St Pauls: Gozo & Comino Islands, Blue Lagoon & Seacaves Tour

Comino and Gozo are a day trip that actually feels like an adventure. This St Pauls: Gozo & Comino Islands cruise strings together the top swimming spots, plus real time in Gozo, all on a traditional Maltese schooner style boat. I especially like the mix of water time (Blue Lagoon and Comino) and land time (Mgarr Harbour and the St Paul’s stop). One thing to consider is that the schedule includes open water, so it is not a great fit if you get seasick easily.

What makes it interesting is the way the day flows, with built-in chances to snorkel, jump in, and reset on quieter islands. I like that the boat stays practical, with a snack bar, toilets onboard, and time to roam on your own. The main drawback for some people is the Comino entry requirement, because you must sign up via the Maltese government website to access the island.

Key things that make this tour worth your time

• Blue Lagoon swimming first, with time for snorkeling and time on Comino
• Traditional wooden schooner feel, plus a crew that keeps things organized and relaxed
• Gozo time at Mgarr Harbour, enough for lunch by the harbor or a quick bus trip to Victoria
• Caves and scenic passes happen when conditions allow, not as a rigid promise
• St Paul’s Island as a final swim or walk, including a chance to see the St Paul statue
• Simple onboard setup: snack bar, toilets, and cash for the snorkeling or water-access deposit

Why this Gozo and Comino cruise is a smart way to see Malta’s best water

If you want the highlights of Malta’s sister islands without piecing together ferries, schedules, and transport, this kind of full day cruise is the cleanest option. You start at Mermaid Cruises, you leave Bugibba with a proper island loop, and you come back at 5pm. That structure matters, because Blue Lagoon and Comino are the kind of places where being there at the right time beats chasing them later.

Also, this isn’t just a one-stop swim and repeat day. You get three island areas (Comino, Gozo, St Paul’s) plus a scenic cave pass in between. That gives you variety: water, a harbor town rhythm, and the quiet feel of an uninhabited island finish.

Price is also realistic for what you’re getting. At $34 per person, you are paying mainly for boat access, guide support in English, and the stops that would otherwise require more logistics. The only add-ons are the stuff you choose for your comfort, like snorkels, and the snorkeling or water access deposit.

Meeting at Mermaid Cruises and the day’s tight, useful timing

This tour runs in a straightforward time window. Boarding begins at 9:30am and closes at 9:50am, then the boat departs at 10:00am sharp. You return to the jetty at 5:00pm.

That matters because it sets expectations. If you roll in late, you miss the departure. If you want to hit the best swimming time at Blue Lagoon and Comino, the early start is a plus.

You’ll meet at Mermaid Cruises, and you should look for the boat named Mermaid, a red, white, and blue wooden boat. That visual detail helps a lot on Malta days when there can be multiple boats nearby.

Stop 1 to Stop 3: Blue Lagoon and Comino swimming time that’s actually usable

The day’s first big payoff is the Blue Lagoon stop, then you continue to Comino. The cruise schedule sets you up for real water time, not just a quick photo stop.

At the Blue Lagoon, you get about 1.5 hours for visiting, walking, swimming, and snorkeling. The boat also supports water access on your terms, with a cash deposit for snorkeling and water activities. You do need to plan for gear: snorkels are not included, so if you want your own setup, bring them. If you rely on what’s available onboard, you still need to bring the basics like a towel and water-friendly shoes if you use them.

Then Comino is next. You get around 1 hour on Comino itself, with the boat staying at the dock. This is the portion that helps you avoid feeling rushed. You can jump in from the boat, or you can head ashore to explore on foot. The tour also notes onboard sack bar and toilet facilities, which sounds small until you’re on the water all day and appreciate not having to guess where facilities are.

One practical note: the Comino island access requirement is real. You must sign up on the Maltese government website to get an entry ticket to access the Island of Comino. The ticket is free, but skipping this step can cause problems. The tour provides a link to the purchase page, so it’s worth handling this before you arrive.

Gozo at Mgarr Harbour: the right amount of time for a real lunch plan

After Comino, the cruise heads to Mgarr Harbour in Gozo. You get about 2 hours to explore the island and settle into the Gozo pace.

This is the land time that makes the trip feel like more than a floating party. You have bars and restaurants in the harbor area for lunch, and you also have the option to take a bus into Victoria, where you can visit Cittadella. The schedule does not lock you into one plan, which is good, because Gozo is one of those places where you might want a slow harbor lunch or a faster viewpoint detour.

The potential drawback here is also the nature of the time. Two hours goes quickly if you want both lunch and a long walk. If you are the type who likes to wander with no clock pressure, keep your Victoria plan light, or just commit to the harbor and call it a day. You still get a satisfying Gozo taste.

Sea caves, scenic passes, and weather reality (Santa Maria Caves)

Between Gozo and the final islands, the cruise includes cave scenery. There is a 15-minute stop connected with Santa Maria Caves, described as a photo stop and pass-by scenic views.

Cave viewing is also called out as weather dependent. That is the honest part. On Malta sea days, wind and swell can change visibility and how comfortable it is to linger. The practical value of this tour is that it treats caves as a bonus, not a single-point failure.

If caves are a big priority for you, go with the mindset of scenic views and photo moments, not a guarantee of perfect conditions. When weather cooperates, you get the highlight you came for. When it doesn’t, you still have plenty of swimming time and the other iconic stops.

