Comino: Blue Lagoon & Caves Boat Cruise

Crystal-clear water is only the beginning. This family-run Comino boat cruise combines Malta’s famous Blue Lagoon with coastal sights, sea caves, swimming, and a 10-meter waterslide. I like the generous 4.5-hour stop and the fact that the boat remains your base, so you can escape the crowded shore whenever you wish. The main drawback is that the upper-deck chairs fill quickly, and rough seas can make the ride uncomfortable.

I also like the friendly, informal character created by Captain Kevin, his crew, lively music, and even the captain’s dog, Louie. Food and drinks cost less than many beachside options, and the boat docks in a quieter part of the lagoon with easy access to the water. Just remember that food, lockers, snorkel gear, and the optional cave speedboat ride cost extra.

Quick take: what makes this cruise worth considering

• A quieter Blue Lagoon base: The boat moors in a less crowded section with about three meters of water beside it.
• Captain Kevin’s personal touch: Commentary, music, practical help, and a friendly crew make this feel more relaxed than a basic ferry ride.
• A full day for $35: You get roughly seven hours, scenic cruising, 4.5 hours at Comino, onboard facilities, and swimming access.
• Fun for active and lazy days: Use the slide and jumping points, snorkel, or simply claim a shaded seat and order a pineapple cocktail.
• The extra cave ride is popular: A separate €15 speedboat trip offers a closer look at the caves and is available to purchase on-site.
• Arrive early: Boarding begins at the Bugibba Jetty area, and the best upper-deck chairs can be gone well before departure.

From St. Paul’s Bay to Comino’s northern coast

The cruise begins at Bugibba Jetty in St. Paul’s Bay. Look for the large white and blue boat with Hornblower written in red on the side. The meeting point is easy to miss if you rely only on a taxi, so give the driver the full address: Hornblower Cruises, Bugibba Jetty, Dawret il-Gzejjer, St. Paul’s Bay.

I would arrive 45 minutes to an hour early. This is not just cautious advice. The upper deck has a limited number of deck chairs, and several people arrived early only to find them already taken. You can still find seating on the main deck, including shaded areas, but the top deck gives you the best sunbathing spot and open views.

Once underway, the boat follows Malta’s northern coast. You pass St. Paul’s Islands and the statue of St. Paul, then continue toward Ahrax Point and Coral Lagoon. The captain points out landmarks and gives short commentary about Malta, so this is more than a simple ride to a swimming spot.

The pace is pleasant, but sea conditions matter. One direction may be calm while the open-water sections feel bumpy, especially on a windy day. If you get motion sickness, bring whatever remedy you normally use. The boat’s movement is part of the outing, not a minor detail.

Caves, bays, and the north channel of Comino

The route continues through Comino’s north channel, where you pass the unusual rock formation known as the Elephants Head. You also see Santa Maria Bay, St. Nicholas Bay, and the former Comino Hotel from the water.

The boat makes short stops near Ahrax Cave and Santa Maria Cave. These are quick scenic visits rather than long shore excursions, so keep your camera ready and listen for the captain’s timing. You get a useful view of the caves without giving up the long swimming stop later in the day.

The coastal scenery is the real attraction here. Malta and Comino are best understood from the sea, where the pale rock, cuts in the shoreline, and clear water form a much better picture than a single beach view can provide. If you want an especially good look at the passing shore, sit on the side facing the island during the outward cruise.

The commentary is in English. It is helpful and friendly, though announcements can be hard to hear when the boat is noisy or the wind picks up. Departure times are also written near the exit in chalk, which gives you a useful backup. Listen carefully before leaving the boat, and check the posted times yourself.

Four and a half hours at the Blue Lagoon

After about an hour, the boat reaches Comino’s Blue Lagoon. This is the heart of the day, and the long stop is one of the strongest reasons to choose this cruise over a simple water taxi.

The boat moors in a quieter area away from the most crowded shore. Water beside the boat is about three meters deep, with steps for getting in and out. You can swim directly from the boat, use the jumping points, or ride the 10-meter slide as often as you like, at your own risk.

