This is a fast, friendly Malta starter kit, mixing boat time, bus time, and three very different islands. I especially like the Blue Lagoon swim window and the chance to swap from sea views to Gozo’s capital Victoria. One thing to watch is the time pressure, especially if you want more than a quick look at Victoria or a longer stay in Comino.

You get a lot done for the price, and the smaller boat can make the day feel less packed than you might expect. Still, the caves and even some plans depend on weather and sea conditions, so keep expectations flexible.

Key things that make this tour worth your time

• 1 hour at Comino’s Blue Lagoon for swimming, snorkeling, or just sunbathing
• Gozo Victoria plus bus transfers so you see more without figuring out transport
• St Paul’s Island with a short stay and the option to walk up toward the statue
• Cave entry included with the chance to go into caves like Crystal Lagoon or St Mary’s Caves (weather dependent)
• Smaller-boat feel that often means less crowding on the water

A 7-hour sampler of Malta, Gozo, Comino, and St Paul’s

If you’re trying to cover Malta’s biggest postcard hits in one day, this tour is built for that job. You start on the water, hit Comino for the famous swim stop, then switch to land for Gozo’s Victoria, and finish with a calmer moment on St Paul’s Island.

The best part is the variety in a single day. One hour you’re planning your next swim in clear water, then you’re walking streets and viewpoints in Gozo, then you’re back on a boat chasing shoreline photos and cave moments.

The tradeoff is pacing. You’ll like it most if you come with a short wish list, not a long one. With tight stop times, you’ll want to decide what you care about most before you arrive.

Meeting at Bugibba Jetty and the big deal about boarding by 9:50

Boarding starts at 9:30 am at Bugibba Jetty. It closes at 9:50 am, and departure is 10:00 am sharp, so show up early and avoid last-minute delays.

Look for Mermaid Cruises reps, often easy to spot, and the boat is described as a red, white, and blue vessel named Mermaid. This is one of those tours where being on time keeps the day smooth for everyone.

A small practical tip: bring your essentials in one bag you can grab fast. Between boarding and getting settled on the boat, you will want your towel, sunscreen, and swimwear ready without rummaging.

Comino Blue Lagoon: 1 hour to swim, snorkel, and plan for crowds

The Blue Lagoon stop is the star of the show. You’ll cruise up north for the coastal views first, then head to Comino and get a focused 1-hour window on site.

During that hour, you can swim, snorkel, sunbathe, or explore parts of the island on foot. You also get a sense of the water quality right away. It’s the kind of place where the water looks unreal and makes you want to keep snapping photos.

Here’s the practical consideration: Comino can be busy in peak season. Even with a good amount of time on the lagoon, you’ll be sharing space for swimming and lounging. If your goal is quiet, aim for early in your hour for the best chance at a calmer spot to enjoy the water.

Also, snorkeling gear is not included. You can rent equipment on site for a 10 euro security deposit in cash, so if you want to snorkel, be ready with cash.

How Gozo Victoria fits into only 2 hours, including the bus ride

After Comino, you’ll head to Gozo, specifically the Mgarr harbour, then board the bus for Victoria. The total time in this phase is 2 hours, and that includes the bus transfer into town.

Victoria is Gozo’s capital, and it’s the place where your day shifts from sea scenery to real island life. You’ll have enough time for one or two core experiences, but not enough for everything.

Use that time with a plan. If you’re into viewpoints and old-town atmosphere, Cittadella is the obvious choice. If you prefer casual local browsing, the Victoria markets can be a nice way to grab snacks or souvenirs. And if you want a break, you can eat at a local Gozo restaurant and recharge before the ride back.

I like this setup because the bus does the hard part for you. Instead of trying to coordinate buses on your own, you get dropped into Victoria with a clear target.

One drawback to keep in mind: if you fall in love with Victoria’s streets, 2 hours can feel short. That’s not a dealbreaker, but it’s a heads-up for pacing.

St Paul’s Island in 30 minutes: calmer water and a quick walk option

Next up is St Paul’s Island. Your time here is 30 minutes, and it’s a different mood than Comino. It’s quieter, more secluded, and built for a short reset.

Once docked, you can take one last swim to refresh or walk up to see the statue of St Paul. Thirty minutes doesn’t sound long, but it’s enough to do one main thing plus a bit of exploring around the dock area.

This stop is also where you’ll likely appreciate the structure of the whole day. The tour saves St Paul’s for later, when you’ve already done the big swim moment. That sequencing makes the day feel less repetitive.

If you want a longer walk or more lounging time, you’ll feel the time limit here. But if your goal is a quick taste of a quieter island moment, it works.

Malta coastline caves: what’s included, and why weather matters

One of the best values in this tour is that cave entry is included. The captain can take you into caves at no extra charge, and it’s one of those add-ons that would cost extra on many boat tours.

The caves you visit are weather and sea dependent. The tour notes possibilities like Crystal Lagoon or St Mary’s caves. If conditions are rough, you might see fewer cave experiences than the ideal plan.

This is where I’d keep your expectations realistic. You’re paying for a guided day with live commentary, toilets on board, and planned cave time, but you’re still at the mercy of the sea.

The good news is that even the shoreline cruising and photo stops can be satisfying. The tour also includes WiFi, which sounds small, until you want to share a photo fast or check maps during transitions.

Price and value for a day that mixes bus, boat, and cave entry

At $40 per person, this tour is priced like a budget day, but it includes several pieces that add up if you did them separately. You’re paying for:

• Live English commentary
• Boat time with multiple island stops
• Bus transfer from Mgarr harbour into Victoria
• Cave entry included
• On-board conveniences like toilets and WiFi
• Time on Comino, Gozo, and St Paul’s Island built into the schedule

If you’re staying in Malta and want to see Gozo and Comino without juggling ferry schedules and local transit, this format is strong. You also get the benefit of someone guiding the day, so you’re not guessing where to go first in Victoria.

The main value tradeoff is still time. You’re buying coverage, not depth. If you want to spend half a day in Victoria or treat Comino like a full island day, you’ll feel rushed.

What to pack (and what to bring cash for)

This tour is simple, but being prepared makes the day much better.

Bring:

• Swimwear
• Towel
• Sun hat
• Sunscreen
• Cash

Cash matters because snorkeling equipment can require a 10 euro security deposit and because food and drinks are not included. You can purchase snacks and drinks on your own during the day, especially during the Victoria break.

If you run cold easily on boats, bring a light layer too. The trip is mostly in sun, but the open water can feel cooler than you expect once you’re moving.

Also bring your phone camera chargers in mind, because you’ll want photos. Cave moments and coastline views are the kind you’ll want to keep.

Who this tour is best for, and who should skip it

This is a great fit if you want a one-day highlight tour with clear time blocks. It works especially well for first-time visitors to Malta who want Comino’s Blue Lagoon and Gozo’s Victoria without arranging separate trips.

It’s also a good choice if you like guided structure. The day includes live English commentary, and the captain and crew aim to help you get the most from each stop.

It may not be a fit if:

• You have mobility impairments, since the tour is not suitable for people with mobility impairments
• You want long free time at each location
• You’re very sensitive to crowds, since the Blue Lagoon area can get busy in summer

A bonus point for many people is that boat size can make the ride feel more manageable. A smaller boat often means you spend more time looking at water and less time stuck in bottlenecks.

Final verdict: should you book the St Paul’s Bay bus and boat tour?

I’d book this tour if your goal is to check off Malta’s biggest island scenes in one day, with a guide, cave entry, and simple logistics from Bugibba. It’s also a smart pick when you want to taste Gozo and Comino without spending your whole vacation on transport planning.

Skip it or consider a slower option if you’re the type who needs hours in Victoria, or you want a quiet, low-crowd Comino day. The pacing is built for coverage, not for lingering.

If you do book, treat the times like missions. Decide what you want most in Victoria, go in early for your Blue Lagoon swim plan, and pick one main activity for St Paul’s Island. Do that, and you’ll leave with a lot of Malta in your camera roll, and still feel like you had a day that flowed.

FAQ

How long is the St Paul’s Bay Gozo, Comino and St Paul’s Bus and Boat Tour?

The tour duration is listed as 7 hours. It boards at 9:30 am, departs at 10:00 am sharp, and returns to Bugibba at about 5:00 pm.

Where does the tour start and end?

It starts at Bugibba Jetty. Meet the Mermaid representatives and look for the red, white, and blue boat named Mermaid. The tour ends back at the same meeting point.

What stops are included, and how much time do you get at each?

You get 1 hour at Comino (Blue Lagoon area), 2 hours in Gozo including the bus to Victoria from the harbour, and 30 minutes at St Paul’s Island.

Do I need a ticket to access the Island of Comino?

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

Is food included on the tour?

No. Food and drinks are not included, though you can purchase them during the day.

Can I rent snorkeling equipment?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is available for rent with a 10 euro security deposit paid in cash.

Is this tour suitable for people with mobility impairments?

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

Are the caves guaranteed to be entered?

Cave viewing and entry are weather and sea dependent. The specific caves you can enter, like Crystal Lagoon or St Mary’s caves, depend on conditions.