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

The best part of this seven-hour island cruise is the mix: clear water, sea caves, Malta’s northern coast, Comino, and a taste of Gozo in one day. You board at Bugibba Jetty in St. Paul’s Bay, use the boat as your base at the Blue Lagoon, then continue to Gozo’s Mġarr Harbour.

I like the low price of $36.28 and the useful onboard setup, including toilets, shaded seating, an air-conditioned lower deck, a cafeteria, lockers, and a water slide. I also like the early Blue Lagoon stop, which gives you a better chance of enjoying the water before the bay fills up.

The main catch is time. One hour and 30 minutes at the Blue Lagoon goes quickly, especially if you add the €15 speedboat trip, and Gozo is only a sample rather than a full island tour. The boat can also feel crowded, particularly on the top deck.

What makes this cruise worth considering

• Blue Lagoon before the busiest part of the day: You reach Comino after about an hour and stay for 90 minutes, with access to both the boat and the island.
• Caves viewed from the water: The route passes through Ahrax Cave and Santa Maria Cave, with close views of rock formations along Malta and Comino.
• Gozo in the same outing: You get about three hours at Mġarr Harbour, including travel time, with an optional shuttle to Victoria and a viewpoint.
• A practical boat base: You can swim from the boat, return for shade or a drink, use the toilet, and leave your towel and belongings more easily than on the crowded shore.
• Optional extras paid locally: The Gozo shuttle costs €5, while the speedboat cave trip costs €15. Bring cash, since some extras are cash only.
• A lively but large-group atmosphere: The maximum group size is 232, so arrive early if you want a top-deck chair.

From Bugibba Jetty to Malta’s northern coast

The tour begins at 10 a.m. at Bugibba Jetty, Dawret Il-Gżejjer, in St. Paul’s Bay. You make your own way there, so allow extra time if you are staying around Valletta. One person reported taking a little over an hour by bus from Valletta, with a local bus fare of about €2, while Bolt is another option.

Arrive early. The top deck chairs are first come, first served, and they disappear quickly. Even arriving nearly an hour before departure may not guarantee a separate lounger during a full sailing. You can still find seating on the main deck, with both shaded and sunny areas, but the best open views are usually claimed first.

Once underway, the boat follows Malta’s north coast. The captain points out St. Paul’s Islands and the tall statue marking the traditional site of St. Paul’s shipwreck in 60 AD. The commentary adds useful context without turning the ride into a formal history lesson.

The route continues past Ghadira Bay, also known as Mellieħa Beach, Malta’s largest sandy beach. You then head toward Ahrax Cave for a short photo stop. This first stretch is not simply transport to Comino. It gives you a coastal view that is hard to get from land, with limestone cliffs, beaches, and openings in the rock.

The boat also passes several recognizable Comino sights. These include the Elephant’s Head rock formation, Santa Maria Cave, Santa Maria Bay, St. Nicholas Bay, and the former Comino Hotel area. Conditions at sea affect how close the boat can get, so the exact view can vary, but the route is built around photography and sightseeing.

Blue Lagoon: use the boat as your base

After about an hour of cruising, the boat moors at Comino’s Blue Lagoon for 90 minutes. This is the heart of the day, and the schedule gives you enough time for a proper swim, though not enough for every optional activity.

The water is the obvious draw. It is clear, bright, and usually the reason people choose this cruise. You can swim from the boat, walk onto Comino, snorkel, sunbathe, or use the 10-meter slide. The boat’s mooring position lets you return onboard for shade, a toilet break, a snack, or a drink.

That arrangement is one of the strongest reasons to choose this trip over a simple beach transfer. The Blue Lagoon shore can become crowded, while the boat gives you a little breathing room. You can enjoy the water without carrying every item onto the island or sitting on the beach for the entire stop.

Bring your own towel and sunscreen. Towels are not provided, and sunscreen is not sold onboard. Mask and snorkel rental costs €5, plus a €10 refundable deposit. A life vest is available on request, which is a sensible choice if you are not a strong swimmer.

The timing needs some planning. If you swim, change clothes, walk to the island, and take the speedboat cave trip, 90 minutes can feel tight. One useful rule is to choose your priority before arrival. For the most water time, stay near the boat and skip the extra ride. For more scenery, take the speedboat and accept a shorter swim.

You also need a Blue Lagoon landing pass. The QR codes are obtained from www.blcomino.com before the visit. This is a small step, but it is worth handling in advance rather than trying to sort it out at the mooring.

Food and drinks are available from the cafeteria. Prices are described as reasonable, with hot and cold drinks, fries, and specialty drinks served in hollowed-out pineapples. Food is not included, so you can bring your own plan and buy onboard only when needed.

Crystal Lagoon and Comino’s caves

The boat also cruises by Crystal Lagoon, a deeper bay known for its clear water and appeal to people who want to explore below the surface. From the Blue Lagoon, it is about an eight-minute walk, so you may be able to see it on foot if the timing and conditions suit you.

Do not expect a long separate stop at every cave. Many are viewed during the cruise, with the boat slowing or entering larger openings for photographs. Santa Maria Cave and Ahrax Cave are among the named stops, while the route also takes in smaller coves and rock formations.

For a closer look, you can pay €15 for a speedboat trip to the small caves. This is an optional cash purchase, although payment arrangements can vary, so it is wise to carry euros. The ride is short but adds another view of Comino’s rocky coast and places the larger boat cannot reach.

I would treat the speedboat as a bonus rather than a core part of the tour. It is good for photos and close-up scenery, but adding it during the Blue Lagoon stop reduces the time available for swimming. If the water is your main reason for booking, stay with the main boat.

Gozo’s Mġarr Harbour and the €5 shuttle

After Comino, the cruise continues to Gozo’s main port, Mġarr Harbour. You have about three hours on Gozo, but travel between stops is included in that period. That distinction matters. You do not receive three full hours in Victoria or three full hours at the Citadel.

You can explore independently by local bus or taxi, remain around the harbour, or buy the organized shuttle for €5 per person. The shuttle is paid for on the day and is best paid at check-in so you do not lose time arranging transport later.

The shuttle takes you to Victoria, Gozo’s capital, for about 90 minutes. That is enough to walk around, shop, eat, and get a quick look at the Citadel area. It is not enough for a relaxed tour of Victoria and the wider island, so keep your plans modest.

The second shuttle stop is a panoramic viewpoint for about 15 minutes. This adds a broad view of Gozo and a useful photo break, but it leaves little room for unscheduled stops. The driver may provide some information, though the amount of commentary can vary.

Independent exploration is possible, but the local bus may take about 30 minutes each way to Victoria. That makes the €5 shuttle a strong value if seeing the capital is important to you. A local €3 shuttle from the port to the Citadel area has also been noted, which may help people who want a simpler transfer, but you still need to monitor the return schedule carefully.

Gozo is the tour’s most debated section. I like that it gives you a taste of the island instead of keeping you on Comino all day. But if Gozo is your main goal, three hours with transport included is too short for a full experience. You may prefer a dedicated Gozo outing or a longer independent visit.

The return schedule is firm. Be back at the agreed pickup point on time. Missing the shuttle or the boat can turn a pleasant day into a costly transport problem, especially with children or anyone who finds walking uphill difficult.

The return cruise through Comino’s south channel

After the Gozo stop, the boat returns toward Malta through Comino’s south channel and passes Crystal Lagoon again before heading toward the Blue Lagoon area. The published return time is around 5 p.m., making the full outing roughly seven hours.

The route back includes more views of Comino’s coves and the fjord-like bay of Xlendi is listed as part of the Gozo sightseeing route. This final stretch is a chance to rest after the active parts of the day, though the sea breeze can feel cool in the late afternoon.

Bring layers, even in warm weather. The sun sits lower later in the day, and the upper deck can become chilly once the boat is moving. A sweater or light hoodie is a better choice than assuming Malta will feel hot from morning to evening.

Boat comfort, crowding, and practical details

This is an inexpensive sightseeing cruise, not a luxury yacht. The boat is older but has the facilities needed for a full day at sea: a top sun deck, a shaded main deck, an air-conditioned lower deck, male and female toilets, a cafeteria, and a limited number of lockers.

The group can reach 232 people. That explains the scramble for top-deck chairs and the occasional complaint about crowding. If you care about a lounger or a particular view, arrive early. If you mainly want the route, swimming, and island stops, the large capacity is less of a concern.

The crew receives strong praise for being friendly, helpful, and engaging. Captain Kevin provides coastal commentary, and the onboard music contributes to a relaxed, social mood. On Gozo, a driver named Paul has been singled out for being kind and helpful, although the amount of information from shuttle drivers may vary.

There is no hotel pickup. The meeting point is the Bugibba Jetty in St. Paul’s Bay, and the activity ends there. The tour is offered in English, confirmation is provided at booking, and service animals are allowed. Most people can take part, but the itinerary involves swimming, boat boarding, and some walking if you explore Comino or Victoria.

Weather matters. The cruise runs only in suitable conditions. If bad weather cancels it, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. Standard cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations or changes inside that window are not refunded or accepted.

Is $36.28 a fair price?

Yes, if you want several Malta sights in one day and understand what is not included. At $36.28 per person, the basic fare covers the cruise, the coastal route, the cave views, the Blue Lagoon stop, access to the boat’s slide and facilities, and the Gozo visit.

The €5 shuttle is the most useful add-on. It saves time and makes Victoria realistic within the short stop. The €15 speedboat is more optional, but it can be worthwhile if you care more about caves and rock formations than a longer swim.

Plan for extra costs if needed:

• €5 for the Gozo shuttle
• €15 for the speedboat cave trip
• €5 for mask and snorkel rental, plus a €10 refundable deposit
• €2 for a locker, plus a €10 refundable deposit
• Food and drinks from the cafeteria
• Your own transport to and from Bugibba Jetty

Bring cash for the bus and other local extras. This is a small point, but it avoids standing at the port without a way to pay.

The value is strongest for a short Malta visit. You see two islands, swim at the country’s most famous lagoon, and view coastal caves without booking separate transport. The trade-off is that each place gets a quick visit.

Who should book this Comino and Gozo cruise?

I would choose this trip if you want an easy overview of Malta’s northern islands, enjoy being on the water, and prefer a clear seven-hour plan. It suits couples, families, and first-time visitors who want to fit Comino and Gozo into one day.

It is especially good for people who want to swim but also need access to shade, toilets, drinks, and seating. The boat makes the Blue Lagoon stop more flexible than a bare beach visit.

I would think twice if you want quiet, long swims, detailed sightseeing in Gozo, or a small boat with personal service. The Blue Lagoon is famous and can be busy, the vessel may feel crowded, and the 90-minute Comino stop does not leave room for every activity.

FAQ

Where does the tour start?

It starts at Bugibba Jetty, Dawret Il-Gżejjer, in San Pawl il-Baħar, Malta. You make your own way to the meeting point.

What time does the cruise leave?

The scheduled start time is 10 a.m.

How long is the experience?

The cruise lasts approximately seven hours and returns to the meeting point at about 5 p.m.

How long do I spend at the Blue Lagoon?

The boat stops at Comino’s Blue Lagoon for one hour and 30 minutes.

Is the Gozo bus tour included?

No. You can explore Gozo independently or pay an additional €5 per person for the shuttle to Victoria and a panoramic viewpoint.

Are food, drinks, towels, and snorkeling equipment included?

No. Food and drinks are sold onboard. Towels are not provided. Mask and snorkel rental costs €5, plus a €10 refundable deposit.

What happens if bad weather cancels the cruise?

You can choose an alternative date or receive a full refund if the operator cancels because of poor weather. Standard cancellations made at least 24 hours before departure also qualify for a full refund.

Should you book it?

Book it if you want good island coverage for a modest price and are happy with a busy, active day. Arrive early for a better seat, download the Blue Lagoon landing pass, bring cash and a towel, and choose between swimming and the speedboat before you reach Comino.

The €5 Gozo shuttle is worth considering because it makes Victoria practical. Skip it if you would rather spend more time near the water. For a first Malta visit, this is a sensible way to see Comino and Gozo together. For a slower holiday or a serious Gozo visit, choose separate trips instead.