St Pauls: Gozo & Comino Islands, Blue Lagoon & Seacaves Tour

Blue water, old boats, and three islands. This full-day cruise packs Malta’s best-known sea stops into one useful outing, from the Blue Lagoon and Comino caves to Gozo’s Mgarr Harbour and St Paul’s Islands. I especially like the chance to swim straight from the boat and the use of a traditional Maltese schooner, rather than a plain modern ferry. The main drawback is the tight schedule: Gozo gets only two hours, and the Blue Lagoon can feel brief when you also want time on land.

The crew earns much of the praise here. Captain Matthew and his fellow crew member are described as professional, relaxed, and happy to give people freedom at each stop. I also like the low $34 price, which covers a full day on the water, though lunch, transport to the jetty, snorkel hire, and the required Comino entry ticket cost extra or need separate planning.

The details that shape your day

• Board the red, white, and blue Mermaid boat: Find the traditional wooden vessel at L-Menqa Jetty, with boarding from 9:30 to 9:50 a.m.
• Swim at the Blue Lagoon: You get about one to one and a half hours at Comino, with the option to swim from the docked boat or walk ashore.
• Spend two hours in Gozo: Use the time at Mgarr Harbour for a meal, shopping, a walk, or a quick trip toward Victoria and the Cittadella.
• See the Santa Maria Caves: The cave passage is included at no extra charge, but it depends on sea and weather conditions.
• Finish at St Paul’s Islands: Take a final swim, walk near the statue of St Paul, or enjoy a quiet half-hour on the uninhabited island.
• Plan for extras: Bring cash for food and drinks, a snorkel deposit, and any other purchases. You must also obtain the free Comino entry ticket online before arrival.

Setting sail from Bugibba at 10 a.m.

The day begins at Mermaid Cruises, at L-Menqa Jetty near Bugibba. Look for the red, white, and blue wooden boat named Mermaid. Boarding begins at 9:30 a.m. and closes at 9:50, so I would not cut this close. The boat leaves at 10 a.m. sharp, and there is no suggestion that late arrivals can simply catch up at the next stop.

Transport to the jetty is not included. You need to arrange your own way there, which matters if you are staying elsewhere in Malta or relying on a connection with a tight timetable. The meeting instructions are simple, but allow enough time to identify the boat and board without a rushed start.

Once underway, the first hour is a sightseeing cruise toward Comino. This gives you a useful view of the Maltese coast from the water and lets the day begin at an easy pace. A boat trip is not only transport here. The route itself is part of the experience, especially if you enjoy open water, sea cliffs, and the changing view of the islands.

The traditional schooner is one of the more distinctive features. You are not simply being moved from one dock to another on a standard passenger ferry. The wooden boat gives the outing a local character, although anyone prone to seasickness should think carefully before booking. The tour is also not suitable for people with back problems.

Making the most of the Blue Lagoon

The first major stop is the Blue Lagoon on Comino. The water is famously clear, and this is the point in the day when you can swim, snorkel, jump from the boat, or walk around the island. The boat remains docked in Comino, so you have more choice than you would on a short photo stop.

The stated schedule gives you roughly one to one and a half hours here. That is enough for a proper swim and a quick look around, but it is not a whole morning. If your main reason for booking is the Blue Lagoon, you should treat the time as a taste rather than an extended beach day.

I like the fact that you can enter the water directly from the boat. It saves time and gives confident swimmers a simple way to enjoy the lagoon. You can also explore Comino on foot, which suits you if you would rather stay dry for part of the stop.

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, a hat, water, and a secure place for cash. The boat has a snack bar and toilets, useful comforts during a long day at sea. Lunch is not included, and you should not expect a full meal to appear at the lagoon.

There is one important administrative step. You must sign up through the Maltese Government website to obtain the free entry ticket for the Blue Lagoon area. The required site is blcomino.com/product/blue-lagoon/. Do this before the morning of the cruise. A free ticket is still a ticket, and overlooking it could spoil the smooth start you paid for.

Snorkel equipment is not included. The activity information says there is an opportunity to snorkel with a 10 EUR cash deposit, of which 5 EUR is returned. That means you should carry cash and confirm the arrangement with the crew before taking equipment. You are also welcome to bring your own snorkel if you prefer.

Two hours at Gozo’s Mgarr Harbour

After Comino, the boat heads to Mgarr Harbour on Gozo. You have two hours here, making this the longest land stop of the day. It is also your best chance to get a small taste of Gozitan life rather than seeing the island only from offshore.

Mgarr Harbour has bars and restaurants, so you can stop for lunch without arranging a meal in advance. You can also shop, walk, or look around the harbor before returning to the boat. Since lunch is not included, this is the natural place to spend some of your food budget.

The other option is to take a bus toward Victoria, Gozo’s capital, and see the Cittadella. That sounds appealing, but the clock matters. Two hours can disappear quickly once you include the journey in both directions, waiting time, and a visit. I would choose this only if seeing Victoria is more important to you than a relaxed harbor stop.

The Cittadella offers a stronger sense of Gozo than a quick meal by the water, but this cruise is not designed as a full Gozo tour. You cannot cover the island properly in two hours. If your priority is local food, a harbor walk, and a short break from the boat, stay near Mgarr. If you already know Gozo is your main interest, book a separate land tour instead.

The schedule also means you need to watch the time yourself. The boat will be waiting back at the harbor, but the day continues on a fixed route. I would return early rather than trying to squeeze in one last shop or view.

Caves, cliffs, and the Comino Channel

Back on board, the cruise passes through the Comino Channel and heads toward the sea caves. Santa Maria Caves are listed as a photo stop and scenic passage of about 15 minutes. The caves are included in the cruise price, so there is no separate charge for this part.

This is a short stop, but it adds variety after the Blue Lagoon and Gozo. Instead of spending the entire day in one swimming area, you get a moving view of the rock formations and water around Comino. Keep your camera ready, since the boat may pass through or near the caves rather than giving you a long walk inside them.

Cave viewing depends on weather and sea conditions. That is worth taking seriously in Malta, where a calm morning does not guarantee identical conditions later in the day. If the crew cannot safely approach the caves, the route may change.

I appreciate that the operator does not charge extra for this sightseeing section. It is part of the full-day cruise, not an optional add-on sold once you are already on board. Still, you should see it as a scenic bonus rather than the central reason to book.

A final swim at St Paul’s Islands

The last substantial stop is St Paul’s Islands, a historical pair of islands linked with the story of St Paul. The tour allows about 30 minutes on the island itself, with a longer period of sightseeing in the surrounding area. You can swim once more, walk around, take photographs, or see the statue of St Paul.

This ending has a different mood from the Blue Lagoon. Comino is the famous swimming stop, while St Paul’s Islands offer a quieter final pause and a little historical context. The island has no inhabitants, so the stop feels more secluded than a harbor visit.

Half an hour is enough for a quick walk and swim, but not for a long exploration. I would use it as a final chance to cool off and enjoy the open setting before the return cruise. If you have spent the day swimming, this is also a good place simply to stand, take in the view, and let the boat day wind down.

After the stop, the boat returns to the jetty. The stated return time is 5 p.m., making the total outing about seven hours. That is a full day, so bring enough water and do not rely only on the snack bar.

How much value do you get for $34?

At $34 per person, this is strong value if you want to see several major Maltese sea sights in one day. The price includes the full-day cruise, the Blue Lagoon stop, Gozo’s Mgarr Harbour, St Paul’s Islands, and the sea-cave viewing when conditions allow. You also get toilets and a snack bar on board, which makes the long schedule more comfortable.

The price is less of a bargain if you expect a guided Gozo tour, lunch, snorkel gear, and hotel transport. None of those are included. The Comino access ticket is free, but you still need to arrange it yourself through the official website.

I would compare the cost with what you would spend arranging separate boat transport and island visits. The cruise is particularly useful if you want a simple route with no need to coordinate separate crossings between Comino, Gozo, and St Paul’s Islands.

The strongest value comes from the range of stops. You get swimming, a harbor visit, cave views, historical scenery, and a traditional boat ride in one day. The trade-off is limited time at each place. This is a sampler of northern Malta’s islands, not a slow, in-depth visit.

What the crew adds to the experience

The human side of the cruise matters. The crew receives especially warm praise, and Captain Matthew is singled out as professional and relaxed. That combination is valuable on a day with several moving parts, because you want clear timing without feeling hurried every minute.

The crew also appears to give people freedom at each stop. You can choose to swim, snorkel, jump from the boat, walk, eat, shop, or simply stay aboard. That flexible approach suits mixed groups, especially when one person wants the water and another prefers dry land.

A friendly crew cannot change the weather or extend the two-hour Gozo stop. Still, good handling and a calm manner make a difference on a full day at sea. I would book this for the crew style as much as for the route if you prefer an informal outing over a tightly scripted tour.

The live guide service is in English. No other language is listed, so English speakers will get the clearest experience.

Who should book this cruise?

I think this works best for you if:

• You want to combine Comino, Gozo, and St Paul’s Islands in one day.
• Swimming and boat views matter more to you than long museum visits.
• You like a flexible schedule with several choices at each stop.
• You are comfortable spending most of the day on a boat.
• You want a low-cost introduction to Malta’s northern islands.

Families and groups with different interests may appreciate the range of options, provided everyone can manage the boat setting and water activities. Confident swimmers will get the most from the Blue Lagoon and St Paul’s stops, while non-swimmers can walk, take photographs, or remain on board.

I would not choose it if you are prone to seasickness, have back problems, or want a quiet, slow visit to Gozo. The boat ride is long, and the stops are fixed. I would also avoid booking it as your only Gozo experience if the Cittadella and Gozitan culture are your main goals.

Cancellation is flexible up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later. Those terms help if your Malta plans depend on weather, though cave viewing and water conditions remain outside the operator’s control.

Practical tips for a smoother day

Arrive before 9:30 a.m., not just before the 10 a.m. departure. Boarding closes at 9:50, and the boat leaves on time.

Bring cash. You may want food from the snack bar, lunch at Mgarr Harbour, and snorkel equipment. The snorkel arrangement requires a 10 EUR cash deposit, with 5 EUR returned.

Pack a towel, swimwear, sunscreen, a hat, water, and snacks. A dry bag or sealed pouch would also be sensible for valuables, though one is not specifically provided.

Wear something comfortable for walking around Gozo and St Paul’s Islands. You should also expect sun and exposure on the water, so do not rely on shade.

Obtain the free Blue Lagoon access ticket online before you go. This is the most important preparation beyond reaching the jetty.

Finally, follow the no-littering rule. On a small island and a shared boat, keeping the water and shore clean is part of being a decent visitor.

Should you book the Mermaid cruise?

Book it if you want an affordable, busy day that combines Malta’s most famous swimming stop with a short visit to Gozo and a final stop at St Paul’s Islands. The traditional wooden Mermaid boat, flexible crew, and good range of included sights give the $34 fare real value.

Skip it if you want a full day on Gozo, dislike fixed departure times, or feel unwell on boats. For most people who want a first look at Malta’s islands, I would book it, prepare the Comino ticket in advance, and accept that the day is a sampler rather than a deep visit.

FAQ

Where does the cruise begin and end?

The cruise begins and ends at Mermaid Cruises at L-Menqa Jetty. Look for the red, white, and blue wooden boat named Mermaid.

What time should I arrive?

Boarding begins at 9:30 a.m. and closes at 9:50 a.m. The boat departs at 10 a.m. sharp and returns to the jetty at about 5 p.m.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included, but you can buy food and drinks from the onboard snack bar or eat at one of the bars and restaurants at Mgarr Harbour in Gozo.

Is snorkel equipment provided?

Snorkels are not included in the price. Snorkel use is available with a 10 EUR cash deposit, and 5 EUR is returned.

Do I need a ticket for the Blue Lagoon?

Yes. You must sign up on the Maltese Government website to obtain the free Comino entry ticket. The listed website is blcomino.com/product/blue-lagoon/.

Are the sea caves always included?

The sea-cave viewing has no extra charge, but visiting the caves depends on weather and sea conditions.

Is the cruise suitable for people with seasickness or back problems?

No. The activity is listed as unsuitable for people prone to seasickness and people with back problems.