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

The best part of this seven-hour cruise is the mix: you get clear water, sea caves, a boat slide, and enough time on Gozo to see more than one harbor. Captain Kevin keeps the trip moving with live commentary, island stories, music, and a relaxed family-run feel.

I like the 10-meter slide and the chance to choose your pace on Gozo. You can stay aboard for shade, sunbathe upstairs, swim at the Blue Lagoon, or pay €5 for the minibus to Victoria. The main drawback is the early queue for good upper-deck seats, plus a firm 10:00 AM departure.

Key things to know before booking

• Blue Lagoon swimming lasts 1.5 hours: Bring a towel, sunscreen, and beachwear, then swim, snorkel, jump, or use the slide.
• Gozo gives you three hours: Explore independently or pay €5 cash for transport to Victoria, Gozo’s capital.
• The upper deck fills early: Deck chairs are limited and first come, first served, so arrive 45 minutes to an hour ahead.
• Caves and cliffs come before the swim: The route passes St. Paul’s Islands, Ahrax and Santa Maria caves, rocky coves, and sea arches.
• Optional extras cost cash: The speedboat is €15, masks cost €5 with a refundable deposit, and lockers cost €2 when available.
• This is a full, active day: The boat is not suitable for wheelchair users, and you need to manage boarding, swimming, and island walking yourself.

Why this cruise works as a Malta day out

Malta is a small country with a lot packed into its coastline. From St Pauls Bay, this boat trip lets you see Malta, Comino, and Gozo in one outing without arranging separate ferries, buses, and swimming stops.

That convenience is the main value. At $34 per person, the fare covers the round-trip cruise, the Blue Lagoon stop, three hours on Gozo, and use of the slide and deck areas. Lunch, island transport, equipment rental, and the optional speedboat cost extra, but the base price remains reasonable for a seven-hour day.

I would book this if you want a broad taste of the islands rather than a quiet, private boat ride. The boat carries enough people that the experience has a social, lively feel. Music plays, the crew keeps things light, and the upper deck becomes a sunny viewing spot between stops.

If you want peace and space, this may feel busy. It is also not a pure Gozo sightseeing tour. You get free time rather than a guided walk through the island’s major sites, so you need to make your own plan.

Boarding at St Pauls Bay at 10:00 AM

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

Arrive 45 minutes to one hour early, especially if you want an upper-deck chair. The boat departs promptly at 10:00 AM, and it will not wait for late arrivals. Malta traffic can be heavy, parking is limited, and missed departures are not refunded, so build in extra time.

Three local bus stops are within walking distance: Parades, Bandieri, and Toni. If you drive, free roadside parking may be available in white-lined spaces, along with a small parking area near the boarding point. Give taxi drivers the full address rather than simply saying St Pauls Bay.

Once aboard, look around before settling in. The main deck has shaded seating, while the upper deck is the place for sun and wide views. Deck chairs are limited, not guaranteed, and first come, first served. If the top level matters to you, arriving 30 minutes early may not be enough on a busy day.

Malta’s northern coast, St Paul, and the sea caves

The cruise begins with a scenic run along Malta’s northern coast. Keep your camera ready for high cliffs, coves, unusual rock shapes, and water-cut caves. The boat moves close enough to the coast for photographs, though sea conditions and the captain’s route determine how close you get.

The route passes the islands of St. Paul’s and the large statue of St. Paul. The statue marks the traditional place connected with St. Paul’s shipwreck in Malta in 60 AD, a detail that gives the coastline more meaning than a simple photo stop.

Captain Kevin provides live commentary as you go. The information covers the sights, local culture, and parts of Malta’s past. It is useful context during the cruising stretches, though you should not expect a formal lecture or a printed guide.

The boat also enters the Ahrax and Santa Maria cave areas. These are short scenic visits rather than long cave walks. You stay on the boat, looking into the openings and along the rock walls while the crew positions the vessel for photographs.

That distinction matters. This outing is about seeing the caves from the water, not walking through them. The best photos may come quickly, so keep your phone accessible and protect it from spray.

The Blue Lagoon: 90 minutes for swimming and fun

The main swimming stop is the Blue Lagoon on Comino. You get about 1.5 hours here, with the boat serving as your base.

The water is famously clear and bright, and the pale sand adds to the postcard look. You can swim directly from the boat, jump from a suitable point, use the 10-meter slide, or walk toward the small sandy beach. The boat also has shaded seating for anyone who wants to enjoy the view without getting wet.

The slide is a major reason this trip suits families and anyone who likes a little action. It turns the stop into more than a standard boat anchorage. You can spend time in the water, dry off on deck, then go again.

Snorkel equipment is available for a €5 rental fee, with a €15 deposit and €10 returned when the mask and snorkel come back. Bring your own gear if you already have it, but cash is still useful for the rental and other extras.

The optional speedboat ride costs €15 in cash, depending on availability. It takes you around the caves and toward the Crystal Lagoon, giving you a faster, lower-to-the-water view of Comino. Expect to get soaked. The ride is not part of the base ticket, but it can be worthwhile if you want more than a stationary swim stop.

You might prefer to remain on the main boat. The upper deck is good for sun, the main deck offers shade, and the crew provides a place to store yourself between swims. Lockers cost €2, though availability is limited, so do not count on one for every bag.

The Blue Lagoon is beautiful, but it can also be the busiest part of the day. The boat gives you a controlled place to swim, yet the water around Comino is not a private cove. If you want the calmest experience, go straight into the water when the boat arrives rather than waiting until the end.

Gozo’s three-hour stop and the €5 Victoria bus

After Comino, the cruise continues to Gozo. You get three hours of free time, which is enough for a useful taste of the island but not enough to cover every major sight.

You have two choices. You can explore on your own, or pay €5 cash for the local minibus transfer to Victoria, Gozo’s capital. I consider the bus the practical choice for most people. It saves walking time and gets you into the island’s central city, where you can visit the Citadel area, browse shops, eat lunch, and walk around at your own pace.

The transfer is not included, so keep a €5 note or suitable cash ready when boarding. The trip is designed to make Gozo manageable within the three-hour window. Without it, you may spend too much of your stop figuring out transport or staying close to the port.

Victoria is a sensible target because it gives you a clear destination. You can use the time for photographs, shopping, a meal, or a walk through the old center. The schedule includes about 1.5 hours in Victoria within the wider Gozo stop, with the remaining time connected to transport and sightseeing.

The tradeoff is freedom versus coverage. You are not joining a detailed guided tour of Gozo, so the experience depends on how well you use your time. I would decide before departure whether you want the bus, because trying to improvise on the island can eat into your visit.

Lunch is not included. Food and drinks are available aboard the boat at reasonable prices, but Gozo gives you a chance to buy a meal on land. Keep your watch in mind. The boat leaves after the three-hour stop, and the return schedule is fixed.

Xlendi Bay and the return through southern Comino

The listed route includes Xlendi Bay as a short scenic stop of about 20 minutes. Treat this as a brief visit and photo opportunity, not a long beach afternoon. You may have time to walk a little and take in the bay, but the overall schedule still has to return the boat to Malta.

On the way back, the cruise passes through Comino’s southern channel. This is when you see the Crystal Lagoon, more sea caves, and St. Mary’s Tower from the water.

The Crystal Lagoon is a strong photography point, with steep rock around clear water. Depending on the day, weather, timing, and the optional speedboat, you may see it from the main cruise boat rather than swim there. Do not book this expecting a guaranteed Crystal Lagoon swim.

St. Mary’s Tower is another landmark viewed from the route. Its position above Comino’s rocky coast makes a good closing sight before the boat heads back toward St Pauls Bay.

The return journey also gives you time to rest. After swimming and walking in Gozo, the shaded main deck can be welcome. If the weather is pleasant, the upper deck is the better place to watch the coastline slide past.

Food, cash, and what to pack

The boat sells hot food, snacks, and drinks. This keeps the day simple, especially if you do not want to lose Gozo time searching for lunch. Still, pack a small amount of food if you have particular dietary needs, since the available choices are not specified.

