Comino: Blue Lagoon & Caves Boat Cruise

You’re looking at a full-day Comino boat cruise built around one thing: the water. You’ll leave from St Paul’s Bay, cruise past Maltese sights and Comino coves, and spend 4.5 hours moored at the Blue Lagoon for swimming and snorkeling.

Two things I really like here are the warm, personal crew vibe (Captain Kevin is the face you’ll hear over the loudspeaker, and guests mention Louie the captain’s dog) and the “fun without fuss” setup at sea. With deck chairs, shaded seating, a snack bar, and that 10-meter waterslide, you can go from calm lounging to jump-off action without changing boats.

One drawback to plan around: the Blue Lagoon is busy by nature, and the day involves a few extras and logistics—especially the QR code time slots requirement and optional add-ons like the €15 speedboat to cave areas.

Key points to know before you go

• Captain Kevin’s live commentary keeps the route understandable and Malta context easy to follow
• 10-meter slide + jump points mean you’re not just watching the water, you’re using it
• 4.5 hours at Blue Lagoon gives enough time to snorkel, swim, and still relax
• A quiet docking spot helps even when the island shore gets crowded
• Reasonably priced onboard food and drinks (including pineapple cocktails) save you from leaving the boat
• Deposits for rentals are common (snorkel/mask, lockers, buoyancy aids), so bring a payment method you’re comfortable with

You can check availability for your dates here:

Finding the right boat in St Paul’s Bay (and why early matters)

This cruise runs out of the Hornblower network around St Paul’s Bay. Your best bet is to arrive early and find the big white-and-blue boat with Hornblower in red on the side.

The meeting options you may see include Hornblower Cruises Malta and Bugibba Jetty (plus Hornblower Malta and Dawret il-Gzejjer / St Pauls Bay as listed). If you’re on the local bus, there are stops within walking distance called Moll and Anthony.

Traffic can be brutal at peak times, so build in extra buffer. Many travelers recommend showing up 45 minutes to 1 hour early, mainly to avoid stress and to get yourself in the right flow before boarding.

First impression aboard: deck space, slide energy, and the onboard vibe

Once you’re on board, the feel is family-run and relaxed, not stiff and tour-bus-y. You’ll hear live commentary and you’ll also get a steady music vibe that works for different ages.

The top deck is where you’ll want to be for the best lounging. Guests often mention that seats fill quickly, especially on sunny departures. If you’re chasing a prime spot, arriving earlier helps you get the deck-chairs you want.

And then there’s the highlight: a 10-meter waterslide plus jumping points. The slide is for unlimited use, but it’s explicitly “at your own risk,” so keep an eye on the pace and watch your step when climbing back up.

What you’ll do on the Comino cruise before Blue Lagoon

The itinerary is built like a scenic circuit: you’ll cruise along Malta’s northern coast and pass multiple landmarks from the water. Expect photo stops, sightseeing passes, and short looks rather than long walks.

Along the way, you’ll pass St Paul’s Islands and a statue of St Paul, plus areas connected to Comino such as Ahrax Point. The main “real sightseeing moments” you’ll feel are the cave stops—when the boat makes quick entries near the limestone magic.

Ahrax Cave and Santa Maria Cave: quick stops with big payoff

The caves are part of the reason people choose this cruise instead of just ferrying over. You’ll have fast stops to enter Ahrax Cave and Santa Maria Cave.

What to expect in practice: you’re not doing a museum visit. It’s water-level, postcard time—grab your photos, take in the shape of the rock, and then you’re back to cruising and heading to the main swimming stop.

This is also where some guests add an extra: there’s an optional €15 speedboat ride to the caves. People who did it often call it a top highlight, and one guest specifically praised a guide named Ian for being friendly and informative.

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Blue Lagoon time: 4.5 hours to swim, snorkel, and actually relax

The heart of the trip is the Blue Lagoon stop, with about 4.5 hours moored at a less-crowded-feeling docking area. Even when the island shore is packed, the boat’s base point is described as calmer and more comfortable for swimming.

The water depth where the boat moors is listed at about 3 meters. If you’re not a confident swimmer, you can access the water from the beach area or use buoyancy support that’s available on board with a deposit.

You have options here:

• Stay on the boat and use the sun deck
• Swim from the mooring area
• Snorkel (you may want mask and snorkel rental)
• Jump from the boat and use the slide

Some travelers also mention that, on bouncier days, the cruise ride can feel rough. If you’re motion-sickness prone, consider preparing ahead of time.

Snorkel gear and buoyancy: what’s available and what it costs

You can rent what you need on board. Mask and snorkel rental is listed at €5, with a €15 deposit and €10 refund (so it’s deposit math you’ll want to keep straight).

Lockers are also available, but in limited numbers. The listing says €2 rental fee with a deposit system (listed as €10 deposit and €8 refunded). That means you should travel light and expect to use the lockers only if you’re lucky.

If you’re nervous about the water, the crew is described as accommodating in general—some guests report they can request items like life vests or even pool noodles during their trip. (Still, don’t plan on a guarantee—ask early and be flexible.)

Bring swimwear and a towel, plus sunscreen, because the whole day is a sun-and-water schedule.

Where the real comfort comes from: deck chairs and shade

One underrated reason to do this cruise is that you don’t have to spend your whole day fighting for beach space. You get shaded and sunny areas on board, plus deck chairs.

Multiple guests stress the importance of getting to the boat early to secure upper-deck seating. If you’re booking this for “lay-out-and-do-nothing” time, arrive early and aim for the top deck.

