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

The best part of this Malta boat trip is the variety. In one outing, you can swim at the Blue Lagoon, walk around Gozo, cruise past sea caves, and spot rock formations such as Elephant Rock. It is a lot of coastline for $29.

I like the small Mermaid boat, which feels less packed than the larger vessels gathered around Comino. I also like the crew’s clear timing and friendly approach. They explain when to return, point out sights along the coast, and keep the day moving without filling every minute with talk.

The main drawback is time. One hour at the Blue Lagoon can feel short, especially when the shore is crowded and getting off the boat takes care. Gozo gets two hours, but that is enough for a quick visit, not a proper island tour.

Key points to know before boarding

• The Mermaid leaves from Bugibba Jetty: Look for the blue, white, and red boat, and arrive at least 30 minutes before departure.
• The Blue Lagoon stop lasts one hour: Bring swimwear and be ready to move quickly if you want time in the water.
• Gozo gets two hours: You can stay near the harbor or pay about €6 for a minibus transfer toward Victoria.
• Swimming gear is extra: Masks can be rented onboard, with a €10 cash security deposit.
• Caves depend on the sea: Santa Maria Caves and other formations may be viewed from the boat or entered only when conditions allow.
• The boat is English-only: Commentary is live, and toilets are available onboard.

A good-value way to see three Maltese islands

At $29 per person, this is one of the cheaper ways to combine Comino, Gozo, and Malta’s northern coast in one day. You are not paying for a luxury yacht or a private guide. You are paying for transport by sea, a captain and crew, commentary in English, and planned stops where you can swim and walk ashore.

That distinction matters. The trip works best if you want a broad taste of the islands rather than a slow, detailed visit to each one. You see a lot, but you do not get long, unhurried hours at every stop.

The boat has toilets, drinks are available for purchase, and the crew may offer small extras such as fruit. Drinks have been described as reasonably priced, which helps since food and beverages are not included. Still, pack a lunch if you want to protect your swimming and sightseeing time. Buying food during a short stop can eat into the day.

The crew is one of the strongest parts of the experience. Captains and deckhands explain the pickup times clearly, help with practical questions, and point out coastal sights. Names noted on some departures include Matthew and Roppy, but the exact crew can change.

Starting at Bugibba Jetty on the Mermaid

Your meeting point is Bugibba Jetty in St Paul’s Bay. Look for the blue, white, and red Mermaid. Boarding begins 30 minutes before departure, and the boat closes boarding 10 minutes before the scheduled start.

Do not cut this close. The boat cannot wait for late arrivals, and no refund is given if you miss departure. The jetty can also be busy, so allowing extra time gives you a calmer start and a better chance of choosing a comfortable place onboard.

The boat is smaller than many of the large excursion vessels serving Comino. That is good for the mood and often means a friendlier, more personal feel. The tradeoff is limited outdoor room. Deck chairs can be close together, particularly when the boat is full.

If you like sitting in the sun, the front area can be a pleasant place to watch the water and let your feet hang near the side when conditions are calm. If you prefer shade or easy movement, arrive early and check the available seating before settling in.

The first hour: Malta’s coast by boat

The outward cruise is not just transport. It gives you a long look at Malta’s rocky northern coast and lets you see the shoreline from the water rather than from a road.

The captain points out rock shapes, inlets, and coastal features as the Mermaid heads toward Comino. You may pass openings in the cliffs and approach caves when the sea is calm enough. The views are best enjoyed from outside, so keep your camera handy, but protect it from spray.

This first sightseeing stretch lasts about an hour. It sets up the day well because you get a feel for Malta’s pale stone coast before reaching the famous water around Comino.

The commentary is in English only. It is aimed at keeping you informed without turning the cruise into a lecture. You will also get practical instructions about how long you have at each stop, which is important on a schedule this tight.

Blue Lagoon: beautiful water, limited time

The Blue Lagoon is the headline stop. The water is famously clear, and swimming or snorkeling here is the main reason many people book the trip.

You get about one hour at Comino. That includes disembarking, finding a place for your belongings, walking over uneven ground, and getting back to the boat on time. In the busiest months, the practical swimming time can be much less than 60 minutes.

Getting off may involve rocky terrain, so wear secure sandals or water shoes if you have them. This is not a smooth marina platform. If you have trouble walking over uneven ground, the stop may be difficult, and the activity is not suitable for people with mobility impairments.

The required Comino entry ticket is free, but you must register through the Maltese Government website at blcomino.com. Handle this before the trip rather than trying to sort it out at the shore.

The best strategy is simple:

• Wear your swimwear under your clothes.
• Keep your towel, mask, and sun protection easy to reach.
• Bring only what you need ashore.
• Do not spend the entire stop searching for the perfect patch of ground.
• Return to the boat early enough to avoid a rushed climb aboard.

You can rent snorkeling equipment onboard. The security deposit is €10 in cash, so bring cash even if you plan to use your own mask. Strong swimmers may reach areas near the cave formations, but stay within your comfort level and follow the crew’s instructions.

The Blue Lagoon is lovely, but it is not a quiet beach stop in summer. Boats, swimmers, and day visitors gather in the same small area. You get striking water and a fun swim, but not much peace. If your main goal is to spend several hours at the lagoon, book a tour built around that single site instead.

Two hours on Gozo

After Comino, the boat continues to Gozo. This stop lasts about two hours, giving you more time ashore than at the Blue Lagoon.

Gozo has a slower feel than the main island, but this excursion only gives you a short introduction. You can walk around near the harbor, find a drink or meal, and enjoy the island setting. You can also arrange a minibus transfer toward Victoria, Gozo’s capital, for about €6 per person.

The minibus is worth considering if you want to see more than the immediate waterfront. It removes the hassle of arranging your own transport and makes the most of a short stop. The price is not included, so decide onboard or when you reach Gozo.

The catch is that two hours disappears quickly. A transfer to Victoria, a short walk, and time for food can leave little room for wandering. You will get a useful sample of Gozo, not a complete visit.

If Gozo is your priority, stay on the island longer and return independently. Some people choose to remain in Gozo and take a later ferry back, but that is not part of the included return plan. For this boat trip, you are expected to return to the Mermaid at the stated time.

The second swim and the return along the coast

After Gozo, the schedule includes another swimming and snorkeling opportunity. The exact stop can depend on sea and weather conditions, so do not assume it will be identical on every departure.

This later swim is a useful balance to the busy Blue Lagoon. If you felt rushed at Comino, you may appreciate having another chance to get into the water without trying to fit all your swimming into the first stop.

The Mermaid then passes the Santa Maria Caves. When conditions allow, the boat may enter or approach the caves. Otherwise, you will see them from the water and enjoy the surrounding rock formations.

The caves are a strong photo stop, with dark openings, pale stone, and bright water around the rocks. Still, cave access is not guaranteed. The captain can alter the route for safety, and rough water may prevent the boat from entering.

The cruise also passes Elephant Rock, a distinctive formation shaped like an elephant drinking from the sea. It is a quick sight rather than a long stop, so keep your camera ready. The return cruise to Bugibba takes about 50 minutes, giving you time to sit back after the swimming and walking.

Food, drinks, gear, and what to pack

Food and drinks are not included, but you can buy drinks on the boat. Several departures have been praised for reasonably priced beverages, and small treats such as pineapple have also appeared onboard.

I would still pack lunch or snacks. Gozo gives you a chance to buy food, but a meal can take up much of a two-hour stop. A packed lunch lets you spend more time walking or sitting by the water.

Bring:

• Sun hat
• Sunscreen
• Swimwear
• Towel
• Cash
• Water shoes or secure sandals
• Your own snorkeling mask, if you have one

Cash matters for the €10 snorkeling deposit and the optional Gozo minibus. Sunscreen matters even on a breezy boat. The sea air can make the heat feel gentler than it is.

The boat has toilets, but do not expect the facilities or space of a large ferry. Keep your day bag compact, especially if you want to sit comfortably.

Who will enjoy this trip most

I would choose this tour if I had a few days in Malta and wanted to see the northern islands without arranging several separate outings. It suits people who enjoy being on the water, want time for a swim, and are happy with a quick look at Gozo.

It is also a good match for budget-minded visitors. The price covers several major sights for less than many land-based island excursions, and the smaller boat adds a more relaxed feel.

Families may enjoy the clear structure and friendly crew, but adults should keep an eye on children around rocky entry points and open water. The boat team can help with general guidance, but this is not a private family outing.

I would think twice if you dislike crowds, need long periods ashore, or have mobility limits. The Blue Lagoon can be packed, the shore is uneven, and the timetable leaves little room for delays.

Weather is another key factor. The captain can cancel or change the route when conditions are unsafe. That is sensible, but it means the cave portion and swimming stops are never fully guaranteed.

Should you book the Mermaid cruise?

Book it if you want a low-cost, high-variety day on the water. The crew, clear timing, smaller boat, and mix of swimming, caves, Comino, and Gozo make it a strong choice for a first look at Malta’s northern islands.

Go in with the right plan. Treat the Blue Lagoon as a one-hour swim stop, not a full beach day. Use the Gozo minibus if Victoria matters to you, pack lunch, arrive early, and keep cash ready for equipment or transport.

Skip it if you want deep exploration of Gozo or a quiet stretch of sand at Comino. For everyone else, this is a practical way to fit several of Malta’s best coastal sights into one affordable outing.

FAQ

Where does the boat tour start?

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

How early should I arrive?

Boarding begins 30 minutes before departure. Boarding closes 10 minutes before the scheduled departure, and the boat cannot wait for late arrivals.

How long is the tour?

The advertised duration is 330 minutes. The day includes the cruise from Bugibba, a one-hour Comino stop, a two-hour Gozo stop, swimming, cave sightseeing, and the return to Bugibba.

Is the Blue Lagoon entry ticket included?

The Comino entry ticket is free, but you must register through the Maltese Government website at blcomino.com before visiting the island.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

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

Can I buy food and drinks?

Food and drinks are not included. Drinks and some refreshments are available for purchase onboard, and you can also buy lunch during the Gozo stop.

Is the tour suitable for people with mobility impairments?

No. The activity is not suitable for people with mobility impairments, and getting off at the Blue Lagoon may involve rocky terrain.

Can the route change because of the weather?

Yes. The captain can cancel or alter the trip according to weather and sea conditions. Cave access is also dependent on the conditions.