Gozo Blue Lagoon and Sea Caves Full Day Cruise Tour

The best part of this cruise is that it lets you see several sides of Malta in one day: dramatic rock formations from the water, Gozo on your own, and a swim stop at Comino’s famous Blue Lagoon. The boat also approaches caves and Elephant’s Head closely enough for good photographs.

I like the two-hour Gozo stop, which gives you more than a quick look from the harbor. I also like the practical boat setup, with snorkeling equipment, a toilet, shaded seating, a sun deck, a side ladder, and a swim platform. The main concern is organization. Some passengers have found the boat crowded, and the advertised departure information lists both 10:00 and 10:30, so confirm the exact time before setting out.

Key points to know before booking

• Two hours in Gozo: Explore from Mgarr Harbour at your own pace, or pay €5 for a minibus to Victoria.
• Blue Lagoon swim stop: You get about 90 minutes at Comino, with the option to stay on the boat or enter the water.
• Free QR code required: From May 1, 2025, you need a QR code and the 13:30 to 17:30 time slot to step onto the Blue Lagoon area.
• Sea caves by boat: The route passes several caves near Comino and comes close to Elephant’s Head rock.
• Boat facilities included: Snorkeling equipment, toilet, shower near the side ladder, shaded deck, sun deck, and swim platform are provided.
• Maximum group size of 90: This is not a tiny private cruise, and the experience may feel busy when the boat is full.

A Malta sea day with three different moods

This cruise works because the day is divided into three distinct experiences. First comes the ride along Malta’s coast, where the main entertainment is the view. Then you have time on Gozo, where you can walk around rather than simply admire the island from offshore. Finally, the boat anchors at Comino for a swim in clear turquoise water.

I would choose this trip if you want a broad introduction to the islands without arranging several separate outings. At $46.26 per person, the price is reasonable for a half-day-plus cruise that includes the boat ride, Gozo stop, Blue Lagoon stop, cave viewing, and snorkeling equipment.

The value depends on what you want from Gozo. Two hours is enough for a short visit to Victoria or a quick look around Mgarr, but not enough to see much of the island. If your priority is a full Gozo sightseeing day, this cruise will feel rushed. If you want a scenic boat trip with a taste of Gozo and Comino, the timing makes more sense.

Leaving from Bugibba and settling on board

The meeting point is Seahorse Cruises at Sirens Quay on Triq San Geraldu in St. Paul’s Bay. The location is near public transportation, and the activity ends back at the same place.

There is a small timing issue worth taking seriously. The schedule says departure at 10:00, while the meeting information gives a 10:30 start. Since a missed boat can ruin the whole day, check your confirmation and contact Seahorse Cruises if the time is not clear.

Once underway, the cruise is designed more for sightseeing and swimming than for formal guiding. You’ll pass rock formations and coastal scenery, with the crew handling the boat and helping passengers use the facilities. The company describes itself as a family business with 30 years of operation, and the strongest positive point in the available feedback is the crew’s pleasant, helpful manner.

Still, expectations matter. This is a shared boat, not a quiet private charter. The maximum capacity is 90 people, and some passengers have found the seating cramped when the boat is busy. If you want plenty of personal space, arrive with modest expectations and think of the cruise as a social boat outing.

Sea caves and rock formations along Comino

The early part of the route is about seeing Malta from the water. The boat passes large rock formations and approaches several caves near Comino, giving you time to take photographs.

This is one of the better reasons to choose a boat trip instead of visiting only by land. Caves and cliff faces are most impressive from sea level, where you can see openings, shadows, and the color of the water around the rocks. The route also comes close to Elephant’s Head, a recognizable rock formation that makes a useful photo stop.

The cruise does not promise a long cave exploration on foot or by small boat. You remain on the main vessel, so the experience is scenic rather than adventurous. Bring a camera or phone, but keep it secure around the side of the boat, especially if you plan to use the swim ladder later.

Two hours at Gozo’s Mgarr Harbour

The first major stop is Mgarr Harbour in Gozo, where you have about two hours to explore independently. Admission is included, and you can choose how to use the time.

Mgarr is useful as a starting point, but the most famous sights of Gozo are not all within an easy walk of the harbor. You can stay near the port, or arrange the optional minibus shuttle to Victoria for €5, paid directly to the captain before departure.

Victoria gives you a better chance to see Gozo’s main capital, but the shuttle costs extra and reduces flexibility. You should ask about the return arrangement before paying, since your boat departure time is fixed. Missing the vessel is not a minor inconvenience.

Two hours is a useful amount of time for a quick taste, but it is not a proper island tour. You will need to choose one small area rather than attempt to see all of Gozo. I would use the stop for a short walk, a meal or drink if time permits, and a look at the harbor and nearby streets. If you already plan to spend a full day on Gozo elsewhere, the stop here may feel less important.

The short stay is the clearest weakness in the itinerary. One available comment described the boat ride and crew as pleasant but found the Gozo visit too brief to see much. That is a fair warning. The cruise gives you access, not a full guided exploration.

The Blue Lagoon from the boat

After Gozo, the boat heads to Comino’s Blue Lagoon for about 90 minutes. This is the main swimming stop, and you can choose between remaining on board, using the boat’s swim facilities, or going ashore.

The boat anchors away from the heaviest crowds, which can make the water stop more comfortable than standing on the packed shore. You can swim, snorkel, sunbathe, or simply enjoy the view from the deck. Snorkeling equipment is included, and the side ladder plus nearby shower make getting in and out of the water easier.

The Blue Lagoon is famous for its clear, bright water, but the experience changes depending on how crowded the area is. Staying on the boat gives you a better chance to sit in the shade or use the deck without searching for a place on land. Going ashore gives you a closer look at Comino, but it brings an important new rule.

From May 1, 2025, a free QR code is required to step onto the Blue Lagoon area. You must reserve the 13:30 to 17:30 time slot at blcomino.com. No QR code is needed if you remain on the boat.

This detail can easily be missed. If you want to walk on Comino, arrange the code before departure and keep it available on your phone. The code is free, so it is not an added cost, but it is a required step. The cruise includes admission to the stop, not automatic permission to go ashore without the QR booking.

Boat facilities and comfort

The boat has a useful mix of basic comforts and swimming equipment. You’ll find a toilet, shaded deck, sun deck, side ladder, shower near the ladder, and a swim platform. Snorkeling equipment is included, which saves you from bringing your own mask and snorkel.

These facilities matter because the day is long enough for comfort to become part of the experience. You may want shade after swimming, a toilet during the cruise, or a place to dry off without crowding the main seating area.

The boat is not presented as a luxury yacht with unlimited space. The company uses the language of style and quality, but the group limit of 90 means you should judge it as a larger shared cruise. One harsh account described tight seating and poor organization, so I would not book this expecting a calm, spacious sail.

There is also no snack package. Snacks can be bought separately, but the supplied information does not specify what is sold or at what price. Bring what you need if you have dietary concerns, while remembering that food and drinks are not listed among the inclusions.

Crew service and the risk of uneven organization

The crew is fully qualified and trained, from the captain to the deckhand, with an emphasis on personal service. The most favorable feedback focuses on the staff being friendly and helpful, which is important on a boat where you may need assistance with the ladder, snorkeling gear, or boarding.

The company’s long family-business history also suggests an operation familiar with tourist boat trips. That does not remove the need to check the practical details yourself. The conflicting departure times and one serious complaint about a cancellation not being communicated show why you should keep an eye on messages before leaving for the meeting point.

The overall rating is 4.3 from 36 ratings, but the spread is wide. Some experiences appear to be pleasant and well-served, while others have been sharply negative, especially around crowding, organization, and communication. I would treat this as a good-value public cruise with some operational uncertainty, not as a polished premium charter.

Who will get the most from this cruise

This outing suits you if you want:

• A simple way to combine Malta, Gozo, and Comino by sea
• Time for a swim without arranging your own boat
• Scenic cave and rock views from the water
• A short, independent stop in Gozo
• Basic onboard facilities and included snorkeling equipment
• A moderately priced day rather than a private excursion

It is less suitable if you want a full Gozo sightseeing program, a quiet boat with lots of space, or a tightly managed luxury experience. Families and casual swimmers may appreciate the ladder, shower, shaded deck, and swim platform. Strong swimmers can use the water stop more fully, while anyone who prefers not to swim can stay aboard and enjoy the scenery.

Most people can take part, according to the tour information, but the boat does involve boarding, deck movement, and access to the water by ladder. Anyone with specific mobility needs should confirm the arrangements directly before booking.

Price, cancellation, and practical value

At $46.26 per person, the cruise includes a useful amount: the boat trip, cave viewing, two hours at Gozo, 90 minutes at the Blue Lagoon, snorkeling equipment, and the onboard facilities. The optional Victoria shuttle costs €5, and snacks are extra.

That makes the price attractive for a first look at the Maltese islands by sea. You are paying for access and variety rather than a detailed guided tour. The trip gives you several scenic stops in one booking, but you should not expect extensive time ashore.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Changes or cancellations made within 24 hours are not accepted for a refund. The cruise depends on good weather and a minimum number of participants. If the operator cancels for either reason, you can choose another date or experience, or receive a full refund.

Should you book the Gozo and Blue Lagoon cruise?

I would book this cruise if your priority is a broad, affordable sea day with caves, swimming, Gozo, and Comino in one outing. The included equipment and boat facilities add real value, and the crew’s friendly service can make the day pleasant.

I would skip it if Gozo is your main goal. Two hours is simply not enough for a full island visit, even with the €5 shuttle to Victoria. I would also avoid it if cramped seating or uncertain organization would spoil your day.

Before you go, confirm whether your departure is 10:00 or 10:30, arrange the Blue Lagoon QR code if you plan to step ashore, and arrive ready for a busy shared boat. With those points handled, this is a practical way to see Malta’s northern waters without paying private-charter prices.

FAQ

Where does the cruise depart from?

The meeting point is Seahorse Cruises at Sirens Quay, Triq San Geraldu, San Pawl il-Baħar, Malta. The cruise returns to the same meeting point.

How long does the experience last?

The cruise lasts approximately 6 hours and 30 minutes. The stated return time is 17:00.

What departure time should I follow?

The information gives both a 10:00 departure and a 10:30 start time. Check your booking confirmation and contact Seahorse Cruises if the correct time is not clear.

How long is the stop in Gozo?

You have approximately two hours at Mgarr Harbour. You can explore independently or pay €5 for an optional minibus shuttle to Victoria.

How long is the Blue Lagoon stop?

The boat stops at the Blue Lagoon for approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.

Do I need a QR code for the Blue Lagoon?

You need a free QR code to step onto the Blue Lagoon area from May 1, 2025. Book the 13:30 to 17:30 time slot at blcomino.com. You do not need a QR code if you stay on the boat.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, along with a toilet, sun deck, shaded deck, side ladder, shower near the ladder, and swim platform.

Are food and snacks included?

No. Snacks are available to purchase, but they are not included in the tour price.

What happens if the cruise is canceled?

If poor weather or an insufficient number of participants causes cancellation, you can receive a different date or experience, or a full refund. You can also cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund.