St Paul’s Bay has a way of turning one day into three islands. This tour strings together Comino’s Blue Lagoon, Gozo’s Victoria, and a quiet stroll on St Paul’s Island, all with live English commentary and a small-boat ride along the coast.

What I like most is the combo of time on the water plus real sightseeing on land. You get 1 hour to swim at the Blue Lagoon and 2 hours in Gozo (with bus transport into Victoria), which is a nice pace for a first visit.

The possible downside is simple: each stop is short. If you want slow time for photos, cafés, and wandering, you may wish Gozo or Comino had another chunk of time.

Key Takeaways Before You Go

• Small-boat feel helps the day stay relaxed, not crammed
• Blue Lagoon swim time is the best payoff for the effort of traveling
• Victoria on Gozo gives you a quick hit of markets and the Cittadella area
• St Paul’s Island is brief but peaceful, with an optional walk to the statue
• Cave entry is included, but what you see depends on weather and sea
• Captain Matthew is a strong guide for the day’s flow and history

A Boat-and-Bus Day That Links Malta, Gozo & St Paul’s

This is one of those “do it once, then decide what to return for” days. You start on Malta’s north coast, ride by sea to Comino, hop to Gozo by bus, and finish with a quieter stop at St Paul’s Island. The format works because you’re not spending the whole day stuck in a single place.

I especially like that the tour is built around contrast. You get bright, swim-friendly water at Comino, then you switch to a land day in Victoria—old streets, viewpoints, and local life. Then you end with a calmer island moment, where your schedule is mostly walking, photos, and a quick rinse-off swim if you want it.

There’s also a practical benefit: you’re guided. The live commentary in English helps you connect the coastline, the harbors, and the sights without needing to study a map for every turn.

Getting Started at Bugibba and the Mermaid Boat

The day starts at Bugibba Jetty. Look for the Mermaid representatives who’ll point you to the boat, or check for the red, white, and blue boat named Mermaid. Boarding opens at 9:30 am and closes at 9:50 am, and then the boat leaves at 10:00 am sharp.

That sharp departure matters more than you might think. If you arrive late, you’re the person who will feel it. So I’d plan to get there a bit early, especially in summer when the jetty area can be busy.

One small comfort detail: the tour includes toilets facilities and WiFi. It’s not a reason to book alone, but it does make a long sea day easier on the body.

Cruising the North Coast to Comino’s Blue Lagoon

After departure, you cruise up the north side of Malta. You pass well-known areas like Mellieha and the Maltese archipelago along the way, so even before you reach the famous water, you’re already getting sea views.

Then comes Comino and the day’s headline stop: the Blue Lagoon. The tour is set up so you don’t just look. You get time on the water—about 1 hour—to swim, snorkel, sunbathe, or walk around the island on foot.

This is the part of the trip where timing matters. The lagoon can be crowded in peak season, but that’s the nature of the place. Your best move is to treat your hour as a checklist:

• Get in early for a calmer swim moment.
• If you snorkel, bring your focus to what’s closest to the boat area first.
• If you want photos, take them before you melt into sun time.

Also note the tour includes cave entry later, but your Blue Lagoon hour is purely about getting your water time in.

Your Comino Hour: Swim Time, Snorkel Rentals, and Comino Entry

The tour gives you the freedom to choose how you spend that Blue Lagoon hour. Want a quick dip and done? Fine. Want to float and work on your saltwater tan? Also fine.

Two practical points to plan around:

• Snorkeling equipment isn’t included, but you can rent it on-site for a 10 euro security deposit in cash.
• To access Comino, you must sign up on the Maltese Government website to get an entry ticket for Comino. The ticket is free to purchase.

Even if the Blue Lagoon is your main reason for coming, that Comino entry ticket is the kind of small step that can ruin your morning if you ignore it.

Going to Gozo by Bus: Victoria in 2 Hours

After your Comino hour, you head back by cruise to Mgarr harbour in Gozo. Then you switch modes and take a bus directly to Victoria, the capital city.

You get 2 hours in Gozo, which is a workable introduction, not a deep dive. The time is enough to get oriented, see something historic, and still eat if you pick a place quickly. If you hate rushing, you’ll feel the edges here—but if you love a first taste, it’s just right.

In Victoria, you can structure your time around the things the tour encourages:

• The Cittadella area for views and the classic Gozo look
• Shopping at the Victoria markets
• A bite at a Gozitan restaurant

If you’re trying to balance sightseeing with comfort, I recommend choosing one “big” stop (like the Cittadella area) and letting the rest be flexible. That way you’re not sprinting across town just to hit every option.

The Coastline Caves: Included Entry That Depends on Sea Conditions

Between Gozo and the end-of-day island stop, you get cruising time again and the chance for something special: caves along the coastline. Because it’s a smaller boat, the tour can enter caves at no extra charge.

The specific cave experience is weather and sea dependent. You might see Crystal Lagoon caves or St Mary’s caves, depending on conditions. So if you’re traveling in uncertain seas—especially shoulder seasons—keep your expectations flexible. This isn’t a “gotcha.” It’s just how the water decides what’s possible.

What I like about the caves being included is that it turns the boat ride into an active part of the day. You’re not just sitting there waiting for the next stop—you get moments that feel like a mini-visit by itself.

St Paul’s Island: Quiet Time, a Statue Walk, and a Last Swim

Next up: St Paul’s Island. You get 30 minutes here, which is brief but memorable if you like low-key places.

Once you dock, you have two main choices:

• Take one last swim to freshen up
• Walk up to see the statue of St Paul

This stop is all about atmosphere. Even with the short time window, you can feel the contrast from the big-name crowds of Comino. It’s the kind of place where you’ll stop for photos, take a breather, and remember that you’re still on a “do-a-lot-in-one-day” schedule.

Price and Value: Does $40 Make Sense?

At $40 per person, this tour is a strong value if your goal is a one-day sampling of Malta’s north island trio. The reason it feels worth it is the mix of included elements:

• live English commentary
• boat time (including cave entry)
• scheduled swimming time at Comino
• bus transport in Gozo to Victoria
• time at St Paul’s Island

You’re also not paying extra for the boat’s key “activity” moment (the cave entry), and you’re getting that linked day structure that saves you time and planning.

Where value gets tricky is if you already know you’ll want to return. If you fall in love with Gozo (many people do) or want to spend more time in the lagoon, you’ll likely book a second trip later. In that case, think of this $40 as the starter course—useful, efficient, and likely to point you toward what you’ll want longer.

What to Bring (and What to Buy on the Day)

You don’t need much to enjoy this tour, but pack like you’re going to be on water for real.

Bring:

• Sun hat
• Swimwear
• Towel
• Sunscreen
• Cash

You can buy food and drinks during the day, but those aren’t included. So if you’re the type who gets cranky when hungry, decide in advance where you’ll grab something—especially in Victoria.

If you plan to snorkel and don’t travel with gear, budget for possible equipment rental with the 10 euro cash deposit.

Who This Tour Fits Best (And Who Should Skip)

This tour fits best if you want an efficient day with lots of variety and you’re okay with a faster pace at each stop. It’s also ideal for first-timers who want a clear “what to return for” map after the fact.

It’s less ideal if:

• you hate time limits at sightseeing stops
• you want a long, unhurried Gozo day
• you’re looking for a calm, uncrowded beach experience (Comino can be busy in summer)

Also, the tour isn’t suitable for people with mobility impairments. Some parts involve transferring between boat and areas on foot, and the island walking options won’t work for everyone.

A Few Practical Tips That Make the Day Easier

• Start with a plan in Victoria. Pick either Cittadella viewing or markets first, then fill the rest with food.
• Treat your Comino hour like a mini schedule: swim/snorkel first, photos second, walking last if there’s time.
• Bring cash for snorkeling deposits and any extras.
• If weather looks rough, remember cave access depends on sea conditions—don’t assume the same route will always happen.

And if you’re lucky enough to get Captain Matthew as your guide, lean into his explanations. He does a good job keeping the day coherent so you know why you’re seeing what you’re seeing.

Should You Book St. Paul’s Bay: Gozo, Comino & St. Paul’s Bus & Boat Tour?

Book it if you want a high-value sampler day: Blue Lagoon swimming, Gozo’s Victoria overview, included cave entry, and a quieter island finish. It’s especially good if you’re short on time in Malta but still want the big highlights connected in one shot.

Skip it (or plan something else) if your ideal vacation day is slow and lingering, or if you know you’ll want lots of time specifically in Gozo or on Comino. In that case, a longer, single-destination trip will feel more satisfying.

If you’re trying to choose between “one day with many highlights” and “more time somewhere,” this tour is for the first option—and it does that job well.

FAQ

Where does the tour start and end?

It starts at Bugibba Jetty. The tour ends back at the same meeting point.

What time does the boat depart?

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

How long is the tour?

The total duration is 7 hours.

How much time do we get at Comino and Gozo?

You get 1 hour at Comino (Blue Lagoon area). You get 2 hours in Gozo, including bus transport to Victoria.

Do we need an entry ticket to access Comino?

Yes. You must sign up on the Maltese Government website to get an entry ticket to access the island of Comino. The ticket is free to purchase.

Are cave visits included?

Yes. Cave entry is included, and the caves you can see and enter are weather and sea dependent.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

No. Snorkeling equipment is not included. You can rent it with a 10 euro security deposit in cash.

What should I bring?

Bring sun hat, swimwear, towel, sunscreen, and cash. Food and drinks are available for purchase during the day.

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