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

Malta’s best color is seen from the water. This relaxed boat trip links Comino, Gozo, the Blue Lagoon, Santa Maria Caves, and Elephant Rock in one outing from Bugibba. I like the small blue, white, and red Mermaid boat, which feels calmer than the larger cruise boats, and I like the friendly crew, clear English commentary, and fair drink prices on board.

The main catch is time. The Blue Lagoon stop lasts about an hour, while Gozo gets two hours, so you can sample both islands but not fully explore either one. Blue Lagoon can also be very crowded, and getting off over rocky ground may be awkward if you have limited mobility.

Key points before you book

• The Mermaid leaves Bugibba early enough to reach the Blue Lagoon before the worst crowds on some departures.
• You get both a one-hour Comino stop and a two-hour Gozo stop, plus several scenic cruises.
• Swimming and snorkeling are central to the day, especially at the Blue Lagoon and another stop near Gozo.
• The boat is smaller than many nearby sightseeing boats, which can make the ride feel more personal and less hectic.
• A minibus to Victoria in Gozo costs extra, but it can save precious time during the two-hour stop.
• Bring cash, swimwear, sunscreen, and a hat. Snorkeling equipment can be rented with a €10 cash security deposit.

What this Malta boat tour is really like

This is a sightseeing cruise with swimming stops, not a full guided tour of Gozo. For about $29 per person, you spend roughly five and a half hours moving between Malta’s northern coast, Comino, Gozo, and several striking rock formations.

I see the value in the route. Visiting these places separately would take more planning, and the boat gives you a useful taste of all of them in one day. You can swim in clear Mediterranean water, walk briefly on Comino, see part of Gozo, and view caves that are difficult to reach from land.

The tradeoff is simple: you are buying variety, not long stays. If your dream is to spend half a day lounging beside the Blue Lagoon or a full afternoon in Victoria, this will feel hurried. If you have only a few days in Malta and want to cover several major sights without arranging transport between them, the format works well.

The boat has toilets, a captain and crew, and live commentary in English. Drinks are sold on board, and several people have found them reasonably priced. Some departures have also included complimentary fruit, such as pineapple, which is a pleasant touch on a warm day.

Boarding at Bugibba Jetty

Your meeting point is Bugibba Jetty. Look for the blue, white, and red boat called The Mermaid. Boarding begins 30 minutes before departure, and the boat closes boarding 10 minutes before the scheduled departure time.

That last detail matters. The boat cannot wait for late arrivals, and late passengers do not receive a refund. I would arrive early enough to find the boat, board without stress, and choose a seat before the cruise begins.

Outdoor seating can be close together, especially when the boat is full. The smaller size is a plus for the atmosphere, but it does not mean you will have acres of deck space. If you want a seat at the front, arrive early.

The cruise runs in English only. The captain and crew explain the route, timing, swimming arrangements, and return plans. This practical information is important because every stop is short and you need to know exactly when to return to the boat.

The first hour: Malta’s northern coast from the sea

The opening sightseeing cruise lasts about an hour. This is not empty travel time. You get broad views of Malta’s rocky shoreline, coastal formations, and small inlets while the crew points out places along the way.

The sea is the main attraction here. From the boat, you see the pale limestone coast in a way that is hard to appreciate from a road. The water changes color around the rock shelves, and the view becomes especially pleasant when you are sitting at the front with your feet near the side.

The boat also aims to enter caves when sea conditions allow. Cave access depends on weather and waves, so the exact route can change. That flexibility is sensible, but you should not treat every cave visit as guaranteed.

This first stretch helps set the pace for the day. You are cruising, listening to commentary, taking photos, and getting used to the boat before the first major stop.

Blue Lagoon: beautiful water, limited time

The Blue Lagoon on Comino is the star of the trip. You get about one hour for photos, a short walk, swimming, and snorkeling. The water is famously clear, and this is the place to bring your mask if you already own one.

I would make a plan before stepping off the boat. In a single hour, you may need to scan your Comino entry code, find somewhere to leave your belongings, walk over uneven ground, change, and get into the water. On busy days, those small tasks can eat into your swimming time.

An entry ticket is required for Comino, but it is free. You must sign up through the Maltese Government website at blcomino.com before going. Do not leave this until the last minute if you want a smooth arrival.

The water is the reward. Strong swimmers may enjoy moving toward the cave areas, while less confident swimmers should stay close to safe access points and allow time to get back to the boat. The landing can be rocky, and getting off may be difficult for anyone with mobility concerns.

A common wish is for two hours here instead of one. I understand that feeling. The Blue Lagoon is gorgeous, but it is also one of Malta’s busiest sights, so you may spend part of your stop finding space rather than relaxing. The upside is that some morning departures reach Comino before the largest crowd builds.

Pack your swimwear under your clothes, keep your towel handy, and avoid carrying more than you need. Snorkeling equipment is available to rent on board, with a €10 security deposit in cash. You can also bring your own equipment.

Gozo: two hours with a choice to make

After Comino, the boat continues toward Gozo. You get about two hours on the island, enough for a short walk, a meal, a drink, or a quick look at the local area.

Gozo gives the tour a change of pace. Comino is about water and exposed rock, while Gozo offers streets, cafés, restaurants, and a stronger sense of everyday island life. Still, two hours is not enough to see Gozo properly on foot.

You have two basic choices. Stay near the harbor and enjoy a slower break, or pay extra for a minibus transfer to Victoria, Gozo’s capital. The transfer has been offered for around €6 per person and is widely considered worthwhile because it removes the hassle of arranging your own transport during a short stop.

I would choose the minibus if Victoria is important to you. You will get more from the visit than simply wandering around the harbor, though you still need to keep a close eye on the return time. A meal in the square can fit into the stop, but a long lunch may leave little time for exploring.

If you want an in-depth Gozo day, book a separate land tour or ferry plan instead. This boat trip gives you an introduction, not a full island tour.

A second swim and the journey back

The day includes another swimming and snorkeling opportunity after Gozo. The exact location and timing can depend on sea conditions, but this gives you a second chance to get into the water if the Blue Lagoon was too crowded or your first swim was too short.

I like this part of the plan because it keeps the return journey from becoming a long, passive ride. You can dry off, watch the coast, and enjoy another swim before the final sightseeing section.

The crew usually keeps the timing clear, which helps. You are told how long you have at each stop and when to return. That matters on a boat tour with several movements, especially if you are swimming and do not want to keep checking the time.

Santa Maria Caves and Elephant Rock

The cruise then passes Santa Maria Caves on Comino. The boat may enter the caves if the sea is calm enough, allowing you to see the rock walls and water from inside. If conditions are poor, the crew may simply pass by for scenic views.

This is a good place for photos, but remember that cave access is weather-dependent. The sea decides more than the printed schedule does.

Elephant Rock is another quick photo stop. Its shape is the point, and the captain may indicate the formation and give you time to photograph it as the boat passes. It is brief, but these small details add character to the return route.

The final sightseeing cruise takes around 50 minutes before you arrive back at Bugibba Jetty. With the coastal views, commentary, and possible swimming stop, the trip back still feels like part of the outing rather than a simple transfer.

Crew, boat size, and atmosphere

The crew receives some of the strongest praise connected with this experience. The captain and assistant are described as friendly, helpful, polite, and clear about timings. That makes a real difference because the day depends on quick changes between cruising, swimming, walking, and reboarding.

The atmosphere is generally relaxed rather than party-focused. Several departures have been described as calm, with a smaller number of people than on larger boats. That can make it easier to leave your bags on board while swimming, though you should still keep valuables secure.

The smaller boat has limits. Deck chairs may feel tightly packed, and outdoor space can be limited when the boat is busy. You may not get the quiet, spacious feeling of a private charter.

I think the boat size suits people who want a friendly group outing without being packed onto one of the biggest vessels. If you need lots of personal space or have trouble with steps and uneven landings, this is not the right fit.

