Malta 3 Bay Cruise to Selmun Bay Blue Lagoon and Gozo

The best reason to choose this Malta cruise is its small 25-person maximum, which gives you a better chance of finding space on deck and enjoying the Blue Lagoon without feeling packed in. I like the mix of three swimming stops, and I like that snorkeling gear and two stand-up paddleboards are included rather than treated as extras.

The main consideration is that this is a water-focused day, not a sightseeing tour with long stops on land. Lunch is not included, the schedule depends on good weather, and the 45-minute Gozo stop is short, so you should book it for swimming and views rather than a full island visit.

Key points at a glance

• Small boat, limited to 25 people: A useful alternative to larger cruises that can feel crowded near Comino.
• Three swimming locations: Stop at Imġiebaħ Bay, the Blue Lagoon, and a beautiful inlet in Gozo.
• Two hours at the Blue Lagoon: Enough time to swim, snorkel, sunbathe, or buy food and drinks.
• Snorkeling equipment included: You can explore the clear water without arranging gear separately.
• Two stand-up paddleboards onboard: Availability may depend on demand, but they add another way to enjoy the water.
• Eight-hour coastal outing: You return to 103 Tigné Seafront in Tas-Sliema after a full day at sea.

A small boat changes the Blue Lagoon experience

Malta’s Blue Lagoon is famous for its clear turquoise water, but fame comes with crowds. The strongest reason to book this cruise is the boat size. With no more than 25 people, you get a quieter setup than you would on a vessel carrying hundreds of passengers.

That matters most when the boat is stopped. On a packed cruise, finding a comfortable place to sit or stretch out can become part of the day’s work. Here, you have more room for sunbathing and a better chance to enjoy the views without being shoulder to shoulder with everyone onboard.

The boat is operated by Malta Gulet Charters, with an English and Serbian guide. The supplied information does not give the guides’ names, so you should not expect a named guide-led history tour. The crew’s role is more practical: getting you between the bays, helping with the swimming setup, and keeping the day moving.

This cruise is best understood as a boat day with several water stops. You are not visiting Gozo’s villages, walking through Comino, or touring Malta’s historic sites. You are using the islands as a backdrop for swimming, snorkeling, and relaxing on deck.

Starting at Tigné Seafront in Tas-Sliema

The meeting point is 103 Tigné Seafront in Tas-Sliema, and the activity returns to the same location. The stated operating hours are 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and the outing lasts about eight hours.

That timing gives you a full day on the water. It also means you should plan to eat something before departure or be ready to buy food during the cruise. Alcoholic drinks and lunch are not included. Snacks and refreshments can be purchased at the Blue Lagoon, and one booking account notes that the group ordered lunch from a shop there.

The mobile ticket is handy for a waterfront departure. Confirmation is sent within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability, so do not assume your place is final until that confirmation arrives. Since the boat has a maximum of 25 people, availability may be tighter than on a large sightseeing cruise.

Public transportation is nearby, and service animals are allowed. Most people can take part, but you should be comfortable boarding a boat and spending much of the day around the water. The provided information does not describe a specific access arrangement for wheelchairs or limited mobility, so ask the operator before booking if that is important for you.

Imġiebaħ Bay, a calm first swim

The first swimming stop is described as Imġiebaħ Bay, also referred to as Selmun Bay in the tour details. It is reached after cruising along Malta’s coastline and offers about one hour in the water.

This bay is presented as a quieter place, with clear water, rocky cliffs, and greenery around the shore. The setting should feel more restful than the Blue Lagoon, which is the day’s famous centerpiece and likely to draw more attention.

Use this first stop to get comfortable with the boat’s swimming routine. You can take a swim, sit on deck, or use the snorkeling equipment provided onboard. The water is the main attraction, not a formal guided nature talk, so you are free to set your own pace.

The one-hour limit is enough for a refreshing swim, but it goes quickly if you want to snorkel, sunbathe, and paddleboard. If you are traveling with people who have different energy levels, this first stop gives swimmers and non-swimmers a chance to settle into the day.

The stop is listed as free admission because it is part of the cruise. You do not need to pay an extra entry fee for the bay.

Two hours at Comino’s Blue Lagoon

The Blue Lagoon receives the longest stop, about two hours. That is a sensible choice because this is the place most people want time to enjoy.

The water is clear and turquoise, with fish and marine life visible for anyone using the included snorkeling gear. You can swim from the boat, snorkel, relax on deck, or sunbathe. Two hours gives you enough time to do more than one thing, although it will not feel long if you want a leisurely swim, a paddleboard session, lunch, and plenty of photographs.

The boat provides space for sunbathing, which is one of the practical advantages of a smaller group. You do not have to leave the boat simply because you are taking a break from the water. If you prefer not to swim, you can stay onboard and enjoy the views.

Food and refreshments are available for purchase at the Blue Lagoon. Remember that this is not the same as lunch being included. Plan to pay separately for anything you buy, and do not count on a provided meal.

The Blue Lagoon can be the busiest part of the day, even if your boat itself is limited to 25 people. The small group improves your time onboard, but it does not remove the popularity of Comino. If your priority is complete solitude, this is probably not the right destination. If you want the famous water with a less crowded boat experience, the format makes more sense.

A short Gozo stop for a final swim

The final stop is on Gozo, where you have about 45 minutes to swim in crystal-blue water at a beautiful inlet. This is a quick stop, but it adds variety to the route and lets you experience another island without committing to a full Gozo day trip.

Keep your expectations clear. Forty-five minutes is not enough for sightseeing around Gozo, visiting a town, or seeing several attractions. It is enough for a swim and a little time to enjoy the setting.

I see this stop as a pleasant extra rather than the main reason to book. The Blue Lagoon receives two hours and Imġiebaħ Bay receives one, while Gozo gives you a shorter final water break. If you specifically want to explore Gozo on foot, choose a dedicated Gozo excursion instead.

Snorkeling gear and paddleboards included

The cruise includes snorkeling equipment, which adds real value. You do not need to rent a mask and snorkel separately, and you can use the gear at more than one swimming stop.

The water at the Blue Lagoon is the clearest stated setting for seeing fish and marine life, but you may also choose to use the equipment at Imġiebaħ Bay or the Gozo inlet. The exact range of equipment sizes and condition is not specified, so bring your own gear if you have a personal mask you prefer.

Two stand-up paddleboards are also included. Since the group can include up to 25 people, not everyone will use one at the same time. Treat them as an added option rather than a guaranteed private activity.

The paddleboards are a nice fit for this tour because the stops are built around calm water and relaxation. Still, the listing does not explain how time on the boards is allocated. Ask the crew about availability once onboard, especially if paddleboarding is high on your list.

What the $59.15 price really covers

At $59.15 per person, the price is reasonable if you want a full day of swimming from a smaller boat. You are paying for about eight hours on the water, transport between three locations, snorkeling equipment, two paddleboards, and an English or Serbian guide.

The value comes from the combination. A cheaper boat might offer a single beach or lagoon stop, while a larger cruise might carry far more people. Here, the three-stop route and limited group size are the main reasons to pay this amount.

The price does not cover lunch or alcoholic drinks. You should budget for food and any refreshments purchased at the Blue Lagoon. The cruise details do not list hotel pickup, so you need to make your own way to 103 Tigné Seafront.

For me, this price works best for someone who would otherwise spend money on separate boat transport, snorkeling rental, and access to several swimming spots. It is less compelling if you plan to sit on deck all day and do not care about visiting more than one bay.

Who will enjoy this cruise most

You should consider this tour if you want:

• A full day devoted to swimming and snorkeling
• A smaller group than the large Comino boats
• Time at the Blue Lagoon without making it the only stop
• Included snorkeling equipment
• A relaxed boat day instead of a guided history tour
• A chance to swim near Gozo without booking a separate full-day island excursion

Families and mixed groups may like the flexible format. Swimmers can use the water, while others can stay on deck and enjoy the views. Most people can participate, according to the supplied details, but the tour is still built around boat access and swimming stops.

This is not the best choice if you want Maltese history, inland sightseeing, a long visit on Gozo, or a structured lunch. It is also not ideal if you dislike spending most of a day outdoors in the sun.

Practical planning for an eight-hour day

Bring swimwear, sun protection, and a towel. The tour information confirms snorkeling equipment is supplied, but it does not say that towels, sunscreen, or personal dry bags are provided.

Wear something comfortable for a boat day. You will move between the boat and the water several times, and the schedule includes three separate swimming areas. Keep valuables secure and bring only what you need.

Food planning is worth a little thought. Lunch is not included, though food and drinks can be bought at the Blue Lagoon. If you have dietary needs, ask what options are available before departure rather than assuming the stop will meet them.

The tour requires good weather. If poor weather forces a cancellation, you are offered another date or a full refund. It also requires a minimum number of participants, so a low booking count can lead to a new date, another experience, or a full refund.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours in advance are not refunded or accepted, and the cut-off uses Malta’s local time.

A calm alternative to a crowded lagoon cruise

The most useful detail here is not the list of bays. It is the balance between a popular destination and a small boat.

You still visit the famous Blue Lagoon, but you do so as part of a wider route that includes Imġiebaħ Bay and a Gozo inlet. The first and last stops give the day a more relaxed rhythm, while the two-hour Comino visit gives you the longest chance to swim and snorkel.

The strongest praise belongs to the boat space and the crew’s helpful attitude. One account describes the two captains as excellent and recalls one captain entering the water to retrieve a lost item. That detail suggests a hands-on crew, though you should view it as an example of assistance rather than a promised service.

The group size is also a major advantage. A limit of 25 people does not guarantee an empty bay, but it does help keep your time onboard more comfortable.

Should you book the Malta 3 Bay Cruise?

Book this cruise if your ideal Malta day means clear water, three swimming stops, snorkeling, deck space, and a small group. At $59.15, it offers good value for a full eight-hour outing, especially with equipment included and lunch available for purchase during the day.

Skip it if you want a land-based Gozo tour, a history-focused guide, or a guaranteed quiet Blue Lagoon. The best choice depends on your priorities: this is a water day with island views, not a broad tour of Malta.

FAQ

Where does the Malta 3 Bay Cruise start?

The cruise starts at 103 Tigné Seafront in Tas-Sliema, Malta.

Where does the cruise end?

The activity ends back at the meeting point at 103 Tigné Seafront.

How long does the cruise last?

The experience lasts about eight hours.

What locations does the cruise visit?

The cruise visits Imġiebaħ Bay, also referred to as Selmun Bay in the tour details, Comino’s Blue Lagoon, and a beautiful inlet on Gozo.

How much time is spent at each stop?

You spend about one hour at Imġiebaħ Bay, two hours at the Blue Lagoon, and 45 minutes at the Gozo inlet.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included for use during the cruise.

Are paddleboards included?

Yes. Two stand-up paddleboards are included.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included, though you can purchase snacks and refreshments at the Blue Lagoon.

What happens if the weather is poor?

If the experience is canceled because of poor weather, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.