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

Blue water and caves, plus a 10-meter slide. I love Captain Kevin’s live commentary and the Blue Lagoon swim break, with time to relax on deck. The only catch is that upper-deck deck chairs are limited, so you’ll want to arrive early and claim one.

This is a family-run boat day that mixes big-photo scenery with real downtime, not just speed through stops. You get a 1.5-hour Blue Lagoon window, a 3-hour block on Gozo to do your own thing, plus extra photo moments like the Santa Maria caves and Crystal Lagoon views on the return.

Value-wise, the cruise price is easy to stomach, but the day is flexible depending on how many add-ons you choose. You’ll likely want cash on hand for the Gozo minibus, snorkel gear, and an optional speedboat ride.

Key highlights worth planning for

• Captain Kevin’s live narration as you pass caves, cliffs, and landmarks
• Blue Lagoon swim time with the option to slide, jump, and snorkel
• 10-meter slide and deck chair seating that you should grab early
• 3 hours on Gozo where you can wander or take a bus up to Victoria
• Comino stays onboard so you can cool off, sunbathe, and keep the day easy
• Crystal Lagoon and sea cave photo stops on the way back to St Pauls Bay

Blue water and caves, why this cruise fits Malta

This cruise is built for the Malta day-dream combo, sea views, caves, and swimming time, without asking you to navigate ferries or buses all on your own. You start by cruising past Malta’s northern coast, close enough to get those dramatic cliff and cove shots, then you shift to Comino and Gozo where the pace changes from scenic cruising to actual downtime.

I also like that the boat feels like a small operation, not a faceless cattle schedule. The captain and crew provide live commentary, and the vibe on board is part of the experience, with people getting excited about what they’re seeing and doing.

The one thing to keep in mind is that the best spots are at the top of the boat. If you want sun and a good view, show up early, because first-come deck seating fills fast.

Hornblower meeting spot and getting the best deck chair

You meet at Hornblower Cruises, Sirens Quay 24, Triq San Geraldu, St Pauls Bay, right behind LOA restaurant. The boat is a big white and blue one with Hornblower written in red on the side. Plan to arrive 45 minutes to an hour early, and if you’re chasing upper-deck deck chairs, aim even earlier.

The boat leaves promptly at 10:00 AM and will not be delayed. That matters because Malta traffic can be slow, and late arrivals are not covered. Once you’re on board, you’ll find deck chairs available (limited), plus seating on the main deck in shaded areas.

Also, bring what you’ll need for a full day outside. The essentials are towel, sunscreen, beachwear, and cash. On board, lunch is available to purchase, but don’t count on it to replace bringing your own swim setup.

Northern Malta cliffs, St Pauls landmarks, and the cave photo moments

Before you even reach Comino and Gozo, the morning is set up for picture-taking and easy sightseeing from the water. As you cruise past the northern coast of Malta, you get close passes of rocky cliffs, coves, and natural rock formations.

You’ll also go by landmarks tied to St Paul’s story and the island’s historical scenes, including the islands of St Pauls and the huge statue of St Paul’s that was shipwrecked in Malta in 60 AD. It’s the kind of information that’s easier to absorb when you’re moving and looking right at the coast.

The Santa Maria and Ahrax cave stops are built as photo and viewing breaks. There are short photo stops where you can snap shots from the boat, and the live commentary helps connect what you’re seeing to what it means. If you care about getting good photos, keep your camera ready because these moments are brief.

Blue Lagoon swim, snorkel add-ons, and the 10-meter slide

The Blue Lagoon is where the day turns from scenic cruising into do-what-you-want beach time. You get 1.5 hours here, and it’s timed so you can swim, snorkel, and still enjoy the views without feeling rushed.

You can choose how active you get:

• Swim and jump from the boat into clear water
• Slide down from the 10-meter slide
• Walk off the boat for a dip at the sandy beach area

Snorkeling gear is available as a rental add-on. Masks and snorkels cost 5 EUR, with a deposit of 15 EUR where 10 EUR is given back when you return the items. Lockers are 2 EUR if you want a place for small items, but they’re limited.

There’s also an optional speedboat ride in the Blue Lagoon for 15 EUR, paid in cash only from the representative on-site and based on availability. One practical note from the overall experience: the speedboat ride can get you wet, so if you care about your hair, you’ll want a plan.

And if the sea is calm, the water is famously clear, which makes the swim feel like a postcard you can actually step into.

Comino lounge time and why you stay on the boat

Comino is the break between the big swimming stop and Gozo exploration. Here’s the key difference: you remain on the boat during the Comino portion, rather than getting shipped off to wander for hours.

