REVIEW · MALTA
Malta 3 Bay Cruise to Selmun Bay Blue Lagoon and Gozo
The best part of this cruise is its small maximum group of 25, which gives you more room on the boat and a calmer way to reach Malta’s most famous swimming spots. I like the generous time at Blue Lagoon, plus the practical extras: snorkeling equipment and two stand-up paddleboards are included. The main drawback is that lunch and alcoholic drinks cost extra, and the day depends on good weather.
I also like the variety. You get a quiet first swim at Selmun Bay, two hours at Comino’s Blue Lagoon, and a shorter stop at a Gozo inlet. Still, this is mainly a swimming and boat day, so you should not book it expecting a guided tour of Gozo or a packed program of cultural sights.
Key points to know before booking

- Small boat setting: The maximum group is 25, a useful contrast with larger Blue Lagoon cruises.
- Three swimming stops: You visit Selmun Bay, Comino’s Blue Lagoon, and a beautiful inlet on Gozo.
- Equipment included: Snorkeling gear and two stand-up paddleboards are available on board.
- Long Blue Lagoon visit: You have about two hours for swimming, snorkeling, sunbathing, and refreshments.
- About eight hours at sea: The day begins and ends at 103 Tigné Seafront in Tas-Sliema.
- Weather matters: Poor conditions can lead to a new date, another experience, or a full refund.
A small-group cruise with swimming at its center

Malta has no shortage of boat trips to the Blue Lagoon. The useful question is not whether a cruise goes there, but how much space you get, how long you stay, and what else you see along the way.
This trip keeps the group to a maximum of 25 people. That matters at Comino, where the famous water can attract large numbers during the warmer months. A smaller boat cannot make the lagoon private, but it can make the hours on board less crowded and more relaxed.
I would think of this as a full day of swimming with three distinct settings. Selmun Bay gives you a quieter opening stop. Blue Lagoon supplies the iconic turquoise water and the longest break. Gozo finishes the day with a shorter swim in a scenic inlet.
The English or Serbian guide is included, as are snorkeling masks and related equipment. Two stand-up paddleboards are also available. You will need to arrange your own lunch and pay separately for alcoholic drinks, though snacks and refreshments can be purchased during the day.
A few more bay cruises around Malta worth a look
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Leaving from 103 Tigné Seafront
The cruise starts and ends at 103 Tigné Seafront in Tas-Sliema, one of the more convenient parts of Malta for an excursion by boat. The advertised operating window runs from April 28, 2025, through November 26, 2026, with departures listed between 10:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.
The total outing lasts about eight hours. That is long enough to make the boat ride feel like the main event rather than a quick transfer between beaches. You should be ready for a full day outdoors, with time in the sun, on deck, and in the water.
The meeting point is important because the tour does not include a hotel pickup in the information provided. Plan to reach the Tigné Seafront meeting point on your own and allow enough time to find the exact departure location.
The boat returns to the same place at the end of the day. That makes the finish simple, especially if you have evening plans in Sliema or nearby.
Selmun Bay: a quiet first swim

The first stop is listed as Imġiebaħ Bay, with the description also referring to Selmun Bay. You cruise along Malta’s coast before reaching this quieter swimming spot, where you have about one hour.
The setting is described as clear water, rocky cliffs, and green surroundings. Compared with Blue Lagoon, the appeal here is less about famous postcard views and more about getting into the water without making the best-known stop your first experience of the day.
I like the order of the stops. A one-hour swim gives you a chance to test the water, use the snorkeling gear, and settle into the rhythm of the boat before the longer Comino stop. If you prefer to stay dry, you can relax on deck instead, though swimming is clearly the focus.
Snorkels are available on board for anyone who wants to look below the surface. The information does not promise a guided snorkeling session or specific marine species, so treat the equipment as a chance to explore at your own pace rather than a formal underwater tour.
One limitation is the name difference between Imġiebaħ Bay and Selmun Bay in the supplied details. If the exact bay matters to you, confirm the stop with Malta Gulet Charters before departure. Either way, this is presented as the quieter first swimming break, not a shore excursion with inland sightseeing.
Two hours at Comino’s Blue Lagoon

Blue Lagoon is the centerpiece. The boat spends about two hours at Comino, giving you much more time than a quick photo stop.
The water is known for its bright turquoise color, and the area is suited to swimming and snorkeling. You can use the equipment on board, sit on the deck, or sunbathe while taking in the view. Snacks and refreshments are available for purchase, but lunch is not included.
Two hours is a sensible amount of time for this stop. You can swim without rushing, take a break, and return to the water. If you prefer not to get wet, the deck provides another way to enjoy the scene, though the experience will be less rewarding than it is for someone who likes being in the sea.
You should also set realistic expectations. Blue Lagoon is Malta’s best-known swimming stop, so the water may not feel secluded, even when your own boat is limited to 25 people. The smaller group helps with personal space on board, but it does not remove the wider popularity of Comino.
The practical advantage is that you do not have to spend the entire stop searching for a separate activity. Snorkeling gear is ready, and two paddleboards are available. Since only two paddleboards are provided, they may need to be shared among the group. The details do not state how long each person may use them, so ask the crew if paddleboarding is a priority for you.
A useful tip is to think of the Blue Lagoon stop as a flexible block of time. Swim early if you want the water, then use the remaining time for the deck and refreshments. Or do the reverse and save your main swim for later. The cruise gives you room to set your own pace.
Same water, a different boat:
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A short Gozo swim in a beautiful inlet

The third stop is on Gozo, where you have about 45 minutes to swim in a clear-water inlet. It is shorter than the other breaks, but it adds a different island to the route and keeps the day from becoming a single-destination Blue Lagoon trip.
This is not a Gozo sightseeing tour. You are not given time for villages, churches, museums, or a land-based excursion. The value is the chance to swim in another setting and see a small part of Gozo from the water.
Forty-five minutes is enough for a quick swim and a few minutes on deck. It is not enough for a leisurely beach session, so keep your belongings organized and be ready to return to the boat when asked.
For many people, this will be a pleasant final stop. After the longer Blue Lagoon break, a shorter swim gives you one last chance to cool off without adding several more hours to the day. If your main goal is to explore Gozo itself, however, you should book a dedicated Gozo tour instead.
What the boat setup means for your day

A small group is the clearest advantage here. The maximum of 25 people gives the boat a more personal scale than the large vessels commonly used for Blue Lagoon trips. You have a better chance of finding a comfortable spot on deck, and the atmosphere should feel less like a mass transfer.
The boat is described as having plenty of room for passengers and sunbathing. One especially practical detail is that two captains are on board. A previous booking party found the captains helpful, including one who entered the water to retrieve a lost item. That does not promise a rescue service for personal belongings, but it suggests the crew is attentive when something goes wrong.
The two captains also matter because you are spending around eight hours at sea. Friendly, responsive crew can make a long day much more pleasant. Still, the available information does not provide the captains’ names, so you should not expect a named guide-led sightseeing presentation.
The included English and Serbian guide is another useful feature. If you need commentary or help during the cruise, language support is available in those two languages. No detailed schedule of guided narration is provided, so expect the focus to remain on the route, swimming stops, and practical assistance.
Snorkeling, paddleboards, and what to bring

The cruise includes snorkeling equipment. That saves you from packing or renting your own mask and snorkel, and it makes it easy to decide in the moment whether you want to look below the surface.
Two stand-up paddleboards are also included. They add an active option between swims, though only two boards are available for a group of up to 25. If you are eager to use one, ask about sharing arrangements early in the day.
Lunch is not included. You can buy snacks and refreshments at the Blue Lagoon, and you should budget for food rather than assuming it is part of the $59.15 price. Alcoholic drinks are also excluded.
The supplied details do not list towels, sunscreen, water, or personal dry bags among the inclusions. Bring what you need for a day around water, and keep valuables secure. The boat has room for sunbathing, but the tour does not describe shaded seating, so sun protection is especially sensible.
Is $59.15 good value?

At $59.15 per person, this cruise offers a full day on the water with three swim stops, snorkeling equipment, two paddleboards, a guide, and a small group limit. That is good value if you plan to use the swimming time and want to visit both Comino and a Gozo inlet without arranging separate transport.
The price is less attractive if you only want a short Blue Lagoon visit. You are paying for roughly eight hours, so the value comes from the full route and the time spent aboard, not just the famous stop.
You should also add the cost of lunch and drinks. The cruise does not include a meal, though refreshments can be bought during the day. If you want a low-cost outing with your own packed food, confirm whether bringing food is allowed before you go, since that detail is not provided.
The small group is the feature that most clearly separates this cruise from cheaper, larger boat options. You may pay for a more comfortable setting rather than a luxury meal or a formal sightseeing program. For me, that is a sensible trade if you dislike crowded decks and want a calmer day.
Who will enjoy this cruise most?
I would recommend this experience to you if you want:
- Several swimming stops in one day
- A quieter boat setting than a very large Blue Lagoon cruise
- Snorkeling equipment without a separate rental
- Some time on deck rather than constant guided commentary
- A simple way to combine Malta, Comino, and a brief Gozo stop
- A full day outdoors at a moderate price
It suits couples, friends, and families who can manage a day focused on swimming. The information says most people can participate, and service animals are allowed. No special fitness level is listed, but you should be comfortable getting on and off a boat and entering the water if you want the full experience.
I would choose something else if you want extensive sightseeing on Gozo, a meal included in the price, a private charter, or a heavily guided historical tour. This cruise gives you places to swim, not a detailed lesson in Malta’s culture or architecture.
Timing, weather, and cancellation details
The tour operates daily within the stated season, from April 28, 2025, to November 26, 2026. Confirmation is sent within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability. The group is capped at 25, but the activity also requires a minimum number of participants.
Weather can affect the day. If poor conditions cause cancellation, you are offered another date or a full refund. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before departure are not refunded or accepted.
That policy makes early planning wise. Malta’s boat days depend on sea conditions, and you will want to keep some flexibility in your schedule if the cruise is central to your holiday.
Should you book the Malta three-bay cruise?
Book it if your ideal Malta day means clear water, a spacious boat, and several chances to swim without joining a group of hundreds. The 25-person limit, included snorkeling gear, and two-hour Blue Lagoon stop give this cruise a strong practical edge.
Skip it if you mainly want a land-based visit to Gozo or a full meal and drinks included. For everyone else, the mix of Selmun Bay, Comino, and Gozo makes the $59.15 price reasonable, especially if you value room on board and a relaxed pace over a packed sightseeing schedule.
FAQ
Where does the cruise start and end?
The cruise starts at 103 Tigné Seafront in Tas-Sliema, Malta, and ends back at the same meeting point.
How long does the experience last?
The cruise lasts approximately eight hours.
What places does the cruise visit?
The route includes Imġiebaħ Bay, also described as Selmun Bay, Comino’s Blue Lagoon, and a beautiful swimming inlet on Gozo.
How long do you spend at each stop?
You have about one hour at Selmun Bay, two hours at Blue Lagoon, and 45 minutes at the Gozo inlet.
Is snorkeling equipment included?
Yes. Snorkeling equipment is available for use during the cruise.
Are stand-up paddleboards included?
Yes. Two stand-up paddleboards are included.
Is lunch included?
No. Lunch is not included, though snacks and refreshments can be purchased at the Blue Lagoon.
What is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Poor weather or failure to reach the minimum number of participants may also lead to a new date, another experience, or a full refund.
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Malta Bay Cruises, compared.

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