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

Comino, Gozo, and caves in one day? That is the whole appeal of this St Paul’s Bay boat tour. I love the smaller boat feel, plus the calm pace of scheduled swim and walk breaks. I also like the live English commentary that keeps you oriented as the coastline changes.

The best part is easy access to the water, but there is one big consideration: cave stops and even entry can shift with weather and sea conditions, so your day depends on Mother Nature cooperating.

Key highlights worth aiming for

• Blue Lagoon swim time at a famous stop, with enough hours to actually enjoy it
• Gozo on foot for views, photos, and time to explore at your own pace
• Crystal Lagoon or Santa Maria Caves viewed and sometimes entered, depending on conditions
• St Paul’s Island finale with a statue and ancient church ruins, plus one last swim window
• Smaller-boat advantage like leaving bags aboard and feeling less packed
• Crew energy helped by friendly guides such as Matthew and Robbie (names that show up again and again)

A full-day Malta water loop, built for swims and short walks

This is one of those trips that works well if you have limited time in Malta and still want variety. You get moving time between islands, but the day is organized around simple, do-able moments: a swim, a walk, a cave pass, then another swim. It is a great match for people who like the sea, but still want to see Malta beyond the shoreline.

I also like that the crew keeps it practical. You are not stuck listening to long speeches. Instead, you get live guidance in English as you cruise, with clear timing so you know when to be back and what to expect.

Meeting at Bugibba and settling into Mermaid Cruises

The tour starts at Mermaid Cruises, look for the blue, white, and red boat called The Mermaid. Boarding begins at 9:30 AM and closes at 9:50 AM, so plan to arrive a bit early rather than testing your luck.

There is a quiet win here if you hate last-minute chaos. On smaller boats, things tend to run tighter, and the day often feels smoother. Multiple guests noted that the boat was easier to manage than larger ones nearby, and that you could keep your swim stuff organized more easily.

Also worth knowing: there are onboard toilets, which matters on a 7-hour day when you are going in and out of the water.

The sea cruise between stops: commentary that helps you read the coast

The cruise portion is not just travel time. You are getting live commentary in English while you move between Comino, Gozo, and the cave areas.

That orientation matters on this kind of day. Malta’s coastline has lots of small coves and dramatic rock lines, and without some guidance it can feel like you are just looking at water and cliffs. With the commentary, you get the why behind what you are seeing, which makes each approach feel more intentional.

Comino and the Blue Lagoon: your main swim window

Comino is the headline act, mainly because of the Blue Lagoon. The timing here is important. You get a solid block of about an hour at the Blue Lagoon, plus time to swim or snorkel while the boat is anchored.

What makes this stop work well is that it is not only photo time. You are there long enough to actually get wet, relax, and enjoy the color changes. Yes, it can be busy. But the stop is still worth it because you are seeing the iconic postcard spot from inside the experience, not from a distance.

Practical tip: bring your swimwear and towel-friendly habits. You can keep your gear on board, and that helps because you are not doing a frantic scramble when you want to reboard. If you rented snorkeling gear, make sure you have it ready to go before everyone crowds into the water.

One more thing: some guests describe little onboard or at-stop treats, including pineapple fruit. It is not something to bank on as a guarantee, but it is a nice sign of the crew’s relaxed, friendly vibe.

Cave views at Crystal Lagoon or Santa Maria Caves

After Comino and Gozo time, the tour aims at cave scenery. You will get either Crystal Lagoon Caves or Santa Maria Caves, and how much you experience depends on sea and weather.

This is the reality of this part of Malta. Caves can be reachable and sometimes entered only when conditions allow it. If it is rough or the waves are up, you might get more of a scenic pass-by and photo stop instead of getting fully inside.

Even from the outside, the rock shapes and coastal formations are a big reason people book this trip. You are seeing limestone textures that look dramatic from the water, and you get the boat viewpoint that you just cannot replicate from shore.

Tip for best photos: if you want cave shots, stay alert when the boat slows down. It is not a long stop, and you want to have your phone or camera set before the angle changes.

Gozo: a longer feel on land, with time to wander

Gozo usually feels different from Malta in a good way. The tour gives you about 2 hours on Gozo for photos and free time.

That amount of time is enough to do something simple and worthwhile, like walking around for viewpoints, popping into a local spot, or taking a breather from boat time. Many guests focus on the Victoria area (often using taxis or buses at their own expense) because it is a common “do” on Gozo with a compact sightseeing feel.

A useful mindset here: you are not trying to conquer all of Gozo. You are sampling it. With only one land stop, the best use is to pick one pocket you care about, then enjoy the pace.

