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

The best part of this Malta boat trip is the variety packed into one outing: bright water at the Blue Lagoon, a stop on Gozo, and a coastal cruise past Santa Maria Caves and Elephant Rock. You get the islands from the water, then time to swim and walk ashore.

I like the small Mermaid boat and the friendly, clear crew. I also like the price: $29 covers a long coastal outing with toilets, commentary, and stops at both Comino and Gozo. The catch is time. One hour at the Blue Lagoon and two hours on Gozo can feel short, especially in summer when getting off the boat and finding a place by the water takes time.

Key points to know before booking

• The Blue Lagoon stop lasts one hour, so have your swimwear on and your bag ready before the boat docks.
• Gozo gets two hours, enough for a walk near the harbor or an optional bus trip to Victoria, but not enough for a full island visit.
• Mermaid is a smaller boat, which many people prefer to the biggest cruise boats, though deck space can feel tight.
• Snorkeling gear is not included, but equipment can be rented onboard with a €10 cash security deposit.
• The route includes Santa Maria Caves and Elephant Rock, with cave access dependent on sea and weather conditions.
• Comino now requires a free entry ticket, which you must arrange through the Maltese government website before arrival.

A five-and-a-half-hour route from Bugibba

The boat leaves from Bugibba Jetty in St Paul’s Bay. Look for the blue, white, and red boat named The Mermaid. Boarding begins 30 minutes before departure, and the doors close 10 minutes before the scheduled time. The boat cannot wait for late arrivals, so this is one outing where arriving early is not fussing over nothing.

The listed duration is 330 minutes, or about five and a half hours. The route includes a one-hour sightseeing cruise at the start, a one-hour stop at the Blue Lagoon, two hours on Gozo, a swim and snorkeling stop, a pass by the caves, and the return cruise to Bugibba.

The crew provides live commentary in English. On trips with captains and crew members such as Matthew and Roppy, the tone has been friendly and relaxed, with clear instructions about pickup times and how long you have ashore. You should still listen closely when the return time is announced. Missing the boat here is not a charming island story.

Cruising Malta’s northern coast

The first hour is spent on the water, with views of Malta’s rocky coast and its sea-carved formations. This opening stretch gives you time to settle in, find a seat, and hear information from the captain before the swimming stops begin.

The boat has toilets and drinks for purchase. Some people like the freedom to buy a cold drink onboard rather than carry everything from Bugibba. Prices for drinks have been described as reasonable, and the crew has sometimes handed out fruit, including pineapple, during the journey. That is a pleasant extra, but bring your own water and snacks if you want a specific lunch.

The smaller boat is a real part of the appeal. It feels less like a floating bus than some larger excursion boats, and it can make the ride feel calmer. The tradeoff is limited outdoor space. Deck chairs may be close together, particularly on a busy summer departure, so do not book this expecting acres of room to stretch out.

The Blue Lagoon: beautiful, crowded, and tightly timed

Comino’s Blue Lagoon is the visual prize of the trip. The water is exceptionally clear, and the pale rock around the inlet makes it an easy place to understand why this stop draws so many boats.

You get one hour here for swimming, snorkeling, walking, and photographs. That sounds reasonable on paper. In practice, the clock starts working against you as soon as the boat arrives. You may need time to get off over uneven, rocky ground, pass through the required Comino entry process, find somewhere to leave your things, and reach the water.

My advice is to arrive ready. Wear your swimwear under your clothes, keep your towel and sunscreen in an easy-to-reach bag, and avoid bringing more than you need. If you plan to snorkel, bring your own mask or rent one onboard before reaching Comino. The rental requires a €10 cash security deposit.

The tour can arrive early enough to give you a better chance at the lagoon before the busiest period. That helps, but it does not turn the Blue Lagoon into a quiet cove. In July and August, the shore and water can be very crowded. Stronger swimmers may enjoy moving toward the cave areas across the lagoon, but stay aware of the time and your own ability.

Getting off the boat may be difficult for anyone unsteady on rocky ground. The activity is not suitable for people with mobility impairments, and this stop is the clearest reason why. If you need a stable, easy landing or a long, gentle swim session, choose a different outing.

Two hours on Gozo, with a choice to stay local

After Comino, the boat continues to Gozo. You have two hours on the island, which gives the trip a useful change of pace. Instead of spending the entire day on a boat, you can walk ashore and see a little of Gozitian life.

The exact use of those two hours matters. Stay near the harbor and you can stroll, take photographs, find a restaurant or bar, and enjoy a break from the sun. The coastal area is the simplest choice because it avoids losing time to transport.

You can also pay extra for a minibus transfer to Victoria, Gozo’s capital. The price reported for this service is €6 per person. It can be worthwhile because it removes the hassle of arranging your own transport and gives you a chance to see more of the island than the harbor area.

The warning is simple: two hours is not enough to see Gozo properly. The optional minibus may make Victoria possible, but it does not leave much spare time for a long meal, shopping, and relaxed sightseeing. If Gozo is your main reason for visiting Malta, take a dedicated Gozo day instead. If you want a useful sample of the island within a wider sea trip, this stop works well.

Pack lunch if you want to maximize your time. Food and drinks are not included, though food is available for purchase. Buying something ashore can be part of the fun, but it also eats into the short stop.

The extra swim and the return along Comino

After Gozo, the route includes another swimming and snorkeling opportunity. The supplied schedule does not give a separate duration for this stop, so listen to the crew for the exact instructions on the day.

This second water break helps balance the short Blue Lagoon visit. If the lagoon was too crowded for a comfortable swim, you may prefer this later stop. It also means you should keep your towel and swimwear accessible rather than packing everything away after Comino.

The return route includes Santa Maria Caves. Depending on the sea, the boat may pass by or enter some of the caves. The crew can point out the rock formations and explain what you are seeing, but the captain has the final say. Rough water or poor conditions can change the route.

Elephant Rock is another photo stop on the way back. It is a quick sight rather than a long visit, so keep your camera ready. Coastal formations are best enjoyed from the boat because the changing angle gives you a better sense of their shape than a single shore photograph.

What the crew adds to the day

The strongest part of this outing is the crew’s role in keeping a simple day organized. The captain gives clear pickup times, explains how long you have at each stop, and points out formations along the coast. That matters when you are managing several stops in one trip.

The crew is also part of the relaxed feel onboard. The best comments about the trip focus on helpful, polite staff and an easygoing atmosphere. That does not mean the boat is silent or private, but the mood is more laid-back than a high-capacity party cruise.

English is the only tour language. If you need commentary in another language, this is not the right choice. The live talk is useful for orientation, but the main reason to book is the route, the swimming, and the time on Comino and Gozo.

Is $29 good value?

At $29 per person, this is strong value if you want to combine several Malta sights in one booking. The fare includes the captain and crew, English commentary, toilets, a Blue Lagoon stop, a two-hour Gozo stop, a return cruise, and views of the caves and rock formations.

You still need to budget for food and drinks, snorkeling equipment if required, the optional €6 transfer to Victoria, and your trip to Bugibba Jetty. The free Comino entry ticket is another small but important task. It costs nothing, but you must register through www.blcomino.com before visiting the island.

The price is especially good for a short stay in Malta. You can see Comino and Gozo without arranging several separate boat and transport connections. It is less attractive if you want long, unhurried time at one location. A dedicated beach day or a separate Gozo tour will give you more time, but it will not provide this combination at the same cost.

Who should book this cruise?

I would choose this tour if you want a broad sample of Malta’s northern islands, enjoy being on the water, and are happy with a planned schedule. It suits couples, friends, and families who want a swim, some photographs, a short walk on Gozo, and a simple day without managing every connection themselves.

It works especially well when you have only a few days in Malta. You see the Blue Lagoon, get a taste of Gozo, pass the caves, and return to Bugibba in one outing.

I would think twice if you dislike crowded swimming spots, need generous time ashore, or have difficulty walking over uneven rocky ground. Blue Lagoon fans may wish for two hours rather than one, while Gozo fans may find two hours far too short. The boat is smaller than many alternatives, but outdoor seating can still feel crowded at peak times.

Practical tips for a smoother day

• Arrive at Bugibba Jetty at least 30 minutes before departure and look for The Mermaid.
• Complete the free Comino entry registration at www.blcomino.com before the trip.
• Bring a sun hat, sunscreen, swimwear, a towel, and cash.
• Carry lunch if you want to spend every possible minute swimming or walking.
• Keep your valuables and spare clothes in a secure waterproof bag.
• Wear shoes that can handle a rocky landing at the Blue Lagoon.
• Rent snorkeling equipment before reaching Comino if you do not have your own.
• Listen carefully for the return times at Comino and Gozo.
• Check the weather forecast. The captain may cancel or alter the route when sea conditions are unsuitable.

Should you book the Mermaid boat tour?

Book it if value and variety matter more to you than slow sightseeing. For $29, you get a friendly English-speaking crew, a smaller boat, clear water, two islands, caves, rock formations, and more than one chance to swim. That is a lot of Malta in 330 minutes.

Do not book it expecting a quiet Blue Lagoon or a full tour of Gozo. The one-hour Comino stop can feel rushed, and the two-hour Gozo visit is best treated as an introduction. If you accept those limits and arrive prepared, this is an efficient, enjoyable way to see Malta from the sea.

FAQ

Where does the boat tour depart from?

The tour departs from 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 does the tour last?

The stated duration is 330 minutes, or five and a half hours.

How much time do I get at the Blue Lagoon?

The stop at Comino and the Blue Lagoon lasts one hour. You can use this time for swimming, snorkeling, walking, and photographs.

How long is the Gozo stop?

You have two hours on Gozo. You can stay near the harbor or pay extra for a minibus transfer to Victoria.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

No. Snorkeling equipment is available to rent, with a €10 security deposit required in cash.

Do I need a ticket to enter Comino?

Yes. You must register through the Maltese government website at www.blcomino.com. The Comino entry ticket is free.

Is the tour suitable for people with mobility impairments?

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