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

Exploring Malta’s Islands: A Complete Review of the St Pauls: Gozo & Comino Islands, Blue Lagoon & Seacaves Tour

Malta’s reputation as an island paradise hinges on its crystal-clear waters, scenic landscapes, and rich history. One popular way to experience this is through the full-day boat tour offered by Mermaid Cruises, which takes you to some of the most iconic spots—Comino, Gozo, and St. Paul’s Islands. From swimming in the famous Blue Lagoon to wandering the charming streets of Gozo’s capital, this tour promises a blend of natural beauty and cultural charm.

What I find appealing about this experience is the opportunity to see Malta from the water, enjoying the sun and sea, while also exploring the islands at a relaxed pace. Two things I particularly like are the chance to swim and snorkel in the Blue Lagoon’s clear waters—a highlight for many—and the chance to explore Gozo’s local vibe, away from the tourist crowds.

A possible caveat is the weather dependency—the sea caves are only visible when the weather cooperates. If the sea is rough, some parts of the tour might be less impressive or delayed. Also, the tour is quite packed, with around 7 hours of activity, so it’s best suited for those who like a full schedule.

This cruise offers a well-rounded taste of Malta’s natural beauty and cultural spots, making it a solid choice for travelers wanting an authentic, fun-filled day on the water.

Key points / Takeaways

• Authentic Maltese schooner experience: Travel on a traditional Maltese boat, which adds charm and authenticity to your day.
• Crystal-clear Blue Lagoon: Perfect for swimming, snorkeling, or just relaxing in tranquil waters.
• Gozitan culture and scenery: Explore Gozo’s harbor, enjoy local eateries, or visit Victoria’s Cittadella for a taste of local life.
• Sea caves exploration: Cruise through caves (weather permitting), adding a touch of adventure and scenic beauty.
• Historical St. Paul’s Island: End your day with a last swim or a walk around this serene island with its statue of St. Paul.
• Value for money: For $34, you get a full day of sightseeing, swimming, and exploring—plus some fantastic views and stories from guides.

Setting Sail from Bugibba: How the Day Unfolds

I love how this tour begins in the lively seaside town of Bugibba, where you’ll be greeted aboard the “Mermaid”, a distinctive red, white, and blue wooden boat. Boarding begins at 9:30 am, so arriving on time is crucial—don’t be that person scrambling 5 minutes before departure. The staff, including guides like Matthew, are praised for their professionalism and relaxed demeanor, making you feel well looked after as you set out.

The itinerary is carefully paced, blending relaxing stretches with active stops. The first highlight is the Blue Lagoon on Comino, which is truly the star of this tour. You’ll get about 1.5 hours to swim, snorkel, or simply lounge on the boat. Many reviews mention that the crystal-clear waters are a highlight, with Lesley calling the day “fantastic” and praising the crew for making everyone feel comfortable.

Comino and Blue Lagoon: A Water Lover’s Dream

If you’re a fan of swimming or snorkeling, the Blue Lagoon is likely to be the highlight. Its popularity is well-earned—the water is intensely turquoise and incredibly clear. The tour includes a 10 EUR cash deposit for snorkel gear, which is a fair price for quality equipment, and it’s refundable if you return the gear.

Along With swimming, the boat anchors near the Blue Lagoon Caves, where the crew takes you to view the caves (weather permitting). This adds a touch of adventure to the day—these caves are scenic, and many find it memorable to see them from the water. If you like jumping off boats, this stop is perfect for that, with plenty of opportunity to jump into the water.

Exploring Gozo: A Slice of Local Life

After the Blue Lagoon, the tour sails to Mgarr Harbour in Gozo, where you spend about 2 hours exploring. This is a real highlight for those who want a taste of Gozitan culture. You can choose to walk around the harbor, visit shops, or enjoy a local lunch at one of the many bars and restaurants.

I appreciate that the tour allows free time—you’re encouraged to explore at your own pace, which is a rare treat on guided trips. Many reviews mention that guides like Matthew “gave us time and freedom to do what we want,” making it a more relaxed experience.

An excellent tip shared in reviews is to take a bus into Victoria, the capital of Gozo, and visit the Cittadella—a fortified city with panoramic views and historic charm. This adds a cultural layer to your trip, far from just beach lounging.

Scenic Cruising through Caves and Past St Paul’s Island

The cruise continues through the Comino Channel, where you’ll see more sea caves if the weather allows. The crew points out scenic views along the way, making it a visual treat. The Santa Maria Caves are a quick stop for photos and sightseeing, giving you a chance to appreciate Malta’s rugged coastline.

The final stop is St. Paul’s Island, where you’re given 30 minutes to walk around, take photos, or swim. Many find it a peaceful retreat, with a statue of St. Paul and a serene atmosphere. It’s a fitting end to a busy day, offering a moment to reflect and enjoy the surroundings.

Practical Tips and What’s Included

For just $34, you get an all-encompassing day on the water, including swimming, snorkelling, and sightseeing. The cruise has toilet facilities and a snack bar at reasonable prices, which come in handy after a long morning. You’ll also benefit from viewing the sea caves—a highlight, weather permitting.

However, lunch isn’t included, so bringing your own snacks or eating at Gozo’s harbor is a good idea. The tour also requires signing up for an entry ticket to Comino via the Maltese Government website, which is free but an extra step to keep in mind.

Transport to the jetty isn’t included, so plan accordingly. The tour begins at 10 am and ends around 5 pm, making it an all-day affair—perfect for active travelers who want a full experience without feeling rushed.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This trip is ideal for adventurous travelers, water lovers, and those curious about Malta’s islands beyond its main towns. It’s particularly well-suited for families, couples, or small groups who enjoy a mix of scenic beauty, cultural exploration, and lively boat rides. The knowledgeable guides, such as Matthew, ensure you’re well-informed without feeling overwhelmed.

Keep in mind, if you’re prone to seasickness or have back problems, the boat ride may be less comfortable. Also, if the weather is bad, some parts of the tour, like the caves, may be less impressive or canceled.

How This Tour Compares to Similar Experiences

The reviews praise the guides’ knowledge and the stunning views as standout features—many say guides like Matthew “made sure you have a day to remember.” You’ll find many similar tours, but this one’s authentic Maltese schooner adds a special touch that larger, impersonal boats lack.

Pricing is competitive, especially considering you get a full day of activity, and the option to reserve with flexibility makes it accessible. Several other tours focus solely on Blue Lagoon or only visit Gozo, but this combined approach offers a richer island experience.

The Sum Up: Is This Tour Worth It?

If you’re after a balanced day of natural beauty, cultural exploration, and fun water activities, this cruise fits the bill. The value for $34 is quite good, especially given the knowledgeable guides and stunning scenery. It’s perfect for travelers who want to see Malta’s highlights without the hassle of planning multiple trips or transport.

The experience is lively but relaxed, with enough free time to explore and connect with your surroundings. If you’re looking for a memorable day on the water that combines adventure and culture, this tour is a dependable choice.

For those seeking authenticity, scenic beauty, and friendly guides, this boat trip offers a genuine taste of Malta’s charms.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to bring my own snorkeling gear?
No, but snorkel gear is available on board for a €10 cash deposit, which is refundable. You can also bring your own if you prefer.

Is lunch included in the price?
No, lunch isn’t included. There are plenty of bars and restaurants at Gozo’s harbor, or you can bring snacks.

What should I bring for the day?
Pack a hat, swimwear, towel, sunscreen, water, snacks, and cash for deposits or purchases onboard.

Are the sea caves always visible?
Viewing the caves depends on weather conditions—calmer days are better for cave exploration.

How do I access Comino?
You must sign up on the Maltese Government website for a free access ticket to Comino before the tour.

Is the tour suitable for children or seniors?
It’s suitable for most, but those with back problems or seasickness might want to consider their comfort level.

What is the group size?
While not explicitly stated, tours like this tend to have small groups, making for a more personalized experience.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering some peace of mind if your schedule shifts.

In essence, this tour offers a carefully curated taste of Malta’s natural and cultural riches. It’s a lively, scenic, and reasonably priced option for those eager to see the islands from the water and enjoy some genuine Maltese hospitality.