Bring:

• Towel
• Sunscreen
• Beachwear
• Cash for optional extras
• A phone or camera that you can protect from spray

Cash matters more than many people expect. The Gozo bus costs €5, the speedboat costs €15, mask rental requires a €5 fee and deposit, and lockers cost €2 when available. The speedboat representative takes cash only.

Alcohol and drugs are not allowed. The boat is family-friendly in tone, with swimming and a slide that appeal to children and adults alike, but you still need to supervise children around the water and moving boat.

Who will enjoy this trip most

I would recommend it to first-time Malta visitors who want to combine the sea and Gozo in one day. It also suits families, couples, and groups who like a busy outing with several choices built in.

The trip is particularly useful if you are short on time. Instead of arranging a separate Comino boat, Gozo transfer, and coastal sightseeing plan, you get all three in one schedule.

You should also choose it if you enjoy being on the water even when you are not swimming. The cruise includes cliffs, caves, rock formations, historic sights, and island views. You can make the day active or fairly relaxed by alternating between the deck and the stops.

I would hesitate to recommend it to anyone who dislikes crowds, needs guaranteed quiet seating, or wants a slow, detailed tour of Gozo. The upper deck fills early, the Blue Lagoon is a popular stop, and Gozo time is free rather than led step by step.

The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users. Boarding a boat, using the slide, entering the water, and moving around Gozo all require a level of physical independence.

Is the $34 price good value?

At $34, the base fare is strong for a full day covering three islands and a coastal route. You receive round-trip transport by boat, 90 minutes at the Blue Lagoon, three hours on Gozo, live commentary, deck access, and the slide.

The extra costs are modest but should be planned:

• Gozo minibus to Victoria: €5 cash
• Speedboat at the Blue Lagoon: €15 cash, subject to availability
• Mask and snorkel: €5 rental, plus a €15 deposit with €10 returned
• Locker: €2, limited availability
• Lunch and drinks: purchased separately aboard or on Gozo

For the smoothest day, I would budget for the €5 Gozo bus and decide on the speedboat after seeing the conditions. The bus is the useful extra. The speedboat is the fun extra.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. The practical warning is simple: do not rely on that flexibility if you are unsure about getting to St Pauls Bay on time. Late arrivals do not receive refunds.

Final call: should you book it?

Book this cruise if you want a good-value Malta overview with swimming, caves, Gozo, and a lively boat atmosphere. Arrive early, bring cash, take the €5 bus to Victoria, and use the Blue Lagoon stop as soon as you board rather than waiting around.

Skip it if you want a private boat, a quiet beach, or a full guided tour of Gozo. For most visitors with one free day and a taste for water, views, music, and a little controlled chaos, this is a practical and enjoyable way to see Malta’s northern islands.

FAQ

Where does the cruise start?

The cruise starts at Hornblower Cruises, Sirens Quay 24, Triq San Geraldu, St Pauls Bay, behind LOA restaurant. Look for the large white and blue Hornblower boat with red writing.

What time does the boat leave?

The boat departs promptly at 10:00 AM. It will not be delayed for late arrivals, and missed departures are not refunded.

How early should I arrive?

Arrive 45 minutes to one hour before departure. Upper-deck seating and deck chairs are first come, first served, so early arrival gives you the best chance of getting a spot upstairs.

How long is the cruise?

The experience lasts about seven hours. Starting times can vary, so check availability when booking.

How long do you stay at the Blue Lagoon?

You have approximately 1.5 hours at the Blue Lagoon for swimming and snorkeling. You can also use the boat’s 10-meter slide or walk toward the small sandy beach.

Is the Gozo bus included?

No. The optional minibus transfer to Victoria costs €5 and must be paid in cash when boarding. You can also explore Gozo independently.

How much does the Blue Lagoon speedboat cost?

The optional speedboat costs €15 in cash, depending on availability. It can take you around caves and toward the Crystal Lagoon, and you should expect to get wet.

Is food available during the trip?

Lunch is not included, but hot food, snacks, and drinks are available to purchase aboard the boat. You can also buy food during your free time on Gozo.

What should I bring?

Bring a towel, sunscreen, beachwear, and cash. Cash is useful for the Gozo bus, speedboat, snorkeling equipment, lockers, and onboard purchases.