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

Saltwater, caves, and three islands in one day. This $34 boat trip packs Malta’s best coastal sights into seven hours, with stops for swimming, walking, and photographs at Comino, Gozo, Santa Maria Caves, and St Paul’s Island. I like the smaller Mermaid boat, which can feel more personal than the big party boats, and I like the friendly crew, clear English commentary, and helpful touches such as complimentary fruit.

The main drawback is time. You get only about an hour at the Blue Lagoon, two hours on Gozo, and 30 minutes at St Paul’s Island. That is enough for a taste of each place, but not enough for a relaxed day on Comino or a thorough visit to Victoria. The Blue Lagoon can also be extremely crowded, and cave visits depend on sea and weather conditions.

What makes this Malta boat trip worth considering

• A smaller boat with access to narrow coastal spots: The Mermaid can get closer to caves and rock formations than some larger vessels, and its size is often a real advantage when leaving the harbor.
• Three different island experiences: You swim at Comino, walk on Gozo, and finish with a short stop at St Paul’s Island.
• A strong value at $34: The price covers the boat, crew, English commentary, toilets, and stops at the main sights.
• Useful swimming breaks: You have time to swim or snorkel at the Blue Lagoon and St Paul’s Island, with another possible swim stop depending on conditions.
• Helpful crew and relaxed organization: Crew members such as Matthew and Robbie have received special praise for keeping the day friendly, clear, and on schedule.
• A full day without a complicated plan: You can see a wide stretch of Malta’s coast and nearby islands without arranging separate ferries, transfers, and sightseeing stops.

Starting at Mermaid Cruises in Bugibba

The day begins at Mermaid Cruises in Bugibba, in the St Paul’s Bay area. Look for the blue, white, and red boat named The Mermaid. Boarding runs from 9:30 to 9:50 AM, so you should arrive early rather than treating the final boarding time as a target.

That small detail matters. A boat tour works best when you are settled before departure, especially if you want a good seat. The boat has indoor and outdoor areas, though the amount of outdoor space can feel limited when the boat is full. Several passengers found that sitting toward the front or upstairs gave them a better view and made the ride more enjoyable.

The captain and crew provide live commentary in English as you travel. The information is intended to keep you oriented without turning the whole trip into a lecture. The crew has also been praised for being polite, visible, and ready to help, with Robbie and Matthew singled out by name for their friendly service.

The boat has toilets, drinks are available to buy, and food is not included. Bring cash for purchases, the snorkeling equipment deposit, and any transport you may choose to arrange on Gozo. A few people particularly enjoyed the complimentary fruit, including pineapple, which is a small but welcome touch on a warm day at sea.

The first hour along Malta’s rocky coast

The opening sightseeing cruise lasts about an hour. This is not dead time between attractions. It gives you a broad look at Malta’s coastal scenery, including rock formations and sea caves that are difficult to appreciate from land.

The Mermaid’s smaller size can help here. The boat may be able to approach certain openings and formations more closely than a large ferry, although the exact caves visited depend on the sea. When the water is rough, the captain may alter the route or skip entering a cave for safety.

That flexibility is important. The advertised route includes cave viewing and possible entry, but you should not treat every cave stop as guaranteed. One passenger found that the boat did not enter caves on the day of the trip, while others enjoyed getting close to them. The captain has the final say based on weather and sea conditions.

If you are prone to seasickness, the first cruise is also when you will learn how the boat feels. Sit where you can see the horizon, and keep sunscreen, water, and a hat close by. Malta’s sun is strong, even when a breeze makes the air feel comfortable.

Blue Lagoon: beautiful, famous, and crowded

The Blue Lagoon on Comino is the headline stop. You get roughly an hour for photographs, walking, swimming, and snorkeling. The water is famously clear, and this is the place where you will most likely want to get straight into the sea.

The Blue Lagoon is lovely, but it is not a secret spot. At popular times it can be very busy, with boats, swimmers, and people gathered along the shore. That does not erase the beauty of the water, but it changes the mood. Expect a famous natural attraction rather than a quiet cove.

I would use the stop carefully. If swimming is your priority, change quickly and get into the water early. If you prefer photographs and a short walk, stay alert to the return time because an hour passes fast. You can also snorkel here, but equipment is not included. It can be rented for a €10 cash security deposit.

The Comino entry ticket is free, but you must register through the Maltese Government website to obtain an entry ticket. Do not assume the boat fare alone handles this step. Take a screenshot or otherwise keep the confirmation easy to access before you leave.

You may buy lunch on Comino, but food is not included in the tour. With only around an hour at this stop, a full sit-down meal may leave little time for swimming. If you want both lunch and the water, plan to keep the meal simple.

Some passengers wished they had longer on Comino. The tour does offer a useful choice in practice: you may be able to remain longer and miss Gozo, but that means giving up the second island. For most people booking this particular trip, I would keep Gozo and accept that Comino is a short introduction.

Two hours on Gozo, with time for Victoria

After Comino, the boat makes a short sightseeing cruise before reaching Gozo. The stop lasts about two hours and gives you time to walk, take photographs, and get a quick feel for Gozitian life.

This is the most flexible part of the day. You can stay near the harbor, or arrange transport toward Victoria, Gozo’s main city. Several people paid for a direct transfer from Gozo Harbour to Victoria, with one report noting a €6 per-person bus transfer. That option can save precious time if you want to see the citadel area and have lunch in the square.

You should keep your ambition in check. Two hours is enough for a brisk visit, a meal, and a few sights, but not enough for a leisurely tour of the island. If you spend too long traveling into the center, your walking time shrinks. Still, Gozo adds something the swimming stops cannot: a chance to step ashore and see local streets, buildings, and everyday island life.

I like this balance. The Blue Lagoon gives you Malta’s famous sea views, while Gozo gives the day some cultural and historical texture. One passenger happened to visit during the Feast of the Assumption and found the celebrations especially memorable, but your experience will depend on the date of your visit.

Plan your return to the boat carefully. The crew gives a clear return time and waits for passengers who are making their way back, but you should not use that as an excuse to cut things close. The boat cannot hold the whole schedule for one late lunch.

Santa Maria Caves and the return along Comino

Once you leave Gozo, the boat continues along the coast for another short sightseeing segment before reaching the Santa Maria Caves. This stop lasts about 15 minutes and is mainly for photographs and scenic views from the water.

The caves are one of the trip’s most attractive visual moments. Sunlight, pale rock, and dark openings make good photographs, especially from a low position on the boat. The route may also include views of Crystal Lagoon Caves, depending on conditions and the captain’s judgment.

Do not expect a long cave exploration. Fifteen minutes is a quick scenic stop, and the boat may pass by rather than enter. Wind and waves can make a major difference. On one outing, rough conditions prevented a planned swim near the caves, while on calmer days the smaller boat was able to get closer.

This is a good example of why the tour should be seen as a coastal sampler. You are not booking a dedicated cave expedition. You are getting a moving view of several hard-to-reach formations within a larger day at sea.

St Paul’s Island and the final swim

The final major stop is St Paul’s Island, reached after about an hour of sightseeing cruise. You get around 30 minutes here for photographs, a short walk, and a last swim or snorkeling session.

The statue of St Paul and the nearby church ruins give this stop a historical angle. If you are feeling energetic, walk up to the statue and ruins rather than spending the entire half-hour in the water. The time is tight, so you will probably need to choose between a swim and the short climb.

The stop works well as a finale because it is less about checking off another major island and more about closing the day with one last view and a quick break in the sea. The water may be inviting after hours in the sun, but conditions can change here too.

The name can cause a little confusion. The tour departs from the St Paul’s Bay area, but this stop is St Paul’s Island. They are separate places, so check your meeting instructions carefully and follow the boat’s route rather than relying on the name alone.

After St Paul’s Island, the Mermaid cruises back toward Bugibba. The final ride gives you another 15 minutes of coastal views before returning to the original meeting point.

