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

Blue water, caves, and a boat with character. This full-day cruise from Bugibba gives you a relaxed way to see Malta’s northern coast, swim at the famous Blue Lagoon, visit Santa Maria Caves, and stop near St Paul’s Island. I especially like the small traditional Mermaid boat, which can get closer to caves than larger vessels, and the generous 3.5-hour stop at Comino. The main drawback is that the Blue Lagoon can still feel very busy, and the trip is not suitable for people with mobility impairments.

The crew keeps things friendly and easygoing, with music, shaded open-air seating, a clean toilet, and drinks available aboard. At about $28 per person, the cruise offers good value for a full day on the water, though you should bring cash for food and drinks and arrange the free Comino entry ticket before you go.

Key points at a glance

• The Mermaid boat: Look for the small red, white, and blue boat at L-Menqa in Bugibba.
• A long Blue Lagoon stop: You get about 3.5 hours for swimming, snorkeling, walking, and lunch.
• Closer cave views: The boat’s size may allow a better look at Santa Maria Caves than a large ferry.
• Comfort aboard: There is an open-air shaded area, onboard toilet, free Wi-Fi, music, and life-saving equipment.
• Two swimming locations: You can swim at Blue Lagoon and later near St Paul’s Island.
• Plan ahead for Comino: You must register through the Maltese Government website for the free Blue Lagoon entry ticket.

Setting off from L-Menqa on the Mermaid

The meeting point is L-Menqa, where you look for the small red, white, and blue boat called The Mermaid. This is not a giant party vessel or a plain commuter ferry. The boat gives the day a more personal feel, and the crew can keep the mood relaxed with music and friendly service.

You spend the first hour cruising past the Maltese coast and Mellieha on the way toward Comino. This opening stretch matters because the cruise is not simply a taxi to the Blue Lagoon. You get time to watch the coastline from the water, take photographs, and settle into the rhythm of the day.

The boat has a shaded open-air area, a useful feature under Malta’s strong sun. You can also find a toilet aboard, free Wi-Fi, and life-saving equipment. Drinks are available to buy, but food choices are limited, so bring cash and consider carrying your own snacks if you need more than a simple purchase aboard.

Blue Lagoon: three and a half hours in the famous water

The main stop is the Blue Lagoon on Comino, where you have roughly 3.5 hours. That is a generous amount of time compared with a quick photo stop. You can swim, snorkel, walk around, sit in the sun, and find lunch without feeling rushed back to the boat.

The water is the star here. It is clear enough for swimming and snorkeling, and the sheltered setting gives the lagoon its famous bright color. You can also make a splash by jumping from the boat, an option that adds a little fun for confident swimmers.

I like the length of this stop because you can shape it to your own pace. Swim first while the water is calling, then dry off and explore. If you prefer a quieter day, stay aboard for part of the visit or use the shaded seating rather than spending every minute in the sun.

There is one important piece of paperwork. The Comino entry ticket is free, but you must register through the Maltese Government website before arrival. The cruise price does not include this access ticket, so do not treat the word free as meaning no preparation. Keep the confirmation available on your phone, and bring sunscreen, a hat, swimwear, and a towel.

The Blue Lagoon is also the busiest part of the day. The water may look peaceful from a distance, but the area can fill with boats and people. This cruise’s smaller size helps create a calmer feel aboard, but it cannot make the famous lagoon private.

Lunch and comfort during the long stop

Lunch is available to purchase on the Mermaid, and the boat has toilet facilities. That makes the long Comino stop easier, especially if you would rather not spend the full time looking for food on shore.

Still, bring cash. Food and drinks are not included, and the available onboard food should be treated as a convenience rather than a full restaurant meal. One practical approach is to carry a small amount of food with you, then use the boat’s drinks and facilities when useful.

The boat’s shaded area is one of its strongest practical features. Malta’s sun can turn an open deck into a hot seat, so having shade without giving up the sea air makes a real difference. You also get room to sit back between swims, listen to music, and watch the coast pass by.

Santa Maria Caves and the northern coast

After Comino, the cruise continues for about 15 minutes to Santa Maria Caves. This is mainly a scenic stop and photo opportunity, with time to see the caves from the boat and take in the rock formations.

The Mermaid’s smaller size is useful here. A large vessel may have to keep farther out, while this boat can offer a closer look at some cave entrances. You should not expect a long cave walk or a separate underground tour. The value comes from seeing the Maltese rock coast from the water, with the crew pointing out the sights during the cruise.

The schedule may also use Crystal Lagoon Caves instead of Santa Maria Caves. The captain can alter the route according to conditions, so think of the caves as a scenic part of the day rather than a fixed guarantee of one exact formation.

Have your camera ready, but protect it from spray and keep your belongings secure around the swimming areas. The best photographs may come from the approach, when the boat gives you a wider view of the cliffs, openings, and clear water below.

St Paul’s Island and the final swim

The last major stop is St Paul’s Island, where you have about 30 minutes for a photo stop, a short walk, or another swim. You may also trek up to see the statue of St Paul, a striking landmark connected with the island’s religious story.

This stop feels different from Comino. Blue Lagoon is mainly about swimming and sun. St Paul’s Island adds a small cultural and historical note before the return journey. The time is short, so you will need to choose between walking toward the statue, taking photographs, and getting in the water.

If you want to swim, be ready as soon as the boat arrives. Thirty minutes passes quickly, especially if you need to gather a towel and belongings. If you have already had enough sun, use the stop for photographs and a brief look around instead.

The return cruise lasts about 10 minutes after St Paul’s Island, followed by arrival back at L-Menqa. In total, the outing lasts about seven to seven and a half hours, depending on the starting time and conditions.

What the $28 price really gives you

At $28, this is strong value if you want a full day on Malta’s water without paying for a private charter. The price covers the cruise, English commentary, onboard toilet facilities, free Wi-Fi, and life-saving equipment. You also get several scenic sections, two swimming opportunities, and a long Comino stop.

The value comes from time as much as from transport. A short boat transfer to Comino may cost less, but it will not give you the same coastline cruise, cave viewing, or St Paul’s Island stop. Here, the boat ride is the main experience.

You should budget extra for lunch and drinks. The free Comino access ticket also requires advance registration, even though no payment is needed. These are small costs or tasks, but knowing about them prevents a low-price booking from becoming an awkward day out.

The boat is not luxury transport. You are paying for a friendly, practical day at sea, not a polished yacht experience. If you want private space, formal dining, or a silent cruise, choose something else. If you value an informal atmosphere and plenty of time to swim, the price is appealing.

The crew, music, and mood aboard

The captain and deckhand receive especially warm praise for being welcoming, punctual, and helpful. The crew points out the main sights and keeps the atmosphere relaxed rather than formal.

Music is part of the experience. It adds to the holiday mood, though anyone seeking a quiet nature trip should keep this in mind. The combination of music, open-air shade, and a smaller boat gives the Mermaid a social feel without turning the day into a loud party cruise.

The crew’s practical strengths matter most when the boat reaches the caves or swimming stops. A friendly welcome helps, but clear directions and a punctual departure are what keep a day with several stops running smoothly.

Who will enjoy this cruise most

I would recommend the Mermaid to you if you want several Malta highlights in one day and enjoy being on the water. It suits couples, families with confident swimmers, and friends who want a simple mixture of sightseeing, swimming, music, and sunshine.

It is also a good match if you dislike the scale of large excursion boats. The smaller vessel does not guarantee an empty lagoon, but it can feel less crowded aboard and may offer a closer look at the caves. The shaded seating is a major help for anyone who wants a break from direct sun.

You should think twice if you have mobility limitations, since the activity is specifically not suitable for people with mobility impairments. It also may not suit you if you dislike swimming, have little patience for crowded coastal stops, or expect a full meal included in the price.

Families should bring towels, sun protection, and cash. Children and adults who enjoy jumping from a boat into the sea will find an extra thrill here, but everyone should follow the crew’s safety instructions and use the provided equipment as directed.

Practical tips for a smoother day

Arrive at L-Menqa with enough time to identify the Mermaid. The meeting point has docked boats, so the red, white, and blue colors are the detail to look for.

Pack lightly but include the essentials:

• Swimsuit and towel
• Sun hat and strong sunscreen
• Cash for food and drinks
• Phone or camera protection from water
• The Comino entry confirmation

Keep your swimming items easy to reach. You do not want to unpack a full day bag while the boat is waiting at the lagoon or St Paul’s Island.

Check the weather before departure, but remember that the captain can cancel or alter the route if conditions are unsafe. That flexibility is sensible on the Mediterranean, where wind can change the comfort and safety of a boat trip quickly.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. Those terms are helpful if your Malta schedule depends on weather, but they do not replace checking the forecast close to the travel date.

Should you book the Mermaid cruise?

Book this cruise if you want a well-priced, full-day introduction to Malta’s northern coast, with a long Blue Lagoon stop and several chances to get in the water. The smaller Mermaid, shaded seating, friendly crew, clean toilet, and relaxed music give it more personality than a basic transfer boat.

Skip it if you need step-free access, want a quiet luxury boat, or dislike busy swimming spots. For most active visitors who pack sun protection, arrange the free Comino ticket, and bring cash, this is a practical way to combine Comino, Santa Maria Caves, and St Paul’s Island in one enjoyable day.

FAQ

Where does the cruise begin and end?

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

How long does the cruise last?

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

Is the Blue Lagoon entry ticket included?

No. You must register for the free Comino entry ticket through the Maltese Government website before visiting the Blue Lagoon.

Is food included?

No. Food and drinks are available for purchase aboard, and you should bring cash.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, a sun hat, and cash. A camera is also useful for the caves and coastal views.

Is the cruise suitable for people with mobility impairments?

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