Comino and Gozo in one day sounds like a lot, but it works. This cruise packs sea caves, Comino coves, and a real swim stop at the Blue Lagoon—plus an option to add Gozo sightseeing without you stressing over transport.

I like the pacing: you get real water time (including a boat slide), and you’re not stuck just looking from the deck. The other win is the structure—short, clear stops with enough freedom to do your own thing in Gozo. One thing to consider is that the top-deck seating and the boat space can get tight, so arriving early matters if you want your own spot.

Quick Take: What Makes This Tour Worth Your Time

• Blue Lagoon first-stop advantage: you arrive for a calmer swim window before crowds build
• Cave cruising plus photo stops: you pass sea caves and notable coastal spots along the way
• Gozo on your terms: 3 hours at Mġarr Harbour, either independent or with a €5 shuttle
• Boat-as-base comfort: swim gear on, change onboard, and use the cafeteria and toilets
• Optional add-ons for extra thrill time: speedboat-to-small-caves and snorkel/locker rentals

Why This Comino + Gozo Cruise Makes Practical Sense

If you only have a short Malta stay, this is one of the easiest ways to see two islands without hopping ferries all day. You start in Malta, cruise out to Comino, spend major time in the Blue Lagoon, then continue to Gozo’s port and come back by boat.

You’re also getting a “fast sampler” of the coast. Malta’s northern shoreline, Comino’s cavey stretch, and Gozo’s Victoria area show up in one itinerary, so you can decide what deserves a return trip later.

The value angle is simple: compared with paying for separate boat transport plus island tours, this one ticket bundles the big travel legs into a single day.

Leaving Malta: St. Paul’s Bay to Comino Caves and Beaches

The day starts from Bugibba Jetty (Dawret Il-Gzejjer, San Pawl il-Baħar) at 10:00. From there, the cruise heads toward Comino while you pass notable sights along Malta’s north coast.

You’ll cruise by St. Paul’s Islands and an 8.3-meter statue of St. Paul. It’s an easy stop to enjoy because it’s not just scenery—you get context as you pass, and the view is good even if you stay seated.

The route also includes cave stops and coastal cruising such as Ahrax Cave, plus photo opportunities along the rugged north channel. If you like coastline photography, this part helps justify the trip even before you get to the famous water.

The Blue Lagoon Stop You Actually Came For (1.5 Hours)

This is the headline: about 1 hour 30 minutes at the Blue Lagoon on Comino. The boat moors so you can walk on and off the island, and it’s designed so you can treat the boat like your base—back for washrooms, shade, and drinks whenever you need a break.

In the water, you can swim, snorkel, sunbathe, and use the onboard 10-meter slide. If you’re not sure you want to commit to snorkeling gear, you can still get a lot from simple swimming and floating. If you prefer to stay “on the water” without the hassle, you can also relax on deck while others snorkel.

One practical point: that 90-minute window goes fast. If your plan is slide + swim + any snorkeling + a quick walk on shore, move efficiently and don’t wait for perfect conditions.

How to Make the Blue Lagoon Stop Feel Longer

• Arrive at the best spot early, since free deck chairs are first come, first served
• Download your Blue Lagoon landing pass QR codes ahead of time (it’s listed as required)
• Bring a plan for changing after you swim, because you’ll want quick access to toilets and storage

Comino Cruising: Elephants Head, Santa Maria Caves, and More

Between the Malta coast and your Blue Lagoon stop, you cruise through Comino’s classic string of coastal landmarks. On the way, the route highlights places like the elephants head, Santa Maria Cave, Santa Maria Bay, St. Nicholas Bay, and the Comino hotel area.

This matters because it changes the day from one big “hold your breath, wait for the lagoon” event into a real cruising experience. Even if you don’t get off the boat every time, you’re seeing different coastlines and rock formations as you go.

There are also short cave photo stops along the northern coastline—worth it if you want proof you were there beyond just the lagoon photos. You’ll also pass along Ghadira Bay (Mellieha Beach) on Malta’s side, which helps break up the day visually.

Gozo Time at Mġarr Harbour: Independent or the €5 Shuttle

After Comino, you head to Gozo’s main port, Mġarr Harbour, for about 3 hours. This part is great because it gives you options: you can explore independently using local transport, or you can pay for the organized shuttle.

If you add the €5 shuttle transfer, the schedule is built around the main sights. You get 1 hour 30 minutes in Victoria (Gozo’s capital) plus a 15-minute panoramic viewpoint stop. Travel time between stops is included within that 3-hour visit, so you’re not losing the day to travel gaps.

If you skip the shuttle, you’ll still have time to enjoy the harbour area on your own. That’s a good choice if you want a slower pace, prefer wandering, or just want food with no plan.

What to Expect in Victoria

Victoria is where you’ll likely aim if you want the big-photo version of Gozo. The shuttle option is geared to put you in the center area long enough to browse, shop, and eat, then send you back on schedule.

The tradeoff is time. With only 3 hours total in Gozo, you’ll want to pick what matters most—views and streets in Victoria, or a more relaxed harbour pause.

