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

Explore Malta’s Coastline and Islands on a Budget

The St Pauls: Gozo & Comino, Blue Lagoon & Seacaves Tour offers an engaging full-day experience from Bugibba Jetty at just $24 per person. This 5.5-hour cruise takes travelers on a journey to explore Comino and Gozo, two of Malta’s most captivating islands, with plenty of opportunities for swimming, snorkeling, and sightseeing.

The tour stands out with its focus on the famous Blue Lagoon, where crystal-clear waters invite travelers to take a swim or snorkel. While the tour is well-paced and offers scenic views of the coastline and sea caves, it does have some weather-dependent cave visits and requires prior registration for access to Comino. This tour suits those eager to experience Malta’s coastal beauty without a hefty price tag.

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Key Points

• Affordable full-day cruise at $24 with 5.5 hours of activity
• Highlights include Blue Lagoon, sea caves, and Gozo island exploration
• Swimming and snorkeling included, with optional boat jumps for adrenaline
• Stops at Mgarr Harbour, St Pauls Island, and photo stops at Elephant Rock and Santa Maria Caves
• Requires sign-up on the Maltese Government site for Comino access
• Weather dependence impacts cave viewing and entry

Starting Point at Bugibba Jetty and Board the Mermaid

The tour begins at the Bugibba Jetty, where you find the “Mermaid,” a red, white, and blue wooden boat ready to set sail. Boarding typically starts 30 minutes before departure, with last boarding 10 minutes prior. The live English-speaking guide will lead this adventure, ensuring smooth transit and providing commentary along the way.

Transportation to the jetty is not included, so guests should plan their arrival accordingly. The experience is suitable for those comfortable on a boat, though it’s not ideal for individuals with back problems or those prone to seasickness.

A Scenic Cruise Past Mellieha to Comino’s Blue Lagoon

The cruise kicks off with an hour-long scenic sail along the Malta coastline, passing Mellieha en route to Comino. Travelers get to enjoy spectacular views of the sea and coastline, setting the scene for the day ahead. The trip provides a relaxing way to appreciate Malta’s natural beauty from the water.

As the boat approaches Comino, the highlight is the Blue Lagoon, famous for its turquoise waters and sandy seabed. This stop is perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and relaxing on the boat’s deck. The one-hour stop allows ample time to walk around, take photos, and dive into the water.

Swimming and Snorkeling at the Blue Lagoon

The Blue Lagoon remains the main attraction of the tour, renowned for its crystal-clear ocean waters. Swimmers and snorkelers are invited to make a golden splash in the mediterranean waters. The tour provides snorkeling gear, with a deposit of 10 EUR that’s refunded.

This stop is a highlight for water lovers who appreciate bright, inviting waters. It may be crowded during peak times, but the vivid scenery and opportunities to float or explore underwater keep this stop lively and enjoyable.

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Exploring Sea Caves: Crystal Lagoon and St. Mary’s

After leaving the Blue Lagoon, the cruise offers a short 15-minute sail to view the sea caves along the Maltese coastline. Depending on weather conditions, visitors can see and enter the Crystal Lagoon Caves or St. Mary’s Caves.

These caves are notable for their impressive formations and scenic views, with the guide providing commentary. The caves viewed during the trip are weather-dependent, so sometimes the opportunity to enter may be limited or canceled. Still, the pass-by offers beautiful photo opportunities.

Visiting the Island of Gozo

The second major stop is at Mgarr Harbour on Gozo, where two hours are allocated for free time. Visitors can explore the local shops, walk around the quaint towns, or enjoy a quick swim. This stop provides a taste of Gozitan culture, characterized by traditional buildings and peaceful streets.

The two-hour window balances sightseeing and relaxation, with enough time to browse shops or grab a snack, though no organized activities are included. The Gozitan atmosphere is quiet and authentic, making it a pleasant contrast to the busy Blue Lagoon.

Scenic Photo Stops at Elephant Rock and Santa Maria Caves

Back on the water, the tour includes photo stops at Elephant Rock, a natural rock formation resembling an elephant, and at Santa Maria Caves. These 15-minute scenic pauses provide ideal moments for taking photos and appreciating the landscape.

The Santa Maria Caves are also a scenic stop on the way to St Paul’s Island, offering additional views of Malta’s coastal geology. These stops are simple photo opportunities but add to the overall visual appeal of the cruise.

Visiting St Paul’s Island and Final Return

The tour concludes with a one-hour cruise around St Paul’s Island, famous for its historical and religious significance. The island’s rocky landscape and name make it a notable feature of the Malta archipelago.

After this final scenic cruise, the boat heads back to Bugibba Jetty. The return trip marks the end of a diverse half-day adventure filled with swimming, sightseeing, and coastal scenery.

Practicalities: What’s Included and What You Need to Know

The tour includes snorkel equipment (with a small refundable deposit), toilet facilities onboard, and sea cave viewing (weather permitting). It also requires prior registration via the Malta Government website to obtain a free entry ticket for Comino, which is a necessary step before the tour.

Lunch is not included, but passengers can purchase snacks on the boat, such as at the bar, and there are toilet facilities for convenience. Transport to Bugibba Jetty is also not provided, so guests should plan accordingly.

Important Weather and Access Considerations

The captain reserves the right to cancel or change the itinerary based on weather conditions. The sea caves are weather-dependent, so some exploration or entry might be limited on windy or rough days.

Access to Comino requires sign-up on the official Maltese Government website, which is free but must be completed before the trip. Without this, entry to Comino cannot be guaranteed.

Reviews and Real-World Feedback

The overall rating of 4.6 from 36 reviews indicates strong satisfaction, especially with the views and scenery. Comments highlight the beautiful scenery and the well-organized nature of the trip. One review notes that more time in Comino would improve the experience, suggesting the one-hour stay might feel brief during busy days.

The guide’s explanations and music during the cruise are appreciated, adding to the relaxed atmosphere. The value for money remains a key positive, considering the full-day experience at the modest price.

The Sum Up: A Scenic and Budget-Friendly Malta Adventure

The St Pauls: Gozo & Comino, Blue Lagoon & Seacaves Tour offers a well-rounded way to explore Malta’s coastline, islands, and sea caves. Its affordable price combined with multiple scenic stops makes it a strong choice for water enthusiasts and those interested in coastal landscapes.

While weather can influence certain cave visits, the Blue Lagoon’s vibrant waters and the chance to see Gozitan culture make this tour worthwhile. Those who enjoy swimming, scenic views, and photo opportunities will find this tour particularly satisfying.

This cruise balances value and experience, making it ideal for travelers wanting a full day of exploration with plenty of water-based fun on Malta’s stunning waters.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is transportation to Bugibba Jetty included?
No, transportation to the jetty is not included; guests need to arrive independently.

How long is the cruise?
The entire tour lasts 5.5 hours, with scheduled stops for swimming, sightseeing, and free time.

What should I bring?
Bring a hat, swimwear, towel, snacks, sunscreen, water, and cash for purchases.

Are snorkeling gear provided?
Yes, snorkel equipment is available with a 10 EUR deposit that is refunded.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, sign-up on the Malta Government website is required to access Comino, and booking is recommended to secure a spot.

Can I buy lunch onboard?
Lunch is not included, but snacks are available at the bar on the boat.

What if the weather is bad?
The captain may cancel or adjust the itinerary if weather conditions are unfavorable, especially affecting cave visits.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, but people with back problems or seasickness should consider their comfort, as the tour involves boat travel.

How do the cave visits work?
Caves are viewed from the boat, and entry depends on weather—sometimes only pass-by is possible.

What is the highlight of this tour?
Most enjoy the Blue Lagoon for its crystal-clear waters, along with the scenic sea caves and Gozitan scenery.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby