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

Three islands, one boat, seven hours. This Mermaid Cruises outing packs Malta’s clearest swimming water, Gozo’s harbor, Comino’s caves, and St. Paul’s Islands into one well-priced day at sea. I like the freedom built into the stops, especially the chance to jump from the boat or walk around instead of being rushed through a tightly managed shore visit. I also like the traditional red, white, and blue wooden schooner, which gives the day a more local feel than a standard ferry ride.

The main drawback is the schedule. You get only about two hours in Gozo and roughly an hour to an hour and a half around the Blue Lagoon, so this is a sampler rather than a proper island visit. The Blue Lagoon can also be crowded, and sea cave viewing depends on weather.

Five details that shape the day

• A traditional Mermaid schooner: Look for the red, white, and blue wooden boat at L-Menqa Jetty in Bugibba.
• An early Blue Lagoon stop: You can swim, snorkel, jump from the boat, or walk around Comino before the busiest part of the day builds.
• Two hours in Gozo: Mgarr Harbour gives you time for lunch, shopping, a walk, or a quick bus trip to Victoria and the Cittadella.
• Sea caves at no extra charge: The boat passes through the Comino Channel and visits the Santa Maria Caves when conditions allow.
• A quiet final stop: St. Paul’s Islands offer another swim and a look at the statue of St. Paul before the ride back.
• Strong crew service: Captain Matthew and the other crew member have been praised for being professional, relaxed, and willing to give people freedom at each stop.

Setting sail from Bugibba at 10am

Your day begins at Mermaid Cruises in Bugibba, at L-Menqa Jetty. The boat is easy to identify by its red, white, and blue wooden design, but do not cut the timing close. Boarding begins at 9:30am, closes at 9:50am, and departure is set for 10am sharp.

Transport to the jetty is not included, so you need to arrange your own way there. This matters because the tour ends at the same jetty at about 5pm. Plan the start and finish as one complete outing rather than assuming a hotel transfer is part of the price.

Once the boat leaves, the first hour is mostly a sightseeing cruise. It gives you time to settle in, find a place to sit, and watch Malta’s coast slide by before the swimming begins. The boat has a snack bar and toilets, both useful on a full day away from shore. Lunch is not included, but you can buy snacks and drinks onboard at what is described as reasonable pricing.

I would still bring water and a few snacks. Cash is useful for the boat, Gozo, and any snorkeling arrangement. A hat, sunscreen, towel, swimwear, and comfortable walking shoes make sense, since the day alternates between boat decks, swimming, and time ashore.

Blue Lagoon: beautiful water and limited time

The first major stop is Comino’s Blue Lagoon. The boat remains at the dock, giving you a choice that many organized boat trips do not offer: you can get into the water directly from the boat, walk around Comino, or simply enjoy the view from deck.

The water is the star here. It is clear enough for swimming and snorkeling, and the stop is well suited to anyone who wants the classic Malta sea experience without spending a full day on Comino. You have roughly one hour to an hour and a half, depending on how the schedule is described, so change quickly if you want a swim and a walk.

That short visit is also the main limitation. You will not have hours to wander the island or settle into a long beach stop. If your priority is a leisurely day at the Blue Lagoon, a dedicated Comino trip may suit you better. This tour is designed to give you a taste of the lagoon before moving on to Gozo and St. Paul’s Islands.

You must also register for a free Comino entry ticket through the Maltese Government website before visiting the island. The required site is blcomino.com/product/blue-lagoon/. This is easy to overlook, so handle it before the morning of the cruise.

Snorkeling is possible, but snorkels are not included. The activity information lists a $10 cash deposit arrangement, with $5 returned, so bring cash and confirm the exact equipment terms with the crew. If you already own a mask and snorkel, bringing them avoids confusion and saves time at the water stop.

Gozo from Mgarr Harbour

After Comino, the boat makes the short run to Mgarr Harbour on Gozo. You have two hours here, which is enough for a useful glimpse of the island but not enough for a full tour of Gozo’s villages and sights.

Mgarr is a pleasant place to pause. You can find bars and restaurants near the harbor, have lunch, browse shops, and walk along the waterfront. This is the simplest plan, and it keeps you close to the boat. You will need to be back at the harbor when the ship is ready to leave, so do not wander too far without keeping an eye on the time.

If you want more history, the suggested option is to take a bus into Victoria, Gozo’s capital, and visit the Cittadella. That choice gives the stop more cultural weight, but it also uses part of your two-hour window. You must arrange and pay for your own transport, and the tour does not provide a guided Victoria visit.

I like this stop because it breaks up the water time with a taste of everyday Gozitan life. You are not simply looking at the island from a boat. You can choose a meal, a walk, or a quick city visit based on your interests. The tradeoff is that you need to manage the clock yourself.

The boat waits at Mgarr Harbour, which makes the return simple as long as you are punctual. The crew’s relaxed approach is helpful here. Captain Matthew and the other crew member have been praised for being professional while still giving people room to choose how they use each stop. That balance is important on a day with several separate activities.

Santa Maria Caves through the Comino Channel

Back aboard, the cruise continues through the Comino Channel toward the sea caves. The Santa Maria Caves are viewed from the boat, with time for photographs and scenic views along the way.

This is not a separate shore excursion with a long walk or a cave hike. It is a boat-level visit, so your experience depends on the route, sea conditions, and your view from the deck. Cave viewing is weather dependent, and the crew cannot guarantee access if conditions are unsafe.

Still, the caves add variety. The day is not just swim, eat, and return. You get a different look at Comino’s rocky coast, with the boat doing the work of reaching formations that would be difficult to see from land.

Try to keep your camera ready, but do not spend the entire passage looking at a screen. The best views may come quickly as the boat turns near the rock openings. If the sea is rough, remain seated or hold the rail when moving around the deck.

St. Paul’s Islands as the final swim

The last major stop is St. Paul’s Islands, a historical site just off Malta’s coast. The boat offers a sightseeing cruise in the area, followed by about 30 minutes at the islands for a photo stop, a walk, or one last swim.

The statue of St. Paul gives the stop its distinctive character. You can take a closer look, stretch your legs, or use the final water break to cool off before the ride back. The islands have no inhabitants, so this stop feels quieter and more removed than the Blue Lagoon.

I think the timing works well. After a full day of sun and salt water, a short final stop is enough to freshen up without making the return too late. You should not expect a long historical tour, though. The focus is on seeing the site, taking photographs, and enjoying a last half hour by the sea.

The return cruise takes roughly 10 minutes after the final stop, with arrival at the Bugibba jetty around 5pm. That firm end time helps you plan an evening meal or another activity, though you should allow a little flexibility for weather or sea conditions.

What the $34 price really covers

At $34 per person, this is a strong value if you want to see several Maltese sea sights in one day. The fare includes the full-day cruise, the Blue Lagoon stop, Gozo at Mgarr Harbour, the St. Paul’s Islands stop, and viewing of the sea caves when conditions permit. You also get onboard toilets and a snack bar, which reduces the need to return to shore for basic comforts.

The price works especially well for first-time visitors who want an overview. One boat ride gives you access to Comino, Gozo, the Comino Channel, and St. Paul’s Islands. Booking separate transport and boat trips to cover all of that could cost more and require more planning.

The fare does not include lunch, snorkels, transport to L-Menqa Jetty, or the Comino entry ticket registration. Those are not huge extras, but they affect your real budget and preparation. Bring cash, pack food if you prefer not to buy from the snack bar, and complete the Comino registration before departure.

There is also a difference between seeing Gozo and visiting Gozo properly. Two hours is a useful introduction, but not enough for the island’s main attractions. If you want a slow meal, several villages, or extensive time at the Cittadella, you will need a dedicated Gozo day.

Comfort, seasickness, and the boat routine

This is a boat-centered day, not a coach tour with occasional water views. You will spend much of the seven hours on deck or moving between the boat and shore. That makes it a poor choice if you have back problems or are prone to seasickness.

The crew’s friendly, easygoing approach is one of the strongest reasons to consider it. The boat allows people to use the stops in different ways, and the crew has been praised for being professional without making the day feel rigid. That is particularly useful at the Blue Lagoon and St. Paul’s Islands, where some people want to swim while others prefer to walk or take photographs.

You should expect sun exposure, wet surfaces, and some movement underfoot. Use sunscreen often, keep your towel handy, and avoid leaving rubbish behind. The tour specifically does not allow littering, which is especially important around Malta’s clear water and uninhabited islands.

The live guide service is in English. The listed rating is 4.6 from 22 reviews, with especially strong praise for the crew. Captain Matthew is specifically named in the feedback, along with positive comments about the crew’s professionalism and calm manner.

Who will enjoy this cruise most

I would recommend this tour to you if you want:

• A reasonably priced introduction to Malta’s northern islands
• Several swimming opportunities in one day
• A traditional boat rather than only a standard ferry
• Free time instead of a fully scripted shore program
• A convenient mix of Comino, Gozo, caves, and St. Paul’s Islands
• An English-language experience with a relaxed crew

Families with older children may appreciate the choices at each stop, especially the chance to swim or jump from the boat. You should still judge the water activity for yourself and follow the crew’s instructions.

This is also a good fit for independent visitors who can manage their own time in Gozo. You can eat near Mgarr Harbour or attempt a quick trip to Victoria, but you need to return promptly.

I would choose another plan if your main goal is a long visit to Victoria, extensive sightseeing across Gozo, or a quiet half-day at the Blue Lagoon. I would also avoid it if boat motion causes problems or if you want guaranteed cave access in all weather.

Practical tips for a smoother day

Complete the Comino entry ticket registration before you go. It is free, but the requirement is easy to miss and access to the Blue Lagoon depends on having it.

Arrive before 9:30am if possible. Boarding closes at 9:50am, and the boat leaves at 10am sharp. Look for the red, white, and blue Mermaid boat at L-Menqa Jetty rather than simply waiting near any vessel.

Wear swimwear under your clothes and pack a towel, hat, sunscreen, water, snacks, and cash. You will save time at the Blue Lagoon if you are ready to swim as soon as the boat docks.

If Gozo matters more to you than swimming, decide your plan before arrival. Staying near Mgarr Harbour is less stressful and leaves more time for lunch. Taking a bus to Victoria offers more culture, but it uses much of the two-hour stop.

Keep the return schedule in mind at every stop. The boat returns to the jetty around 5pm, and the most enjoyable day is one where you spend your time swimming and exploring, not worrying about missing the departure.

Should you book the Mermaid Cruises day?

Book it if you want a broad taste of Malta’s islands for $34, enjoy swimming, and prefer a relaxed boat day with several choices. The traditional schooner, strong crew service, and mix of Comino, Gozo, caves, and St. Paul’s Islands give the outing more range than a simple Blue Lagoon transfer.

Skip it if you want deep time on Gozo, guaranteed sea caves, or a quiet lagoon without crowds. The day moves at a steady pace, and the highlights are spread across several short stops.

For the right kind of visitor, this is a practical first look at Malta from the water. Bring your own mask if you have one, register for Comino access, arrive early, and treat Gozo as an introduction rather than the main event.

FAQ

Where does the tour start?

The tour starts at L-Menqa Jetty in Bugibba. Look for the red, white, and blue wooden boat named Mermaid.

What time should I arrive?

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

What time does the cruise return?

The boat is scheduled to return to the jetty at about 5pm. The activity ends at the same meeting point where it starts.

How long is the tour?

The cruise lasts about seven hours. Starting times should be checked when booking.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included, but you can buy snacks from the onboard snack bar or eat at bars and restaurants near Mgarr Harbour in Gozo.

Are snorkels included?

No. Snorkels are not included. The activity provides an opportunity to snorkel, with a listed $10 cash deposit arrangement and $5 returned.

Do I need a ticket to enter Comino’s Blue Lagoon?

Yes. You must sign up through the Maltese Government website for a free entry ticket. The provided registration page is blcomino.com/product/blue-lagoon/.

Is the sea cave visit guaranteed?

No. Viewing the caves depends on the weather and sea conditions.

Who should avoid this activity?

The cruise is not suitable for people with back problems or people prone to seasickness.