Blue Lagoon: Full-Day Three Island Cruise: Malta, Gozo and Comino

The best part of this cruise is simple: you get four chances to swim in clear Maltese water while seeing Malta, Gozo, and Comino in one long day. The route also passes Mgarr Harbor, Anchor Bay, and Elephant Rock, so you get plenty of scenery between swim stops.

I like the easy hotel pickup and the fact that lunch, water, local wine, and return transport are included. I also like the relaxed feel of the gullet-style boat and the friendly crew, especially Captain Chris. The main drawback is that this is a busy, full-day boat outing, not a quiet private cruise, and the cold buffet is practical rather than fancy.

Key points to know before booking

• Four water stops: Swim and snorkel at Blue Lagoon, Armier Bay, Paradise Bay, and Crystal Lagoon.
• A full seven-hour day: The 8:00 am start and return to the meeting point make this a major part of your Malta visit.
• Lunch is included: Expect a light cold buffet with bread, pasta, rice, vegetables, and assorted toppings.
• Hotel pickup adds real value: Pickup and drop-off are included, which saves you the trouble of reaching Mgarr Harbour on your own.
• A large boat, not a small-group trip: The listed maximum is 65 people, and the boat is licensed for more, so busy conditions are possible.
• Bring patience for the weather: Wind and heat can affect comfort, the route, and how much time you want to spend in the sun.

What this Malta cruise is really about

This is best understood as a swimming cruise with sightseeing, rather than a detailed guided tour of the Maltese islands. You will see coastal sights and harbors from the water, but the heart of the day is stopping in attractive bays and spending time in the sea.

That distinction matters. If you want long walks through Gozo villages, historic sites, or a narrated tour of Malta’s culture, this is not the right choice. If you want to cover a lot of coastline without changing buses or planning several beach visits, it makes good sense.

The cruise begins at 8:00 am from Mgarr Harbour, with hotel pickup offered. Since the day lasts about seven hours, the early start helps you make the most of the cooler part of the morning. It is still a long outing, especially under the strong summer sun, so use the shaded part of the boat when you need a break.

The boat has room for up to 65 people according to the tour details. That is enough space for a sociable outing, but not enough to promise a peaceful deck or personal service at every moment. One practical point is that passenger numbers may change during the day, and a boat that feels comfortable early on can feel more crowded after additional pickups.

Blue Lagoon: the famous first swim

Blue Lagoon sits between Comino and Cominotto. Its water is the bright, clear feature that draws most people to this part of Malta, and the setting includes both rocky edges and patches of sand, along with caves nearby.

You get about an hour here. That gives you enough time to swim, snorkel, float, and take in the color of the water without rushing straight back aboard. For many people, this will be the visual high point of the day.

The catch is that Blue Lagoon is famous for a reason, so it can feel busy. From a boat, you avoid the need to search for a beach spot, but you do not escape the popularity of the place. Bring a secure bag for your phone and valuables, and wear footwear suitable for rocky edges if you plan to enter the water there.

An hour can feel either perfect or too long. If you love being in the water, it gives you time to settle into the day. If you prefer sightseeing from the deck, you may find yourself ready to move on before the scheduled departure.

Armier Bay: a quieter change of pace

Armier Bay is scheduled for about 30 minutes. The water here is also clear and blue, with a look similar to Blue Lagoon, but the shorter stop changes the rhythm of the day.

I see this as a useful middle stop. It gives you another chance to swim without asking you to spend a full hour at every location. You can cool off, take a quick snorkel, and return to the boat before the sun becomes too tiring.

The short timing does mean you need to be ready. Once you include getting into the water, swimming, drying off, and returning to your place, 30 minutes passes quickly. Listen for the crew’s instructions and do not wander far from the boat.

The cruise passes Malta’s coastline and other notable sights along the way, including Anchor Bay and Elephant Rock. These views are best treated as part of the ride, not as formal sightseeing stops. Keep your camera ready, but remember that the main activity remains swimming.

Paradise Bay at Malta’s northern tip

Paradise Bay is near Mellieha Bay at Malta’s far northern point. The stop lasts around 30 minutes and offers another attractive place to cool down.

This beach has a different feel from stopping off Comino. You get a more traditional beach setting, with a shoreline rather than only a boat-based swim. It is a good contrast after the open-water stops and gives you a chance to see another part of Malta’s coast.

Again, the half-hour schedule is brisk. I would treat Paradise Bay as a quick swim and scenery stop, not as enough time for a full beach afternoon. If your main goal is to lie on the sand, this cruise will feel too active. If you want variety, the shorter visit works well.

The northern location also helps the cruise deliver on its promise to show you several parts of the islands in one day. You are not simply circling one bay and returning to port. The tradeoff is time spent moving between locations, which means the day feels like a sequence of short coastal visits rather than an extended stay in one place.

Crystal Lagoon and the final water stop

Crystal Lagoon lies on Comino’s western side, between Malta and Gozo. The cruise allows about an hour here, giving you another substantial water stop before the day winds down.

This is a strong choice for anyone who wants repeated swimming opportunities. You can enjoy one location early in the day, take a lunch break, and still have another full hour in the water later. The different positions of the lagoons also give you changing views of Comino and the surrounding coast.

The four stops are one of the tour’s best features, but they also explain why some people find the day repetitive. If you are not keen on swimming, several hours built around beaches and lagoons may feel like too much of the same thing. If you enjoy being in the sea, the schedule is generous.

Bring a towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat. These are obvious items, but they matter on a boat where shade may be limited. The shaded section is useful during hot weather, and you should use it instead of staying in direct sun all day.

Lunch on board: useful, filling, and uncomplicated

The included meal is a cold buffet. The food can include bread, cold pasta, rice, vegetables, and different toppings or fillings. Water and local wine are included as well.

I would set your expectations correctly. This is convenient boat lunch, not a restaurant meal. The menu is light and cold, which makes sense in Malta’s heat and avoids serving a heavy meal before more swimming. It also offers several simple choices for people with different tastes.

Some diners find the lunch perfectly adequate, while others find it plain. That split is easy to understand. If you are expecting a generous hot spread, you may be disappointed. If you see the meal as a practical break included in the price, it does its job.

Drinks other than water and local wine cost extra. The crew serves the included drinks, but keep in mind that you may need to ask if you want service at a particular moment. On a very hot day, do not rely only on wine or wait until you are thirsty. Bringing a refillable water bottle is a sensible idea, even though water is provided.

The boat, crew, and atmosphere

The gullet-style boat gives the outing more character than a basic transfer vessel. There are pleasant places to sit, and the crew focuses on keeping the day moving and making the swimming stops safe.

Captain Chris is specifically named in the tour experience, and the crew is described as friendly and attentive. That matters on a day when you spend much of your time boarding, swimming, drying off, eating, and moving to the next location. Clear instructions make a real difference.

The atmosphere can be relaxed and social. Local wine is part of the package, and the meal creates a natural point for people to sit together. At the same time, you should not expect a private yacht experience. With a listed maximum of 65 people, deck space and the best seats may be in demand.

The weather is an important part of the experience. On windy days, the boat can be less comfortable, and the captain may need to consider route changes or the comfort of people who feel unwell. The tour requires good weather and may be moved or canceled if conditions are poor.

You should also judge your own sea legs honestly. The tour requires a moderate level of physical fitness, and children must be accompanied by an adult. Getting around a boat and entering the water may be tiring for anyone who has difficulty with balance or stairs.

Is the $80.95 price good value?

At $80.95 per person, the tour is reasonably priced for a full day that includes hotel pickup, return transport, lunch, water, local wine, and several swim locations.

The value is strongest if you are staying away from Mgarr Harbour or do not want to arrange your own transport. Pickup removes a small but annoying part of the day, and the inclusion of lunch means you do not need to find food during the outing.

You are also paying for access to several well-known coastal places in one itinerary. Reaching Blue Lagoon, Paradise Bay, Armier Bay, and Crystal Lagoon independently would require planning, transport, and careful attention to timing. Here, the boat handles the movement between them.

The value is weaker if you want a small group, gourmet food, or a quiet sailing experience. The boat can carry a substantial number of people, and the buffet is simple. You are paying for convenience, variety, and a full day on the water, not luxury.

The optional caves tour costs an additional 10 euros per person. Since it is not included, decide before boarding if that add-on interests you. The base price covers the main cruise and listed swim stops, but not extra drinks or the caves excursion.

Who should book this cruise?

I would recommend it to a first-time visitor who wants a broad taste of the Maltese coast. It is also useful if you have only a short stay and want to combine several island sights without booking separate trips.

You will probably enjoy it most if you:

• Like swimming and snorkeling more than extended land sightseeing
• Want several different bays rather than one beach
• Prefer an organized day with transport included
• Enjoy a friendly group setting
• Are comfortable spending most of the day outdoors
• Can handle a moderately active boat trip

I would think twice if you dislike crowds, get seasick easily, or want a carefully guided cultural tour. The schedule is built around water and scenery. The stops are attractive, but they are not designed for long independent exploration.

Families can consider it, provided children stay with an adult and are comfortable around boats and open water. Couples and solo visitors may appreciate the easy social setting, while groups of friends can make good use of the swim-heavy format.

Practical advice for a better day

Arrive ready for the water. Wear a swimsuit under your clothes, pack a towel, and use strong sun protection. A waterproof phone pouch is helpful because many of the best views and moments happen near the water.

Choose your seat with the whole day in mind. A sunny front-deck position may be enjoyable early on, but shade becomes valuable after several hours. Since the boat can be full, settle in when you can and avoid assuming that one favorite seat will remain available.

Pay attention to the stop lengths. Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon each allow about an hour, while Armier Bay and Paradise Bay allow about 30 minutes. Have your belongings organized so you do not waste half a short stop looking for shoes or sunscreen.

Keep your expectations flexible. The captain may need to adjust the plan in windy conditions, and the tour requires suitable weather. If conditions change, comfort and safety should take priority over following the route exactly.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Changes made less than 24 hours before departure are not accepted, and a weather cancellation brings the choice of another date or a full refund.

Should you book the Blue Lagoon cruise?

Book this cruise if you want a convenient, swim-focused day that covers Malta, Gozo, and Comino at a fair all-in price. The four water stops, hotel transport, lunch, and friendly crew give it a strong practical case.

Skip it if your idea of a cruise means quiet decks, fine dining, or detailed island touring. This is a busy day on a shared boat, with simple food and a schedule shaped by swimming. For the right kind of visitor, it is an efficient and enjoyable way to see a lot of Malta’s coast in one outing.

FAQ

Where does the cruise start?

The cruise starts at Mgarr Harbour, Malta, at 8:00 am.

Does the tour offer hotel pickup?

Yes. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included.

How long does the cruise last?

The experience lasts approximately seven hours.

Which islands does the cruise visit?

The route covers Malta, Gozo, and Comino.

Which swimming locations are included?

The scheduled stops are Blue Lagoon, Armier Bay Beach, Paradise Bay, and Crystal Lagoon.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A buffet lunch is included on board.

What drinks are included?

Water and local wine are included. Other drinks must be purchased separately.

Is the caves tour included?

No. The optional caves tour costs 10 euros per person.

How many people can join the tour?

The listed maximum is 65 participants.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time for a full refund.