REVIEW · MALTA
Gozo, Blue Lagoon, Comino & Sea Caves
Book on Viator →Operated by Mermaid Cruises · Bookable on Viator
Two islands, one lagoon, and sea caves. This small-boat route gives you a serious dose of Maltese water and rock without the big-tour feeling, plus time on land to wander instead of rushing.
I especially like two things. First, the boat is small enough to go inside the sea caves, so you get close-up views that bigger boats usually can’t manage. Second, the pace gives you real exploration time—Comino for swimming and Gozo for self-guided wandering.
One drawback to plan around: the schedule is time-boxed, and cave entry depends on weather. If you want a slow, flexible day, this is still fun—but it’s built to hit multiple spots.
In This Review
- Key highlights at a glance
- Why this small-boat Blue Lagoon plan feels calmer
- Price and what you actually get for $36.20
- From Bugibba Jetty to Comino: the day’s pacing
- Comino’s Blue Lagoon plus sea caves: the water part
- Gozo from Mgarr Harbour: 2 hours to feel the island
- St Paul’s Islands and the return swim: finishing with views
- Wi‑Fi, toilets, and buying drinks: small practical details that matter
- What to pack so you’re not stuck on the dock
- Should you book this Mermaid Cruises boat tour?
- FAQ
- How long is the tour?
- Where does the boat depart from?
- Is lunch included?
- Is snorkeling equipment included?
- Do you enter the sea caves?
- Do I need anything special to access Comino?
Key highlights at a glance
- Small boat, cave access: You can enter sea caves where larger boats can’t reach.
- Blue Lagoon swim window: About 1 hour on Comino to swim, snorkel, and take photos.
- Gozo break with real exploring time: Roughly 2 hours in Mgarr Harbour, so you’re not trapped onboard.
- Wi‑Fi for quick sharing: Onboard Wi‑Fi is included, but it’s shared via the captain.
- St Paul’s Islands stop: A short, worthwhile pause near the monument area with swim time options.
- Weather matters: Caves may be limited, and the whole trip can be rescheduled if conditions are unsafe.
Why this small-boat Blue Lagoon plan feels calmer
This tour is built around a simple idea: if the boat is smaller, you can get better access. With a maximum group size of 48, you feel less like a floating bus stop and more like a day out with coordinated stops.
The cave part is a big deal. The route is designed so you can actually go into the sea caves at Comino (weather permitting). That means you’re not just looking at cliffs from a distance—you get the closer angles for photos and that “we’re inside it” feeling.
And it’s not just water time. You also get freedom on land—especially in Gozo—so you can stroll at your own pace instead of being herded from one photo spot to the next.
Other Blue Lagoon and Comino tours we've reviewed in Malta
Price and what you actually get for $36.20
At $36.20 per person for about 5 hours 30 minutes, the value is mostly in the combination: Comino + Gozo + a sea-cave pass + St Paul’s Islands in one connected day. You’re paying for transportation between islands plus the “small boat access” piece.
What’s included:
- Restroom on board
- Wi‑Fi on board
- Entering the caves (weather permitting)
What’s not included:
- Lunch
- Snorkeling equipment (rent is available with a cash deposit)
- Any extra snacks/drinks you buy onboard (there is a snack bar onboard on Comino time)
Two practical “budget” notes:
- For Comino, you’re required to get an entry ticket through the Maltese Government sign-up with PN BLCOMINO (free to purchase, but you must do the step).
- If you want to snorkel, plan for the cash deposit for gear.
From Bugibba Jetty to Comino: the day’s pacing
Departure runs from L‑Menqa Jetty in Bugibba, with boarding starting about 30 minutes before the departure time. That early boarding window matters. This isn’t a “show up whenever” style tour, and the boat won’t wait all day if you arrive late.
Once you leave, you get scenic cruising up the coastline. Expect a change of scenery fast—open sea views, then Comino’s signature cove area.
Timing is a big part of the experience:
- About 1 hour on Comino
- About 2 hours on Gozo
- Plus travel time, cave cruising/visibility time, and the short St Paul’s Islands stop on the way back
So think of this as an efficient sampler. You’re going to have fun, but you won’t get all-day depth on any single island.
Comino’s Blue Lagoon plus sea caves: the water part
Comino is the headline stop. Once you arrive at Blue Lagoon, you’re there long enough to do the main things:
- Swim
- Snorkel
- Jump in from the boat once it’s docked
There’s also a snack bar onboard available for food and drinks during Comino time. The big plus is convenience: you don’t need to bring lunch to enjoy the stop.
What makes this tour different here is the cave access. The boat is set up so it can go into the sea caves at Comino (weather permitting). On a busy day, that still feels special because it’s not only about the crowded beach look from the outside.
