St. Paul’s Bay: Gozo, Comino & St. Paul’s Bus & Boat Tour

If you’re seeking a balanced mix of scenic boat rides, cultural exploration, and time to relax, this full-day tour around Malta’s most iconic spots might be just what you need. It’s a popular choice for travelers who want to see multiple islands efficiently, with stunning views and authentic experiences included. Our review is based on over a hundred traveler opinions, giving you a clear picture of what to expect.

We love that this tour offers a chance to swim in the famous Blue Lagoon and explore the charming capital of Victoria on Gozo — two highlights that make the trip worthwhile. The friendly crew and knowledgeable guides help make the day enjoyable, adding a personal touch to the adventure. However, one thing to consider is that the schedule can feel a bit tight, especially if you want more time to explore each stop thoroughly.

This experience is perfect for those who enjoy a mix of scenic cruising, cultural sights, and a bit of leisure time. If your travel style leans toward adventure but with comfortable pacing, and you’re looking for value for money, then this tour could be just right.

Key Points

• All-in-One Experience: Combines boat rides, bus tours, and land exploration in one day.
• Affordable Price: About $40 per person, offering good value considering the destinations visited.
• Stunning Highlights: Blue Lagoon, Victoria (Gozo), and St. Paul’s Island are must-see spots.
• Flexible and Relaxed: Includes swimming, sightseeing, and cave visits, with opportunities to sunbathe and take photos.
• Expert Guides: Live commentary and friendly crew enhance the experience.
• Weather-Dependent: Cave entry and some stops depend on weather conditions, so flexibility is key.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Tour Experience

Starting the Day: Setting Sail from Bugibba Jetty

The day kicks off early, with boarding at 9:30 am at Bugibba Jetty. The friendly staff, often identifiable by the distinctive red, white, and blue boat named “Mermaid”, will direct you to your vessel. With a full-day itinerary, timing is everything — the boat departs promptly at 10:00 am. The cruise up the Maltese coast provides an initial treat: panoramic views of Mellieha, the coastline, and the archipelago. The boat’s size allows for a more intimate experience, avoiding the crowded feeling common on larger vessels.

Blue Lagoon: The Crystal Clear Highlight

The first major stop is the famous Blue Lagoon on Comino, where you’ll spend about an hour. This spot impresses with crystal-clear waters and a peaceful ambiance. Many reviews praise the lagoon’s beauty, with one traveler describing it as “absolutely stunning” and “unreal.” You’ll love the chance to swim, snorkel, or just bask on the rocks. Just be prepared for the crowds during peak season — the lagoon can get busy, but the good news is you’ll have a decent amount of time to enjoy it before the tour moves on.

Note that there is a small debris problem on Comino, left behind by travelers, which some might find disappointing. Still, the natural beauty easily outweighs this, and snorkeling gear is available to rent if you want to explore underwater.

Exploring Gozo: Victoria and Beyond

After the lagoon, the boat cruises towards Mgarr Harbour on Gozo, Malta’s smaller sister island. Here, you’ll take a bus ride into Victoria, the island’s bustling capital. The bus ride is a neat way to get a quick overview of Gozo’s landscape and vibe.

Once in Victoria, you have about two hours. This gives you enough time to:

• Visit the Cittadella, an ancient fortress offering spectacular views over the island.
• Explore local markets and shops for souvenirs or snacks.
• Grab a meal at a local Gozitan restaurant, a chance to taste regional flavors.

Reviews highlight how well-organized this part is, with one traveler noting, “The bus tour gave a nice intro to the island — though a bit more time there would have been perfect.” It’s a busy stop, but it offers a glimpse into Gozitan life that’s both authentic and scenic.

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Cave Visits and the Secluded St. Paul’s Island

Back on the boat, the trip continues along the coast, with the chance to enter caves at no extra charge. The smaller vessel allows for closer access to caves like Crystal Lagoon and St. Mary’s Caves, weather permitting. These caves are a highlight for many, offering striking formations and photo opportunities.

Finally, the boat reaches St. Paul’s Island, where you can enjoy 30 minutes for a last swim or a walk to see the St. Paul’s statue. The island’s secluded nature offers a peaceful setting after the busier stops, and many reviews mention how relaxing this part is.

Wrapping Up the Day: Return to Bugibba

The cruise back departs around 4:30 pm, reaching Bugibba by 5:00 pm. You’ll leave with plenty of memories of crystal waters, scenic coastlines, and charming villages. The tour concludes at the original meeting point, making it a convenient, well-organized day.

What’s Included and What to Budget

For $40, you get live commentary in English, Wi-Fi onboard, toilets, 1 hour in Comino, 2 hours in Gozo including bus transfer, and 30 minutes at St. Paul’s Island. You’ll also have access to entry into caves, which is a unique feature of this tour.

Food and drinks are not included, but they are available for purchase at stops. You might find it worth bringing some cash for snacks or a light meal, especially in Victoria. Snorkeling equipment can be rented for about 10 euros, with a cash security deposit.

The Value

At $40, this tour provides a broad snapshot of Malta’s highlights without the hassle of organizing multiple transports or activities. While some travelers wish they had more time in each stop — especially in Gozo — the overall value seems fair, considering the quality of sights and the convenience.

Authentic Experiences and Practical Tips

Based on reviews, travelers consistently mention the friendly crew and engaging guides as a highlight. Their commentary helps you understand the significance of each stop, making the experience more meaningful. Some travelers suggest adding a private bus for Gozo to extend leisure time, which might be worth considering if you’re looking for a more relaxed visit.

A common tip is to bring sun protection — a hat, sunscreen, and a towel — as most of the day is spent outdoors. Cash is handy for snacks, souvenirs, or renting gear, and it’s wise to arrive early for boarding since the boat departs promptly at 10 am.

Weather can influence cave visits and water activities, so be flexible. The captain reserves the right to alter or cancel parts of the trip based on sea conditions, which is typical for any ocean-based excursion.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This tour is ideal for first-time visitors wanting an overview of Malta’s key sights in one day. It suits those who enjoy mixing sightseeing with some time to relax in beautiful spots. If you’re comfortable with a busy schedule and want good value for money, this could be your perfect day out.

However, if you prefer more time at each destination or are mobility-impaired, you might find the schedule a bit rushed. It’s also better for those who are okay with weather-dependent cave visits and don’t mind a fair amount of boat cruising.

FAQs

Is the tour suitable for children?
The tour is generally suitable for families, particularly if children enjoy boat rides and swimming. However, keep in mind the schedule is busy, and younger kids might get tired with the full day’s pace.

What should I bring on the tour?
Bring a sun hat, swimwear, towel, sunscreen, and cash for snacks or rental gear. It’s also helpful to have a camera ready for all the photo-worthy moments.

Does the tour accommodate different weather conditions?
The captain can cancel or modify the trip based on weather, especially regarding cave visits and snorkeling. Always check the forecast and be flexible.

How long is the time spent at each stop?
You’ll have about 1 hour at Comino, 2 hours in Gozo, and 30 minutes at St. Paul’s Island. These are designed to give a taste, but some reviews mention wishing for more time, especially in Gozo.

Can I buy food on the tour?
Food and drinks are available for purchase at stops. Many travelers recommend bringing some cash to enjoy local snacks or a quick meal in Victoria.

Is there a way to customize or extend part of the trip?
While the standard tour is packed, some suggest hiring a private bus for Gozo to spend more time exploring. Check if this is an option when booking.

Final Thoughts

This St. Paul’s Bay: Gozo, Comino & St. Paul’s Bus & Boat Tour offers a robust introduction to Malta’s diverse scenery and culture. The combination of crystal-clear waters, historical sites, and scenic caves makes it a compelling choice for a single-day adventure.

You’ll love the friendly guides, the stunning vistas, and the convenience of seeing multiple islands without the hassle of organizing transport yourself. The price point makes it accessible, and many reviews highlight the excellent value and professional crew.

While some might wish for a bit more time in each location, especially in Gozo, the overall experience balances sightseeing, relaxation, and fun. If you’re after a well-organized, authentic taste of Malta’s highlights, this tour is a solid pick.

In summary, this tour suits travelers who want an efficient, enjoyable day out that combines boat trips, cultural sights, and some leisure time. It’s particularly well-suited for those who prioritize value, scenic beauty, and engaging guides. If you’re looking for a fun, practical way to experience the Maltese islands — with a touch of adventure — this tour could be just the trip you need.

You can check availability for your dates here: