Gozo, Blue Lagoon, Comino & Sea Caves

The best reason to book this cruise is the small boat access to Comino’s sea caves. Larger vessels must keep their distance, while this boat can enter the caves when weather allows. You also get time to swim at the Blue Lagoon, visit Gozo, and stop near St. Paul’s Islands rather than spending the whole outing aboard.

I like the sensible group size, capped at 48, and the generous free time at the main stops. The price, about $36.20 per person, is strong value for a five-and-a-half-hour outing. The catch is that Gozo receives only a short visit, and the Blue Lagoon can be intensely crowded with little shade.

Key points to know before booking

• Small boat, cave access: The boat can enter Comino’s sea caves when conditions are safe.
• Three island areas in one trip: You visit Comino, Gozo, and the waters around St. Paul’s Islands.
• About five and a half hours: The schedule gives you swimming time, a Gozo stop, and a final coastal visit.
• Gozo is flexible but brief: You can explore independently or pay for an optional transfer toward the island’s center.
• Blue Lagoon gets crowded: Arrive ready for busy water, limited shade, and a commercial feel.
• Strict departure times: Boarding begins 30 minutes before departure, and late arrivals risk missing the boat.

What this $36.20 cruise really gives you

This is a sightseeing boat trip with swimming stops, not a guided history tour. That distinction matters. The crew points out coastal sights and manages the timing, but the focus is Malta’s water, caves, islands, and swimming areas rather than detailed commentary about monuments or local history.

At about $36.20, the price compares well with the amount of ground covered. You see several major coastal attractions in one half-day, use a smaller vessel, and have a restroom and WiFi onboard. Lunch is not included, but you can buy food and drinks from the boat, and you have opportunities to eat at Comino or Gozo.

I would judge the value by your priorities. If you want a low-cost way to reach the Blue Lagoon and add Gozo, this works well. If you want a quiet beach day, a long visit to Gozo, or a serious guided tour, the schedule will feel rushed or too busy.

Leaving Bugibba with enough time to spare

The meeting point is Bugibba Jetty on Dawret Il-Gzejjer in San Pawl il-Baħar. Boarding starts 30 minutes before departure, and that early arrival is not optional in practical terms. The boat operates to a timetable, and the captain may not hold it for late arrivals.

Build in extra time if you are coming from Valletta or another part of Malta. Road closures and heavy traffic can make the trip to Bugibba unpredictable. The boat may leave with the rest of the group even if you are close to the marina, so do not plan to arrive at the last minute.

The vessel is limited to 48 passengers. That is smaller than the large excursion boats that crowd the Blue Lagoon, though it is not a private charter. On a full departure, you should still expect a shared outing with fixed departure times and limited personal space.

Comino’s caves and the Blue Lagoon

The first major stop is Comino’s Blue Lagoon, reached after a coastal cruise along Malta. The approach gives you open views of the coast, and the smaller boat can pass into nearby caves for photographs without an extra cave-entry charge. Cave access depends on sea and weather conditions, so treat it as a welcome possibility, not a guarantee.

At the Blue Lagoon, you have about one hour to swim, snorkel, jump from the boat, or walk around Comino. The water is the star here, with the clear Mediterranean color that makes this stop so popular. If you prefer not to swim, you can use the time for photographs or a short walk.

The main problem is popularity. The Blue Lagoon can feel more like a busy public swimming area than a peaceful island escape, especially in hot weather. Shade is scarce, and the shore has a commercial, crowded character. Comfortable sandals or water shoes are a smart choice because you may move between the boat, rocky edges, and paths.

You can avoid some of the shore crowd by staying near the boat or walking farther along the path, though the heat may make a longer walk unpleasant. The boat itself may offer a better swimming position for people who want clear water without squeezing onto the busiest part of the shore.

Snorkeling equipment is not included. It may be rented for a cash deposit, so bring cash if you want to use the service. Ask about the deposit and return terms before taking equipment. You can bring your own mask and snorkel if you prefer, but the tour information does not list personal equipment as an inclusion.

Gozo at Mgarr Harbour: freedom with a time limit

After Comino, the boat continues to Mgarr Harbour on Gozo. The approach is one of the most scenic parts of the cruise, so keep your camera ready as the boat enters the harbor and the island opens around you.

You get free time to choose your own plan. That suits independent visitors who would rather wander than follow a guide. You can look around the harbor area, find food, or arrange transport toward the center of Gozo for a small additional fee.

That optional transfer can help you see more inland, but it does not turn this into a full Gozo sightseeing tour. The available time is too short to cover the island properly. If Gozo is your main reason for visiting Malta, book a separate full-day experience or make an independent day trip.

For this cruise, think of Gozo as a useful taste rather than a complete visit. You get a change of scenery, a chance to walk on land, and a glimpse of Gozitan life between boat rides. The freedom is valuable, but you must watch the return time closely.

The crew keeps the schedule moving, and the boat will not wait indefinitely for late passengers. Listen carefully to the instructions at each stop and set your own reminder if you tend to lose track of time while exploring.

The Comino Channel and St. Paul’s Islands

On the return toward Malta, the route passes through the Comino Channel. Depending on weather, the boat may visit the Crystal Lagoon Caves or St. Mary’s Caves. This is another reason the smaller vessel matters: it can approach places that are difficult or impossible for large boats.

Conditions can change the route. Rough seas may force the boat to use a bus transfer or adjust the plan for safety. That can be disappointing, but a captain should not take a small boat into unsafe water. The tour requires good weather, and poor conditions can lead to a rescheduled departure or a refund.

The final stop is around St. Paul’s Islands, where the boat may allow a short swim and a visit near the statue and monument. The stop is brief, often around 15 to 25 minutes according to the stated timing in the experience details. That is enough for a quick look, a photograph, or a swim, but not a slow visit.

Do not book this cruise expecting a detailed explanation of St. Paul’s story. The crew’s main job is to get you safely between the islands and swimming areas. If you want strong historical commentary, choose a dedicated harbor or cultural tour instead.

What the crew, boat, and onboard services are like

The boat has a toilet, WiFi, and space for up to 48 people. The WiFi is useful for sending photos or checking messages without using roaming data, but it is shared from the captain’s connection. It may not behave like a strong private network, so do not rely on it for anything urgent.

Drinks are available to buy onboard, and food is available from a snack bar. Lunch is not part of the ticket price. You can buy something during the cruise, eat at Comino, or use your Gozo stop to find food, depending on the time available.

The crew’s service can be direct, particularly when conditions are windy or the boat is moving. That is partly a safety matter. If the captain tells you to sit down or follow a procedure, do it promptly. Wind and engine noise can make normal speech hard to hear, and the captain may need to speak firmly.

The strongest service points are practical: clear departure instructions, help with optional transport on Gozo, advice about swimming areas, and attention to keeping the boat on time. You may not receive a running commentary on every coastal feature, so ask questions if you want more information.

Weather, safety, and canceled departures

This experience runs only in suitable weather. A small vessel is more affected by wind and rough seas than a large ferry, and the route through the caves depends on safe conditions. If the operator cancels because of bad weather, you are offered another date or a full refund.

A weather cancellation can be frustrating, especially if you have arranged transport to Bugibba or built the cruise into a tight holiday schedule. Check your messages before leaving for the jetty, and keep some flexibility in your Malta plans if possible.

The normal cancellation rule allows a full refund when you cancel at least 24 hours before departure. Changes or cancellations inside that window are not accepted for a refund. The experience can also be canceled if the minimum number of passengers is not reached, with an alternative date, another experience, or a refund offered.

You must register with the Maltese Government PN BLCOMINO system to receive the entry ticket needed for Comino. It is free, but do not leave this requirement until the morning of the cruise.

Who will enjoy this boat trip most

I would recommend this cruise to you if you want to combine several famous Malta sights without arranging separate ferries. It suits independent people who like free time, families who want swimming and simple logistics, and solo visitors who prefer a structured day with clear meeting points.

It can work well for older adults too, since the route does not require a long organized hike and the group size is limited. Still, you should be comfortable boarding a boat, using uneven shore areas, and managing your own movement during the free stops.

It is less suitable if you want a quiet, uncrowded beach. The Blue Lagoon is famous because many people want the same swim, and the boat cannot change that basic fact. It is also not ideal if your main goal is to see all of Gozo or learn Malta’s history from a guide.

Bring sun protection, water shoes or sturdy sandals, swimwear, a towel, and cash for food, drinks, or snorkel rental. Keep your belongings secure and follow the departure instructions. The boat’s fixed schedule is one of the reasons the tour covers so much, but it leaves little room for delays.

Should you book Mermaid Cruises?

Book it if you want a reasonably priced, five-and-a-half-hour boat day that covers Comino, Gozo, sea caves, and St. Paul’s Islands. The cave access and smaller group are the strongest reasons to choose it over a large boat, while the free time makes it easier to set your own pace.

Skip it if you want a long, relaxed day on Gozo, quiet swimming, or a detailed history lesson. The Blue Lagoon is crowded, the final island stop is short, and weather can alter the route.

For most visitors who want to see Malta from the water without paying for a private boat, this is a practical choice. Arrive early, register for the Comino entry ticket, carry cash, and treat Gozo as a short introduction rather than the main event.

FAQ

Where does the cruise depart from?

It departs from Bugibba Jetty on Dawret Il-Gzejjer in San Pawl il-Baħar, Malta.

How long does the experience last?

The cruise lasts approximately five hours and 30 minutes.

How early should I arrive?

Boarding begins 30 minutes before the scheduled departure time. Arrive early because the boat follows a fixed timetable.

What places does the cruise visit?

The route includes Comino and the Blue Lagoon, Mgarr Harbour on Gozo, sea caves when weather permits, and the area around St. Paul’s Islands.

How much time do I get at the Blue Lagoon?

The planned stop at Comino’s Blue Lagoon is about one hour.

How much time do I get on Gozo?

The planned Gozo stop is about two hours, though the exact schedule can vary with conditions and the boat’s timetable.

Is food included?

No. Food and drinks are available to purchase onboard, and you can find food during the stops.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

No. Snorkeling equipment may be rented for a cash deposit.

Is WiFi available on the boat?

Yes. WiFi is provided onboard, using a shared connection from the captain.

Is there a restroom onboard?

Yes. The boat has restroom facilities.

Is the cave visit guaranteed?

No. Entering the caves depends on suitable weather and sea conditions.

What happens if bad weather cancels the cruise?

You are offered another date or a full refund if the experience is canceled because of poor weather.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes, if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time. Cancellations made less than 24 hours before departure are not refunded.

Is the cruise suitable for most people?

Most people can participate, and service animals are allowed. You should still be comfortable using a boat and moving around during swimming and island stops.

How many people can join the boat?

The maximum group size is 48 passengers.