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

The best thing about this cruise is its small wooden gulet, which carries about 20 to 23 people rather than hundreds. You get eight leisurely hours on the water, with room to sit, stretch out, and enjoy Malta’s coast without the frantic feel of a speedboat.

I like the three proper swim stops and the fact that snorkels and two paddleboards are included. I also like the relaxed pace: you have about two hours at the Blue Lagoon, not just a quick photo stop. The main drawback is simple: the Blue Lagoon can be so crowded that the boat may not anchor close to it, and the Gozo stop is more scenic than cultural.

At a glance: what makes this cruise worthwhile

• A small group on a traditional Turkish gulet: Expect roughly 20 to 23 people, with deck space for sitting or lying down.
• Three substantial water stops: Swim and snorkel at Selmun Bay, the Blue Lagoon, and Ħalfa Rock.
• Two hours at the Blue Lagoon: This is the longest stop and gives you time for swimming, snorkeling, paddleboarding, or relaxing.
• Gozo’s coast without a rushed schedule: Ħalfa Rock, Santa Maria Caves, and Elephant Rock add cliffs and sea views to the day.
• Good value at $59: Snorkeling equipment, crew, Wi-Fi, and paddleboards are included, while food and drinks cost extra.
• A flexible plan in busy conditions: If the Blue Lagoon is too crowded for a close anchorage, the skipper may use another attractive bay.

Leaving Sliema on a classic wooden boat

You meet the crew opposite the Land’s End Boutique Hotel in Sliema. Check in 30 minutes before departure, and pay close attention to the waterfront access. The boat is reached by going down a small set of steps from the quay, an easy detail to miss when you are looking around at street level.

There is no hotel pickup or drop-off, so you need to arrange your own way to the meeting point. One practical warning: finding parking near Sliema can take time. If you are driving, allow extra time to locate a parking garage and walk to the departure spot.

Once aboard, you settle into seating areas on the traditional Turkish gulet. Its wooden construction and broad deck make a noticeable difference during a full day at sea. You can sit in the shade, find a sunny place to stretch out, or move around as the coastline changes.

The boat first spends about 75 minutes cruising along Malta’s coast. This is not wasted time. It gives you a calm start, with Sliema fading behind you and rocky coves, cliffs, and open Mediterranean water taking over the view.

The crew speaks English, Serbian, and Indonesian. A skipper and crew remain on board throughout the day, and free Wi-Fi is available. Drinks and snacks can be purchased, but lunch is not included, so plan your food carefully.

Selmun Bay, or Imgiebah Bay, starts the swimming

The first main stop is listed as Selmun Bay, while the route details also identify Imgiebah Bay. Either way, this opening swim stop is designed to ease you into the day before the more famous Blue Lagoon.

You get about an hour here for swimming, snorkeling, and taking in the rocky surroundings. The water is clear, and the bay has a quieter feel than Comino’s famous swimming area. Rocky cliffs and greenery frame the water, giving you a more restful first stop.

Snorkeling equipment is included, so you do not need to bring your own mask and snorkel. Still, bring your own towel, swimwear, sunscreen, and hat. A camera is useful, though you should protect it carefully around the water.

This first stop also helps you understand the rhythm of the cruise. You are not pushed straight from one attraction to another. You have time to swim, dry off, return to the deck, and settle back into the boat before the next sailing period.

After around 45 minutes of cruising, the gulet reaches Comino and the Blue Lagoon.

Two hours at the Blue Lagoon

The Blue Lagoon is the headline stop, and the water is as inviting as its reputation suggests. It is exceptionally clear, with good conditions for swimming and snorkeling. Small fish and other marine life can be seen in the water, so bring your mask into the sea rather than treating this as only a photo stop.

The two-hour visit is a real strength. You can swim, snorkel, use one of the two stand-up paddleboards, or stay on deck and enjoy the view. That extra time matters because the Blue Lagoon is not a place you want to experience in a ten-minute rush.

There is, however, a catch. The Blue Lagoon is often extremely crowded, especially during the main season. The boat may not be able to anchor as close to the lagoon as you expect, and access can change with conditions and marine traffic. That is not something the crew controls.

This is where the small-boat format helps, even though it cannot remove the crowds. A gulet carrying about 20 people feels more comfortable than a huge excursion boat, and the crew has more room to adjust the plan. On one sailing, the skipper moved to a lovely alternative bay when the Blue Lagoon was too busy for a close anchorage.

You can buy refreshments on board, but the cost of food and drinks is not part of the $59 price. If you want a full lunch, bring something suitable or confirm what food is available before departure. Glass objects are not allowed.

Ħalfa Rock and the Gozo coast

After the Blue Lagoon, the boat makes a short ten-minute cruise to Ħalfa Rock on Gozo. You have roughly 45 minutes here for sightseeing, swimming, snorkeling, and paddleboarding.

This stop is about Gozo’s rugged coastline rather than a town visit. Dramatic rock formations and open sea views create a strong contrast with the bright, busy water around the Blue Lagoon. If you enjoy being on the water more than touring streets and museums, this is a useful way to see a corner of Gozo without committing to a full island excursion.

You might take a short swim, look along the cliffs, or remain on the deck with a drink. The crew is available to answer questions and share information about the places along the route, but you should not expect an extended guided visit on land.

That distinction matters. One part of the experience is the setting, not a detailed cultural tour. If your main goal is to explore Gozo’s villages, churches, food, or history, this cruise will feel limited. You see Gozo from the water and have a brief stop at Ħalfa Rock.

The route then continues past two coastal sights. At Santa Maria Caves, you have around ten minutes for a visit and photographs. A further ten-minute stop at Elephant Rock gives you another chance to take pictures and view Malta’s unusual rock formations from the sea.

These are short stops, so keep your camera ready. You will not have time for a long walk, a leisurely swim, or a detailed exploration of either place. Their value is visual: they break up the return sailing and add variety to a day that otherwise centers on swimming.

The long cruise back to Sliema

After the coastal sights, the return cruise lasts about 105 minutes. This is a good time to dry off, find a comfortable place on the deck, and watch the coastline slip past.

The return can be one of the most pleasant parts of the day because you are no longer wondering what comes next. The gulet moves at an easy pace, and the crew keeps the mood relaxed. If the weather is clear, late-day light can soften the cliffs and turn the sea gold.

Weather remains a factor throughout the outing. The cruise operates in changing Mediterranean conditions, and the exact feel of the day depends on wind, cloud, and sea conditions. Bring a hat and sunscreen even if the morning begins cool or damp. One late September trip reportedly began with light rain before turning into a pleasant day, so pack for variation rather than trusting the first hour.

The boat returns to the same Sliema meeting point after roughly eight hours. You should expect much of the day to be spent on the water, with three swim periods totaling about four hours and the rest divided between cruising and short scenic stops.

What $59 gets you

At $59 per person, this is strong value if you want a full day at sea rather than a formal sightseeing tour. The price includes the gulet, skipper and crew, snorkeling equipment, two paddleboards, and Wi-Fi. You also get three substantial swimming stops and several coastal views.

The value comes from space and time. A cheaper-looking boat trip can lose its appeal if it packs people tightly aboard or gives you only a few minutes in the water. Here, the smaller group and broad deck make the eight-hour schedule more comfortable.

Food and drinks are extra, so your final cost depends on what you buy. Reasonably priced drinks are available on board, but lunch is not included. Bring cash or another accepted payment method if you want refreshments, though the supplied information does not specify payment options.

The group size is worth weighing carefully. About 20 to 23 passengers gives the cruise a sociable but not crowded feel. You will not have a private boat, and this is not a silent escape. Still, it is a very different experience from the large vessels that gather around the Blue Lagoon.

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure and the option to reserve now and pay later make the booking less rigid. Check the available starting time when you book, since departure times can vary.

Who will enjoy this day most

I would choose this cruise if you want swimming, snorkeling, sun, and scenery in one outing. It works especially well for couples, friends, and families who prefer a slower boat ride with a manageable group.

It is also a good choice if you want to spend serious time in the water. The first stop lasts an hour, the Blue Lagoon stop lasts two hours, and Ħalfa Rock adds another 45 minutes. You can use the included snorkeling gear at every swimming stop.

You should look elsewhere if your priority is a detailed Gozo tour. The Gozo portion consists of Ħalfa Rock and coastal viewing, not a long shore visit. You should also think twice if you dislike open-water swimming, strong sun, or spending most of a day aboard a boat.

The Blue Lagoon crowd is another consideration. The water may look perfect, but the surrounding area can be packed. The skipper’s ability to change anchorage helps, yet it cannot guarantee a quiet lagoon.

What to bring and how to prepare

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, a hat, and a camera. Wear something comfortable for boarding and bring a light layer if you tend to feel cool during long cruises.

Arrive 30 minutes early. The departure point is opposite Land’s End Boutique Hotel, and the short steps down from the quay can be easy to overlook. If you are driving, parking may be stressful, so do not aim to arrive at the last minute.

Respect the crew’s safety instructions and local customs. Pets and glass objects are not allowed. Keep an eye on personal belongings while swimming, and protect your phone or camera from spray.

I would also bring water and a small lunch if you want more than the onboard snacks and drinks. Since food is not included, this simple preparation can keep the day comfortable and control your spending.

Should you book the Malta gulet cruise?

Book it if you want a small-group day on the water, three swim stops, and a relaxed alternative to Malta’s larger boat excursions. The broad gulet deck, included snorkeling gear, paddleboards, and long Blue Lagoon visit give the $59 price real value.

Skip it if you want extensive time ashore in Gozo, a quiet Blue Lagoon with no crowds, or a full meal included. For most people who want Malta’s clearest water and coastal scenery without being packed onto a giant vessel, this is a well-balanced choice. Just arrive early, pack your lunch and towel, and accept that the sea decides the exact anchorage.

FAQ

Where does the cruise depart from?

The meeting point is opposite the Land’s End Boutique Hotel in Sliema. You reach the boat by going down steps from the quay.

How long does the cruise last?

The experience lasts about eight hours, including cruising, swimming stops, scenic viewing, and the return to Sliema.

Which places does the cruise visit?

The route includes Selmun Bay, also identified in the route details as Imgiebah Bay, the Blue Lagoon, Ħalfa Rock on Gozo, Santa Maria Caves, and Elephant Rock.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, along with two stand-up paddleboards.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are available to purchase on board, but lunch and refreshments are not included in the tour price.

What languages are available from the crew?

Live guidance is available in English, Serbian, and Indonesian.