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

The main appeal here is simple: you get a full day on the water with four swim stops and views of Malta, Gozo, and Comino without arranging several separate trips. Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon provide the biggest visual payoff, while the boat lets you see places such as Mgarr Harbour, Anchor Bay, and Elephant Rock from the sea.

I like the included hotel pickup and lunch, especially at $80.95. I also like the easy rhythm of the day: cruise, swim, eat, cruise again. The drawback is that this is more of a swimming cruise than a detailed sightseeing tour, and the boat can feel crowded when the passenger count rises.

Key points to know before booking

• Blue Lagoon gets about an hour: You have time for a proper swim, but the stop can feel long if you prefer moving on quickly.
• The focus is swimming, not shore visits: Most of your day is spent aboard the boat or in the water.
• A cold buffet is included: Expect bread, cold pasta, rice, vegetables, and assorted fillings rather than a hot restaurant meal.
• Hotel pickup adds real value: Round-trip transport, lunch, water, and local wine are part of the package.
• Captain Chris and the crew set the tone: The crew is described as friendly and attentive, with safety treated seriously.
• Check the group size: The boat may carry up to 65 people for this activity, and the operator states it is licensed for more.

A seven-hour sampler of Malta’s three islands

This cruise works best as an introduction to Malta by sea. In one day, you see the coastlines of Malta, Gozo, and Comino, then stop at several clear-water swimming spots.

The advertised start is 8:00 a.m. from Mgarr Harbour, with hotel pickup offered. The exact pickup arrangements matter, so check your confirmation carefully. The activity ends back at the meeting point, and the return trip is included when you use the pickup service.

You should plan for a long, sun-heavy day. There is shaded space on the boat, which becomes important in hot weather, but you will still want swimwear, a towel, sun protection, and something dry to wear afterward. A moderate level of fitness is recommended, and children must stay with an adult.

The boat carries a maximum of 65 people for this experience, though capacity information has also been described as higher by the operator. In practical terms, do not book this expecting a private or tiny-group outing. Some departures may feel spacious at first and fuller later in the day.

Blue Lagoon: the headline swim stop

Blue Lagoon sits between Comino and Cominotto. Its water is the bright, clear centerpiece of the day, with a mix of sandy and rocky areas and nearby caves.

You get about one hour here. That is enough time to swim, float, take photographs, or use a mask and snorkel if you bring your own equipment. The setting is striking, but the stop is not a quiet beach escape. Blue Lagoon is one of Malta’s best-known water spots, so the experience is built around enjoying the water from the boat rather than finding a peaceful patch of sand.

I would treat this as a swimming stop first and a sightseeing stop second. You are not being given an extended visit to explore Comino on foot. If your main wish is to see the lagoon, get into the water, and enjoy the view from the deck, the timing works well.

One practical point: the water access and shore conditions are described as partly sandy and mostly rocky. Bring footwear you can manage around rocks, and do not assume this is a soft-sand beach day.

Armier Bay and the changing color of the sea

Armier Bay receives about 30 minutes. Its water is described as similar to Blue Lagoon, with clear blue color and a more relaxed feel as part of the wider cruise route.

This shorter stop is useful because it breaks up the day. After the longer Blue Lagoon visit, half an hour gives you time for a quick swim without turning the entire schedule into one extended pause.

The tradeoff is obvious: 30 minutes passes quickly. You will want to be ready to enter the water soon after the boat arrives. Keep your towel and belongings organized, since repeated swim stops can become a small logistical chore if you are constantly searching through bags.

Paradise Bay at Malta’s northern tip

Paradise Bay is near Mellieha Bay at Malta’s far northern point. It is described as one of the island’s most attractive beaches, and the tour allows about 30 minutes here.

This stop adds variety. You are not seeing only Comino’s famous lagoons. You also get a look at Malta’s northern coast and a beach setting that feels different from the rocky water around the smaller island.

Again, the visit is brief. The cruise does not give you time to settle in for a full beach afternoon. Think of Paradise Bay as a scenic pause with the option to swim, not as a substitute for booking a separate beach day.

The northern location also helps explain why the day feels full. The boat is covering a broad area, and some of your time goes into cruising between Malta, Gozo, and Comino. That travel time is part of the experience, not wasted time, but it means the schedule is active from morning to afternoon.

Crystal Lagoon: a quieter-feeling water stop

Crystal Lagoon lies on Comino’s western side, between Malta and Gozo. The stop lasts about an hour, making it one of the main swimming sessions of the cruise.

The lagoon is a strong choice for anyone who wants several chances to get into the sea rather than one long stop at Blue Lagoon. The water is the star, and the surrounding rock formations give you something to look at while you swim.

The cruise’s four stops are a real advantage if you enjoy being in the water. You can skip one swim, take a break in the shaded part of the boat, or simply use each location for a different kind of swim. You are not forced to leave the boat at every stop.

Some people may find the schedule too slow. An hour at Blue Lagoon and another hour at Crystal Lagoon can feel generous if you prefer coastal sightseeing, historic towns, or short photo stops. This is the key decision point: book it for sea time, not for a packed tour of inland Malta and Gozo.

Lunch on a gullet-style boat

Lunch is a cold buffet. The food includes items such as bread, cold pasta, rice, vegetables, and assorted fillings. Water and local wine are included as well.

I would set your expectations correctly. This is a practical boat lunch, not a fine-dining meal. A cold spread makes sense on a hot day and allows you to eat without interrupting the cruise for a restaurant stop. It also gives you a choice of lighter foods when you have been swimming.

The meal has received mixed reactions, which is fair. Some people find it satisfying and varied, while others consider it adequate rather than memorable. The operator explains that a light cold buffet is intended to work better in the heat and accommodate different food needs.

Wine is part of the package, but other drinks must be purchased separately. If you have a specific dietary requirement, the supplied information does not promise a special menu, so ask before booking rather than relying on the standard buffet.

Crew, comfort, and the feel of the boat

Captain Chris is named as part of the crew, and the service is presented as friendly and safety-conscious. The crew’s job is especially important on a day with several water entries, changing wind, and a mixed group of swimmers and non-swimmers.

The boat has a shaded section, a valuable feature when the sun is strong. You can use it as a break between stops, particularly during the hottest part of the day. Still, shade does not make the vessel air-conditioned, and the deck may feel hot in midsummer.

Sea conditions can change the mood of the trip. On a windy day, the ride may be uncomfortable for anyone prone to seasickness. The captain may adjust the route if conditions make the planned program unpleasant, but the tour requires good weather and can be canceled if conditions are poor.

The experience is not ideal for someone who wants a quiet, exclusive sail. It is a shared cruise, and numbers may reach 65. At the same time, the boat provides more room and flexibility than a small transfer vessel, with places to sit in sun or shade.

Is $80.95 a fair price?

At $80.95 per person, the value is strongest if you use the included services. Hotel pickup and drop-off can save you the trouble and cost of arranging transport to Mgarr Harbour. Lunch, water, and local wine are also included, along with a full day of cruising and four swim stops.

The price is less compelling if you only want a short trip to Blue Lagoon. In that case, a smaller or more focused boat outing may suit you better, though the supplied information does not provide prices for alternatives.

You are also paying for convenience. One booking gives you access to Malta, Gozo, and Comino by sea, with the route and timing handled for you. For a first visit, that can be worthwhile, especially if your time in Malta is limited.

The optional caves tour costs an extra 10 euros per person. It is not included in the stated price, so budget for it only if you specifically want that add-on.

Who should book this cruise?

I would recommend it to you if you want a straightforward day on the water, enjoy frequent swimming, and prefer having transport and lunch arranged. It suits first-time visitors who want a broad view of the islands without planning their own boat route.

It is also a good fit for couples, families with older children, and anyone who prefers a relaxed cruise to a demanding land tour. The swim stops are spaced through the day, and you can remain aboard when you need a rest.

I would hesitate if you want serious sightseeing, historic attractions, guided walks, or a small-group sailing experience. You will see coastal landmarks, but the schedule does not provide detailed visits to towns or monuments. You should also think twice if you dislike heat, crowds, or long periods on a moving boat.

At 4.1 out of 5 overall, the experience is best understood as solid rather than flawless. The strongest parts are the swim locations, helpful pickup, friendly crew, and all-in-one format. The weaker points are the basic lunch, possible crowding, and the fact that the route may feel repetitive if swimming is not your main interest.

Practical details before you reserve

The tour requires a minimum number of passengers, so a confirmed booking can still be canceled if that number is not reached. In that case, you are offered another date or a different tour.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the 8:00 a.m. start time. Changes or cancellations made less than 24 hours ahead are not accepted for a refund. Because the cruise depends on good weather, a cancellation caused by poor conditions brings the choice of another date or a full refund.

You should receive confirmation at booking, and the meeting point is near public transport. Pickup is offered, but verify whether your accommodation falls within the pickup area and what time you must be ready.

My booking verdict

Book this cruise if your ideal Malta day includes clear water, several swims, a shaded deck, a cold buffet, and a broad coastal view with little planning. The included pickup and lunch make the $80.95 price reasonable for a first visit or a short stay.

Skip it if you are seeking a quiet boat, a detailed tour of Gozo, or a full day of cultural sightseeing. The best way to enjoy it is to arrive ready for a busy, sunny swimming day, not a private yacht charter or an island walking tour.

FAQ

How long does the cruise last?

The experience lasts about seven hours. It starts at 8:00 a.m. and ends back at the meeting point.

Where does the tour start and finish?

The listed meeting point is Mgarr Harbour, Malta. The activity ends back at the meeting point.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included, although you should check the pickup details for your accommodation after booking.

What food and drinks are included?

A buffet lunch, 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 euros per person and is not included in the main tour price.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes, if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time. Poor weather can also lead to a different date or a full refund.