Sliema: Three Bay Cruise with Lunch & Optional Transfers

Malta’s Three Bay Cruise is built around one excellent idea: spend a full day on the water and let the boat connect several hard-to-reach swimming spots. You sail from Sliema aboard the wooden Turkish gulet Hera, with coastal views, three swim stops, a cold buffet, and drinks included.

I like the strong value for the price, especially with soft drinks all day and unlimited local beer and wine at lunch. I also like the practical boat setup: swimming ladders, freshwater showers, a shaded rear canopy, a saloon, and a bar make this more than a basic ferry ride.

The main consideration is the long day and the busy feel that can come with a popular swimming cruise. Blue Lagoon access now requires a government pass if you want to step ashore, and anyone prone to seasickness or needing high mobility support should think carefully before booking.

Key points to know before you book

• Three different swimming stops: The route includes St. Paul’s Bay or Selmun, Daħlet Qorrot Bay on Gozo, and Comino’s Blue Lagoon.
• A full day on a traditional gulet: The Hera offers open decks, a saloon, bar, shade, ladders, and freshwater showers.
• Food and drinks are part of the deal: You get a mid-morning snack, cold buffet lunch, unlimited soft drinks and water, local beer and wine with lunch, and afternoon fruit.
• Blue Lagoon planning matters: You need a government-issued afternoon access pass to go ashore at Comino’s Blue Lagoon.
• Transfers are optional: Hotel pickup is available from selected points, but the pickup time is separate from the cruise departure time.
• The best fit is an active swimmer: The boat is wheelchair accessible in general terms, but the activity is not suitable for people with mobility impairments, and non-folding or electric wheelchairs are not allowed.

Sailing out from Sliema aboard the Hera

The day begins at Sliema Ferries, opposite the Basilica of Jesus of Nazareth. Look for the traditional-design wooden Turkish gulet Hera, or ask at the check-in booth if you need help finding the right boat.

The cruise leaves in the morning and returns at about 5:30 PM, giving you roughly eight hours from departure to return. That timing makes this a full-day outing, not a quick coastal ride squeezed between other plans. I would keep the evening fairly open, since you will likely want a shower, a quiet meal, or simply some time off your feet afterward.

The Hera has several places to settle in. You can sit on the open decks for the best views, use the shaded canopy toward the back, or retreat to the saloon if the sun becomes too strong. A bar is available, and the boat has swimming ladders and freshwater showers, two details that matter once you have spent hours in salt water.

You will be looking at Malta from the sea as the boat passes St. Julian’s Bay, St. Paul’s Islands, Mellieħa, and other coastal villages and sights. The English commentary helps give the route some context, though the main pleasure here is visual: rocky shorelines, bays, villages, and changing views as the boat heads north.

The boat is a much more comfortable base than a small open speedboat, but that comfort comes with a slower pace. You are choosing a relaxed day afloat rather than a fast, highly customized tour. If you like to sit back, swim, eat, and watch the coast pass by, that is a fair trade.

The first swim stop, St. Paul’s Bay or Selmun

The first stop depends on the weather. The boat may pause at St. Paul’s Bay or beneath Selmun, giving you an early chance to swim before continuing toward Gozo.

This flexibility is useful because conditions matter on the water. The exact first bay is not guaranteed, so I would treat the location as part of the day’s changing route rather than the central reason to book. The important point is that you get into the water relatively early, rather than waiting until the final stop.

Bring your swimwear under your clothes and keep your towel easy to reach. You do not want to rummage through a bag while everyone else is already heading for the ladders. The onboard freshwater showers are especially welcome after this first swim, though I would still carry sunscreen and a hat for the hours between stops.

The stop is also a good test of how you feel at sea. If you are already uncomfortable after the morning crossing, the remaining route may feel long. Motion sickness prevention is specifically recommended, and I would take that advice seriously if you know you are sensitive to boat movement.

Daħlet Qorrot Bay and the Gozo coast

The second swim takes place at Daħlet Qorrot Bay on Gozo. This is one of Gozo’s more scenic bays, and the setting gives the cruise a different feel from a stop near Malta’s busier resort areas.

You remain on a boat-based schedule here. The attraction is the bay, the water, and the chance to swim in a picturesque coastal setting, not a long shore visit or a guided walking tour. That distinction matters if you want to explore Gozo on foot. This cruise gives you a glimpse of the island from the water, but it does not replace a land tour of Gozo.

The swim stops are also where the boat’s design earns its keep. Ladders make getting in and out of the water easier than scrambling over a low edge, and the deck gives you room to dry off and rest. You can use the canopy for shade, but Malta’s sun is strong, so a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen remain essential.

There is no need to pack a full picnic. A mid-morning snack is included, and lunch comes later on board. Still, bring cash for personal purchases at the bar or anything else not covered by the included drinks. Spirits, liquor, and other unspecified beverages are not included.

The longest stop at Comino’s Blue Lagoon

Comino is the day’s main event, and the Blue Lagoon is where you spend the longest break. The water is known for its clear cyan color, pale sandy bottom, and visibility into the sea below. You can swim, snorkel, sunbathe, relax on the boat, or take a walk around Comino’s countryside.

The key practical change is the new shore-access rule. From May 2025, anyone who wants to disembark at the Blue Lagoon must obtain an access pass through the official government website, blcomino.com. The daily number of passes is limited, and this cruise requires you to select the afternoon slot when applying.

That pass is not included in the cruise price. It is a government requirement, not an optional add-on created by the boat operator. Plan ahead rather than waiting until the morning of your cruise. If you only plan to remain on the boat or swim from the boat, check the current access instructions carefully, since the pass specifically concerns stepping ashore.

The Blue Lagoon is beautiful, but it is also the point where expectations need adjusting. The cruise brings you to one of Malta’s most famous swimming spots, yet the area can feel less peaceful than its photographs suggest, especially at a popular time of day. The boat gives you a comfortable place to retreat, and that is one advantage of visiting as part of a gulet cruise rather than relying only on a small patch of shore.

I would use this stop flexibly. Swim when the water suits you, take a break under the canopy, and walk only if you have the required pass and still have the energy. You do not need to spend every minute in the water. Eight hours is a long time to stay in the sun, and pacing yourself will make the return trip much more pleasant.

What you actually eat and drink on board

Food is one of the better reasons to consider this cruise instead of a bare sightseeing boat. You receive a mid-morning snack, a cold buffet lunch, and fresh fruit in the afternoon.

Lunch also includes unlimited local wine and beer, while mineral water and soft drinks are available throughout the cruise. This arrangement adds real value to the $77 price, especially if you would otherwise buy drinks and lunch separately during a full day around Malta and Comino.

The meal is a cold buffet rather than a restaurant lunch prepared to order. That keeps service practical on a moving boat and lets the crew feed everyone without a long interruption to the swimming schedule. If you have strict dietary requirements, the supplied details do not specify special menus, so ask the operator before booking rather than assuming.

One particularly useful part of the setup is the steady access to water and soft drinks. You are exposed to sun, wind, and salt for much of the day, so regular hydration is not a minor extra. The lunch drinks are a pleasant bonus, but I would still make water your main drink between swims.

Alcoholic drinks outside the included lunchtime beer and wine are purchased separately. Liquors, spirits, and beverages not listed in the inclusions are not part of the package.

Is $77 a good value for eight hours?

At $77 per person, this is priced as a full-day outing rather than a simple boat transfer. You are paying for the vessel, English commentary, three swim stops, a snack, lunch, water, soft drinks, afternoon fruit, and local beer and wine with the meal.

I consider that solid value if you intend to spend the day swimming and relaxing on the water. The included food and drinks reduce the usual small costs that build up during a long excursion. The gulet also gives you more space and facilities than a basic transport boat.

The value is weaker if you dislike long boat rides, do not plan to swim, or want a detailed land tour of Malta and Gozo. Much of the day is spent moving between stops or relaxing on board. That is not wasted time for someone who enjoys the sea, but it may feel slow if you want constant sightseeing.

Optional pickup and drop-off transfers can make the day easier if you are staying away from Sliema. If you are lodging within walking distance of Sliema Ferries, you need to make your own way to the departure point. For transfer bookings, the time shown on the website or voucher is the cruise departure time, not your hotel pickup time. Pickup is generally between 8:00 and 8:45 AM, depending on where you stay, and you should contact the operator a few days ahead to confirm the exact point and time.

Comfort, safety, and who should skip it

I like the boat’s practical facilities, but this is still a boat day. You need to manage sun exposure, salt water, and possible motion. Pack comfortable shoes, swimwear, a towel, sunglasses, a sun hat, sunscreen, and some cash. Motion sickness medication or another prevention method is sensible if you need it.

The experience is not suitable for people prone to seasickness or people with mobility impairments. Although the activity is described as wheelchair accessible, non-folding and electric wheelchairs are not allowed. That means you should confirm your exact needs with the operator before paying, especially if you need help moving between the dock, boat, deck, and swimming ladder.

The cruise is a good fit for couples, families with confident swimmers, and anyone who wants a low-effort way to see several Maltese bays in one day. It is less suitable for someone seeking solitude, a serious snorkeling excursion, a guided Gozo visit, or a quiet luxury sailing trip.

The crew’s care is another positive point. The onboard staff and crew provide assistance, and the service includes English commentary throughout the journey. One published rating praised the staff for making people feel safe and well looked after, while another noted that a few crew members could have been friendlier. I would set expectations at practical, organized service rather than polished personal attention.

Smoking is allowed on board, and one rating specifically noted the lack of ashtrays. If smoke bothers you, ask where smoking is permitted when you board and choose your seating area accordingly.

Booking advice for a smoother day

The most important preparation is the Blue Lagoon access pass. Apply through blcomino.com before the cruise, choose the afternoon slot, and remember that the pass is separate from your boat booking.

Arrive with the essentials already packed. A dry bag or small waterproof pouch would be useful for a phone, money, and sunscreen, though the provided details do not promise storage facilities. Avoid oversized luggage, which is not allowed.

If you use the optional transfers, confirm the pickup point and time several days before departure. The cruise departure time printed on your voucher does not tell you when the vehicle will collect you.

Finally, keep your schedule realistic. The cruise returns to Sliema at approximately 5:30 PM, so do not book an important evening activity too close afterward. The cancellation policy allows a full refund when you cancel at least 24 hours ahead, and the reserve-now, pay-later option can help if your plans are still flexible.

Should you book the Three Bay Cruise?

Book it if you want a full day of swimming, coastal views, lunch, and easy logistics at a fair all-in price. The combination of three bays, a traditional gulet, and included drinks gives you plenty for $77, especially if you enjoy spending time on the water rather than rushing between sights.

Skip it if you get seasick, need extensive mobility support, or want a quiet Blue Lagoon experience without crowds or access planning. Also think twice if your main goal is exploring Malta or Gozo on foot, since this is primarily a coastal cruise with swim stops.

For the best experience, arrange the Blue Lagoon pass early, bring serious sun protection, confirm any transfers, and treat the day as a relaxed boat outing rather than a tightly timed sightseeing tour.

FAQ

Where does the cruise depart from?

The boat leaves from Sliema Ferries on Triq Ix-Xatt, in the area opposite the Basilica of Jesus of Nazareth. Look for the Turkish gulet named Hera or ask the staff at the check-in booth.

What are the three swimming stops?

The first stop is at St. Paul’s Bay or beneath Selmun, depending on weather conditions. The second is Daħlet Qorrot Bay on Gozo, and the final and longest stop is at Comino’s Blue Lagoon.

Is lunch included?

Yes. The cruise includes a cold buffet lunch, a mid-morning snack, and fresh fruit in the afternoon.

Which drinks are included?

Mineral water and soft drinks are available throughout the cruise. Local wine and beer are unlimited during lunchtime. Liquors, spirits, and other beverages not specified in the inclusions are extra.

Do I need a pass for the Blue Lagoon?

You need a government-issued access pass if you want to step ashore at the Blue Lagoon. Passes are obtained through blcomino.com, daily availability is limited, and you should select the afternoon slot for this cruise.

Are hotel transfers available?

Pickup and drop-off transfers are available from selected meeting points as an optional booking choice. The cruise departure time shown on your voucher is not your pickup time, so contact the operator a few days ahead to confirm the location and pickup time.

What should I bring?

Bring comfortable shoes, sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, cash, and motion sickness prevention if needed. Oversized luggage, pets, non-folding wheelchairs, and electric wheelchairs are not allowed.