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

Three swims, one day, and plenty of salt air. I like the small gulet feel and the way you get real time in the water at Selmun Bay and the Blue Lagoon, not just a quick stop and scramble. One heads-up, the Blue Lagoon can get crowded, so you may end up a bit farther out than you hoped.

This is a true day-on-the-sea outing, run on a traditional Turkish wooden sailing boat with a spacious deck, comfy spots to sit or lie down, and a crew that keeps things easy. You’ll also have chances to snorkel with the equipment provided, plus stand up paddleboarding during the scheduled water time.

The schedule is paced for variety, but it does mean the Gozo portion is scenic and swim-focused rather than long and slow. If you’re the type who wants extra time hanging around caves, Santa Maria Caves and Elephant Rock are more like quick photo moments than full stops.

What stands out on this Malta 3 Bay Cruise

• Small-group comfort on a Turkish gulet, typically around 20 to 23 people, so you are not shoulder to shoulder.
• Three swim and snorkel chances across Selmun Bay, the Blue Lagoon, and Ħalfa Rock.
• Extra toys on board, including snorkeling gear and 2 stand up paddleboards during the water time.
• Short photo stops for Santa Maria Caves and Elephant Rock, great for quick snapshots.
• Free Wi-Fi onboard, handy for mapping and posting as you move between bays.

A small Turkish gulet makes the whole day feel calmer

This cruise is built around the idea that you actually want time to swim, snorkel, and relax, not just zip from sight to sight. The boat is a wooden, sailing-style Turkish gulet with an open deck, so you can spread out, find sun, and watch the Maltese coastline slide by.

That matters, because Malta’s popular water spots can get crowded. One common frustration on bigger tours is the “arrive fast, anchor fast, leave fast” rhythm. Here, the pacing feels more human. You still have a full day and multiple stops, but you get breathing room between them.

Another big plus is the included snorkeling setup. You do not need to fuss with renting gear or figuring out how to use it. Bring your own mask only if you are picky, but most people are set with what’s provided.

And because it is not a giant mass of people, boarding and moving around the deck feels smoother. You might even find a favorite spot near the front where you can lie out on the deck area and enjoy the ride.

Where you meet in Sliema (and how to avoid the stress)

This starts in Sliema, with check-in 30 minutes before departure. The meeting point is opposite Land’s End Boutique Hotel. Plan to arrive early enough to handle real-world issues like parking and finding the correct dock.

In practice, the main stress is usually not the boat. It is getting to the meeting area and locating the right spot from the street. If you are driving, there is a parking option nearby, which can save time and frustration. Once you find the dock, be prepared for the fact that you may need to use a small step down from the quay to reach the boarding area.

Good tip: do not leave this to the last minute. Even if you are on time in theory, you can lose minutes hunting for the exact spot where your boat is tied up. The day runs like a schedule, and the crew will be moving.

Also, remember this is not a hotel pickup. You are responsible for getting yourself to the meeting point.

First swim stop: Selmun Bay area and the Imgiebah Bay water time

After you cruise out from Sliema, the day settles into its first swim rhythm. You head along the Maltese coastline and then reach the first bay stop where you have about an hour for swimming and snorkeling.

This is a great way to start because it gets your body into “sea day” mode early. You are not waiting until the Blue Lagoon to get wet. The water here is known for clear visibility, and you get the chance to snorkel soon after leaving port, when you still have fresh energy.

What I like about starting here is that it gives you an easy calibration for the day. If the water feels comfortable, you can go a little deeper with your snorkel. If you prefer to keep it shallow and casual, you can still enjoy the scenery and marine life without feeling rushed.

Practical note: this stop is about time on the water, not a long excursion on shore. So pack for a swim day from the start. Bring your towel, sunscreen, and keep your phone protected.

Blue Lagoon Comino: the iconic stop, with crowd math

The Blue Lagoon is the reason many people book a Malta 3 Bay Cruise, and it usually lives up to the hype. You get about two hours here, which is a much better window than the typical hurried half-hour you see on fast-turn tours.

This is your main snorkeling moment, with lots of fish activity and clear water visibility. The color of the water is a big part of the appeal, but the more meaningful part for me is the time: you are not just dipping your toes. You can swim, snorkel, and then switch to relaxed deck time.

One reality check: the Blue Lagoon can be very crowded. Even when the water is perfect, you might find that anchoring is not as close as you want. The good news is that you still get the swim time, and you can still have a great experience from where the boat settles.

If you bring a snorkel set out and use it confidently, this stop can be a highlight. If you are new to snorkeling, start easy. Swim a short distance, watch for movement, then decide if you want to go longer.

Ħalfa Rock in Gozo: dramatic cliffs and another swim window

After Comino, the route shifts toward Gozo’s coastline. Your stop is at Ħalfa Rock, with about 45 minutes to explore and enjoy the water.

The value here is the combination of views and a short, sweet swim session. Ħalfa Rock is all about rugged scenery, and even if you are mostly in the water, you can glance up for the cliff drama. This stop also tends to feel more scenic than crowded compared with the Blue Lagoon, which can make it feel like a reset.

You can also consider using the stand up paddleboard during the scheduled time here. That is not always everyone’s thing, but if you enjoy trying water toys, this is your second chance after Blue Lagoon. With only two paddleboards onboard, it is best to jump in early during the stop time rather than waiting until the last moments.

One more practical point: Gozo time is not long. So if you want photos, grab them in the first part of the stop while you still have energy and light. Later on, you will likely be more focused on swimming.

Quick photo moments: Santa Maria Caves and Elephant Rock

On the way back, there are short photo stops for Santa Maria Caves and Elephant Rock. These are not full land excursions. Think of them as drive-by, eyes-up moments for pictures and quick appreciation of the coastline.

This can be a good trade. If you prefer swimming and snorkeling to long walking schedules, those quick looks keep the pace steady. You still get the famous shapes in your photos, without losing the rest of your day to transfers or long shore time.

If you are hoping for extra time to explore caves on your own, this particular cruise format might feel a little tight. But if your priority is water time, these photo stops make sense and keep your overall day balanced.

Onboard comfort: where you sit, what you get, and what to buy

A big reason this cruise works for me is the onboard vibe. It is a smaller setup than the biggest boats, which means you can actually choose where you relax. You can sit comfortably or lie down in deck areas, and the overall feel is calmer.

You also get free Wi-Fi onboard. It is not the reason you book, but it helps with navigation and sharing.

Included with your ticket:

• Day cruise on the traditional Turkish gulet
• Swimming and snorkeling stops at Blue Lagoon, Selmun Bay, and Ħalfa Rock
• Snorkeling equipment
• 2 stand up paddleboards
• Skipper and crew
• Free Wi-Fi

Food and drinks are not included, but you can purchase refreshments onboard. Based on what people have experienced on recent trips, the prices are described as reasonable. So bring cash or a card that works for purchases and do not plan on eating a big meal from the cruise itself.

Also note the onboard rules: no pets and no glass objects. That is typical for a boat day, but it matters if you bring a bottle for drinks.

Timing, weather, and packing like a pro

This is an 8-hour day. You leave Sliema and return after a long cruising stretch that brings you back across the Mediterranean at the end of the day.

The schedule also means you are outdoors a lot. Weather can shift. Even in shoulder seasons, you can start with clouds or light rain and then get sun later. Plan for that by packing for layers and staying sunscreen-ready.

What to bring (straight from the practical list):

• Hat
• Swimwear
• Towel
• Camera
• Sunscreen

If you want to make the snorkeling part easier, bring your own dry bag for your phone and camera, and keep your sunscreen reapplied before you get in the water again. Also, wear shoes that work for boat steps and slick quay areas. You will thank yourself when boarding.

One more safety note: you should follow instructions from the crew during swim and snorkeling. That is where your comfort and safety come from.

Who this cruise is perfect for (and who should choose another option)

This Malta 3 Bay Cruise is a great fit if you want:

• Multiple swim stops in one day
• A smaller boat with less crowd pressure
• Time to snorkel with gear provided
• A mix of Comino and Gozo without complicated transfers

It also suits couples, small friend groups, and solo travelers who want a relaxed day with an easy meeting point in Sliema.

You might want to consider another format if your top priority is cave exploration on shore. The Santa Maria Caves portion is a quick photo stop, and Ħalfa Rock is more about scenery plus a short swim. And if you absolutely hate crowds, keep in mind the Blue Lagoon can be busy and you may not always anchor right up close.

Value check: is $59 worth it for an 8-hour gulet day?

At $59 per person for an 8-hour cruise, this is strong value, mainly because you get more than one water experience. You are paying for a full day on a traditional boat, plus snorkeling equipment and stand up paddleboards included.

The hidden value is time. Two hours in the Blue Lagoon is the kind of window that lets you actually enjoy the water, not just tick off a stop. One hour at Selmun Bay and another swim window at Ħalfa Rock also add up, so you are not spending the day mostly sitting in transit.

Costs to factor in: food and drinks are not included. But because you can purchase refreshments onboard, you can keep the total spend manageable by bringing snacks if you like or planning on one onboard purchase.

If you compare this to big-boat tours that rush in and out, the smaller group setup can be worth it by itself. Less crowding often means better comfort and less stress when you want to move between deck, swims, and snorkeling.

Should you book this 3 Bay cruise?

If you want a classic Malta day with real swim and snorkeling time across Selmun Bay, Comino’s Blue Lagoon, and Gozo, this is an easy yes. The small gulet size, included snorkeling gear, and two SUP opportunities make it feel like a proper sea day, not a hurried checklist tour.

Book it if your ideal day looks like lounging on deck, swimming at clear-water stops, and taking quick scenic moments for Santa Maria Caves and Elephant Rock. Just go in with crowd expectations for the Blue Lagoon, and arrive early for the Sliema meeting point so you do not lose time finding the dock.

If that sounds like your kind of day, you are likely to be very happy with this one.

FAQ

How long is the cruise?

The cruise duration is 8 hours.

What are the main swimming and snorkeling stops?

You have swimming and snorkeling stops at Selmun Bay, the Blue Lagoon, and Ħalfa Rock.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes, snorkeling equipment is included.

Are food and drinks included in the price?

No. Lunch and drinks are not included, but food and drinks are available for purchase onboard.

Do I need to arrange my own transportation to Sliema?

Yes. There is no hotel pickup or drop-off included. The meeting point is opposite Land’s End Boutique Hotel.

What should I bring for the day?

Bring a hat, swimwear, a towel, a camera, and sunscreen. Glass objects and pets are not allowed.