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

The best part of Malta may be offshore. This eight-hour cruise links Selmun Bay, the Blue Lagoon, and Gozo’s coast aboard a traditional Turkish gulet. I like the mix of long swimming stops and relaxed sailing, and I like that snorkeling gear and two stand-up paddleboards are included rather than treated as extras. The main drawback is exposure to the weather. A windy day can make the ride rough and take some shine off an otherwise excellent day at sea.

You leave from Sliema, opposite Land’s End Boutique Hotel, and return to the same point. At $51 per person, the price is fair for a full day on the water, especially with crew, Wi-Fi, snorkeling equipment, and several scenic stops included. Food and drinks cost extra, and you need to check in 30 minutes early.

Key Points to Know Before Booking

• Three proper swim stops: You get time in Selmun Bay, the Blue Lagoon, and around Ħalfa Rock, rather than only viewing them from the boat.
• A traditional Turkish gulet: The wooden boat has a broad deck, open seating, and room to stretch out during the long sailing sections.
• Two hours at the Blue Lagoon: This is the longest stop, with time for swimming, snorkeling, paddleboarding, or relaxing on deck.
• Gozo scenery without a long land transfer: Ħalfa Rock, Santa Maria Caves, and Elephant Rock give you a coastal look at Gozo and Comino.
• Bring your own lunch budget: Food and drinks are not included, though refreshments are available for purchase onboard.
• Weather matters: Strong wind can affect comfort, swimming conditions, and the overall feel of the day.

Setting Sail from Sliema on a Traditional Gulet

The meeting point is easy to identify: opposite Land’s End Boutique Hotel in Sliema. You should arrive at least 30 minutes before departure, since the boat has a full-day schedule and cannot wait around for late arrivals.

The cruise begins with a 75-minute sightseeing run along the Maltese coast. This opening stretch is part of the experience, not simply dead time between stops. You settle into the wooden gulet, watch Sliema recede, and get a broad view of the coast from the water.

A Turkish gulet is a pleasant choice for this kind of outing. Its wooden hull and spacious deck give the day a classic sailing feel, while the open layout makes it easy to switch between sun, shade, and views. You are not confined to a narrow seat for eight hours.

The boat includes free Wi-Fi, though the best reason to look up from your phone is the coastline. The crew and skipper remain onboard throughout the day, handling the route and safety instructions while keeping the trip moving.

Selmun Bay, or Imgiebah Bay, for the First Swim

The first major stop is listed as Selmun Bay in the cruise description and as Imgiebah Bay in the detailed route. Either way, this early swimming stop gives you one hour to get into the water, snorkel, or stay aboard and enjoy the setting.

The bay is presented as a quiet spot with clear water, rocky cliffs, and greenery around the shore. That makes it a good opening stop because it is less rushed than a quick photo break. You can take a proper swim before the boat continues toward Comino.

Snorkeling equipment is included, so you do not need to pack your own mask and fins. Still, bring your own towel and swimwear, and wear sunscreen before you board. If you plan to spend time in the water, a hat and a camera are also listed as useful items to bring.

The first stop may feel calmer than the Blue Lagoon, which is useful if you prefer a gentler start. The drawback is that swimming conditions depend on wind and sea conditions. One person described a very windy day and still enjoyed making the most of it, but the comment is a useful warning: this is an outdoor boat day, not a weatherproof sightseeing bus.

Two Hours at Malta’s Famous Blue Lagoon

After another 45 minutes of coastal sailing, the gulet reaches the Blue Lagoon on Comino. This is the centerpiece of the cruise, and the two-hour stop gives you enough time to do more than take a quick photograph.

You can swim in the clear water, snorkel with the supplied equipment, use one of the two stand-up paddleboards, or remain on the deck. The choice matters because the Blue Lagoon can appeal to different kinds of visitors. Active swimmers can make use of the water, while anyone wanting a slower day can simply sunbathe and watch the changing colors around the boat.

The stop is also long enough to avoid the usual in, out, next stop feeling. You have room to swim, dry off, eat something, and return to the water if you wish. Snacks and refreshments are available for purchase, but you should budget for them separately because lunch and drinks are not part of the $51 price.

The Blue Lagoon is famous for good reason, but fame brings a practical issue. The experience depends heavily on how crowded and windy the area feels on the day of your cruise. The tour gives you two hours, which is generous, but it cannot guarantee calm water or a quiet scene.

I like that you can stay on the gulet during this stop. You are not forced into the water, and the deck provides a comfortable base for taking in the view. If you dislike slippery rocks, strong sun, or busy swimming areas, the boat may be your preferred spot.

Ħalfa Rock and Gozo’s Rugged Coast

Once the gulet leaves Comino, the route moves toward Gozo and Ħalfa Rock. The boat allows about 45 minutes here for sightseeing, swimming, snorkeling, and stand-up paddleboarding.

This stop changes the mood. The Blue Lagoon is known for its bright water, while Ħalfa Rock is about cliffs and rougher coastal scenery. You get a look at the Gozo shoreline without spending the day on a bus or arranging a separate island excursion.

You might choose a short swim or stay aboard for views of the rock formations. The crew can serve drinks and share stories about the places along the route, adding a little local context while you take a break from the water.

The main limitation is time. Forty-five minutes is enough for a swim and a look around, but not enough for a broad tour of Gozo. This is a coastal visit, not a full island visit. If your main goal is churches, villages, food, or inland scenery, you need a separate Gozo day.

