Malta: Comino, Gozo & Blue Lagoon Day Cruise with Caves

Summary

Swim in crystal lagoons, wander Gozo streets, relax on deck

You’ll float in Malta’s unreal-blue Blue Lagoon, slip into sea caves along Comino’s coast, and have time to explore Gozo—either wandering Victoria or relaxing by the harbor. With easy boarding from Bugibba and plenty of space to chill or swim from the boat itself, this day trip leaves you sun-warmed and salt-haired (in a good way).

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect the water to look that blue—almost fake, like someone turned up the saturation. We left Bugibba early (I grabbed a pastizzi from the dock café, still warm), and as we cruised past St. Paul’s Island our guide pointed out the statue rising up from the rocks. The wind was salty and kind of sticky, but not in a bad way. I remember ducking my head into Ahrax Cave—the echo was weirdly soothing—and then suddenly we were gliding by these limestone cliffs that looked like they’d been chewed by time itself.

The first stop was Comino’s Blue Lagoon. It’s busy, sure, but if you hang back near the boat you get this little pocket of quiet—just the sound of people splashing and gulls overhead. I tried the slide off the deck (slightly terrifying but worth it) and floated for ages staring at my toes through clear turquoise water. There’s a cafeteria on board—nothing fancy but honestly after swimming everything tastes better. I watched some kids try to say “thank you” in Maltese; one of the crew laughed and helped them out (“grazzi hafna,” if you’re wondering—I probably butchered it too).

Gozo was next. Three hours sounds long but it goes fast if you take the shuttle into Victoria—the capital is all honey-colored stone and sleepy cats sunning themselves on steps. I wandered into a tiny bakery (can’t remember the name) for ftira bread, then just sat in a square listening to church bells while locals chatted nearby in Maltese and Italian. There’s this moment at the panoramic viewpoint where you see all of Gozo laid out—patchwork fields, domes, sea beyond—and I still think about that view when I’m stuck in traffic back home.

The ride back felt slower somehow; maybe everyone was tired or just mellow from sun and saltwater. Someone fell asleep on a deck chair with their hat over their face. We passed Crystal Lagoon—deeper blue than before—and slipped quietly past more caves before docking again at Bugibba. Not everything went perfectly (I lost my sunglasses somewhere between decks), but honestly that just made it feel more real.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Comino and Gozo islands

• Depart from St. Pauls Bay
• Cruise north coast of Malta
• Pass St. Pauls Island statue
• Enter Ahrax Cave
• Cruise by Mellieha Beach
• Stop briefly at a cave for photos
• Arrive at Comino Blue Lagoon
• Swim, snorkel, sunbathe at Blue Lagoon
• Use boat facilities and cafeteria
• Cruise to Gozo island
• Stop 3 hours at Mġarr Harbour, Gozo
• Optional shuttle bus tour in Gozo (€5)
• Return to Malta at 17:00

Top questions

How long is the Malta Comino Gozo & Blue Lagoon tour?

The tour lasts approximately 8 hours including travel time between stops.

Is lunch included on this day trip?

No, food is not included but there is an onboard cafeteria with reasonably priced snacks and drinks.

Can I explore Gozo independently or do I have to take the shuttle?

You can explore Gozo independently using local buses or taxis, or join the optional shuttle for €5 per person.

Are swimming facilities available at Blue Lagoon?

Yes, you can swim directly from the boat or walk onto Comino island; life vests are available on request.

Does this tour include pickup from my hotel?

No hotel pickup is included; departure is from Bugibba/St. Paul’s Bay port.

Is this cruise suitable for families with children?

Yes, children are welcome; infants can ride in prams/strollers and there’s a water slide onboard.

Are there shaded areas on the boat?

Yes, there are both shaded and sunny seating areas as well as an air-conditioned lower deck.

What happens if weather conditions are bad?

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

What’s included

Your day includes cruising along Malta’s northern coast with stops at sea caves, 1.5 hours swimming at Blue Lagoon with use of onboard facilities like sun decks and water slide (deck chairs first come first served), entry into larger sea caves around Comino, three hours free time on Gozo with option for a €5 shuttle tour through Victoria and scenic viewpoints, plus access to an onboard cafeteria for snacks or drinks before returning to Bugibba port in the evening.