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

Exploring Malta’s Treasures: Blue Lagoon, Comino & Gozo with Bus Tour

If you’re looking to see a good chunk of Malta’s most iconic sights in a single day, this boat and bus combo tour offers a practical and scenic way to do it. While we haven’t personally taken this exact trip, reviews and detailed descriptions give us a solid picture of what to expect. From swimming in the famously clear waters of the Blue Lagoon to wandering through Gozitan streets, this tour packs plenty of memorable moments.

What we love about this experience is the balance of sea and land exploration: you get to relax on a boat, snorkel in stunning coves, and then step onto land for a taste of Gozitan culture. Plus, the small boat size means you’ll experience caves up close without the crowds. But, be aware that timing on the stops can be brief—so if you’re craving a deep dive into each location, this might feel a little rushed.

Still, if you’re after great value—especially at just $35 per person—this tour is ideal for those who want an overview of Malta’s highlights without breaking the bank. It’s perfect for first-timers, solo travelers, or anyone eager to tick off the Blue Lagoon and Gozitan capital in one smooth, well-organized day.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Good To Know

• Affordable Price: At $35, this tour offers impressive value given the variety of sights visited.
• Diverse Experiences: Combines boat cruise, snorkeling, and time on land for a well-rounded adventure.
• Expert Guides: Live commentary in English helps bring the sights to life.
• Small Boat Advantage: Better access to caves and less crowded views.
• Flexible Options: Food, drinks, and snorkeling gear available for purchase, adding convenience.
• Timing & Weather: Caves and sea conditions depend on weather, so plans might shift slightly.

Discovering Malta’s Coastal and Cultural Gems in One Day

This tour is designed to give you a snapshot of Malta’s stunning coastlines, crystal-clear waters, and charming Gozitan towns—all in just over half a day. The journey begins at Dawret Il-Gzejjer in Bugibba, where the lively atmosphere and proximity to your lodging make for an easy start. Boarding the boat, dubbed “Mermaid,” you’ll cruise past the rugged Maltese coastline, with views of Mellieha and other notable spots, setting the scene for the adventure ahead.

The Blue Lagoon: The Star Attraction

The Blue Lagoon on Comino is often the main event, and it’s easy to see why. The reviews highlight the “absolutely stunning” waters that look almost unreal in their clarity. Expect to spend around an hour here, with time to swim, snorkel, sunbathe, or simply take photos of the vivid turquoise waters contrasting against the white sands and rocky surroundings.

While the lagoon’s beauty is undeniable, some travelers note that not much is available to do on Comino itself, with debris left behind by visitors spoiling the pristine vibe slightly. Still, the opportunity to jump directly into the water from the boat and enjoy one of the clearest swimming spots in the Mediterranean makes it worthwhile.

Exploring Gozitan Culture in Victoria

After the Blue Lagoon, the boat heads to Mgarr Harbour on Gozo. From there, a direct bus transfer takes you to Victoria, the island’s lively capital. With two hours on Gozzo, you’ll have enough time to visit the Cittadella, explore markets, or enjoy a meal at a local eatery.

Reviewers appreciated the convenience of the organized transfer, which allowed them to maximize their time on land without worrying about logistics. Some mentioned that more time in Gozzo would be perfect, especially for those wanting to explore its winding streets and historic sites in depth.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Cave Entering and Coastal Views

One of the tour’s highlights is the chance to enter into caves along the Maltese coastline, weather permitting. The smaller boat size is a real bonus here, allowing closer access to caves such as the Crystal Lagoon and St. Mary’s Caves, which are often praised for their spectacular formations.

Expect to see notable landmarks like Elephant Rock and to snap plenty of photos of the rugged shoreline. The cave visits are weather-dependent, so poor sea conditions might limit these excursions, but when available, they’re a major highlight.

The Return Journey

As you head back to Bugibba, the views of the coastline are stunning. The boat cruise lasts around 50 minutes, giving ample opportunity for photos and relaxing in the sea breeze. The return to Bugibba wraps up a day filled with natural beauty and cultural insights, with most reviews emphasizing how well-organized and friendly the crew was throughout.

Practical Details: What to Expect and Tips

This tour is designed for efficiency—boarding starts 30 minutes before departure and is closed 10 minutes prior, so punctuality is key. The live commentary in English adds context, making each stop more meaningful, especially if you’re unfamiliar with Maltese or Gozitan history.

What to bring: a sun hat, swimwear, towel, sunscreen, and cash for food, drinks, or rental gear. Snacks and refreshments are available for purchase onboard, so you won’t go hungry.

Duration: The full experience lasts approximately 5.5 hours, with specific times set for each stop. While it’s a well-paced tour, some travelers do wish for more time at each location—particularly in Gozo.

Weather & Cave Access: The caves and some sightseeing depend on sea conditions. If weather is rough, the caves may be less accessible, and the captain reserves the right to alter or cancel parts of the itinerary.

Accessibility: The tour isn’t suitable for those with mobility impairments due to boat and walking requirements.

What Reviewers Say

Many guests have praised the knowledgeable guides and friendly crew, noting that their explanations helped enhance the experience. One reviewer mentioned Captain Matthew’s helpfulness and clear explanations, which made the trip enjoyable and informative.

The value for money consistently shines through in reviews, with travelers feeling they got a lot of scenery and experiences for a modest price. The Blue Lagoon’s breathtaking waters are often described as “unreal”, and the quick visits to caves are appreciated for their intimate accessibility.

Some comments also mentioned the quality of the small boat, which allows for entering caves without the crowds and getting closer to stunning natural formations. The only common critique is the brief time on land in Gozzo, leaving some wishing for an extra hour to explore more at their leisure.

The Sum Up: Who is This Tour Perfect For?

This combo tour is ideal for first-time visitors wanting a comprehensive snapshot of Malta’s coastal beauty and Gozitan charm without the hassle of multiple bookings. It offers excellent value, especially for those who enjoy a mix of scenic boat rides and cultural sightseeing.

Adventure seekers and those eager to swim and snorkel will love the Blue Lagoon’s crystal-clear waters. History buffs will appreciate the short but insightful visit to Victoria, while cave lovers will enjoy close-up access to stunning natural formations.

That said, if you prefer longer explorations of each site or have mobility issues, you might find the brief stops and boat access limiting. Still, for most travelers looking for a well-organized, scenic, and affordable day out, this tour delivers.

FAQ

How early should I arrive for the tour? Boarding begins 30 minutes before departure, so plan to arrive on time to avoid missing the boat.

Is food included? No, food and drinks are not included but are available for purchase on board.

Can I rent snorkeling equipment? Yes, snorkeling gear can be rented with a €10 security deposit paid in cash.

What should I bring? Sunscreen, swimwear, a towel, a sun hat, and cash for snacks or gear rentals.

Are the caves accessible? The caves are weather-dependent; if sea conditions aren’t suitable, cave visits might be limited or canceled.

Is there Wi-Fi on the boat? Yes, Wi-Fi is available onboard.

Are there toilets on the boat? Yes, toilet facilities are provided.

Is this tour suitable for children or people with mobility issues? It’s not suitable for those with mobility impairments due to boat and walking requirements.

How long is the stop at the Blue Lagoon? You’ll have around 1 hour to swim, relax, or explore.

What’s the best part of the trip? Many say the Blue Lagoon’s waters and the cave visits are the highlights, offering some of the clearest waters and most stunning coastal scenery in Malta.

In essence, this tour combines the best of Malta’s natural beauty and cultural highlights at a fair price. It’s a fantastic choice for travelers who want a balanced, scenic, and easy-to-organize day that covers the highlights while leaving room for spontaneous moments and photos.

You can check if your dates are available here: