Gozo: 20-Minute Cave Tour and Blue Lagoon Stop

Exploring Gozo’s 20-Minute Cave Tour and Blue Lagoon Stop: A Complete Guide

This tour from Gozo offers a compact yet captivating boat experience, featuring a quick visit to the Santa Maria Caves and ample time to enjoy the famous Blue Lagoon on Comino. While we haven’t personally taken this exact trip, reviews and detailed descriptions help paint a clear picture of what travelers can expect.

What we love about this experience is the chance to see some of Malta’s most photogenic spots from the water, the intimacy of small-group touring, and the flexibility to relax or explore at your own pace once at the Blue Lagoon. The scenic cave entry in a boat is particularly memorable, promising a fun adventure. The tour’s value for money is also notable, given the combination of sightseeing, activities, and the chance to swim in crystal-clear waters.

However, one aspect to consider is the potential for crowding at the Blue Lagoon, which is a popular spot and can get quite busy. If avoiding crowds is important, this might be a point to keep in mind. This tour is perfect for travelers who want a blend of scenic cruising, a quick cave experience, and leisure time at one of Malta’s most iconic spots — especially those who enjoy small groups and personalized service.

Key Points

• Small-group experience for a more personal, relaxed outing
• 20-minute boat ride takes you inside the Santa Maria Caves for a unique view
• Ample free time at the Blue Lagoon for swimming, snorkeling, or strolling
• Flexibility to stay longer or leave earlier
• The cave tour is a highlight, offering scenic and fun cavernous views
• Weather-dependent; tours may be canceled or routes altered based on conditions

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Itinerary in Detail

Starting Point at Hondoq Bay

The adventure begins at Hondoq Bay, Qala on Gozo, where you’ll meet your guide beneath a large yellow umbrella at Joyride Watersports. The check-in process is straightforward, and guides like the friendly team members are known for their warm attitude, making you feel comfortable from the start. We’ve heard from reviewers like Swantje that “booking was smooth and easy,” with staff being “really friendly and obliging.”

The First Speedboat Ride

Just a quick 5-minute ride gets you from the meeting point to your first major stop: the Santa Maria Caves on Comino. The short ride is a fun way to build anticipation and enjoy the views of the coast as you leave the harbor behind.

Santa Maria Caves – The Highlight

The main star of this tour is undoubtedly the 20-minute guided visit to Santa Maria Caves. The boat enters the caves, giving you an up-close view of their natural formations. This experience is both scenic and immersive—being inside a cave on a boat is not something you do every day. The guide provides commentary, sharing details about how these caves formed and their significance.

One reviewer, Olena, mentioned that their guide was “super friendly, caring, and with a great sense of humor,” which made the experience even more enjoyable. The caves are photogenic, making for excellent photo opportunities, especially if you like capturing natural landscapes from unique angles.

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Transition to Blue Lagoon

After the cave visit, the boat heads past Santa Maria Bay and the Comino Hotel, setting a relaxed tone for the next part of the journey. The short ride around the island adds to the scenic nature of the trip, giving you a chance to admire the rugged beauty of the coast.

Blue Lagoon – The Grand Stop

Once at Comino’s Blue Lagoon, you’ll be dropped off at the jetty for an extended stay—your guide will help arrange a pickup time later in the day, giving you the freedom to run your own schedule. The lagoon is famously beautiful, with its striking turquoise waters and soft sandy shores. The reviews reflect this delight, with Olena saying, “We really enjoyed our tour and 2-hour stay at Blue Lagoon.”

What to Do at Blue Lagoon

You’re free to choose from several activities: take a leisurely walk along the shoreline, snorkel in the clear waters, or just relax and soak up the sun. Many travelers appreciate the flexibility; you can stay as long as you like and leave when you’re ready. Remember to bring sunscreen, a camera, and beachwear for maximum enjoyment.

While some reviews mention that the lagoon can get crowded—”completely overcrowded,” as Swantje noted—you might find quieter spots if you arrive early or explore nearby bays if booked on the spot. The tour operator is flexible enough to accommodate such preferences if you ask.

Returning to Gozo

The last boat back to Gozo departs from Comino at 6:00 PM, giving you plenty of time to enjoy the Blue Lagoon. The return journey is straightforward, ending back at Joyride Watersports. The experience offers an ideal balance: scenic cruising, quick cave exploration, and relaxed leisure time.

What’s Included and What’s Not

Included in the tour are the 20-minute boat trip to Santa Maria Caves, the drop-off at Blue Lagoon with flexible return, a pre-arranged pickup time, and luggage storage in a lockable shared space. This makes the tour budget-friendly, especially considering the multiple activities packed into a single day.

What isn’t included are food and drinks, so plan to bring snacks or plan your meals around the activity. The tour doesn’t cover hotel transfers, so you’ll need to organize transportation to the meeting point on your own.

Practical Details and Tips

• Meeting point: Joyride Watersports on the Hondoq Bay Jetty under a large yellow umbrella. Arrive a little early to settle in and chat with your guide.
• Duration: Full-day activity, with the boat trip taking about 20 minutes to the caves and plenty of leisure time at the lagoon.
• Group size: Small groups are typical, making for a more intimate experience.
• Weather conditions: The captain reserves the right to cancel or alter routes based on weather, so check the forecast before booking.
• What to bring: Camera, sunscreen, beachwear, and perhaps a towel if you plan to swim.
• Price and value: The cost covers scenic boat rides, cave exploration, and flexible lagoon time—offering good value, especially for those who want a mix of sightseeing and leisure.

Authentic Reviews and Insights

Swantje shared that the booking process was “smooth” and praised the friendly staff, affirming that the tour is well-organized and enjoyable. She also pointed out that the Blue Lagoon can be crowded, suggesting alternative spots might offer a quieter experience if you’re willing to explore other bays.

Julie highlighted the knowledgeable guides and the overall beauty of Malta. Olena’s review emphasizes the exceptional friendliness and humor of the guide, making the trip more memorable than just the scenery.

These insights reinforce that quality guides and flexible scheduling are key to making the most of this tour, especially in a popular spot like the Blue Lagoon.

Final Thoughts: Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is particularly suited for travelers seeking a lighthearted, scenic escape with a touch of adventure. If you enjoy small-group tours that allow for personalized moments, this tour hits the mark. It’s ideal for those who want to see the Santa Maria Caves without a long trek, combined with the ultimate Blue Lagoon experience—swimming and relaxing in beautiful waters.

It’s also a good pick for families, couples, or friends who crave a fun, flexible day out with time to explore at their own pace. Because the tour depends on weather conditions, it’s best for travelers with flexible plans and a sense of adventure.

While it doesn’t include food or hotel pickup, its affordability and focus on authentic experiences of Malta’s stunning coastline make it a valuable addition to any itinerary. Just remember to get there early, especially in peak season, to avoid crowds and secure your preferred spot at the Blue Lagoon.

FAQs

How long is the boat ride to the Santa Maria Caves?
The boat ride to the caves is approximately 20 minutes, providing a scenic and comfortable journey.

Can I stay longer at the Blue Lagoon?
Yes, once dropped off, you can stay as long as you like. The guide will help you arrange a pickup for your return trip.

Is the boat inside the caves?
Yes, the boat enters the Santa Maria Caves for about 20 minutes, giving you a chance to view and photograph their natural formations.

Are there options for activities at the Blue Lagoon?
While the tour itself doesn’t include specific activities, you are free to swim, snorkel, or stroll along the lagoon’s shoreline.

Does the tour operate in all weather conditions?
The captain reserves right to cancel or change routes based on weather, so check the forecast and be prepared for possible adjustments.

What should I bring?
Bring a camera, sunscreen, beachwear, and a towel if you plan to swim or relax on the sand.

Is this tour suitable for children?
The small-group boat experience and leisure time at the lagoon make it suitable for families; just consider the age of children and their comfort with boat rides.

What’s the cancellation policy?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility if your plans change.

Is hotel pickup included?
No, you need to arrange your own transportation to the meeting point at Hondoq Bay.

How many people are typically on this tour?
It’s a small-group experience, generally accommodating a limited number of guests, ensuring a more personal feel.

This tour balances scenic views, fun exploration, and leisure time in a way that makes it a memorable part of your Maltese adventure. Perfect for those wanting a taste of Malta’s natural beauty without a long commitment or complicated schedule.

You can check availability for your dates here: