Hera 3 Bay Cruise including the Blue Lagoon

Eight hours, three bays, zero car trouble. I like the hotel pickup and drop-off that gets you from your hotel to Sliema Ferries fast, and I like the open bar and buffet lunch that keeps the day easy. The main drawback to keep in mind is that on busy days the boat can feel crowded, and shade can be limited once you are out in the sun.

This is a full-day sea day built around swimming time. You sail close to the north-eastern coast, you stop at Comino for the Blue Lagoon area, you get another swim stop at St Pauls Island, and you finish with a third bay back around Malta waters before returning to Sliema Ferries around 17:30.

One important planning note: starting May 2025, you need a Blue Lagoon access pass to disembark ashore at the Blue Lagoon on Comino. The operator specifically points you to blcomino.com and advises choosing an afternoon slot, otherwise you can stay on the boat or swim in.

Key things to know before you go

• Comino plus the Blue Lagoon area, with time for swimming, sunbathing, and snorkelling
• St Pauls Island swim stop, built in after the Comino portion
• Open bar for soft drinks plus buffet lunch, with beer and wine available only during lunch
• Hotel pickup from many areas, starting as early as 07:45 to 08:45 depending where you board
• May 2025 Blue Lagoon shore pass required, with limited daily allocations
• Capacity can be tight on peak dates, so bring sun protection and plan for lines in the water if it is busy

A Malta day at sea, Comino to St Pauls

This cruise is designed for people who want the big Malta water highlights without arranging ferries, buses, and timing on their own. You depart from Sliema Ferries at 09:30, you are out for about eight hours, and you return around 17:30. In between, you are moving between three bays, not just doing one long stop.

The boat is a Turkish Gulet, which matters because it feels more like a proper day cruise than a cramped party ferry. You also get a guided setup, and the tour is offered in English. Translation: you should have an easier time following what is happening when you are juggling swim stops, docking time, and lunch.

Price and what you actually get for about $90

At $90.11 per person, the value really comes from what is included and how much time it saves. You get hotel pickup and drop-off, an open bar that covers soft drinks, water, tea, and coffee, plus a buffet lunch. Beer and wine are also available, but only during lunch, which is typical for this kind of set-up and helps keep the day structured.

When you compare this to doing Comino by yourself, the math is usually about time and coordination. If you have limited days in Malta, the cruise format is often the cheaper option in total effort, even if you could find cheaper tickets for individual transport.

One more value point: the itinerary is built around swim time. You are not spending hours in transit every time you want to change scenery, you are rotating bays while the sea time is part of the experience.

Hotel pickup schedules, and why early starts can be worth it

Pickup is offered across Malta and Gozo area routes, with different pickup windows by neighborhood. Expect something early, with some locations starting around 07:45 to 08:00, and others closer to 08:30 to 09:00. The cruise itself checks in at Sliema and departs at 09:30, so they have a buffer built into the pickup times.

The operator asks you to wait outside your hotel main entrance, and they note you might need extra time if traffic affects pickup. They also request you message with your full name and date of cruise for pick up details before 24 hours in advance, and they stress sharing a phone number with a country code, since that is important for confirmation.

Practical tip from how this day is structured: if you are staying in Valletta or near the center, you should plan on being ready early. This kind of cruise is all about arriving on time, because missing the 09:30 departure can ripple through everything after.

From Sliema Ferries, then a coastline cruise with real swim pacing

You depart from Sliema Ferries at 09:30 on the Turkish Gulet. Before the first big stop, the route runs along the north-eastern coast close to shore, and you get glimpses of villages and landmarks along the way. Names mentioned in the route include St Julian’s Bay, St Paul’s Island, and Mellieha.

That coastline stretch is not a stopover, but it helps break the day into chunks. You arrive at Comino feeling like the day is already moving, not like you are just waiting around for your one highlight.

Also, the boarding style is set up for day cruise living. The itinerary notes they berth stern to, which usually means there is a practical docking setup for ladder access and swimmers moving in and out efficiently.

Comino and the Blue Lagoon pass rules from May 2025

Comino is where most people picture their Malta water day, and the Blue Lagoon area is the headline. The itinerary lists the first stop as Comino, where you spend time at leisure for swimming, sunbathing, and snorkelling.

Here is the key update for May 2025: if you want to disembark ashore at the Blue Lagoon area, you need an access pass in advance. The operator points to the official government site blcomino.com, and they warn that daily pass allocations are limited. They specifically advise selecting the afternoon slot when applying for your pass.

If you do not manage to get a pass, you can still enjoy the day by staying on the boat or swimming to shore. That is a big deal because it means you are not automatically locked out of the water experience, but you should know that shore time can be restricted.

My advice: if Blue Lagoon shore time matters to you, treat the pass like a checklist item, not a nice-to-have. Plan ahead so you are not making last-minute decisions while the boat is already running on schedule.

St Pauls Islands swim stop, and how to handle the water traffic

After Comino, you get another swim stop at St Paul’s Islands. This is built into the cruise flow so you are not just doing one swim location all day long.

One real-world consideration that shows up in the experience of water-based days: when the boat is busy, swimmers can form lines to get back on board. The cruise experience includes a ladder setup, and in peak conditions you may see more waiting than you would on a quieter day. If you are prone to getting annoyed by crowds in the water, come with patience, not expectations of a private beach.

The good news is that the crew manages the day and is attentive to water conditions. One detail mentioned is that the crew checks for jellyfish in the bays, which is the kind of practical safety step you appreciate when you are planning to snorkel.

Bring goggles if you like snorkelling, and consider reef-safe sunscreen that you can reapply without fuss. If you get burned easily, also plan your sunbathing time as a schedule problem, not a mood.

The third bay in Malta: more variety, less decision fatigue

The itinerary calls for another bay in Malta in the afternoon after Comino and St Paul’s swim time. You arrive back at Sliema Ferries at 17:30, so this third stop has a “just long enough” feel.

This is where a cruise like this saves your energy. If you are trying to pick bays on your own, you end up spending time deciding and then rushing. With the cruise, you accept the program and let the operator handle the timing.

Do note that the day has a lot of sun exposure, and shade is not guaranteed in the same way it would be at a beach club. Shade needs vary from person to person, and some sailing days feel tighter once lunch is done and people are back in swim mode. If shade matters to you, get your spot early and be ready to rotate.

Drinks and lunch on board, what you get and how to enjoy it

Food and drinks are a major part of why this cruise feels easy. The open bar includes soft drinks, water, tea, and coffee. Beer and wine are available only during lunch, so the drinking portion is focused rather than all-day unlimited alcohol.

Lunch is a buffet, and the day is described as including a complimentary lunch. Some passengers also note a breakfast sandwich as part of the morning experience, which fits the pattern of being fed before the long swim stretches.

What I like about this style is that it keeps you from hunting for food when you are tired and sun-worn. You eat, you rehydrate, you keep your momentum, and you do not lose precious swim time to logistics.

One practical caution: lunch can be simple in a good way, but when the boat is busy, the buffet setup can feel less relaxing. If you can, eat a bit earlier in the lunch window so you are not waiting. And if you burn easily, treat the lunch break as your best chance to cool down under whatever shade is available.

Crowds, comfort, and the real stuff you should plan for

This cruise caps at a maximum of 100 travelers per the tour info, and the operator notes limited capacity. Still, the lived feel of a water day can vary, especially in high season. Some days can feel packed, with people clustered on the deck and limited ability to spread out.

Comfort is not only about space, it is about flow. Busy days can mean extra time for boarding and for swimmers to return to the ladder. If you hate that kind of crowd friction, you will probably prefer a smaller boat or a different schedule.

There is also the question of personal comfort and clothing norms. Malta day cruises can be casual, and one incident was noted where a guest went nude in view of everyone, and the crew asked them to cover. That is not something you should plan around, but it is a reminder that mixed behavior can happen when you share space with lots of people.

If you want a smoother experience, I suggest you come with a practical mindset:

• Use sun protection early, since shade can be scarce
• Bring swim gear that dries fast
• Be ready for a line if lots of people are swimming at once
• Have a towel and dry bag for your phone and valuables

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

This is a great fit if you want a guided, no-fuss way to hit Comino and Blue Lagoon plus additional bays. It also suits couples and small groups who are comfortable sharing space on a boat and who are motivated by swimming more than lounging.

It is also a solid choice if you are staying in or near Sliema and want the itinerary to run on rails. Pickup makes the day simpler than independent ferry hopping, especially if you are on a tight schedule.

I would reconsider if you:

• Are very sensitive to crowds and limited deck space
• Need lots of shade to stay comfortable
• Want uninterrupted, private swimming without water traffic
• Are arriving with low patience for early pickup and a structured schedule

If you are the type who loves planning your own day, you may find the cruise format too regimented. But if you want a reliable program and you value convenience, this hits the right notes.

Should you book the Hera 3 Bay Cruise?

Yes, I think this cruise is worth booking if your goal is a classic Malta water day with minimal hassle. You are paying for time saved by pickup, a structured route with three swim stops, and included food and soft drinks. At $90.11, the price makes sense when you treat it as transportation plus guided water access, not just a boat ride.

Book it with eyes open if you are worried about crowding. The itinerary is popular, and some days can feel tight on board, especially around swimming and lunchtime. If that sounds like your personal nightmare, choose a quieter travel window or consider a smaller-format alternative.

Finally, if Blue Lagoon shore time matters to you, plan for the May 2025 access pass. That one detail can make the difference between wandering ashore for photos and watching from the water. Get the pass early, and you keep your options wide.

FAQ

Where does the cruise start and where does it end?

The tour starts at Hera Cruises (WG54+7F8) in Sliema, Malta. It ends back at the meeting point.

How long is the cruise, and what time does it depart?

The duration is about 8 hours. The cruise departs from Sliema Ferries at 09:30 and returns around 17:30.

What drinks and meals are included?

You get an open bar that includes soft drinks, water, tea, and coffee. Beer and wine are available only during lunch, and the cruise includes a buffet lunch.

Is hotel pickup included, and what time should I expect?

Hotel pickup and drop-off are included. Pickup times vary by area, starting as early as about 07:45 to 08:00 in some locations and as late as about 08:30 to 09:00 in others. You are asked to wait outside the hotel main entrance.

Do I need an access pass for the Blue Lagoon in May 2025?

Starting in May 2025, visitors who want to disembark ashore at the Blue Lagoon must obtain an access pass in advance through blcomino.com. Pass allocations are limited, and the operator advises selecting an afternoon slot. If you cannot get a pass, you can stay on the boat or swim to shore.

Can I cancel for free?

Yes. You can cancel for a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance.