Malta: 3 Bay Cruise to Selmun Bay, Blue Lagoon and Gozo

This is an eight-hour cruise on a small Turkish gulet, not a quick shuttle packed with people. You spend much of the day swimming, snorkeling, or stretching out on deck, with stops at Selmun Bay, the Blue Lagoon, and Gozo’s Ħalfa Rock. The boat carries about 20 to 23 people, depending on the departure.

I like the easygoing pace and the generous time in the water. I also like the chance to see Santa Maria Caves and Elephant Rock from the sea, rather than spending the whole day at one crowded swimming spot. The main drawback is simple: the Blue Lagoon can be so busy that the boat may not anchor close to it.

Key points to know before booking

• Small gulet, small group: Expect about 20 to 23 people, with plenty of room to sit or lie down.
• Three real swim stops: Selmun Bay, the Blue Lagoon, and Ħalfa Rock provide nearly four hours of time in the water.
• Blue Lagoon timing matters: You get two hours there, but crowded conditions can change where the boat anchors.
• Gozo is mostly coastal: Ħalfa Rock offers scenery and swimming, while the Gozo stop is not a town visit.
• Bring your own lunch plan: Food and drinks are not included, though refreshments are sold on board.
• Good value at $59: The price covers the boat, crew, snorkel equipment, paddleboards, Wi-Fi, and a full day at sea.

Why this small Turkish gulet makes a difference

The best feature here is the boat itself. A traditional wooden Turkish gulet gives you a broad deck, open-air seating, and a slower ride than the fast excursion boats that hurry between Malta, Comino, and Gozo. You can settle into a front-deck mat, find a shaded seat, or watch the coastline from the rail.

A group of roughly 20 people feels much more manageable than a large vessel carrying several hundred. You still share the boat, of course, but you are not fighting through a crowd to reach the ladder or claim a patch of deck. That matters on an eight-hour trip.

The cruise leaves from Sliema, opposite the Land’s End Boutique Hotel. Check in 30 minutes before departure. The boarding point can be easy to miss because you go down a small set of steps from the waterfront to reach the boat. Allow extra time if you are driving, since parking can take effort. A nearby parking garage is available.

The crew speaks English, Serbian, and Indonesian. A skipper and crew remain on board throughout the day, and the activity includes free Wi-Fi. The tone is built around swimming and relaxing rather than formal sightseeing, so expect practical commentary and a friendly boat atmosphere instead of a long lecture at every stop.

Cruising Malta’s coast for 75 minutes

The first stretch lasts about 75 minutes. This is not wasted time. From the water, Sliema’s waterfront fades behind you and Malta’s rocky coast begins to look very different from its city streets.

You can use this opening run to settle in, apply sunscreen, and decide where you want to sit. The deck is the main attraction here. If you want a good view, stay outside rather than treating the gulet like a bus.

The boat’s slower pace also gives you time to watch the coastline. The Mediterranean can be calm and glassy or choppy, depending on the day, so pack your towel and camera where they will stay dry. The crew asks everyone to follow safety instructions, and you should take those instructions seriously around the swim ladder and open water.

First swim at Imgiebah Bay, also called Selmun Bay

The first stop is listed as Imgiebah Bay, while the experience is also described as Selmun Bay. Plan on about an hour here for swimming, snorkeling, and taking in the rocky shore.

This is a quieter start than the Blue Lagoon. The bay has clear water, rocky cliffs, and a more peaceful feel. It gives you a chance to test the water and your snorkel gear before the more famous stop later in the day.

Snorkeling equipment is included, so you do not need to pack your own mask and fins. The available gear makes this stop easy for casual swimmers who want to look below the surface without planning a separate water-sports rental.

Bring your own towel and swimwear, and keep sunscreen handy. A hat is useful while you are waiting on deck. If the weather changes, the crew may need to adjust the exact swimming plan, so come prepared for sun, wind, or light rain.

Two hours at the crowded Blue Lagoon

The Blue Lagoon is the headline stop, and you receive about two hours here. That is enough time for a proper swim, snorkeling, relaxing on deck, and trying one of the two stand-up paddleboards.

The water is famously clear and inviting. Snorkelers can look for fish and other marine life, while less active swimmers can remain near the boat or enjoy the view from the deck. The paddleboards add another option, though availability depends on how many people want to use them.

Here is the important practical warning: the Blue Lagoon can be extremely crowded. At busy times, the boat may not be able to anchor close to the lagoon itself. One skipper moved to a lovely nearby bay when the main area was too full, which is a sensible safety and comfort decision, but it means your day may not match the postcard version exactly.

That is not a fault unique to this cruise. The Blue Lagoon is one of Malta’s best-known swimming areas, and every boat faces the same crowding problem. A smaller gulet improves the atmosphere on board, but it cannot make the lagoon empty.

You can buy drinks and snacks during the cruise, but lunch is not included. For an eight-hour day, I would bring food unless you are happy to purchase everything on the boat. Glass objects are not allowed, so use a reusable plastic or other non-glass container if you bring a drink.

Ħalfa Rock and Gozo’s rocky coast

After the Blue Lagoon, the gulet makes a short cruise toward Gozo and Ħalfa Rock. The planned stop lasts about 45 minutes, with time for swimming, snorkeling, paddleboarding, and coastal views.

This is a scenic stop rather than a full Gozo visit. You will see dramatic rock formations and rugged shoreline, but you will not have time to explore Gozo’s inland villages or historic sites. If you want a land-based day in Gozo, choose a different excursion.

The water stop gives the day a useful change of scene. After two hours at the Blue Lagoon, 45 minutes at Ħalfa Rock feels more focused and active. You can take another swim, use the snorkel equipment, or simply enjoy the rock walls from the boat.

Conditions may affect how close the gulet gets to the shore. Some departures have had limited access near the third stop, just as conditions can affect the Blue Lagoon. Think of Ħalfa Rock as a coastal viewing and swimming point, not a guaranteed landing.

Santa Maria Caves and Elephant Rock by boat

The cruise then passes Santa Maria Caves and Elephant Rock. Each receives about ten minutes, making these short photo stops rather than major visits.

Keep your camera ready. Santa Maria Caves are best appreciated from the water, where you can see their openings and rocky surroundings. Elephant Rock is another striking coastal formation, and the boat gives you a quick chance to photograph it without adding a long detour.

These stops are brief, so do not expect time to swim or walk around at either one. Their value is variety. The day is not just three repeated swims. You also get a look at Comino and Gozo’s rock formations from a moving boat.

The long return to Sliema

The final sightseeing cruise lasts about 105 minutes. After a full day in the sun, this can be a welcome quiet stretch. You can dry off, buy a final drink, connect to the free Wi-Fi, and watch the islands recede.

The return is also when the gulet’s slower pace becomes most noticeable. This is not the best choice if you want to reach Sliema as fast as possible. It is a better fit if you like being on the water and want the journey itself to be part of the day.

Keep a light layer nearby. Weather can shift during the day, and the open deck may feel cool after swimming. If conditions are pleasant, the return offers some of the nicest views of the sea and coast.

What the $59 price really covers

At $59 per person, this cruise offers solid value for a full eight hours. The fare includes the Turkish gulet, skipper and crew, three swimming areas, snorkeling equipment, two stand-up paddleboards, and Wi-Fi.

The strongest value is the time included. You are not paying for a short transfer with a brief photo stop. The schedule gives you approximately four hours spread across swimming and snorkeling locations, plus the coastal cruise between them.

You should budget extra for food and drinks. Nothing in the fare includes lunch, snacks, or beverages, though refreshments are available for purchase. That is the main additional cost to plan for.

The small group also adds value. A larger boat might cost less, but the deck can feel crowded and the overall experience more hurried. Here, you are paying partly for space and a calmer pace.

Who will enjoy this cruise most

I would choose this cruise if you want a full day at sea with several chances to swim. It suits couples, friends, and independent-minded visitors who prefer a smaller boat to a large party vessel.

It is also a good match for casual snorkelers. You do not need expert skills, and the equipment is supplied. The paddleboards provide another easy activity, though they are shared between the group.

The cruise is less suitable if your main goal is exploring Gozo on foot. You will see the island’s coast, especially around Ħalfa Rock, but the schedule does not include a town visit or inland sightseeing.

It may also disappoint you if the Blue Lagoon itself is the only thing you care about. Crowds can prevent the boat from anchoring close to the most famous water. The flexible approach is useful, but you should accept that conditions control the exact experience.

Practical advice for a smoother day

Arrive 30 minutes before departure. Look for the meeting point opposite the Land’s End Boutique Hotel, then remember that boarding requires going down from the waterfront by a small staircase.

Wear swimwear under your clothes and bring a towel, hat, sunscreen, and camera. Keep valuables protected from spray, and avoid bringing glass objects.

Pack lunch or plan to buy food and drinks on board. Since the cruise lasts eight hours, you will probably want more than a single snack. A refillable non-glass bottle is practical.

Watch your step around the deck, especially after swimming. Follow the crew’s instructions, respect local customs and wildlife, and be ready for changing weather. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later if you need flexibility.

Should you book the Malta Gulet cruise?

Book it if you want a relaxed small-boat day with three water stops, a traditional gulet, and enough time to enjoy the Mediterranean rather than rush through it. The $59 price is fair for the boat, equipment, crew, and eight-hour schedule.

Skip it if you want a guaranteed close anchor at the Blue Lagoon, a long visit on Gozo, or a land-based cultural tour. The best reason to choose this cruise is not one perfect lagoon. It is the combination of a smaller group, comfortable deck space, several swims, and a flexible route when popular bays are too crowded.

FAQ

Where does the cruise depart from?

The meeting point is opposite the Land’s End Boutique Hotel in Sliema. Boarding involves going down a small set of steps from the waterfront.

How long is the cruise?

The activity lasts eight hours, including the cruise from Sliema, swimming stops, coastal sightseeing, and the return journey.

Which swimming locations are included?

The cruise includes stops at Imgiebah Bay, also referred to as Selmun Bay, the Blue Lagoon, and Ħalfa Rock.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included in the activity price.

Are stand-up paddleboards available?

Yes. Two stand-up paddleboards are available on board.

Is lunch included?

No. Food and drinks are not included, but snacks and refreshments are available to buy on the boat.

What languages are spoken by the guide and crew?

The listed languages are English, Serbian, and Indonesian.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. A reserve-now, pay-later option is also available.