Comino: Blue Lagoon & Caves Boat Cruise

The best part of this Comino trip is that the boat becomes your base at the Blue Lagoon. You can swim in clear water, return to a deck chair, grab a burger or pineapple cocktail, and avoid being stranded on the crowded shore. Captain Kevin and his crew keep the day friendly and informal, with music, commentary, and plenty of help for nervous swimmers.

I like the quiet mooring area and the freedom to spend the long stop as you choose. I also like the practical extras: a 10-meter waterslide, jump points, shaded seating, toilets, food, and reasonably priced drinks. The main drawback is that the boat can fill quickly, especially the upper deck, and the ride may be rough in windy weather.

Key points to know before booking

• Arrive early for a top-deck chair: Boarding begins well before departure, and the limited upper-deck loungers can be taken by about 8:30 or 8:50.
• The boat stays with you at Blue Lagoon: You can swim from the stern, use the slide, or step ashore without giving up your place to relax.
• Captain Kevin sets the tone: His commentary, music choices, and easy manner are a big part of the family-run feel.
• The €15 cave speedboat is optional: It is not included, but it adds a fast, close look at Comino’s caves during the day cruise.
• Bring a QR access pass: You need free Blue Lagoon time-slot passes from blcomino.com, selecting both morning and afternoon slots.
• Pack for sun and motion: Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and motion-sickness medication if boat rides bother you.

Why this Comino cruise works so well

The Blue Lagoon is Malta’s famous postcard stop, but the practical question is how to enjoy it without spending the day squeezed onto a narrow patch of shore. This seven-hour Hornblower cruise offers a sensible answer: stay aboard a large boat moored in a quieter part of the lagoon, then use the vessel as a floating beach club.

At $35 per person, the price covers the full-day cruise, the long Comino stop, deck chairs, toilets, shaded seating, live commentary, music, and the slide. Food, drinks, and rentals cost extra, but prices onboard are described as reasonable rather than inflated. That matters at a place where shoreline food and drinks can be costly and the beach gets crowded.

This is not a small, silent sailing trip. It is a social boat day with music, families, swimming, and a cheerful holiday mood. If you want a private charter or a quiet nature outing, choose something else. If you want a relaxed day in the water with useful facilities close by, this is a strong fit.

Starting at St. Paul’s Bay

The boat leaves from Hornblower Cruises at Bugibba Jetty, on Dawret il-Gzejjer in St. Paul’s Bay. Look for the large white and blue boat with Hornblower written in red on the side.

I would arrive 45 minutes to an hour early. This is not only about finding the boat. It gives you a better chance of getting an upper-deck chair, and those loungers are limited. The road parking in white boxes is free but scarce, while the Moll and Anthony bus stops are within walking distance.

Traffic can be poor around departure time, so cutting it close is a bad plan. The meeting point is simple once you are at the jetty, but arriving early removes needless stress and gives you time to settle in before the boat leaves.

The activity is offered in English. The boat returns to the same general Hornblower area, with the listed drop-off points at Hornblower Cruises Malta, Hornblower Malta, and Bugibba Jetty.

Malta’s northern coast, seen from the water

The first part of the cruise is a scenic run along Malta’s northern coast. You pass St. Paul’s Bay and the St. Paul’s Islands, including the statue of St. Paul, then continue toward Ahrax Point and the Coral Lagoon area.

The view from the boat gives you a useful sense of how Malta’s coast fits together. Instead of seeing one beach in isolation, you pass rocky points, open bays, and pale stone cliffs in a steady sequence. Captain Kevin provides commentary about the sites and Malta during the journey.

The boat makes quick stops near Ahrax Cave and Santa Maria Cave. These are sightseeing pauses rather than long shore visits, so keep your camera ready and listen for the timing. The cave stops help break up the ride, but they should not be treated as full cave tours.

The sea can be calm, but it can also become choppy. A sunny day does not guarantee a smooth crossing. One useful detail from the experience is that the water at Blue Lagoon may remain calm even when the ride across open water is bumpy. If you are prone to motion sickness, sit where the crew recommends and bring any medication you normally use.

