Malta: Gozo, Comino & Blue Lagoon Cruise – swim & sightsee

The best day at sea may cost less than lunch. This family-run Hornblower cruise combines Comino’s clear water, Gozo sightseeing, sea caves, a waterslide, and a generous seven-hour schedule. I especially like the 1.5-hour Blue Lagoon stop and the relaxed mix of swimming, music, and coastal views. The main catch is that upper-deck chairs fill very early, and Gozo can feel rushed if you want to see more than Victoria.

Captain Kevin keeps the trip lively with local stories, photo stops, and a playlist that has become part of the experience. I also like that the boat stays in a quieter spot near the Blue Lagoon rather than pushing everyone straight into the busiest part of the island. At $28 per person, this is strong value, though food, drinks, the Gozo shuttle, and the optional speedboat cost extra.

Key points at a glance

• Blue Lagoon swimming: You get about 90 minutes for swimming, snorkeling, floating, or using the 10-meter waterslide.
• Cave views by boat: The route passes Santa Maria and Ahrax caves, the Crystal Lagoon, Elephant’s Head, and St. Mary’s Tower.
• Three hours in Gozo: You can explore independently or pay €5 for transport to Victoria and Qala Belvedere.
• Early arrival matters: Boarding opens at 8:30 AM, and upper-deck chairs are first come, first served.
• Family-run atmosphere: Captain Kevin and the crew combine commentary, music, cocktails, and practical help.
• Extra costs to plan for: The Gozo shuttle is €5 cash, and the Comino speedboat is €15 if available.

Why this seven-hour cruise works so well

Malta has many ways to reach Comino and Gozo, but a full-day boat trip saves you from piecing together ferries, buses, swimming time, and sightseeing on your own. For $28, you get a coastal cruise, a Comino stop, a Gozo visit, and the return route past more sea caves and landmarks.

The value comes from the variety. You are not sitting in one place all day. The morning includes cliff views and cave entrances, the Blue Lagoon brings a proper swim, Gozo offers time on land, and the return trip adds another run past the island scenery.

I would not call this a quiet sailing trip. Music plays, the waterslide gets regular use, and the boat has a cheerful holiday mood. That suits families, couples, and groups looking for a fun day out. If you want a small boat, silence, or a carefully paced cultural tour, this is not the right fit.

The boat is spacious, with toilets, a snack bar, shaded seating, deck chairs, swim ladders, and lockers. Upper-deck seating is limited, though, and the best chairs disappear quickly. Arriving at 8:30 AM gives you the best chance of choosing a sunbed. Several people who arrived around 9:00 found the boat already filling up.

Boarding early at Hornblower Cruises Malta

The meeting point is Hornblower Cruises Malta. Look for the large white and blue boat with Hornblower written in red on the side.

The boat departs promptly at 10:00 AM. Boarding opens at 8:30 AM and closes at 9:45 AM, so you should plan to arrive at least 45 minutes to an hour early. Malta traffic can be heavy, especially in peak season, and parking near the departure point is limited.

This early arrival advice is not just about avoiding stress. It is about getting a good place to spend the day. The upper deck has the best open views and deck chairs, but these are first come, first served. Once those chairs are occupied, you can still use shaded areas and other seating, but you may not have the same easy place to leave your towel and belongings.

Bring a towel, sunscreen, swimwear, and cash. Cash is useful for the €5 Gozo shuttle, the optional €15 speedboat, rental equipment, and small onboard purchases.

Malta’s northern coast and the first cave views

The cruise begins along Malta’s northern coastline, where cliffs, coves, and unusual rock formations provide a steady stream of photo chances. Captain Kevin gives live commentary as the boat passes St. Paul’s Islands and the statue linked with the Apostle Paul’s shipwreck in 60 A.D.

You then approach the Ahrax and Santa Maria caves. The boat comes close enough for photographs, which is one reason a place with a clear view is worth securing early. These are short stops rather than long visits, so keep your camera ready and listen for the captain’s cue.

The route continues through Comino’s north channel. You pass Elephant’s Head rock, Santa Maria Bay, and St. Nicholas Bay before reaching the Blue Lagoon. The value here is not just transportation. You get a moving tour of the coast, with the captain pointing out places that would be difficult to appreciate from shore.

The Blue Lagoon stop: 90 minutes of water time

The Blue Lagoon is the day’s main event. The boat moors in a less crowded area, and you have about an hour and a half to enjoy the water.

You can enter by swim ladder, jump from the boat, or use the 10-meter waterslide. The slide is a simple extra, but it adds a playful edge that children and adults clearly enjoy. Life jackets and buoyancy aids are available for a deposit, which helps less confident swimmers take part.

The water is clear enough for snorkeling, and you can see fish and sea life near the boat. You can bring your own mask and snorkel, or rent equipment for €5 with a €15 deposit, with €10 returned afterward. Towels are not supplied, so pack one.

You do not have to swim. You can stay on the boat, sit in the shade, order a drink, or walk ashore to the beach and island paths. That flexibility matters for mixed groups. One person can swim while another relaxes with a pineapple cocktail.

The onboard snack bar sells food, soft drinks, ice cream, and cocktails. The pineapple drink is part of the boat’s character, with alcoholic and non-alcoholic versions available. Prices are described as reasonable, though these purchases are not included in the ticket.

A few practical points are worth noting. Lockers are limited and cost €2 with a €10 deposit, of which €8 is refunded. The upper deck may be sunny and busy. One complaint involved an unpleasant smell on the top deck, possibly linked to damp artificial grass, while other comments praised the deck area. The safest approach is to arrive early, check your seating area, and use the shaded main deck if you prefer a cooler spot.

There is also an optional speedboat ride into smaller Comino caves for €15 cash, subject to availability. It is a fast, bumpy ride and may not suit anyone with health concerns. It is also another paid activity that takes time away from swimming, so choose it only if the caves are a priority.

Choosing how to spend your three hours in Gozo

After Comino, the boat continues to Gozo, where you get roughly three hours of free time. This is enough for a useful look at the island, but not enough for a broad tour of Gozo’s many sights.

You can explore on your own or take the optional shuttle for €5 cash. The shuttle goes to Victoria, Gozo’s capital, and includes a photo stop at Qala Belvedere. The viewpoint gives you wide views across the island and is a practical way to see more without working out local transport.

Victoria’s main attraction is the Citadel, a historic fortified area with high views over Gozo. You also have time for local shops, a walk, and food. The shuttle is good value if your aim is to see the capital during a short stop. Public buses may take more time, which leaves less for walking.

Here is the tradeoff: Gozo is attractive, but three hours goes quickly. If you want lunch, the Citadel, shopping, and a relaxed wander, you will need to keep moving. Some people prefer to remain near Mgarr Harbour, where you can eat, have a drink, and avoid the extra transport.

The timetable also means some shops may be closed, depending on the day and timing. Do not treat this as a full Gozo tour. Think of it as a well-organized introduction, with enough time to see Victoria but not enough to explore the island in depth.

You may also have a choice about how much land time you want. Some departures or arrangements allow you to favor more swimming and Comino time instead of making Gozo the main focus. Confirm the day’s exact arrangements with the crew, since weather and operating plans can affect the order.

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

Back aboard, the cruise passes Mgarr Harbour and returns through Comino’s south channel. This is not simply a ride back to Malta. The route includes the Crystal Lagoon, additional caves, and St. Mary’s Tower.

The Crystal Lagoon is mainly a photo stop, and it is weather permitting. Its clear water and rocky setting make it one of the more attractive views from the boat. The crew may bring the boat close enough for photographs, but you should not expect a long swim here.

St. Mary’s Tower provides a strong final landmark before the boat heads back to Malta. Captain Kevin continues the commentary, and the return trip gives you time to sit back, listen to the music, and sort through the day’s photographs.

The playlist is a surprisingly important part of the experience. It keeps the boat from feeling like a plain transfer and gives the return journey an easygoing holiday mood. The crew also receives frequent praise for being friendly, organized, and helpful, with Captain Kevin often singled out for clear information and good humor.

Food, drinks, seating, and onboard comfort

The boat has enough facilities to make a full day at sea practical. You will find toilets, a snack bar, drinks, food, ice cream, cocktails, shaded seating, and deck chairs.

Food and drinks are not included, but prices are generally described as reasonable. That helps keep the base fare low. You can bring cash and buy what you need as the day goes on, instead of paying a higher ticket price that includes things you may not want.

The pineapple cocktails are the signature order. Non-alcoholic versions are available, which makes them suitable for younger passengers and anyone avoiding alcohol. Alcohol and drugs are not allowed to be brought onto the boat.

Seating is the main comfort issue. The best upper-deck chairs fill early, and shaded places are limited. Arriving before 9:00 AM is sensible, with 8:30 AM the better choice if a sunbed matters to you.

The boat is not presented as a luxury yacht. A few comments criticize the seating and toilets, and the general finish may feel basic. That is fair to keep in mind. You are paying for a lively day cruise at a low price, not a polished private charter.

Who should book this cruise?

I would choose this cruise if you want to cover a lot in one day and enjoy active time on the water. It works particularly well for families, couples, and groups with mixed interests because you can swim, use the slide, visit Gozo, buy food, or simply sit in the sun.

It is also a good choice after several days of walking around Malta. The schedule gives you a change of pace, while the Gozo stop adds some sightseeing so the day is not only about swimming.

You should think twice if your priority is a long, detailed visit to Gozo. The three-hour stop is useful but limited. You may prefer a dedicated Gozo day if the Citadel, villages, and island culture matter more to you than the Blue Lagoon.

The cruise may also disappoint you if you dislike loud music, busy shared seating, paid extras, or a fixed schedule. The crew is friendly and the value is strong, but you are still sharing a popular boat with other people.

Is the Hornblower cruise worth $28?

Yes, for most people who want a fun overview of Malta’s northern islands. The ticket covers seven hours, the Comino caves, Blue Lagoon swimming, a full cruise route, and three hours in Gozo. That is a lot of sightseeing and recreation for $28.

Budget another €5 for the Gozo shuttle if you want the easiest route to Victoria. Add €15 for the speedboat only if the smaller caves appeal to you. Food, drinks, snorkeling equipment, lockers, and buoyancy aids are separate purchases, so the final cost depends on how many extras you choose.

Book this if you value variety, clear water, good views, and a cheerful boat atmosphere. Arrive very early, bring cash and a towel, and decide in advance whether you would rather spend your free time in Victoria or return to swimming. With those choices made, this is an excellent-value way to fit Comino and Gozo into one Malta day.

FAQ

How long is the cruise?

The experience lasts about seven hours.

What time does the boat leave?

The boat departs promptly at 10:00 AM. Boarding opens at 8:30 AM and closes at 9:45 AM.

How early should I arrive?

Arrive at least 45 minutes to an hour early. Upper-deck chairs are limited and offered on a first-come, first-served basis.

How long do I get at the Blue Lagoon?

You get about 1.5 hours for swimming, snorkeling, relaxing, or using the waterslide.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

No. You can bring your own equipment or rent a mask and snorkel for €5 with a €15 deposit. €10 of the deposit is refunded.

Does the tour include transport to Victoria in Gozo?

No. The optional shuttle costs €5 cash and takes you toward Victoria, with a photo stop at Qala Belvedere.

Is the speedboat cave ride included?

No. The optional speedboat ride costs €15 cash and is subject to availability.

What should I bring?

Bring a towel, sunscreen, beachwear, and cash. Food and drinks are available to buy onboard but are not included.