Crystal Lagoon on the Return: Why Divers Pay Attention

On the cruise back, you’ll approach Comino and head through the south channel with a stop near Crystal Lagoon. This bay is noted as being more popular with divers because of its deeper waters.

The key point for swimmers and snorkelers: Crystal Lagoon is accessible by foot from the Blue Lagoon in about an 8-minute walk. So even if your main swim is at Blue Lagoon, you’re still seeing another water area during the cruise flow.

This return segment is a good way to keep the day moving while you sail back toward Malta. You’re not stuck with only one “big moment” and then boredom.

Price and Value: What $36.28 Buys You (and What Costs Extra)

At about $36.28 per person for roughly a 7-hour outing, the value is really about coverage. You’re paying for boat cruising, a guaranteed Blue Lagoon mooring stop, and the major island-to-island movement in one go.

Food and drinks are sold onboard at reasonable prices, but they’re not included in the base ticket. That’s normal for a day cruise. If you want full convenience, plan to buy beverages during the day, especially when you’re out in the sun.

What can add up (but also gives you control):

• Blue Lagoon landing pass: you need the QR codes from the landing pass site
• Mask and snorkel rental: €5 plus a refundable deposit
• Lockers: limited, €2 plus a refundable deposit
• Optional speedboat ride to small caves: €15 cash only
• Optional Gozo shuttle: €5 cash or on-day payment, booked on arrival at the boat

My advice: budget for the essentials you’ll actually use. If you’re a confident swimmer and you’re happy with short snorkel time, you can probably skip most rentals. If you want extra cave time beyond the cruise, the speedboat add-on is the one that changes your “look how close we get” factor.

Practical Tips That Save You Time at the Jetty and Onboard

This trip is simple, but the day has a few moving parts. Small prep makes a big difference.

1) Arrive early for the best seats. Top-deck seating fills first. If you care about shade or front-row views, you want to be among the first at the boarding area.

2) Bring your own towel. Towels are not provided. Also think about sunscreen timing if you’re sunburn-prone, because that’s not listed as included.

3) Bring cash for extras. The optional items that are cash only include the speedboat ride. The Gozo shuttle is listed as €5 as an optional extra.

4) Plan your swim time. You’ll have swim opportunities and a slide, but your Blue Lagoon window is limited. If you’re determined to do snorkel gear and a long shore walk, you may feel rushed.

5) Wear layers in cooler months. A sea breeze can cool you down on deck. Even in mild weather, a light layer helps during cruising.

Who This Tour Is Best For

This is a strong match if you want a short-stay, high-impact day. It’s also a good fit if you like seeing multiple coasts and caves without hiring a driver or coordinating ferries.

You’ll likely love it if:

• you want 90 minutes at the Blue Lagoon to swim and slide
• you’re fine with guided cruising plus free time in Gozo
• you like optional upgrades (shuttle and speedboat) if you feel like adding more

If you hate crowds or you want long, slow exploration with lots of downtime, you might prefer a Comino-focused option instead. The tour description even mentions another Comino, Blue Lagoon and Caves tour for those who want more beach time and less sightseeing.

Should You Book This Hornblower Malta Comino, Gozo, Blue Lagoon Tour?

Book it if you want the smartest one-day route across Comino + Gozo with a real swim stop at the Blue Lagoon. The schedule gives you enough time to enjoy the water, and the cruise adds cave and coastline variety so the day doesn’t feel like a single waiting room.

Skip it or consider a different format if you’re sensitive to crowding or you want more than 3 hours in Gozo. With a day like this, you’ll get a taste, not a deep dive—and that’s the point. You’re buying convenience and first-rate highlights in one shot.

If you’re the type who plans ahead (landing pass QR codes, cash for extras, and an early arrival for deck seating), you’ll get a smoother day and more time enjoying the water.

FAQ

What time does the tour start and when does it return?

The tour starts at 10:00 am and returns back at about 17:00.

Where is the meeting point?

The meeting point is at Bugibba Jetty, Dawret Il-Gzejjer, San Pawl il-Baħar, Malta.

Do I need a Blue Lagoon landing pass?

Yes. You’ll need the Blue Lagoon landing pass and the guidance is to download the free landing pass QR codes from www.blcomino.com.

Is food included in the ticket price?

No. There is an onboard cafeteria with hot and cold beverages, but food and drinks are not included in the price.

Is snorkel gear included?

Mask and snorkel rental is an optional extra. It’s listed as €5, plus a refundable deposit of €10.

Does the tour include lockers?

Lockers are an optional extra. They’re listed as €2, plus a refundable deposit of €10. They’re also described as limited.

What does the optional Gozo shuttle cost and include?

The optional Gozo shuttle is €5 extra per person. It includes 1 hour 30 minutes in Victoria and a 15-minute panoramic viewpoint stop. Travel time between those stops is included in the 3-hour Gozo visit.

What happens if the weather is bad?

This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered an alternative date or a full refund.

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