If you are not a confident swimmer, you have several options. You can reach the water from the beach, use a buoyancy aid with a €10 deposit, or stay on deck and enjoy the view. The crew is willing to help with life vests and pool noodles, which is useful for families and anyone who wants extra support.

The lagoon is clear enough for snorkeling, and small and larger fish can be seen in the water. A mask and snorkel can be rented for €5, with a €15 deposit and €10 refunded. Bring your own equipment if you have it, but the rental option is practical if you packed light.

You can also get off the boat and walk around Comino. The shore is attractive, but it becomes crowded, and some areas have little room for a towel. For many people, the boat is the better base: you get a deck chair, toilets, shade, food, and easy access to clean swimming water without fighting for a patch of beach.

The boat is part of the attraction

This is not a silent sightseeing vessel. Captain Kevin and the crew create a casual holiday mood with music, commentary, and a good deal of cheerful interaction. The playlist suits different ages, and the atmosphere is lively without requiring you to join in.

The deck layout gives you choices. The upper deck is best for sun and open views. The main deck offers shade, which becomes valuable after several hours in strong Mediterranean sun. Deck chairs are included, but they are limited, so early arrival matters if you want one.

The boat has separate male and female toilets, a snack bar, and limited lockers. Lockers cost €2, with a €10 deposit and €8 returned. The toilets are useful, although they may need more frequent cleaning during a busy day. That is a fair trade for having a proper base beside the lagoon, but do not expect resort-level facilities.

Smoking is allowed only in designated areas. Outside food and drinks are not permitted, so plan to buy refreshments onboard or eat before boarding.

Burgers, pineapple cocktails, and reasonable onboard prices

Food and drinks are not included in the $35 price, but the onboard snack bar helps keep the day simple. You can buy hot and cold drinks, ice cream, burgers, fries, and the signature pineapple cocktails.

The food prices are described as reasonable, which matters at a popular swimming site where beach food can be expensive. The burger and fries are a practical lunch, and several people found the portions and prices fair. If you want a full meal, budget for it separately.

The pineapple cocktails are part of the fun and make a good holiday photo, though they can be quite icy. Bring a reusable water bottle only if it complies with the operator’s rules, since outside drinks are not allowed. Otherwise, plan to purchase water onboard.

Staying onboard or exploring Comino

You do not have to leave the boat for the whole Blue Lagoon stop. Staying onboard gives you a deck chair, shade, toilets, the snack bar, and a less crowded place to swim. It is a smart choice if you have already seen enough shore scenery or want a relaxed day with minimal walking.

Getting off lets you see the lagoon from land and take a short self-guided walk. The tradeoff is crowding. The famous shoreline is small, and food stands and other visitors can make it difficult to spread out, especially in summer.

I would use the first part of the stop for swimming and snorkeling from the boat, then decide if you want to walk ashore. You can return to the boat when the beach feels too busy. Keep track of the departure time, and listen to announcements before heading away from the mooring point.

The optional Comino caves speedboat ride costs €15 and is paid onsite. It is not included in the cruise, but it can be the best add-on for anyone who wants a closer, faster look at the caves. The speedboat guide Ian has received praise for making the trip both entertaining and informative. This option is available during the day cruise, not every departure format.

A look at Gozo, Crystal Lagoon, and St. Mary’s Tower

At the end of the Comino stop, the boat heads toward Gozo without a shore stop. You cruise around Mgarr Harbour, giving you a water-level view of Gozo’s main harbor and surrounding sites.

This is a scenic pass rather than a Gozo tour. If you want time on Gozo, you need to confirm the arrangements with the crew. The boat may be able to help if your plans change, but you should not book this cruise expecting a full Gozo visit.

The return route follows Comino’s south channel. You pass Crystal Lagoon and its caves, then St. Mary’s Tower. The Crystal Lagoon stop lasts about ten minutes, giving you time for photos and a guided look from the boat. St. Mary’s Tower is another quick photo and sightseeing point rather than a long land visit.

The return route adds variety. You see a different side of Comino instead of simply retracing the morning journey, and the changing light can make the cliffs and water look quite different by late afternoon.

Is $35 good value for seven hours?

At $35 per person, this cruise offers strong value if you want a full day around Comino rather than a short transfer. The price includes the boat, scenic route, 4.5 hours at the Blue Lagoon, deck seating, swimming access, the slide, jumping points, toilets, commentary, music, and a view of Gozo’s Mgarr Harbour.

The extras are easy to understand:

• Food, drinks, ice cream, and pineapple cocktails cost extra.
• Snorkel rental costs €5 plus a refundable deposit.
• A locker costs €2 plus a refundable deposit.
• The cave speedboat ride costs €15.
• Hotel transfers from Sliema, St. Julian’s, and Valletta are not included.
• You need a free Blue Lagoon access pass with both morning and afternoon time slots.

The price works best for people who will use the boat as a floating base. If you only want to step onto Comino for an hour, a shorter transfer may suit you better. If you plan to swim, sunbathe, eat onboard, use the slide, and take the scenic route, the seven-hour format gives you plenty for the money.

Who will enjoy this cruise most?

I would recommend it to families, couples, groups of friends, and solo visitors who want a social day on the water. Children have the slide and jumping points, while adults can choose a shaded seat, order lunch, and watch the scenery.

It also suits visitors who want flexibility. You can swim, snorkel, walk ashore, take the speedboat add-on, or do very little at all. The crew’s willingness to provide flotation aids is helpful for mixed-ability groups, although the activity is not suitable for people with mobility impairments.

It is less ideal if you dislike loud music, crowded boats, or open-water movement. The boat can feel busy, and the upper-deck seats go quickly. Anyone who wants a quiet, private sailing trip should choose something smaller.

My practical advice before you go

Bring swimwear, a towel, and strong sunscreen. Arrive early, especially if you want an upper-deck chair. Free roadside parking exists in white-marked spaces near the jetty, but it is limited, and traffic can be poor around departure time.

The starting point has three names used in the booking details: Hornblower Cruises Malta, Hornblower Malta, and Bugibba Jetty. Local buses stop at Moll and Anthony, both within walking distance.

Check the free Blue Lagoon QR pass before you leave. You must select both morning and afternoon time slots. Also listen for any changes to the route, since the captain can alter or cancel parts of the cruise if weather or sea conditions make them unsafe.

The cruise usually runs for about seven hours, but confirm the exact start and return time onboard. Routes and starting points can change with conditions. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours ahead, and reserve-now-pay-later booking is available.

Should you book the Hornblower Comino cruise?

Yes, if you want a fun, flexible day with a long Blue Lagoon stop and a boat that remains useful after you arrive. The quieter mooring area, slide, friendly crew, onboard food, and reasonable prices give it more character than a basic ferry transfer.

Book it with realistic expectations. This is a lively family-run boat, not a private yacht. Arrive early for a top-deck chair, prepare for possible bumps, budget for food and optional extras, and expect crowds if you walk ashore. For $35, the combination of scenery, swimming, entertainment, and time at Comino is hard to beat.

FAQ

Where does the Comino cruise depart from?

It departs from Hornblower Cruises at Bugibba Jetty on Dawret il-Gzejjer in St. Paul’s Bay. Look for a large white and blue boat with Hornblower written in red on the side.

How long is the cruise?

The experience lasts about seven hours. The boat takes roughly one hour to reach Comino, followed by about 4.5 hours at the Blue Lagoon and a scenic return route.

How much time do I get at the Blue Lagoon?

You get approximately 4.5 hours at the Blue Lagoon. You can stay onboard, swim, snorkel, sunbathe, or leave the boat to explore Comino.

Can I swim directly from the boat?

Yes. The boat moors in an area with water about three meters deep, and you can use the steps, jumping points, or the waterslide. Buoyancy aids are available with a €10 deposit.

Is the waterslide included?

Yes. The 10-meter waterslide and jumping points are included, with unlimited use at your own risk.

Are food and drinks included?

No. The onboard snack bar sells food, hot and cold drinks, ice cream, and pineapple cocktails. Outside food and drinks are not allowed.

Can I rent snorkeling equipment?

Yes. A mask and snorkel cost €5 to rent. You pay a €15 deposit and receive €10 back.

Is the cave speedboat ride included?

No. The Comino caves speedboat ride is an optional €15 add-on paid onsite. It offers a closer look at the caves and is available during the day cruise.