St Paul’s Bay is a fantastic jumping-off point for exploring Malta from the water. Its strategic location along the northern coast means you have quick access to some of the most beautiful spots around the Maltese Islands. Whether you’re after a relaxing cruise, snorkeling in clear waters, or a private boat experience, this area offers something for all. We’re particularly fond of the St Paul’s Bay: Comino, Blue Lagoon, Gozo, & Caves Boat Tour for its unbeatable combination of scenery, snorkeling, and island-hopping—plus it’s a budget-friendly way to see Malta’s iconic Blue Lagoon.
From luxury catamarans to private charters, the options in St Paul’s Bay are diverse. You can enjoy a half-day trip, sunset cruise, or full-day adventure, all with different atmospheres and amenities. Whatever your style, you’ll find a boat tour that suits your interests and budget. To help you decide, below is a quick overview of the top options, followed by detailed reviews of each.
Quick Overview
The list below covers a range of boat tours and cruises in St Paul’s Bay, from affordable day trips to high-end private charters. Highlights include full-day island explorations, snorkeling in Blue Lagoon, and luxury sunset sails. Most tours include swimming and snorkeling, with some offering private options or dining onboard. For example, the Malta: Gozo, Comino Island and Blue Lagoon Cruise is perfect for a full-day sightseeing cruise, while the Half-Day Luxury Catamaran Tour offers an upscale experience. Our top picks balance value, comfort, and memorable experiences.
1. St Paul’s Bay: Comino, Blue Lagoon, Gozo, & Caves Boat Tour
This popular day cruise from Bugibba Jetty takes you to visit Comino and Gozo, with plenty of stops for swimming and sightseeing. The highlight is definitely the Blue Lagoon, known for its crystal-clear waters ideal for snorkeling and relaxing. The 5.5-hour trip includes a scenic cruise around Elephant Rock, visits to St. Mary’s Caves and Crystal Lagoon Caves, and multiple photo stops.
This tour ranks nearly perfect with a 4.5/5 rating from over 1,350 reviews, mostly praising its value and scenic beauty. The itinerary offers a balanced mix of sightseeing, swimming, and free time to explore the islands. Tour guides are known for their friendly, informative commentary—making this a favorite for first-timers and seasoned travelers alike. The price is affordable at around $24 per person, making it a great entry-level option for those wanting a comprehensive day on the water.
Bottom Line: An excellent choice for budget-conscious travelers who want to see Malta’s most famous spots without sacrificing scenery or fun.
2. Malta: Private Boat Cruise with Caves, Beaches & Swim Stops
For those seeking exclusivity and privacy, the Private Boat Cruise is a standout. This 4-hour trip allows you to charter your own vessel and set your own pace, visiting secluded beaches, caves, and lagoons. You can relax under the Maltese sun, snorkel in pristine waters, and enjoy the freedom to explore hidden corners of Malta’s coastline.
What makes this tour special is the flexibility. Passengers rave about the accommodating captain and the ability to customize stops—whether you want more time at Blue Lagoon or a quiet swim in a less crowded spot. The boat is modern, clean, and designed for comfort, with a capacity for around 20 people. The reviews are glowing, with 122 satisfied travelers praising the “flexibility” and “delicious Maltese platter” onboard. The price is higher—around $74 per person—but the personalized experience and privacy are well worth it.
Bottom Line: Perfect for families or friends wanting a tailor-made day on the water with quality service.
3. Malta: Gozo, Comino Island and Blue Lagoon Cruise
If a full-day adventure sounds appealing, the Gozo, Comino, and Blue Lagoon Cruise offers an immersive experience. This 6.5-hour tour departs from Sirens Quay and covers Malta’s quieter sister islands, Gozo and Comino. The cruise stops include Victoria in Gozo for sightseeing, the famous Blue Lagoon for swimming and snorkeling, and a tour of Comino caves.
What sets this trip apart is the blend of island exploration and scenic cruising. Passengers can snorkel off the onboard diving platform or relax on deck with panoramic views. Reviews highlight the well-organized itinerary and the chance to see less touristy areas like Victoria. It’s ideal for travelers wanting a comprehensive full-day experience that balances sightseeing with relaxation.
Value note: The tour provides plenty of time in each location, making it a good deal for the length of the trip. It’s perfect for those interested in more than just the Blue Lagoon and eager to see the “other side” of Malta.
Bottom Line: Best suited for travelers wanting a thorough overview of Malta’s neighboring islands in one day.
4. St. Paul’s Bay: Half-Day Luxury Catamaran Tour with Drinks
For those looking to combine comfort with exclusivity, the Luxury Catamaran Tour offers a refined experience. This 4-hour trip from Fekruna Jetty features a small, private vessel carrying just 20 guests, ensuring personalized attention. The boat glides past the Santa Maria Caves, with the chance to swim in Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon, both known for their stunning clarity.
What makes this tour special is the intimate setting and the complimentary drinks—soft drinks, beer, and wine—making it feel more like a floating lounge. The reviews praise the professional crew and the peaceful, uncrowded environment. It’s perfect for couples or small groups seeking a luxurious, relaxed cruise.
While the price is $74 per person, the small group size, high-end amenities, and gourmet vibe deliver real value. It’s a good pick if you want a more upscale experience without the crowds.
Bottom Line: Ideal for couples or anyone wanting a leisurely, luxurious boat trip with excellent service.
5. Late afternoon cruise to the Blue Lagoon and seacaves
This evening cruise offers a different perspective, departing from Sirens Quay and taking you to Blue Lagoon at sunset. It’s a great way to enjoy a less crowded lagoon and experience the stunning orange glow of the sunset over the caves.
The tour lasts about 4 hours, and the highlight is the two-hour swim and snorkel in the lagoon, with scenic passes by Santa Maria Caves. Reviewers love the peaceful atmosphere and the chance to avoid the daytime crowds, noting that the sunset views are particularly beautiful. It’s perfect for romantic couples or anyone wanting to see Malta’s coast in a calmer setting.
Worth considering: This tour is a fantastic value for a relaxing evening experience, especially if you prefer to avoid the busy daytime hours.
Bottom Line: Best for sunset lovers and those seeking a quiet, scenic end to their day.
6. Evening Catamaran Charter
If you’re after a luxurious, private experience with a romantic or special-occasion vibe, the Evening Catamaran Charter is the top pick. Costing $726 for a group up to 14, it offers a 4.5-hour cruise from Yacht Marina Malta, with sunset views, stargazing, and onboard music.
The itinerary includes swimming, snorkeling, a BBQ, and plenty of photo opportunities. Customers praise the personalized service and the relaxed atmosphere, making it perfect for romantic getaways or small celebrations.
Because of its high price, this tour is best suited for those celebrating special occasions or wanting a private, all-inclusive experience. It’s less about sightseeing and more about enjoying quality time on the water.
Bottom Line: For couples or small groups seeking an exclusive, memorable evening cruise.
7. Malta: Gozo, Comino and Blue Lagoon Cruise with Sea Caves
This full-day tour offers an expanded version of the island-hopping experience, focusing on Gozo and Comino. It departs from Sirens Quay and includes scenic cruising, self-guided explore time on Gozо, and swimming at Blue Lagoon.
It’s notable for its small boat size—a detail appreciated by reviewers who mention the more relaxed, uncrowded environment. The tour spends about 2 hours in Gozо and 1.5 hours at Blue Lagoon, providing enough time for swimming and casual exploration. Guests have enjoyed the friendly crew and the chance to see less touristy areas.
This trip offers great value for a full-day excursion, ideal for those who want a more intimate and less touristy experience while still seeing Malta’s key islands.
Bottom Line: Best suited for travelers who want a comfortable, personal tour with plenty of free time to explore.
8. Malta: Blue Lagoon Evening Swim & Snorkel Boat Cruise
This evening cruise provides a more relaxed and less crowded experience of the Blue Lagoon, departing from Sirens Quay. It lasts about 4 hours and is perfect for those wanting to swim and snorkel while enjoying sunset views.
The tour features 2 hours in the lagoon, with stops at scenic caves, and passengers rave about the peaceful atmosphere and the beautiful orange hues of sunset reflected on the water. The price ($34) makes it accessible for most travelers.
Reviewers highlight that this is a great way to avoid the crowds and enjoy a serene end to the day. It’s particularly well-suited for romantic evenings or anyone who prefers a more subdued experience.
Bottom Line: Ideal for sunset lovers and those wanting a quieter, reflective end to their Malta trip.
9. Exclusive Catamaran Charter
Finally, for the most indulgent option, the Exclusive Catamaran Charter offers an 8-hour journey around Malta’s most beautiful bays. Price is $1,816 per group, up to 14 people, making it a true luxury experience.
This charter provides comfortable lounging, snorkeling in crystal-clear waters, a gourmet onboard meal, and stunning views of Malta’s coast. It’s perfect for special occasions or those who prefer a completely private trip with tailored stops and activities.
Reviewers appreciate the modern vessel and personalized service, noting that it feels like a private yacht. The extra time and amenities justify the higher cost for those seeking a luxurious, hassle-free day.
Bottom Line: The best choice for celebrating a special event or indulging in a private, all-inclusive day.
How to Choose Your Perfect Boat Tour in St Paul’s Bay
Choosing the right boat experience depends on your budget, interests, and time available. For a budget-friendly overview of Malta’s highlights, the Blue Lagoon and Caves Day Trip offers great value. If you’re after luxury and privacy, the Luxury Catamaran or Exclusive Charter are excellent options. Want to explore Gozо and Comino in depth? The full-day tours are perfect.
Consider your fitness level for swimming and snorkeling, and whether you prefer guided tours with commentary or free exploration. Booking early, especially for private and luxury options, ensures you secure your preferred date. The best time for these tours is from spring through early fall, when the weather and sea conditions are most inviting.
Final Thoughts
St Paul’s Bay offers a diverse collection of boat tours that cater to all kinds of travelers—from budget adventurers to luxury seekers. The Comino Blue Lagoon trip remains a favorite for its simplicity and stunning scenery, while the Luxury Catamaran provides a more refined experience. For private comfort, the Private Boat and Exclusive Charter are hard to beat.
No matter which you choose, boat tours in Malta promise a memorable way to see the islands, enjoy the sea, and create lasting holiday memories. Be sure to book early to lock in your preferred dates, and prepare for a fantastic day on the water.
