From Sliema: Three Bay Cruise with Lunch and Optional Transfers

Malta’s coast is best appreciated from the water, and this full-day cruise gives you plenty of it. From Sliema, the Hera gulet passes St. Julian’s, Qawra, Buġibba, St. Paul’s Island, Gozo, and Comino before returning in the afternoon. I like the three swim stops and the easy pace, with time to swim, sunbathe, or stay aboard.

I also like that the price includes a cold buffet lunch, unlimited mineral water and soft drinks, plus local wine and beer with the meal. The main catch is the Blue Lagoon access rule: since May 2025, you need a government-issued pass to go ashore there, and you must arrange it yourself in advance.

Key points to know before booking

• Three chances to swim: Stops are planned at St. Paul’s Bay or beneath Selmun, Daħlet Qorrot Bay in Gozo, and the Blue Lagoon, though weather can change the plan.
• A proper full-day outing: The cruise leaves Sliema Ferries at 9:30 a.m. and lasts about eight hours.
• Lunch and drinks are part of the fare: You get a cold buffet, local wine and beer during lunch, soft drinks all day, a morning snack, and afternoon fruit.
• The Blue Lagoon now needs a pass: You cannot step ashore there without an official afternoon access pass from blcomino.com.
• The boat is Hera: Look for the traditional Turkish gulet opposite the Basilica of Jesus of Nazareth in Sliema.
• Optional hotel transfers: Pickup is available, but you must confirm the pickup place and time with the operator several days before departure.

A full day on Malta’s northeastern coast

This is not a quick harbor trip. You leave Sliema at 9:30 a.m. and spend roughly eight hours at sea, with the boat returning to the same meeting point in the afternoon.

The route gives you a broad look at Malta’s northeastern shoreline. You pass the seaside towns of St. Julian’s, Qawra, and Buġibba, then continue toward St. Paul’s Island, Gozo, and Comino. English commentary runs during the cruise, so you get some context while watching the coast pass by.

The pace is intentionally relaxed. You are not rushing from one historic site to another. Instead, the day is built around open-water views, swimming, food, and time on deck. That makes it a good choice if you want a break from Malta’s roads and stone towns.

The boat carries up to 110 people. That is not a private sailing trip, but the traditional wooden gulet design and the schedule can make the day feel more comfortable than a short, tightly packed speedboat outing. One particularly positive detail is that the boat has fresh-water showers and other onboard facilities, which matter after swimming in salt water.

Leaving Sliema aboard the Hera gulet

If you are staying within walking distance of Sliema Ferries, you must make your own way to the boat. Plan to arrive 20 to 30 minutes before departure, not at 9:29 a.m. The boarding point is on Triq Ix-Xatt, in the area opposite the Basilica of Jesus of Nazareth.

Look for the Hera, a traditional-design wooden Turkish gulet. The boat’s character is part of the appeal. You get a proper sailing vessel rather than a plain transport boat, although the tour information does not promise that the sails will be used during the day.

The deck is where you will want to spend much of your time, but bring sun protection and a layer for the ride. The day includes several hours outside, and open water can feel different from the warmth of Sliema’s waterfront.

If you select hotel pickup, do not assume the 9:30 a.m. departure time is your pickup time. The operator requires you to contact them a few days before the cruise to confirm your meeting point and pickup hour. This small step matters, since missing the transfer is not the same as missing an ordinary city bus.

St. Julian’s, Qawra, and Buġibba from the water

The first part of the cruise passes Malta’s built-up northeastern coast. St. Julian’s began as a fishing town and is now linked to Sliema by a long seaside promenade. From the boat, you see the coastal setting around Balluta Bay, Spinola Bay, and St. George’s Bay without needing to walk the full route.

You then pass Qawra and Buġibba, both areas within St. Paul’s Bay. These are popular seaside resorts, so this section is less about untouched scenery and more about seeing how Malta’s resort coast fits together from offshore.

The water-level view changes your sense of distance. Places that seem separate on a map line up along one continuous coast, while the promenade and waterfront buildings become part of a larger sweep. The commentary is in English, but the exact amount of narration may vary during the sailing.

This stretch is sightseeing rather than a shore visit. You do not get time to explore St. Julian’s, Qawra, or Buġibba on foot, so book this cruise for the coastal view, not as a substitute for visiting those towns.

First swim stop at St. Paul’s Bay or Selmun

The first planned swim is at St. Paul’s Bay or beneath Selmun, depending on the weather. You get about an hour here, with no admission charge.

St. Paul’s Bay was once a fishing village and is now one of Malta’s larger seaside towns. Its promenade reaches toward Qawra and Buġibba, and the bay looks toward St. Paul’s Island. According to local tradition, this is the area where the Apostle Paul was shipwrecked on Malta in 60 AD.

St. Paul’s Island, also called Selmunett, sits off Selmun. It has been uninhabited since World War II and is sometimes described in the plural because a shallow isthmus can split it into two sections. A prominent statue of Saint Paul was placed there in 1844.

You may swim near this setting rather than visit the island itself. That distinction is important. The cruise offers coastal views and water time, not a landing at St. Paul’s Island. If you enjoy swimming with an interesting backdrop, this is a strong opening stop. If you prefer a sandy beach and easy shore access, you may find the boat-based format less convenient.

Gozo’s Daħlet Qorrot Bay

The route continues toward Gozo for a second swimming stop at Daħlet Qorrot Bay. You get about an hour in this picturesque bay.

This stop breaks up the day nicely. After viewing Malta’s resort coast, you reach a smaller bay on Gozo, with a more enclosed setting and a different feel from the open coast. The stop is included in the cruise price, and you can swim without paying an admission fee.

Bring your own towel and swimwear. Snorkelling gear is not included, but masks and snorkels, without fins, can be hired onboard for roughly €5 per person. Equipment is limited and provided on a first-come, first-served basis, so you should not count on getting a set if you arrive late.

The exact swimming conditions depend on the sea and weather. The operator can change the route when conditions or other operating needs require it. That flexibility is sensible on a boat tour, but it means the named stops are planned destinations rather than guarantees.

Comino and the Blue Lagoon

The day’s best-known stop is Comino, the small island between Malta and Gozo. Comino covers only about 3.5 square kilometers and has no cars. It is known for clear water, small beaches, walking paths, and the Blue Lagoon.

At the Blue Lagoon, the boat stays for approximately two to two and a half hours, giving you time to swim, sunbathe, snorkel, relax aboard, or walk on Comino. The schedule describes this as another swim stop, so you should have more time here than at the earlier bays.

The water is the main attraction. The lagoon is known for its clear turquoise water, pale seabed, and marine life. It is a fine place for swimming, but do not expect solitude in the warmer months. The Blue Lagoon is one of Malta’s most popular water stops, and the long visit gives you leisure rather than privacy.

The major practical change is the government access pass. Since May 2025, you need an official pass to disembark at the Blue Lagoon. Get it in advance through blcomino.com, choose the afternoon time slot when applying, and keep the pass details available. The daily allocation is limited.

You can still remain on the boat if you do not have a pass, but you will not be allowed ashore. No refund is offered if you cannot disembark because you failed to obtain the pass. This is the single most important booking detail for the cruise.

Lunch, drinks, and what is included

The food package makes the $76.89 price easier to assess. You receive a mid-morning snack, a cold buffet lunch, and fresh fruit in the afternoon. Mineral water and soft drinks are available throughout the cruise, while local wine and beer are included during lunch.

That is useful because an eight-hour boat day can become expensive when every drink or meal costs extra. Here, the main refreshments are covered, so you can settle into the day without constantly reaching for your wallet.

A cash bar also sells some snacks and other drinks. Both cash and cards are accepted. Liquors, spirits, and beverages outside the listed inclusions cost extra, so the included drinks are not an open bar.

The meal is not presented as a formal restaurant experience. Think of it as practical boat-trip food served during a long day outdoors. The cold buffet suits the setting, since it avoids a long cooking service and keeps the schedule moving. The positive details are the fresh preparation, the choice to have wine or beer with lunch, and the fruit later in the day.

Comfort, group size, and the limits of the boat

The boat can carry a maximum of 110 people. That is a sizable group, and you should not expect the personal attention or quiet of a small charter. Still, the gulet provides a more relaxed setting than a simple transfer vessel, with room to sit, watch the coast, and use the onboard facilities.

The boat has fresh-water showers, which are especially helpful after the three planned swim stops. Staff and crew provide assistance, and English commentary is included.

This is not a good fit for everyone. The tour is not recommended for people with mobility impairments, and it is also not recommended if you are prone to seasickness. The day combines a long period on the water with boarding, swimming, and movement around a boat, so consider your comfort carefully before booking.

Large luggage, large suitcases, and pets are not allowed. Pack a small day bag with swimwear, sun protection, a towel, any medicine you need, and your Blue Lagoon pass if you plan to go ashore.

How the $76.89 price measures up

At $76.89 per person, this is not the cheapest way to see one bay. It becomes better value when you use the whole package: about eight hours on the water, three swimming opportunities, lunch, soft drinks, water, a morning snack, afternoon fruit, and wine or beer with lunch.

Optional transfers can add convenience, especially if you are staying away from Sliema. But if your accommodation is close to Sliema Ferries, you do not receive pickup and drop-off. You simply walk to the boat and avoid paying for a transfer you do not need.

The value is strongest for you if you want one organized day that combines Malta’s coast, Gozo, and Comino. It is weaker if you mainly want a short visit to the Blue Lagoon, since a full-day cruise may be more time than you need.

The included drinks and lunch also make the final cost easier to predict. You may still spend extra on snorkelling equipment, bar purchases, or a Blue Lagoon access arrangement, but the core day is covered.

Who should book this cruise?

I would choose this cruise if you want a slow, social day with several swimming stops and little planning once you board. Families and groups of friends may like the balance of sightseeing, food, and free time. The boat’s relaxed feel is useful when you want a break from Malta’s busy roads and crowded town centers.

It also suits you if you like seeing several parts of the islands in one outing. You get St. Julian’s and the northern resort coast, St. Paul’s Island, Gozo, and Comino without arranging separate transport.

I would think twice if your priority is historic sites, quiet beaches, or a small boat. You do not go ashore at every coastal stop, the group may be large, and the Blue Lagoon can be busy. People prone to seasickness or those with mobility limits should choose a different way to see Malta.

Book it if the swimming time matters as much as the sightseeing, and handle the Blue Lagoon pass before the day begins. Skip it if you want a short, focused Comino trip or prefer to keep your schedule flexible.

FAQ

Where does the cruise depart?

It departs from Sliema Ferries on Triq Ix-Xatt, in the area opposite the Basilica of Jesus of Nazareth. Look for the Turkish gulet named Hera.

What time does the cruise leave?

The cruise departs at 9:30 a.m. You should arrive at the departure point 20 to 30 minutes earlier if you are making your own way there.

How long does the cruise last?

The experience lasts approximately eight hours and returns to Sliema Ferries.

Are hotel transfers included?

Pickup and drop-off transfers are included only if you select the transfer option when booking. If you stay within walking distance of Sliema Ferries, you must make your own way to the boat.

How do I confirm a pickup time?

If you book transfers, contact the operator a few days before the cruise to confirm your pickup location and time. The 9:30 a.m. time shown for the activity is the boat’s departure time, not necessarily your hotel pickup time.

What food and drinks are included?

The cruise includes a mid-morning snack, a cold buffet lunch, fresh fruit in the afternoon, unlimited mineral water and soft drinks, and unlimited local wine and beer during lunch.

Do I need a pass for the Blue Lagoon?

Yes. Since May 2025, you need a government-issued access pass to go ashore at the Blue Lagoon. Apply through blcomino.com and select the afternoon time slot.

Is snorkelling equipment provided?

No. Masks and snorkels, without fins, are available to hire for about €5 per person on a first-come, first-served basis. The fee may change.

Can the itinerary change?

Yes. The operator may alter the route or stops because of weather conditions or unforeseen operating constraints. The cruise also requires good weather, and a cancellation for poor weather results in an alternative date or a full refund.