Malta in one day, and it mostly involves water. This St Paul’s Bay cruise strings together the Blue Lagoon, Gozo, and cave scenery with enough swim breaks to make the day feel like a vacation, not a checklist. I like the smaller-boat feel and the clear English commentary from the crew. One thing to note: weather can change cave access and even parts of the route.

What I really like is the pacing. You get a full Blue Lagoon swim stop, plus separate time on Gozo and St Paul’s Island, so you’re not just shooting photos from the rail. The one drawback is that the boat isn’t huge with lots of outdoor room, so if you hate tight quarters, try to choose a good spot early.

Key Points You Should Know

• Smaller boat advantage: guests liked it for getting into areas larger boats can’t.
• Great swim timing: separate stops at the Blue Lagoon and St Paul’s Island give you real water time.
• Gozo without the headache: you get structured time there, with enough freedom to explore.
• Caves depend on sea conditions: what you see and whether you enter can change with weather.
• Crew-driven day: English live commentary, and past guests have even named folks like Matthew, Roppy, and Robbie.
• Extras show up: complimentary fruit/pineapple popped up in reviews, and drinks are available onboard.

The Big Idea: Comino, Gozo, and Caves in One Easy Cruise

This tour works because it follows Malta’s real “wow” formula: turquoise water, limestone cliffs, and quick doses of island life. Starting from St Paul’s Bay, you’re not stuck figuring out inter-island schedules or chaining buses. You arrive at the right places, at the right times for swimming, and you still get land moments for walks and views.

The Blue Lagoon stop is the headline for most people, but the day doesn’t end there. You also get Gozo time, cave pass-by views (and sometimes entrances depending on conditions), and a final stop on St Paul’s Island with the statue and church ruins if conditions allow.

The value angle is simple. At around $34 per person for a full day (about 7 hours), you’re paying less for transportation + curated stops than you’d likely spend trying to DIY it in peak season. You’ll still pay for food and snacks, but the heavy lifting—getting you to Comino and the best stretches of coastline—is handled.

Meet the Mermaid Boat: Comfort, Space, and the Crew

Look for the blue, white, and red boat named The Mermaid under Mermaid Cruises. Boarding opens at 9:30 AM and closes at 9:50 AM, so I’d treat this like a real departure, not a leisurely stroll.

A standout in the feedback is the crew energy and how smoothly the day runs. People specifically praised a professional captain and friendly deckhands who were clear with instructions and kept the timetable working. Names that came up included Matthew and Roppy, plus a shout-out to Robbie. That matters because on a day like this, you want someone who can manage timing, crowds, and weather changes without drama.

Boat size is a mixed bag. Reviews repeatedly mention the smaller-boat feel as a plus—especially for getting closer to cave areas. But at least one guest noted there wasn’t much outdoor space for the number of people on board. So if you like lounging outside, arrive early, pick a good spot, and don’t count on “open deck all day.”

Onboard essentials are covered: there are toilets onboard, and you’ll have English live commentary so you’re not just staring at cliffs with no idea what you’re seeing.

Getting Your Day Off on the Right Foot (Timing and What to Bring)

This is a full-day outing, but the rhythm is practical. Expect a morning start, cruise time between stops, swim breaks, and a relaxed end back at the harbor.

Bring a sun hat, swimwear, sunscreen, and cash. Cash is important because snorkeling gear rental requires a 10 euro security deposit in cash, and you’ll want it on hand for any purchases on board or on the islands.

Also consider packing something simple for comfort:

• Water shoes or grippy sandals (helpful for rocky water entries)
• A dry bag or waterproof pouch (for phones and essentials)
• A light layer for the boat ride back (wind can cool you down even when it’s warm)

One more practical note: the captain can cancel or alter the trip for safety. That doesn’t mean the day falls apart—it means the plan changes to match real sea conditions.

Stop 1 to Stop 3: From St Paul’s Bay to the First Cruise Hour

You start at Mermaid Cruises and head out on a sightseeing cruise for about 1 hour. This portion sounds basic, but it’s actually useful. It’s your buffer time before the big swim stop, and it also gives you a first look at Malta’s coastline from the water.

The live English commentary is most valuable here. Instead of tuning it out, I’d listen for the names and geography so later stops make more sense. When the coast turns into stacked limestone and the water goes bright, you’ll understand what you’re looking at.

Then comes the first major land-and-water highlight: Comino and the Blue Lagoon.

The Blue Lagoon Swim Hour: Why This Stop Is the Star

The Blue Lagoon stop is about 1 hour, with a photo stop, free time, and swimming/snorkeling time built into it. This is the moment most people came for, and it’s popular for a reason: the water color is the kind of bright that makes you forget your phone.

Here’s how to make your hour count:

• Go prepared to swim right away. The best time is usually early in the stop, before everyone clusters.
• Bring or rent snorkeling gear if you want more than a surface swim. If you need rental gear, it’s available with that 10 euro cash deposit.

A nice practical plus from reviews: one guest said they could keep bags on the boat during the swim at the Blue Lagoon, which reduces the “what do I do with my stuff” stress.

One caution: the Blue Lagoon can be busy. Still, the stop’s timing and the tour’s layout help—there’s enough time to get in, enjoy, and get back without feeling dragged along.

Also, Comino isn’t only water. You usually have a chance to buy lunch while you’re there, and past guests even mentioned complimentary pineapple fruit and affordable drink options, including cocktails served in a pineapple.

Gozo for Two Hours: Small Island Energy Without the Overplanning

After a short cruise segment, you reach Gozo for about 2 hours. This is your land break. The tour gives you enough time to stroll and get a feel for island life, without requiring that you plan transport, tickets, and tight connections.

You’ll have photo stop and free time options, plus sightseeing and walking time. The big practical question is where you’ll head once you’re there. You may not have time for the full island, but you can still catch the vibe of Gozo’s main areas and viewpoints.

If you want a simple “best use of Gozo time” strategy, aim for:

• A quick walk for photos and coastal views
• A meal or coffee pause (since food options exist and you’ll be tired from boat time)
• Something that doesn’t require a long commute

One review mentioned taking bus to Victoria for lunch and feeling it was worth the extra effort. Even if you don’t go that far, the point is clear: two hours is enough to enjoy Gozo, not enough to conquer it.

Cave Time: Crystal Lagoon Caves vs Santa Maria Caves (Weather Is the Boss)

The tour includes cave scenery and sometimes cave entry, but it’s tied to sea and weather conditions. That’s not just fine print; it’s key to understanding what your day might look like.

At one point, you’ll pass Santa Maria Caves for about 15 minutes, mainly as scenic viewing from the boat. Other parts of the experience describe floating by cave areas like Crystal Lagoon Caves or St Mary’s Caves, with the possibility of entering weather permitting.

So what should you expect?

• If conditions are good, you may get closer and possibly even inside areas marked for viewing/entry.
• If conditions aren’t great, you’ll still get the limestone drama from the water, but the “inside access” can change.

This is where a smaller boat can matter. Some guests said the smaller size helped them get into cave areas larger boats couldn’t reach. Even if you don’t care about the technical details, it usually means better angles and less distance from the interesting rock shapes.

Also remember: cave openings can be tight and the sea can feel rough. If you’re prone to motion sickness, it’s worth taking precautions before the day rather than hoping for smooth water.

St Paul’s Island: Statue Ruins and a Final Water Break

Later in the day you’ll reach St Paul’s Island for about 30 minutes, with a mix of photo stop, free time, walk, and swimming/snorkeling. This is the tour’s closing “wow and go” combo: land views plus a final chance to get back in the water.

What makes this stop special is the historic touch. The tour mentions the famous statue and ancient church ruins near the top. Even if you only do a short walk, seeing that kind of landmark against Malta’s sea adds depth to the day beyond beaches.

Timing matters here. With only half an hour, you’ll have to choose your balance:

• If you want maximum water time, go straight for a swim or snorkeling first.
• If you want the statue and ruins, plan your walk early and leave time to return to the meeting point.

Some reviews also mentioned that a stop at the caves might happen around this part of the day, depending on conditions, so your route may feel slightly different run to run. That’s normal for sea-based tours.

One extra note from feedback: at least one group reported seeing dolphins, which is never guaranteed, but it’s a reminder that the sea can surprise you.

Food, Drinks, and Snorkel Gear: What’s Included vs What You’ll Pay

Included in the price:

• The boat trip
• Captain and crew
• Live commentary in English
• Stops at Comino and Gozo
• Onboard toilets

Not included:

• Food and drinks (available for purchase)
• Snorkeling equipment is not included, but it can be rented with that 10 euro security deposit in cash

On Comino, you should have a chance to buy lunch during the island time. On board, drinks are available, and reviews said prices can be reasonable. Some people even called out the value of cocktails in a pineapple on Comino.

If you’re a bring-your-own-snack person, you can do that too, but the day is built around purchase options and quick stops. I’d still bring a bottle of water if you prefer certainty—then you won’t feel stuck waiting for a shop or snack moment.

Price and Value: Is $34 a Good Deal for This Route?

For roughly $34 per person, this tour stacks a lot into one day:

• Transportation by boat from St Paul’s Bay
• Multiple major coastline highlights (Blue Lagoon, Gozo, St Paul’s Island)
• Cave scenery time
• A real guide component via English live commentary
• Onboard basics like toilets
• Swim stops that make the day feel active

You’re not paying for a luxury speedboat experience. You’re paying for smart routing and timing. That’s why it reads as good value: it saves you from building your own day around inter-island moves and squeezing multiple places into a single day.

The tradeoff is that some things are weather-dependent. If caves are restricted or entry isn’t possible, you still get views and swim time, but the “perfect postcard version” might change.

If you’re only in Malta for a few days, this is the kind of tour that helps you see several top spots without turning your schedule into an accounting spreadsheet.

Who This Tour Fits Best (and Who Might Want a Different Plan)

This is a strong match for:

• People who want swim-focused day travel
• First-time visitors who want Comino + Gozo in one organized day
• Travelers who like a smaller boat feel and a crew that stays hands-on
• Anyone who wants guided context without long museum-style stops

It might be less ideal for:

• People who need lots of open deck space
• Anyone sensitive to boat movement (caves and sea conditions can affect ride quality)
• People with mobility impairments, since it’s listed as not suitable

If you’re the type who wants unhurried, hours-long exploration in Gozo or Comino, you might feel slightly rushed. The upside: you still get the highlights, and you can always return later with more time.

Should You Book This Tour? A Simple Decision Checklist

Book this if you want a cost-effective day that covers Blue Lagoon, Gozo, and St Paul’s Island with real swim breaks and onboard English guidance. It’s especially worth it when you’re trying to maximize Malta time without building a DIY routing headache.

Skip it (or consider a different format) if you hate any chance of weather altering cave access and timing. Also think twice if you’re uncomfortable in tighter boat spaces, since some seating/outdoor area can feel limited depending on how full the boat is.

If you do book, plan like this: come prepared for swimming, keep cash handy, and be flexible with cave access. Do that, and you’ll get a very strong Malta day out that feels like you actually did something. Not just watched from shore.

FAQ

How long is the St Paul’s Bay: Comino, Blue Lagoon, Gozo, & Caves boat tour?

The duration is listed as 7 hours.

Where do I meet for the tour?

Meet at Mermaid Cruises. Look out for the blue, white, and red boat named The Mermaid.

What time does boarding start and end?

Boarding commences at 9:30 AM and closes at 9:50 AM.

What islands and key stops does the tour include?

The tour includes Comino (including the Blue Lagoon), Gozo, and St Paul’s Island, plus cave sightseeing along the way.

How much time do you get at the Blue Lagoon?

The Blue Lagoon stop is about 1 hour, with photo stop, free time, swimming, and snorkeling.

How much time do you get at Gozo?

The Gozo stop is about 2 hours.

Are snorkeling and swimming stops included?

Yes. The itinerary includes swim/snorkeling time at Comino and St Paul’s Island.

Is food included?

No. Food and drinks are not included, but they are available for purchase. There is also a chance to purchase lunch on Comino.

Do I need snorkeling equipment?

Snorkeling equipment is not included, but it’s available for rent with a 10 euro security deposit in cash.

Can the route change due to weather?

Yes. The captain reserves the right to cancel or alter the trip depending on weather conditions, and cave access is weather and sea-dependent.