Sliema: Three Bay Cruise with Lunch & Optional Transfers

Sun, three swims, and a real buffet day. This full-day gullet cruise from Sliema strings together Malta and Comino in one relaxed outing, with English commentary and time to actually get wet.

I love the Turkish gulet feel, especially the spacious decks and the onboard extras like swimming ladders and freshwater showers. I also love the cold buffet lunch with unlimited local wine and beer at lunchtime, plus soft drinks available throughout the day.

The one big thing to plan around is the government Blue Lagoon access pass you need for stepping ashore, since the daily slots can be limited.

Quick standouts and what to watch

• Turkish gulet named Hera: a traditional wooden boat with a bar area and English narration
• Three swim stops in one day: St. Paul’s Bay (or Selmun, depending on weather), Daħlet Qorrot Bay, and Comino’s Blue Lagoon
• Lunch that feels like a full meal: cold buffet plus a mid-morning snack, with drinks included
• On-board comfort you can actually use: freshwater showers, swimming ladders, and a shade canopy at the back
• Comino entry requires advance planning: you need an access pass from blcomino.com for the Blue Lagoon ashore time
• Timing depends on where you start: optional pickup exists, but you must confirm pickup details a few days ahead

Why a Three-Bay Gullet Day Works Better Than a Half-Day

This is the kind of Sliema cruise that gives you a whole day of sun and swimming without needing to figure out separate tickets, boat changes, or ferry connections. You get a simple plan: ride the coast, stop to swim, eat on board, then spend the later hours where the water is famous.

What you’re really buying is time on the water with built-in comforts. When you want three different “photo and swim” moments, an all-in-one day like this is easier than building it yourself, especially if you prefer not to rush.

Finding the Boat: Sliema Ferries and the Hera Check-In

You start at Sliema Ferries, Triq Ix-Xatt, in the area opposite the Basilica of Jesus of Nazareth. When you arrive, look for a Turkish gulet, and specifically the boat named Hera.

If you picked optional transfers, don’t assume the pickup time equals the cruise departure. The departure time shown is for the cruise itself, and pickup can happen earlier, depending on where you’re staying. A few days before your date, contact the provider to confirm exact pickup location and timing.

The Morning Sail Along Malta’s North Coast

After departure in the morning, the cruise heads along Malta’s north-eastern coastline. You pass by shoreline villages and notable spots like St. Julian’s Bay, St. Paul’s Islands, and Mellieħa as you move toward the first swim area.

This stretch matters more than you might think. Even if you’re primarily there for Comino, the early hours let you settle into the day, grab a drink from the bar area, and enjoy the coast before you’re busy with towels and sunscreen.

A practical tip before the first swim

Bring your swim gear and towel so you can change quickly when you’re told it’s time. On a day like this, you want to be in the water early, not hunting for a wet swimsuit after everyone’s already moving.

Swim Stop #1: St. Paul’s Bay (or Selmun Area When Weather Changes)

Your first swim stop is at St. Paul’s Bay, or possibly beneath Selmun depending on conditions. The point of this stop is simple: get a classic Malta-water swim early, before the day gets busier and hotter.

Because it can shift with weather, keep your expectations flexible. Either way, you’re aiming for clear water and a quick reset, with the boat’s swimming ladders making entry and exit straightforward.

Daħlet Qorrot Bay Near Gozo: A Scenic Break From the Main Route

Next comes Daħlet Qorrot Bay, one of Gozo’s prettiest settings. This is your second swim stop, and it also helps break up the day so you’re not just repeating the same type of stop.

Think of it as the “second act” of the day. You’ll likely feel your first swim already did the warm-up work, so this stop is where you can take your time, relax on the boat between dips, and snack between swimming rounds.

Comino Island and the Blue Lagoon: The Big Finish

The last stop is Comino Island, and it’s usually the longest. This is where the famous Blue Lagoon natural pools come in, with turquoise, crystal-clear water and a sandy base. The water clarity is the main reason people book this trip, because it makes swimming feel like a live-action postcard.

The access pass rule you cannot ignore

You do not get the government-issued access pass included. If you want to step ashore at the Blue Lagoon, you need the pass in advance via blcomino.com. For this specific cruise, you should apply using the afternoon slot. Daily allocation can be limited, so plan early.

If you show up without the pass, you may be stuck without the ashore experience. That’s the main reason I treat this as a must-do checklist item, not an afterthought.

Time your priorities once you’re at Comino

Once you’re in the Blue Lagoon area, decide early what you want most: swimming, snorkeling, or relaxing on the boat. Since this stop is long, you can usually rotate between all three, but it helps to have a plan so you don’t spend your best hours reorganizing.

Also note the cruise timeframe: you return to Sliema ferry terminal at approximately 5:30 PM. That means Comino has to deliver, and it usually does.

Cold Buffet Lunch and the Drink Plan That Makes It Worth It

Lunch is a cold buffet served onboard, plus a mid-morning snack earlier in the day. The big value win here is drinks: unlimited mineral water and soft drinks throughout the cruise, and unlimited local wine and beer during lunchtime.

If you’ve ever done boat days where food feels like an afterthought, this setup usually feels more like a real meal. You’re not just grabbing something quick and getting back to sunbathing. You can sit, eat, and actually enjoy the boat’s saloon atmosphere for a bit.

What about alcohol beyond lunch?

Unlimited local wine and beer are included during lunchtime, while other alcoholic drinks can be purchased from the bar. Bring cash if you want to make purchases, since the day is set up around included basics plus optional upgrades.

Boat Comfort Details You’ll Appreciate Once You’re Out There

This cruise uses a Turkish gulet with spacious decks, a stylish saloon, and a bar area. You also get practical water-friendly features like swimming ladders, freshwater showers, and a canopy for shade at the back of the boat.

On a hot day, shade and showers are not luxury items. After swimming, being able to rinse off helps you feel comfortable through lunch and the later Comino hours, rather than ending the day smelling like seawater and sunscreen.

Sun and swim setup

You’ll be outside for most of the day, so pack for real sun exposure: sunglasses, sun hat, and sunscreen. You’ll also want swimwear and a towel, and motion-sickness prevention if you’re prone to it.

Price and Value: Is $77 a Smart Use of Your Malta Time?

At around $77 per person for an 8-hour cruise, the value mostly comes from the bundle. You’re getting three swim stops, onboard commentary in English, a cold buffet lunch, and included soft drinks for the full day, plus local wine and beer at lunchtime.

The other big value factor is simplicity. If you were to recreate this day on your own, you’d likely spend more on transport, boat time, and food, and you’d still deal with planning for the Blue Lagoon access pass. Here, your planning work is mostly front-loaded into one advance task.

Just remember what is not included: the government access pass for stepping ashore at the Blue Lagoon. The need for that pass can turn a “quick add-on” into a real planning step, so treat it like part of the cost of entry.

Who This Cruise Fits Best (and Who Should Reconsider)

This is a good choice if you want a structured day with built-in swimming time and a meal on board. You’ll especially enjoy it if you like the idea of moving between St. Paul’s Bay, Daħlet Qorrot Bay, and Comino without switching plans mid-day.

It may be less ideal if you get motion sickness. The activity is listed as not suitable for people prone to seasickness, and you’re also advised to bring motion-sickness prevention.

Mobility note you should read carefully

The cruise is listed as wheelchair accessible, but it’s also listed as not suitable for people with mobility impairments. If that applies to you, don’t assume this will be easy, especially with boarding steps and water access areas. I’d treat it as a “needs confirmation” situation and ask the provider how the day works in practice for your specific needs.

Should You Book the Sliema Three-Bay Cruise with Lunch?

I think you should book this cruise if you want a classic Malta boat day with enough time to swim three times and still feel fed and taken care of. The inclusion of soft drinks all day, plus unlimited local wine and beer at lunchtime, is the kind of practical detail that makes the day feel complete without extra spending.

Before you book, do two quick checks. First, make sure you’re ready for the Blue Lagoon access pass requirement by applying in advance using the afternoon slot. Second, be honest about motion sickness risk, since this trip is not recommended if you’re prone to it.

If those two points fit, the Hera gulet day is a strong match for a simple, sunny, water-focused day from Sliema.

FAQ

Where does the cruise depart from?

The cruise departs from Sliema Ferries, Triq Ix-Xatt, Sliema, in the area opposite the Basilica of Jesus of Nazareth. You should look for the Turkish gulet Hera.

What time does the cruise return to Sliema?

You return to the Sliema ferry terminal at approximately 5:30 PM.

How long is the cruise?

The duration is 8 hours.

What are the swim stops during the day?

There are three swim stops: St. Paul’s Bay (or the area beneath Selmun depending on weather), Daħlet Qorrot Bay, and Comino Island, including the Blue Lagoon area.

Is lunch included, and what type is it?

Yes. Lunch is included as a cold buffet served onboard, plus a mid-morning snack. Fresh fruit is also provided in the afternoon.

Are drinks included during the cruise?

Unlimited mineral water and soft drinks are included throughout the cruise. Unlimited local wine and beer are included during lunchtime, and other alcoholic beverages can be purchased from the bar.

Do I need a Blue Lagoon access pass to go ashore?

Yes. A government-issued access pass is required to step ashore at the Blue Lagoon, and it is not included in the cruise price. You can get it from blcomino.com and should select the afternoon slot for this cruise.

Does the price include hotel pickup and drop-off?

Pickup and drop-off transfers are optional. If you select them when booking, they are included from selected meeting points, but you must confirm pickup time and location with the provider a few days before your date.

What should I bring for the day?

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

Is the boat wheelchair accessible?

The activity is listed as wheelchair accessible. At the same time, it is listed as not suitable for people with mobility impairments, so it is worth checking details with the provider if that applies to you.