St Paul’s Island finish: final swim, short walk, and an easy reset

The last island stop is St Paul’s Island, with two parts in the schedule: first about 1 hour for sightseeing and then about 30 minutes for photo stops, free time, walking, and one last swim.

This ending is a smart design. By the time you reach St Paul’s, you’ve already had your main swimming windows. Now the schedule gives you room to slow down, stand somewhere quieter, and take in the feel of a historical island with no inhabitants mentioned in the tour description. You also get the chance to see the statue of St Paul.

If you like a final moment that feels different from the beach culture of the lagoon stops, St Paul’s does that job. It’s also a good buffer for logistics. You can refresh with another swim if the day feels hot, then head back to land without feeling like you have to pack and rush.

The boat experience: what “traditional” means for your day

This tour runs on one of the only operating traditional Maltese Schooner style boats. That matters because your day is spent on the water longer than you might expect, and boat comfort influences the whole experience.

The included onboard setup is practical: a snack bar with “great prices,” toilets onboard, and enough onboard space to keep your day moving between swim segments and island time. From what’s shared about the experience, the crew also keeps things smooth. Captain Matthew is specifically highlighted as professional and super chill, and that matters because a calm captain and crew reduce stress when the group is switching between swimming, docking, and exploring.

Are you going to get luxury? The point here is authenticity and function. You’re on a classic style boat for island access, not a floating hotel.

What’s included, what costs extra, and how to budget without surprises

Here’s the value picture in plain terms.

Included:

• Full day cruise on the route described
• Opportunity to swim and snorkel, plus water access from the boat (with a 10 EUR cash deposit, with 5 EUR returned)
• Snack bar onboard and toilets
• Sea cave viewing that depends on weather
• Stops at Blue Lagoon, Comino, Mgarr Harbour (Gozo), Santa Maria Caves (photo stop), and St Paul’s Island

Not included:

• Transport to L-Menqa Jetty
• Lunch onboard
• Snorkels
• The Comino entry ticket requirement, handled by you through the Maltese government signup (free ticket, but it is required)

Budget tip: pack snacks even if you plan to buy small items onboard. It gives you control, especially because lunch is not included and your Gozo time is limited. Bring water too.

What to bring so you feel comfortable all day

Bring the simple stuff, and you’ll enjoy the day more:

• Hat
• Swimwear
• Towel
• Snacks
• Sunscreen
• Water
• Cash

Cash is especially important because of the snorkeling and water access deposit. Also, if you know you’ll want snorkels, plan for that since they’re not included.

Who this cruise is best for

This fits well if:

• You want Blue Lagoon and Comino without arranging your own boat or hopping multiple ferries
• You like a day with real island time, not just standing on a dock
• You value a friendly, organized crew experience, including the captain’s relaxed approach mentioned in the experience feedback

It might not fit if:

• You have back problems or issues that make rougher boat days uncomfortable
• You are prone to seasickness, since you will be out on open water

Booking tips and small decisions that matter

Two decisions can make or break your day.

First, handle the Comino entry ticket requirement ahead of time. It’s free, but you must sign up through the Maltese government website. The tour’s link gives you the right starting point. Do this before you go, not on the morning of.

Second, plan your swim gear strategy. If you want your own snorkel, bring it. If you don’t, make sure you understand what the deposit covers and how it works in practice.

Finally, pack like you’re going to be in and out of the water: dry layer, sunscreen reapplication, and a towel you can reach quickly once you’re back aboard.

Is it worth booking? My take on value for your Malta itinerary

At $34 per person, this is strong value if you’re short on time in Malta and want a one-day route that hits the big island highlights. You get multiple stops, genuine water time, and enough Gozo time to make lunch decisions without it feeling like a rushed dash.

I would book it if your priorities are:

• Blue Lagoon swimming
• Comino island time
• A realistic taste of Gozo from Mgarr Harbour
• A calmer, historical finish at St Paul’s Island

Skip it if you’re sensitive to motion on boats, dislike long water days, or you don’t want to deal with the Comino access ticket requirement ahead of time.

If you want a day that balances swim breaks with island wandering, this cruise is a practical, good-looking plan.

FAQ

Where does the tour meet?

The tour meets at Mermaid Cruises. Look out for the boat named Mermaid, which is red, white, and blue and made of wood.

What time does boarding start and when does the boat leave?

Boarding begins at 9:30am and closes at 9:50am. The boat departs at 10:00am sharp.

How long is the cruise?

The duration is about 7 hours, with return to the jetty at 5:00pm.

What are the main stops during the day?

You visit Blue Lagoon and Comino, then Gozo at Mgarr Harbour, then you have a photo stop at Santa Maria Caves, and the final stop is St Paul’s Island.

Can I swim and snorkel on this tour?

Yes. There is an opportunity to swim and snorkel, with a 10 EUR cash deposit and 5 EUR returned. Snorkels are not included, though.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch onboard is not included.

Do I need an entry ticket for Comino?

Yes. You must sign up with the Maltese Government website to get an entry ticket to access the Island of Comino. The ticket is free to purchase via the provided link.

Are the sea caves guaranteed to be visible?

No. Viewing of the caves is weather dependent.

Is this tour suitable for everyone?

It is not suitable for people with back problems and it is not suitable for people prone to seasickness.