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

Malta’s best blue-water day starts at Bugibba. This 330-minute cruise aboard the blue, white, and red Mermaid packs Comino, the Blue Lagoon, Gozo, Santa Maria Caves, and Elephant Rock into one easy outing. I love the small-boat feel and the friendly crew, who keep the day relaxed while explaining what you are seeing. The price, $29 per person, is also hard to beat for this much coastline.

I also like the mix of swimming, island time, and scenic cruising. You get an hour at Comino and two hours on Gozo, plus cave views and another chance to swim. 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 effort.

Key points to know before you book

• The Mermaid is a smaller boat: Many people prefer its calmer, less packed feel to the largest excursion boats.
• Blue Lagoon time is limited to one hour: Arrive ready to swim, and keep your belongings organized.
• Gozo gets two hours: You can walk near the harbor or pay about €6 for a transfer to Victoria.
• The crew earns strong praise: The captain and assistant are friendly, clear about timings, and happy to point out photo stops.
• Caves depend on the sea: Santa Maria Caves and other formations may be viewed from the boat or entered only when conditions allow.
• Bring cash and sun protection: Drinks and food cost extra, and snorkeling gear requires a €10 cash deposit.

Why this $29 boat trip offers good value

At $29, this is one of the cheaper ways to see several of Malta’s best-known coastal sights in one day. You are not paying for a polished luxury cruise. You are paying for transport by sea, crew commentary in English, toilet access, swimming stops, and time on both Comino and Gozo.

That matters if you have only a few days in Malta. Reaching the islands independently means arranging separate ferries, finding your way around, and keeping track of several schedules. Here, the boat handles the long stretches while you sit back and watch the cliffs and coves pass by.

The value is strongest for people who want a broad taste of the islands. You will see a lot, but you will not explore each place at a slow pace. If you want two quiet hours beside the Blue Lagoon or a full afternoon in Victoria, this is not that kind of trip.

Meeting the Mermaid at Bugibba Jetty

Boarding takes place at Bugibba Jetty in St Paul’s Bay. Look for the Mermaid, a boat painted blue, white, and red. Boarding begins 30 minutes before departure, and the boat closes boarding 10 minutes before the scheduled start, so arriving early is important.

The crew is made up of a captain and assistant. Their strongest role is practical: they explain how long you have at each stop, when to return, and what you can do at each location. Several people also enjoyed the running commentary and the captain’s help with good photo views.

The boat has toilets and drinks available for purchase. Food is not included, so you should bring lunch or buy something during your stop. A few people particularly liked the inexpensive drinks and small touches such as complimentary pineapple.

The boat is smaller than many of the large vessels heading toward Comino. That can make the ride feel friendlier and less crowded, though deck space is not unlimited. In busy periods, some seats may feel close together, and a few people found the outdoor space tight.

The first hour at sea: Malta’s coast from the water

The opening cruise lasts about an hour. This is not dead travel time. It is your first chance to see the Maltese coast from a low position on the water, with rock faces, openings in the cliffs, and changing views of the shore.

The captain provides live commentary in English. You should listen for the points of interest called out along the route, including unusual rock shapes and coastal formations. The boat may enter caves when the sea and weather permit, but cave access is never guaranteed.

This first stretch is also a good time to settle in. Put on sunscreen, check where your bag is stored, and keep your swimwear ready. There is no need to rush for the front of the boat, though the front can be a pleasant place to sit if you want open views and a little sun.

Blue Lagoon: beautiful water, limited time

The Blue Lagoon is the star of the trip. The water is clear and intensely blue, and you get about one hour for a photo stop, a walk, swimming, and snorkeling. For many people, this is the most memorable part of the day.

The practical catch is the clock. One hour sounds reasonable until you factor in getting off the boat, finding a place for your belongings, walking over uneven rocky ground, and reaching the water. In the busiest periods, the shore can be so crowded that your actual swim becomes brief.

I suggest treating the stop as a focused swim rather than a long beach session. Wear your swimsuit under your clothes, keep your towel and sunscreen easy to reach, and avoid spending too long looking for the perfect place to sit. If you want to snorkel, bring your own mask if possible. Equipment can be rented on board, but it requires a €10 cash security deposit.

The Comino entry ticket is free, but you must register through the Maltese Government website at blcomino.com before visiting. This is an easy detail to miss, so handle it before departure rather than trying to sort it out at the shore.

Getting off the boat can involve rocky terrain. If you have trouble walking on uneven surfaces or need step-free access, this tour is not suitable. The operator specifically lists people with mobility impairments as unsuitable for the trip.

Gozo for two hours: choose your priorities

After Comino, the boat cruises for about 15 minutes toward Gozo. You have two hours on the island, which is a useful amount of time but not enough to see Gozo in depth.

You can stay near the landing area, walk around, eat, and enjoy the harbor atmosphere. This is the simplest choice, especially if you want a slower break after swimming. Food and drinks are not included, so this is a sensible point to buy lunch if you did not bring your own.

A popular option is paying about €6 for a direct minibus transfer to Victoria, Gozo’s capital. The extra service is not included in the tour price, but it can save you the trouble of arranging your own transport. You may have time for a short walk and a meal near the central square before returning to the boat.

The tradeoff is clear. The transfer lets you see more of Gozo, but it uses part of your two-hour stop. If your priority is swimming and resting, stay near the coast. If your priority is seeing a little of Gozo beyond the waterfront, the Victoria bus is worth considering.

Several people wished they had more than two hours here. That is fair. Gozo deserves a longer visit if you want to explore its towns properly. On this cruise, think of Gozo as a well-chosen introduction, not a complete island tour.

A second swimming chance and the return route

After Gozo, the schedule includes another swimming and snorkeling opportunity. The exact feel of this stop depends on sea conditions and the day’s timing, but it breaks up the return journey nicely.

This is where the smaller boat can be an advantage. You are not simply being dropped at one famous site and rushed straight home. You get another chance to enter the water, sit in the sun, or relax on board while the crew manages the route.

Bring cash for drinks and any rental equipment. A sun hat, sunscreen, and swimwear are essential. Malta’s sun can be strong even when the boat ride feels cool because of the wind.

Santa Maria Caves and Elephant Rock

The boat then spends about 15 minutes around Santa Maria Caves. You may pass by, stop for photographs, and, if sea conditions are right, enter or approach the caves. The water around these rock formations is a major part of the appeal, especially when sunlight reaches the openings.

Do not treat cave entry as a promise. The captain can alter this part of the route if wind or waves make it unsafe. That flexibility is sensible, though it means the precise sightseeing pattern can change.

The boat also passes Elephant Rock, an unusual rock formation that the crew points out from the water. It is a quick photo opportunity rather than a landing, so keep your camera ready and listen for the explanation before the boat moves on.

The final cruise back to Bugibba takes about 50 minutes. After a day of swimming and island walking, this is a good time to dry off, enjoy the views, and let the crew finish the commentary.

What the crew does well

The crew is one of the strongest reasons to choose this trip. People repeatedly praised the captain and assistant for being friendly, polite, helpful, and clear about the schedule. That may sound basic, but on a boat tour it makes a real difference.

You need to know exactly when to return to the boat. The crew gives clear pickup instructions and explains what is available at each stop. The captain also points out sights along the coast and helps create photo opportunities without turning the ride into a nonstop lecture.

The tone seems relaxed rather than formal. Drinks are sold on board at reasonable prices, and small extras such as fruit have made the trip feel welcoming. If you prefer a quiet cruise with some useful commentary, this balance works well.

The tour is conducted in English only. If you need guiding in another language, this is not the right choice.

Crowds, comfort, and the best season

The Blue Lagoon is beautiful, but its popularity is no secret. In summer, the shore can be crowded, and finding a comfortable place to leave your things may take time. The water remains the main attraction, but you should not expect a quiet private cove.

The smaller boat helps somewhat because it does not feel as packed as some larger boats. Still, the deck can be close around busy dates, and outdoor seating is limited for the number of people on board.

The excursion runs in changing weather conditions. The captain can cancel or alter the route if the sea is rough. Cave entry is also weather-dependent. This is not a flaw in the tour, but it is part of booking any boat trip around Malta.

Late spring and early autumn may offer a more comfortable balance of warm weather and manageable crowds, though the exact conditions vary. Summer gives you the best chance of warm swimming, but it also brings the busiest Blue Lagoon experience.

Who should book this cruise?

This tour suits you if you want to see Comino and Gozo without arranging several separate trips. It is especially useful for a first visit to Malta, a short stay, or a day when you want swimming, scenery, and a little island sightseeing in one package.

It also works well for people who enjoy a relaxed boat ride more than a formal guided tour. You get commentary, but the day leaves room to swim, sit in the sun, buy a drink, and explore at your own pace.

You may want another option if you need step-free access, dislike uneven shore landings, or want long, unhurried time at every stop. The one-hour Blue Lagoon visit is the biggest limitation, and Gozo’s two hours will feel brief if you want to see much of the island.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. That is useful when your Malta plans depend on weather, but remember that late arrivals are not refunded because the boat cannot wait.

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 time, and the boat cannot wait for late arrivals.

How long is the tour?

The stated duration is 330 minutes, or about five and a half hours. The route includes cruising, one hour at Comino, two hours at Gozo, and sightseeing around Santa Maria Caves and Elephant Rock.

Is food included?

No. Food and drinks are not included, but they are available for purchase. You can also bring cash and buy food during the Gozo stop.

Do I need a ticket for Comino?

Yes. You must register through the Maltese Government website at blcomino.com to receive an entry ticket. The ticket is free.

Can I rent snorkeling equipment?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is available to rent on board. A €10 security deposit in cash is required.

Is the tour suitable for people with mobility impairments?

No. The tour is listed as unsuitable for people with mobility impairments, and getting off at the Blue Lagoon may involve rocky terrain. Cave access also depends on sea conditions.

Should you book the Mermaid cruise?

I would book this trip if I wanted a good-value introduction to Malta’s northern islands and coast. The crew is friendly, the boat is smaller than many competing options, and the route gives you Comino, Gozo, caves, swimming, and coastal views for $29.

Go in with the right expectations. You are sampling several places, not spending a full day at one beach or exploring all of Gozo. Arrive early, register for the free Comino ticket, bring cash, and prepare for a short but busy Blue Lagoon stop. If that sounds like your kind of day on the water, the Mermaid offers a practical and enjoyable choice.