Malta: Gozo, Comino Island and Blue Lagoon Cruise

Clear water, quiet islands, one useful boat day. This six-and-a-half-hour cruise from Bugibba combines Gozo’s capital, Victoria, with a long swim stop at Comino’s Blue Lagoon. I like the smaller Seahorse boat, which gives you a calmer ride than the largest excursion boats, and I like the friendly crew, fair onboard prices, and useful facilities. The main drawback is time: 1.5 hours in Gozo is enough for a quick look, but not enough for a relaxed visit.

At $53 per person, this is a good-value choice if you want to see several Maltese sights without arranging separate ferries and buses. You should know that the Blue Lagoon requires a free QR code for getting off the boat, and the cruise is not suitable for people with mobility impairments.

Key points at a glance

• A smaller boat with a calmer feel: Seahorse Cruises is repeatedly praised for avoiding the packed, party-boat atmosphere found on larger vessels.
• Victoria is a quick introduction to Gozo: You get about two hours in the Gozo capital, including shuttle transport, photos, shopping, and independent exploring.
• The Blue Lagoon stop lasts 1.5 hours: The boat anchors away from the main crowds, giving you the option to swim from the onboard platform instead of stepping ashore.
• The route includes Malta’s best coastal views: You pass St. Paul’s Island, Mellieha Bay, Smuggler’s Cove Cave, Crystal Lagoon, and Santa Maria Caves.
• Practical facilities are included: There is a toilet, shower near the side ladder, sundeck, snack and drink service, and snorkeling equipment with a €10 deposit.
• Plan around the 10 AM boarding cutoff: The stated start is 10:30 AM, but boarding closes at 10 AM at Bugibba Jetty, so arriving early matters.

What this Gozo and Comino cruise is really like

This is a sightseeing cruise first and a beach trip second. You spend much of the day on the water, moving between Malta, Gozo, and Comino while the captain provides live commentary in English and Italian.

I like that the day has two different centers of interest. Gozo gives you a short taste of island life and Victoria’s old streets, while Comino supplies the swimming and snorkeling. You are not stuck on a beach all day, and you are not asked to spend the whole day rushing between monuments.

The boat is called Seahorse Cruises and is the only sailing boat at the stated meeting point on Dawret il-Gzejjer in Bugibba. The vessel has a sundeck, a toilet, an outdoor shower by the side ladder, and a platform from which you can enter the sea. Food and drinks are sold onboard, and only cash is accepted.

The strongest part of the experience is the atmosphere. Captain Owen is singled out for his personal, welcoming manner, while the crew is often praised for being attentive, friendly, and safety-conscious. One particularly useful detail is that the captain welcomes people individually and gives clear safety instructions before the cruise gets moving.

Bugibba Jetty and the morning coastal route

The boat leaves from Bugibba Jetty. The published departure time is 10:30 AM, but boarding closes at 10 AM. Treat 10 AM as the real deadline, not a suggestion. A missed boarding time can ruin an otherwise simple day.

Once underway, the cruise follows Malta’s northern coast. You pass St. Paul’s Island, Mellieha Bay, and Smuggler’s Cove Cave. The route is as much about the views from the deck as the stops themselves, so keep your camera ready and bring sunscreen even if you plan to spend most of the day in the shade.

The first sightseeing stretch takes roughly an hour. You may also pass Crystal Lagoon during this part of the route, with time for photographs and views from the boat. The coastline here is rugged, pale, and cut with small inlets. From the water, you get a better sense of how exposed and rocky Malta’s northern shore can be.

The onboard commentary is in English and Italian. It adds useful context, though the amount of explanation can vary. If you want a detailed guided tour of every place you pass, this may feel light. If you prefer to watch the coast and hear the main points without a constant lecture, the balance should suit you.

Two hours in Victoria, Gozo

When the boat reaches Gozo, you transfer to a shuttle bus for Victoria, the island’s capital. Transport to Victoria is included, which is important because the capital is not simply a short walk from the landing point.

You have about two hours in Victoria. That sounds generous until you account for the transfer, getting your bearings, and deciding what you want to see. I would use this time for a compact walk, photographs, and a little browsing rather than trying to cover all of Gozo.

Victoria gives you a useful first taste of the island. You can look around the old center, admire historic sights, and visit the market for souvenirs such as fridge magnets and other small gifts. The visit is self-guided, so you are free to set your own pace.

That freedom is welcome, but it comes with a tradeoff. You do not get a dedicated walking guide explaining each sight in detail. If you want to explore Gozo’s museums, churches, and wider countryside, you need a separate full-day visit. This cruise is better for a first look than a serious study of the island.

The timing is the most common weakness of the day. Several people find 1.5 hours too short once eating and sightseeing are both considered. The formal stop is described as two hours, but the practical time in Victoria can feel tighter because of the shuttle schedule. I would skip a sit-down meal here and use the time for a focused walk, then buy food on the boat later.

The Blue Lagoon: swim from the boat or go ashore

In the afternoon, the cruise continues to Comino and the Blue Lagoon. The scheduled stop lasts 1.5 hours, making it the main leisure break of the day.

The water is famously clear and turquoise, and you can swim or snorkel here. The most useful feature is the boat’s anchoring position. Seahorse Cruises drops anchor away from the thickest shore crowds, so you can enter the water from the platform and enjoy a little more space around the boat.

That does not mean the whole Blue Lagoon area is quiet. Comino is one of Malta’s most popular stops, and the shoreline can be crowded. The boat gives you an escape from the worst of it, but you should not expect an empty bay in summer.

You have two choices. Stay onboard, use the sundeck, and enter the water from the side ladder, or arrange to get off at the Blue Lagoon. If you want to step ashore, you must obtain a free QR code and select the 1:30 PM to 5:30 PM time slot. This requirement applies from May 1, 2025, under Maltese regulations, so check the instructions connected with your booking before the morning of the cruise.

The onboard swim setup is practical. You can use the shower near the ladder after swimming, and snorkeling masks are available with a €10 deposit. Bring your own towel, swimsuit, sunscreen, and cash. Do not bring a cooler, large luggage, or food and drinks onto the boat.

I would treat the Blue Lagoon as a swim stop, not a long beach visit. One and a half hours goes quickly once you change, swim, take photographs, and get back onboard. The best use of the time is a swim from the boat, followed by a few minutes on the sundeck.

Santa Maria Caves and the return to Bugibba

The return route includes the Santa Maria Caves. The boat passes into or near the caves for about 10 minutes, allowing you to see the rock formations from the water and take photographs.

The most memorable formation is the Elephant’s Head, a rock shape that resembles its name. This is a short stop, but it gives the return journey a clear final highlight rather than simply retracing the morning route.

You should expect scenic viewing rather than a long cave visit. There is not enough time for a full exploration on foot, and the boat’s position depends on conditions. Weather, tides, and other operational issues can change the route, start point, or end point.

The cruise returns to Bugibba Jetty at about 5 PM. That makes the total day roughly 6.5 hours, including the coastal sailing, Gozo transfer, free time in Victoria, Blue Lagoon stop, and cave visit.

Boat comfort, food, and onboard details

The boat is one of the main reasons to choose this trip. It is smaller than many competing excursion boats, but it is not described as cramped. The balance seems right for people who want facilities and stability without the feel of a large floating crowd.

You get a sundeck for sunbathing, a toilet, a shower by the side ladder, and a platform for entering the water. The facilities are simple but useful. If you plan to swim, the side ladder is more practical than climbing over the rail, and the shower means you can rinse off saltwater before the final cruise home.

Food and drinks are available to buy onboard. Cash is the only accepted payment method, so bring enough for lunch, drinks, and any optional purchase. Prices are repeatedly described as fair, which improves the value of the trip because you do not need to carry a packed meal.

The rules say not to bring food and drinks, luggage, or a cooler. Pack lightly. Comfortable shoes, swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and cash are the essentials.

The boat is also suitable for all ages, provided everyone can manage the boat, shuttle, steps, and swimming arrangements. People with mobility impairments should choose another excursion because this trip is not designed for accessible movement.

Is $53 good value?

At $53, the price is strong for a full day that combines boat transport, coastal sightseeing, a Gozo stop, shuttle transport to Victoria, a Blue Lagoon swim break, and the Santa Maria Caves.

You are not paying for a full guided tour of Gozo, a long beach stay, or a meal. The value comes from covering several places in one day while avoiding the hassle of arranging separate transport. The included shuttle to Victoria is especially useful, and the boat facilities reduce the need to buy an additional swimming excursion.

The price also compares favorably if you value the smaller boat atmosphere. The cruise is not simply a transfer to the Blue Lagoon. You get a full coastal route, island views, and several short sightseeing moments along the way.

The main limitation is time. If Gozo is your priority, pay for a dedicated Gozo day instead. If swimming at the Blue Lagoon is your only goal, a shorter boat trip might make more sense. At $53, this cruise works best for you if you want a broad first look at Malta’s northern islands.

Who should book this cruise?

I would recommend it to couples, families, and first-time visitors who want an easy day on the water. The boat feels more personal than the biggest cruise vessels, and the crew’s friendly style helps make the long day comfortable.

It also suits anyone who wants both sightseeing and swimming. You can take photographs, walk around Victoria, browse the market, snorkel, and relax on deck without committing the entire day to just one activity.

Families should note that the cruise is suitable for all ages, but children need to manage the usual boat conditions, steps, and swim ladder. Anyone prone to seasickness should consider where they sit, though the boat’s smaller size is praised by some people as a comfortable middle ground, neither too crowded nor too tiny.

I would not choose this cruise if you want a thorough Gozo visit, a fully guided history tour, or long stretches of quiet beach time. You will see a lot, but you will not have time to explore every stop slowly.

Booking and timing advice

Arrive at Bugibba Jetty before 10 AM. Look for the Seahorse Cruises vessel at Dawret il-Gzejjer, San Pawl il-Baħar. Since boarding closes at 10 AM, do not plan to arrive at the published 10:30 AM start time.

Reserve the Blue Lagoon QR code if you want to get off the boat. Select the 1:30 PM to 5:30 PM slot, and check your ticket for the relevant instructions.

Keep your bag small. Large bags and coolers are not allowed, and you will have limited need for anything beyond swimwear, towel, sunscreen, comfortable shoes, and cash.

The operator allows cancellation up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and you can reserve now while paying later. The captain can alter the route or timing because of weather, tides, or other conditions.

Should you book Seahorse Cruises?

Book this cruise if you want a well-priced, friendly boat day that combines Gozo, Comino, swimming, and coastal scenery. The smaller vessel, helpful crew, fair onboard prices, and quieter anchoring point near the Blue Lagoon are the strongest reasons to choose it.

Skip it if your main goal is a long, serious visit to Gozo. The time in Victoria is brief, and you will need to keep moving to fit in sightseeing and food. For most first-time visitors, though, this is a smart way to sample Malta’s sister islands in one day without the crowded feel of the largest boats.

FAQ

Where does the cruise depart from?

The cruise departs from Bugibba Jetty at Dawret il-Gzejjer, San Pawl il-Baħar, Malta. The boat is called Seahorse Cruises.

What time does boarding close?

Boarding closes at 10 AM. The listed cruise start time is 10:30 AM, so you should arrive before the boarding cutoff.

How long do you spend in Victoria, Gozo?

The Victoria stop is scheduled for about two hours, including free time for sightseeing, photographs, and browsing the market. Transport to Victoria by shuttle bus is included.

How long is the Blue Lagoon stop?

You have 1.5 hours at the Blue Lagoon for swimming, snorkeling, or relaxing on the boat.

Do I need a QR code for the Blue Lagoon?

Yes. If you want to get off the boat at the Blue Lagoon, you must book a free QR code and select the 1:30 PM to 5:30 PM time slot.

What is included onboard?

The cruise includes live commentary in English and Italian, transport to Victoria, a sundeck, toilet, shower near the side ladder, a platform for entering the water, and snorkeling masks with a €10 deposit. Food and drinks are available to purchase separately, and only cash is accepted onboard.