St Paul’s Island: statue, ruins, and a last swim break

The finale is St Paul’s Island. You get a short about 30 minutes there, and it is designed as a closer. That means you can do two things: take photos and visit the famous statue and ancient church ruins, then enjoy a final swim option.

This stop has a different vibe than Comino. It feels calmer and more “historic Malta” because you are combining nature with a sense of place. The hill and statue area are a highlight if you like seeing landmarks up close rather than only beaches and caves.

If you want both statue views and a swim, keep an eye on time. The window is short. Reboard quickly after swimming so you are not the person sprinting to the boat at the end.

What you pay for: value, food, and snorkeling gear

The price is listed at $34 per person, and for what you get, that is a strong value. You are paying for a full-day sea route, live commentary, and multiple stops built around experiences, not just “look out the window” sightseeing.

Food and drinks are not included. You can buy lunch during the Comino stop, and drinks are available onboard for purchase. That matters because you can control your budget instead of being locked into a package meal.

Snorkeling equipment is also not included, but it is available for rent. You will need a 10 euro security deposit in cash, so bring the cash you planned for other small purchases too. Also pack sunscreen. Strong sun plus time on the water is a predictable combo.

Timing, crowd levels, and why the boat size matters

One of the most repeated quality notes is the boat size. Guests often compare Mermaid Cruises favorably to larger boats nearby, saying the day feels less overcrowded and more comfortable. On a Blue Lagoon day, that difference is not minor. You want space when you are reboarding, changing, and managing swim bags.

Another practical advantage of smaller boats is how they can handle movement around the coast. Several people mention the boat felt like it could get into key areas well and with less friction than bigger operators.

Also, music and crew attitude show up in the feedback. That is not a small detail. When the crew keeps the tone relaxed and organized, the day feels easier, even if you are moving between multiple stops.

How weather affects caves and your overall day

This tour is outdoors, and caves are the most weather sensitive part. The operator notes that cave viewed and entered is weather and sea dependent, and the captain may adjust or cancel the trip based on conditions.

So, think of the caves as “condition-based bonus content.” You are still getting scenic cruising, Gozo time, and at least one major swim opportunity. If caves end up being more photo-focused, it will be a downgrade, but not a cancellation of the whole point.

If you are visiting in a season with strong winds or unpredictable seas, you might value this tour most if you stay flexible about expectations.

Who this tour is best for

I think this tour fits best if you:

• Want Comino and Gozo in one day without planning ferries and transfers
• Love swimming and snorkeling breaks more than museum-style touring
• Prefer a smaller group feel, with time for photos and walks rather than a nonstop rush
• Have limited time in Malta and want a well-paced “greatest hits” day

It is not a match if you have mobility limitations, since the tour is not suitable for people with mobility impairments. Also, the day is water-based, so if you are very seasick-prone, consider that before booking.

Should you book the St Paul’s Bay Comino, Gozo, and caves boat tour?

I’d book it if you want a value-packed Malta day that is built around water, short walks, and clear timing. It is especially appealing when you care about the Blue Lagoon swim experience and still want Gozo and St Paul’s Island without extra planning.

I would think twice if caves are the one thing you absolutely need to see entered. Those moments depend on conditions, and the captain may alter stops. Still, even with cave entry limited, you are getting multiple islands, multiple swim windows, and a historic island visit at the end.

If you like simple days with real scenery, this one is a solid call.

FAQ

How long is the boat tour?

The tour is 7 hours long. Starting times can vary, so check availability for the specific day you want.

Where does the tour depart from?

You meet at Mermaid Cruises in the St Paul’s Bay, Bugibba area. Look for the blue, white, and red boat called The Mermaid.

What time does boarding start and end?

Boarding starts at 9:30 AM and closes at 9:50 AM.

Are meals included?

No. Food and drinks are not included, though you can purchase lunch during the Comino stop.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

No, snorkeling equipment is available to rent. A 10 euro security deposit in cash is required.

Do I need a ticket to visit Comino?

Yes, you must sign up for an entry ticket through the Maltese Government website to access the Island of Comino. The ticket is free to purchase.

Are toilets available on board?

Yes, the boat has onboard toilets.

Is the tour commentary in English?

Yes. There is live commentary in English.

What happens if the weather is rough?

The captain may cancel or alter the trip due to weather conditions. Cave access and whether caves can be entered are also dependent on sea and weather.

Is the tour suitable for people with mobility impairments?

No, the tour is not suitable for people with mobility impairments.