Blue Lagoon: Full-Day Three Island Cruise: Malta, Gozo and Comino

The best part of this cruise is simple: four chances to swim in clear Mediterranean water while a boat carries you between Malta, Gozo, and Comino. You see famous bays, rocky coast, caves, and harbor scenery in one long day, without arranging separate ferries or taxis.

I like the useful hotel pickup and the included buffet lunch, water, and local wine. I also like the relaxed mix of cruising and swimming, with Captain Chris and his crew often singled out for being friendly and attentive. The main thing to consider is that this is more of a swimming day than a sightseeing cruise, and the boat can feel crowded, especially when more people join along the route.

Key points to know before you book

• Four water stops: Blue Lagoon, Armier Bay, Paradise Bay, and Crystal Lagoon give you plenty of time to swim.
• A true full-day outing: The cruise lasts about seven hours and begins at 8am from Mgarr Harbour.
• Good built-in value: Hotel pickup and drop-off, lunch, water, and local wine are included.
• Cold buffet lunch: Expect bread, cold pasta, rice, vegetables, and assorted fillings rather than a hot restaurant meal.
• Group size matters: The listed maximum is 65 people, so this is not a private or small-boat experience.
• Optional caves tour: A separate caves excursion costs €10 per person.

What this Malta three-island cruise is really like

This outing works best as a broad introduction to Malta’s coast. You spend the day on a gullet-style boat, moving between the islands and stopping where the water is most inviting. The scenery is the constant backdrop, but the main activity is swimming from the boat or at the beaches.

That distinction matters. If you picture a narrated coastal tour with long stops at historic towns, this may not be the right match. The schedule focuses on bays and swimming areas, not museums, churches, or extended time ashore.

You begin at Mgarr Harbour on Gozo at 8am. Hotel pickup and return transport are offered, which can make a big difference if you are staying away from the harbor. Confirm the pickup details when booking, since the listed start and end point is Mgarr Harbour.

The cruise lasts roughly seven hours. That is enough time to cover a lot of coast, but it is also a long day in the sun. Bring a hat, sunscreen, swimwear, and a towel. A shaded part of the boat is available when you need a break from the heat, a useful detail during Malta’s hottest months.

Blue Lagoon, about one hour in Comino

The Blue Lagoon is the headline stop, and you get about an hour here. It sits between Comino and the smaller island of Cominotto, forming a broad natural pool with pale water, rocky edges, some sand, and nearby caves.

The setting is striking, but do not expect solitude. Blue Lagoon is one of Malta’s best-known swimming spots, and its popularity is part of the experience. The boat gives you a convenient way to reach the area and enjoy the water without planning your own boat transfer.

You can swim and snorkel here, though the stop may feel long if you are not interested in getting wet. One person found the Blue Lagoon stop of about an hour and 15 minutes longer than needed. That is a fair warning: the schedule favors a leisurely swim, not a quick photo stop.

I would use this time for a swim early in the day, when you are fresh. Then find a shaded place on board, dry off, and enjoy the ride before the next stop. If you want the clearest photos, keep your camera ready as the boat approaches the lagoon, but protect it carefully around the water.

Armier Bay, a quieter-looking half hour

Armier Bay Beach gets about 30 minutes. The sea here is described as crystal blue and similar to the water at Blue Lagoon, making it another good place for a short swim.

The shorter stop gives the day a different rhythm. You are not committed to a full hour in the water, and the pause breaks up the longer cruise between the headline locations. Armier Bay is a good chance to swim, cool down, and get back aboard without using too much of the day.

The information provided does not specify whether the boat anchors directly off the beach or how much time you spend ashore, so plan for a water stop rather than a beach excursion. If you need a long stretch on land, this is unlikely to meet that need.

Paradise Bay at Malta’s northern edge

Paradise Bay is another 30-minute stop, close to Mellieha Bay at Malta’s far northern point. It is presented as one of the island’s most beautiful beaches, with a setting that makes a pleasant contrast to the rocky waters around Comino.

This stop is particularly useful for anyone who wants a taste of Malta’s beach scenery without giving up the rest of the cruise. Thirty minutes passes quickly, so have your swim gear ready and do not wait until the last few minutes to enter the water.

Paradise Bay also helps explain the value of seeing several locations in a single day. You are not relying on one beach to carry the whole outing. If one stop is crowded, windy, or less appealing to you, another bay is still ahead.

Crystal Lagoon, about one hour on Comino’s western side

Crystal Lagoon lies on Comino’s western side, between Malta and Gozo. The cruise allows about an hour here, giving you another substantial period for swimming and snorkeling.

The lagoon is known for clear water and a rocky setting. As at Blue Lagoon, this is a place to enjoy from the water rather than a location for a long cultural visit. You may find the rocky shore less comfortable than a sandy beach, so water shoes could be useful, though they are not listed as a requirement.

The longer stop can feel generous if you love swimming. If you prefer constant movement, it may feel slow. This is one of the key choices behind the booking: the more you value time in the sea, the better the itinerary fits.

The coastal scenery between the stops

The cruise is not only about the four scheduled swimming areas. Along the way, you pass sights including Mgarr Harbour, Anchor Bay, and Elephant Rock. These views give you a broad look at the coast of Malta, Gozo, and Comino from the water.

The boat itself is part of the experience. It is described as a pretty gullet-style vessel with shaded seating, though the exact layout can change how comfortable the day feels. The listed maximum is 65 people. That is a manageable number for a larger excursion boat, but it is not an intimate sailing trip.

One useful caution comes from the way the group may change during the day. The boat can begin with a smaller number of people and take on more passengers after several stops. If you value elbow room, arrive early at the meeting point and choose your seat carefully.

The cruise is also affected by the sea and the weather. A windy day can make the ride uncomfortable, especially for anyone prone to motion sickness. The captain may adjust the route if conditions become difficult, and the experience requires good weather. A cancellation because of poor weather means you will be offered another date or a full refund.

Lunch on board: practical, not fancy

A buffet lunch is included, which is one of the strongest practical advantages of this trip. You do not need to leave the boat to find food, and you can keep your day moving between the islands.

The meal is a light cold buffet. The food described includes bread, cold pasta, rice, different vegetables, and assorted fillings. Some people find it adequate rather than memorable, while others appreciate the choice and the fact that a cold meal suits a hot day on the water.

Set your expectations correctly. This is not a destination meal or a cooked seafood lunch. It is simple food designed to feed you during a long excursion. For many people, that is exactly enough, especially when the alternative is buying lunch at a busy beach stop.

Water and local wine are included. Other drinks must be purchased separately. If you do not drink wine, or if you need more than the included water, bring some extra money for refreshments.

Food allergies deserve a little planning. The buffet offers several items, but the available information does not promise specific allergy-free meals. Ask the operator about your needs before departure rather than relying on the buffet to solve them.

Captain Chris and the pace on board

Captain Chris is named as a friendly presence, and the crew’s attention to safety and enjoyment is one of the most praised parts of the experience. That personal touch matters on a day when people are swimming from a boat, moving around a wet deck, and coping with heat or wind.

At the same time, service can feel informal. Drinks may not always be brought automatically, so ask the crew when you need water or another included drink. In very hot weather, keep your own water close rather than waiting until you feel thirsty.

The crew’s response to rough conditions is also important. On a windy day, the captain reportedly checked whether people were comfortable continuing with the three-island program and offered to alter the route for anyone feeling unwell. Still, no boat trip can remove the effects of wind and waves. If you are sensitive to motion, take sensible precautions and choose a seat with care.

The day has a relaxed, social feel rather than a tightly scripted sightseeing format. That works well for couples, families with older children, and friends who want to swim and enjoy the coast together. Children must be accompanied by an adult, and a moderate level of physical fitness is expected.

Is $80.95 good value?

At $80.95 per person, the price is reasonable if you use the main inclusions. You are paying for about seven hours on the water, hotel pickup and return transport, four swimming stops, a buffet lunch, water, and local wine.

The value is strongest for first-time visitors or people with limited time in Malta. Organizing Malta, Gozo, and Comino independently would mean comparing transport, finding suitable swimming areas, arranging boat access, and carrying food or buying it along the way. This trip rolls those jobs into one day.

The value is weaker if you want a small group, gourmet food, or detailed sightseeing commentary. The boat can carry up to 65 people, and the lunch is deliberately simple. You are buying access and convenience, not exclusivity.

The optional caves tour costs another €10 per person. Since it is not included, decide ahead of time if you want to add it. The main cruise already includes several stops, so the extra may appeal most to people who especially enjoy coastal formations and short boat excursions.

How to make the most of the seven hours

I would treat this as a beach day with a moving view. Wear your swimsuit under your clothes, pack a towel, and keep sunscreen handy. A hat and a light cover-up will help during the longer stretches between stops.

Arrive ready for a full day, not a quick boat ride. The first departure is at 8am, and the combination of sun, salt water, and wind can be tiring. Use the shaded area when you need it instead of trying to stay in full sun all day.

Bring a waterproof phone case if you want photos in the lagoons. Snorkeling is listed at Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon, but equipment is not listed among the inclusions, so check before assuming gear is provided.

If you want the most comfortable seat, get on early. The boat may become more crowded after additional passengers join. There are pleasant places to sit, but personal space can be limited at busy times.

Finally, keep your expectations focused. You will see attractive coastal sights, but this is not a substitute for visiting Gozo’s inland villages or Malta’s historic cities. Pair it with a separate day for cultural sightseeing.

Who should book this cruise?

I would recommend it to you if you want one efficient day covering the three main Maltese islands and your priority is swimming. It also suits first-time visitors who prefer an organized outing, families who value included transport and lunch, and anyone staying far enough from Mgarr Harbour to benefit from pickup.

It is a particularly good match if you like a loose, social boat atmosphere and do not mind sharing the deck. The crew, the swim stops, and the simple onboard meal create an easy day with little planning.

I would think twice if you dislike crowds, get seasick, or want a quiet sailing trip. I would also skip it if your main goal is historical sightseeing, long walks, or a high-end meal. The cruise passes notable coastal sights, but swimming remains the heart of the program.

Should you book the Malta, Gozo, and Comino cruise?

Book it if you want maximum coastal variety in one day and are happy to spend much of that day in or near the water. The four stops, included lunch, hotel transport, and drinks make the $80.95 price fair for a full-day outing.

Skip it if you are seeking a small private boat, a polished food experience, or an in-depth tour of Malta’s culture. For the right kind of day, this is a practical way to see the islands from the sea, cool off in famous lagoons, and let someone else handle the logistics.

The booking includes free cancellation up to 24 hours before the 8am start time. Later cancellations and changes are not accepted for a refund. Because good weather is required, poor conditions may lead to another date or a full refund.

FAQ

Where does the cruise start and finish?

The cruise starts at Mgarr Harbour in Malta at 8am and ends back at the same meeting point.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included, though the listed meeting point remains Mgarr Harbour.

How long does the cruise last?

The experience lasts approximately seven hours.

Which swimming locations are included?

The planned stops are Blue Lagoon, Armier Bay Beach, Paradise Bay, and Crystal Lagoon.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A buffet lunch is served on board. It is a light cold buffet with items such as bread, cold pasta, rice, vegetables, and assorted fillings.

Are drinks included?

Water and local wine are included. Other drinks must be purchased separately.

How much does the optional caves tour cost?

The optional caves tour costs €10 per person and is not included in the main price.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The activity requires good weather. If it is canceled because of poor conditions, you will be offered another date or a full refund.