Round Malta Cruise Including Blue Lagoon With Lunch & Drinks

Blue Lagoon comes first, then the rest of Malta. This 8.5-hour cruise circles a big chunk of the island from Sliema with two swim stops and major sights along the way. I really like the included cold buffet lunch with local wine and beer, and I also enjoy the laid-back boat rhythm that still lets you see western cliffs and north-coast towns.

The only real watch-out is crowding and shade. The boat can run full, and if you burn easily you will want sun protection, because not every part of the deck is shaded.

Highlights You Will Actually Feel on This Cruise

• Turkish gullet day on the water from Sliema, with English commentary while you cruise
• Two swim stops plus a longer Blue Lagoon slot (about 2 to 2.5 hours)
• Included food and drinks: cold buffet lunch, mid-morning snack, unlimited soft drinks, and local wine and beer during lunch
• Fresh fruit in the afternoon to break up the day after your swims
• Warm-water practicality: fresh water showers on board and snack options available at the cash bar
• Blue Lagoon pass rule starting May 2025: you must have an official access pass to disembark

From Sliema Ferries to the Hera: The Boat Setup That Makes the Day Work

Most people start in Sliema, with departures from Sliema Ferries at 9:30 a.m. If you are not on the optional pickup, plan to arrive 20 to 30 minutes early and find the Turkish gulet named Hera, in the area opposite the Basilica of Jesus of Nazareth.

The boat experience is classic for Malta day cruises. It is built for sightseeing time and swim stops, not for an all-day indoor comfort scene. The good news is that the tour includes fresh water showers and onboard facilities, so you can rinse off salt without turning the whole day into a sticky souvenir.

I like that the cruise includes unlimited mineral water and soft drinks through the trip. It keeps the day simple, especially when you are in and out of the sun.

Malta Sightseeing Loop: Dingli Cliffs, Popeye Village, and North-Coast Views

You get more than just boat time. The route includes passing sights that give you a fast feel for what Malta looks like from the water, and it is a nice way to avoid trying to drive and park on a schedule.

Here are the standouts you will see along the way:

• St. Thomas Bay (Marsascala area): this is tied to the story of Paul the Apostle after his shipwreck on Malta. You are not going ashore here, but the bay is part of the perspective the cruise gives you.
• Dingli Cliffs: on Malta’s western coast, high above sea level, famous for big panoramic views where the sky and sea meet. Even if you only get a look from the water, it helps you understand why people come here for scenery.
• Popeye Village: a film set turned attraction, built for the 1980 Popeye musical starring Robin Williams and Shelley Duvall. From the boat it looks like a quirky pocket world, and it is a memorable visual break from pure coastline.
• Anchor Bay: on Malta’s northwest side, associated with Roman anchors found on the seabed. It is the kind of detail your guide gives context for while you cruise.

Later in the day, you also pass along the north coast areas including Mellieħa Bay, St. Paul’s Bay, and the Qawra and Buġibba stretch. You will also see St. Julian’s along the promenade connection to Sliema, then cruise past the Sliema seafront and return to your starting point.

If you want a Malta day that mixes viewpoints with swim time, this route delivers. If you want a lot of walking, this is not that kind of tour, since much of the sightseeing is from the boat.

Your First Swim Stop: Fomm ir-Rih Bay and That “Secluded” Feeling

The first real break from cruising is at Fomm ir-Rih Bay, with about 1 hour on site for your swim stop. It is described as small and scenic, on the western side of Gozo within the Mġarr area, and the bay’s geology gives it dramatic cliffs and a pebble shore.

Why this stop matters: it is the kind of water setting that makes the day feel like a true escape, not just a long ride to the main lagoon. You get a chance to swim early, before the bigger crowds gather around the most famous spot.

There is one practical consideration. The operator can swap stops if weather or operational issues prevent docking at Fomm ir-Rih. Plan for flexibility, and bring your swimwear ready, since you will want to get in the water quickly when the boat pulls up.

Comino Island Time: Between the Main Bays and the Blue Lagoon Crowd

After Fomm ir-Rih, you head toward Comino for another swim-focused block, around 1 hour with time to enjoy the island and its clear water areas. Comino is small, car-free, and mostly uninhabited, which is why it feels different from the rest of the Maltese islands.

This part of the day is about building your Comino experience before you settle into the longer Blue Lagoon swim. You might find yourself bouncing between taking photos, scanning for a good swim spot, and thinking about how to time your sun exposure.

Also, be ready for the fact that Comino can get crowded in peak conditions. The goal is to enjoy it, not to pretend you will have the place to yourself.

The Blue Lagoon Part That Can Make or Break Your Day: Get the Access Pass

Here is the key planning point. Starting with a government directive effective May 2025, you need an official Blue Lagoon access pass to disembark. The pass is limited by daily allocation, and you must obtain it in advance from blcomino.com.

For this specific cruise, you are required to book the afternoon timeslot when applying for your pass. If you do not have the official pass, you will not be allowed to disembark at the Blue Lagoon, and no refunds are issued for that situation.

This is the kind of rule that feels annoying until you understand why it exists. The lagoon is popular, and access controls reduce chaos. For you, it means one simple homework task that protects your whole day.

Blue Lagoon Swim Time: What 2 to 2.5 Hours Looks Like in Real Life

Your Blue Lagoon stop is about 2 to 2.5 hours, and that is the heart of the day. Expect turquoise clear water, a white-sand feel on the bottom, and a setting that is famous for a reason.

You will be able to swim, sunbathe, snorkel, and just hang out on the boat. If you want to snorkel, note that snorkeling equipment is not included. A mask and pipe (no fins) can be hired for around €5, usually first-come, first-served.

Practical note: if you are prone to seasickness, this tour may not suit you. It is not set up as a gentle, tiny-water experience the entire time.

If you love a long swim window, you will like how this one is scheduled. Some day cruises cram the lagoon into a short stop. This one gives you enough time to do a full swim session, rinse off, and still look around.

Lunch, Drinks, and Onboard Comfort: The Value Piece You Notice

This cruise is priced at $78.27 per person, and the value mostly comes from what is included. You get a mid-morning snack, then a cold buffet lunch described as rich and delightful, plus drinks.

What I really like about the included setup:

• Unlimited mineral water and soft drinks throughout the cruise
• Unlimited local wine and beer during lunch time
• Fresh fruit in the afternoon
• Staff and crew assistance, plus fresh water showers

Even if you do not drink alcohol, the unlimited soft drinks and mineral water matter. You end up saving money you would otherwise spend once you are out on the water and hungry.

The only caution is deck space and seating. Some people note there may not be enough room for everyone at the same time, and shade can be limited. That is not a reason to skip, but it is a reason to plan.

Sun Smarts and Seating: How to Avoid the Most Common Frustrations

On a full day at sea, the small comfort stuff becomes the big stuff. I suggest treating this like an outdoor event.

Bring:

• sunscreen and a hat
• your own water-friendly swimwear
• something to protect your shoulders if you burn fast

Also think about timing. If the boat deck gets crowded, try to move when new groups settle or when you return from a swim stop.

There is also a cash bar available for extra snacks and beverages. Payments can be cash or credit card on board. If you head onto Comino, note that internet connection is not always stable, so at times only cash payments may be accepted.

Who This Malta Blue Lagoon Cruise Fits Best

This is a strong fit for you if you want:

• a full-day Malta highlights loop without driving
• real swim time at Fomm ir-Rih and the Blue Lagoon
• a meal plan that does not require hunting for restaurants mid-tour

It is also a good choice if you like clear structure. You start at a set time, you get set swim windows, and you get lunch and drinks built in.

It may be less ideal if:

• you are highly sensitive to crowds
• you are very heat-sensitive and hate sun without shade
• you have mobility constraints, since it is not recommended for travellers with mobility impairments

Should You Book This Round Malta Cruise With Blue Lagoon?

I would book this if you want the classic Malta day, the kind that hits viewpoints, then pays you back with water time. The included lunch, unlimited drinks, and the longer Blue Lagoon window make it feel like more than a scenic ride.

But do one thing first: get the Blue Lagoon access pass from blcomino.com, and select the required afternoon timeslot for this cruise. That single step protects your ability to actually do the part most people come for.

If you also show up sun-ready and accept that the deck may be busy, you will get exactly what the day promises: a great mix of Malta from the water and some of the best swimming time in the area.

FAQ

Do I need a Blue Lagoon access pass for this tour?

Yes. Since May 2025, you must obtain an official government-issued access pass to disembark at the Blue Lagoon. It is limited by daily allocation, and you are required to book the afternoon timeslot for this trip. You will not be allowed to disembark without the pass.

What time does the cruise depart from Sliema?

The cruise departs from Sliema Ferries at 9:30 a.m.

How long is the cruise?

The duration is approximately 8 hours 30 minutes.

Are lunch and drinks included?

Yes. You get a mid-morning snack and a cold buffet lunch, plus unlimited mineral water and soft drinks during the cruise. Local wine and beer are also included during lunch time.

Where are the swim stops?

You have two swim stops: Fomm ir-Rih Bay (about 1 hour) and the Blue Lagoon (about 2 to 2.5 hours). The itinerary also includes about 1 hour at Comino.

Is snorkeling gear included?

Snorkeling equipment (mask and pipe, no fins) is not included, but you can hire it for a small fee of around €5.

Do I need to get to the boat early?

If you are making your own way to the boat, you should arrive 20 to 30 minutes before the scheduled departure time.

Is pickup available?

Pickup is offered as an optional add-on. If you book pickup, the website or ticket time is the cruise departure time, not your exact hotel pickup time. You need to confirm pickup details with the provider before the day.

Is this tour good if I get seasick?

It is not recommended for travelers who are prone to seasickness. The tour is done on a boat for several hours.

What is the group size?

This tour/activity has a maximum of 110 travelers.