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

The brightest part of this trip is the variety packed into one day: Blue Lagoon swimming, a stop on Gozo, cave views, and time at St Paul’s Island. You get Malta from the water, where the pale cliffs, rock shelves, and sea passages make far more sense than they do from a road.

I like the smaller boat, which can feel more personal and may reach places that larger craft cannot. I also like the fair price of $34, especially since the seven-hour outing includes the boat, crew, English commentary, toilets, and several stops. The main catch is time. Gozo receives about two hours, and Comino about an hour, so you get a useful taste rather than a full island visit.

Key points to know before booking

• The Blue Lagoon is a swimming stop, not a quiet escape: The water is beautiful, but this famous corner of Comino can be very busy.
• Gozo gets roughly two hours: You can walk, eat, or pay for transport toward Victoria, but you cannot see much of the island in that window.
• The smaller Mermaid boat is a real advantage: It may feel less crowded than the larger boats nearby and can get closer to coastal formations.
• Caves depend on the sea: Santa Maria Caves and Crystal Lagoon Caves may be entered or simply viewed from the water if conditions are rough.
• St Paul’s Island adds a short land visit: You can swim or walk uphill to the statue and church ruins, but the stop lasts only about 30 minutes.
• Bring cash and register for Comino: Snorkel gear requires a €10 cash security deposit, and Comino entry requires free registration through the Maltese government website.

The Mermaid leaves Bugibba with a useful head start

Your day begins at Mermaid Cruises in Bugibba, in St Paul’s Bay. Look for the blue, white, and red boat named The Mermaid. Boarding starts at 9:30 AM and closes at 9:50 AM, so you should arrive early rather than attempt a last-minute dash along the waterfront.

The boat trip is planned for about seven hours. The first hour is spent cruising from the harbor, with live commentary in English and views of Malta’s northern coastline. This opening run is not wasted time. It gives you a sense of the cliffs, inlets, and unusual rock shapes before you begin stopping for walks and swims.

I like this format for a short Malta visit. Instead of arranging separate ferries, buses, and island visits, you see several major sights in one outing. The tradeoff is that the boat follows a fixed schedule, so you give up the freedom to linger.

The smaller vessel has been a frequent reason to choose this operator over larger sightseeing boats. It may have less outdoor space than you expect for the number of people aboard, particularly at the start. Sitting toward the front or on the upper deck, when available, gives you a better view and more fresh air. Some passengers found that the boat felt more comfortable once the top deck was opened.

Crew members named in connection with the trip include Robbie, Matthew, and Roppy. The useful pattern is clear: the crew handles timing carefully, gives straightforward explanations, and helps people get back aboard after each stop. Onboard drinks are sold at market prices, and fruit, including pineapple, may be offered during the day.

Blue Lagoon gives you one hour of famous water

Comino’s Blue Lagoon is the headline stop. The boat allows about one hour for a visit, with time for swimming, snorkeling, walking, and photos. The water is remarkably clear, and the pale rock around the inlet makes this the most instantly appealing swim of the day.

You need to set expectations correctly. The Blue Lagoon is one of Malta’s best-known sights, and its fame brings crowds. It can be crowded even when the water itself is still wonderful. This is not the place for a private, silent swim. It is best treated as a scenic swimming stop where you enjoy the color of the water, cool off, and take a few photographs.

The Comino entry requirement is easy to overlook. You must register on the Maltese government website for an entry ticket. The ticket is free, but access still requires that registration. Handle this before arriving so your limited hour is not spent sorting out paperwork.

Food and drinks are not included. You can buy lunch and refreshments during the island portion of the day, but the practical choice is to carry cash and bring your own water and sun protection. Snorkeling equipment is available to rent, with a €10 security deposit in cash. If you already own a mask, bringing it saves time and money.

The schedule may feel short if your main goal is Comino. One useful option is to stay longer at Comino and skip Gozo, though that means losing the second island visit. For most people, I would keep Gozo in the plan. The point of this tour is seeing several sides of Malta, not spending a full day at one beach.

Gozo offers the day’s best walk

After a short sightseeing cruise, the boat reaches Gozo for about two hours. This is the longest land stop and the best chance to stretch your legs, eat something, and get a small taste of Gozitian life.

Gozo is a separate island with its own pace and character, but the schedule does not allow a wide tour. You can stroll through the arrival area or arrange transport toward Victoria, the island’s main city. A direct transfer from Gozo Harbour to Victoria has been available for about €6 per person, according to the practical information associated with this trip. That can be worthwhile if you want to see the citadel and central streets instead of staying near the harbor.

The choice is important. A slow walk and lunch near the boat is simple and relaxed. A paid bus or taxi toward Victoria gives you more of Gozo’s history and town life, but it also uses time and adds cost. You cannot comfortably do everything in two hours.

I would choose Victoria if you have never seen Gozo. Some people managed lunch in the square and a quick look around, while others wished they had more time. That is the honest limitation here: Gozo is a sample, not a full excursion.

Keep a close eye on the return time. The crew explains when you must be back, and the trip is organized around keeping the group together. The boat does not simply leave while you are wandering around, but you should not rely on delays or last-minute flexibility.

Santa Maria Caves depend on wind and waves

Back on the water, the boat heads toward Santa Maria Caves, with about 15 minutes set aside for photos and scenic views. The route can also include Crystal Lagoon Caves and other coastal formations, depending on conditions.

This is where the smaller boat can help. A compact vessel may approach the rock openings more closely than a large ferry, giving you a better look inside. The crew may enter a cave when the sea is calm, but rough water can change the plan. At times, you will pass the caves rather than go inside.

That flexibility is necessary, not a flaw. Caves are controlled by wind, swell, and the captain’s judgment. A promotional photograph cannot promise that the sea will be calm on your particular morning. The captain may alter the route or cancel the outing if conditions are unsafe.

I would regard the cave section as a bonus rather than the main reason to book. The coastline remains enjoyable even if the boat can only view the openings from outside. If entering caves is essential to your day, this is not a guaranteed cave tour.

St Paul’s Island ends the day with a short swim

The final major stop is St Paul’s Island, reached after another scenic cruise. You get about 30 minutes here, enough for a quick swim or a brisk walk to the famous St Paul’s statue and nearby church ruins.

This stop gives the day a little historical weight after all the swimming and sightseeing. The walk uphill is short but may feel warm after hours in the sun. Wear shoes that can handle a simple uneven walk, and do not attempt the hill if you would rather save your energy for the water.

The swimming area is another chance to get into the Mediterranean without the intense concentration of boats around the Blue Lagoon. Snorkeling is possible if you bring equipment or rent it onboard. Some schedules also offer a final photo opportunity around sunset, though the exact light depends on the day’s timing and conditions.

Thirty minutes is enough for a quick look, not a long exploration. I like this final stop because you can choose between water and land. If you have already had enough sun, the walk to the statue gives you something different to do.

What the seven-hour schedule feels like

The schedule includes roughly one hour of initial cruising, one hour at the Blue Lagoon, a two-hour Gozo stop, a short cave visit, and 30 minutes at St Paul’s Island, with connecting cruise periods between them. That creates a full day without making every hour a formal guided activity.

The rhythm is pleasant: sit, look, swim, walk, eat, and sit again. Commentary is in English, with enough information to explain the sights without turning the whole day into a lecture. Music may be played onboard, and the mood can be relaxed rather than rigid.

You should still prepare for a long day in direct sun. Bring:

• A sun hat
• Swimwear
• Sunscreen
• Cash for food, drinks, transport, and the snorkel deposit
• Comfortable footwear for Gozo and St Paul’s Island

Onboard toilets are included, which matters during a seven-hour outing. Food and drinks are not included, although refreshments are available for purchase. Bags can generally remain on the boat during swims, but keep valuables secure and carry only what you need ashore.

The trip is not suited to people with mobility impairments. You must manage boarding, moving around the boat, swimming access, and short walks on the islands. Even able-bodied visitors should remember that a boat deck can be wet and that island paths are not presented as fully accessible.

Is $34 good value for Malta?

At $34 per person, this is a strong value if you want a broad look at Malta’s northern waters. The price covers the boat, captain and crew, live English commentary, stops at Comino and Gozo, and access to onboard toilets. You still need to budget for food, drinks, optional transport on Gozo, and snorkel rental.

The value comes from combining several expenses and decisions into one day. You do not need to arrange a separate Comino boat, a Gozo crossing, and a coastal cave cruise. You also receive swimming time at two different locations.

It is less compelling if you want a slow, detailed visit to Gozo or a peaceful hour at Blue Lagoon. A private boat or a tour with fewer stops might suit you better, but it would likely cost more. This outing is built for variety and reasonable cost, not privacy.

The free cancellation policy allows a full refund when you cancel at least 24 hours ahead. You can also reserve now and pay later, which is useful when weather may affect your plans. Since the captain can change or cancel the trip for safety reasons, keep some flexibility in your Malta schedule.

Who will enjoy this boat day most?

I would recommend this tour to you if you have only a few days in Malta and want to see Comino, Gozo, caves, and St Paul’s Island without building a complicated plan. It suits swimmers, casual snorkelers, first-time visitors, couples, and families who can manage a full day on a boat.

It is also a good fit if you prefer a smaller boat to a large ferry. The crew’s friendly manner, clear timing, and practical help make the day easy to follow. People who enjoy sitting back with music, sea views, and occasional swims will find the pace comfortable.

You should think twice if you dislike crowds, need long periods on land, or want a serious tour of Gozo. The Blue Lagoon will probably be busy, Gozo’s two hours pass quickly, and cave access is never certain. The boat may also feel tight when many people gather on the outdoor deck.

Should you book the Mermaid?

Book it if your goal is maximum variety at a modest price. You will swim at the Blue Lagoon, walk on Gozo, view Malta’s caves, and finish at St Paul’s Island, all in one well-organized day. The smaller boat and helpful crew add genuine practical value.

Skip it if one sight deserves your entire day. Comino alone needs more time for a slower swim and walk, while Gozo deserves much longer if you want to explore Victoria and beyond. For a first overview of Malta by sea, though, the Mermaid makes a sensible choice. Arrive early, register for Comino, bring cash, and accept that the sea, not the brochure, decides which caves you enter.

FAQ

Where does the tour begin and end?

The tour begins and ends 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 begins at 9:30 AM and closes at 9:50 AM. You should arrive before boarding closes so you have time to find the boat and settle in.

Is the Comino entry ticket included?

Comino entry is free, but you must register through the Maltese government website to receive an entry ticket. The registration is required for access.

Is food included?

No. Food and drinks are not included, but refreshments are available to purchase during the day. Bring cash for purchases.

Can I rent snorkeling equipment?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is available to rent, with a €10 security deposit payable in cash.

Will the boat always enter the caves?

No. The caves viewed or entered depend on the weather and sea conditions. The captain may alter the route or view the caves from outside if conditions are rough.