Malta: Gozo, Comino Island and Blue Lagoon Cruise

Gozo and Comino feel like Malta’s secret side. I love the chance to see both islands in one smooth, boat-first day, and the Blue Lagoon swim time is the kind you plan your whole trip around. The small-boat vibe also matters, since you are not stuck with a ton of people right at the water.

One thing to keep in mind: the pacing is efficient, so time on Gozo can feel a bit short once you factor in transfers. If you want a slow, wander-all-day mainland-style look at Victoria, this trip is still great, but you will want to manage expectations.

Key things you will remember

• Anchor-away-at-the-Blue-Lagoon setup, so you can swim without feeling packed in
• Gozo transfer included to Victoria, plus time for photos and self-guided wandering
• Snorkeling mask provided with a deposit, plus a swim-friendly setup on board
• Santa Maria Cave area and an eye-catching rock formation called Elephants Head
• Live commentary in English and Italian, delivered while you cruise the coast

Why Gozo and Comino Are Worth the Extra Effort

Malta gets all the headlines. But Gozo and Comino are where the day starts to feel more island-like, less city-like. You go by boat from Bugibba and spend real time off the main island, so your vacation day does not feel like a checklist.

I like that the tour is built around water and views, not just standing in bus windows. You also get a mix of “walk a little” plus “relax hard.” On the Comino side, that means time at the Blue Lagoon where you can swim, snorkel, or simply lie back and watch the light change across the water.

The other smart part is variety. You see the rugged coast as you cruise, then you switch to Gozo’s capital for photos and souvenirs, then back to Comino’s cave scenery. It is a good balance if you want variety but do not want to plan three separate stops.

Getting Aboard at Bugibba, and How the Day Actually Runs

The tour starts at Bugibba Jetty, with boarding closing at 10:00 AM. You depart around 10:30 AM, which helps you avoid that late-morning scramble that ruins the first part of vacation days.

You meet at Dawret il Gzejjer, San Pawl il-Baħar, Malta, at the Seahorse Cruises vessel. It helps that the boat is described as more intimate than the big party-style crowds. That matters more than people think. When there are fewer bodies, it is easier to move around, find a spot for photos, and settle in without fighting for deck space.

From there, the day is paced in chunks:

• a scenic cruise segment with commentary
• Gozo and Victoria time on land
• Comino and Blue Lagoon swim time
• a cruising return with a final cave photo stop

Live commentary runs in English and Italian, which is a practical touch. You get context while you are traveling, not after you already drove past the best angles.

The Scenic Cruise Stops: Coast Views Before You Hit Gozo

Before you even reach Gozo, the itinerary is set up like a moving viewpoint. You cruise past St. Paul’s Island, Mellieha Bay, and Smuggler’s Cove Cave on the way over.

These are not just names. This part of the day is where you build your understanding of Malta’s geography. The northern coastline has a rugged look that changes as the boat angle changes. Even if you have already seen Malta from a bus, it is different from the water.

You also get that early “vacation feeling” because you are off the shore fast. One of the most common complaints about island trips is the waiting. Here, the cruise time is part of the product, with commentary and ongoing views, so it does not feel like dead time.

Victoria on Gozo: Photos, History Sights, and a Market Break

Gozo is your first land stop. Once you arrive, you get shuttled to Victoria, the island’s capital. You have time to roam on your own, and you will also pass through with a self-guided approach rather than a tightly scripted walking tour.

You can use this time for two things:

• getting your orientation photos in Victoria
• browsing the market area for small souvenirs

The market is an easy win if you like practical, inexpensive keepsakes. Think fridge magnets and other small items that actually feel local rather than mass-produced.

What I like about Victoria on this itinerary is that it is not about forcing a long museum schedule. It is about giving you a taste of Gozo’s main town, enough to know what kind of pace you prefer there.

The drawback is the timing. The stop is roughly in the 2-hour range, and some people feel it could be longer for eating and full wandering. If your dream day is hours of café sitting plus deep exploring, you may want to plan Gozo separately later. If your dream day is “see it, enjoy it, then swim in clear water,” this is a strong fit.

Blue Lagoon on Comino: Swim Time, Snorkel Gear, and the QR Code Step

This is the headline stop. You anchor at Comino for about 1.5 hours at the Blue Lagoon, with time to relax, swim, or snorkel. The best part is the anchoring strategy. You do not have to fight the busiest zones right next to the biggest crowds, so your water time can feel calmer.

You also get snorkeling support. A snorkeling mask is included, but there is a €10 deposit required. Bring cash for that deposit if you can, and remember you will also want cash onboard for any extras.

One important regulation detail: if you want to get off the boat at the Blue Lagoon, you need a QR code. The QR code requirement is in effect starting May 1, 2025, and you must book the time slot 13:30 to 17:30. Make sure your booking matches your planned Blue Lagoon slot. If you do not, you can still enjoy the boat-side swim time, but you might not be able to step off at the shore.

Onboard facilities make the Blue Lagoon stop more comfortable than you might expect. There is a shower near the ladder and a toilet onboard. You can rinse off before you head back, instead of spending the ride home with saltwater hair and sandy feet.

Santa Maria Caves and Elephants Head: A Final Photo Moment on the Way Back

On the return cruise, you get one more highlight: the Santa Maria caves area and a photo stop for Elephants Head, a striking rock formation.

The cave portion is designed for views rather than long hiking. You are on the boat most of the time, and you spend about 10 minutes at the photo stop. That means you want to have your camera ready and be quick about your angles. The upside is you get the dramatic scenery without losing half the day to transferring and walking.

If you are the type who loves coastal geology and rock shapes, this stop is a nice contrast to the swim-and-chill energy earlier. You go from turquoise water to dramatic stone.

Also, do not expect a huge extended explanation here. It is more like a well-timed “look, there it is” moment while the boat cruises past.

Onboard Comfort, Showers, and the Reality of Food Plans

You are out for about 6.5 hours, so onboard comfort matters. This tour includes a sundeck and a swim-friendly setup, plus toilet access and the shower near the side ladder.

Food is not included. That said, food and drinks are available to purchase on board. People report the bar and snacks are reasonably priced, and one review specifically noted quick service for drinks and food. This is useful because it means you do not have to guess where you can eat after you step off.

The catch is payment. Only cash is accepted onboard. If you plan to snack, buy drinks, or pay a mask deposit, bring enough cash to cover what you want.

If you prefer to eat light, you can pack smart and treat the onboard options as “easy mode.” If you love a full meal, plan ahead because lunch is not guaranteed as part of the tour price.

What to Bring and What to Skip

This kind of trip is simple, but a few items change your experience.

Bring:

• comfortable shoes for Victoria walk time
• swimwear
• a towel
• sunscreen
• cash

Not allowed:

• food and drinks
• luggage or large bags
• cooler

That restriction is worth taking seriously. If you show up with a big bag, you might end up stressed trying to store it. Keep it small, keep it dry where you can, and treat the boat as your changing room.

Who This Tour Suits Best (and Who Should Rethink It)

This is suitable for all ages, and it works especially well for people who want a full day that does not turn into a long bus-and-wait routine. The mix of Gozo town time plus Comino water time gives it broad appeal.

It is also a strong choice if you:

• want a smaller, less crowded boat feel
• care more about scenery and swimming than lectures
• want both Gozo and Comino without planning separate days

I would skip it if you have mobility impairments. The tour is not suitable for people with mobility impairments, so plan a different format or a different kind of tour that better matches access needs.

If you are prone to seasickness, the boat is described as not overcrowded and the trip is generally comfortable for people who care about deck space. Still, water and wind vary by day, so bring your usual seasickness strategy just in case.

Price and Value: Does $53 Make Sense for This Day?

$53 per person can feel like a “tour tax,” until you break down what is actually covered. For that price, you are getting:

• live commentary in English and Italian during the cruise
• a Gozo stop with transport to Victoria
• about 1.5 hours at the Blue Lagoon
• snorkeling masks included (with the €10 deposit)
• onboard basics like toilet and shower, plus sundeck and a swim setup

You are also saving time and mental energy. Getting Gozo and Comino done in one day by boat is the core value. If you tried to piece together your own transportation, you would likely spend more on logistics alone.

Also, the small-boat style matters for value. When you have fewer people on the water time, the experience feels closer to what you paid for. Some reviews point out the boat is not crowded and that it is relaxing. That is a real quality-of-experience factor, not just a comfort detail.

Now the fair drawback again: time is tight. If you want lots of time in Victoria, you may feel rushed. If you want maximum water time at the Blue Lagoon, 1.5 hours is good, but it is still a set slot. This is a well-paced day trip, not an all-day land holiday.

Tips to Get the Most Out of Blue Lagoon and Victoria

If you want this day to run smoothly, focus on timing and small practical steps.

For Blue Lagoon:

• book the QR code time slot 13:30 to 17:30 if you plan to step off the boat
• keep your cash accessible for mask deposit and any purchases
• expect that wet shoes and a towel are your best friends

For Victoria on Gozo:

• wear comfortable shoes, since you will do self-guided walking
• treat it like photo + stroll time, not a long sit-down café day
• go earlier in your stop window if you want an easier flow through streets and market areas

For the boat day in general:

• pack sunscreen and reapply after swimming
• bring a simple bag that does not feel like a hassle on and off the boat
• be ready for a photo stop, since 10 minutes can disappear fast

Should You Book the Seahorse Cruises Gozo, Comino, and Blue Lagoon Tour?

I think you should book this if you want an efficient, scenic day that delivers on the water. The Blue Lagoon stop, plus the chance to see Gozo’s Victoria and the Santa Maria caves, creates a full “Malta island energy” day without planning multiple separate journeys.

You should pause and plan differently if your top priority is extended time on Gozo’s streets. In that case, you might still enjoy this cruise, but you may want to add a separate day in Gozo later for a slower pace.

If you are flexible, bring cash, and understand the QR code step for the Blue Lagoon, this tour is a solid value for the time you get and the experience you feel. It is the kind of day that makes Malta feel bigger than the mainland.

FAQ

Where is the meeting point for this tour?

The meeting point is Dawret il Gzejjer, San Pawl il-Baħar, Malta. Boarding is on the only sailing boat at the meeting point, called Seahorse Cruises.

What time does the tour start, and when should I arrive?

The tour begins at 10:30 AM. Boarding closes at 10:00 AM, so you should arrive early.

How do you get from the Gozo stop to Victoria?

When the boat reaches Gozo, you are greeted by colleagues who help you board a shuttle bus to Victoria.

How much time do you have in Victoria, Gozo?

You have about 2 hours in Victoria for free time, photos, and self-guided sightseeing.

How long is the Blue Lagoon stop, and can I swim?

The Blue Lagoon stop is about 1.5 hours. You can relax on the boat, swim, and snorkel during this time.

Do I need a QR code to get off the boat at the Blue Lagoon?

Yes. A QR code is required to get off the boat at the Blue Lagoon. You should check your ticket details, and the time slot mentioned is 13:30-17:30.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

A snorkeling mask is included, but there is a €10 deposit required. A deposit is mentioned as being needed for the mask.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included, but food and drinks are available to purchase on board.

Is the onboard shower and toilet included?

Yes. The tour includes a shower near the side ladder and toilet access.

Is the tour suitable for people with mobility impairments?

No. The tour is not suitable for people with mobility impairments.