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

The best part of this seven-hour cruise is simple: you get several chances to swim in Malta’s clearest water without arranging separate trips to Gozo and Comino. Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon, Armier Bay, and Paradise Bay each offer a different view of the islands, while the boat handles the moving around.

I like the included hotel pickup and buffet lunch, especially if you are new to Malta and want an easy first look at the coast. I also like the relaxed feel created by the shaded seating, water, local wine, and friendly crew member Captain Chris. The main drawback is group size. This is not a quiet private sail, and the boat may become crowded as more people join along the route.

Key points to know

• Four swimming stops: You get time at Blue Lagoon, Armier Bay, Paradise Bay, and Crystal Lagoon.
• Lunch is included: Expect a light cold buffet with bread, pasta, rice, vegetables, and assorted fillings, plus water and local wine.
• Captain Chris leads the crew: The crew focuses on safety and keeping the day moving.
• Good first-day overview: You see Malta, Gozo, and Comino in one outing, with sights such as Mgarr Harbour, Anchor Bay, and Elephant Rock from the water.
• The boat is not tiny: Capacity information varies, but this should be treated as a shared group cruise rather than an intimate sailing trip.
• Bring swimming gear and sun protection: The day centers on time in the water, and Malta’s sun can feel strong even when the boat is moving.

A full day across Malta, Gozo, and Comino

This cruise is designed for visitors who want a broad introduction to Malta’s northern coast in one day. You begin at 8:00 a.m. at Mgarr Harbour, with hotel pickup available, then spend the day moving between coastal viewpoints and swimming areas.

The route combines sightseeing with beach time, but it leans more toward swimming than formal sightseeing. That distinction matters. If you picture a guide explaining every town, church, and historic site, this may feel too light. If you want pretty water, a boat ride, lunch, and several easy chances to swim, the plan makes good sense.

You will pass coastal sights including Mgarr Harbour, Anchor Bay, and Elephant Rock. These views give you a feel for Malta’s rugged shoreline, but the main event is the water. The schedule allows roughly an hour at the two lagoons and about half an hour at each beach stop.

At about seven hours, this is a substantial outing. You are not squeezing in a quick harbor ride before lunch. The long format gives you time to settle into the boat, eat without rushing, and choose when to swim or stay in the shade.

Blue Lagoon: beautiful water and a busy setting

The Blue Lagoon sits between Comino and the small island of Cominotto. Its water is the familiar bright blue associated with Malta, and the area includes rocky edges, some sandy sections, and nearby caves.

The scheduled stop lasts about an hour. That is enough time for a swim, a little snorkeling, and a look at the surrounding rock formations. If you prefer to stay dry, you can enjoy the view from the boat, although this stop is clearly aimed at people who want to get into the water.

The main thing to understand is that Blue Lagoon is famous for a reason, but it is not a quiet corner. The setting can be busy, and an hour may feel either generous or long depending on your mood. One guest felt the Blue Lagoon stop lasted too long, while others liked having plenty of time to swim. I would treat the schedule as a benefit if you enjoy the water, and as a limitation if you hoped for a faster-moving sightseeing cruise.

Bring water shoes if you have them. The shore and seabed are described as partly sandy and mostly rocky, so bare feet may not be comfortable. A towel, swimsuit, sunscreen, and a dry bag for small items are also sensible choices.

Armier Bay: a quieter-looking stop on Malta

Armier Bay receives about 30 minutes of the schedule. Its sea is described as crystal blue and similar to the water at Blue Lagoon, making it another good place for a quick swim.

This stop works well as a change of pace. You have already had time at the main lagoon, so Armier Bay gives you another short chance to cool off without committing a large part of the day to one location. It is also useful for anyone who finds a full hour in the water tiring.

Do not expect a long beach visit here. Thirty minutes passes quickly once you account for getting ready, entering the water, and returning to the boat. I would use this stop for a swim rather than trying to explore the whole bay.

Paradise Bay: Malta’s northern beach stop

Paradise Bay is near Mellieha Bay at Malta’s northern tip. It is presented as one of the island’s most attractive beaches, and the cruise gives you around 30 minutes there.

The stop adds a proper beach setting to a day otherwise centered on boat access and rocky coves. The timing is short, but it gives you a chance to see another type of coast and take a quick swim in a different setting.

This stop also shows the tradeoff built into the tour. You see several places in one day, but you do not have time for a long visit at each one. I like that variety for a first day in Malta. If you already know the island and want a relaxed beach afternoon, a dedicated beach trip would suit you better.

Crystal Lagoon: clear water on Comino’s western side

Crystal Lagoon lies on Comino’s western side, between Malta and Gozo. The cruise allows about an hour here, making it one of the day’s two major swim stops.

The lagoon gives you another chance to snorkel and look into the clear water. After visiting Blue Lagoon, you may notice a different sense of space and a new angle on Comino’s rocky coast. The value is not only the swim itself. You also get to see how quickly the shoreline changes as the boat moves around the islands.

As with Blue Lagoon, the hour works best for people who are happy to spend time in the water. If you are not a swimmer, the schedule may feel slow, though the boat’s shaded areas offer a break from the sun.

Lunch on board: useful, filling, and not a restaurant meal

Lunch is included, which is one of the practical strengths of this cruise. The meal is described as a light cold buffet, with bread, cold pasta, rice, vegetables, and various fillings or cold items. Water and local wine are included as well.

I would set your expectations correctly. This is a convenient boat lunch, not a hot restaurant spread. Some people find it perfectly adequate after swimming, while others may find it plain. The cold format makes sense on a hot day and offers several simple choices, especially if you prefer lighter food in the sun.

The drink arrangement adds value. Water is included, and local wine is served during the day. Other drinks must be purchased separately, so bring money if you want something beyond the included options.

The boat has shaded seating, which matters more than it may sound. Malta can be very hot, and sitting in full sun for seven hours is tiring. Use the shade between swims, especially during the middle of the day.

The boat, crew, and group size

Captain Chris is singled out for being friendly, and the crew is expected to help keep the day safe and enjoyable. That personal touch is important on a full-day outing. The captain has also been described as willing to adjust the route if wind or rough conditions make someone uncomfortable.

Still, you should not book this expecting a private sailing trip. The available information gives several group-size figures, including a maximum of 65 for this activity and a boat license for up to 99 people. Some departures may begin with a smaller group and pick up more people later, which can make the boat feel noticeably fuller after several stops.

This changing group size explains the mixed impressions of the cruise. A boat with a small early group can feel spacious, while a later boarding can reduce room at the most popular seating areas. If you care strongly about personal space, ask the provider for the expected group size on your date before booking.

The boat is described as a gullet-style vessel. That suggests a more traditional sailing-boat feel than a fast ferry, though the day is still a shared excursion with a set route. The main benefit is comfort and room to sit, not speed.

What the $80.95 price includes

At $80.95 per person, the price covers several costs that can add up quickly in Malta:

• Hotel pickup and drop-off
• Return transport to the meeting point
• The boat cruise
• Four swimming stops
• Buffet lunch
• Water and local wine

That package makes the price reasonable for a first-time visitor. You do not need to arrange transport to Mgarr Harbour, find lunch during the day, or organize separate boat tickets for Comino and nearby swimming areas.

The value is strongest if you plan to use most of the included features. A swimmer who enjoys all four stops is getting much more from the price than someone who stays on board for most of the day. The tour is also useful if you are short on time and want to see all three islands without changing hotels or planning several connections.

The optional Caves Tour costs an additional 10 euros per person. It is not part of the advertised price, so budget for it only if you want that extra visit. Drinks beyond water and local wine also cost extra.

Who will enjoy this cruise most

I would recommend this trip to a first-time Malta visitor who wants an easy overview and does not want to build a coastal day from separate bookings. Families can also find it useful, provided children are accompanied by an adult and are comfortable with a long day around the water.

It suits you particularly well if you:

• Enjoy swimming and snorkeling
• Want several different coastal stops
• Prefer lunch and transport arranged in advance
• Like social boat trips
• Have only a few days in Malta
• Want both Malta and Comino included, with Gozo reached through the Mgarr Harbour route

It is less suitable if you want a quiet private boat, a detailed cultural tour, or long independent visits at each beach. It may also be tiring in very hot weather, even with shade available. The day requires a moderate level of physical fitness, and you should be ready for repeated movement between seating, swimming, and boarding areas.

Practical planning for the 8:00 a.m. start

The trip starts at 8:00 a.m. from Mgarr Harbour, and hotel pickup is offered. Check your pickup details carefully after booking, since the meeting point and transport arrangement affect how early you need to be ready.

Wear a swimsuit under easy clothing. Bring a towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, and a small waterproof bag for valuables. Water shoes are a smart addition because several shoreline areas are rocky.

The cruise depends on good weather. If conditions force a cancellation, you will be offered another date or a full refund. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time, but changes or cancellations inside that period are not accepted.

The cruise ends back at the starting meeting point. Since the day lasts about seven hours, avoid scheduling a tight afternoon appointment immediately afterward, especially if transport or weather causes delays.

Should you book the three-island cruise?

Book it if you want a well-organized swimming day with transport, lunch, and several famous coastal stops included. The strongest reasons are the four water stops, the chance to see Malta, Gozo, and Comino in one outing, and the friendly crew led by Captain Chris.

Think twice if you want solitude, gourmet food, or a history-focused tour. The cold buffet is practical rather than special, and the boat may feel crowded once more people join. For most first-time visitors who enjoy the sea, though, $80.95 buys a full day with fewer planning headaches and a good range of scenery.

FAQ

How long does the cruise last?

The cruise lasts approximately seven hours and begins at 8:00 a.m.

Which swimming stops are included?

The route includes Blue Lagoon, Armier Bay Beach, Paradise Bay, and Crystal Lagoon.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included, and the activity begins and ends at the meeting point at Mgarr Harbour.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A buffet lunch is included. The meal is described as a light cold buffet with items such as bread, cold pasta, rice, vegetables, and assorted fillings.

Are drinks included?

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

Does the cruise depend on the weather?

Yes. If poor weather causes cancellation, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.