Malta: Comino, Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon & Caves Cruise

The main attraction here is simple: you get a floating base at the Blue Lagoon instead of being dropped on a crowded strip of shore. Captain Kevin points out Malta’s coastal sights on the way, then you can swim from the boat, use the slide, or walk onto Comino for a look around.

I like the easy mix of sightseeing and free time, especially the close passes through Ahrax Cave and Santa Maria Cave. I also like the family-run feel, reasonable onboard food prices, and the chance to grab a pineapple drink before settling into a deck chair. The catch is a real one: the ride can be bumpy, and the boat’s best upper-deck chairs are limited, so arrive early.

Key points before you book

• Captain Kevin leads the cruise: He provides commentary on Malta’s sights and has even made the occasional dolphin sighting part of the day.
• The Blue Lagoon stop lasts 4.5 hours: You can remain on the boat, swim from its mooring, or walk onto Comino.
• The boat moors in a quieter part of the lagoon: The water below the boat is about 3 meters deep, with a beach option and a buoyancy aid available for a deposit.
• The 10-meter slide is included: It is a major hit with children, along with the boat’s swimming steps.
• Cave viewing is built into the route: Ahrax Cave and Santa Maria Cave receive quick passes, while Crystal Lagoon is viewed on the return.
• Extra costs are modest but add up: Food, drinks, lockers, snorkeling gear, and the optional €15 speedboat ride are not included.

A practical day from St. Paul’s Bay to Comino

This Hornblower cruise costs about $34 per person, which is a strong price for a day that combines transportation, coastal sightseeing, a long Blue Lagoon stop, deck chairs, and the boat slide. You also get toilets, a cafeteria, and access to a base where you can leave the water whenever you want.

That value depends on what you want from Comino. If your main goal is a short, quiet visit to the island, this is too long and too social. If you want swimming, music, sun, caves, and a simple way to spend most of a day on the water, the price makes sense.

The listed duration is four to seven hours, depending on the departure time. The Blue Lagoon stay itself is scheduled for about 4.5 hours. I would treat this as a full half-day to full-day outing, not a quick transfer.

Finding the Hornblower boat in St. Paul’s Bay

The boat leaves from Sirens Quay 24, Triq San Geraldu, St. Paul’s Bay, behind the LOA restaurant. Look for the large white and blue boat with Hornblower written in red on the side.

Arrive 45 minutes to an hour early. That advice matters if you want an upper-deck chair, since the number of deck chairs is limited. An early arrival also gives you time to find the boat without a last-minute dash along the quay.

Three local bus stops are within walking distance: Parades, Bandieri, and Toni. If you drive, free roadside parking is available in white-marked spaces, plus a small parking area near the stop. If you take a taxi, give the driver the full address and the LOA restaurant landmark.

There are two possible names shown for the starting point, Hornblower Cruises Malta and Hornblower Malta. The physical meeting point is the same.

Malta’s northern coast and St. Paul’s Bay

Once the boat leaves, the first stretch is a scenic introduction to the Maltese coast. You pass St. Paul’s Bay and the St. Paul’s Islands, including the statue of St. Paul. Captain Kevin provides information along the route, so this is more than a simple ride from one swimming spot to another.

The boat also passes Ahrax Point and Coral Lagoon. These stops are mainly for views and photographs rather than long shore visits. I would keep your camera ready, but do not expect to get off at each place.

One useful seating tip is to sit on the left side of the boat during the outward cruise if you want a better look toward Comino and the island sights as you pass. Seating choices may change as the boat moves, so the upper deck is still the best place for open views.

Ahrax Cave, Santa Maria Cave, and the north channel

The cruise continues through the north channel of Comino. Along the way, you pass the rock formation known as the Elephants Head, Santa Maria Bay, St. Nicholas Bay, and the Comino Hotel.

The boat makes short entries into Ahrax Cave and Santa Maria Cave. These are quick scenic moments, not lengthy cave visits. The boat’s size gives you a useful view from the water, and the cave entrances make good photo subjects when the boat slows down.

This part of the route gives the outing some variety. You get rock formations and coastal views before spending hours in the water. Still, keep your expectations in check: if you want an extended guided cave tour, the optional speedboat ride is the better choice.

The Blue Lagoon stop: four and a half hours your way

After about an hour of cruising, the boat reaches Comino and moors at the Blue Lagoon. The long stop is the heart of the trip.

The boat moors in a more secluded, less crowded section of the lagoon, with water about 3 meters deep. You can swim directly from the boat, use the steps to get out, or take the slide into the clear water. If you prefer land, you can walk to the island and explore on your own.

The setup is especially useful because the boat remains your base. You can return for shade, a drink, a toilet break, or a place to sit. A beach transfer or water taxi may leave you with fewer options once you arrive, while this cruise lets you switch between swimming and relaxing without packing up each time.

The water is the star. It is clear enough for snorkeling and has the bright blue color people come to Comino to see. The famous lagoon can be crowded, so do not picture a private swimming cove. The boat’s position helps, but the wider area remains a popular stop.

You will find shade on the main deck and sun on the upper deck. Deck chairs are included, though only a limited number are available. If sunbathing matters to you, arrive early and claim a chair before the boat fills.

The slide, swimming steps, and snorkeling

The included 10-meter slide gives this cruise a playful edge. Children especially enjoy it, but adults can use it too. You can also jump or climb down using the boat’s swimming access, then return by the steps.

If you have trouble swimming, ask about the buoyancy aid available on board. It requires a €10 deposit. You can also enter the water from the beach rather than from the deeper water beside the boat.

Masks and snorkels are available to rent for €5, with a €15 deposit and €10 refunded. Bring your own equipment if you already have it, but you do not need to buy gear just to enjoy the water. Swimming, the slide, and sunbathing are the main activities.

The boat has male and female toilets, though keeping expectations practical is wise. One point worth noting is that bathroom cleanliness can vary during a busy day. Lockers are available in limited numbers for a fee, so keep valuables to a minimum and do not assume every bag can be secured.

Food, drinks, music, and the optional speedboat ride

Lunch is not included, but the onboard cafeteria sells hot and cold drinks and food. Prices are described as reasonable, which helps because the Blue Lagoon stop is long enough to make a meal useful.

You might see fun drink options such as fresh pineapple drinks. The food service adds convenience, but you should still bring water, sunscreen, and a towel. The boat has a casual holiday atmosphere, with music playing during the cruise and free time.

The optional speedboat ride around Comino’s smaller caves costs €15 in cash on site. This is separate from the main cruise, but it may be the most exciting add-on if you want a faster look at the cave openings and shoreline.

Bring the cash if you think you will want it. The ride is not included, and the operator does not present it as a guaranteed part of the main itinerary. I would choose it if you have already had plenty of swim time and want a short burst of action.

Gozo and the return through Crystal Lagoon

At the end of the Blue Lagoon stop, the boat heads toward Gozo without stopping on the island. You cruise around Mgarr Harbour, which gives you a look at Gozo’s main harbor area from the water.

This is an important distinction. The cruise includes a harbor view, not a Gozo shore visit. If you want to explore Gozo’s villages, churches, or inland sights, plan a separate day.

The return route uses the south channel of Comino. You pass Crystal Lagoon and its caves, then Saint Mary’s Tower. Crystal Lagoon receives a short scenic pass of about 10 minutes, while Saint Mary’s Tower is viewed and photographed from the boat with some free time connected to the stop.

The return gives you another angle on Comino’s coast. By this point, you may be ready for a quieter ride back, and the final views work well as a last look at the island before returning to St. Paul’s Bay.

Who will enjoy this cruise most

I would recommend this for families, couples, and groups who want a relaxed water day with enough activity to keep things moving. The slide, easy swimming access, long stop, and onboard food make it particularly practical for families with children.

It also suits you if you prefer flexibility. You do not have to spend all 4.5 hours swimming. You can take a chair, use the shade, buy a drink, walk on Comino, or join the optional speedboat ride.

It is less suitable if you dislike boats, want a quiet small-group outing, or suffer from motion sickness. The ride can become very bumpy, particularly when the sea is unsettled. People with mobility impairments should also note that the activity is not considered suitable for them.

The cruise uses English for announcements and guiding. If you want detailed commentary in another language, this is not the right choice.

What to bring and one important Blue Lagoon rule

Pack swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and cash for optional purchases. Add €15 if you want the speedboat cave ride, and consider bringing a cover-up or light layer for the boat ride.

Since 19 May 2025, Maltese authorities require Blue Lagoon visitors to show a QR code for a designated access time. You obtain the free pass through blcomino.com. The scheduled boat stop runs from 11:00 to 15:20, so you need both a morning and an afternoon access slot.

This is easy to overlook because the cruise price does not replace the access pass. Check the current requirements before you leave for Malta, then keep the QR code ready on your phone.

How to decide if the $34 price is worth it

At $34, the cruise gives you a lot of time for the money. You receive the boat ride, coastal commentary, cave viewing, four and a half hours at the Blue Lagoon, deck chair access when available, and the slide.

The extras are reasonable, but budget for them if you want the full day. Food and drinks cost extra. Lockers cost extra. Snorkel rental costs €5 plus a refundable deposit. The speedboat ride costs €15 in cash.

The best value comes from using the boat as your base. If you swim several times, rest on deck, eat onboard, and take photos along the coast, you will make good use of the long stop. If you only want to see the Blue Lagoon for 30 minutes, choose a shorter transfer instead.

The free cancellation window is 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve while paying later. That gives you some flexibility, but the Blue Lagoon access pass still needs attention.

Should you book the Hornblower Comino cruise?

Book it if you want a full water day, easy access to the Blue Lagoon, and a lively boat with a slide and optional cave ride. Captain Kevin’s commentary, the family-run crew, and the ability to stay aboard during the long stop add useful comfort.

Arrive early for a top-deck chair, sit on the left side for better outward views, bring cash, and prepare for a bumpy ride. Skip it if you need a peaceful small boat, dislike open-water motion, or want a real Gozo excursion.

For families and active couples, this is a well-priced way to see Comino without giving up a place to sit, eat, swim, and escape the shore crowds.

FAQ

How long is the Blue Lagoon stop?

The scheduled stop at the Blue Lagoon lasts 4.5 hours. The boat is scheduled to remain there from about 11:00 to 15:20.

Where does the cruise leave from?

The meeting point is Hornblower Cruises Malta at Sirens Quay 24, Triq San Geraldu, St. Paul’s Bay, behind the LOA restaurant. Look for the white and blue Hornblower boat with red lettering.

Is lunch included?

No. Hot and cold drinks and food are available to purchase from the onboard cafeteria.

Does the cruise include snorkeling equipment?

No. Masks and snorkels can be rented for €5, with a €15 deposit and €10 refunded.

Is the speedboat cave ride included?

No. The optional ride around the smaller Comino caves costs €15 in cash on site.

Do I need a Blue Lagoon access pass?

Yes. Since 19 May 2025, visitors need a QR code showing a designated Blue Lagoon time slot. The free pass is obtained through blcomino.com, and the scheduled cruise stop requires both morning and afternoon slots.