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

This is a full-day Comino + Gozo cruise with a big focus on water time: you get about 1.5 hours in the Blue Lagoon, plus cave scenery from the boat and a free block of time on Gozo. The trip is run by a family-style crew with lively commentary, a fun playlist, and easy-to-follow logistics. If you want a one-day hit of postcard water plus island wandering, this is a straightforward way to do it.

I like two things a lot. First, you’re not stuck just cruising—you can actually swim and snorkel, and the boat gives you access points that make getting in and out feel simple. Second, the onboard vibe is relaxed and practical: you’ll find shade and deck chairs (limited), plus pineapple cocktails served right on deck while Captain Kevin and crew keep the day moving with stories as you pass major landmarks.

One consideration: the day has “extras” and optional add-ons (like a €5 shuttle in Gozo or a €15 speedboat), and your best experience depends on how you manage time. If you end up doing too many options, you may feel you didn’t get as long as you wanted in the water.

Key Points Before You Go

• 1.5 hours at the Blue Lagoon with swim ladders, easy access, and time to snorkel (or just float)
• Caves and photo stops done from the water, with close passes that are hard to replicate by land
• Gozo for about 3 hours, with a choice to explore on your own or hop the optional €5 shuttle
• Deck chairs and shaded seating are limited, so you’ll want to arrive early
• Pineapple cocktails and snack bar food are available for purchase (reasonably priced, per travelers)
• Captain Kevin’s live commentary plus a fun playlist keeps the long water stretches from feeling slow

You can check availability for your dates here:

Hornblower Cruise Basics: what you’re really signing up for

This is a classic “islands by boat” day built around two water highlights: the Blue Lagoon and the Crystal Lagoon photo stop. In between, you get sea-cave views from the boat and a real chance to step onto Gozo for island sightseeing.

The duration is listed as 7 hours, with the boat operating on a tight schedule. The key is that the timing is designed so you spend your main energy where it counts: swimming time is the centerpiece, not just a quick splash.

For many travelers, the appeal is simple: you don’t have to arrange separate boats, you get guided passing commentary, and you still get enough free time to make the day feel like yours.

Meeting Point and Timing: the easiest way to lose (or win) your day

Here’s where people make or break the experience: Malta traffic can be messy, and the boat leaves on time. Departure is at 10:00 AM, boarding opens at 8:30 AM, and boarding closes at 9:45 AM. If you arrive late, there’s no room for a rescue plan.

Also, arrive early if you care about the best deck experience. Upper deck seating and top-deck deck chairs are first-come, first-served, and travelers recommend showing up about one hour early if you want a spot. That matters because once you’re onboard, you’ll want to relax—not scramble for shade or seats while the boat is already moving.

Meeting point is at Hornblower Cruises Malta: look for the big white-and-blue boat with Hornblower written in red on the side.

A Smooth Start Along Malta’s Northern Coastline

Before you even reach Comino, you’re treated to a sea-view ride along Malta’s northern coastline. Expect dramatic cliffs and natural rock formations—great for photos because the boat passes close to the scenery.

This is also when Captain Kevin’s live commentary typically kicks in, with stories and local legends as the route heads toward the cave areas. Travelers often mention that the storytelling feels friendly and informative rather than a strict lecture.

If you’re prone to getting bored during “transfer time,” don’t worry—this part of the trip is set up so you’re always seeing something worth slowing down for.

Santa Maria Caves and Other Close-Up Sea Passes

One of the strongest reasons to do a boat day like this (instead of just visiting one island) is the sea-cave experience. You get photo stops and close passes near Santa Maria Caves and other cave areas.

This is not a “get out and hike to caves” situation. It’s a water-level viewing experience where you’re literally traveling alongside formations, which is often what you see in the best Malta vacation photos.

Practical tip: keep your camera ready during the approach. Some of the best shots happen in the few minutes when the boat is closest to the rock.

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Crystal Lagoon Photo Stop: quick, scenic, and worth the timing

The Crystal Lagoon stop is listed as a scenic cruise photo stop, weather permitting. That means you’re not guaranteed a long break here, but you will likely get the kind of view that makes you stop and grin.

Even if you don’t get long water time, this is a “picture moment” built into the route, so you don’t have to add extra planning to get those classic turquoise views.

If you’re the type who likes photos, this stop fits you well because it’s framed as a quick sightseeing bonus rather than competing with your main swim time later.

Blue Lagoon Swim Time: 1.5 hours for snorkeling, slides, and floating

This is the headline event: the boat moors in a secluded area near the Blue Lagoon, described as less crowded than some other options. From there, you get about 1.5 hours to swim, snorkel, or relax.

What makes this stop work in real life:

• You can jump in directly and use swim ladders for easy access.
• There’s a 10-meter waterslide, which is playful and memorable without needing a complicated plan.
• Buoyancy aids are mentioned as available for a deposit, which can help if you want to float more than swim.

A lot of travelers treat this as their “pool time,” not a frantic rush to check off attractions. That’s the right mindset here: take the time to snorkel, see fish if you’re lucky, and give your body a break from Malta’s heat and walking.

One more practical note: some travelers suggest arriving early and securing the better deck seating beforehand, because this is when you’ll actually enjoy the view while you wait to swim.

Comino Cave Views and the Optional Speedboat Add-On

Comino is the in-between island: you’ll cruise through Comino’s channels and pass sights like Elephant’s Head rock formation, as well as bays such as Santa Maria Bay and St. Nicholas Bay.

There’s also an optional speedboat ride into the smaller Comino caves for an added €15, subject to availability. Some travelers like this because it adds more close-up cave time from a smaller, faster boat. Others note it can feel bumpy—so if you’re sensitive to rough water, consider whether the “extra” is worth it for you.

If your priority is water time in the Blue Lagoon, you might choose not to add this. You still get plenty of Comino scenery from the main boat.

Gozo at Sea Level: your 3-hour island break

After Comino, you get about 3 hours in Gozo. This is where the cruise shifts from water action to genuine island exploring.

You’re free to stay on the boat and enjoy facilities, or you can go ashore. Two main approaches show up:

• Explore Gozo independently and take your time wandering.
• Use the optional €5 shuttle (cash upon boarding) toward Victoria, plus a photo stop at Qala Belvedere.

Victoria is where you’ll find the Citadel and local shops, along with sweeping island views. If you want a classic Gozo feel, this is the logical move because it concentrates your time in the island’s most visited area.

Victoria vs Staying Near the Harbor: pick your vibe

Gozo is small enough that you can shape the day. If you like browsing and atmosphere more than big landmarks, staying near the harbor area can be a good choice. Some travelers preferred that because it felt more relaxed and didn’t require rushing to a specific viewpoint or paying for the shuttle.

If you do take the shuttle, you’re trading flexibility for structure. You’ll cover Victoria’s key sights like the Citadel, and the tour makes it easier to manage time.

Either way, manage expectations: 3 hours on an island moves fast. If your heart is set on longer wandering time, you’ll want to keep your on-island plan simple.

Back on Board: how the return route keeps the scenery going

On the way back to Malta, you’ll cruise through Comino’s south channel and pass more sights, including the Crystal Lagoon area again and St. Mary’s Tower.

This return sailing matters because it gives you a wind-down moment. You’re not stepping onto more tickets or squeezing more walking. You’re just enjoying the last stretch of sea views before you end where you started.

Onboard Comfort: shade, deck chairs, toilets, and lockers

This is a spacious, family-run boat, designed around relaxation and sea access. Deck chairs and shaded seating are available, but they’re limited, so first come, first served.

There are also toilets onboard, and lockers are available for a fee. Lockers are listed as €2, with a €10 deposit (and €8 refunded)—but availability is limited, so don’t wait until you’re already stressed and sweaty.

If you want a simple packing strategy: bring what you need for swimming, keep valuables secure in a locker if you can, and plan to carry towels and essentials so you’re not dependent on lockers being open.

Food and Drinks: pineapple cocktails and snack bar reality

Onboard you’ll find a snack bar with drinks, food, ice cream, and cocktails. The key point is that these are available to purchase, not included.

Travelers call out the pineapple cocktails as a signature touch, and mention that onboard food and drinks feel reasonably priced. That matters because on many sightseeing boats, refreshments can feel pricey for what you get. Here, it seems more in line with what you’d expect for a tourist day.

If you want a low-effort win: buy a drink, find shade, and treat the ride like part of the vacation instead of “just getting there.”

Gear, Swim Aids, and Deposits: small costs you should know

This tour actively supports swimming, but it isn’t “bring nothing” free of cost.

What you’re told to bring:

• Towels
• Sunscreen
• Beachwear
• Cash

Optional rentals and fees include:

• Mask & snorkel rental: €5 with a €15 deposit (with €10 refunded)
• Lockers: €2 plus a €10 deposit (with €8 refunded)
• Buoyancy aids: available for a deposit (amount isn’t specified in the main info, but the deposit model is)

Some travelers also mention life jackets are available for a fee that gets refunded when returned. If you’re a non-swimmer or bringing kids, these safety items can reduce worry, but still confirm details on the day.

Safety and Rules: the slide is fun, but follow the system

The boat includes swim ladders and easy sea access. There’s also a 10-meter waterslide, and the provided info says use is at your own risk.

You’re also told that alcohol and drugs are not allowed. That’s a fair rule for a boat day that includes jumping, sliding, and swimming in open water.

If the sea gets choppy, plan to hold on and watch your step around the decks. This is a vacation day, not a yoga class—stay aware.

Weather and Sea Conditions: when it’s not perfect

Even when conditions aren’t ideal, travelers describe the day as still enjoyable. The cruise doesn’t disappear in bad weather, and you’ll still get the core experience: cave scenery, lagoon views, and time to swim if conditions allow.

That said, the exact feel of the day will always depend on water conditions. If you’re easily seasick, consider bringing what helps you on boats and take it slowly when moving around.

Price and Value: why $28 can feel like a bargain

The listed price is $28 per person for a day that mixes boat scenery, guided passing commentary, a major swim stop, and a Gozo break.

What you’re effectively getting for that price:

• A full sea day with multiple sightseeing moments
• 1.5 hours at the Blue Lagoon, where most of the value is
• A Gozo window (about 3 hours), which can be “explore time” rather than just transit
• A signature onboard experience like pineapple cocktails and music
• Onboard facilities like toilets, plus shaded seating and deck chairs

True, you may spend extra if you choose every optional add-on:

• €5 shuttle in Gozo
• €15 speedboat into Comino caves
• snorkel/mask rentals, lockers, and extra swim gear

But even with some add-ons, the total often still looks good compared to paying for separate transport plus snorkeling access plus a guided day. The value is in the “all-in-one” structure.

If you want to control spending, choose one optional: either the Gozo shuttle or the speedboat. Keep the main budget for the Blue Lagoon time.

Who This Cruise Is Best For

You’ll likely love this cruise if you:

• Want a one-day Malta island experience without heavy planning
• Care about swimming and water photos, not just land sights
• Like onboard comfort with shade and a fun crew vibe
• Prefer structured timing with free time blocks (especially on Gozo)

It may not be ideal if you:

• Expect museums-level sightseeing in Gozo during a short stop
• Hate crowds and want total solitude (you’re in a popular lagoon region, even if the mooring area is described as less crowded)
• Are sensitive to bumpy rides and are tempted by the speedboat add-on

Should You Book This Hornblower Cruise

Book it if your goal is simple: Blue Lagoon swimming plus Comino and Gozo in one day, with a crew that keeps things friendly and moving. The combination of lagoon time, cave scenery from the water, and the option to explore Victoria makes it a strong value play.

Skip it or adjust expectations if you want a long, slow Gozo day or if you’re likely to spend the whole afternoon on optional extras. If you’re making choices, keep your plan centered on the Blue Lagoon. That’s the part most people remember—and it’s the part this day is built around.

FAQ

How long is the Malta Gozo and Comino cruise?

The duration is listed as 7 hours.

What time does the boat depart?

The boat departs promptly at 10:00 AM.

When does boarding open and close?

Boarding opens at 8:30 AM and closes at 9:45 AM.

Do I need to bring swim gear or towels?

Yes. You’re asked to bring a towel, beachwear, and sunscreen. Towels and swimwear are not provided.

Are snorkeling masks and snorkels available to rent?

Yes. Mask and snorkel rental is listed as €5 with a €15 deposit, with €10 refunded.

Is there a locker option onboard?

Yes. Lockers are available for a €2 fee, with a €10 deposit and €8 refunded. Availability is limited.

Is the Gozo shuttle included?

No. The shuttle to Victoria is optional and costs €5 cash upon boarding.

Is there an extra speedboat option?

Yes. A speedboat ride into the smaller Comino caves is available for €15 cash, subject to availability.

What is the cancellation policy?

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

You can check availability for your dates here: