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

If you want big Mediterranean scenery without planning a whole day of ferry schedules, this Comino, Blue Lagoon, Gozo & caves cruise is a solid choice. You start from Bugibba, cruise along the Maltese coastline, swim in the famed Blue Lagoon, and then add Gozo plus cave-and-rock photo stops.

What I like most is the small-boat feel and the practical pacing: you get proper time to swim and explore, not just a quick stamp-and-go. I also appreciate the English live commentary and the friendly crew presence—some guests even mentioned crew members like Matthew and Roppy by name.

One thing to consider: Blue Lagoon can be very busy, and getting off the boat can be tricky over rocky ground, so sensible shoes and a calm attitude help.

Quick hits before you go

• Small-boat atmosphere: Many travelers liked that it felt less packed than larger boats.
• Blue Lagoon swim time is real: You get a dedicated stop, plus chances to snorkel.
• Gozo without stress: Two hours on the island is enough to see the coast and pick a simple plan.
• Caves are weather dependent: You might enter certain caves, or you might mainly view formations from the water.
• Cash matters: Bring cash for deposits (snorkel gear) and onboard food/drinks.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Bugibba to The Mermaid: the morning setup that makes the day easier

The experience starts at Bugibba Jetty, where you’ll find a blue, white, and red boat called The Mermaid. Boarding begins about 30 minutes before departure, and they close boarding roughly 10 minutes before the scheduled time. If you’re late, the boat won’t wait—this is a “get there early” kind of day.

Because this trip runs for about 330 minutes (a half-day to full-day feeling depending on your departure time), arriving ready saves headaches. I’d treat it like a ship day: sunscreen on early, water/gear sorted, and you’re set.

English live commentary: not just facts, but help with where to stand and what to do

The tour includes live commentary in English, led by the captain and crew. This matters more than you might think, especially for two reasons.

First, the Maltese coastline has plenty of “pretty stuff” you can miss if nobody points out what you’re seeing. Second, the crew helps with timing and expectations—how long you have for swimming, where to gather, and what the sea conditions mean for cave stops.

A lot of visitors specifically praised how friendly and informative the captain and crew were. Some also mentioned that the team worked hard to keep things smooth for everyone onboard—always a good sign for a day that involves multiple water activities.

The first cruise stretch: enjoying the coast while you reset for swimming

After you leave, there’s a scenic cruise segment where you’re mostly riding the Maltese coastline, taking in rock formations and sea views while the day gets going. It’s not the highlight “activity” part, but it’s a useful breather.

Think of this as the moment to set your base: phone charged, dry bag organized, and a quick check on where you want to swim first. When you’re heading to the Blue Lagoon, being ready helps, because you’ll want to jump in fast once you’re there.

Comino’s Blue Lagoon: the signature swim stop (and why early is smart)

Your biggest water moment is Comino and the Blue Lagoon. This is the stop most people picture when they think of Malta’s turquoise coves, and it lives up to the hype. You’ll spend about one hour there, with time for photos, walking around the area, and—most importantly—swimming and snorkeling in clear Mediterranean water.

A key detail: this trip often gets to the lagoon earlier than some other tours, and that can change your experience. When you arrive before the peak crush, it’s easier to find a decent spot to drop your bag and get your swim in.

That said, be realistic. Even with good timing, Blue Lagoon is busy in many seasons. If you’re hoping for empty-water serenity, you may not get it. But you can still have a great swim if you manage your expectations and move promptly when you arrive.

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How to actually enjoy the Blue Lagoon hour (instead of feeling rushed)

One hour sounds short on paper, but how you use it decides whether it feels fun or frantic. Here’s how travelers tend to make it work:

• Bring your swim gear ready. There’s no magic time-saver once you’re already at the cove.
• Don’t over-plan the snorkel. If you snorkel, do it early in the stop.
• Choose your “vibe” fast: either quick in-water swim + relax out of the sun, or commit to snorkeling and slower exploring.

Some guests noted that in peak conditions, scanning codes, finding bags, and getting into the water can eat into your “free swim” time. Others also pointed out that the rocky landing makes stepping down a bit awkward. So I’d add two practical notes: wear shoes that can handle wet stone, and hold onto railings when boarding is moving.

Gozo in two hours: enough time for a taste, not a full island vacation

After Comino, you shift gears to Gozo, another island with a different pace and a more “island town” feel. You get about two hours on Gozo, which is perfect if your goal is to experience a slice of it rather than conquer everything.

The tour includes time to walk around, take photos, and soak up the Gozitian culture in that short window. In practice, your two-hour plan depends on what you like:

• If you love coastal wandering, you can keep it simple around the harbor area and nearby sights.
• If you want a bigger-town look, some visitors recommended taking a mini bus to Victoria, Gozo’s capital. That’s an extra cost, but many people found it worth it for an efficient “see more in less time” day.

This is also one reason the trip works well for first-timers: you get the famous water sights, plus a real taste of Gozo’s atmosphere, without needing a rental car or extra overnight planning.

Santa Maria Caves and St. Mary’s caves: what you might enter versus what you’ll see

Later in the day, you’ll pass by Santa Maria Caves and also see the Crystal Lagoon Caves / St. Mary’s Caves area from the boat. The important word here is conditional access: caves you can view or enter depend on weather and sea conditions.

So what should you expect? Most likely, you’ll get:

• a scenic cruise by the formations,
• some photo opportunities from the water,
• and, depending on conditions, a chance to enter certain caves.

This is one of those “Malta reality” moments. When the sea is calm, you get more. When conditions change, you still get the visual payoff, just with less time on land or inside.

