Malta: Comino, Gozo, Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon and Caves Tour

Malta’s Comino and Gozo day cruise is interesting because it packs big scenery into one practical timeline: sea caves, two islands, and a long swim stop. I like that you get a full 1.5 hours at the Blue Lagoon to actually enjoy the water, not just pose for photos. I also love the mix of Comino cruising plus Gozo’s Victoria as an option, so you get both beach time and a real town stop.

One thing to consider: you’re on a boat all day, and the schedule depends on weather. If you’re the kind of person who wants tons of time on just one island, this might feel a bit “taste test” rather than slow travel.

Key things to know before you sail

• Blue Lagoon first-crack timing means easier swimming when many beaches get crowded.
• 1 hour 30 minutes on Comino gives you time to swim, snorkel, and use the onboard slide.
• Sea-cave cruising takes you past well-known cave stops along Comino and Malta’s coast.
• Gozo 3-hour freedom at Mġarr Harbour, plus an optional shuttle to Victoria.
• Top deck chairs are first come, first served, so arriving early helps.
• Cash matters for most extras, including the Gozo shuttle and speedboat add-on.

Why this Comino and Gozo cruise is such a smart Malta day

This is the kind of tour that works when you have one good day in Malta and want more than one “wow” moment. You leave from the Malta side in the morning, you hit Comino and the Blue Lagoon for a proper swim window, then you swap over to Gozo to see Victoria.

The value is in how the day is structured. For roughly 7 hours, you get time on the water, time on an island beach, and time in a Gozo town, instead of paying for a half-effort shore stop. It also helps that the tour runs with a planned route that includes known sights along the way, like the St. Paul’s statue area and multiple sea-cave passes.

The main tradeoff is that the day is busy by design. You’ll want a “go with the flow” mindset, because you’ll be moving between ports and spending a chunk of your time on the boat.

Meeting at Bugibba, then sailing the north Maltese coast

Your day starts at Bugibba Jetty (Dawret Il-Gzejjer, San Pawl il-Baħar) with a 10:00 am departure. From there, you head toward St. Paul’s Bay and start cruising the north coast of Malta.

This first cruise stretch matters more than it sounds. It’s where you get that classic Maltese coast view without having to drive anywhere. You’ll cruise by St. Paul’s Islands and the statue of St. Paul that’s described as being 8.3 meters high, plus you’ll pass areas like Għadira Bay (Mellieha Beach) and stop briefly for cave photo moments.

If you care about seats, show up with time to spare. More than one rider noted that getting a top-deck spot can be tough later in the boarding flow.

Comino cruising: sea caves, sandy bays, and the classic rock views

Before you reach the Blue Lagoon, the cruise follows a route around Comino and Malta’s surrounding waters. Along the way, you pass natural features and cave stops such as Ahrax Cave and multiple Comino highlights including Santa Maria cave, Santa Maria Bay, St. Nicholas Bay, and the Comino Hotel area.

A neat part here is that you’re not just staring at sea from far away. The boat route gives you close-enough views for photos and a better sense of how the island’s coastline is shaped. You’ll also cruise by elephant’s head, which is one of those recognizable rock formations that locals and regulars know instantly.

On a day like this, those “on the way” moments are the difference between a plain transfer and a real tour.

Blue Lagoon at Comino: swim, snorkel, sun, and the 10-meter slide

The highlight for most people is the Blue Lagoon stop at Comino, with 1 hour 30 minutes on the island landing area and the boat. The day is planned so the boat arrives with minimal prior stops, which is what helps you feel like you’re among the early visitors.

Here’s what you can do during that window:

• Swim and snorkel in the calm, clear water
• Sunbathe on deck or on the island landing
• Jump right from the boat
• Use the onboard 10 meter slide into the water
• Walk on and off the island when you want a break

One practical tip: bring your own towel, because towels are not provided. Also plan to change in the boat restrooms, since facilities onboard include toilets (male and female) and limited lockers. The lockers are useful, but they are not unlimited, so don’t assume you can store everything.

If you want to snorkel, give yourself time to do it early in the stop. A couple of people found that trying to fit everything, like snorkeling and extra activities after, can shrink your actual swim time.

Crystal Lagoon and extra cave options you can add later

When the cruise heads back through Comino’s waters, you may pass Crystal Lagoon. It’s described as deeper water and a favorite for divers, and it’s also reachable on foot from the Blue Lagoon area in about 8 minutes.

Important detail: Crystal Lagoon here is mainly a cruising past experience, not a separate, guaranteed swim stop. So if you want to spend a lot of time there specifically, you may need a different itinerary focused on Comino only.

There is also an optional speedboat ride to small caves as a paid extra (cash only). Some riders said it’s worth it if you want to get closer to rocky coves and hidden coastal shapes. Just remember that “extras” take time and money, so decide based on your own energy level.

Gozo’s Mġarr Harbour stop: 3 hours to explore at your pace

After Comino, you head to Mġarr Harbour on Gozo. This is where the tour becomes flexible. You get about 3 hours on the Gozo side, which is long enough to either:

• Explore independently around the harbor area, and optionally use a local bus or taxi, or
• Add the guided shuttle option to see Victoria

Even without the shuttle, the harbor zone is a sensible place to regroup, grab a coffee or snack, and watch ferry traffic. If you want views without doing a lot of walking, keeping your base near Mġarr works.

The tour staff offer an optional Gozo shuttle transfer for €5 per person. That shuttle includes 1 hour 30 minutes in Victoria and a 15 minute stop at a panoramic viewpoint, plus the ride time between points is counted within your overall Gozo visit.

There’s also a route stop described as The Citadel as part of the shuttle experience, which is relevant if you care about the look and feel of Gozo’s main historical center.

One named detail that stood out from the experience: some riders specifically referenced Paul, the driver, as being friendly and helpful. That kind of on-the-ground guidance can turn Victoria time from stressful wandering into a simple, “see the right spots” visit.

Victoria by shuttle: what you gain, and what you give up

If you add the €5 shuttle, you trade some freedom for speed and structure. The big payoff is that you get sent toward Victoria and the key viewpoint without having to figure out timing yourself. With only 3 hours in Gozo, that matters.

A realistic drawback: the shuttle is still a schedule, so you won’t feel as spontaneous as someone on their own. Also, if your priority is water time, keep in mind that adding Gozo activities means less time for another swim session later in the day.

That said, if Gozo is new to you and you only have one shot on this trip, a shuttle is a smart way to see the capital without turning it into a logistics problem.

Xlendi on the way back: the fjord-like bay moment

On the northwest side of Gozo, the cruise includes a stop at Xlendi, described as a fjord-like bay. This isn’t presented as the same kind of long “hang out here” stop as Blue Lagoon, but it adds variety and gives you another coastal scene to enjoy from the water.

This also helps the overall arc of the day. Instead of just repeating island viewpoints, you get one more change of scenery before you return to Malta.

Getting back to Malta by 5:00 pm

You return to Malta around 17:00, and the tour ends back at the starting meeting point area. That timing is useful if you’re planning a dinner reservation later in the evening in Malta.

One more thing to remember: the boat schedule can feel tight. People who were on time for boarding and who arrived early for the best seating often reported smoother sailing and fewer frustrations. It’s not about being anxious, it’s about being ready.

Also, if you get seasick easily, treat this day as a real boat day. The tour is only short compared with multi-day sailing, but it still spends plenty of time underway.

Onboard comfort, slides, and what the boat is actually like

The boat experience is a big part of the day because you’re using it as your floating base. You’ll find a top sunbathing deck, a main deck with shaded and sunny seating, and a lower air-conditioned deck. There are toilet facilities onboard and locker facilities that are limited in number.

There’s also an onboard cafeteria for drinks and snacks. Food and drinks are not included, but the pricing is described as reasonable. In the reviews, people talked about drinks served in creative ways, including hollowed-out pineapple servings with refills around €5, plus fries being available at a low cost.

It’s worth saying plainly: the boat may not be the newest. The tradeoff is that it has the practical stuff you need for a day at sea, including shade options and a water slide.

Price and value: where your money goes

At about $36.28 per person, this tour is positioned as an inexpensive full-day sightseeing cruise. The value comes from two things:

1. You’re not just sightseeing, you’re getting a substantial swim stop
2. You’re covering Comino plus Gozo without needing ferry planning and separate tickets

Then there are extras, and this is where you can keep the price low or spend more depending on your style.

Cash-only add-ons include:

• Minibus/shuttle transfer to Victoria: €5 per person
• Speedboat ride to small caves: €15 per person (cash only)

You can also rent snorkeling gear:

• Mask and snorkel rental: €5, plus a €10 refundable deposit
• Lockers: €2, plus a €10 refundable deposit

For a reader, the key is not that these exist, it’s how they affect your day. If you want the simplest, most budget-friendly plan, skip the speedboat and maybe skip the shuttle. If you want the best shot at seeing more rock formations and getting to Victoria easily, add the €5 shuttle and decide on the speedboat based on your time and comfort.

Bring cash for the cash-only extras. Multiple riders specifically called that out.

Who this tour fits best (and who should rethink)

This experience fits best if you want a one-day island sampler with a serious water moment. If your priority is the Blue Lagoon swim and you also want to add Gozo without planning transport, it’s a strong match.

It also works for a wide range of travelers. The tour notes that service animals are allowed and most travelers can participate. Life vests are available on request for swimming assistance, which is a comfort feature if you’re not a confident swimmer.

Consider a different plan if you’re the type who wants long stretches on land. The Gozo portion is 3 hours, and you won’t cover all of Gozo beyond the main area. You also won’t spend long enough on Comino to treat it like a full-day beach vacation.

For people who dislike crowds, the early arrival to Blue Lagoon helps, but it’s still a popular place. Plan your swimming for when the water feels calm and focus on your own rhythm.

Should you book this Comino, Gozo, and Blue Lagoon cruise?

I’d book this if you want the best value mix of sea caves plus a real swim and you like the idea of seeing Victoria without figuring out buses on your own. The structure is built around a practical day: sailing views, a meaningful Blue Lagoon window, then Gozo exploration by harbor or by shuttle.

Skip it if your heart is set on one island only. If you want hours and hours of Gozo sightseeing, or if you want a Comino-only beach day, you’ll likely be happier with a more focused itinerary.

If you do book, show up early at Bugibba Jetty for seating, download your Blue Lagoon landing pass QR codes from www.blcomino.com, and pack a towel and cash for the optional extras. That combo is the difference between a smooth day and a scramble.