Malta: Comino, Gozo, Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon and Caves Tour

Crystal-clear water is the main event here. This 7-hour Malta cruise mixes boat sightseeing with serious swim time on Comino and a taste of Gozo. You meet at Bugibba Jetty and head out toward sea caves, bays, and the famous turquoise lagoon.

I like that the Blue Lagoon stop is long enough to actually enjoy it, about 1 hour 30 minutes, and the plan is to get there early so the water feels calmer. I also love the cave-and-coast run, with stops and photo moments around Comino and Malta like Ahrax Cave and Santa Maria cave.

The main thing to consider is time pressure. You only get a short, fixed window on each island, so if you want hours of beach time or a deep snorkeling session, you may feel the schedule is tight.

Key things to know before you go

• Blue Lagoon stop (1h30) gives you enough time to swim, snorkel, and use the onboard 10 meter slide
• Cave cruising on the way includes multiple photo stops, including Ahrax Cave and Santa Maria cave
• Comino and Gozo in one day is efficient, but it means shorter time on land
• Optional Gozo shuttle costs €5 and saves you time versus figuring out everything on arrival
• Top deck chairs are first come, first served, so arrive early if that matters to you
• Bring a towel and cash, because key extras and the Blue Lagoon landing pass have extra requirements

Price and value for a Comino plus Gozo day

At $36.28 per person, this tour is priced like a budget day cruise, not a private boat. What makes it feel like a good deal is that you’re paying for transport plus sightseeing, and then you get a real swim stop at the Blue Lagoon rather than a quick drop-and-go.

You also don’t have to add much to make it worthwhile. The core experience already includes sea caves you pass during the cruise, plus onboard facilities like toilets, shaded and sunny seating, and a slide. And the Gozo portion includes a full 3-hour block at Mġarr Harbour, which is plenty for a short explore and lunch if you plan your time.

Just note what’s not covered: Blue Lagoon landing pass requirements, towels, and onboard food and drinks. If you want snorkel gear or extra transfers, those are add-ons too, and they’re paid on the spot.

Meeting at Bugibba Jetty, and how to avoid day-of stress

The tour starts at 10:00 from Bugibba Jetty at Dawret Il-Gzejjer, San Pawl il-Baħar, and it finishes back at the same meeting point. Your day runs about 7 hours, and the schedule is tight because the boat is moving between Comino and Gozo.

Do two things that will make life easier:

• Arrive early if you want a top deck lounger. The top deck chairs are limited and first come, first served, and the boat can get busy.
• Bring cash for the common extras. The Gozo shuttle (€5) and the speedboat cave add-on (€15) are cash-only, based on the information you’re given for those options.

Also plan for the Blue Lagoon landing pass. You’ll need to download the QR codes from the official site before you go, and the tour mentions this specifically for the Comino stop.

The morning sail along Malta’s coast and cave photo stops

Before Comino, you cruise the north coast of Malta with commentary and plenty of chances for photos. One standout is the pass by St Paul’s Islands and the 8.3 meter statue, tied to the shipwreck story mentioned in the Bible. Even if you know the story already, seeing the statue from the sea gives it a very different feel than viewing it from land.

You also get coastal scenery around Mellieha Beach area, including Ghadira Bay. The tour also builds in cave moments, with stops shortly for photos, and it includes places like Ahrax Cave as you head out.

What this part is good for: it turns a trip between islands into sightseeing, so you’re not just sitting on a boat for hours. What to watch for: if you’re the type who gets motion sick, you’ll want to be settled early and pick a comfortable spot, ideally one that suits your tolerance for waves.

Comino’s Blue Lagoon stop: swim, snorkel, slide, and landing pass basics

Comino is where the day becomes real. The boat arrives and moors near the island, with a stop of 1 hour 30 minutes. During this time, you can walk on and off to Comino, and use the onboard facilities as your base.

This is your best chance to enjoy Blue Lagoon without racing. The design of the timing helps too, because the plan is to try to be among the first boats there. That matters, because the lagoon can get busy later, and early arrival usually means calmer water for swimming and better time to set up.

Onboard options during the stop include:

• A 10 meter slide into the water
• Upper sun deck seating, with free deck chairs first come first served
• Main deck shaded and sunny seating
• Lower air-conditioned deck for a break
• Toilets on board
• A cafeteria for hot and cold beverages, with food and drinks not included in the tour price

If you’re snorkeling, bring the right expectations. Mask and snorkel rental is available for €5, with a refundable deposit listed, and lockers are an extra cost with a deposit too. Towels are not provided, so pack one or plan to buy one nearby.

A practical tip from how people talk about the day: if you want more than a quick snorkel session, don’t schedule extra speedboat time too aggressively. The Blue Lagoon window is the heart of the day, so you’ll be happier if you let that time be about swimming first.

Crystal Lagoon and Comino coastline scenes you can spot from the boat

On the way around Comino, you also pass Crystal Lagoon, which is described as popular with divers because it’s deeper. The tour notes you can access it by foot from the Blue Lagoon for an about 8-minute walk, so there’s a little flexibility if you want to stretch your legs while staying close to the main swim area.

You’ll also cruise by coastal highlights like the Elephant’s Head, Santa Maria cave and Santa Maria bay, St Nicholas bay, and the Comino hotel area. Some of these are best viewed slowly from the boat as the captain adjusts the path for viewpoints and photo angles.

Why this matters: it’s part of what makes the day feel like more than one beach stop. You get a running sense of how the coastline is shaped, which helps when you’re standing on the boat again later in Gozo.

Gozo in 3 hours: Mġarr Harbour, Victoria, and Xlendi bay

After Comino, you head to Gozo’s main port at Mġarr Harbour for a 3-hour stop. You can explore at your own pace here, either by taking a local bus or taxi, or you can relax in the harbour area if you want something low key.

If you want to cover more without figuring out routes, there’s an optional shuttle add-on for €5 per person. This is paid on the day upon arrival to the boat. The shuttle includes:

• 1 hour 30 minutes in Victoria, Gozo’s capital city
• 15 minutes at a panoramic viewpoint for photos

The key benefit is simple: you trade some flexibility for time. With only 3 hours total in Gozo, the shuttle is a smart move if you want a taste of Victoria’s streets plus scenic stops.

The tour also includes a stop on the northwest of Gozo at Xlendi, described as a fjord-like bay. Even if you don’t get long on land there, the timing gives you another photo moment before you return to Malta.

Onboard comfort: what the decks and amenities really mean

The boat is set up for comfort in a very practical way, with different decks for different needs. There’s a lower air-conditioned deck for a break, a main deck with shaded and sunny seating, and a top deck where you’ll likely want to spend time if weather is good.

Facilities include:

• Toilets (male and female)
• Locker facilities (limited number)
• Life vests available on request for swimming assistance
• A cafeteria with hot and cold beverages

One thing to keep in mind from how people describe the ride is that it can get crowded, and the boat may not feel brand-new. The upside is that the amenities are what you actually need for the day: bathrooms, places to sit, and a place to hang out while the captain runs the route between islands.

If you’re traveling in cooler months, pack a layer. One practical tip people share is that sea breeze and late-day sun can make the top deck chilly, so a sweater or hoodie can save your comfort.

Optional add-ons: speedboat caves, masks, and lockers

If you’re tempted by the extra cave experience, the tour offers a speedboat add-on to small caves for €15 per person (cash only). It’s meant to take you closer to rocky coves and hidden spots, and people describe it as fun for making the coastline feel even more intimate.

Just plan around the time trade-off. The Blue Lagoon stop is already your main swim window, and adding the speedboat can cut into your ability to snorkel or take long for a slow swim. If your goal is water time first, consider skipping speedboat or snorkeling rental so you’re not stuck changing gear in a short window.

Snorkel basics also cost extra:

• Mask and snorkel rental: €5 plus a refundable deposit
• Lockers: €2 plus a refundable deposit

These are not expensive, but they do add friction. If you already have your own mask and snorkel, you’ll likely save time and cash. If you don’t, rentals are there, just come prepared for the deposit system.

Food and drinks onboard: reasonable and convenient

Food and drinks are available onboard at reasonable prices, but they’re not included in the tour price. People often like this setup because it means you can buy something without leaving the boat while you’re on the Comino swim stop.

There’s a cafeteria with hot and cold beverages. Since towels are not included and beach time can be long for some people, having snacks and drinks available helps keep the day smooth.

Who this Malta day cruise fits best

This is a great choice if you want a classic Malta combo day: Comino for swimming, plus Gozo for a taste of something different. It’s especially good for first-timers, and for anyone who wants to see a lot without spending the whole day arranging transport.

It’s also a solid fit if you:

• Like boat days and want a swim plus sightseeing
• Want to try snorkeling without committing to a long, independent excursion
• Appreciate sea-cave scenery and want it built into the cruise

It may be less ideal if you:

• Want hours of beach time on Gozo or Comino
• Plan to do multiple water activities back-to-back
• Hate crowds, because the boat has a maximum capacity listed and popular swim spots can feel busy

Should you book this Hornblower Malta Comino and Gozo tour?

I’d book it if you’re looking for a straightforward, efficient day that hits the Big Malta highlights: Blue Lagoon swimming, cave scenery, and Gozo’s Victoria area if you choose the shuttle. At this price, you’re paying for a lot of movement and a lot of variety, not just one beach.

I’d think twice if you’re very water-focused and want maximum time in the ocean. The tour gives you real swim time, but it is still a schedule, not a slow drift. If you know that you want to snorkel for a long stretch, you’ll enjoy the day more if you keep add-ons minimal and protect your time at Blue Lagoon.

If you do book, the winning formula is simple: download the Blue Lagoon landing pass QR codes early, arrive before check-in time to improve your seating options, and decide ahead of time whether you want your day to be mainly swimming, mainly caves, or a balanced mix.

FAQ

How long is the tour and what time does it run?

The tour is listed at about 7 hours. It starts at 10:00 am and returns back to the meeting point around 17:00.

Where do I meet for the cruise?

You start at Bugibba Jetty, Dawret Il-Gzejjer, San Pawl il-Baħar, Malta. The activity ends back at the same meeting point.

Do I need a Blue Lagoon landing pass?

Yes. You need to download the free landing passes using QR codes from the website listed for Blue Lagoon landing passes.

Is food included in the price?

No. Food and drinks are available onboard at reasonable prices, but they are not included in the tour price.

What extra costs should I expect on top of the ticket price?

Optional extras include a Gozo minibus shuttle for €5 per person, cash only, and a speedboat ride to small caves for €15 per person, cash only. Mask and snorkel rental is €5 plus a refundable deposit, and lockers are €2 plus a refundable deposit.

Are snorkeling gear and life vests available?

Life vests are available on request for swimming assistance. Mask and snorkel rental is available for an extra cost, and lockers can be rented for an extra fee with a refundable deposit.