Malta: Comino, Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon & Caves Cruise

Malta: Comino, Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon & Caves Cruise — A Complete Guide

If you’re planning a day trip around Malta’s coast, the Comino & Blue Lagoon cruise offered by Hornblower Cruises stands out as a popular and highly rated option. With a rating of 4.7 out of 5 from over 2,800 reviews, it’s clear this trip resonates with many travelers seeking a blend of scenery, fun, and value.

This boat tour promises crystal-clear waters, caves to explore, and plenty of swimming and sunbathing opportunities. It’s a wonderful way to see Malta from the water without breaking the bank — at just $34 per person, it offers a lot for the price. Our review highlights what makes this tour special, along with some considerations to keep in mind before booking.

Two things we particularly like: first, the informative guides and friendly crew, which helps you feel well cared for and in the loop about what you’re seeing. Second, the scenic stops—especially the Blue Lagoon, which packs a punch with its vivid turquoise waters and dramatic caves.

A possible drawback is the crowd levels—the Blue Lagoon is famously busy, especially during peak season. The boat does its best to carve out a private space for guests, but in summer months, expect a lively, bustling atmosphere.

This experience suits those who want a relaxed, scenic day with plenty of swimming, families, solo travelers, or couples eager to enjoy Malta’s natural beauty from the water without the hassle of planning their own trip.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Cost-effective with excellent value for the included activities and scenic stops
• Family-friendly, with options for sunbathing, snorkeling, and even a water slide
• Informative guides enhance the experience with local insights
• Flexible options for timing, with a half-day or full-day feel
• Beautiful scenery and caves that are accessible and photogenic
• Facilities onboard include lockers, toilets, and a cafeteria

A Detailed Look at the Experience

Starting Point and Logistics

The tour begins at Hornblower Cruises Malta, Sirens Quay 24, St Paul’s Bay, situated behind LOA restaurant. We appreciate the clear instructions, with parking available in free white boxes nearby, and multiple bus stops within walking distance. Arriving 45 minutes to an hour early is recommended to secure a good spot and avoid last-minute stress.

The tour is operated by Hornblower Cruises, a family-run company with a reputation for friendly service. The trip runs from around 4 hours to 7 hours depending on the schedule you choose, with departure times varying. Booking is flexible—you can reserve now and pay later—a plus for those with unpredictable plans.

The Itinerary in Detail

The cruise offers a well-structured itinerary, starting with a sail along the northern coast of Malta. You’ll pass notable sights like St. Paul’s Islands and St. Paul’s statue, giving a quick coastal overview before reaching Comino. The boat then navigates through the north channel of the island, revealing fantastic scenery including the Elephants’ Head, Santa Maria Bay, and St. Nicholas Bay.

A highlight is the entry into the caves, specifically the Ahrax and Santa Maria Caves. These are accessible from the boat, and the captain offers commentary about their history and formations. Many reviews emphasize how close and personal the experience feels, with the caves providing excellent photo opportunities and interesting formations to admire.

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Blue Lagoon – The Star Attraction

After about an hour of cruising, the boat arrives at Comino’s Blue Lagoon, arguably Malta’s most iconic sight. The water here is unbelievably clear and blue, with depths of about 3 meters in the mooring area, making it perfect for swimming and snorkeling.

Guests are given around 4.5 hours to enjoy the lagoon. You can choose to stay on the boat, sunbathe on deck chairs, or jump into the water from the boat’s 10-meter slide — a hit with kids and adults alike. Many reviews comment on how stunning the waters are, with one reviewer remarking, “The water was so clear and blue, and we loved jumping off and going down the water slide.”

Optional Activities and Facilities

Onboard, you’ll find locker facilities (for a small fee), toilets, and a cafeteria serving hot and cold beverages. This convenience keeps the day comfortable, especially during hot summer days. If you’re interested in snorkeling gear, rentals are available (around €5), with a deposit.

For the more adventurous, there’s an optional speedboat ride around the caves near Comino, payable in cash (€15). Reviewers praise this add-on as “the best part of the day”, with some describing it as “so much fun” and “beyond exciting.”

