Malta: Gozo, Comino & Blue Lagoon Cruise – swim & sightsee

The turquoise water is the star here, but the 10-meter waterslide gives this cruise its playful edge. Captain Kevin and his crew combine coastal sightseeing with swimming, music, pineapple cocktails, and a three-hour stop on Gozo. I like the excellent value at $28 and the fact that you can choose between active fun and a quiet deck chair. The main catch is limited top-deck seating, so arriving early matters.

I also like the way the boat reaches caves and rock formations that are hard to see from land, with live commentary along the way. The 1.5-hour Blue Lagoon stop is long enough for a proper swim, though some people may prefer to skip Gozo and spend more time in Comino’s water.

Key points to know before booking

• The Blue Lagoon stop lasts 1.5 hours: Swim from the boat, use the ladders or slide, or go ashore to Comino.
• Captain Kevin provides live commentary: You’ll hear stories about St. Paul’s Islands, the caves, rock formations, and St. Mary’s Tower.
• Top-deck chairs go quickly: Upper seating is first come, first served, and some people arrive as early as 8:30 a.m. to claim a spot.
• Gozo is a choice, not just a photo stop: You get about three hours, with an optional €5 shuttle to Victoria and Qala Belvedere.
• The extras are affordable but add up: Budget for the €5 Gozo shuttle, €15 cave speedboat, snorkel rental, food, and drinks if you want them.
• The boat leaves promptly at 10:00 a.m.: Boarding closes at 9:45 a.m., and traffic and parking near the departure point can be difficult.

Why this $28 cruise offers strong value

At $28 per person, this is one of the easier ways to combine Malta’s northern coast, Comino, the Blue Lagoon, and Gozo in one day. You are not simply paying for a boat ride. The price includes the full sightseeing cruise, the Blue Lagoon stop, cave viewing, deck access, the slide, and time on Gozo.

I find the value strongest if you want variety. In seven hours, you can look at sea caves, swim in clear water, visit Victoria, take photos from a Gozo viewpoint, and cruise past the Crystal Lagoon. A self-guided day using separate buses and boats would take more planning and might cost more.

The tradeoff is that this is a social boat outing, not a quiet private charter. Music plays on board, the upper deck fills fast, and the atmosphere can feel lively. If you want a calm day with few people, this may not be your best fit. If you like a mix of sightseeing, swimming, and easy entertainment, the format works well.

Food and drinks are not included, but the onboard snack bar sells meals, ice cream, soft drinks, cocktails, and the signature pineapple drinks. Several menu items are described as reasonably priced, which helps keep the total cost under control. Still, bring cash for the optional extras.

Boarding early at Hornblower Cruises Malta

Look for the large white and blue boat with Hornblower written in red on the side. The departure point is Hornblower Cruises Malta, and the boat leaves at 10:00 a.m. Boarding opens at 8:30 a.m. and closes at 9:45 a.m.

I would arrive about an hour early, especially if you want a top-deck chair. Upper seating is limited, and the best loungers can be gone soon after boarding opens. The lower deck offers shade, but it may not provide the same open view or easy access to the sun.

Traffic in Malta can be heavy in peak season, and parking near the departure point is limited. Give yourself plenty of time. The boat does not wait for late arrivals, and missed departures are not refunded.

Bring a towel, sunscreen, beachwear, and cash. You will need cash for the Gozo shuttle, the optional speedboat, rentals, lockers, and purchases at the snack bar. Towels and swimwear are not supplied.

Malta’s northern coast and the first cave views

The cruise begins along Malta’s northern coast, where cliffs, coves, and unusual rock shapes provide the first photo opportunities. Captain Kevin gives live commentary as the boat moves along, adding useful context instead of leaving you to guess what you are looking at.

The route passes St. Paul’s Islands and the statue connected with the Apostle Paul’s shipwreck in 60 A.D. This is a quick sightseeing section, but it sets up the rest of the day. You get a broad look at the coast before the boat turns toward Comino.

At the Ahrax and Santa Maria caves, the captain brings the boat close to the openings. The short stops are made for photographs, not lengthy exploration, so keep your camera ready. Santa Maria Bay, St. Nicholas Bay, and the Elephant’s Head rock formation follow along the Comino route.

I like this part because the boat itself provides access. You do not need to arrange a separate coastal tour to see the caves from the water. The drawback is that the time at each sight is brief, so you should treat these as scenic passes rather than full visits.

The Blue Lagoon: swim, slide, or stay on deck

The main stop is the Blue Lagoon, where the boat moors in a quieter area rather than pushing everyone into the busiest part of the shore. You have about 1.5 hours for swimming and snorkeling.

You can enter by swim ladder, jump from the boat, or use the 10-meter waterslide. Buoyancy aids are available for a refundable deposit, which is useful if you are not a confident swimmer. You can also remain on deck, use a shaded area, or go ashore to the sandy beach and island paths.

The water is the clear reward here. Bring your own mask and snorkel if you have them. Rental equipment costs €5 with a €15 deposit, with €10 returned afterward. Several people use the stop to look for fish and sea life, so snorkeling is worth considering even if you are not an experienced swimmer.

The slide is especially appealing for families and anyone who wants more than a simple swim. Use of the slide, ladders, and sea access is unlimited during the stop, at your own risk.

The Blue Lagoon is also where you need to make a personal choice. If swimming is your priority, 1.5 hours may pass quickly. The optional €15 speedboat ride into smaller Comino caves is fun and photogenic, but it uses part of your time in the water. You can also spend your time on the beach or enjoy a pineapple cocktail while watching the action.

Lockers are available for a €2 fee and a €10 deposit, with €8 refunded, though availability is limited. Keep valuables to a minimum and plan ahead if you want to leave your phone or wallet securely.

Choosing between Comino time and the Gozo stop

After Comino, the cruise heads to Gozo. You get around three hours, which sounds generous but becomes tighter if you want lunch, shopping, the Citadel, and a relaxed walk.

The easiest option is the optional shuttle to Victoria, Gozo’s capital. It costs €5 cash and also includes a photo stop at Qala Belvedere. The shuttle saves time and lets you reach the center without working out the public bus system during a short visit.

In Victoria, you can walk around the Citadel, browse shops, and take in views across Gozo. The Citadel is the main cultural stop, while the town gives you time to eat or look around at your own pace. The Qala viewpoint adds a short scenic pause before or during the transfer.

You can also explore near Mgarr Harbour independently instead of taking the shuttle. This suits you if you prefer a slower meal or want to stay close to the boat. The downside is that you will see less of Gozo than you would with the organized shuttle.

Here is the honest timing issue: three hours is enough for a focused visit, but not enough for a full tour of Gozo. Some people find Victoria worthwhile, while others would rather return to Comino and swim longer. If your main goal is the Citadel and a quick look at the capital, take the shuttle. If clear water matters more than town sightseeing, ask about staying aboard or returning to Comino when that option is available.

The return route past Crystal Lagoon and St. Mary’s Tower

Back on board, the boat passes Mgarr Harbour and returns toward Malta through Comino’s south channel. This route includes the Crystal Lagoon, additional caves, and St. Mary’s Tower.

The Crystal Lagoon is mainly a photo stop, and visibility depends on weather. Have your camera ready because the boat does not linger for a long visit. St. Mary’s Tower provides a strong final landmark and gives the return journey some fresh scenery rather than simply retracing the morning route.

This is a pleasant time to settle into a chair, listen to the playlist, and order a drink. Captain Kevin continues with commentary, while the crew keeps the mood informal and upbeat. The trip ends back at Hornblower Cruises Malta after roughly seven hours.

The boat atmosphere, food, and optional extras

The family-run feel is part of the appeal. Captain Kevin and the crew are friendly, present, and willing to explain what you are passing. The music is a major part of the mood, with a playlist that suits a sunny day at sea.

The boat has toilets, lockers in limited supply, shaded seating, deck chairs, a snack bar, and easy water access. It is designed for a full day aboard, not just a short transfer. Still, practical comfort varies by where you sit. Some people have found the seating less comfortable than expected, and the top deck can become crowded.

The pineapple cocktails are the signature order. Alcoholic and nonalcoholic versions are available, and food and drinks are sold at what many consider fair prices. Do not assume everything is included in the $28 price, though. These purchases are separate.

Optional costs include:

• Gozo shuttle to Victoria and Qala Belvedere: €5 cash
• Speedboat into smaller Comino caves: €15 cash, subject to availability
• Mask and snorkel: €5, plus a €15 deposit, with €10 refunded
• Lockers: €2, plus a €10 deposit, with €8 refunded
• Food, cocktails, drinks, and ice cream: extra

The speedboat is not ideal for everyone. The ride can be bumpy, so people with health conditions should think carefully before booking it. It offers a closer look at the caves, but it is not necessary to enjoy the main cruise.

Who will enjoy this day most

I would recommend this cruise to families, couples, and groups who want several Malta highlights in one outing. The slide, swimming ladders, snorkeling, and music give children and active adults plenty to do, while shaded seating and deck chairs suit anyone who wants a slower day.

It also works well after several days of walking around Malta. You can spend the morning sightseeing from the boat, swim in the afternoon, and relax with a drink instead of planning every hour yourself.

The cruise is less suitable if you want deep cultural time on Gozo. The three-hour stop gives you a taste of Victoria and the Citadel, not a complete island tour. It is also not the right choice if you dislike crowds, loud music, shared facilities, or first come, first-served seating.

I would also think carefully about the season and weather. The tour runs in changing conditions, and the Crystal Lagoon sight may depend on weather. One outing can feel different from another depending on wind, water conditions, and how busy the boat and lagoon are.

Should you book the Hornblower cruise?

Book it if you want maximum variety for $28 and like the idea of swimming, sightseeing, music, and optional activities in one day. The Blue Lagoon is the clear highlight, while the caves, Gozo visit, Crystal Lagoon, and St. Mary’s Tower fill out the day without requiring extra transport planning.

Arrive early for a top-deck seat, bring cash, and decide before boarding whether your priority is Victoria or extra time around Comino. Take the €5 shuttle if you want a quick look at the Citadel. Skip it if the water is the reason you booked.

I would choose this cruise for a first Malta visit, a family day, or a relaxed break from museums and city streets. I would choose a different outing if you want a quiet private boat, a full Gozo tour, or long uninterrupted snorkeling time.

FAQ

How long is the Hornblower cruise?

The cruise lasts about seven hours, including the coastal sightseeing, Comino and Blue Lagoon stop, Gozo visit, and return route past Crystal Lagoon and St. Mary’s Tower.

What time does the boat depart?

The boat departs promptly at 10:00 a.m. Boarding opens at 8:30 a.m. and closes at 9:45 a.m.

How early should I arrive?

Arrive at least 45 minutes to one hour early. Top-deck seating is limited and assigned first come, first served, so arriving early gives you the best chance of getting a chair.

How long do I get at the Blue Lagoon?

You get about 1.5 hours at the Blue Lagoon for swimming, snorkeling, relaxing, using the slide, or visiting the beach.

Is the waterslide included?

Yes. The 10-meter waterslide, swim ladders, and sea access are included and available for unlimited use during the stop, at your own risk.

Is the Gozo shuttle included?

No. The optional shuttle to Victoria and Qala Belvedere costs €5 cash. You can also explore Gozo independently.

Is food included in the cruise price?

No. Food, drinks, ice cream, and cocktails are available to buy at the onboard snack bar.

Can I rent snorkeling equipment?

Yes. A mask and snorkel cost €5 with a €15 deposit. You receive €10 back when the equipment is returned.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The reserve-now, pay-later option is also available.