One thing to watch: it’s easy to over-plan in hot weather. The Blue Lagoon area can be very busy and there’s limited shade, so come ready for sun and heat. If you burn easily, this matters.
Snorkeling gear is the only gear-related catch. Equipment isn’t included, but it’s available to rent with a cash deposit. If you want to snorkel, that’s a “bring cash just in case” moment.
Gozo from Mgarr Harbour: 2 hours to feel the island
After Comino, you sail to Gozo and dock at Mgarr Harbour. As the boat approaches, it’s a camera moment—Gozo shows off quickly from the water.
The best part of this stop is the freedom. You get about 2 hours on Gozo, and the tour is intentionally not micromanaging your time. You can explore on your own around the harbor and nearby areas.
If you prefer structure, there may be a bus transfer option to the centre of Gozo and back for a small fee, depending on how the day is running. The key point: you’re not stuck only within the harbor area.
Reality check: 2 hours sounds like a lot, but Gozo is more than one street. So use this time to “get your bearings.” Walk, grab a drink, look up at church domes and hills, and soak in the slower pace. This tour won’t replace a full Gozo day trip, but it gives you enough time to decide what you’d want to see again later.
Other Gozo Island tours we've reviewed in Malta
St Paul’s Islands and the return swim: finishing with views
After Gozo, the cruise heads back toward Malta through the Comino channel, where you may get views of additional caves such as Crystal Lagoon Caves or St Mary’s Caves, depending on the conditions.
Then comes the St Paul’s Islands stop. This is a shorter window, designed to let you see the monument area and possibly swim near the island.
What I like about this ending is that it’s a change in vibe. You go from Gozo’s land exploring back to sea time, and you’re able to finish with another quick swim moment without turning the whole day into a long beach marathon.
If your travel style is “I want highlights without spending hours relocating,” this stop helps the day land nicely.
Wi‑Fi, toilets, and buying drinks: small practical details that matter
This is one of those tours where the small things reduce stress.
- There’s a restroom on board, which sounds basic until you’re out on the water for hours.
- Wi‑Fi is included, and it can save you from roaming charges.
But be realistic about the Wi‑Fi. It’s onboard, and it’s described as shared, with the captain acting as the router. If you truly need internet (maps, messages), ask about access early so you don’t waste time later.
Food and drinks are also straightforward:
- There’s a snack bar onboard during Comino time.
- Drinks are available to purchase, so you’re not locked into bringing everything yourself.
One review-based detail you should factor in: some people noted the snorkel mask deposit takes money off the refundable amount. The only safe move is to treat deposits as deposits—bring cash you’re comfortable parting with if things aren’t perfectly refundable.
What to pack so you’re not stuck on the dock
For a day focused on water, caves, and island hopping, pack like this:
- Swimsuit + quick-dry layer (the boat portion and later swim can cool you down)
- Water shoes or sturdy sandals (Blue Lagoon can be rocky, and you’ll be moving around)
- Sunscreen and a hat (shade can be limited)
- Cash for snorkeling gear deposits and snack/drink purchases
- Your Comino entry ticket step done in advance (the Maltese government sign-up PN BLCOMINO)
If you hate carrying wet stuff, bring a small bag for your dry clothes. A lot of people underestimate how damp boats get, even on sunny days.
And because boarding happens before departure, you’ll be happier if you arrive early to L‑Menqa Jetty rather than doing a last-second sprint.
Should you book this Mermaid Cruises boat tour?
Book it if you want a high-value highlights day: Comino’s Blue Lagoon, cave access with a smaller boat, Gozo time to wander, and St Paul’s Islands for a final sea moment—all in one run. It’s especially good for first-timers who don’t want to plan a route across islands.
Skip (or choose something else) if you’re the type who wants slow travel. This itinerary is efficient, so you’ll have limited time on each stop. Also, your day depends on conditions: caves can be restricted and, if weather is unsafe, the operator will reschedule or refund.
My final take: for the price, the combination of small-boat cave access and real island time is the main reason this tour works. If you’re organized about sun, cash for gear, and arriving on time for boarding, it’s a strong way to experience Malta beyond the mainland.
FAQ
How long is the tour?
It runs for about 5 hours 30 minutes.
Where does the boat depart from?
You board at L‑Menqa Jetty in Bugibba (San Pawl il‑Baħar).
Is lunch included?
No. Lunch isn’t included, but there is a snack bar onboard during the Comino stop where you can buy food and drinks.
Is snorkeling equipment included?
No. Snorkeling equipment is available to rent with a cash deposit.
Do you enter the sea caves?
You can enter the caves when weather permits. Cave entry is included, but it’s not guaranteed in rough conditions.
Do I need anything special to access Comino?
Yes. You need to sign up for the Maltese Government entry ticket using PN BLCOMINO to access the Island of Comino (it’s free to purchase, but you must do the sign-up step).