Scenic Cruising and Sightseeing

After the Blue Lagoon, the boat continues around the island, passing St. Mary’s Tower and Crystal Lagoon. The cruise offers spectacular views of caves, the coast, and the small islands. Many reviewers highlight how close the boat gets to the sights, which makes the experience feel more intimate and engaging.

You’ll also pass Mgarr Harbour on the way back, offering additional scenic views of the Maltese coastline. The cruise concludes either back at the starting point or at designated drop-off points, depending on your schedule.

What Travelers Love About This Tour

Reviewers consistently mention the friendly, knowledgeable guides who share stories and insights about the sights, which enhances the experience. Several highlight the good value for money — considering the 4.5-hour stop at the Blue Lagoon and the inclusion of water slides and cave views.

The scenery receives high praise, with many saying the waters are beyond beautiful, and the caves are photogenic and worth exploring from the boat. The refreshing swims and the option to relax on deck make it a flexible, enjoyable day, especially for families and sun lovers.

The speedboat tour gets rave reviews for bringing an extra element of fun, with some reviewers noting it was “the best part of their day.” The on-board amenities like lockers, toilets, and a cafeteria also add convenience, making it a comfortable experience even on the hottest days.

Considerations and Tips

While the experience is generally praised, a few points are worth noting. The Blue Lagoon can become very crowded during peak season, which might mean less privacy and a busier atmosphere. Arriving early helps you secure a top deck lounge chair and a good spot to jump into the water.

The trip duration varies, so check your schedule to make sure you’re comfortable with the timing — especially if you want the full 4.5 hours at the lagoon. Also, note that caves and cave rides are accessible but may require cash payment on-site.

For travelers with mobility issues, this tour might not be suitable, as getting in and out of the boat or swimming could be challenging.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This cruise is perfect for families with kids, couples, or solo travelers who want a relaxed, scenic day with plenty of opportunities for swimming, sunbathing, and exploring caves. It offers great value for the cost, especially considering the length of time spent at the Blue Lagoon and the added fun of the water slide and optional speedboat ride.

If your priority is natural beauty and light adventure, this tour provides a balanced experience. It’s also a good choice if you prefer not to organize your own boat trips or worry about navigating Malta’s coast on your own.

The Sum Up

This Malta cruise to Comino and the Blue Lagoon offers a fantastic blend of scenic cruising, water fun, and expert guidance at a very reasonable price. With its stunning scenery, caves to explore, and well-organized schedule, it’s a standout way to spend a day on the water.

The friendly crew, comfortable facilities, and optional add-ons like the speedboat ride make it a flexible and enjoyable experience for most travelers. The 4.5-hour stay at the Blue Lagoon is the highlight, giving you enough time to relax, swim, and snap photos without feeling rushed.

This tour is a solid choice for those seeking a scenic, fun, and affordable day out — especially if you love natural beauty, sunny weather, and a relaxed atmosphere. Keep in mind the potential crowds and plan accordingly to make the most of your time.

FAQs

How early should I arrive for the tour?
It’s best to arrive 45 minutes to an hour early to check in, secure a good spot, and avoid stress, especially during busy seasons.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, the tour is family-friendly, with kids enjoying the slide, swimming, and cave explorations. Just ensure children can handle the boat ride and swimming aspect.

What should I bring?
Pack your swimwear, towel, sunscreen, and possibly a waterproof camera. If you want to rent snorkeling gear, bring a €15 deposit.

Are there options to extend the stay at Blue Lagoon?
The official stop is 4.5 hours, but you might find slightly longer options depending on the schedule. Arriving early maximizes your time.

Does the boat provide food and drinks?
Yes, there is a cafeteria onboard serving hot and cold beverages, with food available for purchase. You can also bring your own snacks.

Can I participate in the cave speedboat ride?
Yes, the speedboat ride is an optional extra payable in cash (€15). It’s highly recommended for added fun and adventure.

Is the tour accessible for people with mobility issues?
This tour might not be suitable for those with mobility impairments, as getting in and out of the boat or swimming could be difficult.

This Comino Blue Lagoon cruise offers a balanced, memorable day exploring Malta’s stunning coastline, caves, and crystal waters. With friendly guides and plenty of opportunities to relax or get active, it’s a well-loved option for travelers seeking a genuine Maltese seaside experience.

You can check availability for your dates here: