Comino looks unreal from a moving boat. I love that this trip mixes real water time with a long, flexible stop at the Blue Lagoon, and I also like how the route is paced for views from the boat’s upper deck. One possible drawback: on busy days the boat can feel crowded, so your experience depends a lot on how early you get onboard.

You’re not stuck watching the water from land. You cruise past Malta sights and Comino cliffs, then you’re in the lagoon with a slide, jump spots, and plenty of chances to swim and snorkel at your own pace. It’s a straightforward day out on the water that’s usually booked far ahead for a reason, but it’s not a quiet, private boat.

Key takeaways before you go

• Arrive early for rooftop chairs to lock in the best views
• Captain Kevin’s narration makes the cruise stops feel like more than just scenery
• Blue Lagoon mooring beats the beach since you can relax on the boat away from crowds
• Comino is tiny (1.4 square miles), so the 360-degree cruise is the fast way to see it all
• Caves speedboat add-on costs extra but many people treat it as the fun splurge

Price and Value: Why This Day Trip Costs So Little

At about $36.28 per person for roughly 7 hours, this is one of the cheapest ways to get the classic Comino highlights without paying for a private charter. The value isn’t just the low price. It’s that most of what you’re paying for is time on the water plus access to the Blue Lagoon from a boat that keeps moving to the next photogenic spot.

You also get included extras that matter in real life. Deck chairs are included (first come, first serve), and the slide plus restroom facilities are part of the deal. That means you can show up, get set, and spend the bulk of the day doing the thing you came for: swimming.

The main cost “surprises” are the optional add-ons and rentals. Speedboat rides to the small caves are 15 euros cash-only (seasonal), and snorkel gear rentals cost extra. If you’re trying to keep the budget tight, you’ll want to plan to swim without renting much.

Bugibba Jetty to Ahrax Cave: The Cruise Starts With Story Stops

The day begins at Bugibba Jetty and runs from 10:00 to 17:00. You’ll board with the captain and crew (captain Kevin) and get a narrated route that helps you connect the dots as the coastline rolls past.

Early on, you pass St. Paul’s island, tied to the shipwreck story. There’s a statue placed in the middle of the tiny island, and it’s the kind of detail you’d miss if you were just taking photos from shore. You’re also likely to see Mellieha Bay, described as the largest beach in Malta, which gives you a feel for the scale of what’s nearby.

Then the boat heads toward Ahrax Cave for photo time. This is one of those stops where you don’t need to do much. You just need to be ready with your camera and a sense of timing, since the window is short.

What I like about the early pacing is that it doesn’t force you into a long bus ride on land before the fun. You start on the water, get oriented fast, and then the day builds toward the Blue Lagoon.

Comino’s 360-Degree Views: Cliffs, Rock Shapes, and Elephants Head

Once you get into the Comino approach, the trip leans into what boats do best: motion views. Comino is described as the smallest of the three islands at about 1.4 square miles, and that tiny size is exactly why the boat can loop around it with that 360-degree feeling.

As you cruise, you’ll take in high cliff edges and named-looking rock formations like Elephants Head. Even if you’re not the type who cares about geology, the shapes give the water a character. They also make it easy to spot where the best photo angles might be from the boat.

This is also where you’ll see some of the “classic postcard” areas from the sea, including passing the touristic site Coral Cove before you head closer to the main lagoon area. If you’ve ever felt annoyed by tours that rush from one view to another, the Comino cruise part feels like the opposite. You’re moving slowly enough to actually look.

Tip that matters: if you’re chasing the best angles, try to choose your seating thoughtfully once you’re on deck. One review recommendation was to sit starboard side for better Comino views.

Blue Lagoon Time: The Boat as Your Base (Not the Crowds)

The headline stop is Blue Lagoon on Comino, with about 4.5 hours there. The key idea here is that you don’t have to treat the beach as your only option. The boat moors in a position that gives you access to swimming right from the water.

This is where the included slide becomes a real motivator. You can spend the day in a simple rhythm: climb in, cool off, swim around, and then return to the boat when you want shade or a bathroom break. The boat has a spacious shaded main deck, plus the upper area for sunbathing.

You can also think of the boat as a “home base” for staying flexible. You can stay aboard and enjoy calmer moments away from the beach, or you can walk on/off to Comino when you want a land break. Because you have hours here, you’re not forced into a timed frenzy.

Snorkel rentals and what you actually need

Mask and snorkel rentals are available for 5 euros with a 15 euro deposit and 10 euros returned. That means you’re not stuck bringing gear, but you are taking on an extra cash cost and a deposit.

If you’re a strong swimmer, you might find you prefer snorkeling later when you’ve burned off enough energy. If you’re not, focus more on short swims and staying close to where the boat is set up.

Food and drinks on board

Lunch isn’t included, but you can buy food and drinks on the boat at prices described as reasonable. Many people mention items like chicken burgers and chips, plus fun extras such as pineapple drinks and other bar options.

One practical advantage: you don’t have to sprint to find lunch on land. The on-board option keeps your day on track, especially when the water activities make you hungry faster than expected.

Santa Maria Tower and the Crystal Lagoon: Two Different Kinds of Water Stops

Between swimming sessions and the return cruise, you’ll pass Santa Maria Tower. The tower is described as built in 1618 to help defend Comino, and it’s also linked in pop culture to the story of Chateau d’If from The Count of Monte Cristo. You’ll often see this kind of reference in travel storytelling because it gives an old structure a familiar face.

Then, on the way back, the boat moves through the South Channel again toward Crystal Lagoon. This bay is described as more popular with divers because its waters are deeper. You’ll also have a chance to access it by foot from the area where the boat is moored at Blue Lagoon, depending on conditions.

Here’s how that works in practice: Crystal Lagoon can be reached via an about 8-minute walk from Blue Lagoon. The plan is flexible—this stop may happen on the way to Comino or later on the way back, depending on weather.

Once there, people are looking at snorkeling, swimming, and even more adventurous cliff jumping options. If you’re the cautious type, this is still a good spot even without jumping. Just go prepared to handle the entry points carefully.

What to Pack (and What to Leave for Later)

This trip is built around water. Packing smart can turn a good day into a comfortable one.

Bring:

• Towels (not included)
• Sun cream
• A jacket for October to May, since it can get chilly while cruising
• Any basic sun essentials you usually rely on

If you forget towels, you’ll be stuck improvising, and that’s the kind of inconvenience that ruins the easy-going vibe.

Also keep in mind the cash-only reality. Payments are accepted cash only on Comino island and on the boat. Speedboat add-ons and rentals can involve cash on the spot, so it’s worth planning ahead with the right bills.

One small comfort note from the crowd: if you’re sensitive to motion, you should consider bringing something for seasickness. The waters can be rough at times, and that’s a common complaint on day trips like this.

The Boat Experience: Fun Energy, Old-School Comfort, and Crowd Reality

The boat is described as not the most modern, but it has the amenities you need for a full day at sea. That lines up with the vibe: this is an action-focused day trip more than a luxury cruise.

Expect music and a social atmosphere. Many people like the upbeat energy, and it can make the day feel lighter even when you’re waiting between swims. But if you hate noise on boats, this might not be your perfect match.

Crowding is the other reality check. One lower score feedback point is that there can be “too many people” on board. That doesn’t mean it’s miserable, but it does mean you’ll want to manage your expectations and use strategy:

• Get there early to grab a top-deck chair
• Don’t assume you’ll get the exact spot you imagined
• When you want quiet, use the boat itself as your refuge, not the beach

If you want the best views, arriving early is the recurring advice. Getting there about an hour early gives you the best shot at rooftop seating.

Is It Worth the Speedboat Caves Add-On?

The caves speedboat ride is optional. It costs 15 euros, is cash only, and is available seasonally. It’s also one of the most memorable add-ons people call out.

The value of this splurge isn’t the ticket price alone. It’s that it adds a different kind of “wow” beyond swimming in one lagoon. You’re getting a faster, more adventurous water segment tied to cave scenery.

If you’re already happy with snorkeling and the slide, you can skip it. But if you want variety in the day and you’re comfortable with the extra cost, this is the add-on that tends to justify itself.

Who This Tour Fits Best (and Who Might Skip It)

This trip works well for:

• People who want an affordable water day without complicated planning
• Families and mixed-age groups who can handle boat time and simple swimming routines
• Swimmers and snorkelers who like choosing when to get in and when to rest
• View-chasers who love sea-level angles of Comino

It may feel less ideal if:

• You want a quiet, low-crowd experience
• You get seasick easily
• You prefer shore-based exploring over being in the water most of the time
• You dislike louder social boat atmospheres

Timing can help. If you’re traveling in shoulder months and you get calmer weather, you’ll likely enjoy the day more. Reviews also point out that late-season weather like October can be great for swimming with fewer crowds.

Should You Book This Hornblower Comino Day Trip?

If your goal is a classic Comino day with Blue Lagoon swimming, a slide, and cruise views from the deck, this is a strong choice for the money. The pricing makes sense because a huge chunk of your day is already “activity time,” not travel time.

I’d book it if you can do two things well: arrive early for seating and keep an open mind about boat crowd levels. If you’re sensitive to motion or want solitude, consider that before you commit.

One last practical note: this experience depends on good weather. If conditions are poor, you may be offered a different date or a refund. So don’t book it as your only plan for Comino—keep your schedule flexible when you can.

FAQ

How long is the tour?

The tour runs for about 7 hours, departing at 10:00 and returning at 17:00. You also get around 4.5 hours at the Blue Lagoon stop.

Where does the tour start and end?

It starts at Bugibba Jetty (Dawret Il-Gzejjer, San Pawl il-Baħar, Malta) and ends back at the same meeting point.

What’s included in the ticket?

The ticket includes all taxes and fees, landing and facility fees, deck chairs (first come, first serve), and use of the slide and restrooms.

Do I need to bring a mask and snorkel?

Mask and snorkel rentals are available for 5 euros, with a deposit process. If you don’t rent, you’ll still be able to swim from the boat.

Is lunch included?

Lunch is not included, but food and drinks are available onboard at reasonable prices.

Can I pay by card?

On Comino island and on the boat, payments are accepted cash only.

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