Malta: Blue Lagoon, Comino & St Paul’s Islands Cruise

The best part of this seven-hour cruise is the variety. You get a long swim at Comino’s Blue Lagoon, a close look at Malta’s sea caves, and a final stop at St Paul’s Island, all from a traditional family-run boat called the Mermaid. It is a full day on the water, not a quick photo stop.

I like the Mermaid’s smaller size and open shaded area, which can make a big difference under Malta’s strong sun. I also like the relaxed pace, friendly crew, onboard toilet, and clean, enjoyable setup. The main drawback is that the Blue Lagoon can still feel busy, and you must arrange Comino’s free entry ticket yourself before departure.

Key points to know before booking

• A long Blue Lagoon stop: You have about 3.5 hours for swimming, snorkeling, walking, and lunch at Comino.
• A smaller boat with shade: The Mermaid offers an open-air shaded area, a useful escape from the midday sun.
• Close views of caves: The boat can pass Santa Maria Caves and may also visit the Crystal Lagoon Caves, depending on conditions.
• Two chances to swim: You can enter the water at Blue Lagoon and again near St Paul’s Island.
• A simple all-day setup: Toilets, commentary, free Wi-Fi, life-saving equipment, music, and refreshments for purchase are onboard.
• A required Comino permit: You must register through the Maltese Government website and obtain the free Blue Lagoon entry ticket before going.

Setting off from Bugibba on the Mermaid

Your meeting point is L-Menqa at Bugibba Jetty, where you look for the small red, white, and blue boat named the Mermaid. The cruise begins with about an hour of sightseeing along the coast, passing Mellieha and opening up views of the Mediterranean from the water.

I like this opening because it gives you time to settle in before the main swim stop. Malta’s coast is best understood from offshore, where cliffs, inlets, and sea caves connect into one long sweep. You can sit back, take photos, and get used to the boat before the day’s busiest part.

The live commentary is in English. The captain and deckhand are not named in the available details, but the crew is described as friendly, punctual, and helpful. Music adds to the easygoing mood. This is not a silent sightseeing boat, so bring headphones if you prefer your sea views without a soundtrack.

The Mermaid has a snack bar and toilet facilities, with food and drinks available for purchase. Bring cash, especially if you want to buy something onboard. Since the details do not promise a full restaurant-style lunch, I would pack a small backup snack and plenty of water.

Three and a half hours at Comino’s Blue Lagoon

The main stop lasts about 3.5 hours, giving you much more time than a quick swim. You can enter the clear water, snorkel, walk around Comino, or simply stay aboard and enjoy the view.

The Blue Lagoon is famous for its bright water and sheltered setting. It is the kind of place where the color looks almost unreal in photographs, though the area can be very popular. The long stop is valuable because you are not forced to swim, eat, and take pictures in a rushed half hour.

You can choose your own rhythm here. Swim early, when you still have plenty of energy. Spend part of the stop walking. Then return to the Mermaid’s shaded area when the sun becomes too strong. The boat’s open-air shade is one of its most useful features, especially during a long summer stop.

You can also make a splash by jumping from the boat, but only do so where the crew permits it and where you feel comfortable. Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and a sun hat. A waterproof phone pouch is also sensible, though it is not listed as required equipment.

There is one important task before the day begins: Comino now requires an entry ticket for access to the Blue Lagoon area. The ticket is free, but you must sign up through the Maltese Government website at blcomino.com/product/blue-lagoon/. The cruise price does not include this ticket, so handle it before you arrive at the harbor.

Santa Maria Caves and Malta’s rocky coast

After Comino, the boat continues with another sightseeing stretch before reaching Santa Maria Caves. The cave stop lasts about 15 minutes and is mainly for photos, passing close by, and enjoying the view from the boat.

Fifteen minutes is enough for a look, but not enough for a serious cave exploration. That is worth knowing if caves are your main reason for booking. The appeal here comes from seeing the openings, rock walls, and water from a boat that can get closer than larger vessels.

The exact cave route can depend on conditions. The experience may include Santa Maria Caves or the Crystal Lagoon Caves. You should treat this section as a scenic boat pass rather than a shore excursion with a long walk inside the caves.

This is also one of the best times to keep your camera ready. Malta’s coastline changes quickly, with open water giving way to narrow inlets and rock formations. A phone or camera with a secure strap is sensible because you will be near the water.

St Paul’s Island and the final swim

The last major stop is St Paul’s Island, where you have about 30 minutes for a photo stop, a short walk, and another swim. The island is linked with the story of St Paul, and a famous statue provides a clear point of interest for anyone who wants to step ashore and take a closer look.

This stop works well as a final change of pace. After the long Blue Lagoon visit and the cave views, you get a shorter chance to stretch your legs and see a historical site from close range. You can also take one last swim beside the island before the return journey.

Do not expect half a day here. Thirty minutes passes quickly, so choose your priority. If you want the statue, walk up first. If swimming matters more, head for the water. Trying to do both at a leisurely pace may be difficult.

The return cruise takes you back toward Bugibba, with another stretch of sightseeing along the coast. The stated total duration is 7 to 7.5 hours, though the exact starting time should be checked when you book. Weather can also change the route or cancel the trip, since the captain has final say based on sea conditions.

Why the Mermaid’s size matters

Boat size affects the feel of a day like this. The Mermaid is described as smaller than many other vessels serving Comino, and that can help in two ways: it may feel less crowded, and it can approach some caves more closely.

The boat also has an open shaded area. I consider that a major practical benefit, not a minor comfort. Malta’s sun can be intense, and seven hours on reflective water is a long time without protection. You still need sunscreen and a hat, but shade gives you a place to cool off between swims.

The tradeoff is space. A smaller boat may feel more personal, but it cannot offer the same room as a large ferry. If you want lots of deck space or a very quiet ride, this may not be your ideal format. The available information points to a relaxed atmosphere, music, and a social setting rather than a formal, silent cruise.

The onboard toilet is another useful feature. You do not have to wait until the next harbor stop, which matters on an all-day outing. Free Wi-Fi and life-saving equipment are included as well, though the main reason to choose this boat is the access to the water and coast, not the internet connection.

Food, shade, and what to pack

Food and drinks are not included in the $28 price, but they are available to purchase onboard. Bring cash, as it is specifically listed among the recommended items. I would not plan an elaborate meal around the boat unless you confirm the current food selection before departure.

The long Blue Lagoon stop gives you time for lunch. You might buy something aboard, bring a simple packed meal, or eat during the stop if food is available nearby. Keep your plans flexible, since the supplied details describe refreshments and a snack bar but do not promise a full menu.

Pack light, but do not forget the basics:

• Swimwear and a towel
• Sunscreen and a sun hat
• Cash for food and drinks
• A camera or phone for the caves and islands
• A light cover-up for the ride back

You should also wear footwear that is easy to manage around a boat and swimming areas, though special footwear is not listed as a requirement. The tour is not suitable for people with mobility impairments, so consider the boat access, swimming stops, and shore visits carefully before booking.

Is $28 good value?

At $28 per person, this is a strong-value way to spend most of a day around Comino. The price covers the cruise, commentary, access to the boat’s facilities, and several different coastal stops. It is especially good value if you want swimming time rather than a short scenic ride.

The Blue Lagoon stop does much of the work here. You get 3.5 hours, which gives the low price more weight than a tour with several rushed stops. The second swim at St Paul’s Island and the cave viewing add variety without requiring another excursion.

You should budget extra for food and drinks. You also need to arrange the free Comino entry ticket yourself. Those are not expensive additions, but they are important details that can affect how smooth the day feels.

The price is less attractive if you only want a quiet cruise with no long stop. In that case, much of the day is built around swimming, sun, and sitting near the water. For families, couples, and active visitors who want a full day outdoors, the value is easier to see.

Who will enjoy this cruise most?

This outing suits you if you want several Malta highlights in one day and are happy to spend long stretches on a boat. Swimmers, snorkelers, photographers, and families with older children should find plenty to do.

The 3.5-hour Blue Lagoon stop gives you freedom. You are not pushed from one attraction to the next, and you can balance swimming with shade, lunch, and a walk. The St Paul’s Island visit adds a little history without taking over the day.

It may not suit you if you have mobility limitations, dislike open-water conditions, or want a carefully structured guided tour on land. The captain can alter the route because of weather, and the cave visit is short. Anyone expecting long guided walks through caves or extensive historical interpretation should choose a different type of excursion.

The English commentary is useful if you are comfortable following a live guide in English. No other tour language is listed.

Practical booking advice

Book with the weather in mind. The captain may cancel or alter the route when conditions are unsuitable, so keep your schedule flexible if possible. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the trip, and you can reserve now and pay later, which helps if your Malta plans are still shifting.

Do the Comino registration before the morning of the cruise. The ticket is free, but the requirement is easy to overlook. Save the confirmation on your phone, and keep your meeting details handy so you can find the Mermaid at L-Menqa.

Arrive ready for a full day outdoors. A shaded section helps, but you will still spend plenty of time in the sun. Keep valuables secure, bring cash, and plan to get wet.

Should you book the Mermaid cruise?

I would book this cruise if you want a reasonably priced, friendly day on Malta’s water with a long Blue Lagoon stop, cave views, and a second island visit. The smaller Mermaid, shaded seating, clean toilet, relaxed music, and helpful crew give it a practical edge over a bare-bones boat trip.

I would skip it if you want extensive cave exploration, a quiet luxury boat, or a fully land-based historical tour. For most people who want to swim, see Comino, and enjoy Malta’s coast without spending heavily, the $28 price makes this a sensible choice. Just arrange the Comino ticket first, bring sun protection, and do not expect the sea to stay empty.

FAQ

Where does the cruise start and finish?

The cruise starts and ends at L-Menqa, Bugibba Jetty. Look for the small red, white, and blue boat named the Mermaid.

How long does the cruise last?

The activity lasts approximately 7 to 7.5 hours. Starting times vary, so check availability when booking.

How much time is spent at the Blue Lagoon?

The Blue Lagoon stop lasts about 3.5 hours. You can use this time for swimming, snorkeling, walking, and lunch.

Do I need a ticket for Comino?

Yes. You must sign up through the Maltese Government website to receive the free entry ticket for the Blue Lagoon area. The ticket is not included with the cruise.

Is food available on the boat?

Food and drinks are available for purchase onboard, and the Mermaid has a snack bar. Bring cash, since food and drinks are not included in the tour price.

Is the cruise suitable for people with mobility impairments?

No. The activity is listed as unsuitable for people with mobility impairments.