Comino’s water looks unreal, and the boat ride matters. This Hornblower cruise combines Comino’s Blue Lagoon time with cave-viewing stops and a stop-and-swim style that keeps things easy. I liked that the crew runs the day with clear info from Captain Kevin, so the scenery comes with context, not just sightseeing photos.

My favorite part is the 4.5-hour Blue Lagoon base. You’re not stuck in a rushed drop-off routine, and you can jump in from the water, use the on-board deckchairs, and even slide into the turquoise from a 10m slide. One drawback to plan for: the Blue Lagoon entry system uses time slots and a QR code, and the sea can get bumpy if you’re motion-sensitive.

Key things to know before you go

• You get a real mooring spot in Blue Lagoon: the boat parks in a secluded, non-crowded area (about 3 meters deep).
• Caves get quick, close-up stops: Ahrax Cave and Santa Maria Cave breaks are short but scenic.
• Blue Lagoon time is the payoff: about 4.5 hours to swim, snorkel, and relax.
• The slide is included: a 10m drop into the water, plus an easy exit via steps.
• Crystal Lagoon and St Mary’s Tower are photo stops: brief, but good for skyline and color.
• Optional add-ons cost extra: a speedboat ride around small Comino caves is payable on-site in cash.

Entering Hornblower’s world at St Paul’s Bay

Your day starts at Hornblower Cruises Malta in St Pauls Bay, Sirens Quay 24, behind LOA Restaurant. Look for a big white and blue boat with Hornblower written in red on the side. Aim to arrive early, at least 45 minutes to an hour before departure, because it prevents last-minute stress when you’re trying to get towels, sunscreen, and swim stuff sorted.

If you’re using public transport, there are bus stops within walking distance called Parades, Bandieri, and Toni. If you drive, parking is available on the road in the white boxes, and there’s also a small parking area by the stop. (This area is busy in summer, so arriving early gives you breathing room.)

Once you’re aboard, the vibe is family-run and relaxed. You’ll hear route commentary from Captain Kevin, and you get time to settle into the boat before the scenery starts turning into postcard views.

North-coast scenery and the first photo moments

After you leave St Paul’s Bay, you cruise along Malta’s northern coast. You pass the St Paul’s Islands and the statue of St Paul, then continue by Ahrax Point. There’s a “look up and take it in” feel here, but it also helps to know what you’re seeing, and the captain shares info as you go.

You’ll have a photo stop at St Paul’s Bay, then you’ll continue toward Comino waters. The route includes a scenic pass by Coral Lagoon, along with other coastal views that make the ride feel like part of the experience, not just transit.

Tip: if you care about photos while you’re sailing, choose your seat early. One practical suggestion I’d follow is to sit on the left-hand side if you want views oriented toward the island side as you pass.

Ahrax Cave and Santa Maria Cave: short stops, real payoff

Caves are the star ingredient on this cruise, and you’ll get to see two of the named ones: Ahrax Cave and Santa Maria Cave. The stops are described as quick entries, meaning you won’t get long hikes or lots of wandering. What you do get is the chance to be close to the rock formations and openings while the boat times it with the rest of the route.

You also get that key thing most boat days miss: explanation. Captain Kevin points out what matters along the coast and ties the views to Malta in a way that’s easy to follow. If you like photography, this is when you’ll want your camera ready, because the caves and surrounding water create strong contrast.

A drawback to keep in mind: because these are short stops, you should treat cave time as “see it and snap it” rather than “linger and explore.” If you want long cave visits, you’d need a different style of tour.

Comino Island and the Blue Lagoon, with time to actually enjoy it

About an hour into the cruise, you arrive in the Comino area. Then comes the biggest block of your day: around 4.5 hours in the Blue Lagoon.

This is where the Hornblower format shines. The boat moors in a secluded, non-crowded area, and the water is about 3 meters deep. That matters because it makes swimming access feel manageable instead of chaotic. From here, you can choose your pace: swim, snorkel, float, or just do what most people really come for, sun time.

How you get in and out of the water

You can enter from the water directly, and if you have any swimming difficulties, the information provided says you can enter from the beach or use a buoyancy aid available on the boat with a €10 deposit.

If snorkeling is on your list, masks and snorkels can be rented on-site for €5, with a €15 deposit and €10 refunded when you return them. Even if you’re not a confident swimmer, snorkeling gear can turn this into a “try it once” experience.

The 10m slide and the deckchair plan

The cruise includes a 10m slide into the Blue Lagoon. It’s an obvious highlight, especially for families, but it also works as a quick adrenaline reset for adults. The steps to get back out are part of why it feels accessible once you’re in the action.

On top of that, you can grab deck space. Deck chairs on the upper deck are limited, so if sunbathing is your goal, get your spot early. One helpful strategy is to arrive early enough to secure a chair when you can, and then let the rest of the day fall into place.

Want shade? You can move between decks depending on the sun and your comfort level. This boat gives you both options without feeling like you’re stuck in one tiny area.

Food, drinks, and bathrooms on the lagoon stop

Lunch is not included, but you can buy food on board. The boat also has a cafeteria with hot and cold beverages, and there are mentions of drinks like pineapple drinks, which makes the break feel more like a day on the water than a bare-bones ferry ride.

