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

The best part of this $29 boat trip is how much Maltese coastline you see in one outing. From Bugibba, the blue-and-white-red Mermaid cruises past sea caves and rock formations, stops for swimming at Comino’s Blue Lagoon, then gives you two hours on Gozo before returning by way of Santa Maria Caves and Elephant Rock.

I like the small-boat feel, the clear timing from the friendly captain and crew, and the cheap drinks sold onboard. The early arrival at the Blue Lagoon can also help you beat some of the crowds. The tradeoff is time: one hour at Comino goes quickly, and two hours on Gozo is enough for a taste, not a proper island visit.

Key points to know before you book

• Blue Lagoon stop: One hour for swimming, snorkeling, walking, and photos at Comino.
• Gozo time: Two hours ashore, with an optional paid minibus transfer to Victoria reported at about €6.
• Small Mermaid boat: Usually feels less crowded than the largest cruise boats, though deck seating can be close together.
• Cave and rock views: Santa Maria Caves and Elephant Rock are seen from the water, with cave access depending on sea and weather conditions.
• Bring cash: Food, drinks, and rented snorkeling gear cost extra. The equipment rental requires a €10 cash security deposit.
• Strict boarding: Boarding starts 30 minutes before departure and closes 10 minutes before departure.

Why this Malta boat trip works well

I see this as a strong choice if you have limited time in Malta and want a simple way to sample Comino, Gozo, and the coast without arranging several separate boat and ferry trips. For $29, you get a cruise, an English commentary, crew service, toilets, two island stops, and several scenic passes.

The value is especially good for people who care more about seeing several highlights than spending a long, quiet afternoon in one place. You can swim, walk, take photos, look into caves, and get a quick taste of Gozo in a single outing.

The boat itself is an important part of the experience. The Mermaid is smaller than many of the big excursion boats seen around the islands. That can make the ride feel calmer and more personal, and it makes it easier to leave a bag onboard while you swim. It does not mean you get acres of empty deck space. Seating can be packed close together, so arrive early if you want a preferred place.

The crew receives some of the strongest praise attached to this trip. Captains and deckhands are described as friendly, clear about return times, and helpful with directions. Crew members named on some departures include Matthew and Roppy. The commentary is in English, and it is intended to point out coastal sights without turning the ride into a lecture.

Leaving Bugibba for Comino

Your day begins at Bugibba Jetty in St. Paul’s Bay. Look for the blue, white, and red boat called The Mermaid. Boarding begins 30 minutes before departure, and the boat will not wait after boarding closes 10 minutes before the scheduled departure.

That rule matters. This is a timed island circuit, and a late arrival can disrupt every later stop. I would reach the jetty early enough to find the boat, board without a scramble, and choose a seat before the rest of the group arrives.

The first cruise lasts about an hour. This is not dead time. You get open-water views of Malta’s northern coast, rock shelves, small inlets, and sea caves. The captain provides live commentary in English, and the crew keeps you aware of how long you have at each stop.

Bring a hat, sunscreen, swimwear, and cash. There is no included meal, so you can buy food and drinks onboard or bring a packed lunch. One person specifically found packing lunch useful because the island stops are short and food queues can eat into your swim or walking time.

One hour at Comino’s Blue Lagoon

The Blue Lagoon is the headline stop, and the water explains why. It is clear, bright, and inviting, with rocky edges and a dramatic setting between Comino and nearby landforms. You get about one hour for swimming, snorkeling, walking, sightseeing, and photos.

That hour is enough for a refreshing swim if you move quickly. It is not enough for a leisurely beach day. The landing area can be rocky, and getting off the boat may be awkward for anyone unsteady on uneven ground. One useful strategy is to wear secure water shoes and keep your belongings simple.

Crowding is the main issue. The Blue Lagoon is one of Malta’s best-known swimming spots, and it can become extremely busy. Time spent scanning the required Comino entry code, finding somewhere to leave a bag, and walking to the water can reduce your actual swim time. Some departures reach the lagoon relatively early, which helps, but it does not turn the place into a quiet cove.

You need a free Comino entry ticket through the Maltese government website at blcomino.com. This is not an extra admission charge, but it is an extra task to handle before you go. Have the ticket ready on your phone, and do not assume that the one-hour stop means one uninterrupted hour in the water.

The good news is that the boat gives you a secure base for your belongings, according to the details provided for this service. You can also rent snorkeling equipment onboard, with a €10 cash security deposit. If you own a mask, bring it. It saves time and avoids the deposit.

Strong swimmers may enjoy moving across the lagoon toward the cave areas, but keep the short stop and local conditions in mind. Swimming farther from the boat is not the same as standing beside the landing area. Follow the captain’s instructions and leave enough time to return.

Two hours to sample Gozo

After Comino, the Mermaid cruises to Gozo. You have about two hours on the island, which gives you time to walk, take photos, eat, or arrange extra transport.

Gozo is a different experience from a quick swim stop. The island has its own pace and character, and even a short visit gives you a change from the boat and the crowded lagoon. You can stay near the port area, where you may find places to eat and drink, or pay for an optional minibus transfer toward Victoria, Gozo’s capital.

That minibus is not included. The price has been reported at about €6 per person, and it can be a practical choice if you want to see more than the harbor area without trying to arrange transport yourself. The catch is time. A transfer uses part of your two-hour stop, so you need to watch the clock closely.

I would choose the minibus if this is your only planned visit to Gozo and you want a quick look at Victoria. I would stay near the port if your priority is a relaxed meal or an unhurried walk. You cannot do Gozo justice in two hours, but you can decide whether you want to return for a longer visit.

Some people use this boat tour as a sampler. That is the right mindset. You are not getting a full Gozo sightseeing day. You are getting a short introduction, with a chance to say you have set foot on the island and seen a little of its atmosphere.

Santa Maria Caves and Elephant Rock from the water

The route back includes a swimming and snorkeling opportunity, followed by a cruise past Santa Maria Caves. The cave section lasts about 15 minutes, and the boat may pass by or enter the caves depending on waves, wind, and sea conditions.

The caves are best viewed as a scenic part of the cruise rather than a guaranteed walk-through visit. On calm days, the captain may take the boat close enough for photographs and a better look inside. Rougher water can change the route.

Elephant Rock is another quick photo stop. Its shape resembles an elephant reaching toward the water, and the crew can point it out during the return journey. You will not spend long here, but it gives the ride a few memorable landmarks beyond the Blue Lagoon.

There is also a further swimming and snorkeling stop listed in the schedule. The exact feel of this part depends on the day’s timing and conditions, so pack your swimwear even if you think Comino will be your only swim.

The boat, crew, and onboard costs

The Mermaid has toilets and a captain and crew onboard. Drinks are available for purchase, and several people found the prices reasonable. That is useful because a boat day in the sun makes you thirsty, and carrying enough water from the start is still wise.

Food is not included. You can buy something onboard, purchase lunch during the Gozo stop, or bring your own. I prefer the packed-lunch option if swimming is your priority. Buying food on Gozo is more appealing if you want to use the stop to sit down and get a feel for the island.

The crew’s job is more than steering the boat. They explain pickup points, announce how long you have ashore, point out rock formations, and help keep the group moving. That clear timekeeping matters most at Gozo, where it is easy to wander farther than planned.

The smaller boat is a real plus for many people, but it has limits. Outdoor seating may feel tight, particularly on a busy departure. If you want to stretch out, sit at the front, or get an unobstructed view, early boarding is worth the effort.

Timing, weather, and who should skip it

The advertised duration is 330 minutes, or five and a half hours, though some operating days have run from around 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Check the departure time and expected return when booking, since the actual day can vary.

The captain can cancel or alter the route for weather and sea conditions. Cave entry is also dependent on the water. This is normal for a Malta boat tour, but you should not book it expecting every cave or swimming stop to happen exactly as pictured.

The trip is not suitable for people with mobility impairments. The rocky landing at Blue Lagoon can be difficult, and boarding, leaving the boat, and walking on uneven ground all require reasonable mobility. If you have concerns, ask the operator before booking.

This outing suits swimmers, couples, families with older children, and anyone staying around Bugibba who wants a low-cost day on the water. It is less suited to someone who wants a quiet beach, a long visit to Gozo, or plenty of time at the Blue Lagoon.

Is $29 good value?

Yes, if you measure value by the range of places covered. At $29, you get transport by boat between Malta, Comino, and Gozo, a Blue Lagoon stop, two hours on Gozo, cave and rock views, commentary, toilets, and crew support. Booking separate boat trips and transport would likely require more planning and could cost more.

The price does not cover everything. You pay extra for food and drinks, snorkeling equipment, and the optional minibus to Victoria. Still, these are manageable add-ons. Bring cash for the €10 equipment deposit and any small purchases.

The main cost is not money. It is time. You give up the chance to spend two or three hours at Comino or a full day on Gozo. For a first look at the islands, that compromise is fair. For a slow holiday, it may feel rushed.

Practical tips for a better day

• Arrive before boarding begins so you can choose a comfortable seat.
• Keep a copy of your free Comino entry ticket ready on your phone.
• Bring a hat, sunscreen, swimwear, towel, secure footwear, and cash.
• Pack lunch if you want the full Blue Lagoon hour for swimming.
• Use a waterproof pouch for your phone and valuables.
• If you want Victoria, ask about the paid Gozo minibus early and keep track of the return time.
• Do not count on entering every cave. Sea conditions decide the route.
• If swimming is your main goal, bring your own mask to avoid the rental deposit and delay.
• Expect the Blue Lagoon to be crowded, even on a well-timed departure.
• Stay close to the boat’s meeting point at every stop. Late passengers are not refunded.

Should you book the Mermaid cruise?

Book it if you want a reasonably priced sampler of Malta’s northern islands, prefer a smaller boat to a giant party vessel, and are happy with active stops and a firm schedule. The crew service, clear timing, cave views, and mix of swimming and island time make this a practical use of a day around St. Paul’s Bay.

Skip it if your main wish is a peaceful Blue Lagoon afternoon or a serious visit to Gozo. In that case, arrange a longer stay on one island instead. For most first-time visitors with only a few days in Malta, though, the Mermaid offers a lot for $29, as long as you treat the Blue Lagoon and Gozo as introductions rather than complete visits.

FAQ

Where does the boat tour start?

It 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 departure, and the boat cannot wait for late arrivals.

How long is the tour?

The listed duration is 330 minutes, or five and a half hours. Departure times vary, so check availability for the date you want.

How much time do I get at the Blue Lagoon?

The tour includes a one-hour stop at Comino and the Blue Lagoon for swimming, snorkeling, walking, and photos.

How much time do I get on Gozo?

You get about two hours on Gozo for sightseeing, walking, photos, and free time.

Is food included?

No. Food and drinks are not included, though drinks and food may be available for purchase onboard or during the island stops.

Can I rent snorkeling equipment?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is available to rent, with a €10 cash security deposit.

Do I need a ticket for Comino?

Yes. You must sign up through the Maltese government website at blcomino.com for a free entry ticket to Comino.

Are the caves always entered?

No. Cave viewing and entry depend on the weather and sea conditions.

Is the tour suitable for people with mobility impairments?

No. The tour is not listed as suitable for people with mobility impairments, and the rocky Blue Lagoon landing can be difficult.