Elephant Rock and other rock formations: the easy win for photos

Between the longer stop segments, you’ll do pass-by views of Elephant Rock and other dramatic formations. Even if you’re not a “photo person,” this part is worth your attention because it’s where Malta’s geology becomes the star.

And it’s usually low-effort. You don’t need tickets or a long walk. You can just enjoy the view from the boat while the crew keeps things moving.

Snorkeling gear, toilets, and comfort on The Mermaid

The cruise includes toilets, which sounds basic, but on a water day it makes a big difference. You’ll also be on a boat that many travelers described as smaller than some others they saw, which helps with the overall vibe.

Snorkeling gear is not included, but you can rent it onboard. The rental works with a 10 euro security deposit in cash. So if snorkeling is part of your plan, bring cash and consider a quick rental check when you arrive.

Comfort-wise, you’ll be on deck with limited space for some people, and a few visitors mentioned chairs can feel tightly arranged. The takeaway: bring sunscreen, pick your seating spot early, and don’t expect a luxury sun-lounger setup.

Food and drinks: what you can buy, and the small extras guests remember

Food and drinks are not included, but you’ll have options. At Comino, there’s time to explore by foot and a chance to purchase lunch. On the boat and around stops, drinks are available for purchase.

A fun detail from visitor experiences: some guests mentioned complimentary fruit or pineapple treats, and even noted pineapple-themed drinks at Comino. Whether you care about the “extra small details” or not, the key practical point is this: you’ll have chances to buy refreshments, but you should still plan with sunscreen, water habits, and cash.

Price and logistics: what you’re getting for about $29 per person

For about $29 per person, this tour is strong value if your priority is classic Malta water scenery plus Gozo, all in one go. What you’re really paying for isn’t just the stops—it’s the organization: the captain, crew, English guidance, and the flow between islands and cave viewpoints.

What you should mentally budget for (because it’s not included):

• food and drinks,
• snorkeling equipment rental deposit (cash),
• any extra transport you choose in Gozo (like a bus to Victoria),
• and anything you personally buy on Comino for lunch.

One more logistics detail that can trip people up: Comino entry requires a free ticket, obtained through the Maltese Government website registration at www.blcomino.com. The tour also notes skipping the ticket line, but you still need that free entry ticket sorted through the official site.

Meeting point checklist: what to bring so you’re not hunting around in the heat

The tour’s practical advice is solid: bring a sun hat, swimwear, sunscreen, and cash.

Here’s how I’d turn that into a simple packing move:

• Sunscreen and hat go on before you board.
• Swimwear is easy if it’s already on under your clothes.
• Cash is for gear deposits and onboard purchases.
• If you’re prone to seasickness, consider your usual remedy, since this is a boat day (the exact sea conditions vary).

Also note: the caves access and viewing can change with sea state. You can’t control that, but you can control how prepared you are for changing plans.

Weather, cancellation rules, and the reality of sea-dependent caves

Weather matters. The captain can cancel or alter the trip depending on conditions. On the policy side, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and you may be able to book with a pay-later style option.

For the caves, sea and weather conditions directly affect what you can enter. That means your day might shift from “inside caves” to “viewing from the water,” but you still get the major scenic beats and swim opportunities.

Who should book this cruise—and who should skip it

This fits best if you want:

• a short-stay Malta plan with maximum scenery,
• time for swimming and some snorkeling,
• and an easy, captain-led day without driving or ferry juggling.

It may not be a great fit if:

• you have mobility impairments (the tour is listed as not suitable),
• you’re expecting empty, private coves with no crowds,
• or you hate the idea of stepping down onto rocky areas when it’s time to swim.

For stronger swimmers, some travelers suggested taking advantage of opportunities to reach additional cave areas across the lagoon—just keep it safe and go based on your comfort level.

My booking advice: should you book Mermaid Cruises?

Yes, if you want a high-value, captain-run day that mixes Comino’s Blue Lagoon with Gozo and cave scenery, without complex logistics. The biggest reason to book is the balance: you get enough time to actually swim and explore, and the crew seems to keep the day running smoothly.

Before you book, do two things:
1. Register for your free Comino entry ticket at www.blcomino.com so you’re not scrambling at the last minute.
2. Bring cash for snorkeling gear deposits and onboard purchases, and pack swim-ready items early.

If your top priority is long, uncrowded beach time, you might feel the Blue Lagoon hour is short. But if you’re aiming for a fun, organized tour that hits the Malta highlights in one day, this is a very reasonable pick.

FAQ

Where do I meet for the tour?

You meet at Bugibba Jetty to board the boat The Mermaid.

What is the name and color of the boat?

The boat is called The Mermaid and it is blue, white, and red.

What time should I plan to arrive for boarding?

Boarding begins about 30 minutes before departure, and they close boarding about 10 minutes before departure.

What does the tour include?

It includes captain and crew, live English commentary, toilets, a 1-hour stop in Comino, and a 2-hour stop in Gozo.

Do I need an entry ticket for Comino?

Yes. The island entry ticket is required, but it’s free. You need to get it through the Maltese Government website at www.blcomino.com.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

No. Snorkeling equipment can be rented, and it requires a 10 euro security deposit in cash.

What should I bring?

Bring a sun hat, swimwear, sunscreen, and cash.

How long is the tour?

The total duration is listed as 330 minutes.

Is the tour suitable for people with mobility impairments?

No. The tour is listed as not suitable for people with mobility impairments.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

You can check availability for your dates here: