REVIEW · MALTA
Malta: Comino, Gozo, Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon and Caves Tour
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This is one of the easiest ways to hit Malta’s top water spots fast. You get a boat cruise that mixes sea caves, Comino highlights, and a real swim window at the Blue Lagoon, plus time on Gozo.
I especially like the schedule math here: about 1.5 hours at Blue Lagoon and a full 3 hours at Gozo without feeling rushed. I also like that the day isn’t just sightseeing from the deck; you can swim, snorkel, and even use a 10-meter slide from the boat.
One thing to consider: the day is only about 7 hours total, so you’ll get a taste of both islands rather than deep time on Gozo.
In This Review
- Key things to know before you go
- Price and what you’re really buying for $36.28
- Morning logistics: meeting point, timing, and simple prep
- The cruise route: Malta’s north coast to Comino’s cave bends
- Comino’s approach: Elephant’s Head, Santa Maria, and bays you can’t reach from shore
- Blue Lagoon: the 1.5-hour swim window you’re paying for
- Crystal Lagoon: a quick bonus stop that helps you understand the geography
- Gozo at Mġarr Harbour: 3 hours that can feel perfect or short
- The Victoria plan: why the €5 add-on often saves the whole day
- Returning along the coast: Mellieħa/Ghadira Bay and cave photo moments
- What the onboard setup means for your comfort (not just convenience)
- Optional extras and where they help
- Who this tour fits best
- Should you book this Malta Comino and Gozo cruise?
- FAQ
- Do I need a Blue Lagoon landing pass?
- What’s included in the tour price, and what costs extra?
- How long do you spend at the Blue Lagoon and in Gozo?
- Is the Victoria visit on Gozo optional?
- Are towels provided?
- When does the tour run?
Key things to know before you go

- Blue Lagoon mooring + early arrival approach means you’re aiming to be among the first boats on scene
- 1.5 hours in Comino’s Blue Lagoon gives time to swim, snorkel, and still walk on and off the island
- Optional Gozo Victoria shuttle for €5 adds structure (and saves time) versus exploring on your own
- Sea-cave sightseeing on the way includes stops for photo moments and multiple cave passes along the routes
- Onboard setup matters: limited locker space and limited top-deck chairs (first come, first served)
- Plan for extra small costs like snorkel rental, lockers, and the Blue Lagoon landing pass QR code
Price and what you’re really buying for $36.28

At $36.28 per person for a roughly 7-hour cruise, this is the kind of deal that makes sense if you’re short on time. You’re paying for transport by sea across Comino and Gozo, plus guided cruising along Malta’s north coast and cave-lined channels, not just a single port visit.
The trade-off is that some of the most useful add-ons are not included. You’ll need a Blue Lagoon landing pass QR code, and if you want snorkel gear or want to store belongings, there are extra charges (cash-only shuttle and add-ons are common on this style of tour).
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Malta.
Morning logistics: meeting point, timing, and simple prep

The tour starts at 10:00 am, and the meeting point is Bugibba Jetty, Dawret Il-Gżejjer, San Pawl il-Baħar, Malta. The boat ends back at the meeting point, so you’re not dealing with a mid-day “where do I go now?” scramble.
Before you go, do the small legwork that prevents stress: get your Blue Lagoon landing pass QR code in advance from www.blcomino.com. Also pack for a swim day: you can use onboard facilities like toilets and limited lockers, but towels are not provided.
A practical tip based on how these days run: arrive early to maximize your chances at the best seats on the boat’s top deck, since top-deck space is in high demand.
The cruise route: Malta’s north coast to Comino’s cave bends
Leaving from St. Paul’s Bay, the morning is designed to warm you up with views right away. You’ll cruise past the St. Paul’s Islands area and the shipwreck story tied to Saint Paul, including an 8.3-meter statue you’ll see from the water.
You also get cave time on the route. The itinerary mentions Ahrax Cave, plus additional cave stops along the way through Comino and the Malta channel, with a short stop aimed at photos.
This part matters because you’re not just saving your energy for the beach. It’s the “scenery sandwich” layer of the day: coastal drama, then a swim break.
Comino’s approach: Elephant’s Head, Santa Maria, and bays you can’t reach from shore
As you sail toward Comino, the cruise passes a string of landmarks that give you context for what you’ll see up close later. Expect to cruise by spots like the Elephant’s Head and Santa Maria Cave, along with Santa Maria Bay and St. Nicholas Bay, and the Comino hotel area.
A key value here is variety. Even if you’re not getting off the boat yet, you’re watching the coastline change as you move through different channel sections.
One consideration: during busy seasons, boats can look similar from the sea. The good news is the Blue Lagoon portion has its own planned mooring and swim window that’s the main payoff.
Blue Lagoon: the 1.5-hour swim window you’re paying for

This is the highlight block of the day, and it’s planned with time on the water in mind. The boat moors at the island and stops for about 1 hour and 30 minutes, giving you flexibility to either stay closer to the boat or head onto Comino’s shoreline area.
During that window you can swim, snorkel, sunbathe, and use the onboard 10-meter slide. Life vests are available on request if you want extra peace of mind for swimming.
What to expect practically:
- You can walk on and off the island from the boat.
- The boat has toilets, a cafeteria with hot and cold beverages, and shaded seating plus sunny deck space.
- Deck chairs are limited and first come, first served, so early arrival helps.
And yes, you should factor in that this is a popular spot. A lot of boats show up, so your best strategy is to treat the first minutes after mooring as your chance to get in the water quickly.
Crystal Lagoon: a quick bonus stop that helps you understand the geography
On the return leg, the route mentions Crystal Lagoon. It’s described as more popular with divers because the water is deeper, and it’s also accessible from the Blue Lagoon by foot (about an 8-minute walk).
This segment is useful even if you don’t snorkel again, because it gives you a better mental map of why the water quality looks different around Comino. It also creates a “plan B” feel: if you’re not obsessed with staying on the island shore, you can appreciate the different bay character from the boat.
Gozo at Mġarr Harbour: 3 hours that can feel perfect or short
After Comino, you go to Gozo’s main port, Mġarr Harbour, for about a 3-hour stop. This is long enough to grab lunch, wander a bit, and see at least one main area, but it’s still not enough for a full Gozo deep-dive.
You have two ways to use your time:
1) Explore independently by local bus or taxi, or relax around the harbour.
2) Add the optional organised shuttle for €5 per person, which is paid on the day.
The organised shuttle option includes about 1 hour and 30 minutes in Victoria (Gozo’s capital) and then a 15-minute stop at a panoramic viewpoint for photos. Travel time between stops is included within that 3-hour block.
A practical way to choose: if it’s your first time on Gozo and you want structure with minimal stress, the shuttle is usually the smoother play. If you already have a plan in mind and you’re confident moving around on your own, independent exploring can be more flexible.
The Victoria plan: why the €5 add-on often saves the whole day
If you take the shuttle, Victoria becomes the center of gravity for your Gozo time. The day is tight, so the value of a preset route is that you’re not spending your limited hours figuring out how to get from the harbour area up to the city core and back.
The viewpoint stop is also there for a reason: it’s quick scenery without needing to commit to a long walk or extra transport. If you’re traveling with limited time and want the classic Gozo highlights in one go, this option is built for that.
On the flip side, if you want a long, slow swim or you’re hoping to spend most of your day in the water, Gozo time can feel like less of a swim day and more of a sightseeing day.
Returning along the coast: Mellieħa/Ghadira Bay and cave photo moments
As you head back toward Malta around 17:00, the cruise passes additional coastal features. The route calls out Ghadira Bay—also known as Mellieha Beach—as the largest sandy beach on the islands, plus cave stops along Malta’s rugged northern coastline.
These last sailing moments are not about a new long stop. They’re about closing the day with more texture: sea cliffs, sandy stretches, and cave-lined sections where photos come easily.
If you’re tempted to skip earlier photo moments to save time, keep this in mind. The schedule is built so you don’t need to micromanage every moment to get the scenic payoff.
What the onboard setup means for your comfort (not just convenience)
This tour isn’t trying to be a floating hotel, and that’s fine. The boat includes key comfort items: toilets, shaded and sunny seating, an air-conditioned deck, and a cafeteria with drinks.
A few details can change your experience:
- Deck chairs are limited, so if you want one of the prime spots, get there early.
- Lockers are available but limited in number.
- Food and drinks are not included in the price, but onboard prices are described as reasonable in the feedback.
- If you want snorkel gear, mask and snorkel rental is available with an extra refundable deposit.
Also, in cooler months, plan for sea-breeze wind on the top deck. Even if it feels warm on shore, it can cool down quickly once you’re moving.
Optional extras and where they help
You can add a few cash-only extras depending on what you want most from the day:
- A speedboat ride to small caves for €15 per person
- A minibus/shuttle transfer on Gozo for €5 per person (paid on the day)
- Mask and snorkel rental for €5, plus a refundable deposit
- Lockers for €2, plus a refundable deposit
This is one place where I think you should be honest with your priorities. If your goal is maximum time in the water at Blue Lagoon, you might skip add-ons that cost time shifting around. If your goal is closer-up cave scenery, the speedboat option can be worth it—especially if you like rock formations and tighter coastline angles.
Who this tour fits best
This tour is a smart match if you want a one-day loop that hits Comino plus Gozo and doesn’t require ferry planning. It’s also a good fit for first-time visitors because it hands you a structured Gozo option while keeping Blue Lagoon as the main swim anchor.
It’s less ideal if you want long time to explore Gozo at a slow pace. A 3-hour harbour-to-Victoria window is enough to sample, but it’s not enough to replace an overnight or a multi-day island plan.
If you’re traveling with kids or anyone who prefers predictable timing, the fixed schedule can be a relief. Just remember: the day includes water stops and boat movement, so pack for that reality.
Should you book this Malta Comino and Gozo cruise?
I’d book it if you’re trying to make the most of a limited Malta stay and you care most about Blue Lagoon swimming plus a structured taste of Gozo. At this price point, the value comes from combining sea transport, cave cruising, and real swim time into one outing.
I would think twice if you’re hoping for either:
- lots of time in Gozo beyond Victoria, or
- a day that is mostly about water without any sightseeing time cuts.
If you’re the type who likes to get in the water early, grab a chair before the boat fills up, and then use the rest of the day for scenery and short walks, this is exactly the kind of day cruise that works.
FAQ
Do I need a Blue Lagoon landing pass?
Yes. You’ll need the Blue Lagoon landing pass QR codes, which come from www.blcomino.com.
What’s included in the tour price, and what costs extra?
Included are Comino’s sea-cave entrances during the cruise, the onboard water slide, and limited deck chairs (first come, first served). Extra costs can include the Gozo minibus/shuttle for €5, mask and snorkel rental for €5 plus a refundable deposit, lockers (€2 plus a refundable deposit), and a speedboat ride to small caves (€15 cash only). Food and drinks are available onboard but are not included.
How long do you spend at the Blue Lagoon and in Gozo?
You get about 1 hour and 30 minutes in the Blue Lagoon on Comino. In Gozo, you have about a 3-hour stop at Mġarr Harbour.
Is the Victoria visit on Gozo optional?
Yes. There’s an optional organised shuttle transfer for €5 extra per person. It includes about 1 hour and 30 minutes in Victoria and a 15-minute stop at a panoramic viewpoint.
Are towels provided?
No. Towels are not provided, so you should bring your own.
When does the tour run?
It starts at 10:00 am and returns back to the meeting point at around 17:00.



























