St Paul’s Bay: Comino, Blue Lagoon, Gozo, & Caves Boat Tour

The best part of this seven-hour boat trip is the variety. In one day, you get the Blue Lagoon, time on Gozo, coastal caves, and a swim near St Paul’s Island without arranging several separate excursions. The smaller Mermaid boat can also feel more personal than the large sightseeing vessels nearby.

I like the friendly crew, clear instructions, and sensible route. I also like the price: at $34 per person, the tour packs in a full day on the water, several stops, and onboard toilets. The main drawback is time. Gozo gets about two hours, and Comino about an hour, so you will see the highlights but not explore either island at a slow pace.

At a glance

• Blue Lagoon swimming stop: Spend about an hour at Comino’s famous swimming spot, with time for snorkeling and a walk ashore.
• Two hours on Gozo: Walk around the island, buy lunch, or arrange transport toward Victoria for a short look at the capital.
• Small Mermaid boat: The blue, white, and red vessel may feel less crowded than some larger boats, though outdoor seating can still be limited.
• Cave sightseeing: The route includes Santa Maria Caves and may include Crystal Lagoon Caves, depending on sea and weather conditions.
• Final swim at St Paul’s Island: Enjoy about 30 minutes in the water or walk uphill to the statue and church ruins linked with St Paul.
• Practical value: The price includes the boat, crew, English commentary, and stops at Comino and Gozo, but not food, drinks, or snorkeling gear.

Starting at Bugibba with the Mermaid

You meet the boat at Mermaid Cruises in Bugibba, in the St Paul’s Bay area. Look for the blue, white, and red boat named The Mermaid. Boarding begins at 9:30 AM and closes at 9:50 AM, so arrive early rather than treating the closing time as a casual suggestion.

The boat is the first important part of the experience. It is smaller than many of the craft serving Comino, which helps it get close to rocky inlets and makes the day feel less like a floating bus. The tradeoff is limited outdoor space, especially if the boat is full. For the best views, try to sit at the front or on the upper deck when that area is open.

The captain and crew provide live commentary in English. The information is designed to keep you oriented without filling every minute with a speech. That suits this trip. You can listen as the boat passes Malta’s coast, then return your attention to the water and cliffs.

The crew’s friendly approach is one of the strongest parts of the day. Matthew, Roppy, and Robbie are names associated with especially helpful service on this operation, though your crew may differ. Expect practical reminders about when to return to the boat, help with boarding, and advice about the best use of your free time.

The first hour on the Mediterranean

The opening sightseeing cruise gives you a proper taste of Malta from the sea. The boat heads through the Mediterranean toward Comino, passing rock formations and coastal inlets before reaching the Blue Lagoon area.

This first hour is not simply transport. From the water, you get a useful sense of how Malta’s coastline is shaped by cliffs, caves, and pale limestone. The captain may take the boat toward openings in the rock when conditions allow. Keep your camera ready, but also watch your footing and belongings if you move around the boat.

Boat conditions matter here. The captain can change the route or cancel the trip if the weather is unsafe. Cave entry is also controlled by the sea. Calm water may allow a closer approach or entry, while rougher water can reduce the cave portion to a pass-by view. That is not a failure of the tour, but it is important to book this as a sea outing, not a guaranteed cave expedition.

One hour at Comino’s Blue Lagoon

Comino’s Blue Lagoon is the headline stop, and you get roughly an hour for swimming, snorkeling, walking, and photographs. The water is clear enough to make this the natural place for your first swim. Bring swimwear under your clothes, sunscreen, a hat, and a towel if you have one.

The Blue Lagoon is also the busiest part of the day. Its beauty is real, but the setting can feel crowded, particularly in warm weather and at popular times. The water remains the main attraction, so I would spend less time trying to find a quiet corner and more time getting in for a swim.

An hour goes quickly. You can swim and take photographs, but you probably will not have time for a long walk across Comino or a leisurely lunch. Food and drinks are not included, though you can buy them during the day. Some boatside refreshments are sold at market prices, and complimentary fruit such as pineapple has been offered on trips, but you should still bring cash and avoid relying on a free snack.

Comino now requires visitors to register through the Maltese Government Website for an entry ticket. The ticket is free, but it is still a required step. Handle this before the trip so you do not spend your limited island time sorting it out.

The tour allows a useful choice in how you spend Comino time. You can remain longer on Comino and miss Gozo, according to the operating arrangements described for the day. For most people, I would keep Gozo in the plan, since the two islands offer different experiences: Comino is mainly about swimming and scenery, while Gozo gives you time ashore.

Two hours to get a taste of Gozo

After Comino, the boat makes its way to Gozo. You have about two hours on the island, which is enough for a focused visit but not enough to see much of Gozo’s countryside or villages.

You can walk around the landing area, take photographs, and buy lunch. If your priority is Victoria, Gozo’s capital, you need to use your time carefully. Some trips offer a direct transfer from Gozo Harbour to Victoria for about €6 per person. Confirm that this service is running on your date before counting on it.

Victoria is worth the effort if you want old streets, town views, and a stronger sense of Gozo beyond the beach stops. Still, the transfer takes a bite out of your two hours. You will likely have time for lunch and a quick look around rather than a full visit to every sight.

I suggest deciding your Gozo plan before leaving Comino:

• Stay near the harbor for an easy walk and relaxed meal.
• Take the transfer toward Victoria for more history and town life.
• Skip lunch ashore if swimming and sightseeing matter more to you.

This is also the stop that makes the tour feel rushed for some people. Two hours sounds generous until you allow for disembarking, transport, food, and getting back to the boat. If Gozo is your main reason for visiting Malta, book a dedicated island tour instead. If you want a first look while also seeing Comino and the coast, this short stop works well.

Santa Maria Caves and the return cruise

Back on board, the route continues toward the caves around Comino. Santa Maria Caves are scheduled for a short viewing period of about 15 minutes. Depending on the sea, the boat may pass by, approach the openings, or enter for a closer look.

The Crystal Lagoon Caves may also feature in the route. The exact cave experience cannot be promised because wind and waves decide what the captain can safely do. A calm day can bring you right into dramatic rock openings. Rough water may mean scenic views from outside.

This is one reason I prefer the smaller boat. It can often get closer to narrow coastal formations than a large vessel, although safety still comes first. If entering a cave is especially important to you, treat it as a welcome bonus rather than the central reason to book.

The boat then spends about an hour on the return sightseeing cruise before reaching St Paul’s Island. This stretch gives you time to dry off, listen to the commentary, and take in Malta’s limestone shore from a different angle. Drinks are available for purchase onboard, and the boat has toilets, both useful comforts on a full day at sea.

St Paul’s Island and the last swim

The final stop is St Paul’s Island, with about 30 minutes ashore or in the water. You can swim and snorkel, take photographs, or walk uphill to the famous statue and the remains of an ancient church.

This is a short but worthwhile finish. After the crowds and bright water of the Blue Lagoon, St Paul’s Island offers a quieter combination of local tradition and sea views. The walk to the statue adds a small cultural element to a day otherwise centered on swimming and scenery.

Thirty minutes is enough for one choice, not all of them. If you want to swim, change quickly and get in. If the statue and ruins interest you more, wear proper footwear and head uphill as soon as you arrive. You probably will not have time for a long stop at both the water and the ruins.

The last cruise back to Bugibba takes about 15 minutes. The activity ends at the same Mermaid Cruises meeting point.

What the $34 price really covers

At $34 per person, this is strong value for a full day if you want several Malta highlights in one outing. The price includes:

• The boat trip
• Captain and crew
• Live English commentary
• Stops at Comino and Gozo
• Onboard toilets

It does not include meals, drinks, or snorkeling equipment. Snorkel gear can be rented, with a $10 cash security deposit. Bring cash for that deposit, food, drinks, and any transport on Gozo.

The value comes from the route. A separate boat outing, a visit to Comino, and transport to Gozo would require more planning and could cost more. You are paying for convenience as much as for the boat ride.

The price does not buy a private or quiet experience. The Blue Lagoon will likely be busy, and the boat may have little spare deck space. Still, the smaller vessel and helpful crew can make the day feel more relaxed than the price suggests.

Who should book this boat tour?

I would choose this trip if you have only a few days in Malta and want a broad sample of the islands. It suits you if swimming, snorkeling, sea views, and short walks appeal more than long museum visits or detailed island touring.

It is also a good fit for people who enjoy being on a boat for most of the day. The route includes long sightseeing cruises between stops, so the journey itself is part of the experience.

You should think twice if you need step-free access or have limited mobility. The activity is not suitable for people with mobility impairments, and the stops involve boarding, walking, swimming areas, and an uphill route to St Paul’s statue.

It may also disappoint you if you want a quiet Blue Lagoon visit, extensive time in Gozo, or guaranteed cave entry. In those cases, a slower, more focused outing would be a better match.

Weather planning matters. The captain can cancel or alter the route for safety, and cave visits depend on sea conditions. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later, which helps if your Malta schedule is still shifting.

Smart ways to enjoy the seven hours

Arrive before 9:30 AM so you can board without a scramble. The boarding window closes at 9:50 AM.

Bring a hat, sunscreen, swimwear, cash, and a phone or camera with a secure case. You will move between boat, water, and shore, so keep valuables in a sealed bag.

If outdoor seating is important to you, board early and ask about the front or upper deck. Space can be limited even on a smaller boat.

At Comino, decide in advance if you want to swim or walk. At Gozo, decide if you want lunch near the harbor or a quick transfer toward Victoria. These small choices prevent you from losing half the stop to indecision.

Listen carefully for the return time at every island. The crew gives clear instructions and waits for the group, but you are still responsible for being back at the boat on time.

Should you book Mermaid Cruises?

Book it if you want excellent value and a full day at sea rather than a slow, in-depth visit to one island. The route covers the Blue Lagoon, Gozo, caves, and St Paul’s Island, while the crew keeps the day friendly and organized.

Skip it if your priority is solitude, long Gozo sightseeing, or guaranteed cave access. For most short stays in Malta, though, this is an efficient way to see a lot of coastline and fit in several memorable swims without a complicated plan.

FAQ

Where does the boat tour start?

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

What time should I arrive?

Boarding begins at 9:30 AM and closes at 9:50 AM. Arrive early enough to find the boat and board before the closing time.

How long does the tour last?

The boat trip lasts about seven hours. It returns to the Mermaid Cruises meeting point at the end of the day.

Is an English-speaking guide included?

Yes. The captain and crew provide live commentary in English.

Is food included?

No. Food and drinks are available to purchase, but they are not included in the tour price.

Can I rent snorkeling equipment?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is available to rent. A $10 security deposit in cash is required.

Do I need a ticket for Comino?

Yes. You must register through the Maltese Government Website to get an entry ticket for Comino. The ticket is free.

How much time is provided at the Blue Lagoon?

The scheduled stop at the Blue Lagoon is about one hour. You can use that time for swimming, snorkeling, walking, and photographs.

How much time is provided on Gozo?

The Gozo stop lasts about two hours. You can walk, take photographs, explore, and buy lunch during that time.

Are the caves guaranteed?

No. The caves viewed or entered depend on weather and sea conditions. The captain may alter the cave route for safety.

Is the tour suitable for people with mobility impairments?

No. The activity is not suitable for people with mobility impairments.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Reserve now and pay later is also available.