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

The best thing about this trip is the range packed into one day. From Comino’s Blue Lagoon to Gozo’s streets, sea caves, and the statue on St Paul’s Island, you get a brisk tour of Malta’s northern coast without arranging several separate excursions. The smaller Mermaid boat can also reach places that larger vessels may pass by.

I like the friendly crew and the sensible pacing. You get time to swim, time to walk, and time simply to sit back while the captain handles the coast. Complimentary fruit, including pineapple on some trips, is a thoughtful touch. The main drawback is that the day is busy by design: Gozo gets about two hours, and the Blue Lagoon can be crowded, especially in peak season.

• Blue Lagoon swimming stop: About an hour to swim, snorkel, walk, and take photos at Comino’s famous water.
• Two-hour Gozo visit: Enough time for a quick meal and a look around, with an optional paid transfer toward Victoria.
• Smaller Mermaid boat: Often easier for reaching coastal caves, though outdoor seating can feel limited when the boat is full.
• Cave viewing depends on weather: The route may include Santa Maria or Crystal Lagoon Caves, but rough water can change the plan.
• St Paul’s Island finale: Finish with a short swim or a walk to the statue and church ruins.
• Good value at $34: The fare includes the boat, crew, English commentary, toilets, and stops at Comino and Gozo.

A seven-hour coast tour with a lot packed in

This is a full-day boat trip from Bugibba in St Paul’s Bay, priced at $34 per person. That is strong value if you want swimming, sightseeing, and a quick taste of Gozo in one booking.

I would not choose it if you want a slow beach day or a long, unhurried visit to Victoria. The schedule keeps moving. You leave the boat several times, return to it, then cruise onward. That rhythm works well for a first look at Malta, but it leaves little room for lingering.

The tour runs in English, with live commentary from the crew. The captain and deckhand are visible and helpful during the day. Crew members named in trip feedback include Matthew, Robbie, and Roppy, although the exact team may vary. The tone is informal and relaxed rather than like a formal historical tour.

Boarding the blue, white, and red Mermaid

Look for the blue, white, and red boat named The Mermaid at Mermaid Cruises in Bugibba. Boarding begins at 9:30 AM and closes at 9:50 AM, so you should arrive early rather than treat the closing time as a suggestion.

The boat is smaller than many of the vessels operating around Comino. That has real advantages. It can feel friendlier, and it may get closer to narrow coastal formations. Several people also liked being able to leave bags aboard while swimming at the Blue Lagoon, though you should still keep valuables with you.

The trade-off is space. One account describes limited outdoor room for the number of people aboard, particularly before the upper area was opened. If you care about a clear view, try to claim a place near the front or on top once boarding is complete. A smaller boat is not automatically a quiet boat, but it can be less cumbersome than a large ferry.

Onboard toilets are included. Food and drinks are available to buy, and the boat may carry drinks at reasonable prices. Bring cash. You will also need it if you rent snorkeling equipment, which requires a $10 security deposit in cash.

Cruising Malta’s northern coast

The first hour is a sightseeing cruise toward Comino. This is more than transport. You pass Malta’s rugged edge, rock shelves, openings in the cliffs, and sea formations that are best seen from the water.

The captain gives commentary in English as the boat moves along. The style is described as clear and not overloaded with facts, which suits a day built around swimming and scenery. You get enough explanation to understand where you are, then plenty of quiet time to enjoy the ride.

Sea conditions matter from the start. The captain can change or cancel the route for safety, and the caves are especially dependent on wind and waves. That flexibility is sensible, but it means you should think of the cave portion as a possibility, not a guarantee.

Blue Lagoon: beautiful, busy, and worth the stop

Comino’s Blue Lagoon is the headline attraction. The water is remarkably clear, and the one-hour stop gives you time for swimming, snorkeling, photos, and a short walk.

I would set your expectations carefully. The lagoon is famous because it is beautiful, so it is also one of Malta’s busiest water stops. You may find plenty of boats and people around the shore, particularly in summer. The crowded setting does not cancel out the color of the water, but it does change the mood. This is not a secluded cove.

The hour passes quickly. If swimming is your main goal, change promptly and get into the water. If you prefer photos and a look around, you will need to limit your swim. You may also have the option to remain on Comino longer and miss part of the Gozo visit, but confirm the arrangement with the crew before choosing that.

Comino now requires an entry ticket arranged through the Maltese Government website. The ticket is free, but you must sign up in advance. This is an easy detail to miss, so handle it before the morning of the trip.

There is time to purchase food on the island, though lunch is not included. I would bring a small snack as well as cash, especially if you want to spend the whole hour in the water rather than looking for food.

Gozo in two hours

After Comino, the boat continues to Gozo. You get about two hours ashore, making this the longest stop of the day.

The tour gives you a taste of Gozitian life rather than a full island tour. You can walk, eat lunch, and see some of the local setting. Many people use a paid bus or taxi transfer toward Victoria, Gozo’s main city, instead of staying close to the harbor. A direct transfer has been available for about €6 per person, but confirm the current price and departure details with the crew.

Victoria is a useful choice if you want streets, a meal, and a quick look at the city’s attractions. One visitor described managing lunch and a short visit there within the available time. That tells you what this stop is best for: a focused introduction, not a leisurely afternoon.

