Blue Lagoon day, with Gozo added. This St Paul’s Bay cruise pairs Comino’s Blue Lagoon with Gozo in one easy loop, and it keeps the focus where you want it: frequent water time and well-timed walking breaks. The main catch is that cave viewing and even some stop plans can shift with weather and sea conditions.

I like that this trip is built for real vacation pacing, not just photo stops. For about $34 per person, you get a full-day boat experience with a live English guide, onboard toilets, and multiple island stops—though you’ll want cash ready for extras like snorkeling rentals and food.

Key Things I’d Prioritize on This Tour

• Smaller-boat access: You’re often able to get close to the action instead of just orbiting the big boats.
• Blue Lagoon swim time with breathing room: A full hour is long enough to swim, snorkel, and still regroup.
• Gozo in 2 hours: Enough time to feel the island without needing a whole separate day.
• Caves are weather-dependent: You might pass by caves like Santa Maria, and some cave entries depend on conditions.
• A final visit to St Paul’s Island: Short walk + a last swim chance at the end of the day.
• Crew pace and guidance: Clear instructions help you get back on time without stress.

St Paul’s Bay to Comino and Gozo: Why This Route Works

This is a classic Maltese island combo: Comino for water, Gozo for culture, and caves/rock formations for coastal drama. What makes this tour work is the balance. You’re not stuck on one island all day. You also aren’t racing around every minute.

The day is built around three moods: relaxing time in the water, light sightseeing with a guide’s context, and short walks when the scenery is best on foot. If you’re the type of traveler who wants Malta’s big hitters without planning bus routes or ferry schedules, this fits nicely.

Boarding The Mermaid at Mermaid Cruises (And How Not to Miss It)

You start at Mermaid Cruises in St Paul’s Bay, where you’re looking for the blue, white, and red boat called The Mermaid. Boarding opens at 9:30 AM and closes at 9:50 AM, so arrive early enough to find the right spot, not just the right time.

This matters more than you’d think. The later you show up, the more you’ll feel rushed when you’re supposed to settle in, listen to the intro, and get ready for your first sightseeing stretch. Once everyone’s onboard, you meet the captain and crew, and the live commentary in English starts guiding you through what you’re seeing.

Comino Blue Lagoon: Swim, Snorkel, and the Crowd Reality

Comino is all about that unmistakable water. On this tour, you get a stop timed to make it count: a photo stop plus about an hour of free time, including swimming and snorkeling.

Here’s what I’d plan for at the Blue Lagoon:

• Bring your swim stuff fast: you don’t want to waste the best part of your time on changing.
• Expect busy water: it’s popular, and you’ll notice that. The good news is the beauty is still there even when it’s crowded.
• Work with the time you have: a full hour is enough to do one confident snorkel/float session and still walk a bit.

If you’re worried about equipment, snorkeling gear is not included, but you can rent it. Rental involves a 10 euro security deposit in cash. If you’ve already got your own mask or snorkel, you’ll appreciate skipping the line and the deposit step.

Gozo in 2 Hours: What You Can Actually Do

After Comino, you head to Gozo for about two hours. This is the right amount of time for a first taste. You can stroll, get a feel for local life, and still have enough buffer to eat if you want to.

A practical note: Gozo is bigger than it looks from a boat. If you’re aiming for something specific like the main town area (Victoria), it may be worth using local transport during your window, then coming back to your meeting point in time. People often add a bus or short ride to reach Victoria because the town has plenty to see and eat.

Also, Gozo days can turn into a mix of relaxed walking and quick decisions. With only two hours, you’ll enjoy it most if you decide ahead of time what matters: a short town stroll, a view spot, or a meal.

Santa Maria Caves and Crystal Lagoon Cave Views: Scenic Pass-By vs. Entry

Caves are one of Malta’s biggest draws, but the tour treats them realistically. Some cave experiences are weather and sea-dependent, which means what you get can vary.

You’ll get a mix of:

• Scenic views on the way to cave areas (including Santa Maria Caves as a pass-by stop)
• A chance to see Crystal Lagoon Caves or St. Mary’s Caves depending on conditions and where the sea allows you to go

This is important because cave stops in rough seas can become safety-limited. So rather than expecting a guaranteed inside-the-cave experience, think of it as a bonus if conditions allow. On days where entries are possible, the smaller-boat setup can be a real advantage.

St Paul’s Island: Statue Ruins, Rock Views, and a Final Swim

The last major island moment is St Paul’s Island, with about 30 minutes that usually includes a photo stop, some walk time, and another swim/snorkel break.

This is where the tour adds personality. Blue Lagoon is all water color. St Paul’s Island adds an old-world feel with the famous statue and ancient church ruins up on the hill. Even if you only have a short walk, it’s a nice change of pace from soaking at the earlier stops.

One more thing: if the captain thinks it’s safe and the sea cooperates, you may also get that last-water feeling before heading back—an ideal finish for a day trip.

The Onboard Experience: Live English, Toilets, and Crew Momentum

A lot of boat tours tell you what to see. Fewer manage the tempo well. This one is built around a live English guide and a crew that keeps things moving without feeling pushy.

What you can expect onboard:

• Live commentary in English throughout the route
• Onboard toilets
• A captain who explains what’s coming next and keeps schedules on track

You’ll also notice a pattern in positive feedback: when the boat isn’t overcrowded and the crew communicates clearly, you can actually relax. People frequently mention the comfort of having enough space once the boat’s setup is open up, plus the advantage of a smaller vessel compared to the bigger boats around you.

There can also be small surprises. Some departures include complimentary fruit, and Comino is known for pineapple-style refreshments—so if you’re into goofy, local flavor, it’s worth keeping an eye out once you’re on the island.

Price and Value Around $34: What You’re Getting (and What’s Not Included)

At around $34 per person, the value comes from what’s bundled:

• Boat trip
• Captain and crew
• Live English commentary
• Stops at Comino and Gozo
• Onboard toilets
• Swimming/snorkeling time built into the day

What’s not included:

• Food and drinks (you can purchase onboard and/or on the island)
• Snorkeling equipment rental (with a cash deposit)
• Any island ticket steps you must complete for Comino entry

So the money question is simple: you’re paying for a full-day route that would otherwise take planning—ferry timing, boat hopping, and guided context. If you’re visiting Malta for only a few days, this kind of “see a lot without working hard” day usually pays off.

Practical Tips: What to Bring and How to Avoid Friction

This is a water-and-walk day, so pack like you’re going to be on deck and then in the sea.

Bring:

• Sun hat
• Swimwear
• Sunscreen
• Cash

For snorkeling:

• If you want gear, rent on site with the 10 euro cash security deposit.
• If you don’t rent, your own mask/snorkel will save time.

For Comino entry:

• The Comino island ticket is required for entry (it’s free to purchase), and you must sign up via the Maltese Government website to obtain it.
• Plan for that before your trip day so you don’t get stuck at the last step.

For cave expectations:

• The caves you view or enter can change based on weather and sea conditions, so keep a flexible mindset. Even when cave entry isn’t possible, the scenic pass-by portions still give you the rock-and-coast visuals you came for.

And one small logistics note from the real world: during swim stops, having a place to keep your stuff matters. People have reported that leaving bags on the boat works well during the water breaks, but still use common sense and keep valuables close.

Who This Tour Fits Best (And Who Might Want Another Option)

This works especially well if:

• You want Comino + Blue Lagoon + Gozo without splitting your vacation into multiple days
• You like swimming and snorkeling and want them built into the itinerary
• You prefer a guided day that tells you where to go and when to be back

It may not be the best match if:

• You have mobility issues. The tour is not suitable for people with mobility impairments.
• You hate crowds. Blue Lagoon is popular. You can still enjoy it, but you won’t get a private-water fantasy.

Should You Book This St Paul’s Bay Boat Tour?

If you want Malta highlights with minimal planning, I’d say yes—especially for your first week on the island. The price is strong, the format is efficient, and the mix of water time + Gozo walking + cave views makes the day feel complete.

Book it when:

• You can handle the idea that caves and access may depend on sea conditions
• You’re okay with some crowds at Blue Lagoon
• You’re ready to bring cash for snorkeling and meals

Skip it (or consider a different style of tour) if:

• You need full accessibility support
• You’re only interested in one island and don’t care about the rest of the route

FAQ

Where does the tour depart from?

The tour departs from Mermaid Cruises in the St Paul’s Bay area.

What boat should I look for?

Look for the blue, white, and red boat named The Mermaid.

How long is the trip?

The duration is listed as 7 hours.

Does the tour include live commentary?

Yes. You get live commentary in English.

Which locations does the tour visit?

You’ll visit Comino (including Blue Lagoon), Gozo, Santa Maria Caves (pass-by/scenic views), and St Paul’s Island, with additional cave-related viewpoints depending on conditions.

Do I need a ticket to enter Comino?

Yes. An entry ticket for Comino is required, though it is free to purchase. You must sign up through the Maltese Government website to get the entry ticket.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

No. Snorkeling equipment is available for rent, with a 10 euro security deposit paid in cash.

Are onboard toilets available?

Yes. The boat has onboard toilets.

Is the tour suitable for people with mobility impairments?

No, it is not suitable for people with mobility impairments.

Can the captain change the route or stops?

Yes. The captain can cancel or alter the trip due to weather, and cave access depends on weather and sea conditions.

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