Blue water and boat jumps on one trip. You’ll get Blue Lagoon swimming time plus a real taste of St Paul’s Island with short walks and ocean stops, all on a family-run traditional boat. The main thing to consider is weather: the captain can change the route or cancel if conditions turn rough.

For me, the best part is the mix of time on the water and time to actually look around, not just ride by. You also get practical extras like free wifi and onboard toilet facilities, which makes a long day much easier to manage. The trade-off: food and drinks are available for purchase, so you’ll want to plan for snacks and bring cash.

Key things I’d watch for before you book

• Small-boat feel: You’re on a traditional boat that typically feels less packed than larger departures.
• Real swim time: The Blue Lagoon stop is the long one, so you’re not rushing your water time.
• Caves by photo stop and cruise passes: You’ll get quick chances to see dramatic cave stretches from the water.
• St Paul’s is a pick-your-moment stop: Photo-and-walk time plus a last swim option by the islands.
• Bring cash and swim gear: Lunch/snacks and the Comino entry ticket aren’t bundled.
• Not mobility-friendly: This cruise isn’t suitable for people with mobility impairments.

What you’re really doing on this cruise (and why it’s worth it)

This isn’t a bus-and-wait day. It’s a boat day: cruising the Maltese coast, stopping where the water looks best, and then getting back out on the water again. That matters, because the Blue Lagoon and the island sides are best experienced from the sea. You’ll spend hours where the water is calm enough for swimming and snorkeling, then switch gears to quick sightseeing stops and cave views.

The other big value is rhythm. You’re not stuck in one place all day, and you’re not dragged through a long checklist of stops with no time to enjoy them. The schedule is built around the places that most people come for: the Blue Lagoon, the cave coastline views, and the St Paul’s area.

And yes, the boat jump is part of the fun. Just treat it like a moment, not your whole plan. Bring a towel and sunscreen and plan to swim whenever you feel ready.

Getting to L-Menqa and meeting The Mermaid

The cruise starts at L-Menqa. You’ll meet at the harbor and look for the small red, white, and blue boat called The Mermaid. If you’re trying to be extra efficient, arrive a bit early so you can spot the boat without stress.

This matters because you’ll be wearing swim clothes or getting ready fast once you’re on board. The day is long enough that every minute counts, and the water stops are the core of the experience.

The sea cruise to Comino: more than just transit

After boarding, there’s about 1 hour of sightseeing cruise as you head toward Comino, cruising past the Mellieha area en route. This leg is a nice warm-up. You’re on the water, the coast is right there, and you can start enjoying the day before the long swim stop.

A practical note: it can be bright on the water, so sunscreen and a hat aren’t optional if you burn easily. Also, bring cash for onboard purchases later, because you’ll want it during the day.

Blue Lagoon time: swimming, snorkeling, and the full payoff

This is the headline stop: around 3.5 hours at the Blue Lagoon. This is where you’ll likely spend your biggest chunk of time swimming and snorkeling. The water here is famous for its clear, light-filled look, and the long stop gives you enough time to do it at a relaxed pace.

Why this stop feels like good value: instead of a quick photo-and-go, you get a genuine water session. If you want to float, swim at your own speed, or do a bit of snorkeling, you’ll have room to do it without feeling rushed.

How to use the time well

• Go early for a calmer feel and more flexibility with where you set up.
• If you want the boat jump moment, do it once you’ve tested the water temperature with a smaller splash or quick swim first.
• Keep your camera accessible. The boat keeps moving between spots during the day, and the water clarity changes with angles and sun.

If you’re thinking about the Comino entry requirement: access to the island area requires an entry ticket purchased via the Maltese Government website. That ticket is not included in the cruise price.

The short cave moments: Santa Maria Caves and other cave stretches

Between the Blue Lagoon and the St Paul’s portion, the itinerary includes a quick pass that’s all about scenery. You’ll have about 15 minutes connected to Santa Maria Caves as a photo stop and scenic views from the water. After that, there’s more cruising time, with cave views mentioned as either Crystal Lagoon caves or St Mary’s caves depending on the route.

What I like about this setup: caves are one of those things where you get the best effect from being on a boat. You’re not trying to get perfect angles from shore. You get brief, satisfying looks, and then you keep moving to the next swim/sightseeing moment.

The downside is simple: it’s not a long cave exploration time on land. If you want to do hours of cave hiking or a full on-land exploration, this cruise isn’t that type of experience.

St Paul’s Island: a photo stop, a walk option, and a swim moment

Next comes St Paul’s Island with around 30 minutes for photo opportunities, walking, and optional swimming. This is where the cruise adds variety beyond water time.

Depending on conditions and your energy level, you can:

• take photos and enjoy the historic viewpoint, or
• trek up to see the famous statue associated with St Paul, if it’s available and you feel up to it, then
• enjoy a last swim beside the island area.

