A boat day with serious wow factor starts fast. I love the combo of Blue Lagoon water time and Gozo freedom, plus captain Kevin’s live commentary that makes the scenery feel connected. One thing to consider: the day is popular, so you’ll want to arrive early for the best seating.

From St Pauls Bay, this Hornblower Cruises trip mixes photo stops, close-up cave views, and actual time to swim and explore. I also like that extras are optional (like the speedboat) so you can shape the day to your energy level. If you’re late to board, the boat leaves promptly, no second chances.

Key things to know before you go

• Captain Kevin narrates live as you pass Malta’s cliffs, caves, and landmarks.
• Blue Lagoon is your main swim stop (1.5 hours), with snorkeling optional and a 10-meter slide.
• Comino is mostly boat-time, with the option to use the facilities and step onto the small sandy beach.
• Gozo gives you a real 3-hour window for Victoria and its sights via a local bus transfer.
• Crystal Lagoon moments are photo-focused, so bring a camera even if you’re not snorkeling.
• Plan on cash for key add-ons like the bus to Victoria, mask rental, and the speedboat.

Getting on Hornblower Cruises at St Pauls Bay

Your day starts at Hornblower Cruises, Sirens Quay 24, Triq San Geraldu, St Pauls Bay, right behind LOA restaurant. The boat is big and white and blue, with Hornblower written in red on the side.

Do yourself a favor and arrive early. You’ll be told to be on the boat about 45 minutes to 1 hour ahead to avoid stress, and it’s even smarter if you want upper-deck seating (first come, first served). The upper deck is where you’ll likely feel the wind, grab better angles for photos, and enjoy the “deck chair then relax” vibe.

What to bring is simple: towel, sunscreen, beachwear, and cash. There’s food and drinks available to purchase on board, but lunch is not included. Also note the rule that alcohol and drugs aren’t allowed.

Malta’s northern coast: cliffs, caves, and the St Paul’s backstory

Once you leave St Pauls Bay, you cruise close enough to Malta’s northern cliffs to make your phone camera work. Expect coves, naturally formed rock features, and caves you can see from the water without getting wet yet.

This is where captain Kevin’s live commentary pays off. He talks through what you’re passing—historic and cultural details as the boat glides by the islands of St Paul’s and the massive statue of St Paul’s, shipwrecked in Malta in AD 60. Whether you’re a history buff or just want meaning behind the view, those facts help you understand what you’re looking at.

You’ll also get those classic cave moments near the Ahrax and Santa Maria caves, with short photo stops where the boat gets close for pictures. It’s not a long sightseeing hike; it’s a scenic, efficient way to see a lot from the sea.

A practical consideration: this part is mostly about viewing from the boat. If you’re expecting guaranteed time on land before the swim stops, plan for that to come later.

The Blue Lagoon’s 1.5 hours: swim, snorkel, slide

If you picture turquoise water, this is the stop built to match the fantasy. You’ll have 1.5 hours at the Blue Lagoon, described by many as paradise for a reason: silky light sand and very clear water.

You can jump in three ways: swimming, snorkeling, or just walking off the boat to go in at the beach area. If you want snorkeling gear, masks and snorkels aren’t included. You can rent them on-site for €5, with a deposit structure described as €15 and €10 returned when you bring the items back.

The headline moment here is the 10-meter slide. If you want a memory that feels like a water park but without the line, this is it. Even if you skip the slide, you’ll still have a fun time—think deck chair relaxing on top, people taking turns going in, and constant good photo angles.

One small planning tip: bring your towel ready and treat this swim window like a mini schedule. In 90 minutes, you’ll want time to change into swim gear, get in the water once or twice, and still enjoy the view long enough to feel like you had a real break.

Comino time on the boat: Crystal Lagoon photo moments and deck-chair living

After Blue Lagoon, the cruise heads to Comino. Here’s the good news: you don’t have to run around Comino all day. During your time on Comino, you generally stay on the boat and use what’s available.

That means sun time that’s easy. You can work on your tan on the upper deck, sit in the shade on the main deck, and keep coming back to the water when the mood hits. If you want more than hanging out, there’s also the option to walk off to a small sandy beach.

Comino is also where you’ll see Crystal Lagoon from the water. Some parts are photo-focused and scenic passes, so don’t expect a long snorkeling session here unless you’re doing optional extras. The value is that you get the look of multiple colors and formations across the day, without you having to manage complex transfers.

One drawback to consider: because there are optional activities and limited time windows, Comino can feel more like a beach day on a floating base than a full island tour. If you want nonstop wandering, you may find yourself craving faster shore time.

Gozo and Victoria in 3 hours: make time count in the capital

Then comes the part that changes the pace: 3 hours free time on Gozo, with a strong payoff if you head toward Victoria, the island capital.

You’ll have options. You can take the local bus or (for €5 paid in cash on the day) use a convenient transfer that gets you where you want faster. This little €5 choice is popular for a reason: it saves time and helps you actually enjoy Victoria instead of spending your limited window figuring out routes.

Victoria is the obvious move because it gives you the most “place to be” feeling in the time you have. You’ll get a photo stop and time to walk, shop, and see sights on your own. If you’re the type who likes to browse small streets and grab a couple of viewpoints, this is the window to do it.

If you want a tip for your planning: treat the 3 hours like a sprint with breaks. You’re not going to cover everything on foot, so focus on a few targets. Grab a viewpoint, do a short walk, maybe pick up something small to take home, and then make sure you’re back on board early enough to avoid last-minute stress.

The return route: Crystal Lagoon, Xlendi Bay photo stops, and St Mary’s Tower

On the way back, you cruise through the south channel of Comino. This return leg keeps the scenery moving: you pass Crystal Lagoon, see sea caves from the water, and you get more scenic glimpses rather than long shore time.

Along the way, there are photo stops that help you collect variety in the same day. You’ll get moments to look toward places like Xlendi Bay and Saint Mary’s Tower, with short stops that are designed for pictures and quick viewing rather than a full stop-and-stay experience.

That matters because it keeps the day balanced. You get the swimming peak (Blue Lagoon), the relax-and-snack boat time (Comino), and the land-time highlight (Gozo). The return isn’t repetitive; it’s more like the closing chapter of the postcard story.

Value check: why this $34 cruise is a smart Malta use of time

At about $34 per person, this cruise is priced like a deal because a lot of the heavy lifting is included.

Here’s what you get in the core value:

• Round-trip cruise from St Pauls Bay
• 1.5-hour Blue Lagoon stop
• 3-hour Gozo stop
• 10-meter slide
• Deck chairs (limited)

Then there are the optional add-ons and rentals, which lets you decide how much you want to pay for extra thrills:

• Bus/minibus transfer on Gozo to Victoria: €5 cash
• Speedboat ride in the Blue Lagoon: €15 cash, depending on availability
• Mask and snorkel rental: €5, with deposits
• Lockers: €2, limited availability

In plain terms: you’re paying for the sea day experience—swim time, cave views, slide fun, and real freedom on Gozo—without having to stitch together your own ferry, guided tour, and transport. If your Malta time is limited, this is the kind of outing that gives you multiple “best of” moments in one go.

Small-but-important tips for a smoother day

These are the things that make the difference between a good trip and a great one.

First, arrive early. If you want the upper deck seats and those deck-chair views, aim to get there well before the boat’s departure. The boat departs promptly at 10:00 AM and is not delayed.

Second, keep your cash ready. Key choices are cash-only on-site: the €5 Gozo bus transfer, the €15 speedboat option, and the mask rental deposit structure.

Third, bring your towel and sunscreen even if you think you’ll be fine. A deck chair day plus swimming time adds up fast. Also, lockers are limited, so don’t count on having one for every item.

Fourth, manage your expectations on Comino. It’s beautiful, but your main “island exploring” time is on Gozo. If you want maximum walking and shopping, plan to spend your brain energy on Victoria.

Who this cruise is best for

This trip is a great fit if you want a mix of water time and island time without handling logistics. It works well for:

• Families who want a fun, supervised boat day with the slide
• Couples who want a scenic day with swim time and good views
• Solo travelers who like structure but still get free time on Gozo
• Anyone who doesn’t want to plan ferry schedules and transport on their own

If you’re someone who needs long shore stays everywhere, you might find the short stops and photo moments frustrating. This is designed for efficiency, not for marathon exploration.

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

Yes—if you want one day that gives you Malta’s sea scenery, a proper swim stop, and a genuine chunk of Gozo to wander. The included Blue Lagoon time, the 10-meter slide, and the 3 hours in Gozo are the big reasons this feels like real value rather than just a long boat ride.

Book it especially if your schedule is tight and you want the day to run smoothly from start to finish. Just show up early, bring cash, and treat the Gozo time as the moment to make your own choices—then let the water and cave scenery do the rest.

FAQ

Where is the meeting point for the cruise?

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

What time does the boat depart?

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

How long is the cruise?

The total duration is about 7 hours.

How much time do I get at the Blue Lagoon, and can I swim?

You get 1.5 hours at the Blue Lagoon, and swimming and snorkeling are available.

How much time do I get on Gozo, and how do I reach Victoria?

You get 3 hours on Gozo. You can take a local bus, or pay €5 in cash on the day for a convenient transfer to Victoria.

Is snorkeling gear included?

No. Masks and snorkels can be rented for €5, with a deposit of €15 and €10 returned when you bring the gear back.

Can I add a speedboat ride in the Blue Lagoon?

Yes, there’s an optional speedboat ride for €15, paid in cash only on-site, depending on availability.

What should I bring, and is there anything I can’t bring?

Bring a towel, sunscreen, beachwear, and cash. Alcohol and drugs are not allowed.

Is the tour wheelchair-friendly, and what about cancellations?

The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users. It also offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.