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

What makes this cruise fun is the mix of big scenery and real water time, all packed into a day on a small, family-run boat. You spend hours around Comino and the Blue Lagoon, then you hop along the coast for cave views and a quick visit to St Paul’s Island.

I especially like the feel of being on a traditional boat with a relaxed vibe, plus the practical onboard touches like clean toilets, life-saving equipment, and commentary. I also love that the Blue Lagoon stop is long enough for more than just a quick dip, so you can swim, snorkel, and even join the classic boat jump when you feel like it.

The one drawback to plan for is that the schedule is weather dependent. The captain can alter or cancel the trip, and if you get rough seas, you’ll feel it on a boat like this, even with a short day.

Key Points You Should Know Before You Go

• Small-boat comfort: A nice size vessel helps you feel less crowded, with a shaded area plus open-air space.
• Good Blue Lagoon timing: About 3.5 hours there gives you room to swim, snorkel, and eat without feeling rushed.
• Caves along the way: You get photo stops for cave scenery, not just one quick glance from the water.
• St Paul’s Island in 30 minutes: Short and sweet, with photo time, a walk option, and a swim if you want it.
• Onboard basics included: Toilet facilities, Wi-Fi, commentary, and life-saving equipment are part of the deal.
• Comino entry ticket required: The island access ticket is not included in the price, even if it’s free to obtain.

Why the Mermaid Cruise to Comino Feels Like a Real Day on the Water

This isn’t a bus-and-camera kind of tour. It’s a proper sea day. You start at the L-Menqa side of the island, board the small red-white-blue boat named The Mermaid, and then you spend hours moving along Malta’s coast and Comino, rather than sitting still.

The big thing I notice is how the boat setup supports a day in the sun. There’s shade where you want it, and open-air areas when you want the breeze. That balance matters because the Mediterranean can go from warm to intense fast, especially when you’re out there for most of the daylight hours.

And the crew vibe is a real part of the experience. Many tours can feel like a script, but here you get a relaxed atmosphere and friendly attention. The captain and deckhand keep things running smoothly, including being on time, which helps the whole day feel easier.

Meeting at L-Menqa and Finding The Mermaid

You meet at a harbor where you’ll see the docked boat. Look for the small red, white, and blue boat called The Mermaid. That’s your reference point, so you don’t need to guess which boat it is.

Once you’re aboard, you can immediately get into day mode. This trip runs about 7 to 7.5 hours, so arriving with at least some time to settle makes the whole thing less stressful. Bring cash, because food and drinks are available for purchase on the boat.

If you’re coming from anywhere else on Malta, give yourself buffer time for traffic, parking, or just getting from your hotel to the harbor area. It’s a simple meeting spot, but it’s still Malta, and travel time can vary.

The 1-Hour Sightseeing Cruise Toward Comino

Before you reach the big swim zone, you get a sightseeing cruise segment of about 1 hour. That’s not wasted time. It sets the tone: you’re on the water, you’re seeing the coastline, and you’re getting oriented before the day turns into swimming and photos.

You also pass by Mellieha on the route toward Comino. This matters because it helps you read the coast from the sea. If you’ve only seen Malta from land, the coastline views can feel bigger and more dramatic once you’re cruising alongside them.

One practical note, though: if you’re sensitive to motion, the early cruise is the part where you’ll likely feel it most. Try to sit where you feel the steadiness, keep some water nearby, and avoid eating a huge meal right before the open sea segments.

Blue Lagoon Comino: Swimming, Snorkeling, and a Real Boat Jump

This is the main event, and you get the time to do it properly. The Blue Lagoon stop lasts about 3.5 hours, which is long enough to stop thinking about the schedule and start thinking about water time.

You’ll have options to swim and snorkel, and it’s also your best window to take in the famous light and colors. The water stays clear and inviting, and the scenery is exactly the kind you want to see in person, not just on postcards.

There’s also a built-in adrenaline moment: a chance to jump from the boat into the ocean. I like that they make it optional, because some people want the thrill, while others prefer to ease in from the water’s edge. If you want to try it, wear swimwear you’re comfortable sacrificing to saltwater. Also, keep your towel and gear where you can reach it quickly after the splash.

The practical win here is timing. This isn’t a 45-minute stop. You get enough duration to swim, snorkel, and then refuel. Lunch is available for purchase aboard the Mermaid, so you can keep the day flowing without having to find a restaurant on Comino.

Santa Maria Caves Photo Stop: Quick Views, Big Payoff

After Blue Lagoon, you’ll cruise briefly and then get a Santa Maria Caves stop with about 15 minutes allocated for photos and scenic views. It’s short, but it works, because the caves are all about perspective and angle, and you’ll be moving along the coast while you look.

From a value standpoint, cave photo stops make sense here. Full cave tours can be a whole separate day. In this cruise format, you get the highlight photos and the sense of scale, then you keep moving to the next swim and viewpoint.

A small planning note: because the cave segment is a photo stop, it’s best to treat it like a quick walk-and-look moment. If you want a lot of lingering, you’ll likely want to prioritize your spot quickly and then just enjoy the moment as best you can.

Also watch the timing. The schedule transitions back into cruising fairly fast, so you don’t want to spend the entire 15 minutes trying to decide where the best photo is. Pick a spot, take your pictures, then enjoy the view from there.

Another Cruise Segment: Reading the Coast From the Water

Between cave views and St Paul’s Island, there’s another sightseeing stretch of about 1 hour. This is the kind of timing that makes the day feel whole. You get more time to enjoy open-water views and the coastline coming in and out of sight.

If you like photography, this segment is often where you can get the most natural feeling shots, because you’re not anchored in one place. The coastline changes as the boat moves, and that gives your camera plenty to work with.

It’s also a good time to settle in for a while. If you bought something on board, this is when you’ll likely finish it without rushing. And if you want shade, you can make that choice without losing your place, since you’re already past the main swim stop.

St Paul’s Island: A Photo Stop, a Walk Option, and a Swim

The St Paul’s Island stop is about 30 minutes, and it’s laid out as a mix of photo time, a visit and walk option, plus swimming. That combination is perfect for a place that’s more about iconic views and a short visit than spending hours trekking.

You’ll also have the chance to see the famous statue of St Paul from the island viewpoint, at least from the route and walking areas you’re given. The island is historical and visually distinctive, and even a short stop helps it land as something more than just another stop on a list.

The swim option is worth paying attention to. If you loved the Blue Lagoon water, you’ll want another chance to get back in. If you’re tired, you can stay focused on photos and the short walk.

One consideration: 30 minutes can feel short if you try to do everything at once. My advice is simple. Decide early if you want the walk, then build your photos around that. If swimming matters more, keep your walk quick so you still have time to enjoy the water.

Onboard Comfort: Toilets, Wi-Fi, Life-Saving Gear, and Music

The Mermaid keeps the day practical. You get onboard toilet facilities, which is honestly a big deal on a full-day boat trip. You also have free Wi-Fi and commentary, which helps if you want context about what you’re seeing while you’re on the water.

Life-saving equipment is included, which matters for peace of mind. It’s one of those details you hope you never need, but you appreciate when it’s clearly part of the trip.

Another detail that makes a difference is the atmosphere. The boat feels relaxed, and there’s music onboard, which helps the day feel like a shared experience rather than a strict transport schedule. And because the boat size feels manageable, it doesn’t feel like you’re constantly climbing over strangers to get to shade, photos, or the water.

If you’re hoping for a full onboard snack feast, keep your expectations realistic. Food and drinks are available for purchase, with lunch possible through the onboard snack setup. Plan to eat like you would on a boat day: snack, hydrate, and accept that it’s not a full restaurant.

Price and Value: Why This Often Lands Well for Budget-Minded Travelers

At $28 per person, this cruise can feel like a bargain for what you get: a day on the water, a family-run boat experience, commentary, Wi-Fi, toilets, and multiple look-and-swim stops. And the included time at Blue Lagoon is the biggest value driver. Three and a half hours on the water around Comino is a big chunk of day, and it’s where you get most of the “why I came” payoff.

What’s not included is important. Food and drinks cost extra, and you also need an entry ticket to access the island of Comino. The good news is that the Comino ticket is described as free to purchase through the provided link, but you still must get it. In other words, the price is competitive, but the real planning job is making sure the entry requirement is handled before your trip.

If you’re deciding between this cruise and a cheaper option, look closely at time at the Blue Lagoon and how many swim stops you get. If a cheaper boat offers a short stop, you may end up paying less but getting less water time. This itinerary is built around the places you’ll actually want to experience in person.

What to Bring for a Comfortable Comino Day

Bring what keeps you comfortable once you’re out there. The essentials listed are:

• Sun hat
• Swimwear
• Towel
• Sunscreen
• Cash

I’d also suggest you pack like you’re doing a beach day plus boat time. Your sunscreen will matter because you’re in the sun for hours. Your towel matters because getting wet is part of the plan, and you’ll want something easy to grab on return to your seat.

Also consider your phone. You’ll have Wi-Fi onboard, but you’ll likely use your camera far more than the internet. Bring a way to keep your phone dry or at least reduce splash risk when you’re near where people jump in.

Comino Entry Ticket: The One Thing You Must Handle

This cruise does not include the entry ticket needed to access the island of Comino. The requirement is spelled out as a need to sign up with the Maltese Government website to get an entry ticket. The ticket is described as free to purchase through the provided link.

So, even if the cruise price is low, you’ll want to treat the ticket process as part of the booking homework. Do it before you go. Waiting until the day of can cause unnecessary stress, especially if you run into slow internet or misunderstand the steps.

Once you have that sorted, the cruise becomes straightforward: you board, you follow the schedule, and you focus on swimming and photos.

Who Should Book This Cruise, and Who Might Want to Skip It

This is a great pick if you want:

• A relaxed boat day with a friendly crew
• Real time in the Blue Lagoon
• Cave photo views without a full separate tour
• A short visit to St Paul’s Island with a walk option and swimming

It’s also a good fit for people who like smaller-boat vibes and don’t want to feel packed in.

It may not be the best fit if you have mobility impairments. The trip is listed as not suitable for people with mobility impairments, and that makes sense on boats with boarding steps and time outdoors.

If you’re traveling with kids, it can work well because the day is simple and the highlights are clear: swim, snorkel, caves, then St Paul’s. Just keep an eye on sun protection and bring dry clothes for the ride back.

Should You Book the Malta Mermaid Blue Lagoon Cruise?

Book it if you want the classic Comino experience with enough time to actually enjoy it. The 3.5 hours at Blue Lagoon is the main reason, and the small-boat feel, clean toilets, and relaxed crew support make it easier to have a smooth day.

Skip it or reconsider if you hate being on the water for most of the day, or if the weather worries you. Since the captain can alter or cancel due to conditions, you’ll want a flexible mindset.

And do one thing before you go: handle the Comino entry ticket requirement. It’s free to obtain, but it’s required, and getting it right makes the whole trip feel effortless.

FAQ

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

It runs for 7 to 7.5 hours. Starting times vary, so check availability for your exact departure.

Where do I meet the boat?

Meet at the harbor where you’ll see the docked boat, specifically the small red, white, and blue boat called The Mermaid.

Is the Comino entry ticket included?

No. You need an entry ticket to access the island of Comino, and you must sign up on the Maltese Government website to get it.

What’s included in the ticket price?

Included are onboard toilet facilities, commentary, free Wi-Fi, and life-saving equipment.

Can I swim and snorkel during the trip?

Yes. You’ll have time at Blue Lagoon for swimming and snorkeling, plus swimming options at St Paul’s Island. There’s also a chance to jump from the boat.

Is food or drinks included?

Food and drinks are not included. You can purchase lunch aboard the Mermaid, and there are snack bar options available, along with toilets onboard.

Is there onboard Wi-Fi and toilets?

Yes. The boat has free Wi-Fi and toilet facilities onboard.

Is this cruise suitable for people with mobility impairments?

No. It is not suitable for people with mobility impairments.