Malta’s Comino and Gozo in one day is a smart move. I like this tour because it bundles Blue Lagoon time with cave cruising and a Gozo port stop, so you’re not zigzagging across Malta all day. The schedule is built around being out on the water early, then switching gears to swimming, snorkeling, and quick island touring.

Two things I really like: you get a dedicated 1.5-hour Blue Lagoon stop with onboard deck space (plus a slide) and you also cruise past sea caves around Comino before you even reach the lagoon. One drawback to plan for: the experience is time-boxed, and there are a few extras you may want to pay for in cash once you’re there.

Key things to know before you sail

• Blue Lagoon landing pass: you need a QR code landing pass from blcomino.com before you go
• You’re on and off the boat easily: it docks at Comino, so you can swim and still grab a change of scene
• Top deck chairs are first come: arrive early if you care about the best seating
• Gozo is optional add-on: you get 3 hours on Gozo either way, and a €5 shuttle to Victoria costs extra
• Cash matters: some extras are cash only, including the Gozo minibus transfer option and the speedboat cave add-on
• The boat can feel crowded: the tour can run up to 232 travelers, so bring a flexible mindset

One day for Comino + Gozo (without complicated logistics)

This is the kind of day trip that helps you actually see Malta, not just travel around Malta. You start from St. Paul’s Bay area, then spend the day moving between islands by boat: Comino first, then Gozo, then back to Malta.

At about 7 hours, it’s a compact hit of the coast. That’s great if you’re short on time, or if you’d rather pay once and let someone else handle the driving, docking, and sequencing. If you’re the type who hates “too much to plan,” you’ll probably enjoy the straightforward flow.

From St. Paul’s Bay to Comino: caves, beaches, and big-sky timing

After meeting at Bugibba Jetty near St. Paul’s Bay, you cruise the north coast of Malta and pass the usual headline sights. The route includes a view of St. Paul’s Islands and the statue of St. Paul, plus cruising by Ghadira Bay (Mellieha Beach) and several caves along the rugged shoreline.

There’s also a cave stop early on where you get a chance for photos. This is one of those moments that works even if you don’t plan to snorkel later—because it sets the tone: you’re not just going to one pretty place. You’re seeing how the coastline behaves when it’s carved by sea caves and channels.

One practical note: you’re doing a lot of “out on deck” time before the first big swim stop. If you’re sensitive to sun or wind, pack sunglasses and something for the breeze.

Blue Lagoon: your 90 minutes of swimming, snorkeling, and slide time

The Blue Lagoon stop is the heart of the day, with 1 hour 30 minutes on Comino. The boat docks so you can walk on and off freely, and the staff provides guidance through the day to keep things moving.

Here’s what you can do during your lagoon time:

• Swim and snorkel right from the water area
• Sunbathe on the decks (upper sun area has limited free deck chairs, first come)
• Use the onboard 10-meter slide into the lagoon
• Walk back onto the boat for toilets and the onboard cafeteria

You’ll want to think about one detail before you arrive: a Blue Lagoon landing pass QR code is required (you download it from blcomino.com). Without it, you may have delays or be turned back.

Also, bring your own towel. The tour notes say towels are not provided. That’s a small thing, but it saves you from an annoying scramble right after you’ve finished swimming.

Crystal Lagoon: quick bonus water views near Comino

After the Gozo portion, the cruise heads back toward Comino’s south channel and arrives at Crystal Lagoon (the area is deeper and popular with divers). The important part for most people: it’s also reachable by foot from the Blue Lagoon via an 8-minute walk.

In other words, even if you’re not there for a long stop, the day’s routing gives you that “extra water color” moment—another chance to notice how different parts of Comino’s coastline look and feel.

If your goal is strictly water time, you might feel a little pressure to make choices. This tour gives you lots to see, but it doesn’t give you an all-day swim session.

Gozo: 3 hours from Mġarr Harbour, plus the Victoria shortcut

When you arrive in Gozo, the cruise reaches Mġarr Harbour, and you get a 3-hour stop. This is where the tour shifts from ocean time to island time.

You have two practical paths:

• Explore Gozo independently from the harbour area (local bus/taxi options exist)
• Add the optional shuttle for €5 per person (paid cash on arrival at the boat)

If you take the shuttle, you get:

• 1 hour 30 minutes in Victoria (Gozo’s capital)
• A 15-minute panoramic viewpoint photo stop
• Travel time between these parts is included inside the 3-hour Gozo visit

The value of the shuttle is time. If you only have one day on Gozo, that extra structure helps you avoid spending your sightseeing time figuring out how to get up to the main sights and back.

