Blue water, short waits, and big views. This Blue Lagoon, Comino, and St Paul’s Islands cruise from Malta feels like a classic sea day done right, on a family-run boat. I like the Blue Lagoon swim time and the friendly, capable crew, and I love how the schedule gives you real time in the water. One thing to plan for, though, is that you need a separate Comino entry ticket and the captain can shift stops if weather turns.

I also really enjoy the boat setup. It is not a mega-ship, so you tend to feel less packed in the sun, and the ride has a laid-back vibe with onboard music. The trade-off is simple: it is not suitable for people with mobility impairments, since this is a boat day with walking and moving around.

If you like easy sightseeing plus actual swimming, this is the kind of day that fits. You will cruise past the Maltese coast, hit cave photo stops, and then wrap with St Paul’s Island, plus time for a jump or a calm swim. Just bring the basics, because food is not included and you will want sunscreen and a towel.

Key things to know before you go

• A smaller boat feel: less crowded than larger tours, with both shaded and open-air space
• Real time at the Blue Lagoon: enough hours to swim, snorkel, and enjoy the calm
• Caves by the waterline: you get a scenic pass and photo moments around the cave areas
• St Paul’s Island is short and sweet: a quick walk plus the option to swim
• Onboard comfort adds up: toilet facilities, free wifi, and life-saving equipment
• Bring cash and sun gear: food and drinks cost extra, and you will want sunscreen and a hat

Blue Lagoon, Comino, and St Paul’s Island in one smooth day

This cruise is built around one big idea: get you to Comino’s famous water, then balance it with sightseeing that is quick but meaningful. You are out on the sea for around 7 to 7.5 hours, and the pacing is the main reason it works for so many people. You are not rushing every five minutes, but you also are not stuck at one stop all day.

I love the way this trip links three different styles of Malta. You get the postcard-water of the Blue Lagoon, the dramatic coastline and caves you can photograph from the boat, and the historic feel of St Paul’s Island with time to walk and swim. It is an efficient route that still feels like you did something.

The most practical part is the time at Comino. Blue Lagoon is the heart of the day, and you have a chunk of hours for swimming and snorkeling. That matters because the water is why you came, and the only way to enjoy it is to actually get in.

Finding the Mermaid at L-Menqa and what the onboard setup means

Your day starts at the harbor area, meeting at the small red, white, and blue boat called The Mermaid. Look for docked boats at the start location and head to the Mermaid. The activity ends back at the same meeting point.

Inside the experience is what you want on a sea cruise: helpful basics that make the day easier. There is a live English guide on board, plus onboard commentary, free wifi, and toilet facilities. Life-saving equipment is included, which is a comfort you do not want to think about, but it is good to know it is there.

From the way the boat feels, you can also tell they are aiming for a relaxed atmosphere. The smaller size helps keep it from turning into a cattle herd. There is a nice balance of shade and open-air space, which is exactly what you need in Malta sun. Add in the onboard music and a friendly crew, and you get a day that feels social without being chaotic.

One more practical note: you should assume you will be in and out of the sun all day. Bring what you need early, not later. Sunscreen, a hat, and a towel are not optional for comfort here.

The coastal cruise out toward Comino, including stops you see from the water

After you get underway, the day turns into a proper sea ride. You cruise past the Maltese coast toward Comino, including views around Mellieha. This is not just travel time. It is part of the experience, because the coastline is what sets the tone for the day.

Along the way you also get quick sightseeing segments. You will have a sightseeing cruise stretch that takes about an hour, then more short passes as the boat moves between photo moments and swimming stops. Those small segments matter because they help you avoid “sit and wait” boredom. You get constant motion, plus changing views from the deck.

This is also where the cave scenery starts to come into focus. You will have photo opportunities connected to cave areas and scenic passages along the way. It is not a long walking tour of caves, and you should not expect it to replace a land-based cave visit. But you do get the best angle for sea-level views, and that is a different experience than a viewpoint.

Blue Lagoon swim time: how to use your 3.5 hours best

The Blue Lagoon stop is your main event, with about 3.5 hours to enjoy it. This is where you will swim and snorkel in the crystal-clear water, and it is also where you can take part in the classic add-on fun: jumping from the boat for a splash into the ocean.

Here is how I suggest you use the time. First, get in and take a few minutes to adjust. The water is clear and inviting, but you will enjoy it more if you do not spend your first minutes trying to figure out where to swim. If you brought a snorkel, use the earlier part of the stop when you can still relax and not feel rushed.

Second, alternate between “active” and “resting.” Blue Lagoon is tempting, so people can burn through energy fast. Plan a loop: swim or snorkel, then take a quiet break on the water, then go again. With a 3.5-hour block, you do not have to rush.

Third, think about where you set your comfort. You might want to choose calmer spots for snorkeling and a slightly more open area for swimming. The point is simple: make the time match your comfort level.

One key logistics point you should know before you go: accessing Comino requires an entry ticket. You must sign up via the Maltese Government website to get that ticket, and it is free to purchase through the provided Blue Lagoon page. Build that step into your planning, so you do not start your day stressed.

What to bring for Blue Lagoon is pretty straightforward. Sun hat, sunscreen, swimwear, and a towel. Cash also helps since food and drinks are available for purchase on board.

Santa Maria Caves photo stop: quick views, strong payoff for camera lovers

After your main swim time, you move back into sightseeing mode. You get a short photo stop connected to Santa Maria Caves, with time that is brief, around 15 minutes. This portion is about looking, photographing, and enjoying the pass-by scenery rather than a long on-foot activity.

Even though it is short, it is worth it because the caves are the kind of scenery that looks different from every angle on a moving boat. The perspective you get from the water can make the coastline feel more dramatic than it does from land.

If you care about photos, use the time strategically. Keep your camera ready before the boat reaches the best views. And keep in mind that you will likely be moving quickly between the deck and whatever vantage you can get in a short window. This stop is not for slow browsing. It is for quick hits.

Also, remember this is a sea day, so you are balancing wind and sun. Bring a hat and keep your hands dry so you can handle your phone or camera comfortably.

St Paul’s Island: a short walk, a statue option, and a swim moment

St Paul’s Island is the historic closer of the cruise, with around 30 minutes for photo stop, walking, and swimming. The island is tied to the famous story of St Paul, and you also have the option to trek up to see the statue.

This stop is brief, so treat it like a “see what you can” moment. If you want to walk, do it early so you do not feel rushed when you want to head back toward the water. If you also want a swim, plan how you will split your energy. There is no need to overdo it, because you still want the water time to feel enjoyable.

The swimming here is also part of the attraction. You get a chance to cool down again after the earlier swim, and the island setting makes even a simple dip feel like you changed locations, not just repeated the same stop.

If you are traveling with kids, this is often a good match. It gives a little walking and exploration, but it is not a long hike. And the water time keeps the day fun, not just educational.

Price and value: why $28 can work (or not) for your day

The price is listed at $28 per person, and value is really about what is included versus what you must pay separately.

What you get for that price is solid for a day on the water: onboard toilet facilities, onboard commentary, free wifi, and life-saving equipment. If you have ever done sea trips where the only comfort is a plastic bucket, you will appreciate having basic amenities built in. The live English guide also matters. You are not left guessing what you are seeing.

What is not included is where you need to budget. Food and drinks are available for purchase, and you can buy lunch aboard the boat. You should also plan for the Comino entry ticket requirement. That means your total cost depends on what you eat and how you handle tickets, but the base price still gives you a lot of value for the route and the boat day.

If you are the type who likes to pack your own snacks, you might save money. But the tour does offer purchasing options on board, so you are not stuck without a plan. Just bring cash, because you are told to have it, and it is wise to be ready for onboard purchases.

Also consider that a smaller boat experience can be worth extra compared to large group boats, especially in hot sun. When you are not fighting for space, the day feels easier.

Weather, sea conditions, and why the captain’s flexibility matters

This is the kind of tour where weather is not just background. The captain reserves the right to cancel or alter the trip according to conditions. That matters because you are on the water, and even a good day can change if wind and waves rise.

My advice is simple: keep your schedule flexible if you can. If you are in Malta for several days, choosing a day with a bit of breathing room makes it easier to recover if the sea gets rough.

If your goal is specifically Blue Lagoon swim time, also keep realistic expectations. You should still plan to enjoy the day even if conditions are imperfect. The crew will be doing the safe, practical call, and that is what you want.

Who this cruise fits best, and who should think twice

This cruise works best if you want a classic Malta sea day with a mix of swimming and sightseeing. It is a great match for couples, families, and anyone who wants the Blue Lagoon experience without turning the day into a complicated logistics puzzle.

From the onboard feel and the schedule, you also get a vibe that fits people who dislike overcrowded tours. The boat size helps reduce that “stuck in a crowd” stress. You also get open-air deck time plus shade, which is a huge comfort factor.

Not suitable for mobility impairments is the big caution. Because it is a boat day with walking and moving around, you should not assume you will be able to manage the steps and deck access safely.

If you hate swimming, this might still be okay, but it would be less satisfying. The tour is clearly built around getting into the water at Blue Lagoon and taking additional swim moments later. Bring swimwear even if you think you might only wade.

Should you book this Mermaid Blue Lagoon and St Paul’s cruise?

I think this is a strong book if your priorities are simple: a real Blue Lagoon swim block, cave and coastline viewing from the boat, and a short St Paul’s Island stop you can enjoy without committing to a full-day land hike.

Book it if:

• You want an experience that feels relaxed, not packed and rushed
• You will actually use the water time, snorkel, or enjoy the boat jump moment
• You like having basic comfort on board, toilet facilities and a live English guide
• You care about a smaller boat feel and clear views for photos

Consider skipping or choosing another option if:

• You need mobility-friendly access, since this is not suitable for mobility impairments
• You dislike paying extra for food and the Comino entry ticket
• You only want land sightseeing, because the best parts of this day are on the sea

If you do book, do the easy prep right. Get your Comino entry ticket step done ahead of time, pack sunscreen and a towel, and bring cash for food or drinks onboard. You are buying a sea day, not a museum tour, so let the day be what it is.

FAQ

How long is the Blue Lagoon, Comino & St Paul’s Islands cruise?

The duration is listed as 7 to 7.5 hours, with starting times depending on availability.

Where do I meet the boat?

You meet at the harbor at the small red, white, and blue boat called The Mermaid. The start and end are back at the same meeting point area.

Is there an English-speaking guide?

Yes, there is a live tour guide in English, and there is onboard commentary.

What are the main stops during the day?

You spend time cruising and sightseeing, including a long stop at the Blue Lagoon in Comino, a photo stop at Santa Maria Caves, and time at St Paul’s Island.

Do I need a ticket to access Comino?

Yes. You must sign up with the Maltese Government website to get an entry ticket to access the Island of Comino.

What’s included in the price?

Included are onboard toilet facilities, onboard commentary, free wifi, and life-saving equipment.

Is food included?

No. Food and drinks are not included, but you can purchase food and drinks onboard, including lunch.

What should I bring?

Bring sun hat, swimwear, towel, sunscreen, and cash.

Is the cruise suitable for people with mobility impairments?

No, it is not suitable for people with mobility impairments.

What happens if weather is bad?

The captain may cancel or alter the trip according to weather conditions.