Malta: Blue Lagoon, Comino & St Paul’s Islands Cruise

The best part of this cruise is the mix of long swimming time at the Blue Lagoon and smaller coastal stops that larger boats often rush past. The Mermaid carries you from Bugibba along Malta’s northern coast, then gives you time to swim, snorkel, jump from the boat, and see the caves around Comino.

I like the friendly family-run feel and the boat’s open-air shaded area, a useful feature under Malta’s strong sun. I also like that The Mermaid is small enough to get closer to some caves, with clean toilets, music, Wi-Fi, and drinks available onboard. The main drawback is the seven-hour length and limited access for people with mobility impairments, plus you must arrange Comino’s free entry ticket yourself before going.

Key points to know before boarding

• Three and a half hours at the Blue Lagoon: You have plenty of time for swimming, snorkeling, lunch, and relaxing rather than making a rushed stop.
• A smaller boat with shade: The Mermaid has an open-air shaded area, which matters on a full day in the Mediterranean sun.
• Santa Maria Caves by boat: The smaller vessel can offer a closer look at the rocky coastline and cave openings.
• St Paul’s Island adds history: You can swim beside the island or walk up to the statue of St Paul.
• Drinks and lunch are not included: Food and beverages can be bought onboard, but bring cash and do not count on a full snack selection.
• Comino entry requires advance action: You must sign up through the Maltese Government website for the free Blue Lagoon access ticket.

Setting out from Bugibba on The Mermaid

The meeting point is L-Menqa at the Bugibba Jetty. Look for the small red, white, and blue boat named The Mermaid, with a harbor and docked boats around it.

The trip lasts about seven to seven and a half hours, so think of it as a full day on the water rather than a short sightseeing ride. The route begins with roughly an hour of coastal cruising, giving you broad views across the Mediterranean and past Mellieha on the way toward Comino.

I like this opening because it lets you settle into the day before the main swimming stop. You can sit in the open-air shaded section, listen to music, and watch Malta’s coast slide by without needing to move from one attraction to the next.

The crew provides English commentary, though the supplied information does not name the captain or deckhand. The atmosphere is described as relaxed and welcoming, with a crew that keeps the boat punctual and the mood easygoing. That suits this outing well. It is more about sun, sea, and simple island stops than a formal lecture.

The boat has life-saving equipment, onboard toilets, and free Wi-Fi. Those are small details until you spend most of a day at sea. The toilet is especially useful for families and anyone who does not want to cut a swim short to return to shore.

Why the Blue Lagoon gets three and a half hours

Comino’s Blue Lagoon is the main event, and the schedule gives it three and a half hours. That is enough time to swim, snorkel, walk around, take photographs, and have lunch without watching the clock every few minutes.

The water is known for its clear blue appearance, and the stop is set up for active time in the sea. You can enter the water from the boat, swim, snorkel, or make a splash with a jump from the side. If you prefer not to jump, you can simply stay aboard or use a gentler way into the water.

This long stop is one of the strongest reasons to choose this trip. Some boat outings make the Blue Lagoon a quick photo stop. Here, you have time to make the place your own. I would use the first part of the stop for swimming, then dry off and eat, leaving time for another swim before departure.

Bring your own swimsuit, towel, sun hat, and sunscreen. The shaded seating helps, but you will still spend much of the day exposed to sun and reflected light from the water. Reapply sunscreen after swimming, especially if you plan to spend the full three and a half hours in and around the lagoon.

You should also arrange your Comino entry ticket before the trip. The ticket is free, but access requires registration through the Maltese Government website at blcomino.com/product/blue-lagoon/. This is an important practical step because the cruise price does not include the access ticket.

Food and drinks are not included in the $28 price. Lunch and drinks are available for purchase aboard The Mermaid, but one useful detail is that the boat may have drinks without offering a wide snack selection. If you need a particular lunch, snack, or dietary item, bring it with you if permitted, and carry cash for purchases.

The Blue Lagoon can be the busiest part of the day, and the open water offers little shelter from the sun. The Mermaid’s shaded area gives you a place to cool down between swims, but the boat is still a shared space, not a private charter. People who want quiet solitude may find the stop lively.

Santa Maria Caves and Comino’s rocky coast

After the Blue Lagoon, the boat makes a shorter sightseeing run before reaching the Santa Maria Caves. This portion lasts about 15 minutes and works mainly as a photo stop and scenic look at the coast.

The caves are best appreciated from the water. The rocky openings, changing light, and clear sea give you a good reason to keep your camera ready. Since The Mermaid is smaller than some other vessels, it can get closer to certain cave areas, according to the experience details.

The schedule may use Santa Maria Caves or, depending on conditions, the Crystal Lagoon Caves. That flexibility is sensible because boat captains need to adjust for weather and sea conditions. The captain can cancel or alter the trip when conditions make the planned route unsafe.

Do not expect a long walk or a land-based cave tour here. The stop is brief, and the main pleasure is seeing the coastline from the boat. You will have more time for swimming at the Blue Lagoon and St Paul’s Island than for exploring the caves on foot.

I would keep your camera handy but protect it from spray. The most worthwhile photographs may come during the approach, when you can frame the cave openings, boat, and clear water together.

St Paul’s Island, the final swim stop

The cruise then continues for about an hour before reaching St Paul’s Island. The island stop lasts around 30 minutes and combines a short visit, a photo opportunity, a walk, and another chance to swim.

St Paul’s Island is linked with the story of St Paul, and the well-known statue gives the stop a clear point of interest. You can walk up to see it, or stay closer to the water for a final swim beside the historic island.

This stop has a different feel from the Blue Lagoon. Comino is the major swimming break, while St Paul’s Island offers a compact blend of history, scenery, and sea time. The half-hour schedule is enough for a quick look and a dip, but not for a long island walk.

Plan your priorities before leaving the boat. If you want the statue, head up promptly. If swimming is more important, use the time in the water and take photographs from the boat or shoreline area available during the visit.

After St Paul’s Island, there is a short 10-minute cruise back toward Bugibba. The return gives you a final look at the coast before you arrive at L-Menqa, where the activity ends.

Comfort, shade, and the feel onboard

For a full day at sea, comfort can make or break the experience. The Mermaid has open-air shaded seating, which is a real advantage in Malta’s heat. You can enjoy the view without sitting directly in the sun for seven hours.

The boat also has toilets and life-saving equipment. Free Wi-Fi is included, though the main reason to bring a phone is probably photographs rather than constant internet use. The music contributes to the easygoing mood and helps keep the long cruising stretches from feeling too quiet.

The crew is described as friendly, helpful, welcoming, and punctual. The captain and deckhand keep the operation organized while pointing out the main sights. The tone is informal rather than highly structured, which works well for a day built around swimming.

A smaller boat can feel more personal, but it does not mean you will have unlimited space. The experience is still shared, and the boat may feel busy during loading, swimming breaks, or lunch. The benefit is that the vessel may reach cave areas that are harder for larger ships to approach.

The boat’s shaded area also matters because not every vessel offers one. If you burn easily, prefer to stay out of direct sun, or are traveling with children, claim a shaded spot early when possible. The supplied information does not promise reserved seating, so do not assume you will have a particular place for the full day.

What the $28 price really covers

At $28 per person, this is an inexpensive way to spend most of a day seeing Malta’s northern coast, Comino, caves, and St Paul’s Island. You are paying for the boat, crew, commentary, life-saving equipment, Wi-Fi, toilet access, and several hours at the key swimming locations.

The value is strongest if you plan to use the long Blue Lagoon stop. A quick cruise past Comino would not offer the same return, but three and a half hours gives you time to swim, snorkel, eat, and rest. The second swim stop at St Paul’s Island adds another useful break rather than making the day only a transport ride.

Budget separately for lunch and drinks. The Comino entry ticket itself is free, but you must complete the government registration before arrival. Also bring cash, since it is specifically recommended for onboard purchases.

The price does not include hotel transport, private space, or a personal guide. You meet at Bugibba Jetty and return to the same place. That keeps the cost down, but you need to arrange your own way to L-Menqa.

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure and the option to reserve now and pay later make the booking less rigid. Still, the captain may change or cancel the route because of weather, so keep your Malta plans flexible.

Who will enjoy this cruise most

I would recommend this trip to families, couples, and friends who want a relaxed day combining swimming with sightseeing. It suits you especially well if you want plenty of time in the water rather than a tightly packed schedule of short land visits.

It is also a good fit for people who prefer a smaller boat and a friendly atmosphere. The Mermaid has enough facilities to make a long day practical, including shade, toilets, and drinks for purchase. The music and informal crew style should appeal to anyone who wants a pleasant outing rather than a formal historical tour.

Strong swimmers and confident snorkelers will get the most from the Blue Lagoon stop, but you do not need to spend every minute in the water. You can sit in the shade, take photographs, walk around Comino, and enjoy the ride.

This is not suitable for people with mobility impairments. The boat, swimming stops, cave viewing, and island visit may involve movement between the vessel and shore, and no special accessibility arrangement is listed.

You should also think carefully about the seven-hour duration. If you tire quickly in the sun or dislike spending long periods on a boat, a shorter harbor cruise may suit you better. If you want a full day outdoors and enjoy changing between swimming, scenic views, and island stops, the length is part of the value.

What to pack for a comfortable day

Keep your packing simple and practical:

• Swimsuit and towel
• Sun hat and high-protection sunscreen
• Cash for food and drinks
• Phone or camera
• Any personal snacks or drinks you require
• A light cover-up for the boat ride

Use a water-resistant bag for electronics and valuables. The information does not promise lockers, so keep belongings secure and avoid bringing anything you would not want exposed to spray or sun.

Check the weather before you go, but remember that the captain has the final say if conditions change. A calm-looking morning does not guarantee that every cave or stop will be safe later in the day.

Should you book The Mermaid?

I would book this cruise if you want good value, long swimming time, and a smaller boat rather than a private excursion. The $28 fare covers a full day on the water, the Blue Lagoon, Santa Maria or Crystal Lagoon Caves, St Paul’s Island, commentary, shade, toilets, and basic onboard services.

Before paying, complete the free Comino access registration and bring cash for lunch and drinks. Also check that seven to seven and a half hours at sea suits your energy level and that the activity’s limited accessibility is not a problem.

For most visitors who want to see Malta’s famous northern waters without paying for a private boat, this is a sensible choice. You get the famous lagoon, but you also get time to enjoy it, plus two scenic stops that give the day more variety.

FAQ

Where does the cruise start and finish?

The cruise starts and ends at L-Menqa near the Bugibba Jetty. Look for the small red, white, and blue boat named The Mermaid.

How long does the experience last?

The cruise lasts about seven to seven and a half hours. Starting times vary, so check availability when booking.

What language is the tour conducted in?

The live tour guide and commentary are in English.

Is the Blue Lagoon entry ticket included?

No. You must sign up through the Maltese Government website to get the free Comino entry ticket. The required access page is blcomino.com/product/blue-lagoon/.

Is food included in the price?

No. Lunch and drinks are available for purchase onboard, but they are not included in the cruise price.

Are toilets available on the boat?

Yes. The Mermaid has onboard toilet facilities.

What should I bring?

Bring a sun hat, swimwear, towel, sunscreen, and cash. A camera or phone is also useful for the caves, coast, and islands.

Can the route change because of weather?

Yes. The captain can cancel or alter the trip according to weather conditions.