Food, drinks, and what to carry

Food and drinks are not included. You can buy drinks on board, and the prices have been described as reasonable. You can also buy lunch during the Gozo stop.

I would bring a packed lunch if you want to spend your short stops swimming and walking. A packed meal saves time at Gozo, though buying lunch there gives you a better chance to sit in a local restaurant or café.

Bring:

• Swimwear and a towel
• Sunscreen and a sun hat
• Cash for drinks, lunch, the snorkeling deposit, and the optional Gozo minibus
• A phone or camera with a secure case
• Your Comino entry confirmation

The sun can feel strong on the open water, even when the breeze makes the air seem mild. Reapply sunscreen after swimming, and keep your hat secure while the boat is moving.

Is $29 good value?

At $29 per person, I consider this strong value if you want a broad coastal sampler. The price includes the boat, crew, English commentary, toilets, the one-hour Comino stop, and the two-hour Gozo stop. It also gives you cave viewing, rock formations, and at least one swimming opportunity without needing several separate bookings.

The extra costs are manageable but worth planning for. Food and drinks are separate, snorkeling gear requires a €10 cash deposit, and the Gozo transfer to Victoria costs extra when available. Comino itself requires an entry ticket, but that ticket is free.

The value drops if your main goal is a long, quiet stay at the Blue Lagoon. An hour can feel short, especially during the busiest months. It also drops if you want to see Gozo in depth. In that case, a dedicated Gozo day gives you more time and control.

For a first look at the islands, though, the route covers a lot for the price. The crew, scenic variety, and smaller boat help make the outing feel more personal than a basic transport cruise.

Who should book this boat trip?

I would recommend it to you if you:

• Have limited time in Malta
• Want swimming and snorkeling mixed with sightseeing
• Prefer a smaller boat over a large cruise vessel
• Enjoy a relaxed day with clear structure
• Want to see Comino and Gozo without planning several connections
• Are comfortable walking over rocky ground and boarding a boat

I would look elsewhere if you need step-free access, long stays at each location, or a full tour of Gozo. The trip is not suitable for people with mobility impairments, and the rocky Blue Lagoon landing can be especially difficult.

Weather also matters. The captain can change or cancel the route when conditions are unsafe, and caves may be skipped when waves make entry risky. That is a normal part of a sea excursion, not a flaw in the operation.

Should you book the Mermaid cruise?

Book it if you want a well-priced day on the water with plenty of variety. The friendly crew, smaller boat, clear commentary, and excellent coastal views are the strongest reasons to choose it.

Go in with the right expectations. You will not have hours at the Blue Lagoon, and two hours in Gozo is only enough for a taste. Arrive early, arrange the free Comino ticket in advance, bring cash and swim gear, and consider the optional Victoria minibus if you want more from Gozo.

For a first Malta boat outing, this is an efficient and enjoyable choice. For slow island exploration, book separate days instead.

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 departure, and the boat cannot wait for late arrivals.

How long does the tour last?

The advertised duration is 330 minutes, or five and a half hours. Some departures have operated across a longer part of the day, so check the available start time and schedule when booking.

Is the Comino entry ticket included?

A Comino entry ticket is required, but it is free. You must register through the Maltese Government website at blcomino.com.

How much time do I get at the Blue Lagoon?

The scheduled stop at Comino and the Blue Lagoon is about one hour. This includes time for swimming, snorkeling, walking, and sightseeing.

How long do I get in Gozo?

You get about two hours in Gozo. You can walk near the harbor, eat, relax, or pay extra for a minibus transfer to Victoria when available.

Can I rent snorkeling equipment?

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

Is lunch included?

No. Food and drinks are not included, though drinks can be purchased on the boat and lunch can be purchased during the Gozo stop.

What language is used on the tour?

The live commentary and tour guidance are in English only.

Can the route change because of weather?

Yes. The captain can cancel or alter the trip according to sea and weather conditions. Cave visits also depend on the conditions.