Malta in one day is a tall order, unless you do it by boat. This Comino, Gozo, Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon and Caves cruise turns your time into something simple and watery: cave views from the deck, then real swim-and-snorkel time at Comino.

I especially like the Blue Lagoon stop (you get 1 hour 30 minutes right on the action, with water-slide time and walk-on access to Comino). I also like the choice at Gozo, whether you want freedom at Mġarr Harbour or the extra convenience of a Gozo shuttle to Victoria with sightseeing built in.

The main drawback to consider is that this is a packed day. On the boat, it can get crowded, and Gozo time is fixed at about 3 hours, so you need to plan your priorities if your goal is long ocean time over island exploring.

Key highlights and practical wins

• 1.5-hour Blue Lagoon slot gives you time to swim, snorkel, and even use the slide, not just a photo stop
• Comino cave cruising means you see more than just beaches, with multiple cave passes along the way
• Gozo options at Mġarr Harbour let you either go independent or pay €5 for a Victoria-focused shuttle
• Facilities onboard include shaded and sunny seating, toilets, and limited lockers, so you are not stuck planning around basics
• Dock-and-walk access to Comino lets you use the boat as your base, then return whenever you need washrooms or a snack
• Optional add-ons like the €15 speedboat to small caves can help you tailor the day to your style

Price and what you actually get for $36.28

At about $36.28 per person for roughly 7 hours, this cruise is priced like a “do it once” Malta classic. The value is that you’re buying time savings. Instead of coordinating ferries and hopping between islands yourself, the boat strings it together: Comino for the lagoons, then Gozo for the main port and capital, with scenic cruising in between.

What matters most is that the base price covers the big experiences, while smaller costs show up for add-ons and comfort gear. Food and drinks are available onboard at reasonable prices, but they are not included. You will also want to budget for extras if you want full snorkeling kit or additional cave time.

My advice: treat this as a cruise plus a swim day. If you show up ready to swim and you keep your planning focused on Comino, you are likely to feel like you got your money’s worth.

Meeting at Bugibba Jetty, then sailing on schedule

You meet at Bugibba Jetty, Dawret Il-Gzejjer, San Pawl il-Baħar, Malta, and the departure time is 10:00 am. The tour ends back at the same meeting point, which is helpful because you do not have to figure out a return plan later.

This kind of day is all about being ready. Get there early enough to handle basics before boarding: landing pass details, sun and swim planning, and securing seating on the boat. In the busier months, the “good seat” and “top deck chair” situation can be tight.

The good news is that the tour is offered in English and you get a mobile ticket. You also get flexibility if weather forces a change, with an alternative date or a full refund.

The north-coast cruise: St Paul’s Island, caves, and big-window views

Once you leave, the boat follows Malta’s north coast in a way that feels like an extended scenic ride before the swim. You pass St Paul’s Islands and see the famous 8.3-meter statue tied to the shipwreck story from 60 AD. Even if you are not a religious-history person, the statue makes an easy, clear landmark when you are cruising by.

You also cruise by Ahrax Cave and pick up cave and beach scenery along the Comino approach. The itinerary includes cruising through the north channel of Comino with stops for sightseeing passes near places like Santa Maria cave, Santa Maria bay, and St Nicholas bay, plus the elephants head feature and the Comino hotel area.

A key value here is that you get the “Malta from the water” angle with narration and slow-looking windows. It is a nice ramp-up to the lagoons so you are not going from port to swimming with no rhythm.

Crystal Lagoon cruising: why divers like this side of Comino

After the Blue Lagoon portion, you cruise in the direction where Crystal Lagoon appears. Crystal Lagoon is described as more popular with divers because the water tends to be deeper than the Blue Lagoon areas.

You might notice that Crystal Lagoon is also said to be accessible on foot from the Blue Lagoon via about an 8-minute walk. That detail is useful for you if you are the type to want to explore beyond the main swim zone, but the cruise itself keeps you moving on a schedule.

Even if you do not snorkel aggressively, Crystal Lagoon works as a visual break, and it reinforces the idea that Comino’s waters are not one single “pretty stop.” Different bays feel different, and the boat route helps you see that.

Blue Lagoon timing and how to use your 1.5 hours well

This is the main event. The boat aims to arrive so you are among the first visitors at the Blue Lagoon. That matters because the lagoon is famous and it gets crowded. Being early can make your swim feel calm instead of rushed.

Your time here is 1 hour 30 minutes. During that window, you can:

• swim and snorkel (snorkel gear rental is available onboard for an extra cost)
• sunbathe from the boat or from Comino
• use the water slide into the turquoise water

The layout is also practical. You can walk on and off between the boat and the island of Comino, so you are not stuck spending the whole stop in one place. If you need washrooms, locker use, or a snack, the boat is your base.

Seats, decks, and the “where should I stand” problem

There are multiple decks, and where you land affects your comfort.

• The upper sun deck has free deck chairs, but they are first come, first served
• The main deck has both shaded and sunny seating
• The lower deck is air-conditioned
• There are toilets for both male and female use

If you want the best view, come early. People often prioritize the top deck chair first, and that can fill quickly.

Bring what you need: landing pass, towel, and swim setup

A big detail: you need a Blue Lagoon landing pass, and it is handled by downloading QR codes at www.blcomino.com. The landing pass is separate even though the admission ticket portion is described as free.

Also, towels are not provided. Bring your own so you are not changing in wet discomfort.

If you plan to snorkel, rental options include:

• Mask and snorkel rental: €5, plus a €10 refundable deposit
• Lockers: €2, plus a €10 refundable deposit

Life vests are available on request if you want extra confidence in the water.

Gozo at Mġarr Harbour: your 3-hour plan in one decision

After Blue Lagoon, you head to Gozo’s main port, Mġarr Harbour, where you get about 3 hours. This is not a long time, but it is enough to get your bearings and see at least one “Gozo postcard” moment.

You have two ways to do this:

Option A: Go independent from the port

You can explore on your own right from Mġarr Harbour. The tour schedule keeps it flexible, and you can use local bus or taxi if you want. If you prefer wandering slowly, this option makes sense.

One practical consideration: Gozo has hills and viewpoints. If you are traveling with kids or you do not want stairs, plan your walking carefully once you’re on the island.

Option B: Pay €5 for the Victoria shuttle

If you add the organized shuttle transfer for €5 extra per person, the plan is more structured. The shuttle includes:

• 1 hour 30 minutes in Victoria, Gozo’s capital
• a second stop of 15 minutes at a panoramic viewpoint
• travel time is included within the overall 3-hour window

This option is often a time-saver. In particular, it helps you avoid feeling like you need to figure out transport on the fly.

In the Victoria portion, you may hear commentary from the driver. Some guides are more talkative than others, so if you want extra context, go into it expecting that the exact level of narration can vary by driver.

Xlendi Bay on the return: the fjord-like pause you feel

When the day pivots back toward Malta, you cruise toward the northwest side of Gozo and include a stop near Xlendi Bay, described as fjord-like. This is not meant to be your “main hike” moment. It is more of a scenic pause that gives your eyes a break between islands.

If you are tired, this is actually a nice section to relax on the boat. If you are still energized, it is a good place for quick photos.

Onboard comfort, snacks, and the small things that change your day

This cruise does not pretend to be a luxury hotel. But it does include the basics you actually need for a full day outdoors.

What you can count on onboard:

• Upper and main decks for different levels of sun and shade
• air-conditioned lower deck
• toilet facilities
• limited lockers for swim gear and valuables
• a cafeteria with hot and cold beverages, plus food available for purchase (not included in the ticket price)

From the experience details, food and drinks are considered reasonably priced. In past similar schedules on this route, the onboard snack bar is the easiest way to handle hunger without losing time at a port.

One small weather note that matters: in cooler months or windy late-afternoon conditions, the top deck can feel chilly. Layers are a smart move.

Also, sunscreen can be a problem if you forget it. If you burn easily, bring your own.

Crowds and scheduling reality: the trade-offs you should plan for

This tour is popular, and the boat has a maximum of 232 travelers. That size can create crowding, especially at the places everyone wants at once, like the top deck chairs near the lagoon.

The other trade-off is the day’s rhythm. You are seeing a lot, which means each stop is time-limited. If your personal goal is extended swimming, Gozo is only about 3 hours, and the Blue Lagoon is 1 hour 30 minutes. You will not get a long, slow beach day on this schedule.

I also suggest paying attention to the order of your activities. Some people feel they want to do everything, like snorkeling plus extra speed-boat add-ons. On a fixed timetable, you can end up with too little water time. If swimming is your priority, keep your add-ons realistic.

Finally, remember that the tour is weather-dependent. If the day turns rough, the operator may offer an alternative date or a full refund.

Who should book this Hornblower Comino and Gozo cruise?

Book this if you want:

• an inexpensive full-day way to cover Comino and Gozo
• a solid Blue Lagoon swim window with on-board convenience
• a choice between free time at Gozo or a structured Victoria shuttle
• scenic cruising plus sea caves, not just one island and done

It may not be your best fit if:

• you hate crowds and want lots of space on the water
• your main goal is an all-day beach experience
• you need more time in Gozo than the fixed schedule allows

For families, it can work well if you plan around the walking and timing. If you are traveling with young kids or mobility constraints, the Victoria shuttle option can be easier than aiming for everything independently, but you still need to consider hills and transfers once you are on Gozo.

Should you book this tour?

Yes, you should book it if you want one simple day that strings together Malta’s most famous water views: Comino’s Blue Lagoon, cave cruising, and Gozo’s Victoria. The value is strongest when you go in with a clear plan, swim at Blue Lagoon, and treat Gozo as a highlight loop rather than a deep stay.

I would also book it if you like flexibility. You can use the boat as your base, buy drinks and snacks onboard, rent snorkeling gear if you want, and add extras like the €15 speedboat for small caves or the €5 shuttle to Victoria.

If, on the other hand, you are the type who wants quiet, long swims, and slow island wandering, you might prefer a Comino-focused day or a longer stay on Gozo. This cruise is built for highlights, not for extended floating.

In short: if you want a fun, efficient Malta day with real swimming time, this one is a strong choice.

FAQ

Do I need a landing pass for the Blue Lagoon?

Yes. You need a Blue Lagoon Landing Pass, and the instructions are to download the QR codes from www.blcomino.com. The admission ticket is listed as free, but the landing pass still applies.

What is included in the cruise price?

Included items are entering Comino’s larger sea caves during the cruise, access to the onboard water slide and limited deck chairs (first come, first served), and life vests available on request for swimming assistance.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are available onboard at reasonable prices, but they are not included in the price.

Can I rent snorkeling equipment and store my gear onboard?

Yes. Mask and snorkel rental is €5 with a €10 refundable deposit, and lockers are €2 with a €10 refundable deposit.

Is there an option to see Gozo’s main sights with a guide?

There is. At Mġarr Harbour you can add a minibus shuttle/bus tour for €5 per person, which includes 1 hour 30 minutes in Victoria and a 15 minute stop at a panoramic viewpoint. It is booked and paid for on the day upon arrival to the boat.

Where does the tour start and end?

It starts at Bugibba Jetty (Dawret Il-Gżejjer, San Pawl il-Baħar) and ends back at the same meeting point. The start time is 10:00 am.