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

If you’re thinking about taking a boat tour around Malta’s famous islands, this 7-hour cruise to Comino, Gozo, and the Blue Lagoon is definitely worth considering. It promises a mix of crystal-clear swimming spots, scenic cruising, and some free time to explore at your own pace.

What we really appreciate about this experience is how it balances fun activities like swimming and sliding with the chance to see iconic sights along the way. Plus, the onboard amenities—like a waterslide, deck chairs, and a playlist that keeps the vibe lively—make it more than just a sightseeing boat ride.

Of course, there are a few things to keep in mind. The top deck seating fills up quickly, so arriving early is a must if you want that perfect sunbathing spot. Also, the three hours in Gozo can feel a little rushed if you want to dig into the island’s charm.

This tour suits travelers who want a relaxed, fun day at sea with plenty of opportunities for swimming, photos, and light exploration. If you love being on the water and want to capture Malta’s best views, this could be your ideal day out.

Key Points

• Beautiful cruising scenery along Malta’s coast, perfect for photos and relaxing.
• Swim and snorkel in the renowned Blue Lagoon, with options for sliding and buoyancy aids.
• Good value for money with onboard food, cocktails, and fun extras included.
• Flexible time in Gozo, with options to explore independently or join an optional shuttle.
• Friendly crew and guides who share stories and keep the atmosphere lively.
• Comfortable boat facilities, including shaded areas, deck chairs, and toilets—though some reviews mention the top deck fills quickly.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An honest look at what to expect

This cruise is designed for those who want to experience Malta’s highlights without wasting a lot of time planning individual excursions. It’s a full day of sightseeing, swimming, and relaxing on a spacious boat operated by a family-run team. From the start, the journey promises stunning views along the coastline, with Captain Kevin sharing live commentary about the sights.

What sets this tour apart is how it combines scenic cruising past caves, rock formations, and landmarks with unbeatable swim stops. The Blue Lagoon, in particular, is a highlight—its turquoise waters and soft sand draw almost everyone in. As one reviewer put it, “the lagoon was amazing—plenty of space to swim and jump off the boat,” with additional praise for the slide and buoyancy aids.

The itinerary: A detailed breakdown

The day kicks off at Hornblower Cruises Malta with a prompt departure at 10:00 AM, so arriving early is advised—boarding opens at 8:30 AM. The first part of the trip takes you along Malta’s northern coast, passing dramatic cliffs and hidden coves. Captain Kevin provides entertaining commentary about the landmarks, including stories about St. Paul’s shipwreck and the caves you’ll pass.

Next, the boat approaches the Santa Maria Caves, where the crew brings the boat close enough for fantastic photos. The caves are a quick stop—just 5 minutes—but the views make it worthwhile. The cruise then continues past Santa Maria Bay, Elephant’s Head, and other scenic spots, offering more photo opportunities and scenic vistas en route to Comino.

Once at Comino, the boat anchors in a more secluded part of the Blue Lagoon for 1.5 hours of swimming, snorkeling, or simply relaxing on deck. This is the time for the slide, buoyancy aids, and enjoying a refreshing pineapple cocktail. Many reviews mention how stunning the Blue Lagoon is, with clear waters perfect for spotting fish, and plenty of space to float or jump off the boat.

While some guests choose to stay on the boat, others step ashore to explore the sandy beach or walk around the island paths. The facilities include toilets, lockers, and a snack bar where you can buy drinks, ice cream, and cocktails. The value for the onboard food and drinks is generally seen as good, with prices described as reasonable.

The Gozitan experience

After soaking up Comino’s beauty, the tour heads to Gozo for about 3 hours of free time. You’re free to explore on your own or opt for the €5 shuttle that takes you to Victoria, Gozos’s lively capital, with its historic Citadel and charming streets.

Reviewers mention that the time in Gozo can feel a little rushed, but the scenic Qala Belvedere viewpoint offers a great photo stop on the way. During this time, you can shop, grab a snack, or just soak in the relaxed island vibe.

The return journey

As the boat leaves Gozo, the cruise takes you past the Mgarr Harbour, with more gorgeous views of Crystal Lagoon, caves, and St. Mary’s Tower. The relaxed atmosphere is enhanced by the onboard playlist and friendly crew, who keep everyone entertained and comfortable.

The cruise returns to Malta around 5:00 PM, with a final stop at St. Paul’s Shipwreck and the coastline. The entire experience is designed to balance sightseeing, swimming, and relaxation—and most travelers seem to find it very worthwhile.

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The experience from reviews

Customers consistently note how well-organized and punctual the trip is, with many praising the friendly crew and informative guides. One comment summed it up: “Captain Kevin and his crew are very friendly and informative. Plenty of time for both islands and to enjoy the Blue Lagoon.” Others loved the food and cocktails onboard, describing them as delicious and reasonably priced.

The Blue Lagoon gets rave reviews, with many saying it’s “absolutely stunning” and “perfect for swimming and jumping,” especially with the slide. A few reviews mention the importance of arriving early to secure a top deck sunbed, as those spots fill quickly.

Some travelers did mention limitations, like the top deck filling up early or some discomfort with the boat’s facilities, but these are minor compared to the overall positive experience. Others felt the three hours in Gozo was somewhat brief, though many appreciated that they could choose to stay on the boat or explore independently.

Who will love this cruise?

This tour is ideal if you’re looking for a full day of fun, relaxation, and sightseeing without needing to organize multiple activities yourself. It’s perfect for swimmers and sunbathers who want to enjoy Malta’s most famous spots, especially the Blue Lagoon. The onboard amenities make it suitable for those who want to lounge comfortably or enjoy a few drinks while cruising.

It’s also well-suited for those who appreciate informative guides and friendly crews who keep the atmosphere lively. However, if you’re not a fan of crowds or have limited time in Gozo, you might want to consider how long you spend exploring on your own.

Final thoughts

This Malta: Gozo, Comino & Blue Lagoon Cruise offers a fantastic balance of sightseeing, swimming, and relaxation. The combination of scenic cruising past caves and landmarks, flexible time for exploring Gozo, and the chance to swim in one of the most beautiful lagoons makes it a strong choice for many travelers.

The value for money shines through with onboard food, drinks, and fun extras like the slide. The friendly, knowledgeable crew and well-organized itinerary leave most guests feeling they received a memorable day without added stress.

If you love being on the water, snapping photos of stunning sights, and enjoying a laid-back atmosphere, this cruise is likely to hit the spot. Just remember to arrive early for a top deck spot and bring essentials like sunscreen, a towel, and cash for extras.

FAQ

• What is the duration of the cruise?
  It lasts approximately 7 hours, starting at 10:00 AM with boarding from 8:30 AM.

• Where do I meet the boat?
  Look for the large white and blue boat with “Hornblower” written in red. The coordinates are 35.9519424, 14.4081211. Arrive at least 45 minutes early to avoid missing boarding.

• What should I bring?
  Bring a towel, sunscreen, beachwear, and cash for onboard purchases or extras like the speedboat ride.

• Is there a dress code?
  Casual beachwear is fine. Just wear comfortable clothes suitable for swimming and sunbathing.

• Can I stay on the boat during the stops?
  Yes, you can choose to stay onboard or step ashore to explore the beaches and island paths.

• Are there optional extras?
  Yes, there is a speedboat ride into the caves available at an extra cost.

• How long is the stop in Gozo?
  About 3 hours, which can feel a bit short if you want to explore everything. You can join an optional shuttle to Victoria or explore on your own.

• Is food included?
  Food and drinks are available onboard at reasonable prices. You can buy snacks, ice cream, cocktails, and more.

• Is the boat family-friendly?
  While not explicitly marketed as a family tour, the onboard facilities and activities like swimming and sliding make it suitable for all ages, especially if traveling with children who enjoy water.

• What do reviews say about the experience?
  Most guests praise the friendly staff, stunning sights, and good value. The Blue Lagoon is frequently highlighted as the main highlight, and many appreciate the informative commentary and lively atmosphere.

This cruise offers a well-rounded day on the water—ideal for those wanting to see Malta’s best spots without fuss, with plenty of opportunities for fun and relaxation along the way.

You can check availability for your dates here: