St. Paul’s Bay: Gozo, Comino & St. Paul’s Bus & Boat Tour

The best part of this tour is the variety packed into one day: a boat ride along Malta’s coast, a swim at Comino’s Blue Lagoon, two hours in Gozo, and a final stop at St. Paul’s Island. You get sea views that are hard to arrange on your own, plus a short bus ride into Gozo’s capital, Victoria.

I like the smaller boat, which can feel more pleasant than a packed ferry, and I like the strong value at $40 per person. The crew, including Captain Matthew when he is leading the trip, gives clear explanations and works hard to keep the day moving.

The tradeoff is time. One hour at Comino and two hours in Gozo are enough for a taste, but not enough for a leisurely visit. The Blue Lagoon can also be very crowded in summer, and this is not a good choice if you have serious mobility limitations.

Key points at a glance

• One boat trip, three islands: See Comino, Gozo, and St. Paul’s Island in a seven-hour outing from Bugibba.
• Blue Lagoon swim: Spend one hour swimming, snorkeling, sunbathing, or walking on Comino.
• Victoria by bus: Go directly from Mgarr Harbour to Gozo’s capital, with time for the Cittadella, markets, or lunch.
• Smaller boat access: The boat can enter coastal caves such as Crystal Lagoon or St. Mary’s Caves when sea conditions allow.
• Good-value format: At $40, the price includes the boat, bus transfer in Gozo, English commentary, Wi-Fi, toilets, and cave access.
• Bring cash and a towel: Food, drinks, and snorkeling equipment cost extra, and equipment rental requires a $10 cash security deposit.

What this Malta day trip actually does

This is a full-day boat-and-bus outing from St. Paul’s Bay, designed for people who want to see several Maltese highlights without arranging separate ferries, taxis, and buses. Boarding begins at 9:30 a.m. at Bugibba Jetty, and the boat leaves at 10 a.m. sharp.

Look for the red, white, and blue boat named Mermaid, or find the Mermaid representatives at the jetty. Boarding closes at 9:50 a.m., so arriving shortly after 9:30 gives you time to find the boat, settle in, and avoid a rushed start.

You spend much of the day on the water, with stops timed to give you a swim, a taste of Gozo, and another short break at St. Paul’s Island. The boat has toilets and Wi-Fi, and live commentary is provided in English.

I see this as a sampler rather than a deep visit to each place. You will collect a useful first impression of Malta’s northern coast and islands, but you should not book it expecting long museum visits, a full tour of Gozo, or a quiet hour at the Blue Lagoon.

The cruise north from Bugibba

Once the boat leaves Bugibba, it heads north past Mellieha and along the Maltese coastline. This opening stretch gives you a broad view of the islands from the water, which is one reason the boat format works so well.

The coastline is the main attraction here. You can look back toward Malta, watch the shape of the shore change, and see parts of the archipelago that are easy to miss from a road. The live commentary helps put the views into context, though the information is delivered in English only.

The boat is described as smaller than average. That matters because a smaller vessel may make the ride feel less packed, while also allowing entry into certain caves later in the day. It can still be nearly full, especially in summer, so do not assume the trip will feel private.

For comfort, bring sunscreen, a hat, swimwear, and a towel. The sun can be strong on open water, and you may want dry clothes after the Blue Lagoon and St. Paul’s Island stops. Food and drinks are available for purchase, but they are not included, so carrying cash is sensible.

One hour at Comino’s Blue Lagoon

The first major stop is Comino’s Blue Lagoon. You have one hour here for swimming, snorkeling, sunbathing, or a short walk on the island.

The water is the star. Its clear appearance makes this a natural place for a swim, and you can enter the water directly from the boat. That is a useful detail: you do not need to find a separate beach area before cooling off.

You can rent snorkeling equipment, but it is not included in the $40 price. Rental requires a $10 security deposit in cash, so bring money if you want to use the equipment. You can also bring your own gear, though the tour information only confirms rental availability, not personal equipment rules.

An hour sounds generous until you count the time needed to get ready, swim, dry off, and reboard. I would treat it as a focused swimming stop, not a chance to explore all of Comino. There is not much to do on the island itself during this short visit, and walking around will reduce your water time.

The main issue is crowding. The Blue Lagoon is a famous stop, and summer conditions can make it very busy. That is not something the boat operator controls. Still, the stop gives you a reasonable chance to swim in the famous water without arranging a separate Comino transfer.

You must also sign up through the Maltese Government website for a Comino entry ticket. The ticket is free to purchase, but it is still a required step, so handle it before the day of the trip rather than leaving it until you reach the jetty.

Two hours in Gozo, with Victoria as your target

After Comino, the boat continues to Mgarr Harbour on Gozo. From there, you board a bus directly to Victoria, Gozo’s capital, for a two-hour visit.

This transfer is one of the tour’s practical strengths. You do not have to negotiate a taxi at the harbour or work out the local bus system during a short stop. The bus gets you into the capital, leaving you to choose how to spend your limited time.

You have three sensible options:

• Visit the Cittadella, Victoria’s historic fortified center.
• Browse the Victoria markets and shops.
• Eat at a local Gozitan restaurant.

The Cittadella is the best choice if this is your first time in Gozo and you want a strong sense of place. The markets suit you if you prefer a quick walk and shopping, while lunch makes sense if you have spent the morning swimming and want a proper break.

The hard part is choosing. Two hours includes the bus journey within Gozo, walking time, and the return to the coach, so you cannot take on several major activities. If you visit the Cittadella, plan your route before leaving the bus and keep an eye on the meeting time.

The Gozo section receives the most consistent criticism in the supplied feedback: many people would prefer another 30 to 45 minutes. I agree with that concern. Victoria deserves more time than this schedule allows, especially if you want both the Cittadella and lunch.

Still, the bus arrangement adds real value. A private bus can reportedly be provided for Gozo, and some people consider that upgrade worthwhile because it may make the visit more direct and easier to manage. Confirm the cost and availability before booking if this option matters to you.

Coastal caves on the way back

After returning to Mgarr Harbour, you continue by boat toward St. Paul’s Island. Along the way, the smaller boat may enter coastal caves, with the exact location depending on sea and weather conditions.

Possible cave stops include Crystal Lagoon or St. Mary’s Caves. The ability to enter the caves at no extra charge is a strong feature, since it adds something beyond the standard island transfer.

Do not treat cave access as guaranteed. The captain can change or cancel parts of the trip when conditions are unsafe, and the caves are specifically weather and sea dependent. The same applies to the route and timing if the water becomes rough.

Have your camera ready during this stretch. The coastline is best appreciated from the boat, and entering a cave gives you a different view than simply passing it offshore. You may not get both cave sites, so enjoy the one that conditions allow rather than expecting a fixed sequence.

Thirty minutes at St. Paul’s Island

The final stop is St. Paul’s Island, where you have about 30 minutes. You can take one last swim or walk up to see the statue of St. Paul.

This is a short, simple stop, but it breaks up the return journey and gives you one more chance to get into the water. If you are tired after Comino and Gozo, use the time for photos and a quiet look around rather than trying to do too much.

The island is described as secluded, though you should not read that as a promise of complete solitude. The stop is brief and part of a scheduled group tour. Its appeal is the combination of a small historical sight and a final swim before heading back to Bugibba.

The boat returns to the Bugibba harbour around 5 p.m. That makes the outing roughly seven hours from boarding to return, with a full day of activity but no overnight commitment.

What the $40 price includes

At $40 per person, this tour offers good value if you want transport and several stops in one package. You are paying for the boat cruise, the Gozo bus transfer, English commentary, Wi-Fi, toilet facilities, one hour at Comino, two hours in Gozo, 30 minutes at St. Paul’s Island, and entry into the caves when conditions allow.

The price does not include food, drinks, or snorkeling equipment. Those extras are easy to overlook when comparing tours, so budget for them if you do not plan to bring your own refreshments or gear.

The strongest value comes from the transport. Reaching Comino, Gozo, and St. Paul’s Island independently could mean coordinating different boats and a bus in Gozo, while this tour keeps the day in one timetable. You also get the coastal views between stops, not just point-to-point transport.

The price is less compelling if you want a relaxed Gozo visit. A separate Gozo day trip would give you more time on the island, while a dedicated Comino cruise might allow a longer swim. This package earns its value by covering more places, not by lingering at any one stop.

The overall rating is 4.5 from 114 reviews, and the strongest praise focuses on the friendly crew, good organization, comfortable smaller boat, and value for money. Those are exactly the areas that matter most on a day with several timed stops.

Who will enjoy this trip most

I would recommend this tour to first-time visitors who want a quick introduction to Malta’s northern islands. It suits couples, friends, and families who like being on the water and are happy with a planned schedule.

It also works well if you have only one free day for Comino and Gozo. The boat removes much of the transport planning, while the bus in Gozo gives you a practical way to reach Victoria without spending your short stop searching for connections.

You should think twice if your main goal is a long swim at the Blue Lagoon or a detailed visit to Gozo. The stops are short, and the schedule may feel tiring. People with mobility impairments should also note that the activity is not considered suitable for them.

The trip is conducted in English, so you should be comfortable following spoken instructions about boarding and return times. The captain and crew are described as helpful, but you still need to watch the clock. Missing the boat after a free-time stop would be a serious problem.

The captain can alter or cancel the trip because of weather. That is especially important for the caves and swimming stops. Keep your plans flexible, and do not book this as the only possible highlight of a tightly scheduled holiday.

Practical advice for a smoother day

Arrive at Bugibba Jetty before 9:30 a.m. Look for the Mermaid boat or the Mermaid representatives, and remember that boarding closes at 9:50 a.m. The departure time is 10 a.m. sharp.

Bring a sun hat, towel, swimwear, sunscreen, and cash. Cash covers snacks, drinks, and the $10 snorkeling equipment security deposit. You may also need it for small purchases during your time in Victoria.

At Comino, decide before leaving the boat whether you want to swim, snorkel, sunbathe, or walk. One hour passes quickly, and a clear plan helps you get more from the stop.

In Victoria, pick one main goal. The Cittadella is the strongest choice for history, while the markets and a Gozitan meal offer a more casual visit. Trying to fit all three into two hours may leave you hurried.

Finally, keep your ticket and booking details handy, and complete the required free Comino entry registration through the Maltese Government website before departure.

Should you book the Gozo and Comino boat tour?

Book it if you want maximum variety for $40 and prefer a guided schedule to independent transport. The Blue Lagoon swim, the Victoria bus transfer, coastal caves, and St. Paul’s Island make this a strong first look at Malta’s northern islands.

Skip it if you want slow sightseeing or a full day in Gozo. The repeated concern is valid: Victoria needs more time, and the Blue Lagoon may be crowded. For the right kind of day, though, this is an efficient and friendly way to put several famous places on your Malta itinerary.

FAQ

Where does the tour start?

The tour starts at Bugibba Jetty in St. Paul’s Bay. Look for the red, white, and blue boat named Mermaid or the Mermaid representatives.

What time should I arrive?

Boarding begins at 9:30 a.m. and closes at 9:50 a.m. The boat departs at 10 a.m. sharp.

How long does the tour last?

The activity lasts seven hours and returns to Bugibba at about 5 p.m.

How much does the tour cost?

The listed price is $40 per person.

How long do I stay at the Blue Lagoon?

You have one hour at Comino’s Blue Lagoon for swimming, snorkeling, sunbathing, or walking.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

No. Snorkeling equipment is available to rent, with a $10 security deposit required in cash.

How long do I have in Gozo?

You have two hours in Gozo, including the bus ride from Mgarr Harbour to Victoria and back.

What can I do in Victoria?

You can visit the Cittadella, browse the Victoria markets, or eat at a local Gozitan restaurant.

Are the caves guaranteed?

No. The caves are weather and sea dependent. The captain may alter the route according to conditions.

Is a Comino entry ticket required?

Yes. You must sign up through the Maltese Government website for an entry ticket to Comino. The ticket is free to purchase.