Blue water with real local boat vibes. I love the chance to swim at the Blue Lagoon and then settle into Gozo with real harbor time. The day is built around water, views, and short, easy breaks, so you get variety without feeling like you’re rushing.

I also like the fact that this is on a traditional Maltese schooner style boat, with an English live tour guide on hand. And from what I’ve picked up from the crew vibe, Captain Matthew runs things professionally but keeps the mood relaxed, with room for you to make choices at each stop.

One real consideration: Comino entry requires an entry ticket signed up through the Maltese government website, so don’t leave that to the last minute.

Key highlights to know before you go

• Traditional Maltese schooner sailing on the red, white, and blue wooden boat named Mermaid, with an English live guide
• Blue Lagoon swim and snorkel time with on-board toilets and a snack bar, plus a snorkel deposit setup (cash)
• Comino dock stay where you can jump in from the boat or walk around for about 1 hour
• Gozo from Mgarr Harbour with around 2 hours for lunch or heading to Victoria and the Cittadella
• Caves by sea and Santa Maria Caves photo stop (weather dependent) with no extra charge for the cave watching
• St Paul’s Islands for a final swim, photos, and a visit to the statue area during the last stop

A Traditional Schooner Day Out from Mermaid Cruises

This cruise hits the big island stops people come to Malta for, but the way you travel is part of the charm. You sail on a wooden boat called Mermaid, painted red, white, and blue, and it’s described as one of the only operating traditional Maltese schooner boats. That matters because it changes the feel of the day. Instead of a big, anonymous ferry experience, you get a more local, smaller-boat rhythm.

You also have an English live tour guide, so you’re not stuck guessing what you’re seeing from the water. The crew style seems to be “professional, but chill,” which is ideal for a day where the schedule is structured but you still want freedom to stretch your legs and enjoy the water.

Timing Matters: 9:30 Boarding to 5:00 Return

Plan your morning carefully because the boat runs on a tight window. Boarding begins at 9:30am and closes at 9:50am. Departure is 10:00am sharp, so it’s worth arriving early enough to get settled, find your spot, and get ready for the first swim stop.

You’re looking at about 7 hours total, with a return to the jetty around 5:00pm. That timing is a sweet spot for people who want Comino and Gozo without losing the whole day to logistics.

Blue Lagoon Stop: Swim, Snorkel, and How to Prep

The first major water time is at Blue Lagoon, Comino. You get about 1.5 hours for swimming and snorkeling. This is the part most people dream about, the bright, clear-water setting where it’s easy to understand why this spot gets so famous.

What’s practical here is that the tour gives you a real window to enjoy the water, not a quick pass. You also have access to onboard facilities like a snack bar and toilets, which makes it easier to stay comfortable between swim times.

A couple of details that affect your packing:

• Snorkels are not included, so if you have your own, bring it.
• There’s an opportunity to swim and snorkel, with a 10 EUR cash deposit and 5 EUR returned. Since it’s cash-based, keep a little extra on hand.

If you’re sensitive to sun, treat this like a beach day. Bring sunscreen, a hat, water, and a towel so you’re not scrambling when you’re wet and ready to dry off.

Comino Dock Time: 1 Hour on Foot Plus Water Views

After Blue Lagoon, the boat stays at the dock in Comino. You’ll have about 1 hour to enjoy the island. This stop is different from the swim-only feel of many tours. You can:

• Jump in and swim from the boat
• Or walk around on foot

There are sack-bar style options and toilet facilities on board, so you’re not stuck without basics while you’re waiting for the next leg.

Important: Comino access isn’t automatic. You must sign up with the Maltese government website to get an entry ticket to access the Island of Comino (free to purchase there). If you skip this step, you may run into trouble at the island entrance. Build that into your planning the day you book or at least before you leave your hotel.

Gozo from Mgarr Harbour: Lunch Choices and Victoria Potential

Next up is Gozo, with the stop at Mgarr Harbour. You get about 2 hours to explore the sister island and soak up the Gozitan vibe.

This is where the day shifts from “swim and photo” into something more human-scale. At Mgarr Harbour, there are plenty of bars and restaurants, so you can grab lunch right there without extra planning.

If you want a change of scene, the tour also suggests taking a bus into the capital city, Victoria, to see the Cittadella. That’s a smart option if you want one structured cultural moment, but still keep the flexibility of a self-paced walk and meal.

My practical take: because your time in Gozo is only about two hours, you’ll be happiest if you decide early how you want to spend it. Either:

• Keep it easy, eat and walk near the harbor, or
• Use the harbor time to make a quick Victoria and Cittadella outing

Santa Maria Caves and the Comino Channel: Scenic, But Weather Rules

Between the island time, the cruise includes cave viewing. The tour mentions that caves are explored at no extra charge, and that the viewing of caves is weather dependent. That weather note is important, because it’s the difference between clear photo angles and a rougher day at sea.

