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

Comino looks unreal from the water. I love the Blue Lagoon stop, because you get real time to swim and snorkel in clear water, not just a quick photo break. I also like the mix with Gozo and the sea-cave viewpoints that keep the day varied. The main catch is the sea route, since the tour is not suitable if you are prone to seasickness or have back problems.

You start at Bugibba Jetty on the red, white and blue wooden boat named Mermaid, then ride with an English-speaking guide. The day strings together sea views, Comino, Mgarr Harbour in Gozo, and quick landmark photo stops like Elephant Rock and St Pauls Island. The caves are weather-dependent, so you should plan for great views either way, not a guaranteed cave visit.

Most of your time is built around water time, so pack for sun and splashes. Bring a hat, swimwear, towel, sunscreen, snacks, and water, plus cash for the snorkel deposit system. If you want to access Comino, you must also arrange the free entry ticket on the Maltese Government website before you go.

Key points to know before you book

• One hour at Blue Lagoon: built for swimming and snorkeling, with time to hang out in the water.
• Sea caves are weather-dependent: you may float past formations and you’ll view caves from the boat.
• Two hours in Gozo: Mgarr Harbour stop with free time for shopping, walking, sightseeing, and optional swimming.
• Photo stops that actually add variety: Santa Maria Caves and Elephant Rock, plus a St Pauls Island cruise segment.
• Snorkel gear has a cash deposit rule: 10 EUR cash deposit is required, with 5 EUR returned.
• Boarding is strict: boarding begins 30 minutes before departure and closes 10 minutes before.

Getting on the red, white and blue Mermaid at Bugibba Jetty

This tour is all about being on the water fast. You meet at Bugibba Jetty and look for the boat named Mermaid, a red, white and blue wooden boat. Boarding starts 30 minutes before departure, and they close boarding 10 minutes before the scheduled time, so I recommend arriving early enough that you’re not rushing around with bags and sunscreen.

You’ll travel with an English live tour guide. That matters on a day like this because the itinerary includes multiple short segments, photo stops, and weather-dependent cave viewing. When the guide keeps things organized, you waste less time wondering what happens next.

It’s also worth noting that this is a sea trip. That’s fun, but it’s not ideal for everyone. The tour isn’t suitable if you have back problems or if you’re prone to seasickness, and that’s a key decision point before you commit.

The sightseeing cruise to Comino, with Mellieha coastline views

After departure, you cruise for about an hour while the coast slips by. You’ll pass along the Mellieha area on the way to Comino, and this is where you start building the day’s “how is this so blue?” effect. Even if you mostly care about swimming later, this first stretch is useful because you get a sense of how the day is paced and where you might want your camera for the best shots.

The cruise portion also sets expectations for the rest of the itinerary. You are not doing a slow, all-day ramble on land. This is a moving day, with several stops that each have a specific purpose: swim time, viewpoints, then a couple hours to explore Gozo.

Blue Lagoon in Comino, your one-hour swim and snorkel window

The centerpiece of the day is the Blue Lagoon in Comino, with an hour-long stop. The time is planned for exactly what you came for: walking around a bit, swimming, and snorkeling in crystal-clear water. You also get that adrenaline moment when the group can jump from the boat into the sea, which is pure holiday energy if the water and conditions feel right.

One practical thing: Comino access has a paperwork step. You must sign up through the Maltese Government website to get an entry ticket to access the island of Comino. The ticket is free, and the provided page is blcomino.com/product/blue-lagoon/. I treat this as a “do it before you arrive” task, because it’s easier than trying to fix it at the dock.

What I like about the Blue Lagoon timing is that it’s long enough to actually enjoy it. One hour is not an all-day soak, but it gives you a real chance to swim, float, snorkel, and reset between quick photo moments. Bring water and sunscreen anyway. Even when the air feels mild, Maltese sun can stack up quickly.

If you’re bringing your own snorkeling setup, great. If you’re relying on the provided gear, keep the cash deposit rule in mind. Snorkel equipment is listed as included with a 10 EUR cash deposit, and 5 EUR is returned. That means you should have cash ready, not just card.

Sea cave views from the boat, plus the Santa Maria Caves photo stop

After the Blue Lagoon stop, the day shifts into “watch the coastline from the water” mode. There’s a short sightseeing cruise segment, and the plan includes viewing the sea caves, weather permitting. You may also float by the Crystal Lagoon Caves or St. Mary’s Caves, along with other coastal formations.

Caves are never guaranteed on a boat day, and the operator makes that clear. Depending on sea and weather conditions, you might only get a viewing. Other times, you might get closer passes or a more impressive look. Either way, you’ll want your camera ready, because these limestone formations photograph beautifully when the water is calm.

Later, you’ll have a specific photo stop for Santa Maria Caves, with about 15 minutes for scenic views and passing by. There’s just enough time to get a few angles, then you’re back on the move. If you’re the type who likes composition, arrive on your side of the boat early in the stop so you can pick a spot before everyone gathers.

Gozo for about two hours, with Mgarr Harbour free time

Then comes the sister island part. You’ll cruise to Gozo and spend around two hours there, descending to Mgarr Harbour. This is your chance to slow down a bit and get a taste of Gozitan life, not just sea views.

The free time includes shopping, sightseeing, walking, and swimming options. That’s a good mix for a short stop because not everyone wants to be in the water every minute. If you prefer land time, focus on a quick walk and a few local stops near the harbor before you decide whether you want to swim again.

Two hours in Gozo is short, so I suggest you pick your priority before you land. Do you want coastal photos, a quick browse for souvenirs, or a walk for atmosphere? Once you’ve made that choice, you’ll feel less rushed and you’ll enjoy the stop more.

Also, if you’re thinking about adding extra spots beyond Mgarr Harbour, Gozo is built for that kind of day planning. One strong advantage here is that the tour gives you enough time to do more than just wander near the dock.

And yes, you can keep the day flexible on the water. If you’re hungry, there’s a snack bar onboard and you can purchase lunch aboard the boat.

Elephant Rock and St Pauls Island, the short stops that give variety

After Gozo, the itinerary keeps things scenic with a couple fast, satisfying segments.

You’ll have a photo stop for Elephant Rock, with time to pass by and grab photos. It’s not a long stop, but that’s the point. This tour is about packing variety into a single ride without turning it into a slow, exhausting tour where you never get your swim gear on.

Next, you get a St Pauls Island sightseeing cruise segment, with about an hour. This is one of the best moments to just sit back and watch. The boat movement gives you changing angles of the coastline and the sea caves and rock formations around the area. If you’re someone who likes taking photos from multiple angles, this is a nice payoff after the shorter photo stops.

Snorkel gear, toilets, and what to pack for a wet and sunny day

This is a water-focused tour, so comfort is not a “maybe.” It’s part of the experience.

Toilets are available onboard, which is a big deal because the itinerary includes multiple sea segments and you do not want to lose time to logistics. You can also buy lunch onboard, and there’s a snack bar, so you can keep fuel in your system even if your appetite hits at inconvenient times.

For packing, follow the list closely:

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

The cash part is not optional, because of the snorkel deposit system. Even if you plan to bring your own snorkel, having cash can be handy for snacks or any last-minute needs.

One more rule to remember: littering is not allowed. It’s a small thing, but boat days live and die by how people treat shared space and bins.

Timing and weather reality, plus how to avoid missing your chance

The total duration is listed as 330 minutes, which is about 5.5 hours. It can feel like a “full-day cruise” once you factor in sea time and stops, but the schedule is still tight enough that you need to be ready when the boat calls your time window.

The captain can cancel or alter the trip based on weather conditions. Cave viewing is also weather and sea-dependent. That means you should bring a camera, but also bring a mental plan that works even if you don’t get the perfect cave scene.

Most importantly, don’t show up late. No refunds are given for late arrivals, and the boat cannot wait for late passengers. Because the tour runs on set times, one missed person becomes a schedule problem for everyone.

Is $29 a fair value for Comino and Gozo in one day?

At about $29 per person, the price looks like it’s built for value. And I get why. You’re getting:

• A guided boat experience in English
• An hour at Blue Lagoon with swim and snorkeling time
• A stop in Gozo with about two hours at Mgarr Harbour
• Sea-cave viewing (weather dependent), plus photo stops at Santa Maria Caves and Elephant Rock
• A St Pauls Island sightseeing cruise segment
• Onboard toilet access, plus a snack bar and the chance to buy lunch

What you don’t get is also clear. Lunch is not included, transport to L-Menqa Jetty is not included, and you must arrange the free Comino entry ticket via the Maltese Government website. Also, snorkeling details can be confusing because one section lists snorkel with a cash deposit while another lists snorkels as not included. If you want total certainty, check your booking confirmation so you know whether you’ll receive snorkel gear on the day.

Even with those extras, the day is still good value if you want the big-name water sights without dealing with separate planning. If you’re the type who wants a slow, land-heavy itinerary, then this probably won’t be your favorite format. But if you want sea views, caves, and swim time in one run, it’s a strong deal.

Who this tour fits best, and the one big reason to skip it

This is a great match if you:

• Want Comino’s Blue Lagoon for swimming and snorkeling
• Like coastline photo moments from the water
• Appreciate a short visit to Gozo without arranging ferry times and separate routes
• Prefer a guided schedule where you can just show up and enjoy the scenery

Skip it if:

• You’re prone to seasickness
• You have back problems that could make boat movement hard
• You want a fully land-based sightseeing day

There’s also a smart reason to decide quickly. Comino access includes a free entry ticket step you must handle ahead of time, so plan your paperwork in advance rather than hoping it will all work out at the last minute.

Should you book this Comino and Gozo boat day?

If your dream day in Malta includes Blue Lagoon water time plus a taste of Gozo, I’d book it. The schedule is efficient, the onboard setup covers basics like toilets and snacks, and the mix of swimming, caves viewing, and short landmark moments makes the day feel full without dragging.

Just be honest about your limits. If rougher seas or boat motion would ruin your day, choose differently. If you can handle the sea and you’re ready for a sun-and-water plan, this Mermaid Cruises outing is a practical way to hit the highlights in one trip.

FAQ

Where do I meet for the tour?

You meet at Bugibba Jetty, and you should look for the boat named Mermaid (a red, white and blue wooden boat).

How long is the tour?

The duration is 330 minutes.

What time should I arrive to board?

Boarding begins 30 minutes before departure, and boarding closes 10 minutes before the departure time.

Do I 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. It is free to purchase on blcomino.com/product/blue-lagoon/.

Is snorkeling included?

Snorkel equipment is listed as included with a 10 EUR cash deposit and 5 EUR returned. If you want 100 percent clarity, confirm this detail on your booking.

How much time do we get at Blue Lagoon?

You get one hour at Blue Lagoon in Comino, with time for walking, swimming, and snorkeling.

Can we see the sea caves?

Sea caves viewing is included and is weather dependent. Cave access and viewing are also described as weather and sea-dependent.

Is lunch included?

Lunch onboard is not included, but you can purchase lunch aboard the boat, and there is a snack bar and toilet facilities onboard.

Is this tour suitable for everyone?

No. It is not suitable for people with back problems or people prone to seasickness.