Gozo, Comino, Blue Lagoon Cruise: Is It Worth It? A Detailed Review

So, you’re looking into doing the 3 Islands Cruise, yeah? Gozo, Comino, and that famous Blue Lagoon are calling your name! I mean, I get it. The pictures look unreal, and who doesn’t love a good boat trip? But before you book, it’s very smart to see if it actually lives up to the hype. This isn’t just another “things to do in Malta” piece, okay? This is real talk, my take, complete with the stuff they won’t always tell you.

Why Gozo, Comino, and the Blue Lagoon Are Must-Sees

Okay, first things first, why are these islands such a big deal? It’s pretty simple, actually. Gozo is kind of Malta’s chiller sister. Think green hills, cute villages, and a pace of life that’s, in some respects, way more relaxed. Then, there’s Comino, practically a desert island except for that Blue Lagoon. The lagoon’s water, well, it’s exactly like those photos: seriously turquoise and inviting. For a snapshot of why people go nuts for Malta, these three spots give you most of what you are seeking in one, relatively easy trip.

Malta’s history is just bursting with layers, and you know, these islands are part of that story. They have been around the block, very many times. From the Knights of Malta leaving their mark to way older ruins dotting the landscape, you almost can’t help but feel like you’re stepping back in time. You’re not just looking at nice scenery. You’re experiencing centuries all at once. That bit of context makes any trip just that little bit cooler, arguably.

Choosing the Right Cruise: What to Consider

Not all cruises are the same, so listen, picking the right one makes or breaks your day. Think about this: Do you fancy a crazy party boat, or would you prefer something a little bit quieter? Family-friendly or booze cruise? This is the main thing you want to ask. How long are you okay with being on a boat? Are you someone who needs shade and a comfy seat, very badly? So, that’s got to be something to check out, too.

Read the fine print about what’s actually included, in fact. Some trips, for example, throw in lunch and drinks. Other times, they just charge for extras, later. Find out the general route too it’s almost like some only do a drive-by of the caves, while others, you see, will stop so you can swim in them. What about pickup and drop-off from your hotel? Basically, research like your relaxation depends on it, okay? Because it really might.

My Experience: A Detailed Breakdown

I went on one of the more popular cruises, so, the one that leaves from Bugibba. First impressions? Well, the boat looked okay. Not super flashy, just very… functional. Getting on was sort of like herding cats. But as soon as we pulled away from the harbor, yeah, the views started to kick in. The Maltese coastline looks absolutely wonderful from the sea.

The first stop was Gozo. We had like, three hours to roam around, actually. The cruise offered an optional bus tour, and you know, I took it. Quick way to see the island, right? We hit up the Citadel in Victoria (the main town), some really stunning viewpoints, plus a little look at the Azure Window remains (RIP, but still impressive). If buses ain’t your thing, you know, you might as well grab a taxi or rent a scooter and just do your own exploring.

Then, Comino and the Blue Lagoon. That water is every bit as blue as you’ve heard, that. Seriously stunning. But heads up: It is normally packed, with tons of people. Like, elbow-to-elbow packed, you see? Finding a spot to leave your stuff can be tricky. I took a dip, did a little snorkeling (the fish are neat), and that’s pretty much that. If you aren’t all that into swimming with hundreds of strangers, maybe, just maybe, appreciate the view from the boat, basically?

The cruise also swings by some caves. Pretty cool to look at, and a couple, that’s right, allowed for a quick swim. It kind of breaks up the day a bit. But overall, yeah, the Blue Lagoon is the main event. From my perspective, just prepare yourself for the crowds.

The Good, the Bad, and the Crowded: Pros & Cons

Okay, quick hits on what I liked and what made me roll my eyes, alright?

The Good:
- Those views, oh the views, we thought, it was amazing! Malta’s coastline is quite wonderful from the sea.
- Gozo is, actually, a treat, and that bus tour helped me hit a lot in only a short period of time.
- That Blue Lagoon really lives up to the hype (color-wise, that is).
The Bad:
- Crowds, and lots of them, in particular at the Blue Lagoon. Just something to deal with, you understand?
- It feels just a little bit rushed sometimes, especially if you are doing add-on tours.
- Food on board is pricey, also not the best. Bring your own, I suggest.

Tips for Making the Most of Your Cruise

Listen, if you actually want to enjoy yourself (despite the tourists!), I have a number of pieces of advice:

Go early or late in the season: Basically, avoid July and August like the plague. Trust me on that one, I am telling you.
Pack smartly: Sunscreen, a hat, water, snacks. Those are all really vital, my friend. Seriously.
Bring water shoes: The rocks around the Blue Lagoon can be sharp, basically, those rocks will protect your feet.
Consider a smaller boat tour: They are frequently less crowded, plus, you can get to smaller caves and spots.
Don’t spend all your time at the Blue Lagoon: Explore Comino, there’s very, very more to it than just that one bay, is that true?

One thing, also. Check the weather forecast before you go, also see if there is any chance of jelly fish that day. If you think it’s gonna be super windy or the sea is going to be choppy, very strongly consider rescheduling, definitely.

Alternatives to the Mainstream Cruise

Not feeling a group tour vibe? Yeah, I get that. Fortunately, there exist ways to visit these islands without fighting for space with every single tourist. Think about these options:

Private Boat Charter: If you’re with family or have a small group of friends, this is potentially wonderful. You plan the itinerary, choose how long to stay at each spot, just something really worth the consideration.
Ferry to Gozo and Comino: Hop on the public ferry to Gozo, then take a small boat over to Comino from there. Very cool option for making your own day of it, clearly.
Kayaking or Paddleboarding: Only for the athletic, anyway. You can potentially kayak to Comino from Malta (or Gozo), yet, plan well, it’s rather exhausting!

Another thing to keep in mind, too it’s almost like staying in Gozo for a few days is a treat. You can take day trips to Comino from there, that way, avoid the long boat rides from Malta, you see?

Is the 3 Islands Cruise Worth It? My Verdict

Okay, the big question: Would I actually recommend this cruise? Yes, but, just with the expectations really looked at. The scenery is, indeed, amazing. Getting to see Gozo and Comino in one day is also very cool, still. Just be prepared to share those pretty places with hordes of other vacationers, almost.

If you’re the sort of person who hates crowds, perhaps, it’s still going to be worth considering one of the other options I laid out, right? For those who can roll with a bit of chaos, so, you are getting those memories (and photos) of a lifetime.

Just pack well, know what you’re getting into, plus keep a really good sense of humor about it, seriously. And when the Blue Lagoon water hits the sun in quite that right way? Well, you will probably believe it’s all rather worth it.