Malta: Comino, Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon & Caves Cruise

The best part of this Comino cruise is that the boat stays with you at the Blue Lagoon. You can jump straight into the clear water from the boat, return for shade or a drink, then head back out without hauling your things across the island. I like the 10-meter slide and the long 4.5-hour stop, which gives you time to swim, snorkel, eat, and relax rather than rush through a short photo stop.

I also like the family-run feel, with Captain Kevin explaining the coast and crew members helping with swimming and boat facilities. The main drawback is that the ride can be quite bumpy, and the limited upper-deck chairs go quickly. If you get seasick or want a quiet, low-key boat ride, this may not be your best Malta outing.

Key points to know before you book

• The boat is your base at Blue Lagoon: Swim from the mooring, use the slide, return for shade, and keep your belongings nearby.
• You get 4.5 hours at Comino: That is enough time for swimming, snorkeling, lunch, and a paid speedboat trip around the small caves.
• Captain Kevin provides commentary: The cruise passes St. Paul’s Islands, Ahrax Point, Santa Maria Bay, St. Nicholas Bay, and Comino’s coastal sights.
• The upper deck is limited: Arrive 45 minutes to an hour early if you want a deck chair in the sun.
• The caves are viewed quickly: Ahrax Cave and Santa Maria Cave are short boat entries, with more cave time available through the optional cash-paid speedboat ride.
• Blue Lagoon access now requires planning: From May 19, 2025, visitors need a free QR-code time slot from blcomino.com.

Why this Comino cruise works so well

Comino’s Blue Lagoon is Malta’s famous splash of pale turquoise water, but getting there can be the hard part. A small water taxi may drop you off with no shade, no seating, and nowhere secure to leave your bag. This Hornblower trip gives you a floating base for the day.

That changes the whole experience. You can swim, climb the steps back aboard, dry off on a deck chair, and head into the water again when you feel like it. Families can use the slide, stronger swimmers can jump from the boat, and anyone who prefers a quieter break can stay on the shaded main deck.

The boat also makes the ride part of the outing. You are not simply being transported to Comino. The route follows Malta’s northern coast and the channels around Comino, with short stops and commentary from Captain Kevin and the crew.

At $34 per person, the price is strong for a four to seven-hour outing, especially with 4.5 hours at the Blue Lagoon, cave viewing, deck-chair access when available, and the slide included. You still pay extra for food, drinks, lockers, snorkeling equipment, and the optional speedboat ride, so the final cost depends on how much you add.

Finding the boat at St. Paul’s Bay

The meeting point is Hornblower Cruises Malta at Sirens Quay 24, Triq San Geraldu, St. Paul’s Bay. Look for the large white and blue boat with Hornblower written in red, behind the LOA restaurant.

This is not the sort of departure where I would cut things close. The operator asks you to arrive 45 minutes to an hour early, and that advice matters if you want an upper-deck chair or simply want to board without stress.

Three local bus stops are within walking distance: Parades, Bandieri, and Toni. If you drive, free roadside parking is available in white-marked spaces, along with a small parking area near the departure point. Taxi passengers should give the driver the full address, since St. Paul’s Bay has several waterfront locations.

The trip returns to the same meeting point. The host and commentary are in English.

Malta’s northern coast and St. Paul’s Islands

Once underway, the boat passes St. Paul’s Bay and heads along Malta’s northern coast. St. Paul’s Islands and the statue of St. Paul are among the first sights, giving the cruise a useful introduction to Malta’s coastal setting and Christian tradition.

You also pass Ahrax Point and Coral Lagoon. These are scenic sections rather than long shore visits, so keep your camera ready. If you want the best view of Comino as the boat passes, sitting on the left side is a useful tip from the boat route.

The water can be choppy. Some people find the motion exciting, while anyone prone to seasickness may have a rougher time. The trip is better suited to you if you enjoy an active boat day than if you want a perfectly smooth ferry crossing.

Ahrax Cave and Santa Maria Cave

The route continues through the northern channel of Comino. Along the way, the boat passes the unusual rock shape known as the Elephants Head, Santa Maria Bay, St. Nicholas Bay, and the Comino Hotel.

The crew makes quick entries into Ahrax Cave and Santa Maria Cave. These short cave visits let you see the openings, rock walls, and changing color of the water from the boat. They are scenic moments, not extended explorations on foot.

That distinction is important. The included cave viewing is a pleasant bonus during the cruise, but it is not a dedicated cave tour. For a more energetic look at the smaller caves around Comino, you can pay for the optional speedboat ride on site. Bring €15 in cash if you want to take it.

The speedboat excursion is separate from the main cruise and is not included in the $34 price. It is also one of the better add-ons for anyone who wants a closer, faster look at the coastline.

Four and a half hours at the Blue Lagoon

After roughly an hour of cruising, the boat reaches Comino and moors at the Blue Lagoon for about 4.5 hours. The boat uses a more secluded, less crowded part of the lagoon rather than simply putting you ashore and leaving.

The mooring area is about three meters deep. You can enter the water from the boat using the steps, jump from the upper deck, or slide down the 10-meter slide. The slide is a simple feature, but it gives the stop a playful edge, especially for children and anyone who still enjoys a good splash.

If you are not a confident swimmer, you can enter from the beach or use a buoyancy aid from the boat with a €10 deposit. The water is clear, but the boat mooring is deep, so choose the beach or flotation support if that feels safer.

The Blue Lagoon stop is long enough to divide your time sensibly:

• Swim from the boat and use the slide.
• Snorkel around the clear water.
• Walk onto Comino Island and explore independently.
• Rest on the upper deck or find shade on the main deck.
• Buy lunch or a drink aboard.
• Join the optional speedboat ride around Comino’s small caves.

You do not need to get off the boat. That is one of the trip’s strongest features. Staying aboard gives you access to toilets, lockers, the café, shade, seating, and the slide. The beach and island provide a different view, but they can be less comfortable if you want regular access to your belongings and a place to sit.

The water is the star, but the setting comes with a practical warning: Blue Lagoon access now involves a QR-code time slot. From May 19, 2025, Maltese authorities require visitors to show a designated access pass. The pass is free and available through blcomino.com. The scheduled boat stop runs from 11:00 to 15:20, so you need both the morning and afternoon access slots.

Deck chairs, shade, lockers, and the onboard café

The upper deck has deck chairs, but there are only a limited number. Arriving early is the best way to claim one, especially if sunbathing is a major reason for booking.

The main deck offers shade and is a better refuge during the hottest part of the day. You can move between the two levels, though the boat may feel lively and crowded during the main swimming stop.

Male and female toilets are available on board. A few people have found the bathrooms less clean than they would like, so keep expectations practical rather than resort-like.

Lockers are available in limited numbers for a fee paid on site. If you want one, ask early. You should still bring the basics in a small, waterproof bag, since locker supply may not match demand.

Lunch is not included, but hot and cold drinks and food are sold from the onboard café. Prices are described as reasonable, which helps the value of the day. Bring sunscreen, swimwear, and a towel, and remember that the boat’s café is convenient rather than a full restaurant.

Snorkel mask and fins can be rented for €5, with a €15 deposit and €10 refunded. You can also bring your own equipment if you have it.

The optional Comino speedboat ride

The speedboat trip around the small caves is the main paid extra. It is not needed to enjoy the cruise, but it adds a faster, closer look at the rock formations near Comino.

Bring €15 in cash and pay on site. The speedboat guide explains the area while taking you around the caves, making this more than a quick spin. The ride is particularly useful if the short boat entries into Ahrax and Santa Maria Caves leave you wanting more.

I would choose this add-on if you enjoy speed, close-up coastal views, and a little extra adventure. I would skip it if you are already happy swimming from the main boat or if the sea is making you uncomfortable.

Gozo and the return through Crystal Lagoon

At the end of the Comino stop, the boat heads toward Gozo without stopping there. You cruise around Mgarr Harbour and see important sites from the water.

This is a scenic Gozo glimpse, not a Gozo sightseeing visit. You do not get time to go ashore, so do not book this cruise expecting to explore the island’s villages or inland sights. It works well if you already have a separate Gozo day planned, as some people choose to do.

