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

The main reason to book this cruise is simple: for $29, you see several of Malta’s best-known sea sights in one outing. The Mermaid leaves St Paul’s Bay for Comino, Gozo, Santa Maria Caves, and Elephant Rock, with time for swimming, snorkeling, walking, and photos.

I like the smaller boat and the warm, attentive crew. Captains give clear instructions about return times, the English commentary keeps you oriented, and the boat has toilets and reasonably priced drinks. I also like the early arrival at Blue Lagoon on some departures, before the crowds reach their peak.

The catch is time. One hour at Blue Lagoon can feel short once you have scanned your Comino entry code, found a place for your things, and reached the water. Two hours on Gozo gives you a taste rather than a full visit, and getting off at Comino can involve uneven, rocky ground.

Key points at a glance

• Blue Lagoon comes early: You get one hour for swimming, snorkeling, walking, and photos, with some departures reaching the lagoon before its busiest period.
• Gozo gets two hours: Stay near the harbor or pay about €6 for a minibus transfer to Victoria, Gozo’s capital.
• The Mermaid is a smaller boat: That usually feels calmer and less packed than the largest cruise vessels, though deck space can still be tight.
• Sea caves depend on conditions: Santa Maria Caves and nearby formations may be entered or viewed from the boat only when weather and water allow.
• Bring cash: Food, drinks, and snorkeling gear cost extra. Mask rental requires a €10 cash security deposit.
• Plan for a wet, sunny day: Pack swimwear, a hat, sunscreen, and a towel if you have one.

What this Malta boat trip is really like

This is a sightseeing cruise with swimming stops, not a full guided tour of every corner of Comino and Gozo. That distinction matters. You spend much of the day on the water, looking at Malta’s pale rock coastline from a useful angle, then get short periods ashore.

The boat departs from Bugibba Jetty in St Paul’s Bay. Look for the blue, white, and red boat called The Mermaid. Boarding begins 30 minutes before departure, and it closes 10 minutes before the scheduled sailing time. The boat cannot wait for late arrivals, so I would arrive early and avoid cutting it close.

The crew provides live commentary in English. You can expect practical information about timings, swimming stops, and sights along the coast rather than a long academic lecture. That suits this outing. You need to know when to return to the boat, where you are going, and what you are seeing, then you can settle in and enjoy the ride.

The published duration is 330 minutes, or about five and a half hours. Exact departure times can vary, so check the available start time when booking. The experience is designed to cover a lot in one day, which is its strength and its limitation.

Leaving Bugibba and seeing Malta from the water

The first section is a sightseeing cruise of about an hour. This is not dead time between stops. The coast, rocky inlets, small bays, and sea-cut formations give you a different view of Malta than you get from the road.

I would use this first hour to settle into the boat and decide how you want to spend the stops. If you plan to swim, keep your hat, sunscreen, and towel easy to reach. If you want photographs, sit where you have a clear view but remember that the best position may not remain yours for the entire trip.

The crew has been praised for clear timing and friendly service. Captains such as Matthew and Roppy have been singled out by name in past departures, and other crews have received similar praise for being helpful and easygoing. Crew members may change, so treat the names as examples rather than a promise about your sailing.

The boat carries toilets, which is a small but important comfort on a water excursion. Drinks are available for purchase, and several people have found the onboard prices reasonable. Food is not included, so bring cash and consider packing lunch if you want to save time and avoid using a stop for a meal.

Blue Lagoon: beautiful water, limited time

Comino’s Blue Lagoon is the headline stop. The water is remarkably clear, and this is the place to swim, snorkel, take photographs, or simply sit by the shore and watch boats move through the channel.

You get about one hour here. That can be enough for a swim and a quick look around, especially if the boat arrives early. It can also feel rushed during the busy season. You may need time to leave the boat, scan the free Comino entry ticket, find somewhere for your bag, and walk over uneven ground before you even reach the water.

The Comino entry ticket is free, but you must sign up through the Maltese Government website at blcomino.com. Do this before the trip if possible. A free ticket is still a required ticket, and sorting it out at the last minute can eat into your swimming time.

The Blue Lagoon is not a quiet beach hideaway. Its fame brings crowds, and the narrow shore can feel packed. The small Mermaid is an advantage here because the group is not as large as those carried by some bigger vessels, but the lagoon itself remains a popular public site.

Swimming ability matters. The water may look inviting, but the stop is not structured like a supervised pool session. Strong swimmers can enjoy reaching the cave areas across the lagoon, while less confident swimmers should stay within their comfort zone and follow the crew’s instructions.

You can bring your own mask and snorkel. If you need equipment, snorkeling gear is available to rent, with a €10 security deposit in cash. Food and drinks are extra, and there is an opportunity to purchase lunch, but packing something is the more efficient choice when the stop is short.

Two hours on Gozo, with a choice to stay or move

The second main stop is Gozo, Malta’s sister island. You have about two hours ashore, enough to walk near the landing area, have a drink or meal, and get a brief taste of local life.

This is where you need to choose your priorities. Stay near the coast and use the time to relax by the restaurants and bars, or arrange the additional minibus transfer to Victoria. The transfer has been offered for about €6 per person and is not included in the basic fare.

I would choose the minibus if seeing Victoria matters to you. It saves the hassle of arranging your own transport during a short stop and gives you a chance to see Gozo’s capital rather than only the harbor area. You will need to keep an eye on the meeting time. The boat will not delay its return for anyone who loses track of the schedule.

If you want a slow Gozo visit, this cruise is not the right format. Two hours is a useful introduction, but it does not allow for a relaxed island tour, several sights, and an unhurried meal. Some people choose to remain in Gozo after the cruise and return by ferry later, but that is a separate plan and not part of the included experience.

The practical value is that you do not have to commit a whole day to Gozo alone. You can sample the island, compare it with Comino, and decide if you want to come back for a longer visit. For a first Malta trip with limited time, that broad view can be worthwhile.

Santa Maria Caves and the return by sea

After Gozo, the boat makes another sightseeing run of about 15 minutes before reaching the Santa Maria Caves. The crew may enter the caves or pass close by for photographs and scenic views, depending on the sea and weather.

This is one of the more memorable parts of the cruise because the rock formations make sense from the water. You see the openings, cliffs, and changing colors of the coast without needing a long walk. Bring a camera, but keep it secure. Spray and movement are part of a boat trip.

The captain may also point out Elephant Rock, a distinctive formation shaped by the coast. It is a photo stop and a pass-by sight rather than a long landing. The attraction is the quick visual surprise, so listen for the commentary and have your camera ready before the boat reaches it.

A further swimming or snorkeling stop is included in the schedule. Exact conditions affect the final arrangement. The captain can alter or cancel the trip for weather, and cave visits are especially dependent on wind and sea conditions. That flexibility is sensible around exposed coastlines, even if you have your heart set on a particular cave.

The final cruise back to Bugibba takes about 50 minutes. It gives you time to dry off, buy a drink, compare photographs, and enjoy the last views of the coast before returning to the jetty.

Why the $29 fare can be good value

At $29 per person, this is one of the cheaper ways to combine Comino, Gozo, coastal sightseeing, and swimming in one booking. The fare includes the captain and crew, English commentary, toilets, the one-hour Comino stop, and the two-hour Gozo stop.

The value is strongest if you want variety. You see two islands, a famous lagoon, sea caves, rock formations, and several stretches of coast without paying separately for transport between each place. You also avoid the planning work involved in piecing together different ferries and boat rides.

The fare does not cover everything. Food and drinks cost extra, snorkeling equipment costs extra, and the minibus to Victoria is an additional purchase. The Comino ticket is free, but you still need to arrange it before entering the island.

The boat’s size creates a fair tradeoff. A smaller vessel can feel friendlier and less crowded than a large party boat, and it may make it easier to keep your bag aboard while you swim. On the other hand, deck chairs can be close together, and outdoor space is not unlimited. If you want a spacious sun deck, this may not meet your expectations.

Past sailings have included small touches such as complimentary pineapple and helpful suggestions from the crew. Those extras are pleasant but should not be treated as guaranteed features. The important value is the route, the crew, and the number of sights covered for the base price.

Who should book this cruise

I would recommend this tour if you are staying in St Paul’s Bay or nearby and want an easy day on the water. It suits couples, friends, and families who enjoy swimming, coastal views, and a flexible mix of boat time and short walks.

It is also a good choice if you have only a few days in Malta. You can see Comino and Gozo in one outing instead of giving each island a separate day. The tour gives you a useful first look, especially if you are still deciding where to spend more time later.

Strong swimmers will get the most from the lagoon and snorkeling stops. You can enjoy the cruise without swimming, but the water activities are a major part of the experience, so anyone booking mainly for museums, town streets, or long guided walks should choose a different excursion.

The tour is not suitable for people with mobility impairments. Getting off at Blue Lagoon may involve rocky, uneven ground, and the boat environment requires you to manage boarding and shore access. Ask the operator directly if you have a specific mobility concern before booking.

English is the only tour language. That works well for English speakers who want clear instructions and light commentary, but it may not suit you if you need guided information in another language.

Practical ways to make the day better

Arrive well before boarding closes. The meeting point is Bugibba Jetty, and you need to identify The Mermaid among the boats. A late arrival means no boarding and no refund.

Bring a sun hat, swimwear, sunscreen, and cash. Add a towel, water-resistant phone pouch, and a small bag you can carry over rough ground. These last items are practical suggestions for a water day, while the listed essentials are the ones the operator specifically asks you to bring.

Pack lunch if you want maximum time at the stops. You can buy food and drinks, but waiting for lunch during a one-hour Blue Lagoon visit is not the best use of time. Keep valuables modest and easy to secure.

Complete the free Comino access registration before you leave your hotel. You do not want to spend your limited lagoon stop dealing with a phone form or a weak signal.

Listen carefully when the crew announces return times. The day is tightly timed, and the boat cannot wait. Set an alarm on your phone if you are swimming, walking around Gozo, or sitting at a restaurant.

Finally, keep expectations realistic. The Blue Lagoon may be crowded, Gozo will feel brief, and the caves may be viewed only from outside. In exchange, you get a low-cost coastal circuit with a friendly crew and a lot of scenery in a single outing.

Should you book the Mermaid cruise?

Book it if you want broad coverage at a low price and are happy with short visits. The combination of Blue Lagoon, Gozo, sea caves, Elephant Rock, swimming, and English commentary is hard to match at $29.

Skip it if you want long, quiet time at one beach or a serious Gozo sightseeing day. In that case, give Gozo its own day and choose a separate beach visit.

For most first-time Malta visitors who enjoy the sea, I think the Mermaid is a sensible pick. Arrive early, register for Comino, bring lunch and cash, and treat the stops as an introduction rather than a complete exploration.

FAQ

Where does the boat tour depart?

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

How early should I arrive?

Boarding begins 30 minutes before departure. Boarding closes 10 minutes before the scheduled departure time, and the boat cannot wait for late arrivals.

How long does the tour last?

The stated duration is 330 minutes, or about five and a half hours. Check the available starting time when you book.

Is the Comino entry ticket included?

The Comino ticket is free, but it is required. You must register through the Maltese Government website at blcomino.com before accessing the island.

How much time do I get at Blue Lagoon?

The stop at Comino and Blue Lagoon lasts about one hour. You can use that time for swimming, snorkeling, walking, sightseeing, and photographs.

Is lunch included?

No. Food and drinks are not included, though they are available for purchase. Bringing cash and packing lunch can help you save time.

Can I rent snorkeling equipment?

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

Is the tour suitable for people with mobility impairments?

No. The tour is not listed as suitable for people with mobility impairments, and getting off at Blue Lagoon may involve rocky terrain.