There’s also a Santa Maria Caves stop that’s more of a photo and pass-by scenic view moment, around 15 minutes. The point here isn’t a long hike or a guided deep stop. It’s about seeing the coastline from the water while you travel.

If the day turns choppy, don’t fight it. Focus on what the boat can reliably deliver: sea views, the route through the channel, and photo opportunities when conditions allow.

St Paul’s Islands: Statue Spotting and That Quiet Last Swim

Your final island stop is St Paul’s Islands. This is one of those places that feels like a breather. You get about 1 hour for sightseeing, plus an additional 30 minutes later for photo stop, free time, walking, and swimming.

You can see the statue of St Paul, and there’s time to walk around and check out the setting. The tour also frames it as secluded, with no inhabitants. That matters because it changes the energy. It’s not crowded beach time. It’s a calmer end to the trip, which is a nice counterbalance to Comino and Gozo.

This last swim is a good way to refresh before heading back. Even if you don’t swim, standing and watching the water near the islands can be a satisfying way to close the day.

Price and Value: Is $34 Worth It?

At around $34 per person, this tour is priced like a value-focused full-day cruise. You’re getting:

• A full-day route across Blue Lagoon, Comino, Gozo (Mgarr Harbour), and St Paul’s Islands
• Multiple swim opportunities
• Onboard facilities like toilets and a snack bar
• Cave sightseeing that’s part of the cruise route (weather dependent)

Where people sometimes feel surprised is what is not included. You’ll want to budget for:

• Lunch is not included onboard
• Snorkels are not included
• You may need to handle transport to the jetty area yourself
• There’s a cash deposit for the snorkel setup (10 EUR deposit, 5 EUR returned)
• The Comino entry ticket requires signing up on the Maltese government website

So is it worth it? For me, it comes down to how you travel. If you’re happy to bring your own snorkel or just rely on the water time and you plan your meals in Gozo, the cost feels fair for the number of island stops in one day. If you need lunch and rented snorkel gear and you’re not set up for the Comino entry ticket, the final cost can creep up.

Who This Cruise Fits Best

This tour is a strong match if you want:

• A full day at sea without complex switching between taxis and ferries
• Real time to swim at Blue Lagoon
• A blend of island scenery (Comino and St Paul’s) plus a more grounded stop in Gozo
• A schedule with structure but not minute-by-minute micromanagement

You should think twice if:

• You have back problems (not suitable)
• You’re prone to seasickness (also not suitable)

And if you’re the type who hates carrying cash, plan ahead. The snorkel deposit is handled with cash.

Practical Tips to Make Your Day Easier

Here’s how I’d prep so you get the best day with the least stress.

Pack like it’s a beach day

• Hat, swimwear, towel
• Sunscreen and water
• Snacks (the tour notes snacks are helpful)
• Cash, especially for the snorkel deposit

Arrive early

Boarding shuts at 9:50am and departure is 10:00am sharp. Treat it like you’re catching a flight. You do not want to be the person sprinting down the dock.

Decide your Gozo plan fast

Two hours goes quickly. Pick either harbor food and walking, or a bus to Victoria for the Cittadella.

Handle the Comino ticket step before you go

You must sign up with the Maltese government website for an entry ticket for Comino access. Do that ahead of time, not after you’ve already arrived at the dock.

Should You Book This Blue Lagoon and Caves Tour?

I’d book it if you want a straightforward, high-reward day: Blue Lagoon swim time, Gozo harbor exploration, cave watching from the sea, and a quiet final island stop at St Paul’s. The crew energy sounds like it matches the format too, with Captain Matthew and the team balancing professionalism with a relaxed feel so you’re not trapped in a rigid script.

I would skip it if you’re dealing with back issues or you know you get sick on boats. Also, if you’re not ready to handle the Comino entry ticket requirement and you hate planning ahead, you might feel the friction.

If you’re generally comfortable at sea and you prep the small checklist items, this cruise looks like a solid way to get more Malta highlights into one day, without losing the fun parts to logistics.

FAQ

Where do I meet the boat?

Meet at Mermaid Cruises. Look out for the boat named Mermaid, a red, white and blue wooden boat.

What time does the tour start and end?

Boarding begins at 9:30am and closes at 9:50am. The boat departs at 10:00am sharp and returns to the jetty at 5:00pm.

How long is the tour?

The duration is listed as 7 hours, depending on starting times.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch onboard is not included.

Do I need an entry 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.

Are snorkels included with the tour?

No. Snorkels are not included.

Is cave viewing guaranteed?

No. Viewing of the sea caves is weather dependent, and the cave-related stops are described as scenic views and photo stops.

Is the tour suitable if I get seasick or have back problems?

No. The tour is not suitable for people prone to seasickness and not suitable for people with back problems.