Food and drinks on board: pineapples, burgers, and solid value

The onboard snack bar is a major part of making this feel like a full day. You can purchase food and drinks on board, and there’s specific mention of pineapple cocktails, plus meals and snacks such as burgers and fries.

People repeatedly call the onboard prices “reasonable” rather than inflated tourist pricing. That matters on Comino, because it’s easy to get sucked into paying beach prices when you want one more drink or a quick meal.

If you like the idea of staying anchored to the boat for long stretches, this setup works well. You’re not forced to leave the water to hunt down food every time hunger hits.

The QR code time slots: a detail that can make or break your day

Before you go, pay attention to the Blue Lagoon entry system. The listing says all visitors must present a QR code with a designated time slot.

Passes are free from blcomino.com, but you need to select both morning and afternoon slots. Plan this ahead of time so you’re not scrambling during boarding.

Also note: the tour can adjust routes or even cancel parts due to weather or safety. In that case, your timings and start/stop points may change, so listen to the crew’s onboard announcements and check with them for exact departure and return times.

Gozo by boat: scenic views without a long stop on land

After the Blue Lagoon, the itinerary heads toward Gozo without stopping. You’ll cruise around Mgarr Harbour and get that “see it from the water” perspective.

This is a good choice if you don’t want the chaos of ferry lines and busy shore logistics. You still get the visual payoff, but you’re staying in your boat comfort zone.

Crystal Lagoon and St Mary’s Tower on the way back

On the return trip, you pass Crystal Lagoon and its caves, plus St Mary’s Tower. Expect photo stops, short visit time, and sightseeing passes rather than a deep on-land tour.

These moments feel like a bonus tour inside the bigger swim-and-cave day. If you’re the type who loves a steady stream of photo angles from the water, this segment delivers.

Who this cruise is best for (and who should skip it)

This is a great fit if you want:

• Swim-first travel with minimal planning
• A mix of caves and lagoon time
• A boat base with amenities like toilets and a snack bar
• A friendly, live-guided day that doesn’t feel rushed

It’s not suitable for people with mobility impairments, based on the activity’s access notes.

If you’re traveling with kids, the slide and jump points are exactly the kind of activity that turns “long day on a boat” into “best day ever” energy.

Price and extras: getting the real value picture

Your listed price is $35 per person, and that price is for the boat experience and core inclusions. But a few important items are not included:

• Lunch (food, drinks, ice cream are available to purchase)
• Comino Island caves speedboat ride (€15 on-site)
• Lockers (small fee with deposit system)
• Mask and snorkel rentals
• Blue Lagoon access pass (handled through the QR code slots system)

So the best value comes when you understand what you’re paying for:

• You’re paying for a full-day cruising route plus a real lagoon base (4.5 hours)
• You’re paying for comfort and fun amenities onboard
• You’re paying for live commentary that helps you understand what you’re seeing

If you add the speedboat to the caves, you’ll pay extra—but many guests describe it as worth it.

Practical tips that will save you time and money

Here are the moves that come up again and again for smoother days:

• Arrive early if you want upper-deck seating and easier boarding
• Bring cash or a payment method you’re comfortable using for snacks, cocktails, lockers, and rentals
• Use the QR code system in advance by selecting both morning and afternoon slots
• Pack basics: towel, swimwear, sunscreen
• If you hear the loudspeaker and it’s hard to catch details, don’t panic—some guests note there are other ways to confirm timing onboard (like written notices near exit areas)

Also, outside food and drinks are not allowed, so plan to buy what you want onboard.

The day’s flow, in plain English

Think of the schedule like this:
1. Board at St Paul’s Bay and cruise along Malta’s northern coast
2. Pass key sights and enter caves for quick sightseeing
3. Reach Comino and get the main Blue Lagoon mooring
4. Spend long swim and relaxation time at the lagoon
5. Continue around Gozo by boat for scenic views
6. Return via Crystal Lagoon and St Mary’s Tower

It’s simple, and that simplicity is part of the appeal.

Should you book Hornblower for Comino Blue Lagoon & Caves?

Book it if you want a value-packed, boat-based beach day where you don’t waste time transferring back and forth. The combo of Captain Kevin’s guidance, cave stops, and a full 4.5-hour base at Blue Lagoon makes it a strong choice for first-timers and repeat visitors alike.

Skip it (or choose something else) if you need step-free access, or if you strongly prefer land-based time on Comino rather than staying on a comfortable floating base. Also, if you’re sensitive to rough water, be prepared for a ride that can feel bumpy on some days.

If you’re flexible with the add-ons, arrive early, and take care of the QR code slots ahead of time, this is one of the more straightforward ways to get the Comino dream day without turning it into a logistics project.

FAQ

How long is the cruise?

The experience runs for about 7 hours.

What’s included in the price?

You get the full-day boat cruise, about 4.5 hours at the Blue Lagoon, scenic passes by Crystal Lagoon and St Mary’s Tower, plus onboard amenities like toilets, deck chairs, and the 10-meter waterslide and jumping points.

Is the Blue Lagoon access pass included?

No. The Blue Lagoon access pass is not included.

Do I need a QR code?

Yes. All visitors must present a QR code with designated time slots, and you select both morning and afternoon slots on blcomino.com.

Are lockers, masks, and snorkels included?

Lockers and mask/snorkel rentals are not included. Lockers cost a small fee with a deposit system, and mask/snorkel rental costs €5 with a listed deposit and refund amounts.

Can I cancel for free?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

You can check availability for your dates here: