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

Blue Lagoon on a boat feels like the right way to do it. This Hornblower cruise takes you from St. Pauls Bay to Comino and the Blue Lagoon, with quick cave stops and lots of time in the water. I especially liked the built-in activities on the ship, plus the way the route mixes sightseeing with real swim time.

I also like that it is not just a drop-off and rush. You get a family-style boat day with Captain Kevin sharing what you are passing, and you stop at Ahrax Cave and Santa Maria Caves for close-up viewing before you settle into the lagoon.

One consideration: Blue Lagoon access now requires a QR code with your time slot (and for this schedule the stop is 11:00 to 15:20, so you need the right slots). If you do not plan that part, the water part can turn into paperwork.

Key things that make this cruise worth your time

• 4.5 hours in the Blue Lagoon means you can swim, snorkel, and relax without feeling chased
• Ahrax Cave and Santa Maria Caves are built into the route as quick viewing stops
• A 10m slide and jump-off platforms make the lagoon fun even if you do not want to snorkel
• Onboard deck chairs, toilets, lockers (limited), and a cafeteria help you stay comfortable
• Buoyancy aid entry options and the 3 meter deep mooring area help if you are not a confident swimmer
• Optional €15 cash speedboat add-on for extra cave exploring near Comino

Price and what you actually get for your $34

At about $34 per person, this is a solid value if you want the Blue Lagoon experience without paying for a private boat. The reason it feels like good value is simple: you are not just moving through a scenic area, you are spending meaningful time where it matters most, 4.5 hours in the lagoon area.

Here is how the money breaks down in real-life terms. Included are your deck chairs on the upper deck (limited), cave viewing, and the slide. Food is not included, but the onboard cafeteria sells hot and cold beverages, and you can purchase lunch on board too.

Not included add-ons are easy to plan for. You might want a mask and snorkel rental for €5 (with deposits listed as €15 plus a refunded €10). Lockers are available but limited, and they cost extra. If you want the most cave time around Comino, there is an optional speedboat ride for €15 cash on site.

For value, timing matters. This tour has checkable departure times, but the Blue Lagoon stop on this schedule is 11:00 to 15:20, and that ties directly into the current QR code system. If you line up your time slots correctly, the rest of the day runs smoothly.

Where you meet Hornblower Cruises (and how to avoid stress)

Meet at Hornblower Cruises Malta, Sirens Quay 24, Triq San Geraldu, St Pauls Bay, right behind LOA Restaurant. Look for the big white and blue boat with Hornblower written in red on the side.

I recommend you arrive early, even if your brain thinks you do not need to. The boat can get a bit of a bottleneck before departure, and the instructions suggest showing up 45 minutes to 1 hour early so you are not doing a last-minute sprint while others are boarding calmly.

If you are using public transport, there are three nearby bus stops you can walk to: Parades, Bandieri, and Toni. If you drive, there are parking spaces on the road in the white boxes, plus a small lot nearby. A taxi driver just needs the exact address so you do not waste time wandering the quay.

The route north along Malta: St Pauls Bay to Comino’s cave coast

After you leave St. Pauls Bay, the boat heads along Malta’s northern coast, passing the kinds of landmarks that make this stretch of water feel like you are cruising through a postcard. You get a photo stop at St. Pauls Bay, plus a pass-by of St. Pauls Islands and the statue of St. Paul.

Then you move into the area near Ahrax Point, with the route continuing through the north channel toward Comino. This is where the narration starts to matter, because you are not only looking at cliffs and bays, you are learning what they are and why they are famous.

Along the way, expect to pass a sequence of named spots including elephants’ head, Santa Maria Bay, St Nicholas Bay, and the Comino hotel. Even if you are not into history, it helps you orient fast. You will know where the next cave stop and lagoon stop fits in, and that makes the whole day feel less random.

Quick cave viewing at Ahrax and Santa Maria, then you shift to swim mode

This cruise does caves in a smart way. You do not get stuck in a long, slow exploration. Instead, the boat makes quick stops to enter both Ahrax Cave and Santa Maria Cave so you get close-up views without losing your day to a slow schedule.

Why this works for most people: caves are best seen when you are on the water. You get the scale and the way the light hits the rock faces. And because the boat still moves on quickly, you do not end up tired before the best swimming time.

A small practical tip based on the experience style of this route: bring your camera, but also be ready to move. These cave stops are time-based, and the boat team will keep the timing moving so you can reach Comino with energy.

Comino and Blue Lagoon: 4.5 hours where the day comes alive

About one hour into the cruise, you arrive near Comino, in the famous Blue Lagoon area. The boat moors in a secluded, non-crowded section of the lagoon, and the water depth at the mooring is listed as 3 meters deep.

That detail matters. You are not wading in from a far distance. And if you are not a confident swimmer, you can enter from the beach or use a buoyancy aid that is available on the boat, with a €10 deposit.

You get about 4.5 hours here, plus the option to stay on the boat or explore. The boat setup is built for comfort for this kind of time: you can sunbathe on the upper deck, find shade on the main deck, and use facilities including male and female toilets. Lockers are available but limited, and the cafeteria sells drinks.

What to do with your time in the lagoon

I treat the Blue Lagoon stop like a choose-your-own-adventure. You can:

• Swim and snorkel over the clear water (snorkel gear is optionally rentable on site)
• Jump off the boat from the jump platforms
• Slide when you want an easy burst of fun
• Relax and tan using the deck chairs while the day slows down

This cruise also includes a 10m slide into the turquoise water. It sounds like a kid thing, but it is genuinely one of the best memories people leave with because it is such a simple thrill in such a gorgeous place.

One extra practical note: if you want the best views while you are cruising past the island portion, sitting on the left-hand side is suggested as a good choice when you are along the lagoon and island coast.

How the onboard setup helps you enjoy the water longer

The Blue Lagoon stop is long enough that small comfort details matter. This boat gives you the basics in a way that makes the day feel easy, not chaotic.

You have:

• Deck chairs on the upper deck (limited, so earlier positioning helps)
• Toilets (male and female facilities are available)
• Lockers (limited number, for a fee)
• A cafeteria with hot and cold beverages
• The chance to get a snack or lunch on board since lunch is available for purchase

From real-world experience, one of the biggest wins is that you do not feel forced to stay on the shore or constantly reboard to cool down. You can do your swim cycle and then go back to the boat for shade, drinks, and rest.

There is also a lot of family-friendly energy here. Reviews mention kids enjoying the slide, and snorkeling vests being useful. If you are traveling with younger swimmers, plan to use those buoyancy options so everyone feels safe enough to enjoy the water.

Crystal Lagoon and St Mary’s Tower: short stops that add variety

After Comino, the route continues without stopping at Gozo itself for a long shore break, but you will head off to the island of Gozo and cruise around Mgarr Harbour for sightseeing from the boat.

Then, on the return, you pass through the south channel of Comino, with a stop for Crystal Lagoon and its caves. Crystal Lagoon is mainly a photo and viewing moment, with the itinerary listing about 10 minutes for that segment.

It is a quick hit, but it keeps the day from turning into only Blue Lagoon. Think of it like seasoning. You get a second color palette, another set of cave-like views, and then you move into the final viewing stretch.

The day wraps with St. Mary’s Tower. There is a photo stop and a visit, plus free time, along with scenic pass-bys from the boat. Even if you do not spend hours on land, it is enough to finish with one last Malta landmark before heading back.

What to pack for a smooth Blue Lagoon day

Keep your packing simple. The tour asks for the basics, and your plan should match how long you are in the water and sun.

Bring:

• Swimwear
• A towel
• Sunscreen

I also suggest you bring a small change of clothes or something to cover up after swimming, since you are out in the sun and wind. Even if you feel fine at first, the late afternoon sun in Malta can catch up fast once you are dry and exposed.

If you are renting snorkeling gear, remember that mask and snorkel cost €5, with deposits described as €15 plus a €10 refunded amount.

Optional speedboat around Comino caves: when it’s worth the extra €15

If you have the budget and you want more cave time, there is an optional add-on: a Comino caves speedboat ride. It is described as payable in cash on site for €15, and it is meant to explore smaller cave areas near Comino.

In practice, this is the kind of add-on that makes sense if:

• You already planned to spend extra time in the water but want more movement and cave angles
• You are comfortable with another active ride on top of your main boat cruise

If you are not into extra rides, you can still have an excellent day by staying with the main itinerary. The included cave viewing plus Blue Lagoon time is already the core experience.

The QR code time slot rule, and how it affects your plans

This is the one planning detail that can make or break a smooth day.

Maltese authorities require visitors to the Blue Lagoon to present a QR code indicating a designated time slot (effective 19 May 2025). The free access pass is obtained by visiting blcomino.com for full details.

For this tour’s schedule, the Blue Lagoon stop is 11:00 to 15:20, and it says you need both morning and afternoon slots. That means your QR code has to match the full window, not just a portion.

I recommend you treat this as a pre-trip checklist item. Do it early, even the day before. If you wait until you are at the quay, you can end up stressed right when you want to be relaxing on the boat.

Who this cruise is best for

This is a strong fit if you want a classic Malta water day with variety: caves, big views, and then real time to swim.

It is especially good for:

• First-time Comino visitors who want the big highlights efficiently
• Families who want a mix of swimming and simple fun like the slide
• People who prefer a boat that stays as your base rather than hopping between shore options

It is not the best fit if you have mobility impairments. The tour is listed as not suitable for people with mobility impairments, so plan accordingly.

Should you book this Hornblower Comino and Blue Lagoon cruise?

I think you should book it if your goal is a meaningful Blue Lagoon swim day plus cave viewing, without turning the trip into a logistics puzzle. The included 4.5 hours, the slide, and the fact that the boat moors in a more secluded spot make it feel like you are spending your time well.

You should hesitate only if you know you might struggle with the Blue Lagoon QR code time slot requirement or you do not want to handle that step. Once that is sorted, everything else is straightforward: you meet at St Pauls Bay, cruise through scenic points, watch caves, then spend the main event in water that looks unreal.

If you want the easiest way to experience Comino in one day with real swim time, this is the kind of cruise that delivers. And if you are traveling with kids, the slide is the kind of thing that turns a beautiful day into a memory.

FAQ

How long is the Comino, Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon & Caves cruise?

The duration is listed as 4 to 7 hours, depending on the starting time. The availability calendar will show exact departures.

Where do I meet the boat?

You meet at Hornblower Cruises Malta, Sirens Quay 24, Triq San Geraldu, St Pauls Bay, right behind LOA Restaurant. Look for the big white and blue boat with Hornblower written in red on the side.

How much time do we get in the Blue Lagoon?

The tour includes 4.5 hours in the Blue Lagoon. The scheduled stop for this itinerary is 11:00 to 15:20.

Do I need a QR code to enter the Blue Lagoon?

Yes. Since 19 May 2025, the Blue Lagoon requires visitors to present a QR code showing a designated time slot. The free access pass is available at blcomino.com, and this itinerary notes you need both the morning and afternoon slots.

Is the 10m slide included?

Yes. The slide is listed as included.

Can I rent a mask and snorkel?

Yes. Mask and snorkel rental is €5, with a deposit of €15 and €10 refunded (as listed in the tour info).

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included, but it is available to purchase on board.