Malta’s best postcards come with swim stops. This full-day cruise strings together Comino’s Blue Lagoon, Gozo’s harbor life, and the dramatic rocks of St Paul’s Island in one practical loop. You get real water time—then land time—to mix beachy fun with a feel for the sister island of Gozo.

I especially like the pacing: you’re not stuck staring at a map all day. You get about 1 hour on Comino with the boat docked, plus 2 hours in Gozo at Mgarr Harbour where you can grab lunch or take a bus up to Victoria and the Cittadella. The crew on Mermaid cruises are also what make this work—captain Matthew keeps things professional and relaxed, and the guide’s English makes it easy to understand when and where to go.

One heads-up: this trip isn’t for everyone. If you’re prone to seasickness or have back problems, the boat day may be an issue, and the cave-viewing parts depend on weather.

Key highlights worth planning for

• Traditional Maltese schooner style: You travel like a local on a wooden boat.
• Long swim windows: Blue Lagoon time plus a separate Comino dock stop.
• Gozo at Mgarr Harbour: Easy lunch options and a simple option to reach Victoria.
• Caves with no added cost: You’ll see sea caves while cruising, and there’s a scenic photo stop.
• St Paul’s Island for a final swim: Short walking time and a statue you can’t miss.
• Clear crew guidance: Captain Matthew and the crew keep you moving without rushing you.

The Mermaid Cruises loop that saves you time (and stress)

This day tour is built for one thing: getting you to the Malta spots people actually travel for, without you needing your own boat or complicated routing. You start in Bugibba and move through the islands in a way that feels logical—water first, then Gozo’s harbor, then the historic island finish.

The value is in the mix. You get a swim-and-snorkel focus at Comino, but you also get meaningful land time on Gozo at Mgarr Harbour. And you end with St Paul’s Island, which is a very different vibe than the beach stops—more quiet, more scenic, more “I can’t believe we’re here.”

Getting aboard: where to find the Mermaid and why timing matters

Your meeting point is Mermaid Cruises. Look for the boat named Mermaid—a red, white and blue wooden boat.

Boarding begins at 9:30am and closes at 9:50am. The boat leaves at 10:00am sharp, so don’t aim for a leisurely arrival. If you’re traveling with swim gear, bring your towel and sunscreen ready to grab so you’re not scrambling in the morning.

This is one of those trips where arriving early pays off. The smoother your boarding is, the smoother the day is, especially with water stops coming up fast.

Comino’s Blue Lagoon and the docked hour on Comino

First big water stop: the Blue Lagoon area. You’ll have around 1.5 hours to enjoy the water, including swimming and snorkeling. Then Comino itself comes next, with the boat staying at the dock so you can actually transition from “boat time” to “island time.”

You’ll get time to:

• Swim and snorkel in the clear water
• Jump in from the boat
• Walk around Comino during the docked stop

A small but important detail: snorkels aren’t included. You’ll want to bring your own if you prefer a specific fit. If you don’t have gear, plan on at least having the right swim basics—towel, sunscreen, and water—so you can make the most of the water time.

Also note the cash requirement mentioned with the snorkeling and underwater activity: there’s a 10 EUR cash deposit, with 5 EUR returned. Bring the cash you need ahead of time, because that’s the kind of thing that slows people down if they’re trying to sort it out on the dock.

If you’re thinking about comfort, bring a hat and quick-dry stuff. Sun can be intense, and you’ll want to feel good when you’re back on board and moving to the next stop.

Gozo from Mgarr Harbour: 2 hours to eat, shop, and choose your pace

Then you head to Gozo and dock at Mgarr Harbour. You’ll have about 2 hours to explore and soak up Gozo life—bars and restaurants are available right in the harbor area, which makes lunch easy.

If you want more than harbor strolling, you have a simple option: take a bus into Victoria (Gozo’s capital) and visit the Cittadella. That’s a great choice if you want viewpoints and historic town texture without locking yourself into a long guided excursion.

This stop is where the tour feels most “choose your own adventure.” You can keep it relaxed—coffee, lunch, a few photos—or you can get a bit more ambitious with the Victoria/Cittadella plan. Either way, the big win is you’re not rushed. Two hours is long enough to do something real, not just “walk past a spot.”

The main drawback? Two hours goes quickly. If you love wandering, set your priorities early: harbor food and photos, or Victoria/Cittadella.

Sea caves on the Comino Channel and a Santa Maria Caves photo stop

Cruising time matters on this tour because it’s when you see the sea caves. You’ll pass through the Comino Channel, and the caves are explored at no extra charge. There’s also a Santa Maria Caves stop that’s described as a scenic/photo stop with about 15 minutes for pictures and views.

One truth to plan around: cave viewing is weather dependent. When conditions are good, these short scenic moments can be exactly what you want—no long hike, just strong views from the water.

Bring a phone or camera that’s ready to go quickly. The photo stops don’t last forever, and you’ll want to be ready while the boat positions for views.

St Paul’s Island: statue, walking time, and a final swim

The last island stop is St Paul’s Island. You’ll first cruise past for sightseeing, then you’ll have time to actually visit the island.

What makes St Paul’s special is the contrast. After Comino’s busy swim scene and Gozo’s harbor bustle, St Paul’s feels quieter and more secluded. It’s described as having no inhabitants, and you’ll have about 30 minutes on the island for:

• Walking around
• Photo moments
• One more swim option

There’s also a statue of St Paul to look out for. Even if you’re not the type to read every historical sign, it’s an easy landmark to orient yourself during the visit. Think of it as your “wrap up the day” moment—one last splash, a few minutes on land, then back aboard for the return cruise.

Onboard life: snacks, restrooms, and what you’ll realistically use

You’re on the boat for about 7 hours, so onboard convenience matters. There’s a snack bar onboard with toilet facilities, and the snack prices are described as good.

Lunch onboard is not included, though, so don’t plan on getting a full meal without paying. For food, the easiest plan is:

• Eat in Gozo during the harbor stop
• Grab snacks from the onboard snack bar if you’re hungry earlier

Also, consider what you’re bringing for comfort. The recommended items are practical:

• Hat
• Swimwear
• Towel
• Snacks
• Sunscreen
• Water
• Cash

That cash is not optional for everything—especially with the deposit for the water activity. If you keep your day pack small and close, you’ll save yourself time during boarding and during the island swaps.

Price and value: what $34 includes, and what you’ll pay separately

At about $34 per person, this tour packs a lot into one day: full-day cruise time, stops at Blue Lagoon/Comino, Mgarr Harbour in Gozo, and St Paul’s Island, plus cave views when conditions allow. You also get the opportunity to swim and snorkel, and there are onboard toilets and a snack bar.

But it’s not a “everything included” package. Three items matter most for your budget:

1. Comino entry access isn’t included

You must sign up with the Maltese Government website to get the entry ticket for access to the island of Comino. The free purchase link is provided via blcomino.com.

1. Snorkels aren’t included

If you want your own gear, bring it.

1. Lunch isn’t included

Plan to eat in Gozo at Mgarr Harbour or buy snacks onboard.

When you include those costs, the trip still tends to feel reasonable because you’re paying for multiple island stops, transport by boat, and a guided schedule that keeps everything running. For a day on the water around Comino and Gozo, that’s usually the biggest part of the value: convenience.

Who should book this tour (and who should skip it)

This tour fits best if you want:

• Swim time in a famous area (Blue Lagoon + Comino dock time)
• Island hopping without planning your own transport
• A guided day with English support
• A blend of water views and land time in Gozo and St Paul’s

You should skip it (or at least reconsider) if:

• You’re prone to seasickness
• You have back problems
• You want a long, guided deep-history experience all day (this is timed for movement and stops, not a slow museum pace)

If you’re traveling with a flexible attitude—bring your swim kit, be ready for a weather-dependent cave moment, and go with the day’s rhythm—this is the kind of tour that makes the islands feel easy.

Quick practical plan for your day

If you want the smoothest experience, here’s how I’d prep based on the known schedule and stops:

• Arrive early for boarding so you’re settled before the boat leaves at 10:00am
• Bring your towel, sunscreen, and water so you can move straight into swim mode
• Bring cash for the deposit requirement tied to snorkeling/underwater activity
• Decide in advance if you’ll just enjoy Mgarr Harbour lunch or take the bus to Victoria and the Cittadella
• Keep your camera/phone accessible for the caves and scenic photo stop

And one more thing: if caves are a big priority, check the day’s weather patterns. Cave viewing is weather dependent, and the itinerary respects that reality.

Should you book St Pauls: Gozo & Comino Islands, Blue Lagoon & Seacaves?

Book it if you want an all-in-one day that covers the big Comino water moment, gives you real time in Gozo’s harbor to eat and explore, and finishes with St Paul’s Island for that quiet, secluded feel. The cruise format is practical, and the crew—captain Matthew included—helps the day run calmly and efficiently.

Don’t book it if seas and boats typically don’t agree with you, or if you need minimal movement during the day. Also, if you can’t handle the idea of bringing cash for the deposit and arranging the Comino entry ticket ahead of time, that’s worth sorting before you commit.

FAQ

Where do I meet the tour?

You meet at Mermaid Cruises. The boat is a red, white and blue wooden boat named Mermaid.

What time does boarding start and when does it depart?

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

How long is the tour?

The duration is listed as 7 hours, with return to the jetty at 5:00pm.

How much time do I get on Comino and in Gozo?

You have about 1 hour on Comino. In Gozo, you have about 2 hours at Mgarr Harbour.

Is swimming and snorkeling included?

The tour includes the opportunity to swim and snorkel. Snorkels themselves are not included.

Is there a deposit related to snorkeling or diving activity?

Yes. There’s a 10 EUR cash deposit, and 5 EUR is returned.

Do I need an entry ticket to access Comino?

Yes. You must sign up with the Maltese Government Website to get an entry ticket to access the island of Comino (free to purchase using the provided link).

Are the sea caves stops guaranteed?

Cave viewing is weather dependent, so it may be affected by conditions.

Is lunch included?

Lunch onboard is not included. You can eat in Gozo at Mgarr Harbour, where there are bars and restaurants.

What should I bring, and is it suitable for seasickness?

Bring a hat, swimwear, towel, snacks, sunscreen, water, and cash. The tour is not suitable for people prone to seasickness or for people with back problems.

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