Malta: Blue Lagoon, Comino & St Paul’s Islands Cruise

The main draw is simple: you get a full day on Malta’s water, with 3.5 hours at Blue Lagoon rather than a rushed photo stop. The Mermaid also reaches caves and swimming spots that larger boats may find harder to approach.

I like the smaller, relaxed feel, with open-air shade, onboard toilets, music, and a crew that keeps the day friendly. I also like the price: at $28, this is a strong value for a long coastal cruise. The catch is that Blue Lagoon can be very busy, and you must arrange your free Comino entry ticket yourself before you go.

Key points

• Three major stops: Spend time at Blue Lagoon, Santa Maria Caves, and St Paul’s Island.
• A small red, white, and blue boat: Look for the Mermaid at L-Menqa in Bugibba.
• Plenty of water time: Swim, snorkel, and jump from the boat during the Comino stop.
• Shade matters: The boat has open-air shaded seating, useful under Malta’s strong sun.
• Bring cash: Food and drinks are not included, and onboard purchases are available.
• Plan the free permit: You need a government entry ticket for Comino’s Blue Lagoon before departure.

Setting Sail from Bugibba on the Mermaid

Your day begins at L-Menqa, the harbor area in Bugibba. Look for the small red, white, and blue boat called the Mermaid, rather than assuming every boat at the jetty is part of the same cruise.

The boat is family-run and designed for a more personal outing than a giant sightseeing vessel. That does not mean you get a private charter. It means the boat has a more relaxed scale, with enough room to find a seat and an open-air shaded area. Shade is a practical luxury in Malta, especially during a seven-hour day on bright water.

The first hour is a sightseeing cruise along the Maltese coast. You pass Mellieha and get time to look back at Malta from the sea. The commentary is in English, and the crew adds music to the trip. Wi-Fi and a toilet are available onboard, along with life-saving equipment.

I would treat the cruise itself as part of the attraction, not just transport between stops. The coastline, open sea, and changing views give the day a pleasant rhythm. You can sit back, take photos, or move around when the boat slows near points of interest.

Three and a Half Hours at Blue Lagoon

Blue Lagoon is the centerpiece of the outing, and the long stop is one of the strongest reasons to choose this cruise. You have about three and a half hours for swimming, snorkeling, walking, or simply sitting near the water.

The water is famously clear, making this the best place on the route for a proper swim. You can also make the most of the boat itself by jumping into the sea, if conditions allow and you are comfortable with it. This is more fun than a quick look over the rail, but it also means you should pack swimwear, a towel, and secure footwear if you plan to walk around Comino.

The length of the stop gives you options. You do not have to spend every minute in the water. You can swim first, dry off, eat lunch, and then take a walk. If the lagoon feels too crowded at the busiest point, the extended stop gives you time to find a less hectic moment rather than leaving almost immediately.

Still, Blue Lagoon is not a quiet secret. Its fame brings plenty of boats and people, particularly during good weather. The cruise provides a comfortable way to reach it, but it cannot remove the crowds once you arrive. Set your expectations correctly: this is Malta’s best-known swimming stop, not a private cove.

You must also obtain a free entry ticket through the Maltese government’s Blue Lagoon system before the trip. The ticket is not included in the $28 cruise price. This is easy to overlook, so complete that step before you arrive at the harbor.

Food, Shade, and Practical Comfort at Sea

Food and drinks are not included in the ticket price. Lunch and refreshments can be purchased onboard, and the boat has a snack bar and toilet facilities. Bring cash, as it is specifically listed as something to carry.

The onboard food service should be treated as convenient rather than the main meal plan. The available information describes lunch and snacks for purchase, while one account of the boat mentions drinks but no snacks. If you want a particular lunch, bring it yourself or confirm the day’s onboard options before setting off.

The shaded open-air area is worth seeking out early. Malta’s sun can feel fierce when you are surrounded by bright water, and sitting in shade makes a long cruise far more comfortable. You should still bring sunscreen and a hat, since much of the experience takes place outside.

The Mermaid has a clean toilet, according to the supplied trip details, which is useful during a full-day boat outing. Free Wi-Fi is also included, although the best reason to be onboard is to watch the coast rather than spend the day looking at a phone.

Santa Maria Caves and the Comino Coast

After Blue Lagoon, the boat continues toward the caves around Comino. The stated stop is Santa Maria Caves, with a photo stop, scenic views, and time to pass by the formations. The exact pattern can change with sea and weather conditions, and the captain may visit Crystal Lagoon Caves instead.

This portion is short, about 15 minutes, so think of it as a close coastal viewing stop rather than a long cave walk. Have your camera ready before the boat reaches the rocks. The compact size of the Mermaid is useful here because it can get a closer look at some caves than larger boats may manage.

The caves add variety to the day. Blue Lagoon is about swimming and bright water, while the cave section shifts your attention to the rock formations and the shape of Comino’s shore. You stay aboard for this part, so it is a good break if you have had enough sun or swimming.

The captain has the final say on the route. Weather conditions can alter or cancel the trip, and a cave visit may change according to the sea. That flexibility is sensible on a boat, but it means you should see the published route as a plan rather than a guarantee.

St Paul’s Island and the Famous Statue

The final main stop is St Paul’s Island, where you have about 30 minutes for a photo stop, a short walk, or another swim. You can also go ashore to see the statue of St Paul, a distinctive landmark visible from the island.

This stop is shorter and more focused than Comino. You will not have time for a long hike, but half an hour works well for a quick look, photos, and one last dip in the water. The stop also gives you a different setting after the larger Blue Lagoon break.

The island carries an important place in Malta’s Christian story, and the statue gives the stop a clear point of interest beyond swimming. If you prefer history and views to another trip into the sea, use the time to walk up and see it.

After St Paul’s Island, the Mermaid makes the short final cruise back to L-Menqa. The return is only about 10 minutes in the stated plan, following the longer sightseeing sections earlier in the day.

How the $28 Price Works Out

At $28 per person, this cruise offers good value if you want several Malta highlights in one day without paying for a private boat. The price covers a seven to seven-and-a-half-hour outing, English commentary, the coastal cruise, Blue Lagoon time, cave viewing, St Paul’s Island, Wi-Fi, a toilet, and safety equipment.

You still need to budget for food and drinks, plus any personal items you buy at sea. The Comino entry ticket is free, but you must arrange it yourself. Those are small extra steps, yet they matter when comparing the total cost with other boat trips.

The value is strongest for people who want a broad taste of Malta’s coast. You see Comino, its swimming water and caves, and St Paul’s Island in one outing. The tradeoff is that the schedule is shared and the day is long. If you want complete control over where you stop or how long you stay, a private charter would suit you better, but it would not match this price.

The small-boat setup adds value too. You get shaded seating, a toilet, and a more intimate atmosphere without paying private-tour rates. The crew is described as punctual, welcoming, and polite, which helps a full day on the water feel easy rather than formal.

Who Should Book This Cruise

I would recommend the Mermaid to you if you want a relaxed family-friendly day with plenty of swimming. It suits couples, families, and groups of friends who like music, open water, photographs, and a flexible mix of swimming and sightseeing.

It is especially useful if you want to visit Comino without arranging several separate boat connections. The 3.5-hour Blue Lagoon stop gives you enough time to swim, eat, walk, and slow down.

You should think twice if you dislike being on a boat for most of a day, dislike busy swimming areas, or need step-free access. The activity is not suitable for people with mobility impairments. You also need to be comfortable boarding the boat and moving around during stops.

Bring a sun hat, swimwear, towel, sunscreen, and cash. Keep your camera protected from spray, and do not forget the free Blue Lagoon entry ticket. The boat has safety equipment, but normal care around the water still matters.

Weather and Route Changes

The captain can cancel or alter the trip because of weather. That may affect the order of stops, the caves visited, or the amount of time spent in particular places.

This is not a flaw unique to this outing. Malta’s coastline is best enjoyed when the sea is calm enough for safe swimming and close cave viewing. The important point is to keep your plans flexible and avoid scheduling an essential flight, ferry, or other fixed appointment immediately after the cruise.

The cancellation policy gives you a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours ahead. You can also reserve now and pay later, which helps if your Malta plans are still taking shape.

Should You Book the Mermaid?

Book this cruise if you want a well-priced, full-day introduction to Malta’s coast with a long Blue Lagoon stop, cave viewing, and a quick visit to St Paul’s Island. The family-run Mermaid offers useful comfort, including shade, a toilet, Wi-Fi, commentary, and a welcoming atmosphere.

Skip it if you are seeking solitude, a private itinerary, or guaranteed quiet at Blue Lagoon. For most visitors who want an easy day on the sea at a modest price, the mix of swimming, scenery, and three distinct stops makes this a sensible choice. Just arrange your Comino ticket, bring cash and sun protection, and accept that the sea decides part of the schedule.

FAQ

How long does the Malta cruise last?

The cruise lasts approximately 7 to 7.5 hours. Starting times vary, so check availability when booking.

Where does the cruise begin?

It begins at L-Menqa in Bugibba. Look for the small red, white, and blue boat called the Mermaid at the harbor.

Where does the cruise finish?

The cruise returns to L-Menqa, the same meeting point where it begins.

How long do I spend at Blue Lagoon?

You spend about 3.5 hours at Blue Lagoon. This allows time for swimming, snorkeling, walking, and lunch.

Is the Comino entry ticket included?

No. You must obtain the free Comino Blue Lagoon entry ticket through the Maltese government website before the trip.

Is food included in the price?

No. Food and drinks are not included, though lunch, snacks, and refreshments are available for purchase onboard.

Is there a toilet on the boat?

Yes. Onboard toilet facilities are included.

What language is the tour conducted in?

The live tour guide and commentary are in English.

Can I cancel the booking?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

What should I bring?

Bring a sun hat, swimwear, towel, sunscreen, and cash. You should also arrange your free Blue Lagoon entry ticket before departure.