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

Malta looks best from the water. This seven to seven-and-a-half-hour cruise from Bugibba takes you along the Maltese coast to Comino’s famous Blue Lagoon, the Santa Maria Caves, and St Paul’s Island aboard the family-run Mermaid. I like the generous 3.5 hours set aside at Blue Lagoon, and I like that the boat is small enough to approach some caves more closely than larger vessels.

The main drawback is the Blue Lagoon itself. Its water is wonderfully clear, but the area can feel busy, and you must arrange a free Comino entry ticket online before you go. The trip also relies on good weather, and it is not suitable for people with mobility impairments.

Five things to know before booking

• The Mermaid has open shade: You can escape the full Maltese sun without being shut below deck.
• Blue Lagoon gets the most time: You have about 3.5 hours for swimming, snorkeling, walking, and lunch.
• The caves are a close-up stop: The boat may reach parts of the coastline that larger ships cannot approach as easily.
• St Paul’s Island is more than a photo stop: You can swim, walk, and head toward the statue of St Paul.
• The crew sets a relaxed tone: Music, friendly service, and a clean onboard toilet are repeated strengths of this cruise.
• Bring cash and arrange your permit: Food and drinks cost extra, and Comino requires a free entry ticket from the Maltese Government website.

Setting out from Bugibba on the Mermaid

Your meeting point is L-Menqa, at the harbor in Bugibba. Look for the small red, white, and blue boat named The Mermaid. This is not a giant party vessel or a sleek private yacht. It is a traditional Maltese boat run by a family team, which gives the day a more personal feel.

The first hour is a sightseeing cruise along the coast. You pass Mellieha while the boat heads toward Comino, with broad views across the Mediterranean. I like this opening because it lets you settle into the day before the first swim, and you can take in Malta from a viewpoint that roads simply cannot provide.

The boat includes live English commentary, free Wi-Fi, and life-saving equipment. The commentary gives the coastal views some context, while Wi-Fi is useful if you want to share photos or stay in touch during a long day at sea. The crew also plays music, and the mood is generally easygoing rather than formal.

The Mermaid has toilet facilities onboard, a small but important comfort on a seven-hour trip. You will also find some shade in an open-air area, which matters greatly under the Maltese sun. One of the clearest practical strengths of the boat is that you do not have to choose between sitting in direct sun all day and hiding inside.

The Blue Lagoon: three and a half hours in Comino

The main event is Blue Lagoon on Comino. The water is famous for its clear, bright color, and this is where you get the longest stop, about three and a half hours. You can swim, snorkel, walk around the island, or simply sit back and enjoy being on the water.

I appreciate the length of this stop. Some boat excursions give you just enough time to jump in, dry off, and hear the departure call. Here, you have time to swim properly, take photos, have lunch, and still pause between activities. If you prefer a slower day, you can spend much of the stop floating near the boat or enjoying the view.

The main caution is that Blue Lagoon is famous for good reason, so it is not a quiet, private cove. The water may be the star, but the setting can also be the busiest part of your day. A smaller boat helps the experience feel less packed than some larger cruises, yet it cannot make the lagoon secluded.

You will need a free entry ticket to access Comino’s Blue Lagoon. Sign up through the official Maltese Government website before your cruise at blcomino.com/product/blue-lagoon/. This is easy to overlook, so handle it before departure rather than trying to sort it out at the water’s edge.

Pack your swimwear, towel, sunscreen, and hat. The boat can sell food and drinks, but the safest plan is to bring cash and avoid relying on a large onboard meal. One account of the trip found drinks available but no snacks, so I would carry a few simple provisions if you need food between swimming sessions.

The lagoon is also where the boat’s jumping feature comes into play. You can make a splash by jumping from the boat into the sea, provided you are comfortable with the activity and follow the crew’s instructions. This is a fun touch for confident swimmers, but it is not the reason to book the cruise if you prefer a calm, low-key day.

Santa Maria Caves and the Maltese coast

After Blue Lagoon, the boat continues to the Santa Maria Caves, with about 15 minutes for a photo stop and coastal views. Depending on the exact route and conditions, the boat may also visit the Crystal Lagoon Caves. The captain decides which cave area works best.

This short stop is about seeing the formations from the water rather than spending a long time ashore. Keep your camera ready as the boat moves along the rock face, and expect a quick look rather than a full cave walk. The Mermaid’s smaller size is useful here because it can get closer to some openings than very large boats.

The timing is worth understanding. Fifteen minutes is enough for photos and a look around, but not enough for a slow exploration. If caves are your main interest, this will feel like an extra highlight rather than the central purpose of the cruise. If your priority is swimming at Blue Lagoon, the brief cave stop adds variety without taking away much time.

The boat then spends roughly another hour cruising. This gives you a chance to sit down, dry off, and watch the coastline change. After several hours around Comino, that quiet stretch can be welcome, especially if you have spent the morning in the water.

St Paul’s Island and the final swim

The last major stop is St Paul’s Island, with about 30 minutes to visit, walk, swim, and take photos. The island is linked to the story of St Paul, and you can walk up toward the well-known statue. The stop gives the day a historical note after the bright water and caves of Comino.

Thirty minutes is short, so choose your priority before you leave the boat. You may have time for a quick swim and a look at the statue, but you probably will not want to attempt an ambitious walk and a long swim. I would use this stop for one clear aim, either a final dip or a brief visit toward the statue.

The water beside St Paul’s Island provides a different kind of swimming experience from Blue Lagoon. It is the closing chance to get into the sea before the boat returns to Bugibba, and the setting connects the pleasure of swimming with one of Malta’s better-known historical places.

The final sightseeing cruise lasts around 10 minutes before you arrive back at L-Menqa. The return is straightforward, with the same meeting point serving as the end of the activity.

What the boat experience is really like

The strongest feature here is the atmosphere. The crew is described as friendly, welcoming, polite, and punctual, with a captain and deckhand who make an effort to keep the day comfortable. The music adds energy without turning the trip into a loud party cruise.

The boat also appears to have a useful balance of space and capacity. It is small enough to offer a more personal feel and to approach caves closely, yet it has enough room for shaded seating. You should not expect a private charter, but you may find it less crowded than larger vessels operating in the same waters.

The clean toilet is another practical plus. It may sound minor, but on a full day at sea it can make a real difference. Free Wi-Fi is included, although your best memories will probably come from looking up from your phone at the coastline.

The English-speaking guide and commentary suit most international visitors. If you do not speak English, there is no indication that another language is offered, so keep that in mind when choosing this cruise.

Is $28 good value for a full day?

At $28 per person, this is an inexpensive way to combine transport, coastal sightseeing, swimming time, caves, and St Paul’s Island in one day. You are not paying separately for a boat transfer to Comino, a coastal cruise, and a return journey. The amount of time at Blue Lagoon makes the price especially appealing if swimming is your priority.

The value is less obvious if you want a quiet or private experience. The price buys a shared boat excursion, not a secluded cove or custom route. Food and drinks are extra, and you also need to arrange the free Comino entry ticket yourself.

I would compare this cruise with what you would otherwise spend reaching Comino and finding your way between the coast, caves, and St Paul’s Island. The Mermaid covers a lot of water in one day and adds the convenience of a crew, commentary, toilet, and return to Bugibba.

The free cancellation option, available up to 24 hours before departure, is useful because the captain may alter or cancel the trip for weather reasons. You can also reserve now and pay later, which helps if you are still arranging your Malta schedule.

Who will enjoy this cruise most?

I would recommend it to confident swimmers, families with older children, couples, and anyone who wants a full day on the water without paying private-boat prices. The long Blue Lagoon stop gives you room to set your own pace, and the jumping option adds fun for people who like a little action.

It also suits anyone who prefers a friendly, informal boat atmosphere. The music, shaded seating, and approachable crew make the day feel relaxed rather than stiff or heavily programmed.

You may want a different option if you have limited mobility. The activity is specifically not suitable for people with mobility impairments, and the mix of boat access, swimming, walking, and short shore visits may be difficult.

It may also disappoint you if your main goal is solitude. The Blue Lagoon is a popular place, and the cruise is designed to show you several highlights rather than keep you in one secluded bay.

What to bring for a smoother day

Wear swimwear under your clothes and bring a towel, sun hat, and plenty of sunscreen. You should also carry cash for food and drinks, since those are not included.

Your phone or camera will be useful at the caves, along the coast, and near St Paul’s statue. Protect it from splashes, especially if you plan to jump from the boat or spend much of the day near the water.

Arrange your Comino entry ticket before the morning of the cruise. It is free, but it is still required. Checking the weather is wise as well, since the captain can change the plan when sea conditions are unsuitable.

Should you book the Mermaid cruise?

Book it if you want a good-value full day on the sea, with a long swim at Blue Lagoon, a short cave visit, and a final stop at St Paul’s Island. The friendly crew, manageable boat size, open shade, clean toilet, and relaxed music give it more comfort than the low price might suggest.

Think twice if you want an uncrowded lagoon, a private boat, or a serious cave expedition. The best reason to choose this trip is its broad mix of Malta’s coastal sights and generous swimming time, not luxury or solitude. For $28, that is a fair trade, especially if you bring your own water and snacks, arrange your Comino permit in advance, and choose a day with favorable weather.

FAQ

How long does the Malta cruise last?

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

Where does the cruise begin and end?

The cruise begins and ends at L-Menqa in Bugibba. Look for the small red, white, and blue boat called The Mermaid.

How much time is spent at Blue Lagoon?

You spend about three and a half hours at Blue Lagoon. This time can be used for swimming, snorkeling, walking, and lunch.

Do I need a ticket for Comino’s Blue Lagoon?

Yes. You must sign up for a free entry ticket through the Maltese Government website before accessing Comino’s Blue Lagoon.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not included, though they are available for purchase onboard. Bring cash, and consider carrying snacks because onboard food options may be limited.

Is there a toilet on the boat?

Yes. The Mermaid has onboard toilet facilities.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The captain can cancel or alter the trip according to weather conditions. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund under the stated cancellation terms.