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

Comino’s Blue Lagoon is the star here, with bright water, rocky shores, and a long stop for swimming and snorkeling. You also get a proper day on the sea rather than a quick photo pass, with time for the caves and St Paul’s Island.

I like the smaller boat and the open-air shaded area, especially under Malta’s strong sun. I also like the friendly, relaxed crew, clean toilet, onboard commentary, and music. The main drawback is that Blue Lagoon can feel busy, and the tour is not suitable for people with mobility impairments.

Key points to know before booking

• Blue Lagoon stop: You have about 3.5 hours for swimming, snorkeling, walking, and lunch.
• Three swimming areas: The day includes Blue Lagoon, a cave stop, and St Paul’s Island.
• Small boat advantage: The Mermaid can get closer to some caves than larger vessels.
• Practical onboard comforts: Toilet, Wi-Fi, life-saving equipment, shade, music, and a snack bar are available.
• Bring cash: Food and drinks are sold onboard, but they are not included.
• Register for Comino: You must obtain the free Blue Lagoon entry ticket through the Maltese government website before going.

A relaxed day aboard The Mermaid

The cruise begins at L-Menqa in Bugibba, where you look for The Mermaid, a small red, white, and blue boat. This family-run operation has a more personal feel than a large ferry, and the boat size matters once you reach the caves.

The full trip lasts about seven to seven and a half hours. That sounds long, but much of the day is spent moving between stops at an easy pace. You get time to sit, watch Malta’s northern coast pass by, and take photos without feeling rushed from one attraction to the next.

The English-speaking captain provides commentary during the cruise. The crew also plays music, and the general mood is relaxed rather than formal. This is a good match for you if you want a social boat day with swimming built in, not a serious historical tour or a private sailing trip.

The boat has a shaded open-air area, which is one of its most useful features. Malta’s sun can be fierce, and shade gives you a break between swims. You will still want a hat, sunscreen, and water, but you do not have to spend the entire day in direct sun.

The one-hour cruise from Bugibba

The first hour is a sightseeing cruise along Malta’s northern coast. You pass the Mellieha area while looking out over the Mediterranean, with the coastline providing a steady run of cliffs, inlets, and rocky formations.

This part of the trip sets the pace. The boat is not simply a shuttle to Comino. You are on the water for the views, and the slow approach gives you time to settle in before the busy Blue Lagoon stop.

Keep your camera handy, but do not spend the whole ride staring at a screen. The coastline is best enjoyed from the deck, where you can move between sunny and shaded spots. If you get seasick, sit in a stable central area and avoid reading while the boat is moving.

The free Wi-Fi is a useful extra, though the real attraction is the view. The onboard toilet also makes the long day easier, particularly for families. Food and drinks are available to buy, but the supplied details do not promise a full restaurant service, so bringing some cash and your own small backup snack is sensible.

Three and a half hours at Blue Lagoon

The main stop gives you around three and a half hours at Blue Lagoon, by far the longest stay of the day. You can swim, snorkel, walk around Comino, or simply sit and enjoy the water.

The sea here is the reason most people book this cruise. The water is crystal clear, and the pale rock and open Mediterranean light create the bright blue color associated with Comino. If swimming is your priority, this long stop gives you enough time to enjoy it without checking the clock every few minutes.

You can also jump from the boat into the sea. That makes the trip appealing to older children, teenagers, and confident swimmers who want a little more action. Use good judgment, follow the crew’s instructions, and remember that the appeal is the jump, not showing off.

Snorkeling is another strong part of the stop. Bring your own equipment if you have it, since the included items do not list snorkel gear. Swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and a sun hat are essential.

There are two practical points to understand. First, food and drinks cost extra, although lunch is available for purchase aboard The Mermaid. Second, Comino now requires visitors to register for a free Blue Lagoon entry ticket through the official government website. You should arrange this before the trip rather than assume the boat ticket covers it.

Blue Lagoon is also the busiest part of the experience. The bright water comes with crowds, especially during popular visiting hours. A smaller boat helps with the feel of the ride, but it does not make the lagoon private or quiet.

I would use the stop in blocks: swim early, walk or take photos, eat lunch, then return to the water. The three-and-a-half-hour schedule gives you room to do all of that. If you prefer a fast-moving sightseeing tour, this stop may feel too long. If you booked for sea time, it is a major advantage.

Santa Maria Caves and the northern coast

After Blue Lagoon, the cruise continues toward Santa Maria Caves, with about 15 minutes set aside for photos, views, and passing through the area. Depending on conditions, the route may include the Crystal Lagoon Caves instead.

This is a short stop, so think of it as a scenic boat visit rather than an extended cave walk. The smaller size of The Mermaid is useful here because it can get closer to some cave openings than larger ships. You can see the rocky shapes from the water and take photos without spending another long block of the day away from swimming.

The cave section also breaks up the itinerary nicely. After several hours at Blue Lagoon, you get a change of scenery before the final island stop. The ride itself lasts about an hour around this part of the route, giving you another chance to sit in the shade and enjoy the coast.

Conditions matter. The captain can alter or cancel the trip based on weather, and the exact cave visited can vary. That is not a flaw in the operation. Caves and open-water routes depend on sea conditions, so flexibility is part of booking a boat excursion.

St Paul’s Island and the final swim

The last major stop is St Paul’s Island, where you have around 30 minutes for photos, a short walk, and another swim. The island is tied to the story of St Paul, and you can walk up to see the well-known statue.

This stop is shorter and more focused than Blue Lagoon. You will not have time for a long exploration, but it gives the day a historical note after all the swimming and coast views. If you want the statue, make that your first priority when you arrive, then return to the water if time allows.

The final swim is a nice way to finish the active part of the cruise. The stop is brief, so keep your towel and belongings organized. It is easy to lose several minutes searching through bags when you could be in the water.

After St Paul’s Island, the boat makes the short return run to L-Menqa. The final sightseeing cruise lasts about 10 minutes, and the activity ends back at the original meeting point.

What the price includes, and what it does not

At $28 per person, this is good value if you plan to use the full day. The price covers a seven to seven-and-a-half-hour coastal cruise, the Blue Lagoon visit, the cave section, St Paul’s Island, English commentary, onboard toilet facilities, Wi-Fi, and life-saving equipment.

The value comes mainly from the time on the water. Many boat trips offer a quick stop at Comino and move on. Here, the three-and-a-half-hour Blue Lagoon visit gives you a real chance to swim, snorkel, walk, and eat lunch.

The price does not include food, drinks, or the Comino entry ticket. The entry ticket is free, but you still need to register for it. Budget separately for lunch and refreshments, and carry cash because it is specifically recommended for this activity.

You are not paying for luxury. This is a straightforward family-run cruise with a pleasant boat, practical facilities, and a friendly atmosphere. The smaller vessel, shaded seating, clean toilet, and close cave access add value. If you want a quiet private charter, premium service, or a fully guided history cruise, this is not that kind of outing.

Who will enjoy The Mermaid most

I would recommend this cruise to you if you want a full day of swimming and scenery without paying private-boat prices. It suits couples, families, groups of friends, and solo visitors who enjoy a casual social atmosphere.

It is particularly good for confident swimmers and anyone who likes jumping from a boat. The long Blue Lagoon stop means you can set your own pace instead of following a tightly timed group walk.

Families should note that the boat has a toilet and shade, both useful on a long day. Children should be supervised around the water and during any jump from the boat. The exact facilities for changing, storage, or child equipment are not provided, so pack simply and keep valuables secure.

This trip is less suitable if you have mobility limitations. The activity is specifically not recommended for people with mobility impairments, and boat boarding, swimming stops, and rocky island areas may be difficult.

It may also disappoint you if you want total peace and quiet. Music plays onboard, and Blue Lagoon is a popular place. The atmosphere is friendly and easygoing, but it is still a shared boat trip.

What to bring for a smoother day

Pack a hat, swimwear, towel, and plenty of sunscreen. A cover-up is useful between swims, especially during the open-water cruise.

Bring cash for food and drinks. Lunch can be bought aboard, but meals and beverages are not part of the price. If you have your own snorkel gear, bringing it may be worthwhile, since snorkeling is encouraged but equipment is not listed among the included features.

Wear footwear that you can manage around a boat and rocky shore. The activity information does not specify the exact shore conditions, so practical shoes are safer than delicate sandals.

Keep your booking details and Comino entry confirmation available. The required entry ticket is free, but skipping that step could create trouble when you arrive.

Finally, leave room in your day for weather changes. The captain may change the route or cancel if conditions are unsuitable. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later, which helps if your Malta plans are still shifting.

Should you book this Malta cruise?

Book it if you want Blue Lagoon time first, with caves, St Paul’s Island, and a full coastal cruise added around it. The $28 price is fair for the duration, and The Mermaid’s smaller size, shaded seating, clean toilet, friendly crew, and relaxed music make the day more comfortable than a bare-bones boat transfer.

Think twice if you dislike busy swimming spots, need accessible facilities, or prefer a quiet, polished luxury cruise. For most active visitors, though, this is a practical way to see Comino and Malta’s northern coast in one day. Register for the free Comino ticket, bring cash and sun protection, and you will be well prepared.

FAQ

Where does the cruise start?

The cruise starts at L-Menqa in Bugibba. Look for the small red, white, and blue boat called The Mermaid.

Where does the cruise finish?

The activity ends back at L-Menqa, the original meeting point.

How long does the cruise last?

The cruise lasts about seven to seven and a half hours. Starting times vary, so check availability when booking.

How long do I stay at Blue Lagoon?

You have about three and a half hours at Blue Lagoon for swimming, snorkeling, walking, and lunch.

Is food included?

No. Food and drinks are not included, but they are available to purchase onboard.

Is there a toilet on the boat?

Yes. Onboard toilet facilities are included.

Do I need a ticket for Comino?

Yes. You must sign up through the Maltese government website to get a free entry ticket for the Blue Lagoon area of Comino.

What language is the tour conducted in?

The live tour guide and commentary are in English.

Can I cancel the booking?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is the cruise suitable for people with mobility impairments?

No. The activity is not suitable for people with mobility impairments.