Turquoise water and two islands in one day. I love how this family-run Hornblower cruise strings together Malta’s coastline, cave viewpoints, and the kind of swimming stop that feels like a postcard. You get a live commentary from Captain Kevin, plus serious chill time on Comino and a proper browse on Gozo.

My favorite part is the Blue Lagoon stop: 1.5 hours of silky sand, clear water, and a 10-meter slide that turns a normal swim into the main event. I also like the pacing on the water—short photo stops keep the day moving, and the longer stops (Blue Lagoon and Gozo) give you time to actually enjoy where you land.

One thing to plan around: the boat leaves promptly, and timing matters. If you want the best upper-deck seating, you’ll need to arrive early because spots are limited and the vessel won’t wait on late arrivals.

Key things I’d mark on your plan

Captain Kevin’s live commentary makes the coastline and caves feel more real than just scenery

Blue Lagoon time includes swimming and a big slide so you’re not stuck watching from the rail

Gozo’s 3 hours is enough for Victoria without turning the day into a full-on day trip marathon

Most cave and lagoon stops are short photo windows—come ready to shoot and then relax

Extras are worth considering but require cash (speedboat, snorkel/mask, and the Gozo bus transfer)

First things first: where you meet and why early matters

You’ll start at Hornblower Cruises at 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 on the side.

Go early. The boat departs promptly at 10:00 AM and won’t be delayed, so I recommend showing up 45 minutes to 1 hour early. If you care about the upper deck (and the deckchairs), plan even earlier—upper seating is first come, first served, and it fills.

Malta’s north coast cruise: cliff views and St Paul’s sights

Once you’re aboard, the day starts with cruising past Malta’s northern coastline. From the water you’ll see high rocky cliffs, coves, natural rock formations, and caves—stuff that looks different (and better) than from land.

Captain Kevin’s commentary adds context as you pass historical landmarks like the islands of St Paul’s and the huge St Paul’s statue tied to a shipwreck story in 60 A.D. Even if you’re not a history buff, it’s an easy way to turn “pretty coast” into “oh, that’s what I’m looking at.”

Ahrax and Santa Maria caves: quick look, good photos

As you cruise, you’ll get close enough for snapshots around the Ahrax and Santa Maria caves. Expect several short photo-style moments where you can frame the caves from the boat and then move on.

This is also where the live narration helps you keep track. With all the moving water, it’s easy to lose the plot—Kevin’s guidance is basically your map for what’s coming next.

Practical tip: have your phone/camera set before each stop. Those windows can be brief, and you’ll want to spend your time aiming, not fumbling.

Blue Lagoon for 1.5 hours: swim, slide, snorkel (optional), repeat

This is the headline stop. You’ll spend 1.5 hours at the Blue Lagoon, with time to swim, snorkel, slide, or simply walk off the boat to the beach area.

What to expect in real terms:

• The water is crystal clear, and the sand looks almost unreal once you’re standing near it.
• There’s a 10-meter slide, plus room to grab a spot and work on your tan.
• If you want snorkeling gear, you can rent mask and snorkel for €5, with a €15 deposit and €10 returned when you bring it back.

A note on the slide and jumping in: it’s the kind of thing that gets everyone laughing, and it’s exactly why this cruise feels like a fun day out instead of a sightseeing shuffle.

The optional speedboat add-on at Blue Lagoon

On top of the cruise, there’s an optional speedboat ride connected to the cave area and Crystal Lagoon viewpoints. It costs €15 and must be paid in cash from the representative on-site, and availability can vary.

If you’re the type who wants more time in the rock formations (and you’re okay with getting wet), this is a popular add-on. If you’d rather keep your schedule simple and spend the full 1.5 hours right where the boat stops, you can skip it and still have a great swim day.

Comino time on board: a beach day without switching boats

After the Blue Lagoon, you’ll move to Comino. The key detail: during your time on Comino, you generally stay on the boat and use the facilities onboard.

That means you can:

• Sunbathe on the upper sun deck
• Chill in the shady seats on the main deck
• Use the facilities like the slide
• Walk off to the small sandy beach area

This is where the day becomes more about downtime than transportation. The cruise keeps you moving, but Comino is your long “do nothing” zone with a view.

If the weather isn’t great, you’ll still have value here: you’ll have onboard seating, plus nearby scenery from the water.

Arriving at Gozo: 3 hours of free time in Victoria

Then comes Gozo, with 3 hours of free time to explore. You can do this independently or use the optional transfer that’s offered as a simple add-on.

You have two practical paths:

• Take the local bus (or arrange your own way)
• Pay €5 in cash for a convenient transfer to Victoria, including a photo stop, and then return to the boat afterward

In my view, this is one of the best parts of the day because Victoria is the natural base for exploring. You get enough time to wander streets, browse shops, and see the main sights without rushing.

A few real-world notes I’d follow:

• If you want the shop-and-walk combo, stay flexible and don’t overplan.
• Bring some cash for snacks or water if you’re out walking—though the boat also sells food and drinks.

The short photo stops on the return: Crystal Lagoon and St Mary’s Tower

When it’s time to head back to Malta, the route goes through the south channel of Comino. This is when you’ll pass by the Crystal Lagoon, plus sea caves and St. Mary’s tower.

Some stops are closer and more view-focused than time-heavy. You might only get a few minutes at certain viewpoints, but that’s exactly the point: you snap photos, you glance at the shapes of the caves and towers, and then you’re back in cruising mode.

It’s a good balance if you don’t want the day to end at “okay, now we’re traveling again.” You finish with scenery.

What’s included vs. what costs extra (and how to think about value)

This cruise is often listed around $34 per person, and it covers a lot for a single 7-hour outing. For that price, you generally get:

• Round-trip cruise from St Pauls Bay
• 1.5-hour Blue Lagoon stop
• 3-hour Gozo stop
• 10-meter slide
• Deck chairs (limited)

Not included:

• Lunch (available to purchase onboard)
• €5 cash bus/minibus transfer on Gozo
• Speedboat ride in Blue Lagoon (€15 cash, availability-dependent)
• Mask and snorkel rental (€5, with deposits)
• Lockers (€2, limited)

So is it good value? In my opinion, yes—because the included time hits the two things people come for: swimming water and island exploring. The optional extras are there if you want to spend more on “more water action” (speedboat) or “more gear help” (snorkel rental).

If you’re trying to keep costs down, you can still do everything major without the extras: the Blue Lagoon swim stop and the caves/photo views are built into the main day.

Packing the night before: what you’ll actually use

Bring towel, sunscreen, beachwear, and cash. Cash matters because the speedboat and the Gozo transfer are cash-only.

Also think about comfort:

• Water shoes can help if the beach surface isn’t your favorite
• A dry bag (or a careful phone pouch) makes the slide and jumping-in moments less stressful
• If you plan to rent snorkeling gear, be ready for the deposit system

And if you want a top-deck seat: treat the morning like you’re catching a flight—early is the move.

Who this cruise is perfect for (and who should rethink)

This is a great fit if you want:

• A single-day plan that covers Comino + Gozo + a major swim stop
• Fun water activities (especially the slide)
• A mix of guided narration plus free time on land

It’s also a solid choice for families and mixed groups because the crew tends to be helpful and the vibe is relaxed.

You might want to rethink it if:

• You hate boats and prefer land-only plans
• You’re hoping for long guided walks through Gozo (this is more “time to explore on your own”)
• You need wheelchair access (the tour is not suitable for wheelchair users)

Should you book Hornblower’s Gozo, Comino, Blue Lagoon & Caves cruise?

I’d book it if you want maximum variety in one day: clear-water swimming, cave and tower photo moments, and real island time in Gozo. The price is reasonable for what’s included, and the extra options let you tailor the day if you’re feeling energetic.

If you’re the type who arrives late, hates schedules, or can’t handle cash-only add-ons, then it’ll feel stressful. But if you show up early, bring cash, and plan your time at each stop, this is one of the best ways to experience Malta’s “water first” side in a day.

FAQ

How long is the cruise?

The experience runs about 7 hours, with the exact starting time depending on availability.

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.

What times and stops should I plan for?

You’ll have about 1.5 hours at the Blue Lagoon and about 3 hours for Gozo. There are also shorter photo and pass-by stops for caves and viewpoints throughout the day.

What’s included in the ticket price?

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

What extras cost extra?

You can pay cash for optional items like the €15 speedboat ride (availability-dependent), €5 for snorkel/mask rental (with deposits), and €5 for the Gozo bus/minibus transfer. Lockers cost €2 and are limited.

Do I need cash?

Yes. The Gozo bus transfer and the optional speedboat ride are paid in cash only on-site. Snorkel/mask rentals also involve a deposit system, so keep cash ready.

Is there somewhere to store belongings?

Lockers are available for €2, but availability is limited.

Is it wheelchair accessible?

No, the tour is not suitable for wheelchair users.

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