St. Paul’s Bay: Blue Lagoon, Comino & Gozo with Bus Tour

Crystal water, island views, and a tight schedule. This $35 boat-and-bus outing packs Malta’s best-known coastal sights into 330 minutes. I like the small boat, which gives you a more pleasant ride than a huge ferry, and I like the easy transfer to Victoria, Gozo, where you can visit the Cittadella without arranging separate transport. The catch is simple: one hour on Comino and two hours in Victoria pass quickly.

The day works best if you want a broad taste of Malta rather than a slow beach day. You get swimming, a cruise along the coast, cave views, and a bus ride across Gozo. You also need to accept fixed departure times, possible crowds at the Blue Lagoon, and weather-related changes to the route.

Key points at a glance

• A small red, white, and blue boat: Look for the Mermaid at Bugibba Jetty, a more intimate setup than the biggest sightseeing vessels.
• One hour at the Blue Lagoon: Swim, snorkel, sunbathe, or walk on Comino, but do not expect a quiet lagoon in summer.
• Direct bus to Victoria: The return bus from Mgarr Harbour saves you from arranging taxis or public transport on Gozo.
• Cittadella time is limited: Two hours covers a quick visit, market browsing, and food, but you may have to choose one or two priorities.
• Caves depend on the sea: The boat may enter Crystal Lagoon or St. Mary’s Caves, with Santa Maria Caves and Elephant Rock included as possible sights.
• Strong value at $35: Food, drinks, and snorkel gear cost extra, but the price covers the boat, Gozo bus, commentary, Wi-Fi, toilets, and major stops.

What this $35 boat day really delivers

For $35 per person, this is a lot of Malta in a short stretch. You get a return boat trip from St. Paul’s Bay, a stop at Comino, a cruise to Gozo, a bus to Victoria, and another coastal cruise before returning to Bugibba.

I see the main value in the transport. Reaching both Comino and Gozo independently can mean juggling ferries, buses, and timing. Here, the day is laid out for you. You simply need to arrive on time, follow the crew’s instructions, and make good choices with your free hours.

The tradeoff is depth. This is not a full Gozo sightseeing tour, nor a long beach excursion. It is a sampler. You see several famous places and get enough time to form an opinion about which island deserves a longer visit later.

The boat provides live commentary in English, Wi-Fi, and toilets. The sound system has not pleased everyone, so I would treat the commentary as a useful extra rather than the main reason to book. Captain Matthew has been singled out for explaining the day clearly and helping people understand the schedule. That matters on a tour with several moving parts.

Boarding at Bugibba Jetty

The meeting point is at 29 Dawret Il-Gzejjer in Bugibba. Look for the red, white, and blue Mermaid boat at the jetty.

Boarding begins 30 minutes before departure, and boarding closes 10 minutes before the stated departure time. The boat cannot wait for late arrivals, so give yourself enough time to find the jetty and check the boat name. There are no refunds for missing the departure because of lateness.

The cruise leaves sharply and heads north along the Maltese coast. This opening hour is not just a transfer. You get views toward Mellieha and the Maltese archipelago, with live information from the crew as the boat moves toward Comino.

A smaller vessel can make the ride feel more personal and less like a floating crowd. It also helps when the captain takes the boat near coastal formations and cave entrances. The downside is that seating and open deck space may feel limited when the boat is nearly full. Even so, the boat has been described as comfortable without feeling overcrowded.

Bring a hat and sunscreen. The sea can make the sun feel less intense than it is, and the timetable gives you several chances to be outside.

One hour at Comino’s Blue Lagoon

The first major stop is the Blue Lagoon on Comino. You have one hour for swimming, snorkeling, sunbathing, walking, or taking photographs.

The water is the reason this stop earns its fame. Its clarity and bright color make it the visual high point of the day, and you can enter the water directly from the boat. That saves time compared with waiting for a separate beach landing, though you should be comfortable using a boat access point.

I would decide your priority before arrival. If swimming matters most, change or prepare your swimwear early and head into the water promptly. If you want photographs, take them first, because one hour disappears quickly once you have found a good view and settled in.

Comino itself offers less to do than some first-time visitors expect. The appeal is the water, the rock, and the chance to swim in one of Malta’s best-known spots. You should not plan on a long cultural visit here.

Summer crowds are part of the deal. The lagoon can be very busy, and litter left by other people has been a disappointment at times. That is not a fault of the boat, but it does affect the atmosphere. The water can still be beautiful while the shore feels less peaceful than the photographs suggest.

An important current requirement is the Comino entry ticket. You must sign up through the Maltese Government website at www.blcomino.com. The ticket is free, but you need to arrange it yourself.

Snorkeling equipment is not included. You can rent it for an additional charge with a €10 cash security deposit. If you already own a mask and snorkel, bringing them may save both time and money.

From Mgarr Harbour to Victoria

After Comino, the boat cruises for about 15 minutes to Mgarr Harbour on Gozo. Here, you leave the boat and board the return bus to Victoria, Gozo’s capital.

This transfer is one of the tour’s most useful features. You do not have to find your own bus or taxi, and you can go directly toward the island’s central town. The bus also lets you cover the distance efficiently, which is important because your total time on Gozo is two hours.

Once in Victoria, you can shape the visit around your interests. The Cittadella is the strongest choice for history and views. It is the fortified old center above the town, and even a short visit gives you a sense of Gozo’s past and character.

You can also browse the Victoria markets or stop for a Gozitan meal. Food and drinks are not included, so you should keep the clock in mind before ordering a long lunch. A quick bite makes more sense than a leisurely restaurant meal if you want time at the Cittadella.

The schedule is the main weakness here. Two hours sounds generous until you include the bus ride, finding your bearings, walking uphill if you visit the Cittadella, eating, shopping, and returning to the bus. I would choose one main goal rather than trying to complete everything.

If the Cittadella is your priority, head there first. If you prefer local food and market browsing, stay closer to central Victoria. The best choice depends on what you value, but waiting until the end to decide can cost you the sights you most wanted to see.

Some people would like another 30 to 45 minutes in Victoria. I agree that extra time would make the stop less rushed. Still, the included bus means you see more of Gozo for the price than you would on a Comino-only cruise.

Caves, Elephant Rock, and the return cruise

After returning to Mgarr Harbour, you rejoin the boat for the coastal sightseeing section. The cave visit is weather and sea dependent, so it cannot be guaranteed.

Depending on conditions, the boat may enter Crystal Lagoon Caves or St. Mary’s Caves. These are best understood as a scenic boat experience rather than a formal cave tour. You stay with the boat, take photographs, and look into the rock formations from the water.

The vessel’s smaller size helps here. It may be able to approach or enter formations that are less practical for a larger boat, and this is included at no extra cost. Still, rough water or poor weather can change the plan. The captain has the final say for safety.

The route also passes Santa Maria Caves and Elephant Rock. These short photo stops add variety after the busy Blue Lagoon and the town visit. Keep your camera ready, but do not expect a long stop at each formation.

The final cruise back to Bugibba lasts about 50 minutes. It gives you one more stretch of open-water views and time to rest after the two active stops. Some people have even spotted dolphins on the return journey, though that is an occasional bonus rather than something you should expect.

How the timing feels in real life

The full experience lasts 330 minutes, or five and a half hours. That makes it a half-day outing with a dense schedule.

Here is the practical rhythm:

• About one hour cruising from Bugibba toward Comino
• One hour at the Blue Lagoon
• About 15 minutes to Mgarr Harbour
• Two hours for Victoria and the Gozo stop, including the bus connection
• About 10 minutes of further cruising before the cave and rock sights
• About 50 minutes returning to Bugibba

This is why the tour feels productive but sometimes rushed. You are not spending all day in one place. You are moving between several highlights, and every delay cuts into free time.

I like this format for a first visit to Malta, especially if you want to compare Comino and Gozo before deciding where to return. I would choose a different style of outing if your main goal is a long, quiet swim or a serious exploration of Victoria.

The crew’s organization matters. Captain Matthew has been praised for explaining the schedule and keeping the day moving. That preparation helps you avoid wasting your limited time at each stop.

What to bring and what costs extra

Pack light, but bring the right things:

• Swimwear and a towel
• Sun hat and sunscreen
• Cash for food, drinks, or the snorkel equipment deposit
• Comfortable footwear for walking in Victoria
• Your Comino entry ticket
• A phone or camera for the coastline and caves

Food and drinks are available for purchase but are not included in the $35 price. Snorkel gear is also extra and requires a €10 cash security deposit.

The tour includes Wi-Fi and toilet facilities, which are useful on a half-day boat trip. You should still bring water, especially if you plan to swim and walk in the sun.

The experience is not suitable for people with mobility impairments. The boat boarding, swimming access, bus transfer, and walking around Victoria can be difficult if you need step-free access or extra physical support.

Weather can change the plan

The captain can cancel or alter the trip because of weather and sea conditions. This is especially important for the cave portion, where the route depends on safe water conditions.

If poor weather affects the departure, communication is part of the service. A postponement has been handled with advance notice, which gives you a chance to adjust your plans. Still, avoid booking the tour immediately before a flight or other fixed commitment if a change would cause trouble.

The English-only format is clear from the start. Live commentary is provided in English, so you should book only if that works comfortably for you.

The Blue Lagoon ticket is a separate practical step. It is free, but it is not included automatically. Set it up before the day so you are not trying to handle registration at the jetty.

Who will enjoy this boat and bus tour?

I would recommend it to you if you want:

• A low-cost way to see Comino and Gozo in one outing
• A boat ride with swimming and coastal views
• Transport to Victoria without arranging your own island connections
• A flexible stop where you choose between the Cittadella, shopping, food, or a short walk
• A compact introduction to Malta’s northern islands
• A friendly crew and clear guidance through a busy schedule

I would be cautious if you want a relaxed beach day, extensive time in Victoria, or a quiet visit to the Blue Lagoon in high summer. You may also prefer another option if cave access is the main reason for booking, since sea conditions decide that part of the route.

The tour is especially good value for someone staying around St. Paul’s Bay or Bugibba. You start and finish in the same place, so you avoid adding separate transfers to Comino and Gozo.

Should you book it?

Yes, if you value variety and price over a slow pace. For $35, the boat cruise, Comino stop, Gozo bus, Victoria visit, coastal sights, and possible cave entry make this a strong deal.

Book it with realistic expectations. The Blue Lagoon may be crowded, the caves may be unavailable, and Victoria deserves more than two hours if you want to explore it properly. Bring your swimming gear, arrange the free Comino ticket, arrive well before boarding closes, and choose your Victoria priority before you arrive.

If you want one affordable day that gives you a taste of Malta’s clearest water, Gozo’s capital, and the coastline between them, I would book it.

FAQ

Where does the tour depart from?

It departs from 29 Dawret Il-Gzejjer at Bugibba Jetty. Look for the red, white, and blue Mermaid boat.

How long does the experience last?

The total duration is 330 minutes, or about five and a half hours.

How much time do I get at the Blue Lagoon?

You get one hour at Comino’s Blue Lagoon for swimming, snorkeling, sunbathing, walking, and photographs.

How much time do I get in Gozo?

You get two hours in Gozo, including the bus trip from Mgarr Harbour to Victoria and back.

Is transportation to Victoria included?

Yes. A return bus from Mgarr Harbour to Victoria is included.

Can I visit the Cittadella?

Yes. The Cittadella is one of the suggested ways to use your free time in Victoria. You can also visit the markets or eat at a local Gozitan restaurant.

Is food included?

No. Food and drinks are available to purchase but are not included in the tour price.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

No. Equipment can be rented, with a €10 security deposit required in cash.

Can the boat enter the caves?

The boat may enter Crystal Lagoon Caves or St. Mary’s Caves, but cave access depends on weather and sea conditions. Santa Maria Caves and Elephant Rock are also included as possible sights along the route.