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

The best part of this seven-hour sea trip is the mix: you get clear water and a waterslide at the Blue Lagoon, then time on land in Gozo. Captain Kevin keeps the ride moving with stories, local legends, and a playlist that gives the boat a holiday mood rather than a quiet ferry ride.

I like the 1.5-hour swim stop, which gives you enough time to swim, use the slide, snorkel, or stay dry on deck. I also like the family-run feel, reasonable onboard food prices, and the chance to see caves and rock formations that you cannot reach from land. The main drawback is the early rush for the best upper-deck chairs, plus the fact that three hours in Gozo can feel short if you want both lunch and serious sightseeing.

Key points to know before booking

• The Blue Lagoon stop lasts 1.5 hours, with ladders, sea access, a 10-meter waterslide, and buoyancy aids available for a refundable deposit.
• Captain Kevin provides live commentary as you pass St. Paul’s Islands, the Ahrax and Santa Maria caves, Elephant’s Head, and St. Mary’s Tower.
• The €5 Gozo shuttle is worth considering if you want to reach Victoria and the Citadel without losing time to local transport.
• Upper-deck chairs are first come, first served, so arrive around 8:30 or at least one hour before the 10:00 departure.
• The €15 speedboat ride is optional, and takes you into smaller Comino caves, but it costs extra and uses up some swimming time.
• The $28 price is strong value for a full-day cruise, though food, drinks, rentals, lockers, and optional transport cost extra.

Why this cruise works as a Malta day out

Malta’s northern coast is best seen from the water. A boat lets you line up cliffs, coves, towers, and caves in one long view, without spending the day changing buses or walking between separate sights.

This Hornblower cruise adds two very different stops. Comino is about swimming and sea views. Gozo gives you a short taste of island life, with a chance to visit Victoria, the Citadel, local shops, and a viewpoint above the coast.

At $28 per person, the basic fare covers a lot: the cruise, sightseeing, the Blue Lagoon stop, access to the slide, and three hours in Gozo. I would budget extra for the €5 shuttle, a drink or lunch, and perhaps the €15 speedboat ride. Even with those additions, the price compares well with the amount of coastline and island scenery packed into one day.

The mood is casual and lively. You can sit in the sun, find some shade, listen to music, order a pineapple cocktail, or take part in the water activities. This is not a quiet, small-group sailing trip. It is a spacious excursion boat with shared facilities and a social atmosphere.

Boarding the white and blue Hornblower

The boat is easy to identify: look for the large white and blue vessel with Hornblower written in red on the side. Boarding opens at 8:30 a.m., and the boat leaves promptly at 10:00 a.m. The stated meeting point is Hornblower Cruises Malta.

Arrive early. The upper deck fills quickly, and the best deck chairs are not reserved. Several people arrived between 8:30 and 9:00 to claim a good spot, so I would not cut this close. Boarding closes at 9:45, and missed departures are not refunded.

This early start matters for another reason. Parking near the departure point is limited, and Malta traffic can be heavy during the busy season. Give yourself plenty of time, especially if you are driving or coming from another part of the island.

The boat has toilets, lockers in limited supply, a snack bar, shaded seating, deck chairs, and open sun areas. The facilities are useful, but do not expect a luxury yacht. One person found the seating and toilets disappointing, and another noticed an unpleasant smell on part of the upper deck. Most of the positive feedback focuses on the atmosphere, food prices, crew, and scenery rather than polished boat design.

Malta’s northern coast and St. Paul’s Islands

Once underway, the cruise follows Malta’s northern coastline. You will see dramatic rock formations, small coves, and cliffs from a helpful distance for photographs.

Captain Kevin gives live commentary along the way. One of the first notable sights is St. Paul’s Islands, marked by a statue connected with the Apostle Paul’s shipwreck in 60 A.D. The commentary adds useful context without turning the boat ride into a formal lecture.

This opening section is a good reason to keep your camera ready. The boat passes sights rather than stopping for long at each one, so you will want to take pictures as the crew points them out. The exact viewing conditions depend on weather and the boat’s route.

The Ahrax and Santa Maria caves by boat

The boat enters the Ahrax and Santa Maria caves and moves close enough for photographs. This is one of the cruise’s strongest sightseeing features because the caves are viewed from the water, where their shapes make more sense.

You get only a few minutes at some sights, so think of this as a scenic introduction rather than a full cave tour. If you want to enter smaller caves and get a faster, closer ride, an optional speedboat trip is offered for €15 in cash, subject to availability.

That extra ride has clear appeal. You get nearer to the cave openings and see more of Comino’s shoreline. It also comes with tradeoffs: it costs extra, the boat moves sharply over the water, and the activity uses time that could otherwise go toward swimming. I would skip it if you have health concerns or dislike bumpy rides.

The route also passes Elephant’s Head, Santa Maria Bay, and St. Nicholas Bay. These short passes work well for a first look at Comino, especially if you have limited time in Malta and want several sights in one outing.

The Blue Lagoon: swimming, snorkeling, and the slide

The main event is the Blue Lagoon. The boat moors in a quieter area rather than simply dropping you into the busiest part of the lagoon, though the area can still be popular in peak season.

You have about 1.5 hours here. That is enough for a proper swim and a little relaxation, but not enough to do every optional activity at length. You can jump from the boat, use the swim ladders, slide down the 10-meter waterslide, snorkel, or step ashore and explore the beach and paths on Comino.

The water is exceptionally clear and turquoise. Bring your own mask and snorkel if you have them. Rental equipment costs €5 with a €15 deposit, and €10 is refunded when you return it. Several families used the snorkel option to look for fish and sea life close to the boat.

If you are not a confident swimmer, buoyancy aids are available for a deposit. Life jackets and similar aids make the stop more manageable for children and weaker swimmers, but you still need to judge the sea conditions and follow the crew’s instructions.

The slide is a real advantage for families and anyone who wants more than a standard swim stop. You can also simply climb down the ladder and enter the water at a slower pace. That choice makes the stop work for different ages and energy levels.

On deck, you can use the limited chairs, find shade on the main deck, or order a drink from the snack bar. The pineapple cocktails are the signature order, served in a pineapple, with alcoholic and non-alcoholic versions available. Food, ice cream, and other drinks are sold onboard, and the prices are repeatedly described as reasonable.

Remember to bring your own towel, sunscreen, and beachwear. Towels are not supplied. A locker costs €2 with a €10 deposit, with €8 refunded, but availability is limited, so do not count on one for every person.

Gozo in three hours: Victoria or the harbor

After Comino, the cruise continues to Gozo for about three hours of free time. This is enough for a useful introduction, but you will need to manage your time carefully.

The easiest choice is the optional shuttle to Victoria, Gozo’s capital. It costs €5 in cash and includes a stop at Qala Belvedere for photographs. From Victoria, you can walk around the Citadel, browse shops, and take in broad views across the island.

I would choose the shuttle if this is your first visit to Gozo. It saves time and takes you toward the island’s main historic center instead of leaving you to work out connections on your own. The shuttle is not included in the cruise price, so keep cash handy and listen carefully to the crew’s explanation of where and when to board.

The Citadel is the main reason to choose Victoria. You can combine old walls, views, shops, and a walk through the capital in the time available. Still, three hours passes quickly once you include the shuttle ride, the viewpoint, lunch, and the return to the boat.

Some people prefer to stay near Mgarr Harbour. That makes sense if you want an easy meal, a drink, and a slower break without racing around Gozo. Others find the island stop too brief and would rather spend more time swimming at Comino. The right choice depends on what you want from the day: a quick island sample or more time in the water.

The Gozo stop is not a full island tour. You will not see every major sight in three hours. Treat it as a compact visit to Victoria or the harbor area, not as a substitute for a separate Gozo day.

The return route through Crystal Lagoon

Back aboard, the boat passes Mgarr Harbour and returns toward Malta through Comino’s southern channel. This gives you a second angle on the island and a chance to settle after the busy shore stop.

The route includes the Crystal Lagoon, weather permitting, along with more caves and views of St. Mary’s Tower. The boat makes photo opportunities rather than a long swimming stop here, so keep your camera nearby.

St. Mary’s Tower is a strong final landmark. Its isolated position and solid stone form look especially striking from the sea. The crew may allow free time for sightseeing around the route, but the main purpose is the view while cruising back to Hornblower Cruises Malta.

The return journey also gives you time to enjoy the boat itself. Captain Kevin’s music is a major part of the atmosphere, and the crew keeps the tone light. You can sit with a cocktail, watch the coast, or simply rest after Gozo.

Food, drinks, seating, and the onboard mood

You do not need to bring lunch, since the snack bar sells food and drinks. Still, I would bring water and a few personal snacks if you have dietary needs, because the supplied information does not give a full menu.

The pineapple cocktail has become part of the boat’s identity. It is a fun touch, but you do not need to buy one to enjoy the trip. Non-alcoholic versions are available, and alcohol and drugs are not permitted outside the service offered onboard.

Upper-deck seating is limited. The sunbeds and chairs are first come, first served, and can be full very early. If a good chair matters to you, arrive for the 8:30 boarding opening. If not, shaded seating and other areas remain available, though the boat can feel busy.

The playlist gives the cruise a party feel. That will suit families, couples, and groups who want music with their sea views. If you prefer a quiet boat and a small crowd, this is probably not your ideal format.

Who should book, and who should think twice

I would recommend this cruise to you if you want a lot of Malta in one day without arranging separate transport to Comino and Gozo. It is particularly good for families, couples, and groups who enjoy swimming, music, casual sightseeing, and optional extras.

It also suits mixed groups. One person can snorkel, another can sit in the shade, and someone else can explore Gozo. The ladders, slide, buoyancy aids, snack bar, and deck seating give you several ways to spend the day.

Think twice if you want a serious Gozo tour. Three hours is useful but limited, and some of that time goes to transport. If your main goal is quiet swimming, you might prefer to stay on Comino rather than take the Gozo stop.

You should also arrive ready for a shared excursion. The boat is comfortable enough for a full day, but seating is competitive, toilets are basic, and the upper deck can feel crowded. The value comes from the route, the water stop, the crew, and the number of sights covered, not from luxury fittings.

Should you book the Hornblower cruise?

At $28, this is an unusually efficient way to combine Comino, Gozo, Malta’s northern coast, sea caves, and two famous lagoons. The Blue Lagoon stop is the highlight, while the slide, pineapple cocktails, live commentary, and upbeat music give the trip more personality than a basic sightseeing boat.

Book it if you want variety and good value. Arrive early, bring cash, pack a towel and sunscreen, and decide in advance if you want the €5 Gozo shuttle or the €15 speedboat ride. Skip the extras if you would rather maximize your time in the water.

I would choose the Gozo shuttle for a first visit, claim an upper-deck chair early, and keep the final return ride free for photos. With those small decisions, you get a lively, practical day at sea that shows you the best parts of Malta’s northern islands without a complicated schedule.

FAQ

How long does the cruise last?

The cruise lasts about seven hours, departing at 10:00 a.m. and returning to Hornblower Cruises Malta after visiting Comino, the Blue Lagoon, Gozo, Victoria, and the Crystal Lagoon route.

How much time do I get at the Blue Lagoon?

You get about 1.5 hours at the Blue Lagoon for swimming, snorkeling, using the waterslide, relaxing on the boat, or visiting the shore.

Is the Gozo shuttle included?

No. The optional shuttle to Victoria costs €5 in cash. It also includes a photo stop at Qala Belvedere according to the planned route.

Is the speedboat cave ride included?

No. The optional speedboat ride costs €15 in cash and is subject to availability. It takes you into smaller Comino caves.

Should I bring snorkeling equipment?

Yes, bring your own mask and snorkel if you have them. Rental equipment costs €5 with a €15 deposit, with €10 refunded when the equipment is returned.

How early should I arrive?

Boarding opens at 8:30 a.m. and closes at 9:45 a.m. The boat departs promptly at 10:00 a.m. Arrive at least 45 minutes to one hour early, especially if you want an upper-deck chair.