Quick answer: yes, you can take a short coastal boat trip from St Paul’s Bay or Bugibba to the St Paul’s Islands, with most skippers stopping for a swim beside the uninhabited islets. Think of it as an easy couple of hours on the water with views of the north coast, rather than a destination you explore on foot.
What that looks like depends on the sea and the boat you choose. Small open boats can slip close to the rocks and find a sheltered patch to anchor, while larger cruisers point the islands out as part of a longer coastal run. If you crave turquoise water and caves, save a full day for the blue lagoon comino, the crystal lagoon or the santa marija caves and think of St Paul’s as a lighter, nearby alternative you can fit between a lazy lunch and a sunset at golden bay ghajn tuffieha.
What the answer depends on
The right call is about wind, boat size and your expectations. Northerly breezes often pick up by afternoon in summer, so mornings are calmer and better for a swim stop. If you want maximum time in the water, pick a smaller boat that says it anchors by the islands rather than a big circuit that just sails past on the way to Qawra Point. Pair it with something nearby on land, like the malta national aquarium, or push on up the coast to mellieha bay or armier bay if you decide you want sand under your feet.
Boat tours run from St Paul's Bay and Bugibba.
Price and tickets
There is no single tariff for St Paul’s Islands, because every operator bundles the stop differently. Some sell a short loop with a swim, others include it in a longer north‑coast cruise. Walk-up sellers on the promenade are common in season, and most operators let you pay on the spot or book ahead online. They take major credit cards. You can get 5% off with code MEX5 if you redeem it in the local booking partner office.
Opening times
The islands themselves do not have opening hours, so departure times are set by the operator and the weather. Expect more departures on calm summer days, fewer in shoulder months, and cancellations if swell builds. If you prefer to buy in person, the local booking office opens Monday to Friday 09:00–17:00 and is closed on Saturday and Sunday.
Booking ahead
For a calm-water swim stop, aim for a morning slot and book the day before in peak season. Same-day space is often fine outside of school holidays, but weekends in July and August can fill. There is a local booking partner office in Sliema. Hypogeum tickets are sold out until early October, as of 11.06.2026. That is a different attraction, but it shows how Malta’s most popular tickets can disappear, so book ahead if your plan is tight or you want a specific time.
What the trip is actually like
Most skippers idle off the lee side of the islets, drop a ladder, and let you swim in clear, open-water conditions over rock and seagrass. There is no jetty and no shade on the rocks, and landings are at the skipper’s discretion, so plan to enjoy the water rather than a walk. On a clear day you will look back to Qawra and Xemxija, with coral lagoon tucked round the headland for those who want a wilder add‑on by kayak or on a separate boat. Divers often base themselves at cirkewwa diving further up the coast, and if this taster makes you curious, a full gozo day trip opens up bigger cliffs and emptier coves.
What to bring and wear
Open sea means sun and spray. Pack light and assume you will get wet.
- Swimwear, towel, reef‑safe sunscreen, hat and sunglasses
- Water shoes if you plan to clamber on rocks
- Mask and snorkel for the swim stop
- A light cover‑up for the breeze on the ride back, plus a dry bag for phone and keys
What people get wrong
They expect a beach. St Paul’s is rock and scrub, with no facilities, so do not plan a picnic ashore. They go late and meet chop. If wind is in the north, afternoons can be bumpy and skippers may shorten the swim. They book the wrong boat. If you want a guaranteed swim, choose a small boat that advertises a stop by the islands; if you want more dramatic scenery, skip this and spend your time at fomm ir rih or the cliffs around il majjistral nature history park instead.
Common questions
Can you land on St Paul’s Islands?
Some skippers will nose in or drop a ladder in calm seas, but there is no jetty and the shoreline is rocky. Most trips anchor for a swim beside the islets rather than putting people ashore. Ask when you book if landing is essential for you.
Is it good for kids?
Yes if they are confident on boats and in open water. The stop is off rocks, not a beach, so life jackets and supervision matter. If you want easy beach time, plan [mellieha bay](/mellieha-bay) or [golden bay ghajn tuffieha](/golden-bay-ghajn-tuffieha) instead.
Will I see anything underwater?
On clear days you get typical Maltese shallows over rock and seagrass, plus small fish. Bring a mask. For caves and brighter water, consider [santa marija caves](/santa-marija-caves) or the [crystal lagoon](/crystal-lagoon).
What if the sea is rough?
Trips are weather dependent and skippers will cancel or shorten routes if swell builds. Northerly winds can make the north coast choppy by afternoon, which is why mornings are safer bets.
Last checked: 31 October 2026. Prices, opening hours and timetables change, verify anything time-sensitive before you travel. Image: Generated for this site with OpenAI gpt-image-2, Generated image, not a photograph of the location.
