You’re in for a serious swim day. This Comino and Blue Lagoon boat tour mixes cave photo stops, time on the water, and a long Blue Lagoon break with a famous 10m slide.

I especially love how the crew runs it like a proper day out, with Captain Kevin adding Malta context as you cruise. I also like the setup at the Blue Lagoon: a secluded mooring where you can jump in and actually enjoy the water, not just snap pics and rush off.

One consideration: the ride can get bumpy on rougher water, so if you get motion sickness, you’ll want to think twice.

If you’re after clear water and easy fun, this hits the mark. You get quick cave stops (Ahrax Cave and Santa Maria Cave), then a full 4.5 hours to swim, snorkel, sunbathe, or stay onboard and relax.

The main trade-off is timing and entry rules: Blue Lagoon now requires a QR code time slot, and your scheduled stop runs 11:00 to 15:20, which means you need the right morning and afternoon slots to match.

You’ll love the way this day flows from sights to swimming. It’s built for people who want both the scenery and the water time without complicated planning.

Key tour takeaways (what matters most)

• Long Blue Lagoon window (4.5 hours) to snorkel, swim, and still have time to just hang out
• 10m slide included, plus buoyancy aids available if you need them
• Quick cave viewing at Ahrax Cave and Santa Maria Cave for stops without killing your beach time
• Secluded mooring in Blue Lagoon (reported to be 3 meters deep) so you can jump in and swim
• Crystal Lagoon and St Mary’s Tower on the way back for photo-worthy cruising
• Optional speedboat add-on around small caves near Comino (cash on site)

Why This Boat Day Works: Blue Lagoon Time Plus Caves

Malta’s Blue Lagoon is the kind of place where photos can be great, but the real point is the water in front of you. This tour nails the simple formula: you get out on a boat early, you see caves and coastal sights along the route, then you settle in for real swimming time at Comino.

I like that the cave part is quick and purposeful. You’re not stuck on shore waiting around. Instead, you get short stops to view places like Ahrax Cave and Santa Maria Cave and then you’re back on the water toward the big swim moment.

The best part for most people is that the boat is your base. You can hop in, swim from the mooring area, and still have the option to lounge on deck between dips. That makes the day feel smoother than tours that drop you off and treat it like a quick stop-and-go.

Getting Onboard in St Paul’s Bay: Meet-Up, Early Arrival, and What to Pack

The tour starts at Hornblower Cruises Malta, Sirens Quay 24, Triq San Geraldu, St Pauls Bay, right behind LOA Restaurant. Look for a big white and blue boat with Hornblower written in red.

Plan to be there early. The guidance is to show up 45 minutes to an hour ahead, which is smart if you want to avoid last-minute stress in a busy harbor area. If you’re hoping for a top-deck lounge chair, earlier arrival helps, since the chairs are limited.

Bring what you’ll actually use all day:

• Swimwear
• Towel
• Sunscreen

You might also want to bring cash for the optional speedboat ride around small Comino caves and for any on-board add-ons (like lockers, if you choose them). The tour provides lockers for a fee in limited numbers, and you don’t want to be surprised when you’re already wet and ready to move.

One more thing: the day depends on Blue Lagoon entry rules. Starting 19 May 2025, you need a QR code showing your designated time slot to access the Blue Lagoon. For this specific schedule, the stop is set for 11:00 to 15:20, and the guidance says you’ll need both the morning and afternoon slots. Check blcomino.com for the full instructions so you’re not scrambling at the dock.

The Northern Coast Cruise: St Paul’s Islands, Statue Views, and Ahrax Point

Once you leave St Paul’s Bay, you cruise the northern coastline of Malta. Along the way, you pass major sights including St Paul’s Islands and the statue of St Paul, plus areas like Ahrax Point.

This part is mostly about getting oriented and seeing Malta from the water. Even if you’re mostly here for the Blue Lagoon, the cruise-by views help the day feel like more than just one swimming stop. You see the shape of the coastline, the position of Comino offshore, and why the water can look different in each cove.

It’s also where the crew starts talking. Captain Kevin and the team share site information as you go. It’s not heavy lecture mode. It’s more like you’re rolling with someone who knows the route and wants you to notice the right things.

Quick Cave Viewing at Ahrax Cave and Santa Maria Cave

The cave stops are short, but they matter. The boat makes quick entrances at Ahrax Cave and Santa Maria Cave, so you can see the rock formations and take photos without losing your whole day to slow sightseeing.

What you get from these stops is perspective. Malta’s coast here is all about shapes carved by water over time, and the caves are part of that story. Even if you’re not going in on a separate speedboat ride, you still get a chance to see the cave area up close from the tour boat.

One practical consideration: since you’re on a boat and moving through different water conditions, have your swim gear accessible and your phone protected if you’re taking photos. The day is beautiful, but it’s still a cruise.

Comino and Blue Lagoon: The 4.5-Hour Swim Window That Changes Everything

After about an hour cruising, you reach Comino and the world-famous Blue Lagoon area. The boat moors up, and you get 4.5 hours. This is the heart of the experience.

The mooring is described as a secluded, non-crowded area and 3 meters deep, which is important because it supports easy entry. You can swim from where the boat is tied up rather than fighting waves or searching for a convenient spot.

You’ll have choices once you arrive:

• Stay on the boat and relax between swims
• Swim and snorkel right from the mooring area
• Explore Comino Island on your own during the stop

I like that the time structure gives you breathing room. It’s long enough to snorkel properly, but not so long that you feel stuck. One crew note that comes up often: some people love staying onboard, using the deck chairs and facilities, and treating the island portion as optional.

Snorkel basics if you’re not bringing your own mask: the tour offers mask and snorkel rental for €5, with a €15 deposit and €10 refunded. If you’re a confident swimmer, you may still want the mask so you can actually appreciate how clear the water gets.

If swimming is harder for you, there’s help on board: a buoyancy aid is available for a €10 deposit. You can also enter the water from the beach area.

And yes, the Blue Lagoon is crowded at the right time of year. This tour’s positioning helps you avoid the worst of it.

The 10m Water Slide, Deck Chairs, and On-Board Comforts

The tour includes a 10m slide into the turquoise water. This is the kind of feature that sounds like a gimmick until you do it. People with kids tend to light up at this part, and adults usually act like they aren’t tempted… then change their mind once they see the water.

A few practical tips:

• The slide uses a raised entry point, so wear footwear if you’re carrying gear and stepping around wet areas.
• If you want photo angles, be ready to move quickly. The moment passes fast.
• If you’re looking to stay off your feet, the upper deck is the place for deck-chair time, though chairs are limited.

The boat also has the day-to-day basics:

• Male and female toilet facilities
• Toilets and lockers (lockers are limited and cost extra)
• A cafeteria with hot and cold beverages
• An on-board food setup is mentioned in reviews, so you’re not stuck with only drinks once you’re tired of sea-salt air

Reviews also mention pineapple drinks, and the vibe on the water often feels like an easy party that still respects the schedule.

One caution I’d add from experience with boats in these waters: if you’re sensitive to motion, the ride can feel bumpy at times. If you get motion sickness, consider sitting toward the middle and keeping your focus forward. This isn’t a calm, glassy-lake cruise.

Crystal Lagoon and Saint Mary’s Tower: The Scenic Finish on the Way Back

After the Comino/Blue Lagoon portion, the plan continues without an extra long stop. The boat goes on to Gozo but, as described, without stopping, cruising around Mgarr Harbour from the water.

Then you return via the south channel of Comino, passing Crystal Lagoon and its caves. There’s also a short stop for photos and sightseeing at Crystal Lagoon (about 10 minutes), plus a stop at St Mary’s Tower with photo time and a bit of free time.

These last parts are the “sweet bonus.” They won’t replace your Blue Lagoon time, but they add variety so the day doesn’t feel like the same view over and over. And if you like taking pictures, you’ll appreciate the changing tones as you move between coves.

The end result feels like a full loop: caves and coast on the way out, big swim time in the middle, and more sea views as you cruise back.

Price and Value Around $34: What You’re Actually Buying

At about $34 per person, the value is mostly in the included time and activities. You’re not just paying for transport. You’re paying for:

• 4.5 hours at the Blue Lagoon
• Cave viewing along the route
• Deck chairs on the upper deck (limited)
• The 10m slide

Lunch is not included, and you can add a few paid extras like the optional speedboat ride and mask/snorkel rentals, but the baseline day is already packed. That’s why people consistently call it a “must see” type of experience for the money.

Another part of the value: the boat gives you options. You can swim hard, snorkel, lounge, and still have a plan if you decide you don’t want to step onto the island. The tour isn’t forcing you to maximize every moment.

If you compare it to tours that drop you off and leave you to figure things out, this feels smoother because the boat stays with you as your moving home base. You’re not managing multiple transfers while the water is calling your name.

Who This Tour Suits Best (and Who Should Think Twice)

This is a great fit if you want a classic Malta highlight without over-planning. It’s especially good for:

• People who want real swim time and not just a quick look
• Families (the slide tends to be a win)
• Visitors who enjoy being on the water while still getting guided context from Captain Kevin and the crew

It might not be a good fit if:

• You have mobility impairments (the tour is listed as not suitable)
• You get motion sickness and can’t handle boat rides on choppier water
• You hate crowds in general (even with a secluded mooring, Blue Lagoon is still a famous spot)

Also, if you’re picky about bathroom cleanliness, be aware that reviews include a note about bathroom cleaning. It’s not a dealbreaker for most people, but it’s worth having on your radar.

Should You Book This Hornblower Comino and Blue Lagoon Cruise?

I’d book it if your goal is straightforward: spend a big chunk of time in the Blue Lagoon, see caves from the water, and still enjoy the cruise portion without a complicated itinerary. The included slide, the long 4.5-hour Blue Lagoon window, and the way the crew runs the day make it one of the easiest ways to experience Comino.

Before you hit book, double-check two things:

1) You have the right Blue Lagoon QR time slots for your schedule (11:00 to 15:20 means you need both morning and afternoon slots).

2) You’re comfortable with a boat ride that can be bumpy at times.

If those boxes work for you, this is a strong, high-value day on the water.

FAQ

Where is the meeting point for Hornblower Cruises?

The meeting point is Hornblower Cruises Malta, Sirens Quay 24, Triq San Geraldu, St Pauls Bay, located right behind LOA restaurant.

How long is the stop at the Blue Lagoon?

You get 4.5 hours in the Blue Lagoon area.

Is lunch included in the price?

No. Lunch is not included, but you can purchase it on board.

Is the 10m slide included?

Yes. The slide is included.

Do I need to bring a QR code for the Blue Lagoon?

Yes. Visitors must present a QR code showing their designated time slot for Blue Lagoon access. The guidance says to use blcomino.com for details.

What should I do about Blue Lagoon time slots?

The scheduled Blue Lagoon stop is 11:00 to 15:20, and the guidance says you need both morning and afternoon slots.

Is there an optional speedboat ride around Comino caves?

Yes. There is an optional speedboat ride around small caves near Comino, payable in cash on site for €15.

Can I rent a mask and snorkel?

Yes. Mask and snorkel rental is €5, with a €15 deposit, and €10 refunded.

What facilities are available on the boat?

The boat has male and female toilet facilities, lockers (limited and for a fee), and a cafeteria serving hot and cold beverages. Buoyancy aids are available with a €10 deposit.

Is the tour suitable for people with mobility impairments?

No. It is listed as not suitable for people with mobility impairments.

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