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

The real draw here is the chance to pack Blue Lagoon swimming, Comino’s caves, and Gozo’s hilltop capital into one day. From St Paul’s Bay, Captain Kevin and his crew take you along Malta’s northern coast, with live commentary, photo stops, and plenty of time on deck.

I like the family-run feel and the range of things to do aboard: swim, snorkel, sunbathe, or shoot down the 10-meter slide. I also like the useful three-hour stop in Gozo, which gives you more than a quick look. The main drawback is the boat’s popularity. Upper-deck chairs go quickly, so you need to arrive about an hour early if you want the best seats.

Key points to know

• Blue Lagoon stop: You get about 1.5 hours for swimming, snorkeling, beach time, or the boat’s slide.
• Gozo freedom: Spend three hours on Gozo, with an optional €5 cash minibus ride to Victoria.
• Cave and coast views: The route passes Ahrax, Santa Maria, Crystal Lagoon, and several sea caves.
• Upper deck advantage: Deck chairs are limited and assigned on a first-come basis.
• Extra water fun: The optional speedboat ride costs €15 in cash and can include cave views around Comino.
• Good value: At $34 per person, the cruise includes transport, both island stops, commentary, and the slide.

A full day from St Paul’s Bay to Comino and Gozo

This is a long, active boat day, not a quiet harbor cruise. The trip lasts about seven hours and begins at Hornblower Cruises, Sirens Quay 24 in St Paul’s Bay, behind the LOA restaurant.

The boat leaves promptly at 10:00 AM. I would arrive 45 minutes to one hour early, especially if you want an upper-deck chair. Several bus stops are within walking distance, including Parades, Bandieri, and Toni. Free roadside parking may be available in white-marked spaces, but parking is limited and traffic can be heavy.

The boat has an upper sun deck, shaded seating on the main deck, deck chairs, a snack and drinks bar, and the 10-meter slide. Deck chairs are limited, and the upper area is first come, first served. If you arrive only 30 minutes early, you may still find a place to sit, but your choice will be much narrower.

The cruise returns to the same meeting point. The crew speaks English, and Captain Kevin provides live explanations of the sights along the route. Several names appear in the crew feedback, including Kevin, Brahim, and a speedboat guide called Life, though the exact crew on your departure may vary.

Malta’s northern coast and the story of St Paul

The first stretch is a scenic cruise along Malta’s northern coast. Keep your camera ready for high cliffs, coves, rock formations, and openings in the limestone shoreline.

One of the more interesting sights is St Paul’s Islands, linked with the story of St Paul’s shipwreck in Malta in AD 60. A large statue of St Paul marks the site. You do not get a long land visit here, but the boat gives you a useful view and a chance to hear the background from the captain.

The commentary is one of the better features of the trip because it gives context while you are looking at the coast. It is not a formal museum-style tour, and the amount of historical detail can vary. If you want every fact written down, bring a small notebook or use your phone, since there is no printed guide included.

As the boat moves toward Comino, it passes close to natural rock formations and sea caves. These short viewing stops work best when you treat them as photo opportunities rather than full visits. The boat may slow or enter a cave area, but you are not getting off for a guided cave walk.

Ahrax and Santa Maria Caves by boat

The route includes Ahrax and Santa Maria Caves, with time to look into the openings and photograph the rock walls from the water. Santa Maria Bay and nearby coastal features are also part of the scenic run.

This is a strong section for anyone who enjoys Malta’s coast more than organized sightseeing on land. You get a moving view of the shoreline, and the crew points out formations that would be easy to miss on your own.

Keep your expectations sensible. The cave stops are brief, often around five to ten minutes, and the boat may stop as close as conditions allow. They are not long, quiet stays inside the caves. On a busy day, other boats can also affect the view.

The Blue Lagoon: swim, slide, or stay dry

The cruise spends about 1.5 hours at the famous Blue Lagoon. This is the main water stop, with unusually clear water and pale sand around the shoreline.

You can swim from the boat, walk to the small beach, snorkel, or simply stay on deck and enjoy the view. The boat’s 10-meter slide gives the stop a playful edge, especially for families and anyone who prefers a splash to a quiet swim.

The water is the star, but the Blue Lagoon is not a private escape. The area is highly popular, and the boat’s facilities matter because they let you avoid fighting for a patch of beach. You can use the upper deck for sun, shaded seats on the main deck for a break, and the boat’s bar for snacks and drinks.

Bring your own towel, sunscreen, and beachwear. A mask and snorkel can be rented for €5, with a €15 deposit and €10 returned when the equipment comes back. Lockers cost €2 and are limited, so keep your valuables to a minimum and plan ahead.

There is also an optional speedboat ride for €15, payable in cash. It depends on availability and may take you around more of Comino’s caves and the Crystal Lagoon. It can be a memorable extra, but expect to get wet. If you have difficulty getting in and out of small boats, ask the crew for help before paying.

Three hours on Gozo, with Victoria as the practical target

After Comino, the boat continues to Gozo for about three hours of free time. This is what makes the cruise more useful than a simple Blue Lagoon outing. You have enough time to see a little of Gozo rather than only photograph it from offshore.

The simplest plan is to pay the optional €5 cash fee for the minibus transfer to Victoria, Gozo’s capital. The ride saves time and takes you toward the island’s main urban center, where you can walk, shop, eat lunch, and visit the Citadel area.

The bus is especially useful because Gozo is too large to explore properly on foot from the boat’s landing point. Without the transfer, you can explore independently, but you need to keep a close eye on the departure time and arrange your own transport if you want to reach Victoria.

The stop may also include views or time connected with Xlendi Bay, listed as a brief scenic stop. The exact balance between Victoria, other sights, and free walking time can depend on the day’s route and timing. Treat the three hours as a chance to focus on one area, not as enough time to see all of Gozo.

I would choose Victoria and the Citadel if this is your first Gozo visit. You can walk through the old streets, take in the elevated views, and stop for lunch without trying to cover too much ground. The minibus costs extra, but at €5 it is a sensible use of money if you want the most time on the island.

Lunch is not included. You can buy food and drinks aboard, but Gozo gives you another chance to eat on land. Keep the meal simple and watch the clock. Missing the boat means no refund.

The return route through Crystal Lagoon

The return cruise passes through the south channel of Comino. This brings you past Crystal Lagoon, sea caves, and Saint Mary’s Tower before the boat heads back to Malta.

Crystal Lagoon is often associated with the optional speedboat ride, but the main cruise provides a scenic pass-by rather than a guaranteed swim there. That distinction matters. The included swim stop is the Blue Lagoon. If swimming in Crystal Lagoon is your priority, ask the crew on the day about the speedboat option and current conditions.

Saint Mary’s Tower gives the final section a strong visual marker. The tower sits on Comino and is easy to recognize from the water. As with the other coastal sights, you see it from the boat rather than spending a long time ashore.

This return route helps break up the day. After three hours on Gozo, you can sit back, listen to the commentary, and watch the coast pass by. It is also a good time to use the shaded seating if the sun has been strong.

What the $34 price really includes

At $34 per person, this is good value if you want a full day of transport and several major sights without arranging ferries, buses, and timing yourself.

The base price includes:

• Round-trip boat transport
• A 1.5-hour Blue Lagoon stop
• Three hours on Gozo
• The 10-meter slide
• Use of deck chairs, while available
• Coastal commentary and scenic passes

The extras are modest but worth budgeting for. The Gozo minibus costs €5 in cash. The speedboat costs €15 in cash if available. Snorkel rental costs €5 plus a refundable deposit, and lockers cost €2 when available.

The boat also sells food and drinks at reasonable prices according to the supplied details, but you should still carry some cash. The price is not an all-inclusive beach day. It is a transport-and-sightseeing package with optional add-ons.

For a family or small group, the combination of the slide, clear water, cave views, and Gozo stop gives you more variety than a single-island boat trip. If you dislike crowds or want long, quiet time in one bay, the value will feel less convincing.

Who will enjoy this cruise most

I would recommend this trip to first-time visitors who want to see Comino and Gozo in one day. It suits families, couples, and active adults who like a flexible schedule rather than a tightly guided walking tour.

It is also useful if you do not want to work out Malta’s ferries and local buses. The boat handles the long-distance movement, while you choose how to spend your time at the stops.

You should be comfortable with a busy day and a shared boat. The upper deck fills early, the Blue Lagoon is popular, and the Gozo portion is self-guided. Anyone using a wheelchair should note that the activity is not suitable for wheelchair users.

The trip can still work if you do not swim. You can stay on deck, use the shaded seating, take photographs, and enjoy the coastline. But the experience is at its best when you bring beachwear and are ready to get wet.

Practical advice for a smoother day

Arrive early. This is the single best tip. The boat departs at 10:00 AM without waiting for late arrivals, and late arrival does not qualify for a refund.

Bring sunscreen, a towel, beachwear, and cash. Cash matters for the Gozo bus, speedboat, snorkel deposit, and other small purchases. Pack your phone in a waterproof pouch if you plan to use the slide or swim from the boat.

If you want an upper-deck chair, arrive about an hour early. The top deck has the best sun and open views, but it is also the first area to fill. The main deck provides shade and may be a better choice if you need a break from the heat.

The optional speedboat can be fun, but it is not essential to enjoy the cruise. Ask about the boarding process before you buy, especially if anyone in your group is elderly or uneasy with small boats. The crew has helped people aboard carefully, but conditions and access can vary.

Alcohol and drugs are not allowed. Check the weather and sea conditions before setting out, and remember that exact photo stops can change if the boat cannot approach a cave or lagoon safely.

Should you book the Hornblower cruise?

Book it if you want a high-value day combining Malta, Comino, and Gozo with very little transport planning. The Blue Lagoon swim, lively crew, coastal commentary, slide, and Victoria transfer give the day plenty of variety for $34.

Skip it if you want a quiet boat ride, a private beach, or several hours at one uncrowded swimming spot. You will need an early start, cash for extras, and a willingness to share the boat with many other people.

For most first-time visitors with one free day, I would book it and pay the extra €5 for the minibus to Victoria. Arrive early, claim a good seat, and treat the cruise as a practical, fun introduction to Malta’s northern islands.

FAQ

Where does the cruise depart from?

It departs from Hornblower Cruises, Sirens Quay 24, Triq San Geraldu, St Paul’s Bay, behind the LOA restaurant. Look for the large white and blue boat with Hornblower written in red.

What time does the boat leave?

The boat departs promptly at 10:00 AM. It does not wait for late arrivals, so you should arrive 45 minutes to one hour early.

How long does the cruise last?

The activity lasts about seven hours, including the coastal cruise, the Blue Lagoon stop, time on Gozo, and the return journey.

How long do you stay at the Blue Lagoon?

You get about 1.5 hours at the Blue Lagoon for swimming, snorkeling, using the slide, walking to the beach, or relaxing aboard the boat.

Is the Gozo minibus included?

No. The optional minibus transfer costs €5 and must be paid in cash. It takes you toward Victoria, Gozo’s capital.

Does the cruise include lunch?

No. Lunch is not included, but food and drinks are available to purchase aboard. You can also eat during your free time in Gozo.

How much does the optional speedboat ride cost?

The speedboat ride costs €15 and must be paid in cash. It depends on availability and may take you around caves and the Crystal Lagoon.

Can I rent snorkeling equipment?

Yes. A mask and snorkel cost €5 to rent. A €15 deposit is required, with €10 returned when the equipment is brought back.

Is the cruise suitable for wheelchair users?

No. The activity is listed as unsuitable for wheelchair users.