How the $34 price compares with the experience

At $34 per person, this is a strong-value day if you want several highlights in one outing. The price includes the boat, captain, crew, English commentary, toilets, and stops at Comino and Gozo. You are also getting a full seven-hour program, not a short harbor cruise.

The value comes from combining transport and sightseeing. Booking separate boat trips to Comino, a Gozo crossing, and a coastal cave cruise would take more planning and could cost more. Here, the crew handles the route while you focus on the views and swimming.

There are extra costs to remember:

• Food and drinks are available for purchase but are not included.
• Snorkeling equipment can be rented with a €10 cash security deposit.
• Transport from Gozo Harbour to Victoria costs extra if you choose it.
• The free Comino entry ticket requires online registration through the Maltese Government website.

The price does not buy privacy or unlimited time. The Blue Lagoon is busy, outdoor space can feel short when the boat is full, and Gozo receives only a quick visit. If you want a quiet Comino beach day or a full tour of Victoria, you should arrange a more focused trip instead.

What to bring for a smoother day

Bring a sun hat, swimwear, sunscreen, and cash. Those four items match the practical needs of the outing.

I would also wear footwear that works for both a boat and a short walk on shore. The tour is not suitable for people with mobility impairments, and you should expect movement between the boat, shore, swimming areas, and uneven ground near the island sights.

Keep your phone protected from splashes, especially when the boat approaches caves or leaves the harbor. Pack lightly, since the boat may not have generous personal space. A towel and a refillable water bottle are sensible additions, even though they are not listed as required items.

The crew keeps the schedule moving, so bring only what you can manage quickly. You do not want to spend half of a one-hour swimming stop searching through a large bag.

Who will enjoy Mermaid Cruises most?

I would recommend this trip to you if you have only a few days in Malta and want a broad sample of the islands. It suits people who like being on the water, want time to swim, and are happy with short visits rather than long stays.

It is also a good choice for couples, friends, and families who value simple organization and a moderate price. The crew’s friendly approach and clear instructions help the day feel relaxed. The smaller boat is especially appealing if you dislike the feel of a large ferry.

You may want a different plan if your main goal is a quiet Blue Lagoon experience. You should also look elsewhere if you want extensive sightseeing on Gozo, a long cave visit, or plenty of open deck space. The schedule covers a lot, but it does so at a brisk pace.

Weather matters more than usual on a boat trip. The captain may cancel or alter the route when conditions are unsafe, and caves or swimming stops may change. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later, which helps if your Malta plans are still moving around.

Should you book this boat tour?

Book Mermaid Cruises if you want excellent coverage for a modest price: Comino, the Blue Lagoon, Gozo, coastal caves, and St Paul’s Island in a single seven-hour day. The crew, smaller boat, clear commentary, and well-paced stops are the strongest reasons to choose it.

Skip it if you need a slow, in-depth island visit. The Blue Lagoon will likely be crowded, Gozo is brief, and the caves depend on the sea. For a first look at Malta from the water, though, this is an efficient and enjoyable choice. Just arrive before the 9:50 AM boarding cutoff, register for the free Comino ticket, bring cash, and accept that you cannot see everything in one day.

FAQ

Where does the boat tour start?

The tour starts at Mermaid Cruises in Bugibba, in the St Paul’s Bay area. Look for the blue, white, and red boat named The Mermaid.

What time does boarding take place?

Boarding begins at 9:30 AM and closes at 9:50 AM. You should arrive early enough to board before the closing time.

How long is the tour?

The boat trip lasts about seven hours. The day begins and ends at the Mermaid Cruises meeting point.

Is the Blue Lagoon included?

Yes. The tour stops at the Blue Lagoon on Comino for sightseeing, walking, swimming, and snorkeling. You need to register through the Maltese Government website for a free Comino entry ticket.

Is food included?

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

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

No. Snorkeling equipment can be rented, with a €10 security deposit required in cash.

Can the cave stops or route change?

Yes. The captain may change or cancel parts of the trip because of weather and sea conditions. Caves that are viewed or entered, along with swimming stops, depend on those conditions.