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

The best Malta views come from the water. This full-day cruise aboard the family-run Mermaid links the Blue Lagoon, Comino’s caves, and St Paul’s Islands in one relaxed outing from Bugibba. I especially like the smaller boat, which can get closer to some caves, and the generous time at Blue Lagoon for swimming and lunch. The main catch is the long day in the sun, plus the need to arrange Comino’s free entry ticket before you go.

At $28 per person, this is a strong-value way to see several famous coastal sights without booking separate boat trips. The crew is friendly, the boat has shade, a toilet, Wi-Fi, and life-saving equipment, and the music helps keep the mood easygoing. Still, it is not a good fit for anyone with mobility impairments, and the Blue Lagoon can feel very busy even when your boat itself is comfortable.

Key things to know before you book

• The Mermaid leaves from Bugibba’s L-Menqa harbor, where you should look for the small red, white, and blue boat.
• Blue Lagoon gets about three and a half hours, enough time for swimming, snorkeling, walking, and a meal.
• The cruise includes Crystal Lagoon or St Mary’s Caves, depending on the route and conditions.
• St Paul’s Islands provide a final swim stop, plus the option to walk up toward the famous statue of St Paul.
• You must arrange Comino’s free entry ticket online through the Maltese Government system before arrival.
• The boat has an open-air shaded area, a useful feature during Malta’s strong midday sun.

Setting sail from Bugibba on the Mermaid

Your day begins at L-Menqa, the harbor area at Bugibba. The meeting point is easy to identify: find the small red, white, and blue boat named The Mermaid. The cruise returns to this same spot, so there is no need to arrange a second pickup point or find your way back from another harbor.

The first hour is a sightseeing cruise along Malta’s northern coast. This is not wasted transit. From the deck, you get a broad look at the Maltese shoreline and the bright Mediterranean water while passing Mellieha on the way toward Comino.

I like this opening because it lets you settle into the day before the first swim. You can choose a sunny spot for photographs or use the shaded open-air area, which several passengers appreciated. That shade matters more than it sounds. Malta’s sun can be hard on you after several hours, especially when there is little shelter at the swimming stops.

The boat provides live English commentary, so you get some context as the coast passes by. The exact wording and detail of the commentary can vary, but it gives the cruise more purpose than simply being a water taxi. Free Wi-Fi is also available, though I would treat it as a convenience rather than the reason to book.

Three and a half hours at the Blue Lagoon

The main event is Comino’s Blue Lagoon, where the boat remains for roughly three and a half hours. That is a useful amount of time. You are not rushed into one quick swim and straight back aboard. Instead, you can spread the stop between swimming, snorkeling, walking, taking photographs, and eating.

The water is the star here. It is clear enough for a good look below the surface, and the protected setting makes it an appealing place to swim. You can also jump from the boat into the sea, an option that adds a little fun without requiring a separate activity.

I recommend treating the first part of the stop as your best swimming time. Once you have had your fill of the water, dry off, find shade, and use the remaining time for a walk or lunch. Bring a towel, swimwear, sunscreen, and a hat. Those are not optional extras on a long Maltese boat day.

The Blue Lagoon is famous for good reason, but fame brings crowds. The water may look calm and open from the boat, while the shore and nearby vessels can feel much busier. This cruise helps by giving you a comfortable base on the Mermaid, but it cannot make the lagoon private.

Comino access also requires a separate step. You must sign up on the Maltese Government website and obtain the free entry ticket through the official Blue Lagoon booking page. The boat fare does not include this ticket. Arrange it before the morning of your cruise, and keep the confirmation available in case it is requested.

Food and drinks are available to purchase aboard the Mermaid. The supplied information describes a snack bar and lunch option, while one passenger specifically noted that drinks were available but snacks were not. I would bring some cash and avoid relying on a full restaurant-style meal. A light onboard purchase may be convenient, but packing a small personal snack is sensible if you have dietary needs or prefer more choice.

Choosing between Crystal Lagoon and St Mary’s Caves

After the Blue Lagoon, the boat makes another short sightseeing run before stopping at one of Comino’s cave areas. The route may include Crystal Lagoon Caves or St Mary’s Caves, and the stop lasts about 15 minutes.

This is primarily a photography and sightseeing pause rather than a major shore visit. Have your camera ready before the boat reaches the caves, since the stop is brief. The crew can bring the Mermaid close enough to some openings for a better look, an advantage of using a smaller vessel.

St Mary’s Caves offer a striking change from the open water around Blue Lagoon. The rock formations and dark cave mouths give you a different view of Comino, while the boat’s position lets you photograph the contrast between pale limestone and clear sea.

Fifteen minutes passes quickly. You may not have time to wander, swim, and take photographs all at once. If pictures are your priority, keep your phone or camera ready and use a waterproof case. If you prefer to stay seated and enjoy the view, the crew’s route around the cave area still gives you a worthwhile look.

The captain can alter the route according to weather conditions. That flexibility is important around Malta, where wind and sea conditions can affect which caves are safe and practical to visit. You may not see every named cave on a particular day, but a changed route is better than a risky approach.

A final swim beside St Paul’s Islands

The cruise then makes its way toward St Paul’s Islands, a historically important pair of small islands off Malta’s coast. The stop lasts about 30 minutes and combines sightseeing with another chance to swim.

This is a shorter, quieter-feeling finish than the Blue Lagoon stop. You can take photographs, swim beside the boat, or walk up toward the well-known statue of St Paul. The choice gives the stop a little variety. You are not limited to another identical swim in another patch of sea.

The statue connects the setting to Malta’s Christian history and gives you a clear reason to look beyond the water. If you want to walk up for a closer view, wear secure footwear and remember that your time ashore is limited. The supplied details do not describe a long land visit, so think of this as a brief stop rather than a full historical tour.

I like ending here because it gives the cruise a final point of interest before the return journey. You can take one last swim, rinse off as best you can, and settle back on deck for the ride to Bugibba. The return sightseeing cruise takes about an hour, followed by a short final approach to L-Menqa.

What the boat experience is really like

The Mermaid is not presented as a luxury yacht, and that is part of its appeal. It is a traditional Maltese boat run by a family business, with a friendly crew and a relaxed atmosphere. Several passengers praised the captain and deckhand for being welcoming, punctual, and helpful.

The boat’s size creates a useful balance. It is large enough to include a toilet, snack and drink service, shaded seating, Wi-Fi, and safety equipment. At the same time, it is small enough to get closer to some caves than larger ships can. Passengers also appreciated that it did not feel as crowded as some other boats.

Music plays during the trip, and the atmosphere is casual rather than formal. That will suit you if you want a sociable day on the water. If you want silence, a private guide, or a carefully structured cultural lecture, this is not that kind of excursion.

The onboard toilet is particularly practical. You are away from Bugibba for most of the day, and the facilities at the swimming stops may not be close or convenient. Do not expect a large bathroom, but having one onboard makes the long cruise easier.

Safety equipment is provided, and the crew controls the boat’s movements and swimming access. You should still follow directions closely, especially when jumping from the boat or approaching caves. The experience is active, but it is not designed for people with mobility impairments.

Price, timing, and what you receive for $28

At $28 per person, the cruise offers a lot for the price. You get a seven to seven-and-a-half-hour outing, coastal sightseeing, transport by boat, a long Blue Lagoon stop, a cave visit, St Paul’s Islands, live English commentary, onboard toilet facilities, Wi-Fi, and safety equipment.

The value is strongest if you want several sights in one day. Booking separate trips to Comino, the caves, and St Paul’s Islands would likely involve more planning and could cost more. Here, the boat handles the movement between stops, while you spend your time swimming and looking at the coast.

The price does not cover food or drinks, although purchases are available onboard. It also does not include the Comino access ticket, which is free but still requires advance registration. These are small costs or tasks, but they are worth knowing before you arrive.

