Malta from the water beats the bus every time. On this Turkish gullet cruise from Sliema, I love the easy-going deck setup for swimming and relaxing, and you get unlimited mineral water and soft drinks throughout the day. It’s one of those day trips where the big plan is simple: sail the coast, cool off three times, and eat onboard without turning it into a checklist.

Your main consideration is planning ahead for the Blue Lagoon access pass. Since May 2025, stepping ashore there requires an advance pass bought through blcomino.com, and daily allocation is limited.

Key Things You’ll Notice Right Away

• Three swim stops in one day: St Paul’s Bay (or beneath Selmun), Daħlet Qorrot Bay, and the Blue Lagoon at Comino
• Drinks that keep moving: unlimited mineral water and soft drinks all day, plus local wine and beer with lunch
• Weather-based timing: the first swim stop can shift between St Paul’s Bay and Selmun
• Real boat comfort items: swimming ladders, freshwater showers, shade canopy, and spacious decks
• Blue Lagoon is pass-dependent: if you want to go ashore, you’ll need the official access pass in advance

Why This Sliema Gullet Trip Feels Like the Easy Malta Day

This is the kind of trip that works even if your Malta itinerary is already packed. You’re not bouncing between towns all day. You’re cruising the coast, stopping to swim, and eating onboard—so the day stays relaxed and predictable.

The boat choice matters, too. A traditional wooden sailing-style Turkish gullet gives you that “coast day” feel, with open space for lounging and a saloon/bar area for downtime. And the pace is built around the water: three swim breaks, plus time on deck while the boat moves between bays.

Meeting Hera at Sliema Ferries: Getting on Board Without Stress

You meet at Sliema Ferries, Triq Ix-Xatt, in the area opposite the Basilica of Jesus of Nazareth. When you arrive, look for a Turkish gulet named Hera. If you’re unsure, the check-in booth staff can point you in the right direction.

One timing thing trips people up: even if you choose optional transfers, the time on your ticket is the cruise departure time, not your hotel pickup time. The provider says pickup can fall between 8:00 and 8:45 AM, depending on where you’re staying. If you want the day to start smoothly, contact the operator a few days before to confirm your exact pickup location and time.

If your lodging is within walking distance of Sliema Ferries, you may need to make your own way to the boat. That’s common in port-area tours, and it’s worth planning for so you don’t arrive late while waiting for a transfer that isn’t coming.

The Cruise Route Along Malta’s North Coast

Once you’re aboard, the day is built around sailing the north-eastern coast of Malta. Along the way, you’ll pass places like St. Julian’s Bay, St. Paul’s Islands, and Mellieħa, plus other shoreline attractions.

This section of the trip is more than just “getting there.” It’s the scenic runway that makes the later swim stops feel extra rewarding. From the water, Malta looks different—closer to the cliffs and coves, and less like a postcard you only saw from the road.

It also helps that the cruise includes English commentary. You’ll get context while you’re relaxing, which makes the route less random and more like a guided day even when you’re just watching the coast go by.

First Swim Stop: St Paul’s Bay (Or Selmun If the Weather Wants It)

Your first swim break depends on conditions. The tour plans a stop at St. Paul’s Bay or beneath Selmun, depending on the weather.

That matters because it’s a small reminder that sea days are real sea days. Wind, wave height, and visibility can shift what feels best and safest at the moment. The good news: either option is built around a good swimming setting, and the boat is set up for it with swimming ladders and a freshwater shower afterward.

Practical tip: treat this as your warm-up swim. You’ll likely want to test the water temperature, rinse off, and get your bearings on the deck before the bigger highlight later in the day.

The Gozo Stop at Daħlet Qorrot Bay

Next you head toward Gozo, where you’ll have a second swim stop at Daħlet Qorrot Bay. This is one of those bays that tends to look good from every angle, and that’s exactly why it works as a mid-day break. It gives you a change of scenery without locking you into long transport on land.

This is also the point in the day where you’ll feel the advantage of staying onboard. You’ve got time in the water, time on deck, and time to eat in a way that doesn’t require finding a restaurant or solving parking headaches.

If you’re the type who likes to snorkel, bring a mindset of simple self-guided exploration. The tour provides the boat base, but your best moments will come from where you choose to swim—near calmer edges and in spots that look clear from the ladder entry.

Comino and the Blue Lagoon: The Part You Actually Came For

Comino is where the day turns into a highlight reel. Your final stop is at Comino Island, with a focus on the Blue Lagoon. Expect the famous turquoise, clear water and the look of a sandy base below. The tour also notes rich marine life, which is a hint that this is a place where snorkeling can be rewarding.

Here’s the key planning point: stepping ashore at the Blue Lagoon requires a government-issued access pass. As of May 2025, you need to get the pass in advance from blcomino.com. Pass allocation is limited, so plan ahead. For this cruise, the instruction is to select the afternoon slot when applying for your pass.

So what if you don’t have the pass? The tour explicitly says the access pass is not included in the price, and it’s required to step ashore. You can still enjoy the water from the boat, but your land-time may be limited if you didn’t secure the pass.

Lunch, Drinks, and the Onboard Food Rhythm

Food is included, and it’s structured to keep the day moving. You’ll get a mid-morning snack, then a cold buffet lunch onboard, plus fresh fruit in the afternoon.

The drinks setup is one of the best value points. You’ll have unlimited mineral water and soft drinks throughout the cruise. During lunch, the tour includes unlimited local wine and beer. If you want something stronger or different, alcoholic beverages can be purchased from the bar, but those are not part of the included list.

For many people, this is the deciding factor. You’re paying for a full day at sea, and the meal quality and drink flow are what make it feel like more than just “transport plus swims.” A cold buffet lunch also makes sense on a boat: it’s practical, portionable, and doesn’t turn into a warm-food waiting game.

Small note: one review mentioned that an ashtray was missing even though smoking was allowed. If smoking is part of your routine, it’s worth knowing onboard supplies can be basic—so don’t assume convenience items are always stocked.

Comfort on Hera: Shade, Showers, and Staying Dry-ish

This boat comes with the details that keep a day on the water comfortable. You’ll have spacious decks, a stylish saloon, and a bar area. There’s also a canopy for shade at the back of the boat, which matters because you’ll spend several hours outdoors.

After each swim stop, freshwater showers help you cool down and avoid that salty, sticky feeling that can ruin the last part of a beach day. Swimming ladders make entry and exit easier, especially for people who don’t want to jump in repeatedly.

You’ll also want to think ahead about wind and sun. Even on a sunny day, sea breezes can make it feel cooler on deck. Bring sunglasses and a hat, and consider sunscreen that won’t wash off after a quick swim.

What to Bring (and What Can Ruin Your Day)

You’ll want to pack like it’s a swim day from start to finish. The essentials listed are:

• swimwear and a towel
• sunglasses and a sun hat
• sunscreen and comfortable shoes
• cash
• motion sickness prevention

That last one is not optional if you’re prone to seasickness. The tour isn’t listed as suitable for people who get sick easily on boats.

Also check what you’re not allowed to bring: pets, oversize luggage, and certain mobility devices (non-folding wheelchairs and electric wheelchairs are not allowed). Even if a tour says wheelchair accessible, the separate note about mobility impairments suggests you should confirm fit with the operator before booking.

Price and Value: Is $77 Worth a Full Day?

At $77 per person for an 8-hour Malta cruise, the value depends on what you’d otherwise spend to get the same day experience. If you’re planning to do a boat trip, swim breaks, and lunch on your own, costs add up quickly—especially once you factor in the convenience of being taken to multiple bays without doing the driving/parking/logistics.

This tour’s value comes from the bundle:

• three swim stops instead of one
• a cold buffet lunch plus mid-morning snack
• unlimited soft drinks, and local wine/beer at lunch
• onboard facilities like ladders and freshwater showers
• English commentary throughout the cruise

If your main goal is the Blue Lagoon, this is still a strong deal because you’re not only paying for Comino. You’re buying two other swim settings first, plus the full day at sea.

The one “gotcha” on value is the Blue Lagoon access pass. It’s required to step ashore and is not included, so you should budget time and money for the pass.

Who This Cruise Suits Best

This fits best if you want:

• a simple full-day plan with swimming built in
• a boat-based way to see Malta’s north coast
• lunch and drinks included without hunting down a restaurant

It’s also a great match for people who like structured time. You don’t have to decide where to go next. The boat timetable handles it.

I’d be cautious if you:

• get motion sick on boats
• need frequent access to step-on/step-off shore time at Comino (because of the access pass requirement)
• have complex mobility needs (the tour is listed as wheelchair accessible, but it’s also marked not suitable for people with mobility impairments—so confirm first)

Should You Book This Three-Bay Cruise from Sliema?

I’d book it if you want a classic Malta sea day: three swims, one big finale at Comino, and the convenience of food and drinks onboard. The real-world win here is the blend of comfort (shade, showers, ladders), included refreshments, and a schedule that lets you enjoy the coastline without turning your day into transportation stress.

Skip or plan carefully if the Blue Lagoon is your must-do and you don’t want to handle the access pass process in advance. Because access rules changed in May 2025, the pass is now part of your success plan.

If you’re flexible about where you swim first (St Paul’s Bay vs beneath Selmun) and you’re ready for a full day at sea, this cruise is a very solid way to experience Malta’s water without overthinking it.

FAQ

Where does the cruise depart, and what boat should I look for?

The departure is from Sliema Ferries, Triq Ix-Xatt, Sliema, opposite the Basilica of Jesus of Nazareth. Look for a Turkish gulet named Hera.

How many swim stops are included, and where are they?

You get three swim stops during the day. They include St. Paul’s Bay or beneath Selmun (weather-dependent), Daħlet Qorrot Bay, and Comino Island with the Blue Lagoon.

Do I need an access pass for the Blue Lagoon?

Yes. A government-issued access pass is required to step ashore at the Blue Lagoon, and it is not included. You can acquire it in advance via blcomino.com, and you should select the afternoon slot.

What food and drinks are included?

There is a mid-morning snack and a cold buffet lunch onboard. Unlimited mineral water and soft drinks are included throughout the cruise. Unlimited local wine and beer are included during lunchtime, and additional alcoholic drinks can be purchased from the bar.

Is hotel pickup included?

Pick-up and drop-off transfers are optional. If you choose them, the time shown on your voucher is the cruise departure time, not your pickup time. The operator states pickup can be between 8:00 AM and 8:45 AM depending on where you’re staying, and you should confirm your pickup location and time a few days before.

What should I bring, and what is not allowed?

Bring comfortable shoes, sunglasses, sun hat, swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, cash, and motion sickness prevention. Not allowed are pets, oversize luggage, non-folding wheelchairs, and electric wheelchairs.