Santa Maria Caves and Elephant Rock Photo Stops

The cruise then passes two notable formations near Comino: Santa Maria Caves and Elephant Rock. Each receives about 10 minutes, so these are brief viewing and photo stops rather than places for a long walk or swim.

At Santa Maria Caves, you can take photographs and enjoy the scenery from the boat. The short pause gives you a chance to see another side of Comino’s coast without using up the swimming time at the Blue Lagoon.

Elephant Rock provides another quick coastal view. Ten minutes is enough to point your camera, take in the shape of the rock, and hear any comments from the crew. It is not enough for a detailed exploration, so keep your expectations in check.

These small stops improve the route because the day is not built around one famous bay alone. You see cliffs, caves, rock formations, and open water. The tradeoff is that the schedule feels fairly structured. If you prefer drifting wherever the captain finds the best conditions, this cruise may feel more fixed than a private charter.

The Long Sail Back to Sliema

After the final photo stops, the gulet begins a 105-minute sightseeing cruise back to Sliema. This is the longest return stretch, and it is a good time to dry off, rest, chat with the crew, or settle into a quieter corner of the deck.

The return can be one of the most enjoyable parts of the day if the weather cooperates. The coastline looks different in the afternoon light, and the open Mediterranean gives you time to reflect on the route. The provided description also mentions sunset views and a golden horizon, though the exact light will depend on the season and departure time.

It is worth remembering that wind can affect this part of the trip as well. A calm sea makes the ride restful. On a windy day, the crossing may feel tiring, especially if you are prone to seasickness. Pack any personal motion-sickness remedy you normally use, though the tour information does not promise a specific onboard treatment.

The boat returns to the original meeting point in Sliema. There is no hotel pickup or drop-off, so you need to make your own way to the dock at the beginning and end of the day.

What the $51 Price Really Covers

At $51, this is a reasonably priced full-day sea outing. You are paying for eight hours of transport by boat, crew and skipper, three water-based stops, coastal sightseeing, snorkeling equipment, two paddleboards, and Wi-Fi.

The value is strongest if you intend to swim and snorkel. A person who spends most of the day on deck still gets the boat ride and scenery, but the included water equipment becomes less useful. The cruise works best when you treat the swimming stops as the main event, not as optional extras.

You should also allow money for food and drinks. They are available onboard, but not included. Since the boat spends much of the day away from shore, buying something onboard may be the simplest choice. The supplied information does not specify prices or whether you may bring your own food, so check the current rules before departure.

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure and the option to reserve now and pay later add useful flexibility. Those terms matter for a weather-sensitive activity, but you should still read the final booking conditions carefully before paying.

Who Will Enjoy This Cruise Most

I would recommend this day to you if you want Malta’s best-known water sights in one organized outing. It suits couples, friends, and families who enjoy swimming, snorkeling, sun, and scenery without having to coordinate ferries or separate boat tickets.

It is also a good fit if you want a relaxed boat day with some variety. The route mixes open-water sailing, three swim areas, Gozo views, cave and rock photo stops, and time to rest on deck.

You may want a different plan if you dislike long boat rides. The itinerary includes 75 minutes of sailing near the start, 45 minutes before the Blue Lagoon, 10-minute transfers between some stops, and 105 minutes on the return. In total, a substantial part of the eight hours is spent moving between places.

This is also not the best choice if your priority is a full Gozo visit. You see Gozo from the water at Ħalfa Rock, but there is no extended land tour. Likewise, if you want a private and quiet experience, a group gulet cruise may not provide that feeling.

Practical Advice for a Better Day

Arrive 30 minutes early at the Sliema meeting point. Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, a hat, and a camera, and avoid bringing glass objects or pets.

Wear something comfortable for both sun and wind. The boat has open deck space, and conditions can change during a full day at sea. Follow the crew’s safety instructions and respect local customs and wildlife.

Keep valuables simple. You will move between swimming, sitting, drying off, and taking photographs, so a small waterproof bag can be useful, though one is not listed as included.

The tour runs in English and Serbian. If you need another language, you should confirm availability before booking. Starting times vary, so check the schedule for your chosen date rather than assuming a fixed departure.

Should You Book the Three-Bay Cruise?

Book it if you want a full day on the water with plenty of swimming and a broad look at Malta, Comino, and Gozo. The Blue Lagoon receives two hours, the first and third swim stops add variety, and the traditional gulet makes the long transfers more pleasant than a basic ferry ride.

Think twice if you need calm weather, a private boat, or a detailed tour of Gozo on land. Wind can change the day’s comfort, and food and drinks cost extra.

For $51, I see this as good value for an active Malta day, especially if you use the snorkeling gear and paddleboards. Check the forecast, arrive prepared, and accept that the sea sets the pace.

FAQ

Where does the cruise start?

It starts opposite Land’s End Boutique Hotel in Sliema, at the meeting point listed as WG45+V3F.

Where does the cruise end?

The cruise returns to the same meeting point in Sliema.

How long does the activity last?

The cruise lasts eight hours. Starting times vary, so you need to check availability for your chosen date.

Which places does the boat visit?

The route includes Selmun Bay, also identified as Imgiebah Bay in the detailed stop list, the Blue Lagoon, Ħalfa Rock, Santa Maria Caves, and Elephant Rock.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, along with swimming stops at the Blue Lagoon, Selmun Bay, and Ħalfa Rock.

Are stand-up paddleboards available?

Yes. Two stand-up paddleboards are included for use at the Blue Lagoon and Ħalfa Rock.

Is lunch included?

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

What should I bring?

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

What languages are available?

The live tour guide service is available in English and Serbian.