Blue Lagoon time comes fast on this boat trip. You cruise past Comino’s famous caves with Captain Kevin, then get real swim time in the Blue Lagoon instead of just a quick drop-and-go.

What I love most is the long, comfortable hang on the water—about 4.5 hours moored right in the lagoon, with deck chairs up top and a proper chance to snorkel. I also like the fun factor: there’s a 10m slide into the turquoise water, plus you can jump off for easy swims. One possible drawback: the ride can feel bumpy, so if you’re motion-sickness prone, plan accordingly.

Key points at a glance

• 4.5 hours in the Blue Lagoon: timed for serious swimming and snorkeling time
• Quick cave stops: Ahrax Cave and Santa Maria Cave sightings from the water
• 10m slide: built-in fun that doesn’t require extra tickets
• Captain Kevin onboard: commentary that ties the route to what you’re seeing
• Crystal Lagoon + Gozo viewpoints: short photo stops that broaden the day beyond Comino
• Motion-sickness check: the boat ride can be rough on the water

The Blue Lagoon Cruise That Feels Like Your Own Floating Beach

Malta’s Blue Lagoon has a reputation for being gorgeous, and this cruise delivers the key ingredient: time. Instead of treating the lagoon like a quick photo stop, you stay moored and you can pace your day—slow sunbathing, snorkeling when you feel like it, and recharging with drinks on board.

The setup also matters. You’re on a family-run style boat experience with an English-speaking crew, and the vibe is relaxed. Captain Kevin keeps you informed as you pass major landmarks along Malta’s northern coast, so the trip feels like more than just scenery. It’s a smart way to see Comino and the surrounding water without crisscrossing by taxi.

Where You Meet: Hornblower Cruises in St Paul’s Bay (Don’t Be Late)

You meet at Hornblower Cruises Malta, Sirens Quay 24, Triq San Geraldu, St Pauls Bay, right behind LOA restaurant. Look for the big white and blue boat with Hornblower written in red on the side.

To keep your day calm, arrive 45 minutes to 1 hour early. You don’t need to rush, but timing matters because the boat needs to load and depart on schedule.

If you’re using local bus stops, there are three within walking distance: Parades, Bandieri, and Toni. If you’re driving, parking is available in the white roadside boxes. And if you’re in a taxi, make sure the driver has the correct address (it’s the kind of detail that can waste time).

The Timed-Entry Reality: Blue Lagoon QR Code Requirements

Here’s the one administrative thing you can’t ignore. Maltese authorities require a QR code with your designated time slot to access the Blue Lagoon. To get the free access pass, you’re directed to blcomino.com.

This matters because your scheduled Blue Lagoon stop is 11:00 to 15:20, and you’ll need both the morning and afternoon slots. Plan that before you show up, or you risk losing time (or access) in the very place you paid to enjoy.

On the bright side, the boat docks in a secluded, non-crowded area with water depth listed as 3 meters, which makes the swimming setup feel more controlled than some “public beach” chaos.

Leaving St Paul’s Bay: Northern Malta Views and Cave Country Lead-In

After you depart from St Paul’s Bay, the cruise starts with a scenic pass along Malta’s north coast. You’ll see key landmarks from the water, including St Paul’s Islands and the statue of St Paul, then you continue along toward the Comino area.

Along the way, you also get a guided feel for what you’re seeing—Captain Kevin provides information about the sites as the boat heads through the northern channel of Comino. It’s not just “look at that,” it’s “here’s why it’s famous,” which helps you enjoy the ride instead of just passing time.

This is the part of the day that sets your expectations. If you’re the type who likes context, you’ll appreciate it. If you’d rather nap, the boat’s layout gives you options.

Stop for Landmarks: Coral Lagoon and Santa Maria Caves Passes

There are photo-stop moments where the scenery and rock formations take center stage. One stop includes Coral Lagoon, with sightseeing from the boat and scenic views along the route.

Then you pass by and get sights related to Santa Maria Caves, with the cave scenery built into the cruise plan. You don’t have to be an expert to enjoy this part. From the water, the caves and coastline look dramatic, and your camera gets a lot of chances to catch the light.

Quick cave stops also help keep the day from feeling like a slow crawl. You’re still on the move, which keeps the energy up.

Ahrax Cave Moment: Quick Views, Big Payoff

You’ll also have a stop tied to Ahrax Cave and nearby viewpoints as you travel. The schedule includes quick entries so you can see the caves up close without turning the day into an hours-long cave-only event.

Why it works: the cave views are memorable, but the real draw is what happens next. This cruise is built around the water time in Comino, so these cave glimpses feel like a teaser rather than a detour.

If you’re deciding whether to spend extra time elsewhere in Comino, this is a good balance. You get the cave scenery, then you still get real freedom to swim.

The Big Moment: 4.5 Hours in Comino and the Blue Lagoon

After about an hour cruising, you arrive on Comino Island and the day shifts into water mode. The boat moors in the lagoon, and you get roughly 4.5 hours to use that time your way.

You can:

• swim right from the mooring area
• snorkel (mask and snorkel rental is offered)
• sunbathe on the upper deck
• grab shade on the main deck
• take photos from the boat while cruising segments happen

Snorkel and swim setup tips

Mask and snorkel rental is listed at €5, with a €15 deposit and €10 refunded. Lockers are available but limited, and there’s a fee for those, payable on-site. If you need water entry support, buoyancy aid is available with a €10 deposit.

If you have swimming difficulties, you can also enter the water from the beach.

The boat’s Blue Lagoon jump-in spot matters

One of the best-value parts of doing this by boat is the access quality. You’re in a tucked-in docking area, and jumping off feels easy. Several people specifically liked the docking point for easy swimming.

The 10m Slide: The Fun Part That’s Included

Yes, there’s a slide—and yes, it’s part of the included experience. The boat has a 10m slide into the turquoise water. It’s the kind of feature that turns a “pretty water” day into a “we’ll talk about this later” day.

If you’re traveling with kids, this becomes a built-in activity that doesn’t require a separate booking. For adults, it’s still a morale booster—especially when you’ve already been floating for a while.

If you want to avoid waiting your turn, try timing your slide moment right after swimmers take their first warm-up plunge.

Where to Sit for the Best Views

A small but helpful detail: one suggestion that comes up is to sit on the left-hand side, described as the side facing the island as you sail past. It’s not a deal-breaker, but if you care about getting better views and photos, it’s an easy tweak.

Also, the upper deck has limited deck chairs. If you want one, get settled early during the swim window. The sun is part of the appeal here.

Gozo Without Stopping: Mgarr Harbour from the Water

This cruise also works in a broader Malta day. After your Comino time, you head toward Gozo without stopping, then you cruise around Mgarr Harbour to see more of the islands from the boat.

This doesn’t feel like a full second excursion. It’s more like a view bonus, and it helps the itinerary feel like it covers more than just one lagoon.

If you were thinking about adding a separate Gozo day, this is a practical alternative for a half-day or shorter outing.

Crystal Lagoon and Saint Mary’s Tower: Short Stops, Clear Photos

On the return route, you pass through the south channel of Comino and include a brief stop around Crystal Lagoon. The listed time here is about 10 minutes, with sightseeing and a guided-style tour from the boat.

Then you get a photo stop and time related to Saint Mary’s Tower, including visit and free time. This is one of those add-ons that improves your day’s variety without dragging the schedule down.

Food, Drinks, and the On-Board Reality Check

Lunch isn’t included, but there is a cafeteria with hot and cold beverages, plus you can purchase food on board. There’s also mention of pineapple drinks—served fresh—and onboard pricing being reasonable.

This is worth planning around. If you eat light, bring snacks for yourself and treat lunch as optional. If you know you’ll get hungry after swimming, decide in advance whether you’ll buy something on board so you’re not hunting while tired and sun-warmed.

Bathrooms are available on board, but keep expectations realistic. One comment notes cleaning could be better, so if that’s important to you, plan to rinse off and use wipes right away.

Comfort and Safety Notes That Actually Matter

This trip is not listed as suitable for people with mobility impairments. The boat experience involves moving around and water access, so it’s best to take the “not suitable” guidance seriously.

Also, the ride can be bumpy. If you’re prone to motion sickness, take steps before you go—don’t wait until you’re already out at sea.

The good news: the crew runs a structured schedule, and people describe the timing as smooth and organized, with staff that are friendly and helpful.

Price and Value: Why $34 Can Feel Like a Win

At around $34 per person, the value is mainly in three places:

1. You get real lagoon time (4.5 hours), not just a quick stop.
2. Included activities are meaningful: cave viewing, deck chairs (limited), and the slide.
3. You avoid the friction of getting around by land. The boat acts as your moving base, and that makes the whole day easier.

Add in that you can rent snorkeling gear for a modest fee, and there’s onboard food and drinks if you need them, and it becomes a straightforward way to get a big Malta highlight for a manageable cost.

If you’re comparing options that drop you at a single beach for a short window, the math shifts fast. Time on the water is the expensive part—and this trip gives it to you.

Should You Add the Optional Speedboat Around Comino Caves?

There’s an optional caves speedboat ride available for cash on-site (listed as €15). If you want more cave action beyond the main cruise passes, it’s there.

Several people mention it as a favorite add-on, especially if you like the speed and the close-up look at smaller cave areas. If you’re on the fence, the best sign is simple: if you could spend more time on the water but want a higher-energy cave pass, this option fits.

If you’re happy with included cave views and want to stay relaxed on the main boat, you can skip it and focus on snorkeling and sun time.

Who This Cruise Fits Best

This is a great match if you want:

• a straightforward half-day style schedule
• Blue Lagoon time that feels unhurried
• included fun like the slide
• an itinerary that includes caves and extra viewpoints (Crystal Lagoon, Gozo sights)

It’s also a strong pick for families and mixed-age groups because the boat layout supports both relaxing and active moments.

If you dislike choppy water, have strong mobility limitations, or don’t want timed-entry admin, you may want to think twice or choose a different style of outing.

Book It or Skip It?

I’d book this cruise if your top priority is enjoying the Blue Lagoon with enough time to actually swim and snorkel, not just visit it. The included slide, the boat-based cave sightseeing, and the longer lagoon window make it good value for the money.

I’d reconsider if you’re very sensitive to rough rides (motion sickness) or if you’re not comfortable handling the QR time-slot requirement ahead of time. For everyone else, it’s one of the most practical ways to see Comino and the surrounding lagoons in a single go.

FAQ

Where is the meeting point for Hornblower Cruises in Malta?

You meet at Hornblower Cruises Malta, Sirens Quay 24, Triq San Geraldu, St Pauls Bay, right behind LOA restaurant.

How early should I arrive?

You’re advised to be at the boat at least 45 minutes to 1 hour early to avoid stress.

How long is the tour and where does it end?

The duration is listed as 4 to 7 hours, and the activity ends back at the meeting point.

How much time do I get in the Blue Lagoon?

You get a stop in the Blue Lagoon for about 4.5 hours.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included, but it’s available to purchase on board.

Is the slide included?

Yes. The slide is included.

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

Yes. Since 19th May 2025, visitors need a QR code showing their designated time slot to access the Blue Lagoon. You’re directed to blcomino.com for details.

Are snorkeling masks included?

Mask and snorkel rentals are available for €5, with a deposit required.

Is the speedboat ride around Comino caves included?

No. The speedboat ride around the small caves near Comino Island is an optional add-on, payable in cash on-site.