The return route uses Comino’s southern channel. The boat passes Crystal Lagoon and its caves, then Saint Mary’s Tower. Crystal Lagoon is a worthwhile contrast to Blue Lagoon, with another set of clear-water views and rocky coastal shapes. The stop here is brief, about 10 minutes, and is mainly for photos and guided viewing from the boat.

Saint Mary’s Tower provides another photo stop and a look at Comino’s historic defensive architecture. Again, you see it from the boat rather than spending a long period ashore.

Who will enjoy this day on the water

This is a strong match for families, couples, swimmers, snorkelers, and anyone who wants a relaxed base at Blue Lagoon. The slide, easy water access, music, and upper deck make the boat feel more like a floating beach club than a simple transfer vessel.

It also suits you if you want a full day without paying for a private charter. Captain Kevin’s commentary adds context to the coastal sights, while the crew handles the practical details.

The trip is less suitable for people with mobility impairments, as the boat, decks, swimming access, and island options require movement. It is also a poor fit if you suffer badly from motion sickness. The ride may be very bumpy, and the boat day is long enough for rough seas to become tiring.

Timing, comfort, and how to get the most from it

Arrive early. The upper-deck chairs are limited, and early arrival also gives you time to find the correct boat behind LOA restaurant.

Keep your first swim stop in mind when packing. Put sunscreen, towel, swimsuit, water, and any snorkeling gear where you can reach them. If you want a locker, arrange it early rather than waiting until the boat is full.

For views, consider the left side during the outward cruise, where Comino’s coast is easier to see as you pass. For shade, use the main deck. For sun, the upper deck is the obvious choice, but seats may be gone by the time you board.

The cruise has a social, upbeat feel, with music and a crew that keeps the day moving. It is not a silent nature trip. You get commentary, swimming, slides, food, and a good deal of activity packed into one outing.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. The listed duration ranges from four to seven hours depending on the selected departure, so check the exact start time when booking.

Is this Hornblower cruise worth $34?

Yes, for most people who want to swim at Blue Lagoon without arranging several separate boats. The combination of a long Comino stop, a boat with shade and facilities, cave viewing, a slide, and a return route past Crystal Lagoon gives you plenty for the price.

The value is best if you plan to use the boat as your base. If you only want to step onto Comino for a short beach visit, a simpler transfer may be enough. You should also budget for lunch, rentals, a locker, and the €15 speedboat ride if those extras appeal to you.

Book this cruise if you want clear water, easy swimming, family-friendly fun, and a full day around Comino. Skip it if you need a quiet boat, dislike rough water, have mobility limitations, or want substantial time exploring Gozo on foot.

FAQ

Where does the Comino cruise depart from?

It departs from Hornblower Cruises Malta at Sirens Quay 24, Triq San Geraldu, St. Paul’s Bay, behind the LOA restaurant.

What does the departure boat look like?

Look for a large white and blue boat with Hornblower written in red on the side.

How early should I arrive?

Arrive at least 45 minutes to an hour before departure. This allows time to find the boat and improves your chance of getting an upper-deck deck chair.

How long do you stay at the Blue Lagoon?

The scheduled stop at Blue Lagoon lasts about 4.5 hours, from approximately 11:00 to 15:20.

Can you stay on the boat during the Blue Lagoon stop?

Yes. The boat remains moored in the lagoon, and you can swim, use the slide, sit on deck, use the café, or remain aboard.

How deep is the water where the boat moors?

The mooring area is about three meters deep.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

No. A mask and snorkel can be rented for €5, with a €15 deposit and a €10 refund.

Is lunch included in the price?

No. Food and hot or cold drinks are available to buy on board.

Is the speedboat cave ride included?

No. The optional speedboat ride costs €15, payable in cash on site.

Do you need a Blue Lagoon access pass?

From May 19, 2025, visitors need a free QR-code time slot from blcomino.com. Because the boat stop runs from 11:00 to 15:20, you need both morning and afternoon slots.

Does the cruise stop at Gozo?

No. The boat cruises around Mgarr Harbour but does not stop for a shore visit.

Where does the cruise finish?

It returns to the Hornblower meeting point in St. Paul’s Bay.