St Pauls: Gozo & Comino Islands, Blue Lagoon & Seacaves Tour

This trip is interesting because you stitch together Comino, Gozo, and the tiny, famed St Paul’s islands in one long boat day. It is not just pretty water from the deck. You actually get real swim time in the Mediterranean and enough time onshore to feel the island rhythm in Gozo. And the crew runs it in a way that feels both professional and relaxed, with Captain Matthew keeping things moving but letting you enjoy your stops.

Two things I especially like: the chance to spend time in the Blue Lagoon water, plus the way Captain Matthew and the crew give you freedom at each stop instead of herding you around. One drawback to plan for: you only get limited time at each island, so this is best if you like short, focused visits rather than lingering all day in one place.

Key Points at a Glance

• Traditional Maltese schooner boat on a wooden boat, the kind you do not see every day
• Blue Lagoon swim and snorkel time with a simple cash deposit system for snorkel access
• Real island time in Gozo at Mgarr Harbour, with bars and restaurants right there
• Comino Channel sea caves pass-by that depend on weather, but the views can still be great for photos
• St Paul’s Island final swim or walk with photo stops and time near the statue
• Onboard snack bar and toilets so you are not scrambling during the day

A Traditional Schooner Day on Comino, Gozo, and St Paul’s

If you want the classic Maltese island day, this tour hits the sweet spot. You start on the water, with the islands changing around you as the day goes on. And instead of a big, faceless motorcoach vibe, you ride on one of the only operating traditional Maltese schooner boats. That matters because the day feels more personal, more local, and less like a production.

The boat is named Mermaid, a red, white, and blue wooden boat. The crew is genuinely part of the experience. Captain Matthew in particular comes across as both professional and chill, and that combination helps. You get organization when you need it, but you also get permission to breathe and do your own thing once you are at the stops.

Getting There: Mermaid Cruises and the 10:00 Sharp Departure

Boarding starts at 9:30am and closes at 9:50am, then the boat departs at 10:00am sharp. That timing is not negotiable, so I recommend showing up a little early. There is a big difference between arriving early with time to get sorted, and arriving late while everyone is already lining up.

You meet at Mermaid Cruises. The practical tip is simple: look out for the boat named Mermaid. If you are waiting around and you do not spot it fast, ask staff on the dock where the Mermaid is tied up.

One more logistics note that can affect your day: transport to L-Menqa Jetty is not included. The tour information is clear that you handle getting to the departure area on your own. If you are staying near the Bugibba area, plan your route so you are not late.

Stop One to Stop Three: Blue Lagoon Swim and Snorkel on Comino

The first major water time is at the Blue Lagoon on Comino. This is why most people book, and it delivers. You get 1.5 hours here for swimming and snorkeling, plus you can jump in and enjoy the clear water.

This is also where the tour’s simple rules help you plan:

• Snorkels are not included with the booking, but you can access snorkeling with a cash deposit system.
• The system is 10 EUR cash deposit, with 5 EUR returned.

That means you should bring cash just for the deposit, even if you are not a cash-only person at home. It also means you should not assume you will be given everything you need. Pack your own basics, and if you want snorkeling, budget the deposit.

How to use your Blue Lagoon time well:

• If you want photos, do a first pass early before the water gets busy.
• If you mainly want a swim, use the first minutes to find a comfortable spot and settle in, rather than waiting for the perfect light.

The key thing is that you get real time on the water, not a quick dip. This is one of the most praised parts of the day, and it is easy to see why.

Comino on Foot: One Hour to Explore, Not Just Float

After the Blue Lagoon stop, the boat gives you about 1 hour on Comino. The boat stays docked, so you can jump in from the boat again or explore on foot.

This is the right kind of time for many people, because it is enough to change pace. But it is still short, so you want to choose your goal quickly. If your idea of Comino is beaches and swims, you can keep it mostly water-focused. If you want views and a little walking, you can do a short circuit and still feel like you did something beyond the lagoon.

There is also an important paperwork detail. To access the island of Comino, you must sign up with the Maltese Government Website to get an entry ticket. The info provided says it is free to purchase via https://blcomino.com/product/blue-lagoon/. Do not leave this to the morning of your tour. Set it up ahead of time so you do not spend your one hour on Comino dealing with admin.

Sailing to Gozo: Mgarr Harbour and the Best Way to Eat On Your Own Time

Next you sail to Mgarr Harbour on Gozo. You get 2 hours there, which is a solid chunk of time for a port stop. The tour also points out a practical truth: there are plenty of bars and restaurants right at the harbour. That means you do not need to solve transit just to grab lunch.

You also have options if you want to go further. The tour suggests taking a bus into Victoria to see the Cittadella. That is not included, but the fact it is mentioned tells you the schedule is flexible enough for a short excursion if you are willing to plan your timing.

What I like about this Gozo stop is that it gives you a choice. You can:

• eat and people-watch right at Mgarr Harbour if you want low effort
• or make it a mini adventure with a bus ride toward Victoria

Either way, 2 hours usually feels like the right balance for a day that is already full of sea time.

Sea Caves and the Comino Channel: Scenic Pass-By When Weather Allows

Between the Gozo stop and St Paul’s Island, the boat cruises through the Comino Channel and you get a look at sea caves. There is a photo stop and a pass-by element here, and the caves viewing is weather dependent.

So here is the honest planning mindset: do not count on a perfect cave viewing moment if the water is rough or visibility is poor. But even when it is not ideal, the coast can still look dramatic from the water, and you can usually get some decent photos if you keep your camera ready.

This part of the day is also a good reminder of how boat tours work. Your experience is partly “what the sea decides.” The timing is short here, around 15 minutes, so treat it like bonus scenery rather than the main event.

St Paul’s Island: Final Swim, Statue Photos, and Quiet Time

The last stop is St Paul’s Island. You get a full 1 hour for the stop, plus there is another shorter 30 minute segment that includes photo stop, free time, walking, and swimming.

What that means for you is you can choose. If you want one more swim before you head back, you have time. If you prefer a bit of walking and photos, the schedule allows that too.

There is also something to like here beyond the water. The tour mentions seeing the statue of St Paul. Even if you are not into religious landmarks, a statue on a small island can create a great silhouette for photos, and it gives the island a sense of place.

The best feeling of St Paul’s is that quiet, secluded vibe. The tour describes the island as having no inhabitants, and you can feel the difference when the boat docks and people spread out.

Onboard Comfort: Snack Bar, Toilets, and a Pace That Works

A day like this lives or dies on the small comforts, and this tour includes them. There is a snack bar onboard with prices described as good, plus toilet facilities available.

You should still plan to bring snacks, because the tour’s “What to bring” list includes snacks and water. That is practical advice. When you are out all day, having your own small backup helps, especially if your stomach is picky or you just do not want to rely on whatever snack bar item is closest.

The tour also asks you to bring:

• hat
• swimwear
• towel
• sunscreen
• snacks
• water
• cash

Cash matters for more than just personal purchases. It is required for the snorkeling deposit system. It is also useful if you decide to buy extra snacks onboard.

Price and Value: Why $34 Can Make Sense (and Where You Pay Extra)

At $34 per person for a full day cruise, this is one of the more budget-friendly ways to see multiple islands in one go. You are paying for transportation by boat plus time stops at Blue Lagoon on Comino, Mgarr Harbour on Gozo, sea caves pass-by, and St Paul’s Island.

The value piece is also about what you can do within those stops:

• swim time with a long enough window to feel it
• snorkeling access via a simple cash deposit
• onboard snack bar and toilets so you are not stuck in “survival mode”

Where the extra costs can show up:

• lunch onboard is not included
• transport to L-Menqa Jetty is not included
• snorkels are not included as part of the booking, even though snorkeling access is available through the cash deposit system
• you must sign up for the Comino entry ticket

So if you want the simplest cost estimate, plan for the cruise price plus food. Bring your own snacks for part of the day, then decide if you want lunch in Gozo. If you like having a plan, eat at Mgarr Harbour, since it is right there.

Who This Tour Is Best For

This is a great match if you:

• want a classic Comino and Gozo day without complex logistics
• like swimming and snorkeling more than long museum-style stops
• enjoy a boat day where the crew keeps things moving and gives you freedom at each stop

You might want to skip it if you:

• are prone to seasickness, since the tour is listed as not suitable for that
• have back problems, since the tour is also listed as not suitable for people with back problems

If your travel style is “I want beaches and views today,” this tour fits nicely. If your style is “I want slow and deep time on one island,” you may feel rushed since each stop is timed and focused.

Should You Book This Blue Lagoon, Gozo, and St Paul’s Boat Tour?

I think this is worth booking if you want maximum variety in one day, and your top priorities are swim time, clear-water moments, and a couple of island breaks. The combination of Blue Lagoon time, a real Gozo harbour stop, plus St Paul’s Island for that last swim and statue photos makes the day feel full without being exhausting in a travel-planning way.

It is also a smart pick if you like the human side of travel. Captain Matthew and the crew are professional and super chill, and that shows in how the day flows. You get structure when docking and departing, then freedom once you are at each location.

But if you hate the idea of limited shore time, or you know you are sensitive to motion on boats, make another plan. For the right traveler, though, this is a fun, straightforward way to experience Malta’s most famous island water and mix in Gozo’s different feel.

FAQ

How long is the St Pauls: Gozo & Comino Islands, Blue Lagoon & Seacaves Tour?

The tour duration is 7 hours.

What time does the boat depart and return?

Boarding begins at 9:30am and closes at 9:50am, the boat departs at 10:00am sharp, and you return to the jetty at 5:00pm.

Where do I meet the boat?

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

Are snorkels included?

Snorkels are not included. You can access snorkel time with a 10 EUR cash deposit and 5 EUR returned.

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.

Is the sea caves stop guaranteed?

Sea cave viewing is weather dependent.