The day lasts long enough to feel like a proper outing, not a short harbor ride. That also means you need to be comfortable spending most of the day exposed to sea air and sun. The shaded area helps, but sunscreen, a hat, water, and a towel remain essential.

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure and the reserve-now, pay-later option make the booking less risky. The captain can cancel or change the route when weather conditions require it, so keep some flexibility in your Malta schedule.

Who will enjoy this cruise most

I would recommend the Mermaid cruise to families, couples, and small groups who want a low-cost day combining swimming and sightseeing. It works especially well if Blue Lagoon is high on your Malta wish list but you also want to see caves and St Paul’s Islands without arranging several separate trips.

It is also a good choice for people who enjoy a relaxed boat atmosphere. The crew has earned strong praise for friendliness, punctuality, and a welcoming manner. The music, shaded seating, and informal setup make the day feel more like a pleasant outing than a strict guided tour.

Active swimmers will get the most from the trip. You can swim, snorkel, jump from the boat, and walk during the stops. Bring your own comfort items because the day’s enjoyment depends heavily on being ready for sun, water, and short periods on shore.

I would be more cautious if you dislike crowds, need a quiet boat, or have mobility limitations. Blue Lagoon is popular, and the route includes several boarding and shore transitions. The crew may be helpful, but the experience is specifically listed as unsuitable for people with mobility impairments.

Practical tips for making the day easier

Arrive with your Comino entry ticket already arranged. The ticket is free, but forgetting the registration could create needless trouble at the day’s main stop.

Wear swimwear under your clothes if possible. You will want to enter the water without turning the boat into a changing room, and the first Blue Lagoon swim may be the moment you have been waiting for.

Carry cash for food and drinks. The boat has onboard purchases, but the available selection may be limited. A small snack from home gives you a backup without taking up much space.

Use a waterproof pouch for your phone. The route is made for photographs, especially near the caves and St Paul’s Islands, but a wet phone can quickly spoil a good day.

Take breaks from the sun. Use the shaded area, reapply sunscreen, and keep your hat nearby. You have several hours at sea, and the return ride can feel much longer if you have spent the day overheating.

Keep your expectations realistic about the caves. The cave stop is brief, and weather may change the route. Enjoy it as a close coastal look and photo stop rather than expecting a long underground exploration.

Should you book the Mermaid cruise?

Book it if you want an affordable, full-day Malta boat trip with a strong swimming focus and several coastal sights in one outing. The three-and-a-half-hour Blue Lagoon stop, smaller boat, shaded seating, friendly crew, and close views of the caves make this a better-value choice than a bare-bones transfer.

Skip it if you need a quiet private experience, extensive time on land, or easy access for limited mobility. Also think twice if you dislike busy swimming areas or prefer a formal history tour.

For most active visitors, I would book it, then arrange the free Comino ticket, bring cash and sun protection, and accept that the route may change with the weather. At $28, the Mermaid gives you a full day on Malta’s water without asking you to spend the whole day in a crowded, oversized vessel.

FAQ

Where does the Malta Blue Lagoon cruise depart?

The cruise departs from L-Menqa at Bugibba harbor. Look for the small red, white, and blue boat named The Mermaid.

How long does the cruise last?

The activity lasts approximately seven to seven and a half hours. Starting times vary, so check availability when booking.

How much time do you get at the Blue Lagoon?

You spend about three and a half hours at the Blue Lagoon. This allows time for swimming, snorkeling, walking, and eating.

Is the Comino entry ticket included?

No. You must sign up through the Maltese Government website and obtain the free Blue Lagoon entry ticket separately.

Can I buy food and drinks on the boat?

Food and drinks are available for purchase onboard, and the boat has a snack bar. Bring cash, and consider carrying a personal snack because the selection may be limited.

Is there a toilet on the Mermaid?

Yes. Onboard toilet facilities are included during the cruise.

Is the cruise suitable for people with mobility impairments?

No. The activity is not suitable for people with mobility impairments. You should also bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, a sun hat, and cash.