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

Blue Lagoon first-thing calm, then Gozo for dinner-ready views. This full-day Malta boat trip mixes Comino sea caves with a Blue Lagoon swim stop where you can jump in and use a slide from the boat.

I especially like the pacing on Gozo, with a 3-hour stop from Mġarr Harbour. You can go free and easy, or add a low-cost shuttle into Victoria for sightseeing and a viewpoint without getting stuck figuring out transit.

The main tradeoff is crowding and extras: the boat can feel busy, and you must handle the Blue Lagoon landing pass ahead of time.

Key things that make this tour work

• A time-friendly Malta combo that links Comino sea caves, Blue Lagoon, and Gozo in one day
• 1.5 hours at Blue Lagoon for swimming, snorkeling, sunning, and a 10 meter slide off the boat
• Cave and coastline cruising on the way in and out, with multiple photo stops
• Gozo in bite-size form with optional shuttle access to Victoria for €5
• Onboard basics that matter (toilets, shaded seating, air conditioned deck, lockers) even if the boat is not new
• Bring your own towel and plan for chargeable extras like snorkeling gear and Gozo transport

Price and what you’re really getting for $36.28

This is one of those deals that makes sense if you’re spending limited time in Malta and want multiple islands without paying for separate day trips. For about $36.28 per person for roughly 7 hours, you’re paying for a full day of boat time plus major stops: Comino cruising, 90 minutes at Blue Lagoon, and a 3-hour block in Gozo.

Here’s the value angle that matters: the base price covers the core experience on the water and key scenic time, but some of the most practical add-ons are extra. The Blue Lagoon landing pass is not included, and towels are not provided. Snorkel gear, lockers, and the speedboat add-on are also priced separately. Once you factor in that you might buy a landing pass and a couple extras, you still tend to come out ahead versus doing this as scattered private transport.

Also, you get structure. The itinerary is basically “cruise, swim, cruise, explore,” with return back to the same meeting point by about 17:00. If you like a day that has momentum and you don’t want to spend your vacation playing planner, this format fits.

Getting from Bugibba Jetty into Comino’s sea-cave route

You start at Bugibba Jetty (Dawret Il-Gzejjer, San Pawl il-Baħar) at 10:00 am, and you’re back at the same spot at the end. The cruise begins along Malta’s north coast and the views come fast.

Before you reach Comino, you get a running “greatest hits” shoreline route: you pass St. Paul’s Islands and a famous 8.3 meter high statue tied to the shipwreck story from 60 A.D. You also enter Ahrax Cave, then continue by Ghadira Bay, better known as Mellieha Beach. There are also cave and photo moment stops along the rugged coast where you can grab quick shots and watch how the light changes on the rock.

Then Comino takes over. As you cruise the north channel, you’ll go by spots like the elephant’s head rock formation, plus Santa Maria cave, Santa Maria bay, St Nicholas bay, and the Comino hotel. You’re not just passively sitting there. The best part is that the boat gets close enough that you can actually see the coastline from the water, not just from a distance.

What I like here is that the cruise is not one long slog with nothing happening. You’re moving through viewpoints while the captain keeps the story going. It turns the transit time into part of the day, instead of dead time.

Blue Lagoon time: 90 minutes to swim, snorkel, and slide

This is the headline stop, and it’s built for people who want water time without a full day at the beach.

The boat aims to be among the first visitors, and you get 1 hour 30 minutes in the Blue Lagoon. A big practical win: the boat moors up, and you can walk on and off Comino during your stop. That means you can base yourself on the water for convenience, then step off for a bit of island wandering when you want.

On the water side, the amenities are what you’ll actually use:

• A 10 meter slide off the boat
• Sun decks with chairs that are first come, first served
• Main deck seating in sun and shade
• Toilets (male and female)
• A lower air conditioned deck if you need a break from heat
• Limited lockers for small items
• An onboard cafeteria with hot and cold drinks

Food and drinks are not included, but prices are described as reasonable.

And yes, you can swim and snorkel. If you’re doing snorkeling, you might rent mask and snorkel gear for €5, with a €10 refundable deposit. There’s also locker rental (€2 with a €10 refundable deposit). Bring your own if you already have it, because rental deposits are an easy thing to forget in vacation mode.

One key thing that trips people up: the Blue Lagoon landing pass is not included in the ticket price. You need to download the QR codes from www.blcomino.com ahead of time. Without that, you’re stuck when the moment arrives.

Also plan for comfort. Towels are not provided, so pack one. And if you’re going into November or shoulder season, bring layers because sea breeze and wind can make the deck feel cooler than you expect.

Crystal Lagoon and cave cruising: the in-between stops that feel smart

After the Blue Lagoon stop, your route keeps feeding you views, including a pass by Crystal Lagoon. This bay is more associated with divers because the water is deeper, and it’s also reachable on foot from the Blue Lagoon area (the walk is noted as about 8 minutes).

Even if you don’t swim here, it’s a nice contrast. The Blue Lagoon is the famous postcard stop. Crystal Lagoon helps you see the “why” behind the coastline variety, and it keeps your day from feeling like a single isolated beach break.

You also keep seeing caves as the boat works the coast. The tour includes Comino’s larger sea caves during the cruise, and you’ll notice the difference between open beach water and rock-lined channels. It’s the kind of detail that’s hard to appreciate until you’re actually moving past it.

If you like taking photos, pay attention during these cruise segments. The light changes quickly in Malta, and the cave formations can look totally different depending on cloud cover. This is where early arrival and good deck positioning really pay off.

Gozo in 3 hours: Mġarr Harbour, Victoria shuttle, and Xlendi’s fjord-like bay

Gozo is where the day gets to feel more like real travel, not just swimming.

Once you reach Mġarr Harbour on Gozo, you get a 3-hour stop. You can:

1) Explore independently, using local bus or taxi, or

2) Add the optional shuttle tour for €5 per person.

The shuttle option is the one that feels easiest if you want structure without paying for a private guide. It includes 1 hour 30 minutes in Victoria plus a 15 minute stop at a panoramic viewpoint. Importantly, the travel time between those stops is included within the overall 3-hour visit.

Also, the timing is set up so you have actual sightseeing time in Victoria. That matters because Victoria is on the more hilly side of the island, and you’ll want enough time to walk, pop into shops, and find a viewpoint without feeling rushed.

After the Gozo portion, the boat adds one more scenery beat: on the northwest of Gozo you’ll stop at Xlendi, described as a fjord-like bay. Even if you don’t get long here, seeing Xlendi from the water gives you that dramatic Gozo coastline feel.

A practical caution: 3 hours is a taste, not a full exploration. If you’re hoping to swim a lot on Gozo shores, or if you want to wander slowly across multiple neighborhoods, you’ll likely want either a longer Gozo visit or a different itinerary that keeps you on the island longer.

Onboard comfort, crowding, and how to get the best seats

This is a big boat day. The tour has a maximum of 232 travelers, and the reviews consistently point out that it can get crowded, especially on popular parts like the top deck.

Here’s how to manage that without stress:

• Arrive early to the meeting area, because deck chairs are first come, first served on the sun area
• If you care about top deck views, treat it like a prime-time seat situation
• Use the boat as your base. The lower air conditioned deck is helpful when you need a break from sun and wind
• Bring small items you can stash. Lockers are limited
• If you want to swim without worry, ask about life vests on request for swimming assistance

The boat is described as functional rather than new. That’s not a deal breaker, but it means you should expect practical comfort: enough seating, toilets that work, and a slide that delivers. The value comes from the itinerary, not from luxury details.

Optional add-ons that can change the day

The base itinerary covers a lot, but you can tailor the adventure if you want a little more intensity.

Speedboat ride to small caves: €15 per person (cash only)

If you add this, you’re paying to get closer to the smaller rocky cave areas. From the way people talk about it, it’s a good match for those who want more action and tighter views than a standard cruise.

Minibus shuttle on Gozo: €5 per person (cash on day)

This is the easy Victoria plan. Pay on the day upon arrival at the boat.

Mask and snorkel rental: €5 plus a €10 refundable deposit

Worth considering if you don’t have your own gear and you want a better snorkel setup than generic masks.

Lockers: €2 plus a €10 refundable deposit

Good for keeping wet stuff or valuables organized while you’re jumping back and forth between boat and shore.

If you want a smooth day, keep cash handy for the add-ons marked cash only.

What to pack so the day feels easy, not rushed

For me, a good water day is 80 percent preparation. Here’s what you should plan around with this specific itinerary:

• Blue Lagoon landing pass QR code downloaded (not included)
• Towel (not provided)
• Swimwear plus a way to change comfortably. The boat has toilets, and you can use onboard facilities between water and sightseeing.
• Snorkel gear if you already own it, otherwise rent mask and snorkel.
• Cash for any add-ons that are cash only
• Sun protection and layers. Even if it feels warm when you start, the sea breeze can cool you down later
• If you’re not a strong swimmer, plan to use a life vest on request

Also, because you’re dealing with multiple islands and time blocks, keep your day bag small. Limited lockers mean you should not rely on storage for everything.

Should you book this Malta Comino and Gozo Blue Lagoon cruise?

I’d book it if you want a single day that checks the big boxes: Comino caves, 90 minutes at Blue Lagoon, plus a Gozo taste with the option to reach Victoria easily. The price is hard to beat for what you get on the water, and the schedule keeps you active without turning your day into a maze.

Skip it or reconsider if:

• You want lots of deep Gozo time, not just 3 hours
• You hate crowds or you need guaranteed top deck seating
• You don’t want to handle landing pass QR codes ahead of time and extra charges for add-ons

If your main goal is maximum swimming at the Blue Lagoon with minimal sightseeing time, you might prefer a more Comino-focused option that keeps you there longer.

Bottom line: this is a practical, well-timed Malta day trip built around sea sights and real water time. If you go in expecting a fun, busy boat day and you pack smart, you’ll likely come away feeling like you used your Malta hours well.

FAQ

What time does the tour start and what time does it end?

The tour starts at 10:00 am and it returns back to the meeting point at about 17:00.

How long is the Malta Comino, Gozo, and Blue Lagoon and caves tour?

The duration is about 7 hours.

Where is the meeting point?

The meeting point is Bugibba Jetty, Dawret Il-Gzejjer, San Pawl il-Baħar, Malta. The tour ends back at the same meeting point.

Do I need a Blue Lagoon landing pass?

Yes. The Blue Lagoon landing pass is not included. You download the QR codes from www.blcomino.com.

Are towels, food, and drinks included?

Towels are not provided, so bring your own. Food and drinks are available onboard, but they are not included in the price.

What optional extras are available?

There is an optional speedboat ride to small caves for €15 per person (cash only), and an optional minibus shuttle transfer for €5 per person. Mask and snorkel rental cost €5 plus a refundable deposit, and lockers cost €2 plus a refundable deposit.

What does the optional Gozo shuttle include?

The shuttle costs €5 extra per person and includes 1 hour 30 minutes in Victoria plus a 15 minute stop at a panoramic viewpoint. Travel time between those stops is included in the 3-hour Gozo visit.

What happens if the tour is canceled due to weather?

If canceled due to poor weather, you are offered an alternative date or a full refund.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes, you can get a full refund if you cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience start time. If you cancel less than 24 hours before, the amount paid is not refunded.