St. Paul’s Bay: Blue Lagoon, Comino & Gozo with Bus Tour

The clearest water comes first. From Bugibba, this boat trip to Comino and Gozo packs a Blue Lagoon swim, a Victoria visit, and coastal caves into one busy half-day. I like the smaller boat, which gives you a better chance of seeing the shoreline and entering the caves when sea conditions allow. I also like the return bus to Victoria, since you do not have to arrange transport across Gozo yourself.

The catch is time. You get one hour at the Blue Lagoon and two hours in Victoria, enough for a taste but not a leisurely visit. The Blue Lagoon can also be very crowded in summer. Captain Matthew and the crew earn strong marks for clear instructions and friendly help, but this is a brisk highlights tour, not a slow island day.

Key points at a glance

• One hour at the Blue Lagoon: Swim, snorkel, sunbathe, or walk around Comino before the boat moves on.
• Two hours in Victoria: Use the bus from Mgarr Harbour to visit the Cittadella, shop at the markets, or eat locally.
• A smaller boat: The Mermaid can get close to the coast and may enter Crystal Lagoon or Santa Maria Caves when conditions are safe.
• Captain Matthew explains the plan: The English commentary helps you keep track of the stops and timing.
• Strong value at $35: The price covers the cruise, Comino stop, Gozo bus transfer, and cave viewing, with food and equipment extra.
• Bring your paperwork and cash: You need a free Comino entry ticket, plus cash for food, drinks, and the $10 snorkel-equipment deposit.

What this $35 cruise actually covers

At $35 per person, this is one of the more economical ways to combine Malta’s two most requested island stops. Your fare includes the cruise from Bugibba, one hour on Comino, the crossing to Gozo, a return bus to Victoria, two hours in the capital, and the coastal cruise back to St. Paul’s Bay.

That matters because Gozo transport can take planning. Here, you leave the boat at Mgarr Harbour and transfer directly by bus to Victoria. You can spend your limited time in the Cittadella, walk through the Victoria markets, or sit down for a Gozitan meal instead of trying to find your own route inland.

Food, drinks, and snorkel gear cost extra. Snorkel equipment is available for rent with a $10 cash security deposit. I would bring your own mask and snorkel if you have them, but the supplied information only confirms rental availability, not the rental price itself.

The value is best if you want a first look at both Comino and Gozo in one outing. It is less suitable if your priority is a long swim, a full Gozo sightseeing day, or a quiet boat ride with lots of open space.

Boarding at Bugibba Jetty

The meeting point is at 29 Dawret Il-Gzejjer in Bugibba. Look for the red, white, and blue boat named Mermaid. Boarding starts 30 minutes before departure, and the boat stops accepting passengers 10 minutes before the scheduled departure time.

Take that cutoff seriously. The boat cannot wait for late arrivals because the rest of the group is already on a fixed schedule. You should arrive early enough to find the jetty, identify the boat, and get settled without rushing.

The cruise runs with English commentary only. Captain Matthew has been particularly clear about explaining the day’s plan, which helps because this outing changes transport modes twice: first the cruise to Comino, then the Gozo bus, then the boat again. Wi-Fi and toilets are available on board.

The northbound cruise along Malta’s coast

Once you leave Bugibba, the boat heads north past Mellieha and the Maltese coastline. The first hour works as both transport and sightseeing, with views across the islands and open Mediterranean water.

Keep your camera ready, but do not expect a nonstop narrated history lesson. One passenger specifically wanted a better sound system and more commentary, so if detailed explanation matters to you, this tour may feel light on interpretation. The practical strength is the easygoing route: you get a broad look at the coast without having to organize several separate trips.

The smaller boat is useful here. It can offer a closer view of rock formations than a large ferry, and later in the day it may enter caves that larger vessels cannot approach as easily. Sea conditions control what is possible, so the route is not guaranteed in exactly the same form each day.

One hour at the Blue Lagoon

The first major stop is Comino’s famous Blue Lagoon. You have one hour for swimming, snorkeling, sunbathing, walking, or taking photographs. The water is the star: clear, bright, and inviting enough to make a swim the obvious choice on a warm day.

You should think of this as a boat-based stop rather than a full island visit. The schedule allows you to get into the water from the boat, but it does not provide a long period for exploring Comino on foot. One practical benefit is that you can avoid spending the whole stop trying to find a place on shore. One drawback is that you have little room for delay if you want both a swim and a walk.

Summer crowds are a real consideration. The lagoon is famous for good reason, and its popularity can make the setting feel much less peaceful than photographs suggest. The boat was described as nearly full but not overcrowded on one busy visit, which is a useful distinction. You should expect company, but not necessarily a packed boat.

Bring your swimwear, towel, sun hat, and sunscreen. A waterproof phone case would also be sensible, though it is not listed as a required item. If you plan to snorkel, bring equipment or arrange the rental deposit in cash before you need it.

Gozo by bus, from Mgarr Harbour to Victoria

After the Blue Lagoon, the boat makes the short crossing toward Mgarr Harbour on Gozo. You then transfer to a bus for Victoria, Gozo’s capital. The ride gives you a direct way into the island rather than leaving you at the harbour with two hours to fill.

You get two hours in Victoria. That sounds generous until you divide it among the Cittadella, markets, food, and casual walking. Several people found the time a little short, especially for exploring the Cittadella properly. I agree with the general advice: choose one main goal before you arrive.

The Cittadella is the strongest choice if you want history and views. Its fortified position gives you the clearest sense of Victoria’s past and provides a memorable place to walk. You can instead browse the Victoria markets or stop at a local Gozitan restaurant. Trying local food makes the visit feel less like a transport stop, but a meal will use a good part of your two-hour window.

A private bus may be available for Gozo, and one passenger strongly recommended that option. The supplied information does not explain the extra cost or exact arrangement, so you should ask the crew about it before relying on that service. The standard return bus is already included.

I would not try to do everything. If you rush from the Cittadella to the markets and then squeeze in lunch, Gozo can feel like a checklist. Pick the Cittadella for a first visit, or choose food and markets if you prefer a more relaxed local stop.

The coastal return and cave views

Once the bus returns you to Mgarr Harbour, you board the boat again. The final cruise is one of the most enjoyable parts for anyone who likes coastal rock formations.

The route may include Crystal Lagoon Caves or Santa Maria Caves, depending on the weather and sea. The boat can enter the caves at no extra charge when conditions permit. If the sea is rough or the entrance is unsafe, you may only view them from outside or pass by.

The listed route also includes Santa Maria Caves and Elephant Rock as photo stops. These are not long shore visits. You stay on the boat, so have your camera ready and listen for instructions about where to stand or sit.

This section gives the tour a different feel from a basic Blue Lagoon transfer. You are not simply returning to Bugibba by the fastest route. You get another stretch of sightseeing, with narrow rock openings and unusual coastal shapes adding variety to the day.

The final cruise back to St. Paul’s Bay takes about 50 minutes after the cave section. Dolphins have occasionally been seen on the return, but you should treat that as luck, not part of the promised program.

The pace, boat, and crew

The full outing lasts 330 minutes, or five and a half hours. It is described as a full day in the promotional wording, but in practical terms it is a half-day tour with a tight schedule. That distinction matters when you plan the rest of your Malta visit.

The pace is brisk but organized. You spend about an hour cruising to Comino, one hour at the lagoon, a short cruise to Gozo, two hours in Victoria, then return by bus and boat with more coastal sightseeing along the way.

The crew receives some of the strongest praise. Captain Matthew explains the route carefully and helps people understand what they can fit into each stop. The captain and deckhand are also credited with handling the boat well and keeping the atmosphere friendly.

A smaller boat can be pleasant because you remain closer to the water and coastline. It may also feel more personal than a large sightseeing vessel. On the other hand, the smaller boat still fills up, and seating or movement may feel limited on a busy departure.

This outing is not suitable for people with mobility impairments. You need to manage boarding, moving around the boat, transferring to the bus, and getting in and out for swimming if you choose to do that.

Weather, paperwork, and what to pack

The captain can cancel or change the route because of weather. This especially affects the caves, since entering them depends on safe sea conditions. If poor weather interrupts the plan, the operator has postponed trips and kept passengers informed, but you should keep your schedule flexible.

You also need a free entry ticket for Comino through the Maltese Government website at blcomino.com. Arrange this before you arrive at the jetty. The requirement is easy to overlook, and the boat operator does not replace it.

Bring:

• Swimwear and a towel
• Sun hat and sunscreen
• Cash for food, drinks, and the snorkel-equipment deposit
• A camera or phone for the caves and Elephant Rock
• Your Comino entry ticket

There is no included food or drink, so you should not assume lunch is provided. You can buy refreshments during the day, but the exact options and prices are not specified.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. Those terms help if your Malta plans depend on weather, but the late-arrival rule remains strict.

Who should book this Malta boat trip

I would choose this excursion if you have limited time in Malta and want to see Comino and Gozo without arranging ferries, buses, and connections yourself. It is especially useful for first-time visitors who want a swim, photographs, a short taste of Victoria, and a coastal cruise in one booking.

Families and couples who enjoy being on the water should find the format easy to understand. Swimmers will get the most from the Blue Lagoon stop. The tour also suits anyone who likes variety and does not mind moving on when the clock says it is time.

I would hesitate if your main goal is to explore Gozo properly. Two hours in Victoria gives you a useful introduction, but it does not leave much room for wandering beyond the Cittadella area. I would also look elsewhere if you dislike crowds, need a slow pace, or want a serious history tour with detailed commentary.

The price makes the compromises reasonable. At $35, you are paying for access to several major Malta sights and the transport between them, not for long guided visits at each place. The strongest value comes from the combined route, the included Gozo bus, and the chance to enter the caves without an added charge when conditions allow.

Should you book the Mermaid cruise?

Book it if you want an affordable, well-organized introduction to Comino and Gozo, with the Blue Lagoon as the main event. Arrive early, secure your Comino ticket, bring cash and swim gear, and decide in advance whether the Cittadella or lunch matters more to you.

Skip it if you want a full Gozo day or plenty of quiet time at the lagoon. For most people with limited time and realistic expectations, the Mermaid offers a lot for $35, with friendly crew members, a smart route, and just enough time to sample Malta’s most famous coastal sights.

FAQ

Where does the tour depart?

The meeting point is at 29 Dawret Il-Gzejjer, Bugibba Jetty. Look for the red, white, and blue boat named Mermaid.

How long does the experience last?

The stated duration is 330 minutes, or five and a half hours. Boarding starts 30 minutes before departure, and boarding closes 10 minutes before the scheduled departure time.

How much time do I get at the Blue Lagoon?

You get one hour at Comino’s Blue Lagoon for swimming, snorkeling, sunbathing, walking, and photographs.

How much time do I get in Gozo?

You get two hours in Victoria after taking the included bus from Mgarr Harbour. You can visit the Cittadella, shop at the markets, or eat at a local restaurant.

Is food included?

No. Food and drinks are not included, but they are available to purchase. Snorkeling equipment can also be rented with a $10 cash security deposit.

Do I need a ticket for Comino?

Yes. You must sign up through the Maltese Government website at blcomino.com to get a free entry ticket for Comino.

Can the boat enter the caves every time?

No. Entering Crystal Lagoon Caves or Santa Maria Caves depends on the weather and sea conditions. The captain can alter the trip for safety.