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

The best part of this Mermaid boat tour is how much Malta coastline you see in one day. From Bugibba, you cruise past caves and rock formations, swim at Comino’s Blue Lagoon, spend two hours on Gozo, and return by way of Santa Maria Caves and Elephant Rock. It packs a lot into 330 minutes without using one of those giant excursion boats.

I especially like the small-boat feel and the crew’s clear handling of the day. The captain gives useful timing and route information, while the deck crew keeps drinks affordable and may hand out simple extras such as pineapple. The main catch is time: one hour at the Blue Lagoon and two hours on Gozo can feel short, especially in summer when finding a place to leave your bag and swim takes time.

Key points to know

• A 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. style day at sea: The tour gives you a broad view of Comino, Gozo, caves, and Malta’s coast in one outing.
• One hour at Blue Lagoon: Enough for a swim and quick look around, but not enough for a slow beach day.
• Two hours on Gozo: You can stay near the harbor or pay about €6 for a minibus to Victoria.
• A smaller boat than many competitors: The Mermaid is comfortable for a more relaxed ride, though deck seating can still feel close together.
• 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, optional snorkeling gear, and the Gozo minibus require extra payment.

Setting out from Bugibba on the Mermaid

Your day begins at Bugibba Jetty in St Paul’s Bay. Look for the blue, white, and red boat named The Mermaid. Boarding begins 30 minutes before departure, and the boat closes boarding 10 minutes before the scheduled start, so arriving early matters. A late arrival means the boat leaves without you and there is no refund.

The boat has toilets, a captain, a crew, and live commentary in English. Several departures have featured crew members such as Matthew and Roppy, while other trips are handled by a different captain and deckhand. The consistent theme is a friendly, practical crew that explains where to meet, how long you have at each stop, and what your options are on Gozo.

The first hour is a sightseeing cruise. This is not just dead time between stops. You get open-water views of Malta’s coast, rocky inlets, and sea caves, with commentary pointing out notable formations. If you want the best photos, keep your camera ready as the boat moves. The exact route can change with wind and sea conditions.

The Mermaid is smaller than many large sightseeing boats seen around Comino. That can make the ride feel calmer and less packed, though outdoor seating is not limitless. Some people like sitting at the front with their feet over the side, while others may find the deck chairs close together when the boat is full.

Blue Lagoon: beautiful water, limited time

Comino’s Blue Lagoon is the star of the outing. The water is clear and bright, and the stop is set up for swimming, snorkeling, photos, and a short walk around the island. The boat reaches Comino early enough to give you a chance at enjoying the area before the busiest part of the day, but this is still one of Malta’s most popular places.

You receive about one hour here. That sounds reasonable on paper, but the clock starts competing with real tasks: getting ashore, registering your free Comino entry ticket, finding somewhere for your belongings, and walking to the water. In high season, the crowded shoreline can eat into your swimming time. Some people manage a good swim, while others feel they have barely settled in before it is time to return to the boat.

You need to register through the Maltese Government’s Blue Lagoon website at blcomino.com before visiting. The access ticket is free, but it is required. Keep the confirmation available on your phone, and bring a little patience for the landing area. Getting off the boat can involve uneven, rocky ground, so this stop is not suitable for anyone with mobility impairments.

The best way to use the hour is to arrive prepared. Wear your swimsuit under your clothes, keep sunscreen and a hat close, and avoid bringing more bags than you need. If you already own a mask, bring it. Snorkeling gear is available to rent on board, but it requires a €10 cash security deposit.

The Blue Lagoon is worth seeing, but this is a quick sampler rather than a full Comino beach day. If swimming is your main reason for booking, the limited stop is the biggest drawback. If your aim is to see the lagoon while also visiting Gozo and the caves, the short stay makes more sense.

Gozo in two hours

After Comino, the boat continues to Gozo for a two-hour stop. Gozo is Malta’s sister island, and the pause gives you a chance to step ashore, stretch your legs, eat, and get a brief taste of local life. You can stay close to the harbor, where restaurants and bars are available, or arrange transport to Victoria, Gozo’s capital.

A minibus transfer to Victoria has cost about €6 per person on recent departures. It is not included in the tour price, but it can be a sensible add-on if you want to see more than the harbor area. The ride gives you a practical way to reach the island’s central city without trying to organize transport during a short stop.

Still, two hours is not enough for a full Gozo visit. You will not have time to explore the island at a relaxed pace, and even Victoria deserves more than a quick look if you want to see it properly. I would treat this stop as an introduction, not a substitute for a dedicated Gozo day trip.

You may also want to eat here, but food and drinks are not included. Some people prefer to pack a lunch so they do not lose time looking for a table. The boat sells drinks, and the prices have been described as reasonable. Cash is useful for the minibus, snacks, and optional rentals.

The Gozo stop works best for different kinds of visitors in different ways. If you want a quick walk and a meal, two hours is workable. If you want Victoria, a long lunch, shopping, and several sights, you will probably find yourself watching the clock.

Santa Maria Caves and Elephant Rock on the return

The return cruise includes a slower look at Comino’s Santa Maria Caves. Depending on the weather and sea, the boat may pass by the caves or enter them. You get around 15 minutes for photos and coastal views, with the captain guiding the boat through the most interesting areas when conditions permit.

This part of the trip adds something the land stops cannot: a view of Comino from the water. The caves, pale rock, and changing blue-green water are especially photogenic from the boat. Keep in mind that sea conditions control what the captain can safely do. A promise of caves does not mean every cave can be entered on every departure.

The boat also passes Elephant Rock, a distinctive rock formation that resembles an elephant drinking from the sea. It is a quick photo stop rather than a landing. The captain may point out the shape during the commentary, so listen closely if you want to catch the story and get your camera ready.

There is another sightseeing cruise of about 50 minutes before the boat reaches Bugibba Jetty. Depending on the day’s route, the return may include another chance to swim or snorkel. This last stretch is a good time to sit back, dry off, and watch Malta’s coast slide past.

What the crew adds to the day

The crew is one of the strongest parts of this experience. You are given clear instructions about departure times and meeting points, which matters when you are moving between islands on a fixed schedule. Captains have also been praised for pointing out rock formations, offering useful local tips, and keeping the atmosphere relaxed.

The tour is guided in English only. Commentary is live rather than a multilingual recording, so you will get the most from it if you are comfortable following English explanations. The style is generally light and practical, with information about the coast and reminders about how long remains at each stop.

The boat sells drinks, and some departures offer fruit such as pineapple. These are small touches, but they help on a long day in the sun. I would still bring water, sunscreen, and cash rather than depend entirely on buying supplies on board.

The smaller vessel is a major reason to choose this tour over a much larger cruise. You may feel closer to the water, and the crew can give the outing a more personal tone. The tradeoff is space. If you want a wide open deck with plenty of room around every chair, this is not the right expectation.

Is $29 good value?

At $29 per person, this is strong value if you want a broad introduction to Malta’s islands by sea. The price covers the boat ride, captain and crew, English commentary, the Blue Lagoon stop, the Gozo stop, cave viewing, toilets, and return transport to Bugibba. You are seeing several of Malta’s headline coastal sights in roughly five and a half hours.

The extras are modest but worth planning for. Food and drinks cost extra. Snorkeling equipment can be rented with a €10 cash deposit. The Gozo minibus to Victoria is also extra, usually around €6 per person. Comino’s entry ticket is free, but you must arrange it online.

Compare this with booking separate transport to Comino and Gozo, paying for independent boat rides, and organizing your own route. The tour removes much of that planning. Its weakness is not cost. It is the fixed schedule and the short time at the most popular places.

The tour is especially good for a first Malta visit, a short stay, or anyone who wants one easy day that covers several highlights. It is less suitable if you prefer slow travel, long swims, or hours exploring one island without a timetable.

Practical advice for a smoother trip

Arrive before boarding starts. The crew begins boarding 30 minutes early, and the boat cannot wait for late passengers. Bring a sun hat, swimwear, sunscreen, and cash. A towel is also sensible for a swimming day, though it is not specifically listed among the required items.

Wear footwear that can handle a rocky landing. The Blue Lagoon access point may be uneven, and getting off the boat is not easy for everyone. If you have mobility limitations, choose a different outing.

Keep your valuables simple. You may be able to leave bags on the smaller boat during your swim, but do not treat that as a guarantee for expensive items. A compact bag with dry clothes, sunscreen, and a phone pouch is more useful than a large beach setup.

Check the forecast before you go. The captain can cancel or change the route when weather makes the sea unsafe. Cave entry is also dependent on conditions. The cancellation policy allows a full refund when you cancel at least 24 hours ahead, and you can reserve now and pay later if that option is offered at booking.

Who should book this boat tour?

Book it if you want maximum variety for a low price. You will see Comino, Gozo, caves, rock formations, and Malta’s coast without arranging several separate trips. It suits swimmers, casual snorkelers, first-time visitors, couples, and families who can manage a rocky landing and a full day in the sun.

Think twice if Blue Lagoon is your sole priority. You may prefer a trip with a longer lagoon stop. Likewise, choose a dedicated Gozo excursion if you want Victoria, local food, and inland sights at an unhurried pace.

For everyone else, the Mermaid offers a practical middle ground: a smaller boat, friendly crew, clear timing, and a lot of scenery for $29. Bring cash, register for the free Comino ticket, and accept that you are sampling Malta’s islands rather than fully exploring them. That is the right way to judge this tour, and on those terms it is an easy choice for a first look at the coast.

FAQ

Where does the boat tour start?

The tour starts at Bugibba Jetty in St Paul’s Bay, Malta. Look for the blue, white, and red boat named The Mermaid.

How long does the tour last?

The tour lasts 330 minutes, or about five and a half hours. The route returns to Bugibba Jetty at the end of the day.

How much time do I get at the Blue Lagoon?

You get about one hour at the Blue Lagoon for photos, walking, swimming, and snorkeling.

Is the Comino entry ticket included?

The Comino entry ticket is free, but you must register through the Maltese Government website at blcomino.com before visiting the island.

How long is the stop in Gozo?

The Gozo stop lasts about two hours. You can stay near the harbor or arrange optional transport to Victoria.

Is the minibus to Victoria included?

No. The minibus is an optional extra and has cost about €6 per person on recent departures.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Snorkeling equipment is not included, but it is available to rent. A €10 cash security deposit is required.

What language is used on the tour?

The live commentary and tour guidance are in English only.

Is the tour suitable for people with mobility impairments?

No. The tour is not suitable for people with mobility impairments, and getting off at the Blue Lagoon can involve rocky, uneven ground.