Xlendi and the return ride: finishing with northwest views

On the northwest side of Gozo, the tour includes a stop at Xlendi, a fjord-like bay. This isn’t framed as a long activity block, but it’s a visual payoff on the way back—another stretch where you’re seeing how Gozo’s coastline breaks and curves.

You return to Malta around 17:00. At that point, the day often feels like a lot (especially if you were out in the sun early). The good news: you still have the boat as your comfort base to cool down, grab a drink, and end the day without extra transport work.

Price and value: why this can be cheaper than doing it piece by piece

At $36.28 per person for a full-day cruise, this can be a strong value deal—especially because the price covers a lot of “hard to organize yourself” components: boat transportation between Malta/Comino/Gozo, cave cruising, and the main Blue Lagoon time window.

The watch-outs are the optional extras. The tour does not include:

• Blue Lagoon landing pass (you download the QR code)
• Towels
• Food and drinks (available onboard at reasonable prices)
• Mask/snorkel rental (€5 + €10 refundable deposit)
• Lockers (€2 + €10 refundable deposit)
• Optional cash add-ons like a speedboat ride to small caves for €15 and a minibus transfer for €5

In plain terms: if you come prepared, pay the landing pass cost you already planned for, and only add what you truly want, you can keep it affordable. If you add everything quickly on impulse, you’ll pay more than you expected.

What the boat experience feels like in real life

This isn’t a quiet, private sail. The tour notes list a maximum of 232 travelers, and reviews reflect that the boat can feel old/crowded at busy times.

That said, you still get useful comfort features:

• Toilet facilities onboard (including enough space to change)
• A lower air-conditioned deck
• Shaded and sunny seating on the main deck
• A cafeteria with hot and cold beverages (food and drinks are not included in the base price)

One fun detail pulled from guest feedback: the captain’s onboard commentary and the music playlist can make the cruise feel more like a guided day out than just a transport ride.

Tips to make the day smoother (and avoid common disappointments)

If you want the day to feel easy, here’s what actually helps:

• Arrive early for the best deck chairs. They’re limited and first come.
• Bring cash for optional extras. Some add-ons are cash only (like the speedboat and certain transfers).
• Pack a towel. Towels aren’t provided, and you’ll want to dry off right after swimming.
• Plan your Blue Lagoon priorities. The lagoon stop is long enough for a swim, but not long enough to do everything perfectly if you also add extras back-to-back. If you care about snorkeling time, don’t let another add-on steal your change-and-reentry window.
• Consider a life vest if you’re not a strong swimmer. Life vests are available on request.

In cooler months, the deck can feel chilly from sea breeze. One good habit: bring layers so you can enjoy the views without shivering during the cruise segments.

Who should book this Comino–Gozo–Blue Lagoon tour?

This fits best if you:

• Want a classic Malta day with Comino’s famous water and Gozo’s capital stop
• Prefer a single organized schedule instead of piecing together ferries and buses
• Want time for swimming rather than only sightseeing from shore
• Like the idea of optional adds, like the Gozo Victoria shuttle or the speedboat cave add-on

It may not be your best match if you:

• Want a long, slow Gozo immersion (the Gozo stop is 3 hours total)
• Hate crowded boats and want a quieter experience
• Need a lot more time in the water than the lagoon window allows

Should you book this Hornblower Comino and Gozo tour?

If your priority is seeing Blue Lagoon + Comino caves + Gozo Victoria in one shot, this is an easy yes. The base value is solid, and the day is structured so you’re not just sitting around—you’re swimming, cruising, and getting a real taste of two islands.

Just go in with a little strategy: download the landing pass QR code, arrive early for seating, and decide ahead of time which extras you truly want. Do that, and this becomes one of the most cost-effective ways to get a big island day without turning it into a logistics project.

FAQ

Do I need a landing pass for the Blue Lagoon?

Yes. You need a Blue Lagoon landing pass QR code from www.blcomino.com.

What’s the total length of the tour?

It runs for about 7 hours.

Is Gozo sightseeing included?

You get a 3-hour stop on Gozo. A shuttle to Victoria with a viewpoint stop is available for an additional €5 per person.

Does the tour include food or drinks?

Food and drinks are available onboard at reasonable prices, but they are not included in the price.

Are towels provided?

No. Towels are not provided, so you’ll want to bring your own.

Can I rent a mask and snorkel?

Yes. Mask and snorkel rental are available for €5, plus a €10 refundable deposit.

Are lockers available on the boat?

Yes. Lockers are available for €2, plus a €10 refundable deposit.

Are life vests available?

Life vests are available on request for swimming assistance.

Where do I meet the tour, and where does it end?

Meet at Bugibba Jetty, Dawret Il-Gzejjer, San Pawl il-Baħar, Malta. The tour ends back at the meeting point.

What happens if the weather is bad?

If canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered an alternative date or a full refund.