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

The biggest appeal here is simple: one boat trip gives you a taste of Comino and Gozo in one day, with Malta’s northern coast and sea caves along the way. The Blue Lagoon is the star, but the ride itself supplies much of the fun, especially when the boat noses toward caves and rocky coves.

I like the low price and the useful onboard setup, including toilets, shaded seating, a cafeteria, deck chairs, and a slide into the water. I also like the choice on Gozo: pay €5 for a shuttle to Victoria and a viewpoint, or explore on your own. The main caution is crowding. Top-deck loungers go fast, and the Blue Lagoon stop is not long enough for a long swim, a speedboat ride, and a full visit to Gozo without careful planning.

Key points before you book

• Blue Lagoon stop: You get about 1 hour and 30 minutes for swimming, snorkeling, sunbathing, the boat slide, and a walk on Comino.
• Gozo choice: Spend three hours around Mġarr Harbour independently, or pay €5 in cash for a shuttle to Victoria and a scenic viewpoint.
• Caves from the water: The route passes St. Paul’s Islands, Ahrax Cave, Santa Maria Cave, and other coastal sights.
• Good value: At about $36.28 per person, this is an inexpensive full-day boat outing, but meals and several extras cost more.
• Arrive early: Deck chairs are limited and first come, first served. Even arriving around 9:30 may not guarantee a top-deck seat.
• Bring cash and layers: The €5 Gozo shuttle and €15 speedboat ride are optional, and the sea breeze can feel chilly later in the day.

What this Malta cruise is really designed to do

This is not a slow, detailed tour of Gozo. It is a busy but affordable sampler that links several popular sights by boat. You leave from Bugibba Jetty in St. Paul’s Bay at 10 a.m. and return to the same meeting point at about 5 p.m.

The day works best if you want water, scenery, and a little island exploring without arranging several separate trips. You will spend a fair amount of time on the boat, so the ride is part of the experience rather than just transport.

The vessel is large, with a stated maximum of 232 people. That helps explain the low fare, but it also means the most sought-after spaces fill quickly. If you want a deck chair with a view, arrive early and be ready to claim your place.

St. Paul’s Bay to Comino by way of Malta’s north coast

The cruise begins by following Malta’s northern coast. Early sights include St. Paul’s Islands and the tall statue marking the traditional site of St. Paul’s shipwreck in 60 A.D.

The boat then passes Ghadira Bay, also called Mellieħa Beach, described as the largest sandy beach on Malta’s islands. You will also enter Ahrax Cave for a short look and photo stop. The crew provides information along the way, and several people especially enjoyed hearing the captain explain the coastal sights.

This opening hour gives you a useful view of Malta from the sea. You see cliffs, beaches, caves, and small inlets that are difficult to appreciate from land. The tradeoff is that these are passing views, not long stops. Keep your camera ready.

The Blue Lagoon stop is the heart of the day

After roughly an hour of cruising, the boat reaches Comino’s Blue Lagoon. The operator aims to arrive early, but the lagoon is still a popular place and conditions can change with the season and number of boats.

You have about 90 minutes here. You can remain on the boat, walk onto Comino, swim, snorkel, sunbathe, or use the 10-meter slide. The boat becomes a practical base: return for the toilet, cafeteria, shade, or a seat, then go back into the water.

The water is the reason most people book this trip. It is clear and brilliantly colored, and swimming from the boat lets you avoid spending all your time on the crowded shore. If you are not a strong swimmer, ask for a life vest. Life vests are available on request, and using one can make the stop far more relaxed.

Bring your own towel. Towels are not supplied, and sunscreen is not sold onboard, so pack both before leaving. You also need a Blue Lagoon landing pass QR code, available through the operator’s stated website at blcomino.com.

A short stop requires choices. You can fit in a swim and a walk, but adding the €15 speedboat trip to the caves may leave little time for snorkeling. One useful approach is to choose your priority before arrival. Pick the speedboat if you want a closer look at Comino’s rocky coves. Skip it if swimming matters most.

Crystal Lagoon and the caves near Comino

The route also includes Crystal Lagoon, a smaller bay known for deeper water and popular with divers. It can be reached on foot from the Blue Lagoon in about eight minutes, though your actual time and access depend on the boat’s schedule and conditions.

The coastal route brings you close to several natural formations, including the Elephant’s Head, Santa Maria Cave, Santa Maria Bay, St. Nicholas Bay, and the Comino Hotel. The boat enters some of the larger caves, giving you a much better look than you would get from a distant shoreline.

There is also an optional speedboat ride for €15 per person, paid in cash. This is separate from the main cruise and takes you closer to smaller caves and rock formations. It is a fun add-on for someone who wants more action and tighter views, but do not treat it as essential. The main boat already includes cave viewing, and the Blue Lagoon stop is short.

Three hours on Gozo, with two ways to use them

After Comino, the boat crosses to Mġarr Harbour, Gozo’s main port. The scheduled Gozo visit lasts three hours, though that total includes the time needed to get between the harbour, Victoria, and the viewpoint if you choose the shuttle.

You can stay near the harbour, use a local bus or taxi, or pay €5 for the organized minibus transfer. The shuttle is paid on the day and cash is required. It takes you to Victoria for about 1 hour and 30 minutes, followed by a 15-minute stop at a scenic viewpoint.

I would choose the €5 shuttle if this is your only chance to see Gozo. It saves time and puts you near Victoria, where you can see the Citadel area, shop, eat, and walk around without trying to work out local transport during a short stop. A local bus can take about half an hour to Victoria, which leaves less time for exploring.

Gozo deserves more than a quick look, so keep your expectations realistic. This is a compact visit, not a full island tour. You will not see every major sight. The shuttle is useful, but the commentary can vary by driver, and the stop in Victoria is mostly free time rather than a guided walk.

The Citadel sits uphill, and walking there may be tiring, especially with small children or anyone who has trouble with stairs. A local shuttle from the port to the Citadel was noted as costing €3, but availability and arrangements are separate from the Hornblower option. If you want the easiest plan, pay for the organized €5 transfer when you check in.

Keep close track of time. The boat leaves Gozo on schedule, and being late can create a serious problem. The operator’s timetable allows the return journey to Malta and the final arrival around 5 p.m.

What the boat provides, and what costs extra

The boat is older rather than polished, but it has the facilities needed for a full day at sea. You get a shaded main deck, sunny seating, an air-conditioned lower deck, male and female toilets, and a cafeteria serving hot and cold drinks and simple food.

Food and drinks are not included. Prices are described as reasonable, and specific onboard favorites include fries and drinks served in hollowed-out pineapples. You should still bring enough cash because some extras are cash only, and card availability can vary.

The main additional costs are:

• Gozo shuttle: €5 per person, cash
• Speedboat cave ride: €15 per person, cash
• Mask and snorkel rental: €5, plus a €10 refundable deposit
• Locker: €2, plus a €10 refundable deposit

The lockers are limited, so do not assume one will be available. You can bring your own snorkeling equipment if you have it. Deck chairs are free but limited, and they are assigned on a first-come basis in practice.

Timing, comfort, and the crowd factor

The boat leaves from Dawret Il-Gżejjer at Bugibba Jetty in St. Paul’s Bay. If you are staying around Valletta, allow extra time to reach the meeting point. One bus journey from Valletta was described as taking a little over an hour, although a bus ticket can be inexpensive.

Arrive early. Several people found that top-deck seats were already difficult to secure even when they arrived well before departure. Early arrival also reduces the stress of finding the jetty and checking in.

Expect a full boat, particularly in high season. The vessel can carry up to 232 people, and the top deck is the most popular area. If you care more about swimming than seating, this may not bother you. If you want a lounger and wide views all day, arrive as early as possible.

Pack a light sweater or hoodie. Even on a warm day, the wind and lower afternoon sun can make the upper deck cool. In autumn and winter, layers are especially useful. The trip runs in most conditions but can be canceled for poor weather, with a different date or full refund offered.

Who will get the most from this trip

I would recommend this cruise to you if you have limited time and want to combine Malta’s coast, Comino, and Gozo without paying for separate excursions. It suits swimmers, snorkelers, families who appreciate an onboard toilet and cafeteria, and anyone who enjoys a relaxed day on the water.

It is also a good match for a last-minute booking when the forecast is warm and clear. The price is modest for seven hours of sightseeing and transport between islands.

I would hesitate if you want a quiet boat, lots of personal space, or a detailed guided visit to Gozo. The vessel can feel crowded, and Gozo is more of a brief sample than a complete visit. If your top priority is a long swim at the Blue Lagoon, consider a Comino-only trip instead. Adding the shuttle and speedboat to this itinerary may leave too little water time.

The tour is suitable for most people, and service animals are allowed. Anyone with mobility concerns should think carefully about the boat, the walk on Comino, and the uphill route toward the Citadel. The information provided does not promise step-free access throughout.

Is the $36.28 price good value?

Yes, if you use the cruise as a transport-and-sightseeing package. For about $36.28, you get the boat ride, coastal views, cave approaches, the Blue Lagoon stop, and transport to and from Gozo. That is strong value for a seven-hour outing.

The real cost rises if you add food, drinks, equipment rental, the €5 shuttle, and the €15 speedboat trip. Even then, the base price remains low, but you should budget before boarding rather than assuming every activity is included.

The best value plan is to bring a towel, mask, snorkel, sunscreen, water, and cash, then choose either the speedboat or a longer swim. Add the Gozo shuttle if seeing Victoria matters to you.

Should you book this Comino and Gozo cruise?

Book it if you want a cheerful, affordable day that covers several Maltese highlights in one sweep. The Blue Lagoon swim, close views of the caves, friendly crew, and easy link to Gozo make the outing worthwhile.

Skip it if you dislike crowds or want to explore Gozo properly. For most people, the smartest version is to arrive early, take the €5 shuttle to Victoria, bring layers and cash, and decide in advance whether swimming or the speedboat matters more.

FAQ

Where does the cruise depart?

It departs from Bugibba Jetty, Dawret Il-Gżejjer, San Pawl il-Baħar, Malta, at 10 a.m.

How long does the tour last?

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

How long do I get at the Blue Lagoon?

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

Is the Gozo shuttle included?

No. The optional shuttle costs €5 per person and is paid on the day. It visits Victoria for about 1 hour and 30 minutes and includes a 15-minute viewpoint stop.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are available for purchase from the onboard cafeteria.

Do I need to bring a towel?

Yes. Towels are not provided.

What happens if bad weather cancels the cruise?

You can choose an alternative date or receive a full refund if the tour is canceled because of poor weather.