Malta: Blue Lagoon, Comino & St Paul’s Islands Cruise

Comino looks unreal from the water. On this family-run traditional boat, you cruise from L-MENQA and turn the day into real swim-and-snorkel time in the Blue Lagoon on Comino. It is the kind of trip where the view keeps changing every few minutes, because the route is all coastline and caves.

I also love the small-boat feel. The vibe stays relaxed, the crew keeps things moving, and the boat has practical comfort like a clean toilet and shaded seating to cool down between swims. The only real drawback is that the Comino stop needs a free island entry ticket you must arrange yourself, and it is not included in the cruise price.

Key highlights worth your attention

• Blue Lagoon time that feels just right: about 3.5 hours to swim, snorkel, and take breaks
• Friendly, punctual captain and crew: the day runs smoothly and feels welcoming
• Caves and coastline views from the water: quick photo stops plus passes near cave areas
• St Paul’s Island visit in the schedule: short walk, quick swim option, and statue views if you feel like it
• Onboard comfort you will actually use: Wi-Fi, toilet facilities, shaded open-air seating, and commentary

Why Comino and the Blue Lagoon are special from a boat

The Blue Lagoon is famous for a reason, but what makes it click is how it looks from the sea itself. You get those bright, clear-water views while the boat is moving, so you are always seeing something new, not just staring at one postcard spot.

This cruise also keeps you on the water long enough to enjoy it, but not so long that you feel stuck. You get a proper chunk of time in Comino waters, and then you still have stops for caves and St Paul’s Island before heading back.

The Mermaid boat: comfort, shade, and a crew that keeps the day easy

The Mermaid is a small, traditional boat, which matters in Malta sun. Big boats can feel like you are queuing for everything, but a smaller setup helps the day feel calmer and more personal.

A few practical wins really stand out:

• Shaded seating so you can cool down after a swim
• A clean onboard toilet, which you will appreciate more than you think
• Onboard Wi-Fi for quick messages or checking maps
• English live guidance and commentary during the ride

The captain and deckhand also set the tone. Based on what you can expect from the crew, they run a relaxed atmosphere with music on board and a clear sense of timing. If you like your day trips organized but not stiff, this style fits.

One more comfort note: life-saving equipment is available, so you are not guessing about safety while you are planning your water time.

Getting to L-MENQA and what to bring for a full water day

Your meeting point is at the harbor with docked boats. Look for the small red, white, and blue boat named The Mermaid, and meet there before you depart. The day starts around L-MENQA, with cruising out toward Comino.

Bring what you need to use the water time well:

• sun hat
• swimwear
• towel
• sunscreen
• cash

Cash matters because food and drinks are not included, and lunch or snacks are available onboard. Also, having your essentials ready helps, because the stops happen on a schedule and you do not want to spend your limited swim window digging for gear.

If you have a camera, bring it within reach. This route is full of quick scenic moments, and you will likely want photos right as you pass caves or as you approach the island viewpoints.

The full-day flow: a route built around water time and photos

This is a 7 to 7.5 hour cruise, paced like a good day trip should be. You start with a sightseeing cruise, then you get your biggest swim-and-snorkel window in the Blue Lagoon, then you move through caves and St Paul’s Island, and finally you return at cruising speed.

The itinerary rhythm is simple:

• cruise out and enjoy the coast views
• focus on Comino water
• grab cave scenery and photo moments
• finish with St Paul’s Island (including optional walking and swimming)
• head back

That structure is why the day feels complete. You do not just do one stop and rush away. You get multiple “wow” angles from the sea, plus time on the islands.

Mellieha views on the way, then Comino water time in the Blue Lagoon

After meeting at L-MENQA, the early part of the day is a sightseeing cruise, about an hour of cruising. You pass by Mellieha on the way toward Comino, so even before you reach the main swimming spot, you are getting coastline views from the boat.

Then comes the best part for most people: about 3.5 hours at the Blue Lagoon. This is your big window to:

• swim
• snorkel
• take in the famous calm, clear water
• get lunch or snacks onboard (food is available to purchase)

This amount of time is a smart balance. It gives you freedom to swim at your own pace, rather than rushing right after arrival. It also helps you manage the sun, because you can switch between floating in the water and warming up on deck and then back again.

Also, note this is Comino waters, so you should take the entry ticket requirement seriously. If you do not have your free ticket handled, your island access can be a problem even if the swimming water stop is still on schedule.

Santa Maria Caves and other cave viewing: quick, scenic, and photo-focused

Between the Blue Lagoon and St Paul’s Island, the cruise builds in cave moments. You will get a short pass and photo stop at Santa Maria Caves, with time for scenic views on the way.

Caves are always impressive from the shore, but seeing them from the water is different. You get the scale and the curves, plus angles that are hard to get elsewhere. On a smaller boat, you may also be able to get closer views of certain cave areas as you pass by.

In the schedule, the cave time is intentionally not long. It is not meant to turn into a long walking excursion. It is a photo and scenery stop, so you can soak it in quickly and keep the day moving toward the next swimming and sightseeing window.

St Paul’s Island: the short walk, the statue viewpoint, and a last swim

St Paul’s Island is the cultural and “island vibe” part of the day. You have about 30 minutes here, including time for a photo stop, walking, and a swim option.

If you are the type who likes viewpoints, you can take the trek up to see the famous statue of St Paul. Even if you do not go all the way up, the island setting is worth the quick visit, and the boat-side stops make it easy to plan your time without feeling rushed.

The key tradeoff is that 30 minutes is brief. If your goal is a long island exploration, this is not the format. But if you want the island in a single day and you also want major water time, this cruise does a good job of combining both.

Jumping from the boat and making the most of camera moments

One of the fun parts of this cruise is the chance to jump from the boat into the ocean. Even if you do not jump yourself, watching others do it helps break up the day and adds energy after time at sea.

A practical tip: keep your camera ready, because the “good shot” moments tend to pop up fast. You will likely want photos during the scenic passes near caves, and around the island moments when you can see the coast clearly.

Also, plan your swim breaks. With multiple water opportunities across the day, you do not need to treat every stop like a marathon. Use the time like a buffet, dip in when you want, get out when you need a rest, then go again.

Price and value: what you pay for, and what can cost extra

The cruise price is listed at about $28 per person, and for a 7 to 7.5 hour guided boat day, that can feel like good value if you want a “see it all” coastline route.

Here is what you get in the price:

• onboard toilet facilities
• commentary and live English guidance
• free Wi-Fi
• life-saving equipment
• time on the water with multiple scenic stops

What is not included:

• food and drinks (snacks and lunch are available onboard to purchase)
• the entry ticket for Comino access

That last point is the main budget wildcard. The entry ticket is free to purchase, but you have to sign up through the Maltese Government website first. The operator provides a link for the Blue Lagoon entry ticket at https://blcomino.com/product/blue-lagoon/

If you bring your own snacks you may be able to keep costs down, but the onboard option is there if you prefer not to fuss with food on a hot day.

Weather can also affect timing. The captain can cancel or alter the trip depending on conditions, so consider the day flexible in your planning.

Who should book this cruise, and who should skip it

I think this tour is a great fit if you want:

• a classic Blue Lagoon swim day without complicated transfers
• a route that includes both Comino water and St Paul’s Island
• a calmer, smaller-boat feel with onboard comfort
• a crew that keeps the day relaxed and on schedule

It may not be ideal if you:

• need mobility-friendly access, because it is not suitable for people with mobility impairments
• want lots of time to wander on land, because the island stops are brief
• hate the idea of managing a separate Comino entry ticket

Should you book the Malta Blue Lagoon, Comino & St Paul’s Islands Cruise?

If your ideal Malta day is “boat views plus real water time,” I would book it. The combination of a big Blue Lagoon swim window, cave scenery, and a St Paul’s Island stop hits a sweet spot for first-time visitors.

I would book especially if you appreciate practical comfort. Having Wi-Fi, a clean toilet, shaded seating, and a crew that keeps things punctual makes the difference between a nice day and a day that feels easy.

If you are on a tight planning schedule, handle the Comino entry ticket before your day starts. Once that is set, the cruise itself is straightforward: meet at The Mermaid in L-MENQA, swim when you get the time, take photos while the caves pass by, and enjoy the ride back with commentary and music.

FAQ

How long is the cruise?

The duration is listed as 7 to 7.5 hours, depending on the starting time.

Where do I meet for the cruise?

Meet at the harbor at the small red, white, and blue boat called The Mermaid.

What stops are included during the day?

The cruise includes a sightseeing cruise, time at the Blue Lagoon, a scenic stop for Santa Maria Caves, sightseeing cruising, and a stop at St Paul’s Island before returning to L-MENQA.

How much time is spent at the Blue Lagoon?

You get about 3.5 hours at the Blue Lagoon.

Is food included in the price?

No. Food and drinks are not included, but you can purchase lunch and snacks onboard.

Do I need an entry ticket to access Comino?

Yes. You must sign up with the Maltese Government website to get an entry ticket for access to the Island of Comino, and it is not included in the cruise price. The ticket is free to purchase through the provided link.

Is there a toilet onboard?

Yes. Onboard toilet facilities are available and included.

Is Wi-Fi available during the cruise?

Yes. Free wifi is included onboard.

Is there a guide on board?

Yes. There is live tour guidance in English, and commentary is included.

Can I cancel for a refund?

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The captain can also alter or cancel the trip due to weather conditions.