Malta: Gozo Comino and Blue Lagoon Boat Tour with Swim Stop

The best thing about this cruise is its reach. In one day, you see Malta, Gozo, and Comino, pass sea caves that are hard to reach from land, and get a proper swim stop at the Blue Lagoon. I especially like the close-up boat views of Comino and the choice between free time in Gozo or an optional bus tour.

I also like the 90-minute swim stop, since you can use the boat’s ladder and platform instead of fighting for a patch of shore. The drawback is simple: Gozo can feel long and empty without paying for transport, and the Blue Lagoon is often crowded in summer.

Key points to know before you book

• Three islands in one day: The route links Malta, Gozo, and Comino without separate ferry planning.
• A busy but useful Gozo stop: You get roughly three hours, but transport around the island is not included.
• The boat is your best Blue Lagoon base: You can swim from its ladder and platform, away from the main beach crowd.
• Optional cave trip: A small boat tour into the caves can be bought onboard for about €15.
• Good value at $33: The price covers the main cruise, sightseeing, Gozo stop, and Blue Lagoon swim.
• Expect a full boat day: The vessel is fairly large and can be slow, with limited seats at busy times.

A full day around Malta’s three islands

This is a sightseeing cruise first and a beach trip second. You leave Mellieħa Bay at about 9:30 a.m. and return around 4 p.m., giving you roughly six and a half hours on the water and islands.

I think the appeal is the range. You are not spending the whole day at one beach. Instead, the route strings together rocky coves, old towers, sea caves, Gozo’s main island, and the Blue Lagoon. It is a practical choice if you have limited time in Malta and want a broad first look.

The tour starts near the Starbucks on Mellieħa Bay, beside the provider’s seafront office. Bring cash, since some card machines and ATMs may not work or may not be available. Comfortable shoes matter for Gozo, while swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat are essential.

The boat has a bar, and drinks and food are available for purchase. The prices are described as reasonable, but this is not an all-inclusive outing, so budget for refreshments and any optional activities.

From Mellieħa Bay to Comino’s caves

The first stretch is a moving postcard of Malta’s northern coast. The boat passes Coral Lagoon and Smugglers Caves, with short photo opportunities rather than long shore visits.

Coral Lagoon is best understood as a quick view from the water. You get a sense of the pale rock and clear sea, but five minutes is not enough for a proper stop. That is fine because this cruise is built around a series of short scenic moments.

The route continues past Santa Maria Tower and the World War II Santa Maria Battery. These sites add some history to what could otherwise be only a coastal boat ride. I would not book this trip expecting detailed historical commentary, though. One weakness is that announcements about the caves and landmarks can be limited, so you may want to keep track of the route yourself.

The boat then visits Crystal Lagoon, Poppy’s Caves, and Lovers Caves. These are the kind of places where the boat itself is the only sensible viewing platform. You get angles of the rock walls and openings that are difficult to reach by road or foot.

The crew brings the boat close to the formations when conditions allow. That is one of the strongest parts of the day. You get time to take pictures, but the schedule keeps moving, so have your camera ready before the boat arrives.

Three hours on Gozo: free time or paid transport

Gozo is the longest stop, with about three hours available. That sounds generous, but the useful part depends on what you do once the boat docks.

If you stay near the port, you can walk around and spend a quiet few hours. Some people find this enough, while others find the area too limited for such a long pause. I would not simply step off the boat without a plan, especially in hot weather.

The optional open-top bus tour is the easiest way to see more of Gozo. It costs extra, and the route can include Victoria, also called Rabat, as well as a beach stop at Ramla Bay. This is a good add-on if you want transportation and a quick overview rather than a slow, independent visit.

The trade-off is time. Bus stops can feel rushed, and you may not get long at each place. Still, I would consider it worthwhile for a first visit, especially since ordinary transport is not included in the cruise price. One useful option is a local bus connection to Victoria, with a return arrangement mentioned at around €2.50 per person, though you should confirm the current details before relying on it.

Gozo’s Citadel in Victoria is the main cultural target if you want history and views. The island stop gives you a chance to walk there or use a tour, but the boat operator does not provide a full guided island visit as part of the $33 fare.

That distinction matters. This is not a dedicated Gozo sightseeing tour. It is a boat cruise that gives you time on Gozo. If you want churches, museums, quiet villages, and a careful visit to the Citadel, arrange your own plan or pay for the optional bus.

The optional small boat through the caves

The extra cave trip is one of the most worthwhile add-ons. It is sold onboard and has been priced at about €15 in the information provided.

The small boat can enter parts of the caves that the larger cruise boat can only show from outside. A separate guide explains the formations, which helps fill the information gap on the main boat. The experience is short, scenic, and more personal than the main cruise.

I would choose this if you enjoy close-up coastal views and want more than a photo stop. It is also a good use of money if Gozo’s free time does not appeal to you. On the other hand, you should not feel obliged to buy every extra. The main cruise already includes plenty of cave viewing from the sea.

The cave trip is also a reminder to carry cash. Optional tours, equipment, food, and drinks are not covered by the base price.

Blue Lagoon: beautiful water, serious crowds

The Blue Lagoon stop lasts about 90 minutes. That is enough time for a swim, a little snorkeling, and some sun, but it is not a full beach afternoon.

The water is the star. On a calm day, the pale sea around Comino looks clear and inviting. You can swim from the shore, walk around for views, or use the boat’s ladder and platform. I prefer the boat option when the island is packed. You avoid the scramble for beach space and can get straight into the water.

This is especially useful in July, August, and on weekends, when the Blue Lagoon can be extremely crowded. The lagoon may be beautiful, but the beach experience can feel cramped. One smart approach is to treat the boat as your base rather than rushing off as soon as you arrive.

Snorkeling equipment is available for a small additional charge, but you can also bring your own. Jumping is listed among the prohibited activities, so follow the crew’s instructions and use the designated ladder or platform.

The 90-minute stop receives mixed practical reactions for a good reason. It is long enough for a refreshing swim, but some people will want more time in the water. If swimming is your main goal, this tour gives you a useful taste, not a relaxed half-day at the lagoon.

The return route past Elephant Rock and Santa Maria Caves

After the Blue Lagoon, the boat circles back toward Malta. The return route includes Elephant Head Rock, shearwater bird areas, and Santa Maria Caves.

Elephant Head Rock is a quick photo stop with an instantly recognizable shape. The Santa Maria Caves provide another look at Comino’s rock walls and sea openings. These stops make the return journey feel like part of the tour rather than dead time.

On some departures, you might see dolphins near the boat, but this is not promised and should not be a reason to book. The same applies to wildlife sightings. Enjoy them if they happen, but judge the trip by the regular route and stops.

The boat returns to the Tunny Net Jetty at Mellieħa Bay at about 4 p.m. Since the day begins and ends at the same bay, the arrangement is simple if you are staying in the Mellieħa area.

What the $33 price really covers

At $33 per person, this is strong value for a six-and-a-half-hour outing. The fare includes the three-island cruise, the Gozo stop, the Blue Lagoon swim stop, and sightseeing around several caves and rock formations.

You are also paying for convenience. Seeing Gozo and Comino independently can involve separate boats, buses, and careful timing. This cruise bundles the main coastal sights into one day.

The price does not include the Gozo bus, the small cave boat, snorkeling equipment, or food and drinks. Once you add extras, the final cost rises, but you can choose only the activities that suit you.

I see the tour as better value for a first visit or a short stay than for someone already planning a detailed Gozo holiday. You get broad coverage, but you sacrifice depth and quiet time.

Boat comfort, pace, and practical limits

The boat is large enough to carry a sizeable group, but that also means it can feel crowded. One point to consider is that the vessel may be slower than a small speedboat, and seating may not be available for everyone at the busiest moments.

That slower pace is not entirely bad. It gives you time to look at the coast and take pictures without the jolting speed of a fast craft. If you want a quiet, private cruise, however, this is not that kind of outing.

The English-speaking host or greeter can help with the basic flow of the day, but do not expect a detailed lecture at every landmark. I would download or carry a simple map of Malta, Gozo, and Comino if you want to know exactly what you are passing.

The activity information lists the boat as wheelchair accessible but also says it is not suitable for people with mobility impairments and excludes electric wheelchairs. Those statements do not fully match, so anyone with mobility needs should confirm access arrangements directly before booking.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. Those policies are useful if your Malta plans may change, but the key decision is still the physical pace: a full boat day, a hot Gozo stop, and a short swim window.

Who should book this cruise

I would recommend it to you if you want to see a lot in one day, enjoy boat scenery, and value a low starting price. Families, couples, and first-time visitors can all get a useful introduction to Malta’s northern islands.

It works particularly well if you plan to take the optional Gozo bus and cave boat. Those add-ons turn free time and basic photo stops into a fuller day.

I would be more cautious if you dislike crowds, need a quiet beach, or want a serious historical tour of Gozo. The Blue Lagoon is not peaceful in the high season, and Gozo may feel underwhelming without paid transport or your own plan.

Should you book it?

Book this tour if your priority is maximum scenery for minimum planning. You will see Malta’s northern coast, Comino’s caves, Gozo, and the Blue Lagoon for a modest base price.

Skip it if you want an uncrowded swim, a slow day on Gozo, or a small private boat. For most visitors with limited time, I think the cruise is worth it, especially if you stay on the boat for the Blue Lagoon swim and add the cave trip only if it fits your interests.

FAQ

Where does the boat tour start?

The tour starts at Mellieħa Bay. Look for Starbucks and the activity provider’s office on the seafront.

What time does the cruise leave and return?

The cruise departs at about 9:30 a.m. and returns to the Tunny Net Jetty at Mellieħa Bay at approximately 4 p.m.

How long is the tour?

The total duration is about six and a half hours.

How much time do I get on Gozo?

You get approximately three hours on Gozo, with free time or the option to pay for an open-top bus tour.

Is transport around Gozo included?

No. Transport on Gozo is not included in the basic ticket. An optional open-top bus tour is available for an extra charge.

How long is the Blue Lagoon stop?

The Blue Lagoon stop lasts about one hour and 30 minutes.

Can I swim from the boat?

Yes. At the Blue Lagoon, you can use the boat’s ladder and platform to enter the water, subject to the crew’s instructions and sea conditions.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

No. Snorkeling equipment is available for a small additional charge.

What should I bring?

Bring comfortable shoes, swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, a sun hat, beachwear, and cash. Glass objects, fireworks, explosives, jumping, and electric wheelchairs are not allowed.