Two hours sounds generous after the short Comino stop, but transport eats into it. If you go toward Victoria, keep an eye on the return time. The boat will wait for people who are delayed within the tour’s arrangements, but you should not count on extra time for an independent detour.

If Gozo is your main reason for coming to Malta, book a dedicated Gozo day instead. On this tour, the island is one important piece of a larger coastal circuit.

Santa Maria and Crystal Lagoon Caves from the water

Back aboard, the boat makes a short sightseeing run before reaching the cave section. The route may include Santa Maria Caves or Crystal Lagoon Caves, along with other rock formations.

The smaller boat is useful here. It can approach the coast closely and may enter openings that larger craft cannot. From the deck, you get a better sense of the scale and texture of the cliffs than you would from land.

Still, the exact experience depends on the sea. Calm water may allow the boat to enter or pause near the caves. Rough conditions can mean a pass-by with scenic views instead. Some trips have also replaced a planned swim because the water was too unsettled.

This is one reason I like the tour’s flexible format. The captain can keep the cave portion safe rather than forcing a fixed route. Just do not book expecting a guaranteed cave swim or an identical photo stop every day.

St Paul’s Island and the final swim

The last major stop is St Paul’s Island, where you get about 30 minutes. You can use the time for another swim or walk uphill to the statue and ancient church ruins connected with St Paul.

Half an hour is enough for one choice, not both in a relaxed way. If the water is your priority, stay near the boat and swim. If you want the historic sight, skip the swim and walk up promptly. The climb gives you a different side of the excursion, linking Malta’s coastal scenery with its religious tradition.

This stop can be especially pleasant near the end of a long day. You have already seen the Blue Lagoon and Gozo, and the shorter pause offers a final chance to cool off before the return cruise. Some afternoon versions have allowed time for sunset photographs, but the available light depends on the departure schedule.

The final 15-minute cruise returns you to Bugibba. Allow for a little tiredness by this stage. Seven hours on a boat, with sun and swimming, can feel more demanding than the clock suggests.

What the $34 price really gives you

At $34, the tour gives you a lot of coastline for the money. The fare covers the boat, captain and crew, English commentary, the Comino and Gozo stops, and onboard toilets. You are also paying for the convenience of one route that links places otherwise requiring separate transport.

Extra costs are modest but worth planning for:

• Food and drinks are not included.
• Snorkeling equipment can be rented, with a $10 cash security deposit.
• The Comino entry ticket is free, but you must obtain it through the government website.
• A transfer from Gozo harbor toward Victoria may cost about €6 per person, subject to current arrangements.

The value is strongest if you want variety. For the price of a basic boat outing, you get two islands, swimming, cave viewing, and several scenic cruises. The value is weaker if you want premium seating, a quiet boat, or a long guided visit in Gozo.

Who will enjoy this boat trip most

I would recommend it to first-time Malta visitors who want to see several headline sights in one day. It suits couples, friends, and active families who are happy to swim, walk, and move on when the schedule says so.

It is also a good pick if you love being on the water. The crew keeps the mood easy, music may play during the cruise, and the day includes several chances to sit back between stops. The friendly service is one of the strongest parts of the experience. Crew members have been praised for being polite, helpful, punctual, and clear about return times.

It is less suitable for anyone with mobility impairments, as the boat, shore stops, swimming areas, and walks may be difficult to manage. You should also think twice if you dislike sun exposure, crowded swimming spots, or a fixed schedule.

Bring a sun hat, swimwear, sunscreen, and cash. Wear something that dries reasonably quickly. Most important, bring realistic expectations: this is a sampler of Malta’s coast, not a private yacht day.

Should you book the Mermaid cruise?

Book it if you want excellent variety at a modest price and you are happy with short, active stops. The Blue Lagoon is beautiful even when busy, Gozo adds a useful change of pace, and the caves and St Paul’s Island round out the route.

Skip it if Gozo deserves a full day for you, or if your ideal boat trip means one quiet cove and no timetable. For most people with only a few days in Malta, though, this is a practical way to cover a lot of ground. Check the weather, arrange the free Comino ticket, arrive before 9:30 AM, and be ready to make the most of each stop.

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 begins at 9:30 AM and closes at 9:50 AM. Arrive early so you are ready before boarding closes.

How long does the tour last?

The activity lasts about seven hours, including the cruises and shore stops.

Which islands does the boat visit?

The route includes Comino, Gozo, and St Paul’s Island.

How long is the Blue Lagoon stop?

The Blue Lagoon stop is scheduled for about one hour. You can use the time for swimming, snorkeling, walking, sightseeing, and photos.

Is the Comino entry ticket included?

The Comino ticket is free, but you must sign up through the Maltese Government website to get permission to enter the island.

Is food included?

No. Food and drinks are not included, though they are available to purchase during the trip and at stops.

Can I rent snorkeling equipment?

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

Are the caves guaranteed?

No. The caves viewed or entered depend on the weather and sea conditions. The captain may alter the route for safety.

Is the tour suitable for people with mobility impairments?

The activity is not suitable for people with mobility impairments. It includes boat boarding, shore landings, walks, and swimming stops.