If you want postcard water in one day, pick this. I like the family-run feel and Captain Kevin’s live commentary, plus the Blue Lagoon + caves combo that keeps changing scenes every hour. The main watch-out is timing: the boat leaves promptly, so you’ll want to arrive early and be ready for an active day on the water.

You’ll start from St Pauls Bay, cruise the north coast for cliffs and caves, then get real beach time in the Blue Lagoon. After that, it’s free time on Gozo (Victoria is the target), and a scenic return that still squeezes in more sea views and quick photo stops.

Key highlights to plan around

• Blue Lagoon swimming for 1.5 hours with a big slide and silky sand
• Cave and cliff photo stops near Ahrax and Santa Maria caves for quick, scenic looks
• Gozo for 3 hours with optional bus access to Victoria (Citadel area)
• Comino stays mostly onboard so you can relax, sunbathe, and use the boat facilities
• Extras are optional (speedboat in the Lagoon, snorkel gear, and the Gozo minibus)

A family-run boat day from St Pauls Bay (where you’ll actually want to be)

This is a full-day cruise run by Hornblower Cruises, sailing out of Hornblower Cruises, Sirens Quay 24, Triq San Geraldu, St Pauls Bay, right behind Loa Restaurant. The meeting point is easy to spot if you know what to look for: a big white-and-blue boat with Hornblower written in red on the side.

The boat departs promptly at 10:00 AM and will not be delayed. So plan for real-world timing—especially if you’re driving, because Malta can get heavy with traffic. The tour site also warns that parking can be limited, and late arrivals aren’t refunded. I treat this like a “show up early and relax” day, not a “wing it” day.

Once you’re onboard, pay attention to seating. Upper-deck seating is first come, first served, and the deck chairs are limited. If you care about sitting up top (and who doesn’t for sea views), aim to arrive 45 minutes to 1 hour early—earlier is even better if you want the best spots.

One more practical note: the boat is not suitable for wheelchair users, and alcohol and drugs aren’t allowed. That matters for planning, especially if your group includes mobility needs.

Cruising the northern coast: St Paul’s landmarks and cave photo stops

The day starts with cruising along Malta’s northern coastline—close enough to take photos of high rocky cliffs, coves, and naturally formed rock features. If you like a steady stream of views instead of one big destination, this opening leg does that well.

Captain Kevin gives live commentary as you go. The tour focuses on what you’re seeing, with historical and cultural context while the boat slides past landmarks. You’ll pass things tied to the island of St Paul and also see the huge St Paul statue that was shipwrecked in 60 A.D. (as described on the cruise).

Then the camera work gets more fun. The boat enters Ahrax and Santa Maria caves, stopping as close as possible for those quick “snap-and-go” shots. These are not long museum stops; the payoff is being near the rocks and caves by water, with the sea doing the highlighting for you.

Here’s the consideration: photo stops are short. If your goal is lots of walking, this is not that kind of day—this is a moving viewpoint day, followed by swimming time.

Blue Lagoon 90 minutes: crystal water, the best “instant wow,” and the slide

The Blue Lagoon stop is 1.5 hours, and it’s the centerpiece for many people. This is the spot known for silky white sand and crystal-clear water, where you can swim, snorkel, slide, jump, or simply walk off the boat to a beach dip.

What makes this stop valuable is that it’s long enough for real water time without feeling rushed into a “five-minute photo and go” rhythm. You can do a loop: get in, cool off, rinse with sea-safe practicality (bring a towel), and then enjoy the beach vibe before heading back onboard.

The boat also offers a 10-meter-long slide, which is one of those rare “everyone shares the same grin” activities. If your group includes teenagers or kids, this is where the energy often peaks.

Optional extras can improve your experience here:

• Mask and snorkel rental is available (5 EUR, with deposits described as 15 EUR and 10 EUR returned when you bring items back)
• There’s also an optional speedboat ride in the Blue Lagoon for 15 EUR cash, depending on availability

One practical caution: the speedboat option costs extra and is purchased in cash only from the representative on-site. If you don’t carry cash, you’ll miss the chance. Also, if you’re buying a snorkel set, you’ll want to manage the deposit return process carefully when you’re done.

If you’re sensitive to crowds, keep expectations realistic. This is a famous water stop, and on a sunny day it can feel lively. The trick is timing—get your swim and slide time early in that 90-minute window.

Comino onboard time: sun deck comfort, shade spots, and beach access

After Blue Lagoon, the cruise heads to Comino, and here the format changes. Instead of getting a long shore break like on Gozo, you mostly stay on the boat and use its facilities.

Comino time is your slow reset: sunbathe on the upper sun deck, relax in shady seating on the main deck, and take advantage of the slide again if you want. If you prefer not to sit in a beach crowd, this is a strong setup—your “home base” stays with you.

You also have the option to walk off to a small sandy beach on Comino. That gives you variety: float time on the water, then a little sand time without committing to a long hike or a complicated plan.

The potential drawback is pretty simple: if you want Comino to feel like a true island day with long walking routes, this cruise gives you more of a “water + boat + short beach” experience. The trade-off is that the day stays efficient and you still get Gozo.

Gozo for 3 hours: Victoria by minibus or solo, plus enough time to feel it

Gozo is where this cruise becomes more than swimming. You get 3 hours of free time to explore the island, which is enough for a focused mini outing without turning into a logistics puzzle.

You can reach key sights using a local bus/mini bus option. The tour lists an optional minibus transfer for 5 EUR, paid in cash on the day, and it’s convenient for getting toward Victoria, the capital city of Gozo. Victoria is also where you’ll have a photo stop before you roam more freely.

Alternatively, you can go solo. The tour includes the option to take the local bus or explore on your own during the Gozo window.

If you’re aiming for classic Gozo views and the feel of the main town, the minibus makes life easy. A lot depends on your energy level:

• If you want maximum time with minimal hassle, choose the bus to Victoria.
• If you enjoy figuring out a route and you’re comfortable with local schedules, go solo.

Also note a practical detail from the tour info: after 3 hours on Gozo, you return toward the harbor and continue cruising back. So your “Gozo plan” should be one main goal, not five. I’d pick either Victoria/Citadel-style views and strolling, or a simpler set of stops that fit your pace.

Crystal Lagoon, Xlendi Bay, and Saint Mary’s Tower on the return

The return trip keeps the scenery moving and adds a few quick looks that help you connect the dots between islands.

You’ll pass more water landmarks and quick photo moments, including:

• Crystal Lagoon (passed by with photo stops)
• Xlendi Bay with a short scenic visit window
• Saint Mary’s Tower, which also includes free time as noted in the tour flow

What’s nice here is that the boat doesn’t feel like it’s “just getting back.” Even though the big activities already happened, the last leg keeps changing the view—sea caves, tower silhouettes, and the coastline framing the route.

If you’re the type who wants photos at multiple angles (not just one hero shot), the timing works. Just remember: these are short stops, so keep your camera ready and your movements quick.

Price and extras: what $34 really covers, and how to spend smart

The base price shown is $34 per person, and for a full-day boat day with Blue Lagoon time, cave viewpoints, and multiple island stops, it’s strong value—mainly because you’re buying time on the water plus transport between islands in one go.

What that price includes:

• Round-trip cruise
• 1.5-hour stop at Blue Lagoon
• 3-hour stop at Gozo
• 10-meter slide
• Deck chairs (limited number)

What’s extra (optional, but worth considering):

• Gozo minibus/bus transfer: 5 EUR cash
• Speedboat ride in the Blue Lagoon: 15 EUR cash, depending on availability
• Mask/snorkel rental: 5 EUR with deposits described in the tour info
• Lockers: 2 EUR (limited availability)
• Lunch: not included, but available to purchase onboard

Here’s how I’d think about the add-ons, plain and practical:

• If you want an easier Gozo experience, the 5 EUR minibus is probably the best “small spend, big payoff.”
• If you’re chasing the most water-time variety in the Lagoon, the 15 EUR speedboat can be a fun upgrade, but only if you have cash ready.
• If you plan to snorkel, renting a mask and snorkel can remove friction. Just manage the deposit logistics and return items in time.

Also, bring cash because key extras are cash-only. The tour info lists cash as something you should bring, and it specifically says the speedboat is purchased in cash only.

Who this cruise fits best (and where it might not)

This cruise fits best if you want a one-day Malta “greatest hits” style plan without dealing with ferry schedules, timing gaps, or coordinating island transport yourself.

It’s also a good pick if your group likes variety:

• Big views from the boat
• Real swimming time
• Short, scenic photo stops
• Town wandering time on Gozo

You’ll likely enjoy it most if you’re flexible about pace. The day is structured, but not rigid—you get free time on Gozo, plus you control how much of Blue Lagoon is swim vs. slide vs. just floating.

Where it might not fit:

• If you want long walking time on Comino, you won’t get it. Comino is mostly onboard, with limited shore access.
• If you have mobility needs that make boarding difficult, the tour says it’s not suitable for wheelchair users.
• If you hate time limits, remember that many sites are short photo stops between bigger blocks of time.

And one more human factor: the crew is described as very helpful—especially with getting people in and out safely for the speedboat option. That’s reassuring if your group includes an older relative or anyone who needs a little extra patience.

Booking decision: should you go on this Hornblower Gozo and Comino cruise?

If your priorities are Blue Lagoon swimming, caves-and-cliffs photos, and a Gozo stop with a shot at Victoria, I think this is an easy yes.

I’d book it if:

• You want a full-day plan that stays active but not stressful.
• You’re happy using a boat as your “moving viewpoint base.”
• You’re comfortable paying small add-ons in cash (minibus, speedboat, snorkel gear) if you want the upgrades.

I’d think twice if:

• You need lots of walking time on Comino.
• You can’t make a punctual 10:00 AM departure.
• You’re a wheelchair user.

Overall, the value comes from mixing the watery wow of Blue Lagoon with enough Gozo time to feel like you actually left Malta behind for a bit. That balance is the reason days like this stay memorable.

FAQ

How long is the Malta to Gozo and Comino cruise?

The activity is listed as lasting 7 hours total.

What time does the boat depart?

The boat departs promptly at 10:00 AM and will not be delayed.

How much time do you get at Blue Lagoon and Gozo?

You get 1.5 hours at the Blue Lagoon and 3 hours for Gozo.

What’s included in the price?

Included are the round-trip cruise, the Blue Lagoon stop, the Gozo stop, the 10-meter slide, and limited deck chairs.

What optional extras cost money on the day?

The Gozo minibus transfer is 5 EUR cash, the speedboat ride in the Blue Lagoon is 15 EUR cash depending on availability, snorkel gear rental is 5 EUR with deposits, and lockers cost 2 EUR (limited availability).

Is the tour suitable for wheelchair users?

No, the tour is listed as not suitable for wheelchair users.