Some days are about big sights. This one is about crystal water and real Maltese pace. On this full-day cruise, you’ll sail between Comino and Gozo, swim in the Blue Lagoon, and spend time on the small, historic St Pauls islands.

I like that the trip isn’t just sitting on a boat. You get set blocks of time to be in the water and time to walk around on Comino and Gozo, plus a final swim or stroll on St Pauls. The crew runs a tight schedule without squeezing you.

One thing to consider: this is a boat day. It is not listed as suitable for people prone to seasickness, and the caves viewing is weather dependent.

Key things worth knowing before you go

• Traditional schooner feel: You’re on the red, white and blue wooden boat named Mermaid, one of the only operating traditional Maltese schooners.
• Water time is the point: You’ll get a Blue Lagoon swim window, plus Comino and St Pauls chances to jump in.
• Caves are partly weather-driven: Sea cave viewing and cave stops happen, but not every day delivers the same visibility.
• Gozo has room to move: You’ll have enough time to explore Mgarr Harbour and even get to Victoria for the Cittadella.
• You’ll need the Comino entry ticket: You must sign up through the Maltese Government website to access Comino.
• Captain Matthew and the crew set the tone: The vibe is professional and easygoing, with lots of freedom at each stop.

A traditional Maltese boat day (the Mermaid part)

You meet at Mermaid Cruises and look for the boat named Mermaid in red, white and blue. Boarding opens at 9:30am and closes at 9:50am, then the boat departs at 10:00am sharp. If you’re late, you’ll miss the departure—so arrive early, grab a snack if you need one, and get settled.

What I like most here is the feel. This isn’t a giant party catamaran, and that matters on a day like this. A traditional schooner style trip gives you that slower, local rhythm, and it makes the Blue Lagoon stops feel like a proper outing instead of a quick detour.

The morning plan: Bugibba to the Blue Lagoon’s swim stop

From the start, the day is built around water time. The first big experience is the Blue Lagoon area on Comino-side waters, where you’ll have a swim and snorkeling window of about 1.5 hours. This is your first chance to get in and cool off, and it’s also when you’ll want to be ready with the basics.

Bring the usual winners: swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, water, and a hat. Snorkels are listed as not included, so if you want to snorkel comfortably, you may prefer to bring your own. The tour does include the opportunity to swim and snorkel, and there’s a 10 EUR cash deposit required, with 5 EUR returned—so have cash on hand.

A small practical note: you’re boarding early and you’ll be out for hours, so pack snacks if you can. There’s a snack bar onboard, but having your own bite helps if you get hungry between stops.

Comino: why the timing is perfect (and what you can actually do)

After the Blue Lagoon swim, you’ll have time on Comino itself for about 1 hour. The boat stays at the dock, which changes how you experience the island. You can jump from the boat again, or you can walk around Comino at your own pace.

This is a good setup if you’re not trying to conquer an island in one go. One hour is enough to get your bearings, enjoy the views, and soak up the island feel without rushing every step. If you want more time on land, this is also the moment to do it—because the day will swing you back into boat mode soon after.

Also, don’t forget the Comino access requirement. You must sign up on the Maltese Government website to get an entry ticket to access the island of Comino. It’s noted as free to purchase there, but you still need to do the signup in advance.

Gozo from Mgarr Harbour: lunch options and a smart add-on

Next up is Gozo, with a stop at Mgarr Harbour. You get about 2 hours there, which is exactly the kind of time that makes a difference on a day trip.

Mgarr Harbour itself is practical: you’ll find bars and restaurants for lunch. If you’d rather make it more than a harbor break, you can also take a bus into Victoria and check out the Cittadella. The tour doesn’t force a single plan, which is a big plus when you have mixed travel styles in one group.

This is also when I’d slow your pace a bit. You’ve spent time in the water and sun, so take a break from standing in the heat. Even a simple lunch plus a short wander around Mgarr Harbour helps you recharge for the afternoon.

Cruise through the Comino Channel: sea caves on the move

When you’re back onboard, the tour runs through the Comino Channel and explores beautiful caves with no extra charge. Cave viewing here is weather dependent, so don’t plan your entire day around getting dramatic cave photos.

Still, I like this part of the itinerary because it’s low-effort. You’re not hiking for views; you’re simply cruising and letting the scenery come to you. If conditions are good, you’ll likely see more detail. If they’re not, you’ll still get the sense of coastline and sea formations.

Santa Maria Caves: a quick photo stop that works

You’ll also have a short scenic stop associated with Santa Maria Caves, around 15 minutes. It’s not a long visit, so treat it like a chance to get pictures and enjoy the moment rather than a full exploration.

This stop makes sense in the overall schedule. You still have meaningful time at Comino, Gozo, and St Pauls, so the cave portion stays light and keeps the day from running too long in one place.

St Pauls Islands: the final swim and the statue moment

Your last major stop is the historical islands of St Pauls. You’ll have about 1 hour here, plus an additional 30 minutes free time/photo time window later. The island is described as having no inhabitants, which helps explain the quiet, secluded feel you’re aiming for.

You can do either of the two classic options:

• One last swim before heading home
• A walk around to see the statue of St Paul and take in the island’s stillness

This is also where the tour feels most complete. Blue Lagoon and Comino are all about sea and sun, but St Pauls adds a different mood. It’s a simple switch: go from bright water visuals to a calmer, historical setting.

If you like photography, St Pauls tends to reward you. The island setting and the limited development around you can make the light and angles feel more dramatic than you’d expect for a small stop.

Who this tour fits best (and who should skip it)

This is a strong match if you want:

• A full day that focuses on water and viewpoints, not museums
• Enough free time to choose your own rhythm in Gozo and at Comino
• A boat day with a professional but easygoing crew

It may not be a great fit if you:

• Are prone to seasickness (this isn’t listed as suitable)
• Have back problems (also not listed as suitable)
• Expect snorkels to be provided for you (they’re not included)

The price is also part of the math. At around $34 per person for a 7-hour cruise with swim time and cave sightseeing, this can feel like good value—especially if you’re already in the area and plan to spend money on boat tours anyway. The catch is that the Comino entry ticket needs to be arranged via the Maltese Government website, and you’ll want to budget for snorkel gear if you need it.

Price and value: what you’re paying for

This tour includes the full-day cruise plus the chance to swim/snorkel with the cash deposit process, onboard toilets, and a snack bar. It also includes stops at Blue Lagoon/Comino, Mgarr Harbour (Gozo), and St Pauls, plus sea cave viewing that depends on weather.

Not included are things you might reasonably expect to cost extra on other tours: lunch onboard, snorkels, and transport to L-Menqa Jetty. That means the real value depends on your plan for food. If you’re happy grabbing lunch in Gozo, you’re set.

In my view, the best value case is when you treat the day like a beach-and-views day: swim at the Blue Lagoon, take a Gozo lunch break, then wrap with St Pauls. If you’re mainly shopping for a long guided walking tour, you might find the schedule a bit too sea-focused.

Crew and vibe: why the day feels smooth

The tour’s strength shows up in the human details. The captain and crew are described as professional and super chill, and you get the sense they keep things moving while still giving you space to enjoy each stop.

Captain Matthew is specifically mentioned, along with crew members who help you feel at ease. That balance matters on a day with multiple islands and swim stops. You don’t want constant micromanaging when you’re trying to enjoy the water, and you also want clear guidance so the schedule doesn’t feel chaotic.

What to pack so you’re not scrambling at 10am

If you do this tour, pack like it’s a beach day plus a bit of island wandering. You have a lot of time outside, and you’ll be in and out of the boat.

Bring:

• Swimwear
• Towel
• Hat
• Sunscreen
• Water
• Snacks
• Cash for the 10 EUR deposit process

Optional, based on comfort:

• Your own snorkel if you want to be set up quickly
• Water shoes if you prefer secure footing around shore areas (not required by the info, so consider your own comfort)

Timing reality check: how the 7 hours actually feel

You’re out from about 10:00am until return around 5:00pm. The schedule is built in short, focused blocks:

• Swim time at Blue Lagoon
• Comino dock time
• Gozo harbour time
• Cave cruising and short scenic stops
• St Pauls final stop with swim and walking options

Because the stops are time-boxed, this tour works best if you go with a flexible mindset. You’ll have choices at each location, but you’re not meant to linger for hours at one spot.

Should you book this St Pauls, Gozo & Comino cruise?

Book it if you want a practical, classic island day with real swimming time, cave cruising, and the chance to add Gozo and St Pauls without planning ferry schedules. The boat choice and the crew tone make it feel like a proper Maltese outing, not just transport.

Skip it if you know you struggle with boats, or if you’re looking for a long, land-based sightseeing day with lots of guided walking. If you’re happy being outside, in the water, and on a moving schedule, this is the kind of trip that turns Malta into a full day you’ll remember.

FAQ

Where does the tour start and where do I meet the boat?

You meet at Mermaid Cruises. Look out for the boat named Mermaid, a red, white and blue wooden boat.

What time does the tour depart?

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

How long is the tour?

The duration is listed as 7 hours (starting times vary based on availability).

What does the tour include for swimming and snorkeling?

You have the opportunity to swim and snorkel, with a 10 EUR cash deposit and 5 EUR returned. There are also onboard toilet facilities and a snack bar.

Are snorkels included?

No. Snorkels are not included.

Do I need a 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.

Where will I spend time on Gozo?

You stop at Mgarr Harbour in Gozo, with about 2 hours to explore, eat, shop, and sightsee.

Are there cave visits during the cruise?

Yes. Sea cave viewing is included, but it’s weather dependent. There is also a short Santa Maria Caves scenic stop.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch onboard is not included.

Is the tour suitable for everyone?

It’s not suitable for people prone to seasickness or people with back problems (as listed).