat takes you closer to the sea caves and around the Crystal Lagoon. You get more dramatic views than from the main vessel, but you should expect to get wet. Bring swimwear, protect your phone, and do not choose this ride if you want to stay dry.

The speedboat is not essential. You can still enjoy the main cruise, the Blue Lagoon, and Gozo without paying for it. But if coastal scenery is the main reason you booked, this is probably the most worthwhile extra. The crew can help people with limited mobility get in and out, though the overall activity is not suitable for wheelchair users.

Gozo gives you three hours to explore

After Comino, the boat continues to Gozo. You get three hours of free time on the island, which is enough for a focused visit but not enough to see all of Gozo.

You can explore independently, shop, walk, eat lunch, or take the optional bus into Victoria, Gozo’s capital. The bus transfer costs €5, payable in cash when boarding. I recommend it for most people. It saves the trouble of finding local transport and gives you a direct route toward Victoria and the Citadel.

Victoria is the practical target for a short visit. You can walk around the city, take photographs, shop, and make your way toward the Citadel. The Citadel gives you the kind of elevated view that helps you understand Gozo’s shape and settlement pattern, though the time available means you should keep an eye on the clock.

Some versions of the day include a short visit around Xlendi Bay, listed as about 20 minutes. Treat this as a scenic look rather than a full Gozo excursion. The schedule is designed to give you a taste of several places, not a slow tour of the island.

Gozo is where the trip becomes less structured. The boat crew gets you there, but you decide how to use your hours. That suits independent visitors who like to choose their own lunch and walking route. It is less suitable if you want a detailed guided tour of Gozo’s villages, churches, and countryside.

Crystal Lagoon and St Mary’s Tower on the return

After Gozo, the boat heads back toward Malta through Comino’s south channel. This return route passes the Crystal Lagoon, sea caves, and St Mary’s Tower.

The Crystal Lagoon is especially good for photographs, with rocky walls and clear water framed by the surrounding coast. The boat generally passes by rather than stopping for a guaranteed swim. That distinction matters. You may see the lagoon up close and enjoy it from the boat, but you should not book this cruise expecting two separate swimming sessions.

St Mary’s Tower is another strong photo subject. The tower sits above Comino’s coast and gives the return journey a final historic landmark before the boat heads back to St Pauls Bay.

The return leg is a good time to rest, listen to the commentary, and use the snack bar. The boat sells hot food, snacks, drinks, and cocktails at prices described as reasonable. Lunch is not included, so you can either buy food aboard or bring enough cash for the day.

What the $34 price really includes

At $34 per person, this is one of the more economical ways to combine Comino and Gozo in one day. You receive the round-trip cruise, the Blue Lagoon stop, the three-hour Gozo visit, deck access, and the slide.

The extras can raise the day’s cost:

• Gozo bus transfer: €5 cash
• Optional Blue Lagoon speedboat: €15 cash, subject to availability
• Mask and snorkel rental: €5, with a €15 deposit and €10 returned
• Locker: €2, with limited availability
• Food and drinks: purchased separately

I would budget at least the €5 for the Gozo bus. It is a small charge for a useful time saver. The speedboat is worth considering if you enjoy fast rides and cave views, but it is not needed for a satisfying day. If you have your own snorkeling gear, bring it. Otherwise, the rental system requires both a fee and a deposit.

The price is particularly good for families and first-time visitors who want a simple overview of the islands. It is less appealing if you dislike shared boat excursions, fixed departure times, or busy swimming spots.

Getting the best place on board

The most repeated practical advice is to arrive early. The boat can fill well before departure, and upper-deck seating is first come, first served. Arriving 30 minutes early may leave you with the last available seats. Arriving about an hour early gives you a much better chance at a deck chair or a spot on the upper level.

Bring a towel, sunscreen, beachwear, and cash. You will want beachwear from the start because the Blue Lagoon stop arrives before the day is over, and there may be no convenient place to change. A waterproof phone pouch is sensible if you plan to use the slide or take the speedboat, though it is not listed as a required item.

If you drive, free parking may be available in white road spaces and in a small parking area near the stop, but spaces are limited and traffic can be heavy. Local buses stop within walking distance at Parades, Bandieri, and Toni. If you use a taxi, give the driver the full Hornblower address, since the meeting point is behind the LOA restaurant.

The activity is in English. Alcohol and drugs are not allowed. The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users, and the boat leaves at 10:00 AM without waiting for late arrivals.

Who will enjoy this cruise most

I would choose this for families, couples, and first-time visitors who want a full day with plenty of variety. The slide, swimming stop, music, snack bar, and open deck keep the day active without requiring much planning. Captain Kevin’s relaxed commentary adds a personal touch, and crew members such as Brahim are described as friendly and helpful.

It also suits anyone staying in Malta for a short visit. You see Comino, Gozo, caves, coastal cliffs, Victoria, and several landmarks without arranging separate transport.

I would hesitate if you want a quiet, small-group sailing trip. The upper deck can fill early, the Blue Lagoon is popular, and the schedule has several fixed stops. Independent visitors who want a slow day in one Gozo village may also prefer traveling to Gozo on their own.

My verdict on the Hornblower day

This is a strong-value outing with a clear purpose: see a lot of Malta’s northern islands and coast in one organized day. The Blue Lagoon, slide, sea caves, and Gozo stop make it more varied than a simple lagoon ferry, while the $34 starting price keeps it accessible.

Book it if you value convenience, swimming, scenic boat views, and a lively crew. Arrive early, carry cash, pay for the Gozo bus if you want to reach Victoria efficiently, and treat the Crystal Lagoon as a viewing stop rather than a guaranteed swim. Skip it if crowds and fixed schedules bother you. For most visitors looking for one easy island day from Malta, the combination is hard to beat at this price.

FAQ

Where does the cruise leave from?

The departure point is Hornblower Cruises, Sirens Quay 24, Triq San Geraldu, St Pauls Bay, behind the LOA restaurant. Look for the large white and blue Hornblower boat with red lettering.

What time does the boat leave?

The boat departs promptly at 10:00 AM. You should arrive 45 minutes to one hour early, especially if you want upper-deck seating.

How long is the cruise?

The activity lasts about seven hours. It includes approximately 1.5 hours at the Blue Lagoon and three hours on Gozo, along with the coastal cruise and return journey.

Is swimming included?

Yes. The Blue Lagoon stop includes time for swimming and snorkeling, and you can also use the included 10-meter slide. The Crystal Lagoon is mainly visited as a scenic pass-by.

Does the tour include transport into Victoria?

No. The optional bus transfer into Victoria costs €5 and must be paid in cash. You can also explore Gozo independently.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is available to purchase on board, along with snacks and drinks.

What should I bring?

Bring a towel, sunscreen, beachwear, and cash. Cash is needed for optional extras such as the Gozo bus, speedboat, snorkeling rental, and lockers.