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

The best part of this $34 boat trip is its mix of Malta’s headline sights and easy swimming stops. From St Paul’s Bay, you cruise past rock shelves and sea caves to Comino, Gozo, and St Paul’s Island, with time to walk, eat, snorkel, and swim.

I like the smaller boat, which can feel less packed than the big vessels gathered around Comino, and I like the crew’s relaxed, helpful approach. You may meet crew members such as Matthew, Robbie, or Roppy, names associated with especially friendly departures. The main drawback is time: Gozo gets two hours, while Comino and St Paul’s Island get much less, and the Blue Lagoon can be very crowded.

Key points

• Blue Lagoon stop: About an hour for swimming, snorkeling, photos, and a short walk at Comino.
• Two hours on Gozo: Enough for a quick look around, lunch, or a paid transfer toward Victoria, but not a full island visit.
• Smaller boat format: The Mermaid can feel more personal and may get closer to coastal caves than larger boats.
• Cave viewing depends on the sea: Santa Maria or Crystal Lagoon Caves may be viewed from the boat, entered, or skipped if conditions are rough.
• Final stop at St Paul’s Island: Swim again or walk up to the statue and old church ruins.
• Bring cash: Food and drinks are sold aboard, and snorkel equipment requires a €10 cash security deposit.

This is a strong choice if you want to cover several Maltese highlights in one day without arranging ferries, buses, and separate boat trips. For $34 per person, you get a seven-hour cruise, an English-speaking captain and crew, stops at Comino and Gozo, swimming time, and views of the caves.

It is not a slow, quiet sailing trip. The boat moves between several places, and the schedule asks you to keep an eye on the return time. Think of it as a well-priced sampler of Malta by sea. You will see a lot, but you will not have hours to explore each island.

Starting at Bugibba with the Mermaid

The meeting point is Mermaid Cruises in Bugibba, in St Paul’s Bay. Look for the blue, white, and red boat named The Mermaid. Boarding begins at 9:30 AM and closes at 9:50 AM, so arriving early matters.

The boat’s smaller size is one of its useful features. It can feel more manageable than the very large excursion boats that gather near Comino, and it may fit closer to certain coastal formations. The tradeoff is limited outdoor space when the boat is full. If sitting outside is important to you, board early and aim for the front or upper area when available.

On some departures, the boat may feel crowded at first. Once the upper area opens, the space can feel easier. You should still expect a busy day on the water rather than a private cruise.

The captain gives live commentary in English as you travel. The information is intended to keep you oriented without turning the ride into a long lecture. The crew also handles the practical details, including telling you when to return to the boat. That matters at stops where the schedule is tight.

Onboard toilets are included. Food and drinks are available to buy, but they are not part of the fare. Bring a sun hat, sunscreen, swimwear, and cash.

The first hour: Malta’s coast from the water

The opening sightseeing cruise lasts about an hour. This is when the trip begins to make sense as a boat tour rather than simply a ferry to Comino.

You pass Malta’s rocky coast, sea caves, and unusual stone formations. Depending on sea conditions, the crew may take the boat into or near some caves. The smaller vessel can be an advantage here, although access is never guaranteed.

The water and coast are the main attraction during this stretch. You get changing views that are difficult to arrange from land, with the boat moving past cliffs, openings in the rock, and clear Mediterranean water. Sit where you can look out rather than spending the whole ride below deck.

Weather controls the day more than the printed schedule does. The captain can alter or cancel the trip for safety, and caves may be viewed only from outside if the sea is rough. That is not a flaw in the tour. It is an important condition of any small-boat excursion around Malta.

Blue Lagoon: beautiful, crowded, and worth seeing

Comino’s Blue Lagoon is the tour’s headline stop. You get about one hour for photos, a walk, swimming, and snorkeling.

The water is famously clear, and the color is the reason this place draws so many boats. On a calm day, swimming here is the most memorable part of the trip. You can bring your own snorkeling gear or rent equipment from the operator. Rental requires a €10 cash security deposit.

You should set your expectations before arriving. The Blue Lagoon is not a quiet inlet reserved for this boat. It can be very busy, especially during popular times of year. The scenery remains striking, but the experience is more shared beach stop than private swim.

An hour is enough for a refreshing swim and a few photos. It is not enough for a long walk around Comino or a leisurely lunch. Some departures may allow you to remain longer and skip Gozo, but the normal plan takes you onward. If Comino is your main reason for booking, ask the crew about the day’s timing before deciding how to use your stop.

You can leave bags on the boat while swimming, but use sensible care with valuables. The crew keeps the boat operating as a base, yet this is still a public excursion.

There is also an entry requirement for Comino. You must register through the Maltese Government website to get the island entry ticket. The ticket is free, but it is required. Handle this before the trip if possible, so your arrival does not become a paperwork problem.

Gozo in two hours: choose one small goal

After Comino, the boat cruises toward Gozo. You get about two hours on the island, which is the longest land stop of the day.

This is where planning helps. You cannot see all of Gozo in two hours, so choose one clear aim. You might walk around the local area, find lunch, or arrange transport toward Victoria. Some departures offer a direct transfer from Gozo Harbour toward Victoria for about €6 per person, according to the tour information shared on the day. Confirm the arrangement with the crew before leaving the boat.

Victoria, also called Rabat, gives you a taste of Gozo’s town life and central sights. A quick ride there can be worthwhile if your priority is seeing the island’s main urban center rather than simply staying near the harbor.

The limitation is easy to understand: two hours passes quickly. A ride to Victoria, lunch, and a short walk can use most of the stop. You will need to watch the clock carefully and return to the boat at the stated time.

Gozo is valuable here because it breaks up the water activities. You get a chance to walk on solid ground, buy a meal, and see a little of Gozitian life instead of spending the whole day swimming. Still, this is an introduction, not a proper Gozo sightseeing tour. If Gozo is your central goal, book a separate full-day island visit.

Santa Maria and Crystal Lagoon Caves

Back on the boat, the next sightseeing stretch lasts about 15 minutes before the cave stop. The route may include Santa Maria Caves or Crystal Lagoon Caves, along with other formations around Comino.

The crew may pass close to the openings, stop for photos, or enter a cave if the sea allows. This is one of the moments when the smaller boat can add value. A compact vessel has more flexibility around the coast than a large ferry.

Do not treat cave access as guaranteed. The official plan makes clear that the caves viewed or entered depend on weather and sea conditions. One departure may cruise inside a cave, while another may only pass the opening or skip the stop altogether.

That uncertainty is part of the practical reality of the Mediterranean. The captain’s first duty is safe handling, not forcing the exact route shown in a photograph. If caves are a must-see for you, keep your expectations flexible.

St Paul’s Island: one last swim and a little history

The final major stop is St Paul’s Island, with about 30 minutes available. You can swim and snorkel again, take photos, or walk up to the well-known statue and old church ruins.

This short stop works best if you decide quickly. Swimmers should change or prepare before arrival. If you want the statue and ruins, head uphill promptly rather than lingering at the boat.

The walk adds a small historical note to a day otherwise focused on nature and water. St Paul’s Island is linked with the story of St Paul’s arrival in Malta, and the statue gives you a clear landmark above the shore. You will not get a long archaeological visit, but you can make a quick walk part of the final stop.

Sea conditions can also affect this part of the route. A swimming break may be shortened or replaced by a scenic cruise if the water is rough. The captain decides what is safe.

After St Paul’s Island, the boat makes the return journey to Bugibba. The final cruise lasts roughly 15 minutes according to the planned sequence, though actual timing can change with conditions and the day’s pace.

How the timing works in real life

The advertised duration is seven hours. The planned day includes:

• One hour of initial coastal sightseeing
• About one hour at the Blue Lagoon
• Fifteen minutes of cruising
• Two hours on Gozo
• Fifteen minutes of cruising
• About 15 minutes at Santa Maria Caves
• One hour of return sightseeing
• Thirty minutes at St Paul’s Island
• Fifteen minutes back to the harbor

These times show the tour’s character. You spend a good part of the day moving between locations, with short bursts of swimming and walking. The boat itself is part of the experience, not merely transportation.

The schedule also explains the most common complaint: some people want more time on Comino or Gozo. That is a fair concern. The tour offers range rather than depth. You will see more places than you could manage independently in one day, but each stop comes with a limit.

The crew’s role is important. Clear instructions about meeting times prevent the day from turning into a scramble. Crew members including Matthew, Robbie, and Roppy are associated with friendly, helpful service, and the captain’s commentary keeps the route easy to follow.

Music may be played during the cruise, adding to the casual day-out mood. The atmosphere is more relaxed boat excursion than formal guided tour.

Food, drinks, and what to pack

Food and drinks are available for purchase aboard. You should still carry cash, since the tour specifically advises it and the snorkel rental security deposit is cash-based.

You have time to buy lunch on Gozo, which is probably the better chance for a proper meal. The boat is more useful for drinks and small purchases during the day.

Pack lightly, especially if you plan to swim. Your essential list is:

• Swimwear and a towel
• Sun hat and sunscreen
• Cash for food, drinks, and the €10 snorkel deposit
• A small bag that can stay secure on the boat
• Comfortable shoes if you plan to walk to the statue or explore Gozo

Snorkeling equipment is not included. You can rent it, but you may prefer to bring your own if you already have a mask and snorkel.

The boat has toilets, which is a useful comfort on a seven-hour outing. The experience is not suitable for people with mobility impairments, particularly because of boarding, swimming stops, and uneven island walking.

Is $34 good value?

At $34 per person, this is a good-value way to combine several Malta sights. You get the cruise, crew, English commentary, Comino and Gozo stops, swimming opportunities, and onboard toilets without paying separate fares for each part.

The value is strongest if you have only a few days in Malta. In one day, you can see the Blue Lagoon, set foot on Gozo, pass coastal caves, and visit St Paul’s Island. Arranging that sequence alone would take more planning and would not necessarily save money.

The value is weaker if you dislike fixed schedules or crowded swimming areas. You are paying for access to a broad route, not a private experience. Food, drinks, snorkeling equipment, and any Gozo transfer are extra.

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure and the option to reserve now and pay later make booking less risky. Weather still matters, and the captain can change the route or cancel for safety.

Who should book this boat tour?

I would choose this trip if you want a first look at Malta’s islands from the sea and prefer a simple all-day plan. It suits couples, friends, and active families who are happy with swimming, short walks, and a quick taste of Gozo.

It is also a good fit for anyone who likes small boats and coastal scenery. The Mermaid may get closer to the caves than larger vessels, and the crew keeps the tone friendly rather than formal.

I would choose something else if you want a full day on Gozo, a peaceful Blue Lagoon experience, or long hours at one beach. You should also think twice if you have limited mobility or do not enjoy boarding boats and moving between short stops.

Book it for variety, value, and a relaxed day on the water. Skip it if your priority is slow exploration. The tour gives you a broad, enjoyable snapshot of Malta, and that is exactly what you are paying for.

FAQ

Where does the tour start?

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

What time should I arrive?

Boarding starts 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 tour lasts seven hours. Check availability for the exact starting time.

Is the Blue Lagoon included?

Yes. The tour stops at Comino’s Blue Lagoon for photos, walking, swimming, and snorkeling.

Is a Comino entry ticket required?

Yes. You must register through the Maltese Government website for a free entry ticket to Comino.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

No. Snorkeling equipment is available to rent. The rental requires a €10 security deposit in cash.

Is food included?

No. Food and drinks are not included, but you can buy them aboard and purchase lunch during the Gozo stop.

Which languages are available?

The live commentary and tour guidance are in English.

Can the caves always be entered?

No. Cave viewing and entry depend on weather and sea conditions. The boat may view, approach, enter, or skip certain caves.

Can I cancel the booking?

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