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

The best part of this Mermaid boat tour is how much of Malta’s northern coast it covers in one day. From Bugibba, you cruise past rocky coves, stop at Comino’s Blue Lagoon, spend two hours on Gozo, and return by way of Santa Maria Caves and Elephant Rock.

I like the small-boat feel and the friendly crew, who keep the day relaxed and explain the timing clearly. I also like the price: at $29, this is a strong way to see two islands, swim in clear Mediterranean water, and enjoy a coastal cruise without paying for a large luxury excursion.

The main catch is time. One hour at the Blue Lagoon can feel short once you scan your Comino entry ticket, find a place for your belongings, and reach the water. Gozo gets two hours, but that is enough for only a quick look unless you pay extra for the transfer to Victoria and keep moving.

Key points to know before booking

• Blue Lagoon comes early: You get about one hour for swimming, snorkeling, photographs, and a short walk.
• Gozo gets two hours: You can stay near the harbor or pay for a minibus transfer to Victoria.
• The Mermaid is a smaller boat: That usually means a calmer, less packed feel than the biggest cruise boats.
• 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: Drinks, food, snorkeling gear, and the optional Gozo minibus cost extra.
• This is a water-focused day: It suits confident swimmers and people comfortable stepping across uneven, rocky ground.

A five-and-a-half-hour snapshot of Malta by boat

This is a sightseeing cruise, swimming outing, and island sampler rolled into one. The boat leaves from Bugibba Jetty in St Paul’s Bay, normally in the morning, and boarding begins 30 minutes before departure. The gate closes 10 minutes before sailing, so arriving late is a costly mistake.

The full outing lasts 330 minutes, or about five and a half hours. That makes it a useful choice if you have only a few days in Malta and want to fit Comino and Gozo into one day. It is not the right pick if you want a slow beach day or several hours in one place.

The blue, white, and red boat is called The Mermaid. Look for it at Bugibba Jetty. The captain and crew provide live commentary in English, point out coastal sights, and announce how long you have at each stop. The boat has toilets, and drinks are available for purchase.

The mood is generally easygoing rather than formal. You can sit in the sun, watch the coast slide past, and use the cruise time to rest between stops. The smaller boat is a real advantage for some people, though outdoor seating can feel close together when the boat is full.

Leaving Bugibba and following Malta’s rocky coast

The first hour is a sightseeing cruise from Bugibba toward Comino. This is not wasted travel time. Malta’s coast is made for viewing from the water, with pale rock, cut-out bays, low cliffs, and sea caves that are hard to appreciate from land.

The captain provides commentary in English as the boat moves along. You can expect photo opportunities and views of coastal formations before reaching the main swimming stop. If you want the best chance at an outdoor seat, board early, since boarding opens 30 minutes before departure.

A boat trip also gives you a useful sense of scale. Comino and Gozo are close to Malta, but the sea changes the whole experience. Instead of driving from one crowded road to another, you spend the day watching the islands approach from the water.

Bring a hat and sunscreen. The open deck has little shelter from the Mediterranean sun, and even a mild day on land can feel bright and hot at sea.

Blue Lagoon: beautiful water, busy shoreline

The first major stop is Comino’s Blue Lagoon, where you have about one hour for free time. This is the tour’s headline stop for good reason. The water is clear and intensely blue, and the sheltered setting makes it inviting for swimming and snorkeling.

You can swim, use your own mask, or rent snorkeling equipment from the boat. Rental gear requires a $10 cash security deposit. If you already own a mask, bring it. It saves time and avoids another payment while you are trying to get into the water.

Comino now requires visitors to register through the Maltese Government website and obtain an entry ticket. The ticket is free, but you need to handle it before arrival at www.blcomino.com. Keep the confirmation ready on your phone or bring the information in a way you can access quickly.

That detail matters because one hour passes fast. You may need time to leave the boat, scan your entry code, find a place for a bag, walk over uneven rock, and reach the swimming area. On busy days, the practical swimming time can be much shorter than the advertised stop.

This is also the tour’s biggest limitation. Many people would prefer two hours at the Blue Lagoon, especially in summer when the shoreline is crowded. The stop works best if you treat it as a quick swim and photo break, not as a full beach afternoon.

The boat can be a useful base for your belongings, but do not leave valuables unattended. Pack only what you need for the day and keep cash, phones, and documents secure.

The water is the star here, not the facilities or peace and quiet. If you want to set up a towel, eat lunch, and spend hours in one spot, book a dedicated Comino outing instead. If you want a memorable swim as part of a wider Malta cruise, this one-hour stop does the job.

Two hours on Gozo, with a choice to stay local or go inland

After Comino, the boat continues to Gozo. You have about two hours on the island, which gives you more time than at the Blue Lagoon but still requires a plan.

The simplest option is to stay close to the landing area. You can walk, take photographs, sit near the coast, and buy food or drinks. This is the least rushed choice, especially if you have already spent the morning swimming.

The other option is to arrange the optional minibus transfer to Victoria, Gozo’s capital. The service has been offered for about €6 per person, though the price should be confirmed when you book or board. The transfer is not included in the tour price, but it can save you the trouble of arranging local transport yourself.

Victoria gives you a better look at Gozo beyond the harbor. The trade-off is time. A two-hour stop sounds generous until you include the transfer, time to look around, and the return journey. You will need to stay alert to the meeting time because the boat cannot wait for late passengers.

I would choose Victoria if this is your only visit to Gozo and you want a quick taste of the capital. I would stay near the coast if your priority is a calm meal, a short walk, or more time beside the water.

Several people find two hours too short for Gozo. That is fair. Gozo rewards a full day, while this cruise treats it as one piece of a larger route. Think of the stop as an introduction, not a complete island visit.

Santa Maria Caves and the return along the coast

After Gozo, the route includes another swimming and snorkeling opportunity before the boat heads toward Santa Maria Caves. The exact order and length of the water stop can depend on sea conditions and the day’s operation.

Santa Maria Caves are viewed from the boat, with a stop of roughly 15 minutes for photographs and scenic views. If the water is calm, the captain may take the boat close to or into suitable caves. Rough seas can change the plan, so do not treat entry into every cave as guaranteed.

This flexibility is sensible. Caves are beautiful from the water, but the entrance can be narrow and conditions can shift quickly. The captain has the final say on safety.

The boat also passes Elephant Rock, a distinctive formation that makes a good photograph from the water. The crew may point out the shape and give you time to get your camera ready. These short stops add character to the return trip, even though they are not long shore visits.

The final cruise back to Bugibba takes about 50 minutes. It is a pleasant way to wind down after the swimming and walking stops. You arrive back at Bugibba Jetty at the end of the route.

What the $29 price really gets you

At $29 per person, this is unusually good value if you want a broad look at Malta’s northern islands. The price covers the captain, crew, English commentary, toilets, the one-hour Comino stop, and two hours on Gozo.

You are also paying for the route itself. Seeing Comino, Gozo, sea caves, and coastal rock formations in one outing would be difficult to organize independently in the same amount of time. The boat keeps the day moving and removes much of the transport planning.

The extras are modest but worth budgeting for. Food and drinks are not included, though they can be purchased on board. Some people find the drinks reasonably priced, and the crew may offer small complimentary fruit snacks, but you should still bring your own cash and consider packing lunch.

Snorkeling equipment is extra, with a $10 cash security deposit. The Comino entry ticket is free, but you must register for it yourself. The optional minibus to Victoria also costs extra.

The value drops if you want long stops. A dedicated Blue Lagoon trip may be better for a swimmer who wants several hours in the water. A full-day Gozo tour may suit you better if inland sightseeing is your main goal.

For a first visit to Malta, though, the price is hard to argue with. You get a substantial cruise, two islands, swimming, and cave views for less than many larger organized excursions.

Comfort, swimming, and access

The Mermaid is a smaller boat, which can make the outing feel more personal and less crowded than the biggest vessels. It also means deck space is limited. If you dislike close seating, expect the boat to feel compact when everyone is aboard.

This is not a fully accessible sightseeing experience. It is not suitable for people with mobility impairments, and getting off at Blue Lagoon can involve uneven, rocky ground. Stepping between the boat, shore, and water area may be difficult.

You should be comfortable with swimming or at least with being around open water. Swimming and snorkeling are central parts of the day, though you can spend your free time walking or relaxing instead.

Wear swimwear under your clothes, bring a towel, and use sun protection. A hat is useful on the open deck. Cash is important for drinks, food, snorkeling rental, and the optional Gozo transfer.

English is the only tour language. The captain gives instructions and timing information in English, so you should be able to understand basic spoken directions.

Weather can change the route

The captain can cancel or alter the trip because of weather. Cave visits are also dependent on wind and sea conditions. That means the exact route is not completely fixed, particularly around Santa Maria Caves and the swimming stops.

This is normal for a small-boat trip around exposed islands. The safest version of the day may mean viewing a cave from outside instead of entering it, or changing a swimming location.

The operator allows free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure and offers reserve-now, pay-later booking. Those policies are useful if your Malta schedule is still taking shape, but they do not protect against arriving late. Boarding closes 10 minutes before departure, and the boat will not wait.

Who should book the Mermaid tour?

I would book this if you want a low-cost overview of Malta’s coast and islands, especially if this is your first visit. It suits couples, friends, families with confident swimmers, and anyone who prefers a smaller boat to a large party vessel.

It is also a good match for people who value friendly service and clear timing. The crew keeps the schedule understandable, offers commentary without turning the trip into a lecture, and helps you know when to return to the boat.

I would hesitate if your main goal is a long, quiet stay at the Blue Lagoon. The one-hour stop can feel rushed, and summer crowds make the practical swimming time even shorter.

I would also choose another tour if you want to explore Gozo properly. Two hours is enough for a quick look or a fast trip to Victoria, not a full island experience.

Should you book this boat tour?

Book it if you want to see a lot in one day for $29 and you are happy to trade long stops for variety. The best parts are the clear water at Comino, the relaxed small-boat setting, the coastal scenery, and the chance to add Gozo without arranging separate transport.

Skip it if you want a dedicated beach day, more time at the Blue Lagoon, or a thorough visit to Gozo. If you do book, arrive early, register for the free Comino ticket, bring cash and lunch, and plan your Gozo stop before you leave Bugibba.

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 does the tour last?

The tour lasts 330 minutes, or about five and a half hours.

Is the Blue Lagoon stop included?

Yes. The tour includes about one hour at Comino’s Blue Lagoon for swimming, snorkeling, walking, sightseeing, and photographs.

Do I need a ticket for Comino?

Yes. You must register through the Maltese Government website to receive an entry ticket. The ticket is free and can be obtained through www.blcomino.com.

How long do I get on Gozo?

You get about two hours on Gozo. You can stay near the coast or arrange an optional minibus transfer to Victoria at an additional cost.

Is food included?

No. Food and drinks are not included, but they are available to purchase. Bringing cash and considering a packed lunch is practical.

Can I rent snorkeling equipment?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is available to rent. A $10 security deposit in cash is required.

What language is the tour conducted in?

The live commentary and tour instructions are in English only.

Can people with mobility impairments join?

The tour is not suitable for people with mobility impairments. Getting off the boat at Blue Lagoon may involve uneven, rocky ground.