A full-day boat tour from Malta gives you a genuine sense of the archipelago's geography in one go. You're not stuck on one island making assumptions about what the others look like — you see Gozo's dramatic southern coastline from the sea, drop into the Blue Lagoon between Comino and Cominotto, and peer into caves that you simply cannot reach from the land. It's efficient travel, and if you're in Sliema or St Julian's, the pickup point is usually close by.
The typical itinerary runs about 8–9 hours door-to-door, with the actual boat time split between coastal cruising and a longer anchor at the Blue Lagoon. The boats are usually 30–50 passengers, so it's small enough to feel like you're not herded around, but large enough that the cost stays reasonable. Expect to pay around €40 per person, often with free cancellation if plans change.
Catamaran loaded with swimmers boarding at the Blue Lagoon — the iconic mooring point.
What You'll Actually See
The boat departs early — often 8:00 or 9:00 am — and heads northwest towards Gozo. The voyage itself takes about 45 minutes, and as you cross the channel, the two islands reveal themselves. Malta recedes behind you, and Gozo's coastline unfolds: cliffs that rise 200+ metres in places, with distinctive red-orange soil, cave openings, and natural rock formations that look entirely different from the ground.
The crew usually point out notable sites along the way: Fungus Rock (a nature reserve), the Ta' Ċenċ cliffs, and various cave entrances. You'll spend roughly 3–4 hours anchored at the Blue Lagoon, which sits between Comino and the uninhabited Cominotto. The water there is genuinely turquoise and shallow enough to wade in from the boat. It's also busy — other boats anchor nearby, so solitude isn't the experience — but the swimming is straightforward and the water warm in summer.
On the return journey, the boat sometimes enters Comino's sea caves, depending on sea conditions and the skipper's route. These limestone caverns are only accessible from the water, and even if you've swum in the Blue Lagoon, seeing them from inside the boat adds another dimension to the experience.
When to Go
- June to September: Calmest seas, warmest water (24–26°C). The Blue Lagoon gets very crowded, particularly mid-afternoon, so earlier boats are preferable if you want a calmer swim.
- April–May and October: Water still swimmable (18–22°C), fewer boats, and typically still calm enough for a full-day tour.
- November–March: Tours run on calmer days only; many skip sea cave entries due to swell.
Book the earlier departures if you can — you'll get quieter time at the Blue Lagoon before the afternoon boats arrive, and the light for photographs is better earlier in the day.
What to Bring and Know
Bring sunscreen (the UV is intense even on cloudy days), a hat, a light long-sleeved rash guard if you're prone to burning, and a dry bag for your phone. The boat usually provides basic amenities — water, perhaps a light snack — but it's worth asking beforehand. Lunch can be purchased at the Blue Lagoon (pricey and limited choice), so a packed lunch is sensible if you prefer.
The boat rocks enough that some people feel queasy, particularly in the morning, so take a sea-sickness tablet if you're prone to motion sickness. It's not rough, but it's a boat on the sea, not a stable platform. Most people are fine, but it's worth knowing.
The Blue Lagoon is genuinely beautiful — but the real value of this tour is seeing how the islands sit in relation to each other and understanding Gozo's scale from the sea.
Medieval church in honey-limestone square — a typical Maltese cultural landmark.
Is It Worth the Cost?
At roughly €40 per person all-inclusive (transfers from your hotel in Sliema or St Julian's, boat, crew, and the Blue Lagoon experience), it's efficient value. You're buying time on the water with a skipper who knows the routes, and access to places like Comino's sea caves that are genuinely difficult to reach any other way. If you only visit one island beyond Malta, Gozo is the priority — and this tour gives you that island, plus Comino's Blue Lagoon, without having to arrange ferries or hire a car.
That said, the Blue Lagoon itself gets extremely crowded in July and August, and you may spend more time anchored with 20 other boats than actually swimming. If you prefer solitude, a smaller private boat tour or a jeep tour of Gozo with a land-based beach stop might suit you better.
Practical info
Tours depart year-round, though winter tours depend on sea conditions. Hotel pickups start around 7:30–8:00 am from the Sliema and St Julian's area, and you're usually back by 5:00 or 6:00 pm. The whole experience is fairly low-effort — you're not hiking, climbing, or being rushed — which makes it suitable for different fitness levels and ages. Children usually enjoy the boat time and swimming; very young children should be watched closely near the boat rails, and flotation devices are sensible even for stronger swimmers given the boat movement.
Free cancellation is standard with reputable operators, so if weather is poor or your plans change, you won't lose money. Book at least a few days in advance in peak season, though single-day bookings are often possible off-season.
Book the Malta, Gozo & Comino islands tour
Frequently asked questions
Is the Blue Lagoon worth visiting?
The Blue Lagoon's water colour is genuinely striking, and the swim is straightforward and safe. However, it's very busy, especially in summer. If you're seeking a pristine, empty beach experience, this isn't it. But if you want a reliable swimming spot with dramatic views and the novelty of being between two islands, it's worth the visit as part of a larger tour.
Can you do this tour if you're not a confident swimmer?
Yes. The Blue Lagoon is shallow — you can wade in gradually — and life jackets are usually available on request. The boat's crew monitor the water and won't let you enter if conditions are unsafe. Many non-confident swimmers participate; just let the boat operator know when you book.
What if the sea is rough?
Tours are cancelled only in genuinely rough conditions — typically winter storms. The boat may operate from a different harbour or skip the sea caves if conditions are marginal, but full-day tours rarely cancel outright. If yours is cancelled, you'll receive a full refund or rebooking with no extra cost.
Is lunch included?
Usually no — lunch is your own cost at the Blue Lagoon or you bring a packed lunch. Some tours include a light snack or drinks, so check the tour details. The food available at the Blue Lagoon is overpriced and limited, so a packed lunch is the practical choice.
How long do you actually spend swimming?
Typically 2–3 hours at the Blue Lagoon, though the boat is anchored for longer so you can rest, eat, and sunbathe. Actual in-water time depends on your comfort and the water temperature. Most people swim intermittently rather than continuously.