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The Gozo: 20-Minute Cave Tour and Blue Lagoon Stop offers a compact but memorable day out in Malta. Priced at an accessible rate, this tour features a short boat ride to the Santa Maria Caves, an iconic stop on Comino, and plenty of time to enjoy the Blue Lagoon’s turquoise waters. With a rating of 4.6 based on 38 reviews, it’s a popular choice for those seeking a guided boat experience that combines natural beauty with relaxed free time. The tour lasts for a full day, with starting times varying according to availability, making it flexible for different schedules. This excursion suits travelers who appreciate small groups, personalized attention, and a mix of sightseeing and leisure.
We like how the tour emphasizes cavernous scenery with a boat that actually enters a cave, creating a unique perspective. The small group setting ensures a more intimate experience, and the inclusion of free time at the Blue Lagoon allows for a leisurely swim or stroll. Keep in mind that the Blue Lagoon can be crowded, especially during peak season, but the flexible timing lets you stay longer or leave earlier. This tour is ideal for those looking for a short but scenic adventure that balances sightseeing with downtime.
Key Points
- Short boat ride to Santa Maria Caves with inside exploration
- Guided tour inside a cave for a cavernous experience
- Time at Blue Lagoon for swimming, snorkeling, or relaxing
- Visit two spots on Comino in a small group setting
- Flexible schedule with the ability to stay longer at the lagoon
- Includes luggage storage and pre-arranged pickup from the Blue Lagoon
Starting Point at Hondoq Bay, Qala Gozo
The tour departs from Hondoq Bay on Gozo, where a guide greets you at a designated meeting point under a big yellow umbrella. The departure process is straightforward, with most of the activity centered around a speedboat ride that takes you past scenic spots like Santa Maria Bay and the Comino Hotel. The small group size ensures a cozy atmosphere, ideal for easy conversation and personalized attention.
The boat ride is quick-paced, with five-minute segments between stops, and offers beautiful views of the coast and open water. The meeting spot at Joyride Watersports Gozo makes for a convenient start, and the return is to the same location, closing the loop of this full-day outing.
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Entering the Santa Maria Caves by Boat
The highlight of this tour is the 20-minute visit inside the Santa Maria Caves. The boat actually enters the caves, giving you an up-close view of the natural rock formations. The guided tour inside provides commentary about the caves’ features and geology, making it more than just a visual display.
Expect to feel a sense of wonder as the boat glides into this cavernous space. The experience is scenic and atmospheric, making it a must-do for those interested in Malta’s coastal landscapes. The caves offer a photo opportunity from the water, but keep your camera ready for some impressive shots during this brief but memorable stop.
Exploring Comino’s Best Spots in a Short Time
After the caves, the boat continues along the coast, passing Santa Maria Bay and the Comino Hotel. These scenic viewpoints set the stage for your next stop: the Blue Lagoon. The tour’s route is carefully designed to maximize your time on Comino, with three short speedboat segments totaling about 15 minutes of travel.
This quick-paced journey ensures you cover multiple sights without feeling rushed, while still leaving ample free time at the Lagoon. The route also offers a good view of the island’s rugged coastline and crystal-clear waters, setting a stunning backdrop for your afternoon.
Blue Lagoon: Swimming, Snorkeling, and Relaxing
The Blue Lagoon is the central highlight of the tour, where you’re dropped off on the jetty for as long as you wish. Travelers have the freedom to stroll along the shore, snorkel in the waters, or simply relax on the beach.
The turquoise waters are warm and inviting, perfect for a quick swim or a longer dip if you wish. The duration of your stay is flexible, with the last boat leaving back to Gozo at 6:00 PM. This free time lets you enjoy the lagoon at your own pace—an advantage for those wanting a leisurely experience or to explore less crowded areas if they ask the crew.
More Great Tours NearbyPractical Details: Meeting Points, Duration, and Inclusions
The meeting point for this tour is at Joyride Watersports Gozo, located at the Hondoq Bay Jetty. The duration of the overall experience is full day, with the boat trip to Santa Maria Caves lasting 20 minutes. The return is arranged with a pre-booked pickup from the Blue Lagoon, allowing guests to plan their afternoon flexibly.
The tour includes a 20-minute boat ride to the caves, drop-off at the Blue Lagoon, and the pre-arranged pickup. Travelers can enjoy luggage storage during their exploration, which adds convenience. Food and drinks are not included, so visitors should plan accordingly, and note that hotel transfers are not provided—guests are responsible for their own transportation to and from the meeting point.
The Guide’s Role and Tour Flexibility
A key aspect of this tour is the friendly and accommodating guide, who provides insightful commentary during the cave visit. The guide is also available to help coordinate your return time from the Blue Lagoon, ensuring a seamless experience.
This tour reserves the right to change routes or cancel depending on weather conditions, which is standard practice for boat trips in open water. Travelers should bring essentials such as camera, sunscreen, and beachwear. The English-speaking driver makes communication straightforward.
Reviews Reflecting Satisfaction and Practical Tips
The average rating of 4.6 out of 5 is based on 38 reviews, with most visitors praising the smooth booking process, friendly staff, and beautiful scenery. Reviewers highlight the knowledgeable guides and the stunning views during the trip. One reviewer notes that the Blue Lagoon can be overcrowded, so arriving early or exploring less crowded beaches on the island could enhance the experience.
Some mention that the trip from Mgarr Harbour to the departure point takes time, so planning accordingly is wise. The consensus is that the tour offers a well-organized, affordable, and enjoyable way to see some of Malta’s most iconic coastal sights.
The Sum Up: A Compact and Scenic Day on Comino and Gozo
This 20-minute cave boat tour combined with a Blue Lagoon stop delivers impressive natural scenery within a manageable schedule. The small group setting and friendly guides make for a comfortable and engaging experience, especially for first-time visitors eager to see the Santa Maria Caves up close and enjoy ample swimming time.
While the Blue Lagoon can get crowded, the flexible schedule lets you enjoy it at your own pace, and the route ensures you visit two different spots on Comino. The tour’s price point and inclusion of luggage storage make it a convenient option, especially for those wanting a short but memorable outing in Malta.
This experience is perfect for travelers seeking scenic boat rides, cave exploration, and relaxation in turquoise waters, with the comfort of a small group and expert guide.
Ready to Book?
Gozo: 20-Minute Cave Tour and Blue Lagoon Stop
“Booking was smooth and easy, and everybody was really friendly. As said before – remember that it takes some time to get there from Mgarr harbour ;…”
Frequently Asked Questions
What is included in the tour?
The tour includes a 20-minute boat trip to Santa Maria Caves, drop-off at the Blue Lagoon for as long as you wish, a pre-arranged pickup from the Lagoon, and luggage storage.
Is food or drink included?
No, food and drink are not included in the tour, so guests should bring snacks or plan to purchase at the Lagoon area.
What should I bring?
Guests should bring a camera, sunscreen, and beachwear for swimming and relaxing at the lagoon.
Can I stay longer at the Blue Lagoon?
Yes, guests are free to stay as long as they want until the last boat at 6:00 PM departs back to Gozo.
Where do I meet the guide?
The meeting point is at Joyride Watersports Gozo, located at the Hondoq Bay Jetty, under a big yellow umbrella.
What happens if the weather is bad?
The captain reserves the right to cancel or change the route based on weather conditions, prioritizing safety.
Is this tour suitable for children?
While not explicitly stated, the small boat trips and swimming activities suggest it’s suitable for most ages, with supervision.
Can I book this tour last-minute?
Yes, you can reserve and pay later, and bookings are subject to availability. Cancelation is possible up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Does the tour include hotel pickup?
No, hotel pickup and drop-off are not included; guests are responsible for reaching the meeting point.
Is this tour accessible for travelers with mobility issues?
The information provided does not specify accessibility details; it’s best to contact the operator directly for specific needs.
How does this tour compare in price to others?
Based on reviews and the description, it offers good value for the short duration and included activities, especially considering the small group setting and personalized experience.
