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

Ten meters of fun awaits in turquoise water. This Hornblower day cruise is a big, family-run boat trip that mixes serious scenery with real playtime, especially in the Blue Lagoon. I like how the crew keeps things moving and friendly, with Captain Kevin and Louis sharing stories as you cruise past sea caves and rock formations.

The second thing I like is the on-deck vibe. You get shade spots, deck chairs, and the pineapple cocktail touch, plus a playlist that actually sets the mood for a hot day at sea. My main caution is that the schedule is tight, and Gozo time is limited, so if you want maximum water time you may wish you had more hours in Comino.

Key points to know before you go

• Arrive early for the top deck, since seating is first-come, first-served and fills up fast.
• Blue Lagoon swim time is 1.5 hours, with a 10-meter waterslide and easy sea access.
• Captain Kevin’s live commentary helps you recognize what you are looking at, from cave entrances to landmarks.
• Gozo is about 3 hours, with an optional €5 shuttle to Victoria and a photo stop at Qala Belvedere.
• Food and drinks are available, but cost extra, so bring cash and plan small splurges.
• Optional extras exist, like a €15 speedboat ride into smaller Comino caves.

Meeting Hornblower Cruises in Malta, and how to score a good chair

This trip runs from Hornblower Cruises Malta, and the boat is easy to spot: a big white and blue boat with Hornblower in red on the side. Don’t gamble with timing. The boat departs promptly at 10:00 AM, boarding opens at 8:30 AM and closes at 9:45 AM, and Malta traffic can be a problem near peak season.

I strongly suggest arriving 45 minutes to 1 hour early. That extra buffer matters because deck seating is limited on the upper deck, and it is first-come, first-served. If you want to sit higher for photos and sun, this is not the tour to stroll in at the last second.

A couple of practical tips from the vibe on board: water plus sun equals fast dehydration, so sunscreen is not optional. Towels and beachwear help because you will be getting in the water at Comino, and you will likely want to rinse off or at least dry quickly before heading back out on deck. The tour also advises cash, which is for extras and purchases on board.

From Malta’s north coast to Comino caves, expect real “by sea only” photo angles

The morning starts along Malta’s dramatic northern coastline. You cruise past cliffs, hidden coves, and rock formations where the water is the star, not just the land. Captain Kevin delivers live commentary with local legends and context, including St. Paul’s Islands and the statue linked to Paul’s shipwreck story in 60 A.D.

Then the boat gets close to the action you would not really get from shore. You pass through the Ahrax and Santa Maria caves, with the captain bringing the boat near enough for photo opportunities that feel very “this only works from water” in a good way.

As you continue toward Comino, the scenery stays varied rather than repeating the same shoreline view. You get photo stops and passes by landmarks like Elephant’s Head, plus Santa Maria Bay and St. Nicholas Bay. Even if you are not obsessed with geology, it is easy to follow what you are seeing because the commentary ties it together.

One nice part of this section is that the boat is already a moving viewpoint, so you do not lose the morning to waiting around. You are on the water, you are taking photos, and you are building up to the main event without that awkward “transport-only” feeling.

Comino and the Blue Lagoon: 1.5 hours to swim, snorkel, and slide (10 meters)

Comino is where the day really shifts from sightseeing to play. The boat moors in a secluded area for the Blue Lagoon, and that matters. Less crowding means you can actually enjoy the water without feeling like you are queued for a moment.

You get about 1.5 hours here, which is a sweet spot for most people: long enough for swimming and snorkeling, short enough that you still have time later for Gozo. The water is described as crystal-clear turquoise, and the setup is built for easy access. You can swim straight in, or use ladders to get back aboard.

Here is the fun headline: the 10-meter waterslide. If you want a guaranteed story for your camera roll, this is it. The slide is an included feature of the cruise, and the deck layout gives you a place to watch friends go for it, then jump in yourself.

Snorkeling is part of the plan, too. If you do not have gear, mask and snorkel rental is available on site for €5, and there is a €15 deposit with €10 refunded. That is enough to cover most needs if you travel light.

For comfort, the boat has deck chairs and shaded seating, but shade is limited. If you care about staying cool, you will want to set up early during the day. Also keep in mind buoyancy aids are available for a deposit, which can help if you want a bit more comfort without feeling like you are floating on your own.

If you want the most water time

This is the one “choice” that affects your day. You can do the Gozo portion, or some people effectively trade Gozo for extra time in Comino’s waters depending on how they manage their schedule once back on board. The cruise does not change the core timings, but your priorities matter. If swimming is your number one goal, plan your energy for the Blue Lagoon stop and treat Gozo as a bonus.

Crystal Lagoon and sea-tower photo passes that actually help you see Gozo coming

Not every “extra” stop is about getting off the boat. You also get Crystal Lagoon cruising with photo stops, weather permitting. This is a good moment to slow down a bit, switch from active swim mode to camera mode, and look for color changes as the boat moves. The day already has caves and cliffs, so this feels like a change of pace rather than just another stop.

Along the return route, the boat passes and does photo opportunities around key Gozo-related landmarks, including Mgarr Harbour and St. Mary’s Tower. Those passes are short, but they help you connect what you will see on Gozo later, and they give you a sense of the island geography even if you do not go all the way up to viewpoints.

If you are the type who loves photos but also hates rushing, this section is the kind of in-between time that works. You can grab a shot, then relax in a chair while the captain navigates and the crew keeps the atmosphere easy.

It is also a useful reminder that this is not just a swim day. The cruise threads in enough context that Gozo does not feel like it was dropped into your day randomly.

Gozo: 3 hours to roam, plus an optional €5 shuttle to Victoria and Qala Belvedere

Gozo is your chance to trade sea color for island streets and viewpoints. You get about 3 hours free time on the island. You can explore on your own, or take the optional shuttle for €5 cash upon boarding.

If you choose the shuttle, you are guided toward Victoria, Gozo’s capital. The plan includes a photo stop at Qala Belvedere, plus time around Victoria where you can visit the Citadel and browse shops. Even with a short window, this gives you a real sense of Gozo life rather than only looking at scenery from the boat.

If you skip the shuttle, you still have a practical option: stay closer to the harbour and enjoy the local pace. That can be a smarter move if your legs are tired after the water time, or if you are not trying to pack the Citadel into your day.

One consideration: some people find the Gozo time just a bit short for a full town day. Also, depending on timing, some shop hours can feel inconsistent. The good news is that the schedule is designed so you still get the big water highlight first, then a compact island experience after.

For families and mixed groups, this is a solid setup. Kids often get their energy burned in the Blue Lagoon, then enjoy the change of scenery. Adults who want history can aim for the Citadel area. Everyone else can wander without feeling like they are being rushed through a museum.

Onboard comfort, what costs extra, and whether the $28 value makes sense

Let’s talk about value, because this is the kind of day trip where “cheap” can mean cramped or boring. That is not the vibe here. At around $28 per person, you are paying for a full day on a spacious boat, guided cruising, live commentary, and a major water stop with 1.5 hours in the Blue Lagoon plus the 10-meter waterslide and sea-access setup.

Yes, there are extras. A snack bar is on board, and pineapple cocktails and other food and drinks are available for purchase, not included. That is normal for a water tour, and it gives you control over how much you spend. Bring cash so you are not stuck hunting for payment options when you are ready for a drink.

Other paid options can add up if you do them all:

• Gozo shuttle is €5 cash (optional).
• A speedboat ride into smaller Comino caves costs €15 cash, if available.
• Mask and snorkel rental is €5 plus a €15 deposit with €10 refunded.
• Lockers cost €2, with a €10 deposit and €8 refunded (limited availability).
• Life jackets are offered for those who want them, typically €10 each with that deposit refunded when returned.

Onboard comfort is mostly about the sun deck experience. Deck chairs and shaded seating are available, but shade is limited and upper deck seating goes quickly. Toilets are available, but a few people have mentioned they are not perfect, so think of them as functional, not spa-level.

One small heads up from the day-to-day reality of being on a boat: the upper deck can be a mixed bag on smell depending on conditions. If you are picky about that, pick your spot thoughtfully and try to stay in the more airflow areas.

Who will love this most

You will probably have the best time if you like:

• Sea time plus guided sights, not a bare-bones ferry to a beach.
• A schedule with real highlights, then relaxed gaps.
• Fun onboard energy, including the crew’s playlist and friendly atmosphere.
• Photo stops that are actually worth stopping for, since you see the caves and landmarks from close range.

Should you book this Hornblower Comino and Gozo cruise?

I’d book it if you want a single day that gives you Comino water wow, a taste of Gozo town life, and a crew that makes the ride feel like a day out, not a bus transfer on the waves. The combination of Captain Kevin’s live commentary, the Blue Lagoon swim window, and the 10-meter slide makes the day feel earned, not rushed.

I would hesitate if:

• You really dislike boat days in general, since this is mostly time on water with a few short off-boat moments.
• You only care about one thing (like maximum hours in the water), because Gozo does take time from your swim window.
• You are sensitive to crowded seating or limited shade, since top-deck spots go fast.

FAQ

How long is the cruise?

The duration is listed as 7 hours.

What time should I arrive for boarding?

You should arrive at least 45 minutes to 1 hour early. Boarding opens at 8:30 AM and closes at 9:45 AM, and the boat departs promptly at 10:00 AM.

Where do I meet the tour?

Meet at Hornblower Cruises Malta. Look for the big white and blue boat with Hornblower written in red on the side.

Is swimming and snorkeling in the Blue Lagoon included?

Yes. The cruise includes swim and snorkeling in the Blue Lagoon for about 1.5 hours.

Is the 10-meter waterslide included?

Yes. The 10-meter waterslide is included, along with swim ladders and easy sea access.

Can I rent snorkel gear if I do not bring it?

Yes. Mask and snorkel rental is available for €5 with a €15 deposit. The deposit includes €10 refunded.

What is included in the Gozo portion?

You have about 3 hours free time in Gozo. You can explore on your own or take an optional shuttle to Victoria.

How much is the shuttle in Gozo?

The shuttle is €5 cash upon boarding, and it is optional.

Is there an optional speedboat ride?

Yes. A speedboat ride into smaller Comino caves costs €15 cash, depending on availability.

What should I bring, and is alcohol allowed?

Bring a towel, sunscreen, beachwear, and cash. Alcohol and drugs are not allowed.