Comino’s north channel and Santa Maria Bay

As the boat enters the north channel of Comino, you pass Elephant’s Head, Santa Maria Bay, St. Nicholas Bay, and the Comino Hotel. These sights are viewed from the boat, with the captain pointing out landmarks along the coast.

This section is more about the changing scenery than formal sightseeing. You get short views of coves, rock formations, and the island’s dry, rugged shoreline. The commentary helps, though announcements over the loudspeaker can be difficult to understand at times, especially when wind and engine noise pick up.

If a particular sight matters to you, ask a crew member rather than relying only on the speaker. The crew is generally willing to clarify timings and explain what happens next. Departure times may also be written near the exit, which is useful if you plan to swim, eat, or walk ashore without losing track of the schedule.

Four and a half hours at the Blue Lagoon

After about an hour, the boat reaches Comino’s Blue Lagoon. The advertised main stop lasts 4.5 hours, giving you enough time to swim, snorkel, sunbathe, eat, and visit the island. Some departures and seasonal schedules can differ, so listen carefully to the exact return time announced onboard.

The boat moors in a more secluded part of the lagoon, away from the busiest shoreline areas. The water around the boat is about three meters deep. You can enter by steps, use the slide, or jump from designated points, all at your own risk.

You do not need to be a strong swimmer to take part. Buoyancy aids are available with a €10 deposit, and the crew can provide a life vest or pool noodle. If you are not confident in open water, use the beach access or flotation support rather than treating the slide and jump points as essential.

The water is the star attraction. It is clear enough for snorkeling, with small and larger fish visible around the boat. A mask and snorkel can be rented for €5, with a €15 deposit and €10 refunded. Bring your own equipment if you have it, but the rental option is handy for a casual swim.

The shoreline itself is much less comfortable at busy times. It has limited space, and food trucks and crowds can make it hard to spread out a towel. That is why I think the boat’s mooring is such a valuable feature. You can swim in the lagoon, climb back aboard, dry off, and claim a chair without searching for a new patch of ground.

The slide, jump points, and deck life

The 10-meter waterslide is the boat’s biggest family draw. It is available for unlimited use during the stop, but you use it at your own risk. Children and adults can take turns, and it gives the long Blue Lagoon stay a bit more energy than a simple sightseeing cruise.

The jump points offer another way into the water. These are fun if you enjoy a splash, but nobody needs to use them. The ordinary steps are easier for a calm swim, and crew members can point you toward the safest access point.

The upper deck has sunny loungers and good views. The main deck offers shade, which becomes important after several hours in strong Maltese sun. I would not assume you can arrive late and still find a top-deck chair. Several people secured their preferred places by arriving around 8:30 to 8:50, even though departure was later.

You can also choose to stay on the boat for the whole Comino stop. This is a good option if you want a chair, shade, onboard food, and easy access to the water without walking through the crowded shore area.

Food, drinks, and the pineapple cocktail

Lunch is not included, but the onboard snack bar serves hot and cold drinks, food, ice cream, and the signature pineapple cocktails. Burgers and fries are among the available meals, and the food prices are generally considered fair for a boat operating in a major tourist area.

The pineapple drink is part of the fun, especially on the upper deck with music playing and the lagoon around you. One practical note: drinks in the pineapple can be quite icy, so it is worth choosing something else if you prefer a less frozen drink.

Outside food and drinks are not allowed. Bring a towel and sunscreen, but plan to buy your meals and refreshments onboard or on Comino. Cash is useful for food, drinks, lockers, snorkel rental, and the optional cave boat, though the supplied information does not specify every payment method.

Lockers are available in limited numbers for €2, with a €10 deposit and €8 returned. Use one if you want to swim without leaving valuables beside your chair, but do not wait until the final minutes to arrange it.

The optional cave speedboat

The €15 Comino caves speedboat ride is not included in the cruise price. It is an onsite extra, and it is available during the day cruise rather than every type of departure.

If you enjoy a faster ride, this is likely the best add-on. The small boat gets closer to the caves than the main vessel and adds a short burst of excitement to a day that otherwise moves at a relaxed pace. Guides such as Ian have been praised for making the ride informative as well as fun, and another guide with long rasta hair was singled out for an especially memorable tour.

The speedboat is not necessary to enjoy the main cruise. I would choose it if you have already seen enough of the lagoon and want a more active way to spend part of the stop. Check availability onboard and bring the extra €15 if it appeals to you.

Gozo’s Mgarr Harbour and the return route

After the Comino stop, the boat heads toward Gozo without a full shore visit. You cruise around Mgarr Harbour and see the port and surrounding sights from the water.

Do not book this trip expecting a proper Gozo sightseeing day. The harbor view is a pleasant addition, but the main purpose of the excursion is Comino and the Blue Lagoon. Some passengers arrange changes with the helpful crew, but you should confirm your plan onboard rather than assume a stop is included.

The return route uses Comino’s south channel. The boat passes Crystal Lagoon, more sea caves, and St. Mary’s Tower. Crystal Lagoon is another attractive swimming and photo area, though this part is primarily a scenic pass, with a short stop of about 10 minutes listed for sightseeing.

St. Mary’s Tower provides a final landmark view before the boat heads back toward Malta. It is a useful closing sight because it places the day’s coves and channels in a historical setting, though the tour remains more focused on coastal views than lengthy historical talks.

Timing, weather, and who should book

The boat can alter or cancel the route if weather or sea conditions make the plan unsafe. Start and end points can change as well, so keep some flexibility in your day. The crew gives departure and return information onboard, and you should follow those announcements closely.

This experience suits families, couples, groups of friends, and anyone who wants swimming time without arranging several separate activities. Children have the slide and jump points, while adults can choose shaded seating, food, cocktails, or a quiet place to watch the water.

It is less suitable for anyone with mobility impairments. The boat involves boarding, deck access, steps into the sea, and movement between seating areas. People who dislike loud music, busy boats, or open-water motion may also prefer a smaller and quieter outing.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. The basic price is attractive, but remember to add possible costs for food, drinks, lockers, snorkeling gear, the access pass process, and the optional €15 speedboat.

Should you book Hornblower’s Comino cruise?

Book it if you want a full day built around clear water, easy swimming, and a boat that stays with you at Blue Lagoon. The strong points are the long stop, the quieter mooring area, the slide, reasonable onboard food, and the warm crew led by Captain Kevin. The music and relaxed humor give the trip more personality than a simple ferry crossing.

Arrive early if a top-deck chair matters. Bring sun protection, a towel, swimwear, and motion-sickness medication if needed. Keep expectations realistic: this is a lively group cruise, not a private boat or a serious history tour.

For $35, the combination of transport, sightseeing, four and a half hours at Comino, onboard facilities, and entertainment is good value. I would book it for an active, easygoing Blue Lagoon day, especially if you plan to spend most of your time swimming from the boat rather than fighting for space on shore.

FAQ

Where does the Comino cruise depart from?

It departs from Hornblower Cruises at Bugibba Jetty, Dawret il-Gzejjer, St. Paul’s Bay. Look for the large white and blue boat with Hornblower written in red on the side.

How long does the cruise last?

The advertised duration is seven hours. The main Blue Lagoon stop is scheduled for about 4.5 hours, though exact timings can vary by departure and sea conditions.

What is included in the $35 price?

The price includes the full-day boat cruise, the Blue Lagoon stop, scenic cruising past caves and lagoons, deck chairs, shaded seating, onboard toilets, live commentary, music, and use of the waterslide and jump points at your own risk.

Is food included?

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

Can I rent snorkeling equipment?

Yes. Mask and snorkel rental costs €5, with a €15 deposit and €10 refunded.

Is the cave speedboat included?

No. The Comino caves speedboat is an optional extra costing €15, payable onsite. The supplied information states that it is available during the day cruise.

Do I need a Blue Lagoon access pass?

Yes. You need a free QR code with a designated time slot from blcomino.com. Select both morning and afternoon slots as instructed.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen. Cash is also useful for food, drinks, lockers, snorkeling equipment, and the optional speedboat.