Malta: Gozo, Comino Island and Blue Lagoon Cruise

The best thing about this cruise is that it gives you Gozo and Comino in one day without using one of Malta’s giant party boats. You cruise past St. Paul’s Island, Mellieha Bay, and Smuggler’s Cove, then reach Victoria, the Blue Lagoon, and the Santa Maria Caves.

I like the friendly, attentive crew and the boat’s practical setup: a sundeck, toilet, outdoor shower, snack bar, and platform for getting into the sea. I also like the choice at the Blue Lagoon. You can swim from a quieter anchorage or stay aboard and enjoy the view.

The catch is time. Gozo gets about two hours, and the Blue Lagoon gets 1.5 hours, so you can sample both islands but cannot explore either one at a leisurely pace. If Victoria is your main goal, book a separate Gozo day trip.

The quick take: a relaxed boat day for $53

This is a scenic 6.5-hour cruise from Bugibba, priced at $53 per person. For that fare, you get the boat ride, the Gozo stop, transport to Victoria, the Blue Lagoon stop, cave views, and live commentary in English and Italian.

The real value is convenience. Instead of arranging separate transport to Gozo and Comino, you see both by sea in one outing. Food and drinks cost extra, but they are available onboard, and the boat accepts cash only.

The boat is smaller than the largest Malta cruise vessels. That matters in summer, when a calmer, less crowded boat can make the difference between a pleasant sea day and a noisy scramble for deck space. The precise group size is not given, but the experience is designed to feel more personal than the big-boat alternatives.

You should still set realistic expectations. This is not a detailed guided tour of Gozo. At Victoria, you receive free time and transport rather than a long walking tour with a dedicated city guide. Think of the day as a coastal cruise with short island visits, not a full cultural tour.

Boarding at Bugibba Jetty before 10 AM

The meeting point is Bugibba Jetty on Dawret il Gzejjer, San Pawl il-Baħar. Look for the Seahorse Cruises vessel, described as the only sailing boat at the meeting point.

Boarding closes at 10 AM, even though the cruise begins at 10:30 AM. Treat that closing time as firm. Arrive with your booking details ready, and do not plan to reach the jetty at the advertised departure time.

The opening hour is part sightseeing cruise, not dead time. From the water, you pass St. Paul’s Island, Mellieha Bay, and Smuggler’s Cove Cave. This gives you a useful first look at Malta’s rocky coast and puts the day in the right frame: the boat ride is one of the main attractions, not simply transport between swimming stops.

Live commentary is provided in English and Italian. The information is useful for orientation, though you should not expect a long, formal lecture at every point. One of the best features of this format is that you can listen from the deck, take photographs, or simply watch the coast slide by.

Gozo and Victoria: two hours to get a taste

Gozo is Malta’s quieter sister island, and it has a different feel from the main island. This cruise gives you a stop there, but it does not attempt to cover the whole island.

When the boat reaches Gozo, staff direct you to a shuttle bus for Victoria, Gozo’s capital. Transport is included, which is important because it lets you make the most of a relatively short stop without needing to arrange your own ride.

You get around two hours in Victoria. That is enough to walk around, take photographs, see some historic sights, and browse the market for souvenirs such as fridge magnets. It is not enough for a slow meal, extended shopping, and a full exploration of the city all at once.

This is where you need to choose your priorities. If you want photographs and a quick look at Victoria, the timing works. If you want to eat, shop, and explore every corner of the capital, the stop will feel rushed. One practical choice is to eat onboard later and use your Gozo time for walking and sights.

The shuttle transfer adds convenience, but it also makes the schedule less flexible. You are following the cruise timetable rather than setting your own pace. I would choose this cruise for a first look at Gozo, not as my only Gozo experience.

Blue Lagoon: a swim from a quieter anchorage

The afternoon brings the trip’s main event, 1.5 hours at Comino’s Blue Lagoon. The water is famously clear and turquoise, and the boat provides several ways to enjoy it.

You can swim from the boat, use the snorkel equipment, sunbathe on the deck, or stay dry and watch the scene from onboard. There is a diving platform, though I would call it a sea-entry platform here, since the attraction is jumping or climbing into the water rather than a formal underwater excursion.

A useful feature is the anchorage. The boat drops anchor away from the thickest crowds, allowing you to swim in clearer surroundings without having to join the tightest mass of people near the shore. This does not make the Blue Lagoon empty. It does give you a calmer option.

Bring swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen. A snorkel mask is available with a €10 deposit. The boat also has a shower near the side ladder, which is handy after saltwater swimming.

There is one important rule for the Blue Lagoon. If you want to get off the boat, you must arrange a free QR code time slot for 13:30 to 17:30. This requirement applies from May 1, 2025, under Maltese regulations. Check your ticket details before the day, since the QR code is not included automatically.

The 1.5-hour stop is enough for a swim and some time in the sun. It is not enough for a long beach afternoon. If your dream is to spend most of the day at the Blue Lagoon, a dedicated Comino trip will suit you better.

Santa Maria Caves and the return to Bugibba

On the way back, the boat enters or passes by the Santa Maria Caves. You get roughly 10 minutes for a photo stop and views of the rock formations.

The highlight is the Elephants Head, an unusual natural rock shape that looks especially good from the water. The caves give the return journey a final scenic chapter, rather than ending the day as a straight ride back to port.

Some trips offer an optional speedboat cave ride for an extra charge onboard. That addition is not part of the included package, so ask the crew about the current arrangement if you want more action inside the caves. The basic cruise still gives you cave views without requiring the extra purchase.

You return to Bugibba Jetty around 5 PM. The full day is tightly arranged, but the sequence works well: sightseeing on the way out, Gozo in the middle of the day, swimming at Comino, and caves on the return.

What the boat provides onboard

The Seahorse Cruises boat is set up for a full day at sea rather than a bare transfer. You have a toilet, sundeck, swimming platform, and shower near the side ladder.

Food and drinks are available to purchase onboard. The prices have been described as fair, which helps because lunch is not included. Cash is the only payment method accepted onboard, so bring enough for food, drinks, and any optional extras.

You cannot bring food, drinks, luggage, or a cooler. Pack a small personal bag with only what you need for the day. Comfortable shoes are listed among the recommended items, though swimwear, towel, sunscreen, and cash are the essentials.

The crew receives especially strong praise for being friendly, helpful, and attentive. Captain Owen is singled out by name in the available feedback, and the crew is noted for welcoming people personally and giving clear safety instructions. That personal touch is a major reason to choose this boat over a much larger operator.

The vessel is also described as clean and comfortable. It is large enough to offer facilities and deck space, but smaller than the packed cruise boats that serve the same waters. If you dislike noisy, crowded excursions, this is one of the most useful details to weigh.

Who will enjoy this cruise most

This outing works well for families, couples, and first-time Malta visitors who want a broad sample of the islands. It is suitable for all ages, and the swimming stop gives teenagers and active children something to look forward to.

It also suits you if you like mixing activities. In one day, you get coastal scenery, a town visit, market browsing, swimming, snorkeling, and caves. You are rarely doing the same thing for long.

The cruise is less suitable if you want a serious history tour. Victoria receives only a short visit, and the commentary is not described as a full guided walking tour. You will need to explore independently and use your time carefully.

It is also not suitable for people with mobility impairments. Boarding, shuttle transfers, ladders, and access to the swimming platform may be difficult. The tour operator reserves the right to change the route, start point, or end point because of weather, tides, or other conditions.

How the timing affects the value

At $53, this is good value if you want transport and sightseeing in one package. Separate trips to Gozo and Comino can take more planning, and this cruise covers the major stops in a single day.

The price includes transport to Victoria and the Blue Lagoon stop, but not lunch, drinks, or optional activities. The included snorkeling mask requires a €10 deposit, so keep that separate from your food budget.

Your decision comes down to depth versus variety. You get a lot in 6.5 hours, but every stop is limited. Gozo receives two hours, the Blue Lagoon 1.5 hours, and the caves only a short viewing stop. I see the price as strong for a first taste of the islands, but less attractive if you already know you want a full day in Victoria or a long beach stay.

The schedule is also a good fit for a short Malta holiday. If you have only a few days, this lets you see two sister islands without spending separate days on each. If you have a longer stay, consider using this as your easy scenic day and reserving another day for a slower exploration of Gozo.

Practical advice before you book

Arrive before the 10 AM boarding cutoff. This is the most important timing detail of the day.

Bring a towel, swimwear, sunscreen, comfortable shoes, and cash. A waterproof pouch for your phone would be sensible, but it is not listed as required equipment.

Check the Blue Lagoon QR code rule before departure. You need the free 13:30 to 17:30 slot only if you plan to get off the boat, but checking in advance avoids confusion at Comino.

Do not bring a cooler, large bag, food, or drinks. The boat sells refreshments, and payment onboard is cash only.

Keep your Gozo plan simple. Choose two or three priorities in Victoria, such as photographs, the historic sights, and the market. Trying to fit in a long lunch and extensive shopping will make the stop feel hurried.

Finally, remember that the captain can alter the route because of weather or tides. Sea conditions control the day, especially at the caves and swimming stops.

Should you book the Gozo and Comino cruise?

Book it if you want one well-organized boat day with friendly staff, a comfortable smaller vessel, a swim at the Blue Lagoon, and a quick introduction to Gozo. The included facilities and $53 price make it a practical choice, especially for families and short-stay visitors.

Skip it if your priority is a deep visit to Victoria, a long beach session, or complete control over your schedule. In that case, separate trips will give you more time.

For most people, this is best understood as a scenic sampler with a strong swimming stop. You see a lot, the crew keeps the day moving, and the boat gives you a more relaxed setting than the biggest operators. Just board early, bring cash, and accept that Gozo and Comino will be highlights rather than full explorations.

FAQ

Where does the cruise depart from?

The cruise departs from Bugibba Jetty on Dawret il Gzejjer, San Pawl il-Baħar, Malta. The vessel is called Seahorse Cruises.

What time does boarding close?

Boarding closes at 10 AM. The cruise begins at 10:30 AM, so you need to arrive before the boarding cutoff.

How long does the cruise last?

The activity lasts 6.5 hours and returns to Bugibba Jetty at about 5 PM.

How much time is spent in Victoria, Gozo?

You receive about two hours of free time in Victoria. Transport from the boat to Victoria is included.

How long is the Blue Lagoon stop?

The Blue Lagoon stop lasts 1.5 hours. You can swim, snorkel, sunbathe, or stay aboard.

Do I need a QR code for the Blue Lagoon?

You need a free QR code time slot if you want to get off the boat at the Blue Lagoon. The required time slot is 13:30 to 17:30 under the regulations in effect from May 1, 2025.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

A snorkeling mask is available, with a €10 deposit required. The boat also has a swimming platform and a shower near the side ladder.

Can I buy lunch and drinks onboard?

Food and drinks are available to purchase onboard, but lunch is not included. Only cash is accepted onboard.