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

The best part of this trip is the mix: clear-water swimming at Comino, dramatic Maltese cliffs and caves from the boat, then several hours on Gozo. Captain Kevin keeps up a running commentary, and the crew adds a relaxed, family-run feel rather than turning the day into a silent ferry ride.

I like the good value at $34, especially with the round-trip cruise, Blue Lagoon stop, Gozo visit, and slide included. I also like the choice of pace: you can claim a deck chair and work on your tan, jump from the boat, rent a snorkel, or spend your Gozo time walking around Victoria. The main drawback is crowding. Upper-deck chairs go quickly, and the 10:00 AM departure is strict, so arriving an hour early is wise.

Key points to know before booking

• The boat leaves from St. Paul’s Bay: Look for the large white-and-blue Hornblower boat behind LOA restaurant at Sirens Quay 24.
• Blue Lagoon time lasts 1.5 hours: You can swim, snorkel, use the slide, or walk to the small sandy beach.
• Gozo gets three hours: Pay €5 in cash for the minibus to Victoria if you want an easy route to the capital and its Citadel.
• The upper deck is first come, first served: Arrive 45 to 60 minutes early for the best chance at a deck chair.
• Several extras cost more: Lunch, snorkel hire, lockers, the Gozo minibus, and the optional speedboat ride are not included.
• This is an active boat day: Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and cash, and note that the cruise is not suitable for wheelchair users.

Why this Malta cruise works so well

For one fairly modest fare, you get a full day built around Malta’s northern islands. The cruise is not just transport from one stop to another. The route passes cliffs, coves, rock formations, sea caves, St. Paul’s Islands, and historic sites while the captain explains what you are seeing.

That matters in Malta, where the coast is often best understood from the water. From land, you may see a bay or a tower. From the boat, you see how the cliffs fold into caves and how the islands sit together across the channel.

The pace is lively, but not rushed. The cruise lasts about seven hours, with a 1.5-hour Blue Lagoon stop and three hours around Gozo. You will not see every corner of either island, but you will get swimming time, scenic cruising, and a useful first look at Gozo in one day.

The boat has a snack and drinks service, with hot food and simple refreshments available for purchase. Prices are described as reasonable, but lunch is not part of the ticket, so bring some extra cash if you do not want to pack food.

Getting to the Hornblower boat in St. Paul’s Bay

The meeting point is Hornblower Cruises, Sirens Quay 24, Triq San Geraldu, St. Paul’s Bay. The boat sits behind LOA restaurant, and you should look for a large white-and-blue vessel with Hornblower written in red.

The location is reachable by local bus. The nearby stops are Parades, Bandieri, and Toni. If you drive, free roadside parking is available in the white-marked spaces, along with a small parking area near the stop. Parking is limited, though, and Malta traffic can be heavy.

The boat leaves promptly at 10:00 AM. There is no waiting for late arrivals, and missed departures are not refunded. I would aim to arrive at least 45 minutes early, and closer to an hour early if you want an upper-deck chair.

That early arrival is not wasted time. The upper deck has limited deck chairs, not plush sun loungers, and the best places can be taken well before departure. If you arrive later, you can still sit on the main deck, including shaded areas, but you may have less control over where you spend the cruise.

Malta’s northern coast from the water

Once underway, the boat follows Malta’s northern coast. This is a scenic opening stretch, with high rocky cliffs, coves, natural rock shapes, and sea caves close enough for photographs.

Captain Kevin provides live commentary throughout the trip. The information covers the sites, local history, and cultural details. Some people would enjoy even more historical background, but the commentary gives the cruise a useful sense of place rather than leaving you to guess at every tower and rock formation.

The route passes St. Paul’s Islands and the large statue of St. Paul, linked to the tradition that Paul was shipwrecked in Malta in 60 AD. You also pass Santa Maria Bay and other coastal sights before reaching Comino.

The boat enters or approaches Ahrax and Santa Maria caves for photo stops. These are brief moments, often around five to ten minutes, so keep your camera ready. This is scenic viewing rather than a long shore visit. If you want plenty of time inside the caves, the optional speedboat trip later may suit you better.

The Blue Lagoon: swimming, snorkeling, and the slide

The main water stop is the Blue Lagoon on Comino. You get about 1.5 hours here, with time to swim or snorkel in the unusually clear water.

The Hornblower remains your base. You can use the upper sun deck, find shade on the main deck, or walk off the boat toward a small sandy beach. The included 10-meter slide is the playful feature that sets this boat apart from a basic sightseeing cruise. You can also jump from the boat, though the crew will direct you to the proper areas.

Snorkel hire costs €5, with a €15 deposit and €10 returned when you bring the equipment back. Lockers cost €2 and are limited, so keep valuables to a minimum and bring only what you need for swimming.

The Blue Lagoon is beautiful, but do not expect solitude. It is one of Malta’s best-known swimming spots, and the boat can feel busy, especially on warm days. The limited deck chairs make early boarding important, but once you are in the water, the scenery is the real reward.

The optional speedboat ride costs €15 in cash, depending on availability. It takes you around the lagoon and into coastal caves, with a closer look at the Crystal Lagoon and other rock formations. Be prepared to get soaked. The ride is not necessary for a good day, but it adds motion and gets you into places the larger boat cannot reach.

If you have an older family member who is nervous about boarding a smaller boat, crew assistance is available. Brahim and other staff members have been singled out for being friendly and helpful, and the speedboat team takes care with boarding. Still, the activity is officially not suitable for wheelchair users.

Three hours on Gozo, with Victoria as the practical base

After Comino, the boat continues toward Gozo. You have three hours to explore, but remember that Gozo is a whole island and this is only a short introduction.

The easiest option is the local minibus transfer to Victoria, Gozo’s capital. It costs €5 in cash and is paid on the day. The transfer saves you the trouble of arranging transport and leaves you in the island’s main town, where you can walk, shop, eat lunch, and head toward the Citadel.

Victoria is a useful base because it gives you a compact combination of streets, shops, food, and historic sights. You can take photographs, walk around independently, and get a taste of Gozo without spending the entire stop trying to connect distant sites.

The tradeoff is clear: the minibus is convenient, but it makes the Gozo visit less flexible. If you want to wander away from Victoria or set your own route, skip the transfer and explore on foot near the port. If your priority is seeing the Citadel and getting a straightforward introduction to Gozo, pay the five euros.

The schedule also lists Xlendi Bay as a scenic stop, with about 20 minutes for photographs, walking, and views. Treat this as a short look rather than a full visit. The exact balance between Victoria, other Gozo sights, and transport can depend on the day’s operating plan, so do not expect a long independent tour of the island.

Bring cash for the minibus. It is a small cost, but forgetting it could make the transfer less convenient.

The return route past Crystal Lagoon and St. Mary’s Tower

The trip back to Malta uses the southern channel of Comino. This gives you a second set of views rather than simply retracing the outward route.

You pass the Crystal Lagoon, sea caves, and St. Mary’s Tower. The Crystal Lagoon is mainly a scenic pass-by on this cruise, not a guaranteed swimming stop. If you want to get into its waters and approach the caves more closely, the optional speedboat trip is the better choice when available.

St. Mary’s Tower adds a historic landmark to the coastal views. The return section is a good time to sit back, take photographs, and listen to the commentary. The boat’s music also contributes to the mood, with Captain Kevin’s playlist becoming part of the experience for many people.

The cruise finishes back at the same Hornblower meeting point in St. Paul’s Bay. Since the full activity lasts around seven hours, you still have the evening free, but do not plan a tight appointment immediately after the stated finish. Sea conditions, boarding, and the number of people using the optional activities can affect the rhythm of the day.

What is included, and what will cost extra

At $34 per person, the basic package is strong for a full-day Malta outing. It includes:

• Round-trip boat travel
• A 1.5-hour Blue Lagoon stop
• Three hours on Gozo
• Use of the 10-meter slide
• Deck chair access, with limited availability
• Commentary in English

You should budget extra for:

• Food and drinks from the boat
• The €5 Gozo minibus, paid in cash
• The €15 speedboat trip, paid in cash if available
• Snorkel hire, with a €5 fee and refundable deposit
• A €2 locker, if one is available

The add-ons are not essential. You can have a very good day by swimming from the main boat, walking around Gozo, and buying lunch onboard. The speedboat is the one extra I would consider first because it adds a closer view of the caves and Crystal Lagoon, but it also means another boarding step and a very wet ride.

Who will enjoy this day most

This cruise suits you if you want to see Comino and Gozo without arranging ferries, buses, and separate boat trips. Families, couples, groups of friends, and first-time visitors to Malta will find the format easy to follow.

It works especially well for people who like a bit of everything. You can swim, sunbathe, take photographs, hear local stories, ride a slide, and walk through Victoria, all in one day.

You may want a different experience if you dislike crowds, need a quiet boat, or want a full day focused on one island. The upper deck fills early, and the Blue Lagoon can be busy. The Gozo stop is useful but not long enough for a detailed island tour.

The cruise is also a poor match for anyone who needs step-free access or a fully accessible boat. It is not suitable for wheelchair users, and swimming activities require climbing in and out of the water.

Practical tips for a smoother day

Bring a towel, sunscreen, swimwear, and cash. Wear beach shoes if you have them, although they are not listed as required. Keep your belongings compact because locker space is limited and deck seating is shared.

Arrive 45 to 60 minutes before departure. This helps with check-in and gives you the best chance of an upper-deck chair. If you care more about the Gozo visit than your seat, arriving on time is enough, but do not cut it close.

Bring a phone or camera for the cave passages and cliffs. The boat gets close to many sights, but the photo stops are short. You will have better results if you are ready before the captain announces the next feature.

If you want the Gozo minibus, carry €5 in cash. If you want the speedboat, carry another €15. The speedboat can leave you soaked, so do not take your phone unless it is protected.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. On the day itself, though, the rules are firm: the boat leaves at 10:00 AM, and late arrivals do not receive a refund.

Should you book this Hornblower cruise?

Book it if you want a lively, good-value day that combines Malta’s coast, Comino’s clear water, and a short visit to Gozo. The strongest reasons are the scenic route, Captain Kevin’s commentary, the slide, and the simple €5 minibus option to Victoria.

Skip it if your ideal day means quiet coves, a small private boat, or several hours exploring Gozo at your own pace. For most first visits, though, the cruise gives you a lot for $34. Arrive early, bring cash, and think of the Blue Lagoon as a busy swimming stop rather than a private beach. That is the key to enjoying what this trip does best.

FAQ

Where does the cruise leave from?

It leaves from Hornblower Cruises, Sirens Quay 24, Triq San Geraldu, St. Paul’s Bay, behind LOA restaurant. Look for the large white-and-blue boat with Hornblower written in red.

What time does the boat depart?

The boat departs promptly at 10:00 AM. It does not wait for late arrivals, and missed departures are not refundable.

How early should I arrive?

Arrive at least 45 minutes early, or about one hour early if you want a better chance of getting an upper-deck deck chair.

How long is the cruise?

The full activity lasts about seven hours. Check the available start time when booking, as schedules can vary.

How long do you stay at the Blue Lagoon?

The Blue Lagoon stop lasts about 1.5 hours. You can swim, snorkel, use the slide, sunbathe, or walk to the small sandy beach.

Is snorkeling included?

No. Mask and snorkel rental costs €5, with a €15 deposit. You receive €10 back when the equipment is returned.

Is lunch included?

No. Hot food, snacks, and drinks are available to purchase onboard.

How much does the Gozo minibus cost?

The optional minibus transfer to Victoria costs €5. You must pay in cash on the day.

Is the speedboat ride included?

No. The optional speedboat ride costs €15 in cash, depending on availability. It may take you near caves and the Crystal Lagoon, and you should expect to get wet.

Is the cruise suitable for wheelchair users?

No. The activity is not suitable for wheelchair users.