A trip to Comino feels like cheating. For about $36, Hornblower gives you a full day on the sea with the important stuff included: deck chairs, a slide, and stops at the places you came for. You’re paying less than many “premium” tours, but you still get a real boat day, not just a quick photo stop.

I especially like the long Blue Lagoon session. You’ll moor near the action for over 4 hours, with time to swim, snorkel (gear available to rent), and even slide from the boat. When you want a break from the water, you can stay on board on the upper sun deck or under shade on the main deck.

One thing to plan for: this can get crowded. The boat can hold up to 232 people, and in rougher weather the ride can feel intense for sensitive stomachs.

Quick hits before you go

• Captain Kevin keeps the route moving with narration and sight stories
• Deck chairs are first come, first served, so arrive early for the rooftop view
• Blue Lagoon is the main event with 4+ hours to swim and slide
• You get a 360-degree loop around Comino for cliffs and rock formations
• Santa Maria Tower (built 1618) is one of the island passes you’ll actually see
• Optional speedboat to the caves adds extra thrill for 15 euros (cash only)

Why this Comino cruise feels like a great value

For the price, what you get is unusually practical. You’re not just being transported to a beach. You’re paying for time on the water, photo-friendly cruising, and enough swimming freedom to make the day feel worth it.

Most of your “extra” costs are optional. Lunch isn’t included, and snorkel gear, lockers, and the speedboat to small caves cost extra. But the essentials are covered: all taxes/fees, landing and facility fees, slide access, and restroom use on board. That matters when you’re trying to keep your Malta day expenses under control.

Also, you’re not stuck doing only one thing. You get sightseeing cruising plus a serious swimming chunk at Comino’s best-known bay. This format is ideal if you want sun and water without committing to a full-week beach plan.

The Bugibba Jetty start: where your day begins

The meet-up point is Bugibba Jetty in San Pawl il-Baħar (Dawret Il-Gzejjer). It’s near public transportation, which makes this easier to slot into a day without a complicated taxi shuffle.

If you want the best seats, treat this like a “get there early” tour. Multiple tips point to arriving early for rooftop chairs, with one common recommendation of arriving about an hour ahead (sometimes even earlier) to grab the top level. The reason is simple: when the boat fills up, you’ll still see the water, but you may not get the best view angle or the exact spot you want.

Plan your timing with daylight in mind. The tour runs roughly 10:00 to 17:00, and Comino days are all about maximizing that bright window for photos and swims.

Captain Kevin’s route: St Paul, Mellieha, Ahrax caves, and Coral Cove

Right at the start, you get more than a simple departure. The cruise includes early narration and passes tied to Malta’s shipwreck history—specifically St Paul, whose statue sits on a tiny island area you’ll see during the morning cruising.

As you move along, you’ll pass Mellieha Bay, described as the largest beach in Malta, which gives you a wide, open-water view. Then the boat heads toward the Ahrax cave area, where you’ll get a chance for great photographic shots.

Another quick visual stop on the way is Coral Cove. It’s not a long stay, but it’s part of what makes the day feel varied. Instead of waiting for Blue Lagoon to save the day, you get several “look at that” moments as you cruise.

Comino’s 360-degree loop: cliff views and Elephant’s Head

Once you’re near Comino, you’re not just pulling up and parking. You’ll cruise in a way that lets you take in the island’s shape and geology. Comino is tiny—about 1.4 square miles—so the boat can circle and reveal the coast without a lot of wasted time.

This part of the trip is built for people who like watching the coast from the water. You’ll see high cliff edges and rock formations as the boat tracks around the island. A standout mentioned on this route is a formation called Elephants Head.

If you care about viewing angles, here’s a practical tip from real experience: try to position yourself so you’re facing toward the Comino coast as much as possible. One suggested approach is choosing the starboard side when you board, because it can line up better with Comino views during the loop.

And yes, the boat ride itself becomes part of the entertainment. Many guests mention upbeat music on board, plus a friendly crew that shares info as you go.

Blue Lagoon time: moored convenience, slides, and snorkeling freedom

This is the headline stop: Blue Lagoon on Comino, with over 4 hours here. The best part is how you arrive. Instead of trekking over crowded routes, the boat moors in a way that makes the water the easy option.

You can treat the boat like your base. If you want to swim or snorkel, you can jump in right from the mooring area. When you want a break, you can climb back on board and cool down in the shade or soak in the sun on the upper deck.

The slide is included, and it’s one of those simple, no-planning-needed ways to make the day feel like a day at the waterpark. Use it when the line is short, and don’t wait until the final hour unless you enjoy awkward timing.

On snorkeling: you can rent masks/snorkels for 5 euros (with a 15 euro deposit, and 10 euros refunded). Lockers are 2 euros if you want secure storage. If you forget your towel, that’s on you—towels aren’t included.

One important crowd reality: Blue Lagoon is popular. A boat that lets you use your own jump-off zone helps you dodge some of the chaos of the shore. Still, you’ll be sharing the area with lots of other swimmers, and the overall vibe can feel like peak-season water fun rather than quiet nature.

What about the caves and the speedboat add-on?

There’s an optional add-on that can turn the day from great to extra memorable: the speedboat ride to small caves. It costs 15 euros, is cash only, and is described as available seasonally.

Even if you skip it, you still get cave-related scenery from the main cruising route—like the Ahrax cave photo stop—but the add-on is about getting closer and moving through the water in a more action-packed way.

If you do plan to add it, treat it like a choose-your-own-adventure moment. It’s not required to enjoy Blue Lagoon, but it’s often the kind of thrill that makes a “good day” feel like a top day on your trip.

Crystal Lagoon: deeper water and a short walk from Blue Lagoon

After the main Blue Lagoon time, the route includes cruising into Crystal Lagoon. It’s noted as more popular with divers because it’s deeper. Even if you’re not diving, it matters because it suggests the water is ideal for snorkeling and exploring.

Crystal Lagoon is also reachable on foot from the Blue Lagoon mooring area. The walk is described as about 8 minutes, and you can use that time however you like—snorkel, swim, or even do cliff jumping if that’s your thing.

The timing can flex based on conditions. Depending on weather and the day’s flow, Crystal Lagoon may be viewed during the way in or later on the way back to Malta.

Food, drinks, and onboard comfort (what you’ll actually notice)

The boat has an onboard cafeteria, and food and drinks are described as reasonably priced. You can also find drinks and snacks during your downtime between swims.

Guests mention items like chicken burgers and chips, and there are also playful bar treats such as pineapple cocktails. It’s not going to replace a proper meal ashore, but it’s a practical option when you don’t want to lose a swimming hour to hunger.

You’ll also notice the boat’s vibe. Some describe it as not the most modern, but it still functions well for what you’re doing: water access, restrooms, seating, and the slide. If you’re expecting a luxury yacht, you might be disappointed. If you want a working boat day with good views and minimal hassle, you’ll likely be happy.

Also keep an eye on comfort under real conditions. One caution from experience: if seas get rough, motion can hit hard. There were reports of rough seas and people feeling sick. If you’re sensitive, bring something for motion sickness and consider timing your meds before the cruise starts.

Cash rules, what to pack, and how to avoid day-of stress

This tour runs smoothly when you plan for two things: cash and basic swim gear.

Payments are cash only on Comino island and on the boat. That means you should bring euros ahead of time rather than hoping you’ll find easy card machines when you’re ready to buy a snack, rent snorkel gear, or pay for the cave speedboat add-on.

Bring:

• Towels
• Sun cream
• A jacket or something warm if you’re traveling October to May, and especially if you’re on the cooler shoulder months. It can get chilly while cruising.

If you’re snorkeling, you can rent masks and snorkels on site, but there’s a deposit involved. Decide ahead of time whether you want to travel with your own gear or rent it there.

And one more practical note: deck chairs are first come, first serve. If you care about having a specific view spot, show up early instead of hoping luck saves you.

Is it worth it for your style of travel?

This is a strong pick if you want:

• A short, high-impact day in Comino
• Lots of water time without needing to coordinate transport
• A mix of sightseeing and swimming
• Fun extras like a boat slide and optional speedboat cave thrills

It may not be your perfect match if you need a quiet, slow, low-sensory experience. Between crowded seasons, upbeat music, and a full boat feel, this is more “party-by-the-water” than “silent cove.”

Families often do well here because the experience fits a range of ages, and the boat gives everyone an easy base for breaks. For solo travelers, the crew and clear route structure can also make it feel straightforward and safe.

Should you book this Hornblower Comino day?

I’d book it if you’re chasing the core Comino experience—Blue Lagoon time, water access from the boat, and a chance to add the cave speedboat for extra thrill—without spending big money on a fancy yacht. The included slide access and long mooring time are where this stands out for value.

I’d pause if you’re easily seasick, hate crowds, or expect a modern, quiet luxury vessel. In those cases, you might still enjoy the water, but the ride conditions and the boat atmosphere could clash with your preferences.

If you do book, plan your day around three moves: arrive early for the rooftop chair, bring euros for cash-only purchases, and pack a warm layer for cooler months so you stay comfortable while cruising.

FAQ

How long is the Comino, Blue Lagoon & Caves cruise?

It runs for about 7 hours (approximately 10:00 to 17:00).

What’s included in the ticket price?

Included are all taxes/fees, landing/facility fees, deck chairs (first come first serve), use of the slide, and restroom facilities.

What costs extra during the day?

Lunch isn’t included. You’ll also need to pay for mask & snorkel rental (5 euros with a deposit), speedboat ride to the small caves (15 euros, cash only, seasonally), lockers (2 euros), and you may need to bring a towel.

Where do I meet the tour?

Meet at Bugibba Jetty (Dawret Il-Gzejjer, San Pawl il-Baħar, Malta).

Is the tour good for snorkelers?

You’ll have long swim time at Blue Lagoon, and you can rent snorkel gear for a fee. The cruise also includes cruising by Crystal Lagoon, which is noted as deeper water for divers.

Are there places to store your things?

There are lockers available for 2 euros. Deck chair areas are first come, first served.

Can I pay by card?

No. Payments are accepted cash only on Comino island and on the boat.

What should I pack for the cruise?

Bring towels, sun cream, and a jacket or something warm if you’re traveling from October to May (it can get chilly during cruising).

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