From Sliema: Round Malta Cruise with Lunch and Transfers

Malta looks different from the water, and this cruise makes it easy to see the whole island from one spot. You’ll ride the Turkish gullet Hera, cruising a 360-degree route around Malta and soaking up shoreline views most people only glimpse from the road. My favorite part is the mix of big sightseeing moments and actual time in the water.

Two things I really like: the Fomm Ir-Riħ swim stop for an easy stretch and a cool-down, and the onboard lunch with unlimited local wine and beer at lunchtime. One consideration before you book, though, is comfort, because the boat can feel tight if it’s full and shade is limited in some spots.

Key highlights before you go

• Hera departure from Sliema Ferries (Triq Ix-Xatt), right by the Basilica of Jesus of Nazareth area
• Fomm Ir-Riħ Bay as your first swim stop, with time to swim, snorkel, or just relax
• Comino and the Blue Lagoon for about 2 to 2.5 hours, the main water-time payoff
• Lunch and drinks included, with a cold buffet plus unlimited local wine and beer during lunchtime
• Unlimited water and soft drinks all day, plus snacks and fruit during the cruise
• Blue Lagoon access pass required by Malta’s May 2025 rule, and you need to plan ahead on the blcomino.com site

Sliema to sea: why this Turkish gullet cruise feels like a best-of Malta day

If your Malta trip feels too packed, this is a smart reset. Instead of bouncing between viewpoints, you float along the coast and let the scenery come to you. The route is designed around what’s best from the water: long cliff lines, bays with postcard colors, and the dramatic stretches around Comino.

You also get a smooth rhythm to the day. You leave Sliema in the morning, get a swim break that isn’t all the way at the end, then you spend the afternoon where the water is the star. Even the onboard setup supports that slow-travel mood, with spacious decks, a saloon, and a bar area, plus swimming ladders and freshwater showers.

Where you meet Hera in Sliema, and how the timing really works

The cruise starts at Sliema Ferries, Triq Ix-Xatt, in the area opposite the Basilica of Jesus of Nazareth. Look for the Turkish gulet named Hera at check-in. If you opt for transfers, the pickup time is not the same as the cruise departure time. The departure is 9:30 a.m., but pickup can fall somewhere between 8:00 a.m. and 8:45 a.m., depending on where you’re staying. Plan a little extra buffer the morning of your tour and confirm the pickup details with the operator a few days ahead.

The total duration is 8.5 hours, and you’re back around 6:00 p.m. That’s long enough to feel like a true day on the water, but not so long that you’re miserable by late afternoon.

360-degree coast spotting: St Thomas Bay, Popeye Village, Dingli cliffs, and more

The sailing portion is the “big Malta” part of the day. The cruise goes around the archipelago, so you’re not just seeing one coastline. From the water, you pass a collection of well-known landmarks and coastal areas, including:

• St. Thomas Bay and its white cliffs
• Popeye Village, seen from afar (no hopping in, just the view)
• Anchor Bay
• The towering cliffs at Dingli
• On the return: Mellieħa Bay, St. Paul’s Islands, Qawra, and St. Julian’s Bay

The English commentary helps you connect what you’re seeing to what it means on Malta’s map, and it’s especially useful when you’re gliding past places that look similar from the road. You get that satisfying feeling of, Okay, I finally understand where everything fits.

Fomm Ir-Riħ Bay swim stop: a calm break that beats doing everything at Comino

Your first swim stop is at Fomm Ir-Riħ Bay. This matters because it breaks up the day. You’re not waiting until Comino to finally get wet. Instead, you cool off relatively early, stretch your legs, and reset before the main Blue Lagoon time.

In practical terms, this kind of bay swim stop is also less intimidating than the busiest shore spots. It’s a chance to relax on deck, use the swimming ladders, and spend time at an easy pace. If you’re prone to feeling stiff on travel days, this mid-morning break does real work.

One small tip from what I’d tell my friend: bring your towel and keep your swim kit easy to reach, since you’ll likely want to change quickly. Also, consider water shoes if you’re the type who dislikes slippery rocks.

Comino’s Blue Lagoon: the star water, plus the access pass rule

The cruise heads to Comino Island for the Blue Lagoon. You’re there for about 2 to 2.5 hours, which is long enough to swim and also wander a bit on the island if you’re in that mood. The highlight is the water itself, with clear, bright turquoise tones that make the sea feel almost unreal.

There’s one major planning point you can’t ignore: Malta now requires a government-issued access pass to disembark at the Blue Lagoon, effective May 2025. The pass is not included with the cruise, and passes are limited. You get it via blcomino.com, and for this cruise you should select the afternoon slot when applying. If you forget this, the day can turn into a hassle fast, because the rule is about disembarking.

Also, note a real-world comfort detail. The shoreline can involve rocky steps, and people have flagged that getting off the boat can be awkward or uneven. If you have any balance concerns, pack carefully and take your time.

Lunch on board: cold buffet, unlimited drinks, and why it’s good value

The onboard meal is part of what makes this tour feel like a deal. You get a cold buffet lunch plus a mid-morning snack, and drinks are included in specific ways.

Here’s what’s covered:

• Unlimited mineral water and soft drinks throughout the entire cruise
• Unlimited local wine and beer during lunchtime
• Fresh fruit in the afternoon

It’s a practical setup. A cold buffet saves time and keeps you from losing the best part of the day to meal logistics. You can eat, get back to your towel spot, and still have a full chunk of water time ahead.

From the way people describe the lunch, it tends to land well: lots of variety like cold cuts, cheese, salads, and pasta-style options. Even if you don’t love buffet food at home, onboard meals on a boat are usually the “good enough and satisfying” kind. Here, the included wine and beer makes lunchtime feel more like a vacation than a fueling stop.

Boat comfort in the real world: shade, seating, showers, and the crowd factor

The ship is spacious, with decks, a stylish saloon, and a bar area, plus freshwater showers and swimming ladders. There’s also a canopy for shade at the back of the boat. That shade detail matters. If the boat is full, the shade spots can be limited.

From what I’d watch for on a day like this:

• If you’re sensitive to heat, position yourself early when the sun is strong.
• If you want a comfortable seat, aim to get settled before people funnel toward lunch and the next swim prep.
• Keep your valuables zipped away. On open decks, you don’t want to be dealing with loose stuff while you’re changing or sunbathing.

One more comfort point: some exits can be harder than the boat itself. The Blue Lagoon area can involve uneven surfaces getting from ladder to path. You’ll be happier if you bring shoes you trust outdoors.

What to bring for a smooth day on the water

This is a sun-and-swim day. Pack like you’re doing beach time plus light sightseeing.

Bring:

• Comfortable shoes
• Sunglasses and a sun hat
• Swimwear, towel, and sunscreen
• Cash (useful for bar purchases, since not all beverages are included)

Also, if you snorkel or even just want to look around underwater, consider packing your own goggles. People have wished for goggles and snorkel gear availability, so you might have an easier time if you bring a pair you already like.

Who this cruise is best for, and who should skip it

This is a great match if you want:

• A single-day way to see Malta’s coasts
• Real swim time at both Fomm Ir-Riħ and the Blue Lagoon
• Lunch and drinks handled for you, without hunting restaurants

It’s less ideal if:

• You’re prone to seasickness, since this is a moving day on open water
• You need lots of personal space, because the boat can feel crowded when it’s full

For mobility needs, it gets nuanced. The activity is listed as wheelchair accessible, but it also says it is not suitable for people with mobility impairments, and non-folding wheelchairs and electric wheelchairs are not allowed. If you fall into that category, contact the operator before booking and ask how the boat movement and transfers would work for your specific setup.

Should you book the From Sliema Round Malta Cruise with Lunch and Transfers?

I’d book it if you want a high-value, low-effort Malta day that combines sailing views with actual swimming time, and you like the idea of included food plus drinks. The price is reasonable for an 8.5-hour outing that covers two water stops, lunch, and onboard amenities like showers and unlimited water and soft drinks.

I would think twice if you know you dislike crowds, sun, or rocky shore access. Also, plan ahead for the Blue Lagoon access pass rule. If you handle that step and you’re comfortable with a day on the water, this cruise is one of the most efficient ways to see a lot of Malta without cramming your schedule to death.

FAQ

Where does the cruise depart and what boat should I look for?

The departure is from Sliema Ferries, Triq Ix-Xatt, Sliema (opposite the Basilica of Jesus of Nazareth area). You should look for the Turkish gulet named Hera.

What time does the cruise start and end?

The cruise departs at 9:30 a.m. and you return to Sliema Ferries at approximately 6:00 p.m. The total duration is 8.5 hours.

What swim stops are included?

There are two swim stops: one at Fomm Ir-Riħ Bay and another at the Blue Lagoon in Comino.

Is lunch included, and what drinks come with it?

Yes. You get a cold buffet lunch, a mid-morning snack, and fresh fruit in the afternoon. You also get unlimited mineral water and soft drinks, and unlimited local wine and beer during lunchtime. Other alcoholic drinks can be purchased from the bar.

Do I need an access pass to disembark at the Blue Lagoon?

Yes. Starting May 2025, you must obtain a government-issued access pass in advance for the Blue Lagoon. It is not included, and you apply through blcomino.com. For this cruise, choose the afternoon slot.

Are transfers included with the price?

Pick-up and drop-off transfers from selected meeting points are optional. If you choose them when booking, they are included. If you’re within walking distance from Sliema Ferries, you must make your way to the boat.

If I choose transfers, when will I be picked up?

The time shown on your ticket is the departure time of the cruise, not the transfer pickup time. Pickup can be anything between 8:00 a.m. and 8:45 a.m., depending on where you’re staying. Confirm your exact pickup details with the operator a few days before.

What should I bring for the day?

Bring comfortable shoes, sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and cash.

Is it suitable for people who get seasick or have mobility needs?

It is not suitable for people prone to seasickness. For mobility, the activity is listed as wheelchair accessible, but it also says it is not suitable for people with mobility impairments and that non-folding wheelchairs and electric wheelchairs are not allowed. If you’re unsure, contact the operator before booking.