Malta: Blue Lagoon & Gozo Cruise with Waterslide & 3-Hour Island Time

A Day on the Water Between Three Islands, One Boat, and a Slide Into Turquoise

You board at St. Paul's Bay, cruise past sea caves and rock formations for an hour, then moor at the Blue Lagoon for 1.5 hours of swimming and snorkeling with a waterslide option. After that, you have 3 free hours in Gozo: either exploring Victoria's Citadel and streets on an optional shuttle, or relaxing at the harbor. The boat returns at 5pm, and the whole day is run by a family crew that's been doing this since 1984.

Step-by-step itinerary

Cruise Malta, Blue Lagoon, and Gozo

• Depart from St. Paul’s Bay
• Cruise past St. Paul’s Islands and statue
• Pass Mellieħa Bay and Ahrax Cave
• Navigate Comino’s north channel and sea caves
• Arrive at Blue Lagoon
• Swim, snorkel, and relax at Blue Lagoon
• Use waterslide into lagoon
• Enjoy onboard facilities and sun decks
• Cruise to Gozo’s Mġarr Harbour
• Explore Gozo independently or take shuttle
• Visit Victoria’s Citadel and shops (optional shuttle)
• Stop at panoramic viewpoint (optional shuttle)
• Return to Malta by 17:00

The experience

"You're going to want to jump off the back," the crew member said as we boarded at St. Paul's Bay, pointing toward the waterslide coiled on the upper deck. The boat fills up fast. This is a family operation that's been running since 1984, and it shows in how they've thought through the day. We'd leave the pier around 8 or 9 in the morning (the exact time depends on the season), cruise past St. Paul's Islands where the Bible says he shipwrecked in 60 A.D., and then head north along Malta's coast toward Comino. The captain steers close to Ahrax Cave so you can see the rock formations without scrambling ashore, and then there's the Elephant's Head formation and a couple of Santa Maria bays: all of it the kind of thing you'd miss if you were just swimming from a beach.

About an hour in, the boat moors at the Blue Lagoon, and you get 1 hour 30 minutes in water so clear you can see straight down. The 10-meter waterslide is real. It's bolted to the boat, and people do use it, though the swim ladders and direct sea access mean you can slip in however you want. The sun deck has complimentary deck chairs (first come, first served), there's shaded seating if you burn easy, and the lower deck is air-conditioned if you need a break. A cafeteria sells hot and cold drinks, so you're not stuck without water or coffee. The mooring position is set up so you're swimming away from the shoreline crowds, which matters when you're in one of Malta's most famous spots.

After the Blue Lagoon, the boat cruises to Gozo's main port at Mġarr Harbour, and here's where the day splits. You get 3 hours free time, which means you can wander the harbor, grab lunch, or take the optional shuttle transfer (€5 per person) that runs up to Victoria, Gozo's capital. If you take the shuttle, you get about 1 hour 30 minutes in Victoria itself (time to walk the Citadel's stone walls, browse the shops, sit in a café, or just look at the views), plus a stop at a panoramic viewpoint for photos. Travel time between stops is built into those 3 hours, so it's not as rushed as it sounds. If you'd rather stay put, the harbor is relaxed enough to spend the afternoon there. Either way, the boat heads back to St. Paul's Bay and arrives around 5pm.

The whole thing is designed for families and mixed fitness levels: infants can bring a pram, service animals are welcome, and the crew handles the commentary as you cruise. Weather does matter. If conditions turn, you get offered another date or a full refund. Wheelchairs are allowed on the boat, though there are 5 stairs to the main deck and 5 steps to the lower deck where the toilets are, so that's something to know going in. The boat itself is spacious and built for this, not a speedboat, not a ferry, but something in between that lets you actually see things as you pass.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup is not mentioned in the itinerary.
• Your day includes the full-day cruise departing from St.
• Paul's Bay, 1 hour 30 minutes moored at the Blue Lagoon with swimming, snorkeling, and waterslide access, sun deck and shaded seating, onboard toilets and cafeteria with hot and cold beverages, live commentary from the crew, 3 hours free time in Gozo (with an optional €5 shuttle transfer to Victoria and a scenic viewpoint), and return to St.
• Paul's Bay at 5pm.
• You'll need to download a free landing pass from www.blcomino.com before arrival.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 10:00Last departure this season: 9 Jan 2027

AgesAdult (11 and older) · Child (4 to 10 years) · Infant (under 4): free

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.Operator's directions: “Arriving by local bus, the closest bus stops are: Moll and Anthony If you are driving to our location parking spaces are limited and available in the white boxes free of charge along the road.”

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Hornblower Cruises

Is this one for you?A good fit if you want to see Comino and Gozo in one day without renting a car or arranging your own boat: the fixed schedule and mooring position mean you get both swimming time and island exploration without the logistics. Plan for a full day out from morning to early evening. That's what makes fitting three stops and 3 free hours in Gozo possible.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 10 years); Infant (under 4): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24h before the start.

What time does the cruise depart and return?

Departure is from St. Paul's Bay in the morning (exact time varies by season). The boat returns at 5pm.

How long do you spend swimming at the Blue Lagoon?

Approximately 1 hour 30 minutes. You can swim, snorkel, use the waterslide, or relax on deck.

Is the waterslide included?

Yes, the 10-meter waterslide is included. Swim ladders and direct sea access are also available.

What do you do during the 3 hours in Gozo?

You can explore the harbor freely, or take an optional shuttle transfer (€5 per person) to Victoria and a scenic viewpoint. The shuttle includes about 1.5 hours in Victoria.

Are meals and drinks included?

No, but the boat has a cafeteria serving hot and cold beverages. You can buy food and drinks onboard or in Gozo.

What if the weather is bad?

If the cruise is canceled due to poor weather, you can choose an alternative date or receive a full refund.

Can I bring a wheelchair?

Yes, wheelchairs are welcome, but note there are 5 stairs to the main deck and 5 steps to the lower deck where toilets are located.