Malta’s coastline looks made for sea days. This family-run Hornblower cruise links Gozo + Comino + the Blue Lagoon into one 7-hour outing, with live commentary as you pass caves and cliffy coves.

I especially like the mix of relaxed time and built-in sights. You get real swimming time in the Blue Lagoon (plus a 10-meter slide), and you still get a solid chunk of time on Gozo for sightseeing and shopping.

One thing to plan around: the boat leaves promptly at 10:00 AM and won’t wait for late arrivals. If traffic or directions throw you off, you could miss the whole day.

Key Things That Make This Cruise Worth Your Time

• 10-meter slide on board: quick adrenaline, no lineup, towel + swimsuit and you’re set
• Blue Lagoon time that’s actually usable: 1.5 hours to swim, slide, jump, and soak up the views
• Captain Kevin’s live commentary: you’re not just “passing by,” you’re learning what you’re seeing
• Two-island day plan with free time: Comino for boat facilities, then Gozo with a chance to hit Victoria
• Optional speedboat in the Blue Lagoon: extra €15 cash if you want a closer look at caves and Crystal Lagoon

The Day Starts at St Pauls Bay (And Timing Matters)

You meet at Hornblower Cruises, Sirens Quay 24, Triq San Geraldu, St Pauls Bay—right behind LOA restaurant. Find the big white and blue boat with Hornblower written in red on the side, and aim to be there early.

Plan on arriving 45 minutes to an hour before departure to avoid stress. Many people are happiest when they get there even earlier, especially if you want the best spots on the upper deck with deck chairs (limited in number and first come, first served).

And yes, Malta traffic can be a mess. The boat departs promptly at 10:00 AM and won’t be delayed, so build in buffer time if you’re driving.

Cliffs, Caves, and a Live Story While You Cruise

Once you’re aboard, the day starts with scenic cruising along Malta’s northern coast. The boat passes high rocky cliffs, coves, natural rock formations, and caves—close enough that your camera stays busy.

Captain Kevin provides live commentary about the landmarks and what you’re seeing. You’ll pass the islands of St Paul and the huge statue of St Paul that dates to a shipwreck in 60 A.D., then move toward the cave areas with named stops along the way.

You’ll also get photo stops timed around the Ahrax and Santa Maria caves, with time for great shots from the boat. Even if you’re not a “caves person,” this is one of those stretches where the views do most of the talking.

Practical tip: bring sun protection early. The early cruising stretch sets you up for photos, but it’s also when you’ll soak up UV before you’re in the water.

Blue Lagoon Stop: Swim, Snorkel, Slide, and Choose Your Vibe

The Blue Lagoon is the main event—1.5 hours carved out for water time. Think silky white sand and crystal-clear water that makes even a simple splash feel like a postcard.

On this stop, you can swim, snorkel (mask and snorkel rental is available), and use the boat’s facilities. You can also slide into the water from the 10-meter slide, or jump in and work your way from boat to beach depending on what the crew says is best that day.

If you want to add one more thrill, there’s an optional speedboat ride in the Blue Lagoon area. It costs €15 paid in cash to the representative on board, and it depends on availability.

Snorkel gear is also an option: mask and snorkel rental costs €5, and there’s a deposit (reported as €15 with €10 back when you return the items). Lockers are limited (reported as €2), so don’t count on having a guaranteed place to stash wet gear.

If you’re keeping this day easy, you can stay mostly focused on the water—swim first, then take photos, then slide. That’s a winning rhythm in a place where the water is the whole point.

Comino: Stay on the Boat and Let the Island Pass You Quietly

After Blue Lagoon, you head to Comino, and the pace changes. You don’t need to conquer the island on foot because the plan is to remain on the boat and use its facilities.

This is when you’ll see people stretching out, sunbathing on the upper deck, or chilling in the shade on the main deck. If you brought a towel and sunscreen, this is the part of the day where you finally get to slow down.

There’s also a small sandy beach where you can walk off the boat for a dip if you want. But the bigger “Comino move” here is boat-based relaxation: comfortable seating, repeated access to water, and fewer logistics than trying to run around on shore.

Gozo Free Time: 3 Hours in Victoria Makes the Mainland Feeling Disappear

Then the cruise shifts again—toward Gozo. You get about 3 hours of free time to explore, and you’ll have an option that affects how much you can see.

You can use the local minibus/bus transfer on Gozo for €5 paid in cash, which is designed to move you conveniently to Victoria, Gozo’s capital. If you’d rather go your own way, you can also explore solo during the same free-time window.

Victoria is the smart target because it’s where you’ll find a compact burst of activity and classic “Gozo atmosphere.” You should expect time for walking, photos, and browsing—enough time to feel like Gozo is more than a stop between swims.

A bonus: if the weather isn’t perfect for water, Gozo sightseeing becomes more valuable. This part of the day keeps you from feeling like you “only came for swimming.”

Passing Crystal Lagoon and Saint Mary’s Tower on the Return

On the way back, you sail toward Malta through the south channel of Comino. This is the scenic payoff for the whole day: more coastline views, plus more stops for photo moments.

The boat passes Crystal Lagoon again, along with sea caves and St. Mary’s tower. There are also multiple quick photo stops (short, but framed in a way that helps you capture angles from the water without wasting time later on).

This return stretch is where you’ll often see people taking one last round of photos, checking sunburn progress, and grabbing something from the on-board bar or food options if you’d like.

It’s also a good moment to think about gear. If you got snorkel gear or used the lockers, make sure you’ve got everything together before the final drive back.

Price and Value: Why Around $34 Can Still Feel Like a Bargain

With a price listed at about $34 per person for roughly 7 hours, the value depends on how you use the day. The included parts are the anchors: round-trip cruise, 1.5-hour Blue Lagoon stop, 3 hours on Gozo, and the 10-meter slide. Deck chairs are included too, but limited.

To me, the value is strongest if you do at least one paid add-on. The optional speedboat ride (€15 cash) is the kind of upgrade that can turn “good photos” into “how is this real?” moments, especially if it adds extra cave-and-lagoon viewing around Crystal Lagoon.

The other optional add-ons are smaller:

• snorkel rental for a modest fee with deposits
• mask/snorkel so you can take full advantage of the clear water
• the €5 Gozo bus if you want Victoria without dealing with transit planning

If you’re traveling with someone who hates complicated logistics, this cruise keeps things simple. You’re moving between islands without needing to drive, find parking, or coordinate separate boat tickets.

Who This Cruise Suits Best

This fits best if you want a full Malta experience without doing a ton of planning. It’s a great choice for people who:

• love swimming and want a proper Blue Lagoon window
• want to see Gozo but don’t want to structure a full day on buses
• prefer a guided day with live commentary while still having free time

It can be less ideal if you’re expecting a fully shore-based tour. Comino time is primarily boat-based, and the Gozo exploring is limited to a 3-hour window.

Also, it’s not suitable for wheelchair users based on the tour notes.

Small Tips That Make the Difference on a Sea Day

A few practical moves can make this smoother:

• Bring cash for extras. The speedboat and the Gozo bus are paid in cash only.
• Pack like you’ll get wet. Even if you don’t plan to slide, jumping in or getting sea spray is part of the experience.
• Arrive early for upper-deck comfort. Seats and deck chairs are limited, and the upper deck seating is first come first served.
• Expect prompt departure. No late arrivals, no “we’ll wait five minutes.”

One fun detail: the cruise can include entertainment through the captain’s playlist during the journey. If you like a relaxed vibe, that helps.

Should You Book This Gozo, Comino, and Blue Lagoon Cruise?

Yes, book it if you want one day that actually delivers water time and real variety. The included Blue Lagoon swim window plus the 10-meter slide are hard to match, and the Gozo stop gives you enough freedom to feel like you left Malta—not just the harbor.

Skip it only if you’re very sensitive to schedule rigidity. The boat leaves promptly at 10:00 AM and won’t wait, and missed departures mean no refunds.

If you’re a “one-and-done” planner, this is a strong pick: minimal logistics, lots of views, and a day built around the places people come to Malta for.

FAQ

How long is the cruise?

The total duration is listed as 7 hours, with starting times varying by availability.

What’s included in the price?

The included items are round-trip cruise, a 1.5-hour Blue Lagoon stop, 3 hours in Gozo, the 10-meter slide, and deck chairs (limited number).

Where do I meet the boat?

You meet at Hornblower Cruises, Sirens Quay 24, Triq San Geraldu, St Pauls Bay, located right behind LOA restaurant. Look for the big white and blue boat with Hornblower written in red.

Do I need cash for extras?

Some extras require cash. The Gozo mini bus transfer costs €5 paid in cash on board day-of, and the optional speedboat ride costs €15 paid in cash to the representative on site.

Can I rent snorkel gear?

Yes. Mask and snorkel rental is available for €5, with a deposit reported as €15 and €10 returned when you return the items.

Is this tour wheelchair accessible?

No. It’s listed as not suitable for wheelchair users.

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