For practical comfort, there are male and female toilet facilities onboard. A minor note from experience with similar boats: bathrooms can get less pleasant when lots of people are in and out. Bring patience, and consider timing bathroom breaks before you head into the water.

The Blue Lagoon QR code and time-slot reality

Before you go, check the Blue Lagoon QR code requirement. The information says that effective 19 May 2025, visitors need a QR code showing their designated time slot. The free access pass comes from blcomino.com.

Also important: the scheduled stop at the Blue Lagoon is 11:00 to 15:20, and you would need the matching morning and afternoon slots. If you show up without the right QR setup, your experience can go from relaxing to stressful fast. So do this ahead of time, not after you’re at the pier.

This requirement is a big reason to plan your timing carefully. It’s not the kind of thing you can improvise once you’re already on the water.

Crystal Lagoon and St Mary’s Tower: quick color and quick views

After your main Blue Lagoon time, your route continues with more coastal stops and passes. You’ll go toward Crystal Lagoon, with a short stop described as about 10 minutes. It’s mostly a photo and viewing moment, so don’t treat it like a second beach day.

You’ll also pass St Mary’s Tower, with a photo stop and a brief visit and free time included in the schedule. The tower area is good for quick photos because it frames the water and coastline well. If you’re the kind of traveler who loves a strong viewpoint, this gives you one more moment to stack into your camera roll before the day wraps.

Gozo from the water: Mġarr Harbour without a land stop

One of the better surprises in this itinerary is how it uses Gozo without demanding extra effort. After the Blue Lagoon, you head toward Gozo and cruise around Mġarr Harbour without stopping. That means you get the sense of travel across the channel without losing hours to getting off and back on again.

On the return, you go back to Malta via the south channel of Comino, passing Crystal Lagoon and its caves and again seeing St Mary’s Tower from the water. It’s a neat loop, and it keeps the day feeling like one continuous scenic ride rather than a bunch of disconnected errands.

What’s included, what costs extra, and how to budget

This tour is listed at $34 per person, and the value is mostly about time in the water plus the fun extras. What you’re getting includes:

• 4.5 hours in the Blue Lagoon
• Deck chairs on the upper deck (limited)
• Viewing of the caves
• Slide (10m)

What you should expect to pay extra for:

• Lunch, because it’s not included, but you can purchase food on board
• Snorkel mask rental, €5, plus the deposit details mentioned earlier
• Lockers, available on the boat in limited numbers for a fee payable on-site
• An optional caves speedboat ride around the small caves near Comino, payable in cash on-site (bring €15)

To me, the budgeting math is simple. If you’re the type who only wants a quick look at the Blue Lagoon, you might feel like you’re paying for time sitting on a boat. But if you want a real swim day with a base area, and you value the slide and lounge setup, the price makes sense. The option to add a speedboat segment is the “choose-your-own-adventure” piece, especially if you want even more cave action near Comino.

One more practical cost tip: bring some cash. The speedboat add-on is described as payable in cash on-site.

Motion, comfort, and who will enjoy this most

One honest consideration: the ride can be bumpy, especially on a boat moving along open water and across channels. If you’re prone to motion sickness, this is one of those days where you should think twice or prepare.

This tour also is not suitable for people with mobility impairments, based on the provided info. Boats involve steps, changing surfaces, and water access, so it’s wise to choose a different format if mobility is a factor.

Who it fits well:

• Families who want a swim day with a big included activity (that slide is a kid magnet)
• Couples and friends who want a relaxed break from planning
• Photo lovers who like multiple brief viewpoints plus a long lagoon block

Who might get less out of it:

• Travelers who want long guided cave walks rather than quick entries
• People who can’t handle choppy water
• Anyone who hasn’t set up the Blue Lagoon QR time-slot plan

Should you book this Comino and Blue Lagoon cruise?

I’d book this if you want your Malta day to be simple and water-focused. The combination of 4.5 hours in the Blue Lagoon, cave viewing, and an included 10m slide is a strong mix for the money. The mooring setup in a secluded area also makes a difference, because it reduces the “where do I swim from?” friction.

I would hesitate if you’re dealing with motion sickness or if the Blue Lagoon QR code setup feels like a hassle you might forget. This is the one logistical item that can ruin the mood if you ignore it.

If you want my quick decision rule: if you’re excited about swimming more than sightseeing, this is exactly the kind of half-day to full-day plan that leaves you with fewer regrets and more saltwater stories.

FAQ

How long is the stop at the Blue Lagoon?

The scheduled Blue Lagoon stop is from 11:00 to 15:20, with about 4.5 hours of time in the Blue Lagoon.

Is lunch included on board?

No. Lunch is not included, but you can buy food on board.

Do I need a QR code for the Blue Lagoon?

Yes. The information says that visitors need a QR code showing their designated time slot. You get the free access pass through blcomino.com.

Is the 10m slide included?

Yes. The slide is included in the tour.

Can I rent a mask and snorkel?

Yes. Masks and snorkels can be rented for €5, with a €15 deposit and €10 refunded when you return them.

Are deck chairs included?

Yes, deck chairs on the upper deck are included, but the number is limited.

Where do I meet the boat?

Meet at Hornblower Cruises Malta, Sirens Quay 24, Triq San Geraldu, St Pauls Bay, behind LOA Restaurant. Look for the big white and blue boat with Hornblower written in red.