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

The best Malta views come from the water. This 5.5-hour cruise packs Comino’s Blue Lagoon, Gozo, and sea caves into one easy outing from St Paul’s Bay. I like the smaller boat, friendly crew, and low $29 price. The catch is clear: one hour at the Blue Lagoon can feel short, especially when the shore is crowded.

You will also get two hours on Gozo, time for swimming, and a scenic return past Santa Maria Caves and Elephant Rock. The crew keeps the mood relaxed and explains the timings clearly, but this is a sampler of several Maltese highlights, not a slow island tour.

Key points to know before you book

• The Mermaid is a smaller boat: That means a calmer feel than the large party boats, though deck seating can still be close together.
• Blue Lagoon time is limited to one hour: Arriving early helps, but busy conditions can eat into your swimming time.
• Gozo gets two hours: You can stay near the harbor or pay about €6 for a minibus to Victoria.
• The caves depend on the sea: Santa Maria Caves and other formations may be viewed from the boat or entered when conditions allow.
• Bring cash and your swim gear: Food, drinks, rented snorkeling equipment, and the Gozo minibus cost extra.
• Board early: Boarding begins 30 minutes before departure and closes 10 minutes before leaving.

Why this boat trip works well from St Paul’s Bay

Malta is small on a map, but seeing Comino and Gozo in one day can involve several ferry rides and plenty of waiting around. This cruise keeps the plan simple. You walk to Bugibba Jetty, find the blue, white, and red boat called The Mermaid, and let the crew handle the coastal transport.

At $29 per person, the price is the main attraction. You get a boat ride, English commentary, a Comino stop, a Gozo stop, swimming opportunities, and several coastal sights. Food and drinks are not included, but drinks are available on board at reasonable prices according to several passengers. Some departures have also included complimentary pineapple, a small touch that adds to the friendly tone.

I especially like the balance between sightseeing and free time. You are not trapped on the boat for five and a half hours. You get off at Comino, walk around Gozo, and have chances to swim or snorkel. Still, the low price comes with a tradeoff: the schedule is tight, and you will not see every part of either island.

The boat is not described as a luxury vessel. It has toilets, crew, and outdoor seating, but some people found the deck chairs packed closely together. If you want lots of personal space or a quiet private cruise, this is not the right choice. If you want a practical way to see the main sights without spending much, it makes good sense.

Leaving Bugibba and following Malta’s coast

Boarding starts 30 minutes before departure, and the boat will not wait for late arrivals. That rule matters here. The crew closes boarding 10 minutes before departure, and late arrivals do not receive a refund, so arrive early enough to find the jetty and settle in.

The first hour is a sightseeing cruise along Malta’s coast. You can expect views of limestone cliffs, open water, rock shelves, and coastal formations as the boat heads toward Comino. The captain and crew provide live commentary in English, pointing out features along the way and explaining where to meet the boat after each stop.

This opening stretch is more than a transfer. It gives you time to settle into the day and find your preferred place on board. The front can be pleasant for sun and views, but it is also more exposed to wind and spray. If you are sensitive to motion, a more central seat may feel steadier.

The boat’s smaller size is one of its strongest points. Several passengers liked not being packed onto a very large vessel, and some appreciated being able to leave bags on board while swimming at Comino. Use sensible judgment with valuables, but the arrangement is more convenient than carrying everything ashore.

Blue Lagoon: beautiful water, crowded shore

The Blue Lagoon is the main reason many people book this trip. Its clear water and pale rock make it one of Malta’s most famous swimming spots. The boat allows about one hour here for a photo stop, walking, swimming, and snorkeling.

The water is the star. If you enjoy swimming, bring a mask or rent one from the boat. Snorkeling equipment is available for a €10 cash security deposit, so pack cash even if you are not sure you will need it. You will also want swimwear, sunscreen, and a hat.

Here is the practical warning: the Blue Lagoon can be extremely busy. Even when the boat reaches Comino relatively early, you may need time to scan your entry code, find a place for your bag, and move across rocky ground to the water. One hour sounds reasonable on paper, but the useful swimming time may be much shorter.

The shore can also be difficult to cross. One passenger found getting off the boat over rocky terrain especially hard. You should be comfortable stepping onto uneven ground and entering the water without much assistance. This is not a good fit for people with mobility impairments.

The Comino entry system is another detail to handle before you go. You must sign up through the Maltese government website at www.blcomino.com to get the free entry ticket. Keep the ticket ready on your phone, but bring a backup plan if your battery is low.

I would treat Blue Lagoon as a quick swim and photo stop, not a beach day. If you want to claim a perfect patch of shore, settle in for hours, and swim without a clock, spend a separate day on Comino. On this cruise, the value comes from seeing Comino along with Gozo and the caves.

Gozo gives you two hours, but choose your plan

After Comino, the boat continues to Gozo. The stop lasts about two hours, which is much more generous than the Blue Lagoon visit, but still not enough for a full tour of the island.

You have two basic choices. Stay close to the harbor, walk around, and find food or a drink. Or pay about €6 for a minibus transfer to Victoria, Gozo’s capital. That bus option has been praised as an easy way to use your limited time, and I would strongly consider it if seeing Victoria matters to you.

The minibus is an extra cost, not part of the $29 ticket. Ask the crew about arrangements and return timing before leaving the boat. The captain and assistant are reported to give clear instructions about pickup times, which is helpful when you are exploring independently.

Gozo feels different from a short swimming stop. You can walk through local streets, take photos, and get a small taste of Gozitian culture. You can also buy lunch, although food is not included. Pack a lunch if you want to save time, especially since sitting down for a long meal can use much of the two-hour stop.

The main drawback is the clock. Two hours is enough for a quick look, but not enough to see Gozo properly. Some people choose to remain on Gozo after the boat leaves and arrange their own ferry back. That is a separate plan, so confirm the practical details before deciding to leave the group.

For most people, I would stay with the boat and use the two hours carefully. Choose either a relaxed harbor stop or Victoria by minibus. Trying to do both may leave you feeling rushed.

Swimming, snorkeling, and the return by sea

The schedule includes another opportunity for swimming and snorkeling after Gozo. The exact spot can depend on sea conditions and the captain’s judgment. That flexibility is useful because the crew can respond to weather and water conditions, but it also means the day may not unfold in precisely the same way every time.

The crew’s tone is one of the strongest parts of this experience. Past passengers have singled out friendly captains and helpful deckhands, with names such as Matthew and Roppy mentioned on some departures. Do not assume the same crew will operate your boat, but you can expect English instructions, timing reminders, and basic commentary.

Some departures have included low-priced drinks on board, and the crew has occasionally handed out fruit. These extras are not the reason to book, but they make the boat time more pleasant. The overall mood is relaxed rather than loud or party-focused.

The boat then passes Santa Maria Caves. You may get a photo stop, scenic views, and a pass by or entry into the caves, depending on the sea. The water around the rock formations is often the visual highlight of the return ride, especially when the boat slows down near the cliffs.

Elephant Rock is another photo stop. The crew may point out its distinctive shape and give you a chance to photograph it from the water. This is a quick sight rather than a landing, so keep your camera ready.

The final cruise back to Bugibba takes about 50 minutes. It is a good time to sit back, dry off, and enjoy the coast without needing to plan anything. Some departures have even caught a beautiful sunset, though you should not count on that as a guaranteed feature.

What the $29 price really buys you

The price is excellent for a shared boat trip that links three major Maltese sights. A separate visit to Comino, a Gozo crossing, and a cave cruise could require more planning and additional transport costs. Here, the captain, crew, toilets, English commentary, and sea transport are included.

The cost looks even better if you use the boat as a first look at the islands. You can decide later if Gozo or Comino deserves a longer return visit. That is a smart approach if you have only a few days in Malta.

Extras can add up, though. You pay for lunch and drinks, snorkeling equipment is rented with a €10 cash deposit, and the minibus to Victoria costs about €6. The Comino entry ticket is free, but you must arrange it online before access.

I would pack a lunch, refillable water, sunscreen, and cash. Buying a drink on board is convenient, but you do not need to rely on onboard food. Bring a dry bag or secure pouch for your phone and wallet, since swimming access and rocky shorelines are part of the day.

Who should book the Mermaid cruise?

This trip suits you if you want a low-cost overview of Malta’s northern islands and you enjoy being on the water. It is especially useful if you are staying around St Paul’s Bay, prefer a smaller boat, and want a relaxed day with several stops rather than one long island visit.

It also works well for confident swimmers, couples, friends, and families who can manage rocky access and a set schedule. The crew’s friendly approach has been a repeated strength, and the clear timing helps you enjoy free time without worrying about missing the return boat.

I would hesitate if your main goal is a long, quiet stay at the Blue Lagoon. One hour is simply not much when the shore is crowded. I would also choose another plan if you need step-free access, dislike shared seating, or want a detailed tour of Gozo.

Should you book this Malta boat tour?

Yes, if you want strong value and a broad taste of the islands. The Mermaid cruise gives you Comino, Gozo, swimming, caves, Elephant Rock, and a scenic coastal ride for $29, with a crew that generally keeps the day friendly and well organized.

Book it as a sampler, not as a complete visit to every stop. Arrive early, secure the free Comino entry ticket, bring cash, pack lunch, and decide in advance if you want the €6 minibus to Victoria. If you can accept the short Blue Lagoon stop and the possibility of crowded shore access, this is one of the more practical ways to spend a day from St Paul’s Bay.

FAQ

Where does the boat tour depart from?

The tour departs from Bugibba Jetty in St Paul’s Bay. Look for the blue, white, and red boat named The Mermaid.

How long does the tour last?

The stated duration is 330 minutes, or about five and a half hours.

How much time do you get at the Blue Lagoon?

The stop at Comino and the Blue Lagoon lasts about one hour. You can use this time for photos, walking, swimming, and snorkeling.

How long is the Gozo stop?

You get about two hours on Gozo. You can stay near the harbor or arrange the optional minibus to Victoria for about €6.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

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

Do I need an entry ticket for Comino?

Yes. You must sign up through the Maltese government website at www.blcomino.com. The Comino entry ticket is free.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The captain can cancel or change the route because of weather conditions. Cave visits and entry into the caves also depend on the sea.