Why this stop works: you get a built-in balance. The morning is mostly water, and St Paul’s gives you a change of pace with views and a bit of walking. It’s also a good place to reset between swims.

If you’re sensitive to heat, manage your time on the island. Malta can be sun-heavy, and your best shade breaks may be limited once you’re ashore.

Onboard comfort: what makes the day easier

This is a comfort-minded cruise for a boat day. Here’s what you can count on from the provided details:

• Onboard toilet facilities
• Life-saving equipment
• Commentary during the cruise
• Free wifi
• English live tour guide
• A snack bar where you can buy lunch and drinks

From the experience style, it’s also worth noting that people often like the relaxed atmosphere and how the boat size helps it feel less crowded. One of the underrated wins on a sunny day is having a shaded but still airy area, so you’re not stuck baking in direct sun between swims.

Food and drinks: plan for purchases

Food and drinks are not included, but you can purchase lunch onboard. That’s usually the most convenient time to eat because you’re already on the water and you’re not trying to track down a meal later. Bring cash so you’re not scrambling.

What to bring (so you don’t waste time later)

Bring the basics that keep this from becoming annoying:

• Sun hat
• Swimwear
• Towel
• Sunscreen
• Cash

If you have motion sickness, consider your usual boat-day habits before you go. The itinerary includes several cruising stretches, and your body will feel the sea more at times than during the stationary swim segments.

Timing and overall duration: the 7 to 7.5 hour reality

You’re looking at about 7 to 7.5 hours total. Starting times vary, so check availability when you book. That time window matters because this is a full-day experience without being an all-day all-day. You’ll likely finish the cruise back at the meeting point at the harbor in the L-Menqa area.

Also remember the captain can alter or cancel based on weather. That’s not a small detail in Malta’s summer sun and sea conditions—plan a flexible day.

Price and value: why $28 can feel like a steal (and what costs extra)

At around $28 per person, this cruise is priced for value—especially considering you’re paying for a boat day with multiple water and sightseeing moments. You’re also getting onboard extras that are not always included on similar trips: toilet facilities, life-saving equipment, commentary, and free wifi.

The catch is that the Comino entry ticket is not included. You must purchase that ticket separately via the Maltese Government website. It’s free to purchase here in the provided link, but it’s still an extra step and something you need to handle before your day.

So how do you decide if the cruise is worth it for your budget?

• If you want Blue Lagoon water time plus caves and St Paul’s in one day, the price is hard to beat.
• If you’re bringing food and want minimal cash spending, remember lunch and drinks onboard are available for purchase.
• If you’re hoping for long land-based exploration, you might feel shortchanged by the brief St Paul’s time and the cave photo/pass approach.

Who this cruise is best for

This works well for:

• People who want swimming and snorkeling time without planning multiple separate trips.
• Families and groups who like a relaxed boat atmosphere and onboard comfort.
• First-timers to Malta who want the highlights of Comino without juggling schedules.

It may not fit if:

• You need accessibility accommodations (it’s not suitable for people with mobility impairments).
• You dislike sun/heat and don’t want to manage shade and timing.
• You want long, slow sightseeing on land rather than short stops from the sea.

Final call: should you book the Malta Blue Lagoon and St Paul’s cruise?

I’d book it if your goal is a classic Malta coastline day: clear water, cave views from the sea, and a St Paul’s stop that gives you photos and a little walking without turning it into a marathon. The price is also genuinely attractive for what you get—especially when you factor in the onboard toilets, commentary, and the long Blue Lagoon swim session.

I’d think twice only if you don’t want to deal with the Comino entry ticket requirement and cash-based onboard purchases, or if you’d be disappointed by short, scenic cave and island moments instead of deep land exploration.

If you want, tell me your travel month and whether you plan to snorkel or mostly swim. I can suggest how to time your day to match your energy and comfort level.

FAQ

How long is the Malta Blue Lagoon, Comino & St Paul’s Islands cruise?

The duration is about 7 to 7.5 hours. Starting times vary, so you’ll want to check availability when you book.

Where do I meet the boat?

Meet at the harbor at L-Menqa. Look for the small red, white, and blue boat named The Mermaid.

Is the Comino entry ticket included?

No. Entry ticket access to the Island of Comino is not included. You must sign up and get the ticket through the Maltese Government website using the provided link.

What’s included in the ticket price?

Included items are onboard toilet facilities, commentary, free wifi, and life-saving equipment.

Can I buy food or drinks onboard?

Yes. A snack bar is available onboard, and you can purchase lunch and drinks. Food and drinks are not included in the price.

Is there a guide and what language is it in?

There is a live tour guide, and the tour is in English.

What should I bring for the trip?

Bring a sun hat, swimwear, towel, sunscreen, and cash.

Is the cruise suitable for people with mobility impairments?

No, it is not suitable for people with mobility impairments.