Comino: Blue Lagoon & Caves Boat Cruise

Comino is the kind of day that starts with salty cliffs and ends with crystal water you can’t stop staring at. This Hornblower cruise has a family-run feel under Captain Kevin, and the on-deck fun is real, especially with the 10-meter waterslide and jump points.

For me, the biggest draw is simple: you get a boat base all day, plus actual time in the Blue Lagoon (4.5 hours) instead of quick in-and-out photo stops. One thing to consider though, the ride can get bumpy on the way out, so if motion sickness is your enemy, pack accordingly.

You’ll also get guided context as you pass the Comino coastline and cave areas, then hop off at the Blue Lagoon while the crew keeps things upbeat with music, snack-bar service, and a smooth, relaxed rhythm.

Key highlights

• Captain Kevin + crew energy: friendly, chatty, and quick to help with life vests, pool noodles, and practical questions.
• 10-meter waterslide and jump points: unlimited use, with a big dose of fun for all ages.
• 4.5 hours anchored at the Blue Lagoon: swim, snorkel, lounge on deck chairs, and settle into the calm-water vibe.
• Cave photo-and-look stops: quick visits at Ahrax Cave and Santa Maria Cave on the way to Comino.
• Food and drinks on board: snack bar, hot and cold beverages, ice cream, and pineapple cocktails.
• A quieter boat mooring spot: the cruise anchors in a secluded, non-crowded area, so you’re not fighting the biggest beach chaos.

From St Paul’s Bay to Comino: the day unfolds fast

This is a classic Comino day cruise built around one mission, Blue Lagoon time. You leave from the Hornblower meeting points around St Paul’s Bay (including Hornblower Cruises Malta, Bugibba Jetty, and Hornblower Malta). Plan to arrive early because boarding goes quicker when you’re not sprinting at the last minute.

Once you’re on board, you’ll feel the “small-boat” personality even though it’s set up for a full day. Captain Kevin’s commentary is part of the experience, and the atmosphere is carried by music playing onboard. The vibe is upbeat without turning into a party cruise. It’s more like, everyone’s on holiday, and the boat is part of the fun.

Getting to the boat on time

Traffic in this area can be rough, so give yourself buffer time. One smart tip from people who went: show up close to boarding time, or earlier, if you want a prime spot on the top deck. Deck chairs fill quickly, and the best sunning positions do not wait around.

Northern Malta to Comino: passing the sights by boat

After you depart from St Paul’s Bay, you’ll cruise along Malta’s northern coast. Expect photo and sightseeing moments as you pass iconic points like St Paul’s Islands and the statue of St Paul, plus Ahrax Point.

As you move through the Comino area, the boat route gives you a scenic “greatest hits” view without forcing you to change locations every 10 minutes. You’ll pass by spots like elephants’ head, Santa Maria Bay, St Nicholas Bay, and the area around the Comino hotel.

This part matters because it sets expectations. You see the shape of the coastline, the color changes in the water, and why Comino’s coves look the way they do. It also helps you understand what you’re about to do when you reach the Blue Lagoon: you’re not just swimming in a pretty spot, you’re working within a coastline full of coves, caves, and sheltered water.

Ahrax Cave and Santa Maria Cave: quick stops that still feel worth it

You don’t park here for hours, but you do get real time to look. The cruise makes short stops to enter Ahrax Cave and Santa Maria Cave, and you’ll see why these names show up so often in Malta plans.

The pace is deliberate. Quick cave visits help keep the whole day balanced, so you’re not using your best energy on transfers and waiting. Instead, your long stretch of fun is saved for the Blue Lagoon.

What to watch for

Announcements onboard can be hard to catch over sound systems, especially if you’re at the wrong spot on the deck. I’d treat the crew’s guidance as helpful context, not your only source of timing. If you notice chalk marks or visible notes near where people exit and reboard, use those as your anchor for when things happen next.

Blue Lagoon, Comino: 4.5 hours where the day turns into the day

This is the heart of the trip. After about an hour cruising, you reach Comino and anchor at the Blue Lagoon for roughly 4.5 hours.

A mooring spot that feels less chaotic

A key detail: the boat moors in a secluded, non-crowded area. Water depth near the mooring is about 3 meters, so it’s not the kind of place where you can just casually step in for most people. If you’re not a confident swimmer, you can still access the water from the beach area, and the crew can provide buoyancy options (buoyancy aids are available with a €10 deposit).

Swim, snorkel, and do nothing well

This is where the cruise earns its money. You can swim in the open water, snorkel around the spots where you see fish, and just lounge. The lagoon can stay calm even when the journey out is windy, and that contrast is part of the payoff.

You’ll have onboard rental options for snorkeling gear, including a mask and snorkel for €5, with a €15 deposit (and parts of the deposit are refundable). If you want an easier entry into snorkeling, ask the crew for help figuring out how to use what you rented.

The slide is the headline, but the seating is the quiet win

The 10-meter waterslide and jumping points create instant energy. It’s unlimited use, at your own risk, so you can go again and again without feeling rushed.

Meanwhile, the deck setup matters more than you might think. You get deck chairs for sunbathing plus shaded seating areas. People who came earlier often scored better spots on top deck because chairs fill fast. If you’re planning a relaxed day, get there early enough to snag a good place before the sun shifts.

Food and drinks, plus the pineapple-cocktail culture

There’s a snack bar onboard with hot and cold beverages, food, ice cream, and pineapple cocktails. Prices are described as reasonable for a boat day, not “tourist trap” pricing. The pineapple drinks are a fun touch, and if you’re hungry, the burgers and fries can be a practical meal without needing to leave the boat.

One practical note: outside food and drinks aren’t allowed, so plan for onboard purchases or bring snacks only if the rules you receive say it’s ok.

Toilets and lockers, but with limits

You’ll have onboard toilets. Lockers are available in limited numbers for a small fee (with deposits and partial refunds). If you want a locker, don’t wait until you’re already in the middle of swim time. Gear storage is easiest when you handle it early.

Crystal Lagoon and St Mary’s Tower: the scenic wrap-up

After your Blue Lagoon time, the cruise heads onward and then returns along the route that shows more of Comino’s coastline. You’ll cruise around Gozo’s Mgarr Harbour from the boat, which is a nice bonus view without adding another stop that eats time.

On the way back, the boat passes Crystal Lagoon and its caves, plus St Mary’s Tower. There are photo stops along the return route, including a brief stop near Crystal Lagoon. Even if you’re tired by then, the boat’s changing views keep the final stretch from feeling like a commute.

Price and value: what you’re really paying for

At about $35 per person for a 7-hour day cruise, this can feel like a bargain, but only if you use the time the right way.

Here’s the value breakdown in plain terms:

• You get the big experience: a full day by boat with 4.5 hours anchored at the Blue Lagoon.
• You get active extras included: the slide, jump points, deck chairs, toilets, and a snack bar.
• You pay for convenience: you don’t need to coordinate boats, ferries, or multiple hopping-off plans just to swim.

What is not included, and what’s worth considering

You’ll usually need to plan for a few optional or extra costs:

• Lunch is not included, and food, drinks, and ice cream are available onboard for purchase.
• Lockers and snorkeling masks and snorkels have extra charges plus deposits.
• A Blue Lagoon access pass is not included, and you’ll need to handle the required pass system using a QR code and time slots.
• There is also an optional €15 speedboat ride around caves payable on site. People who chose it described it as a highlight, especially for adrenaline lovers.

If you want the best “wow” factor, I’d consider adding the speedboat cave ride. If you want a calmer, mostly-swimming day, you can easily skip it and still have a full itinerary.

Tips that make this cruise feel smooth, not stressful

These are small actions that reduce friction on a day like this.

Arrive early for top-deck comfort

Top deck seating fills quickly. Even people who arrived around an hour early didn’t always secure the best positions. If you’re serious about sunning, aim to be there well before you think you need to be.

Prep for the water, and bring the basics

Bring swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen. If you’re snorkeling, rental masks and snorkels are available. If you’re sensitive to sun, treat sunscreen as mandatory, not optional.

Know the Blue Lagoon access system

You need a QR code with your designated time slot, and passes come from a dedicated site. You’ll need to select both morning and afternoon slots. Do this before you show up so you’re not stuck at the dock.

Watch timing cues onboard

When audio announcements are hard to follow, look for timing notes in visible areas. A simple habit like checking written notes near the exit helps you avoid being late for the next reboarding moment.

Who should book, and who should rethink it

This is a strong match if you want a boat-centered day in Comino with plenty of time in the water. It’s also a great fit for families and mixed-age groups because the slide and jumping points create universal fun, while the deck chairs and snack bar keep it comfortable.

It’s not a fit for everyone. The boat is not suitable for mobility impairments, based on the tour’s stated limits.

And for the one serious “think twice” item: if you tend to get motion sickness, the ride can be bumpy. You can still have a good day, but plan for it with what you normally use to handle boat motion.

Should you book the Comino Blue Lagoon & Caves cruise?

I’d book this if you want maximum Blue Lagoon time, a slide you can use repeatedly, and a boat that stays your base while you see multiple coastline highlights. The family-run feel with Captain Kevin, the upbeat onboard music, and the easy snack-bar setup make it a low-effort way to get a high-payoff day.

You should consider skipping it if you need a calm ride above all else, since the journey can get choppy. Also, be honest about swimming comfort because the mooring area is about 3 meters deep.

If you do book, my final advice is simple: get to the boat early, manage your Blue Lagoon QR code time slots ahead of time, and plan to spend most of your energy in the water. That’s where this cruise becomes the day you’ll remember.

FAQ

How long do I spend at the Blue Lagoon?

You get about 4.5 hours anchored at the Blue Lagoon to swim, snorkel, and relax.

What is included in the cruise price?

The cruise includes the full-day boat trip, about 4.5 hours at the Blue Lagoon, access to the onboard slide and jumping points, deck chairs and shaded seating, snack bar service, onboard toilets, live commentary with music, and passing Crystal Lagoon and St Mary’s Tower.

What extra costs should I expect?

Lunch is not included and must be purchased onboard. Lockers cost extra if you need one. Mask and snorkel rentals are available for an extra fee with deposits. The optional Comino caves speedboat ride costs €15 and is paid on site. The Blue Lagoon access pass is also not included.

Where do I meet the boat?

You meet at one of the Hornblower locations listed for the cruise, including Hornblower Cruises Malta and Bugibba Jetty, with St Paul’s Bay as the key area mentioned for pickup.

What do I need to bring?

Bring swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen.

Is snorkeling gear available?

Yes. You can rent a mask and snorkel onboard for a small fee, with deposits that are partially refundable.