That sounds simple, and it is. It’s also smart, because it keeps your day low-stress and keeps you close to shade, bathrooms, and the slide. You’ll have time to sunbathe on the upper deck, chill in shaded seating, and use the onboard facilities. There’s even a small sandy beach option if you want to step off.

Comino is also where you’ll likely feel the “boat day” rhythm. You’re not constantly in line, switching transport modes, or trying to beat schedules. You can just choose: stay in the sun, take a break, or grab photos from the water.

If you want the day’s biggest physical thrill, this is less about beach walking and more about enjoying the onboard fun and water access before you head to Gozo.

Gozo 3-hour freedom, Victoria transfer, and quick scenic stops

After Comino, you sail to Gozo with about 3 hours of free time. This is the part of the cruise where you decide how you want to spend the clock.

You have a couple of ways to handle it:

• You can use a local bus or minibus on your own
• Or pay 5 EUR in cash for a convenient transfer to Victoria, the capital of Gozo, with a photo stop before you get there

Victoria is a good match for a short visit because it gives you the chance to wander, shop, and see the main sights without needing to map out an all-day itinerary. With a timed cruise stop, this transfer option is designed to maximize your time upright and moving rather than waiting around.

On the return journey, you’ll also pass other named places in shorter viewing moments, including Xlendi Bay and St Mary’s Tower. These are generally photo and scenic breaks, not long hikes, which makes them easy to enjoy even if you spent the morning swimming.

If you’re trying to get a lot out of Malta without spending the whole day planning transport, this Gozo structure is a practical win.

Return through Comino’s south channel, Crystal Lagoon views, and caves from the sea

On the way back to Malta, the cruise keeps giving you coastal scenery without adding extra work. You sail back through the south channel of Comino and pass Crystal Lagoon and sea cave areas, with additional viewing and photo stops along the coast.

You’ll see more of the same “why people come here” look: bright water, rugged coastlines, and views that feel best when you’re watching from deck level rather than from a road. It’s not just repetition. The light and angle change, and the views stack up differently than on the early outgoing route.

The final stretch also includes another St Mary’s Tower viewing moment, again positioned as photo and scenic time. This is the kind of wrap-up that lets you stay in vacation mode, even after you’ve already done the big swim stop.

Price value, cash extras, and what to bring for a smooth day

At around $34 per person, this cruise can be excellent value for what you’re getting: a round-trip boat day, Blue Lagoon (1.5 hours), Gozo (3 hours), the 10-meter slide, and deck chairs (limited). The included structure is what you’re paying for, time on the water plus timed island access.

The add-ons are where you control your cost:

• Gozo bus/minibus transfer: 5 EUR cash on board
• Speedboat ride in Blue Lagoon: 15 EUR cash only, availability-based
• Mask and snorkel rental: 5 EUR, deposit required
• Lockers: 2 EUR, limited availability
• Lunch: available to purchase onboard
• Cash-only items: the bus transfer and the speedboat ride are specified as cash-on-day purchases

What I think makes this good value is that the core experience already includes swimming and Gozo time. If you skip every extra, you still get the best parts: the Blue Lagoon stop and the Gozo exploration window.

Just make your day easier by packing smart. Bring towel, sunscreen, beachwear, and cash. Alcohol and drugs are not allowed on board, so plan on staying in the spirit of the trip rather than bringing drinks for later.

Should you book this Gozo and Comino cruise?

If you want one day that covers Gozo, Comino, a real swim stop at Blue Lagoon, and cave and Crystal Lagoon views without complex planning, this cruise is a strong pick. It’s also a good fit if you like the idea of timed island time, then relaxing back on a boat with views the whole way.

I’d especially lean toward booking if you’re traveling with a group that can handle a mix of relaxing and short sightseeing moments. And if you’re the type who wants a top-deck seat and a shot at the slide, get there early, because the best spots are first-come.

If you hate crowds or you need full accessibility support, this may feel like the wrong match since it’s not suitable for wheelchair users and the boat can be busy.

FAQ

How long is the cruise?

The duration is listed as 7 hours.

Where do we meet for the tour in St Pauls Bay?

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

What time does the boat depart?

The boat departs promptly at 10:00 AM and will not be delayed.

What is included in the price?

The cruise includes round-trip boat service, a 1.5-hour stop at the Blue Lagoon, a 3-hour stop at Gozo, use of the 10-meter-long slide, and deck chairs (limited number).

What extra costs might come up for Gozo and snorkeling?

The Gozo bus/minibus transfer is 5 EUR paid in cash upon boarding. Mask and snorkel rentals cost 5 EUR with a deposit, and lockers cost 2 EUR if available.

Is the speedboat ride at the Blue Lagoon included?

No. The optional speedboat ride costs 15 EUR and must be purchased in cash only on site, depending on availability.

Is alcohol allowed on board?

No, alcohol and drugs are not allowed.