Comino water color is the whole point. On this full-day three-island cruise, I like the hotel pickup convenience and the mix of buffet lunch onboard with multiple swimming stops in clear bays. It’s a smart way to see Malta, Gozo, and Comino in one day without hopping ferries all on your own.

A long day in summer heat is the main thing to think about, since you’ll be on the water and moving between swim times for about 7 hours.

Key things to know before you go

• Hotel pickup and round-trip transport make it easier if you’re not ready to self-navigate right away
• Four swim-focused stops at Blue Lagoon and other Comino beaches give you more water time than sightseeing time
• Buffet lunch plus water and local wine keeps your day moving, with less decision-making on the water
• Good weather matters—this cruise is built around being outside and swimming
• Group size up to 65 can feel cozy at first and busier as more passengers join
• Optional Caves Tour costs 10 euro per person, so decide early if you want that add-on

Why This Three-Island Cruise Works for First Timers

If it’s your first time in Malta and you’re trying to make the most of limited time, this style of day trip makes life simple. You’re not planning routes between islands, timing transfers, or figuring out where to swim each day. You get a structured day: sail time between sights, then swim time when the water looks inviting.

I also like the way it blends famous Comino water with a few quieter-feeling pauses. Blue Lagoon gets the attention, but other beaches on Comino (and nearby stops) help you spread out your “wow” moments instead of making the whole day one single photo stop.

The tradeoff is that this is not a slow, sit-and-stare sightseeing cruise. It’s a “get on deck, get in the water, eat, repeat” kind of day.

Price and Value: Hotel Pickup, Lunch, and Drinks You Actually Get

At $80.95 per person, the value comes from what’s bundled. You’re getting hotel pickup and drop-off, a buffet lunch, and water plus local wine included. That package is the big reason this works for short stays: you’re paying once, then letting the day run.

Here’s the practical side: drinks other than water and local wine aren’t included, so if you like something specific, budget for it. One negative comment complained that drinks were not constantly served unless asked—so my advice is to not count on a “free pour whenever you feel like it” setup. Think of included wine as part of the lunch/day plan, not an open bar.

Also, there’s an optional Caves Tour for 10 euro per person. If you’re interested in caves, you’ll want to treat it as an add-on choice rather than something you stumble into.

From Mgarr Harbour to Comino: What You See Between Stops

You start at Mgarr Harbour at 8:00 am, and the day ends back at the same point. That “start and finish at the same place” matters more than it sounds. It reduces the stress factor if you’re staying somewhere that needs pickup coordination anyway.

On the water, you’ll pass Mgarr Harbor, Anchor Bay, and Elephant Rock. You won’t be stretched out all day on a dead-straight route—this cruise is paced around reaching your swim spots and getting you back with enough time for lunch and another round in the water.

One review pointed out that there’s a shaded area on the boat. That detail is worth filing away. Even if the water looks amazing, being out in full sun for hours adds up fast. Shade turns the boat into a place to recover, not just a platform for photos.

Blue Lagoon: Your Best Bet for Clear Water and Caves

Blue Lagoon is the big headline stop, and you can see why. It’s described as a natural wide pool between Comino Island and Cominotto, with partly sandy and mostly rocky edges, plus caves. That combo is what creates the famous water look: shallows and rock formations help shape the underwater scene.

You’ll have about 1 hour here. In plain terms, one hour is enough to swim, take a few laps in comfortable spots, and maybe do a quick explore if conditions allow. It may feel short if you love lingering. One guest described a Blue Lagoon stop lasting 1 hour 15 minutes, which suggests timing can stretch depending on the day.

Because the bottom is not fully sandy, I’d strongly consider footwear you’re comfortable walking on around rockier areas. It’s an easy way to avoid the “ouch” moments that can ruin a swim.

If caves interest you, remember there’s an optional caves add-on (10 euro per person). Decide based on your comfort level with extra activity versus pure chill swim time.

Armier Bay Beach: A Quick Reset in Crystal Blue Water

Your second stop is Armier Bay Beach, with a shorter time block (about 30 minutes). This stop is mainly about switching scenery and getting an additional swim without repeating the exact same beach vibe.

The sea around Armier Bay is described as crystal blue, similar in feel to the water you see at Blue Lagoon nearby. That means you’re not traveling all day just to get one good swim. You’re getting multiple “good enough to jump in” moments.

The downside is timing. Thirty minutes goes by quickly once you’re wet, sunlit, and trying to decide whether to snorkel. If you’re a slower swimmer or you want longer floating time, plan to treat Armier Bay as a quick recharge, not your main destination.

Paradise Bay on Comino’s Far North: Beach Time When You Want a Different Mood

Next up is Paradise Bay, located at the farthest north point near Mellieha Bay. You get about 30 minutes here, another shorter stop designed for a quick beach break and a swim reset.

Why I’d put this on the radar: Paradise Bay is described as one of the most spectacular beaches on the island, and that matters on a day where many stops are only half an hour. Even a short stop can feel worthwhile if the water and shoreline look special.

This is a good moment to do the practical things you’ll otherwise postpone: dry off a bit, change out of wet swimwear if you packed it, and grab a snack or refill your water. It’s also where you can breathe between longer water-focused stops.

Crystal Lagoon: The Final Swim on the West Side of Comino

The last swim stop is Crystal Lagoon, on Comino’s western side, between Gozo and Malta. It also lasts about 1 hour.

This final longer stop is important because it gives you a chance to enjoy the day even if you didn’t use the water time as efficiently earlier. By the time you reach Crystal Lagoon, you’ve already seen what kind of conditions to expect—so you can settle into a routine: swim, snorkel if you want, take photos, then head back when it’s time to cruise onward.

If you like swimming most, this is the one that often feels like the payoff. If you’re more of a scenery person, it’s still a strong choice because Crystal Lagoon’s “crystal” reputation comes from the way light hits the water in that area.

Cruising Comfort: Shade, Crowd Feel, and What It’s Like When It’s Hot

A full-day sea trip is always a tradeoff: you get gorgeous stops, but you spend real hours on and near the water. One guest called it a long day, especially when it’s hot, and I think that’s the key expectation to set.

Here’s what helps:

• Shade on the boat: you can cool off without leaving the experience
• Places to sit: some seating is available, which matters when you’re tired from swim time
• A gullet-style setup (mentioned by one guest): the overall feel is more relaxed than some super-fast, rigid setups

Crowds can also shift. One review described starting with a small group and then becoming more crowded after additional passengers joined at later points. Even with a maximum group size of up to 65 travelers, the feeling of space can vary across the day. If you hate getting close to strangers in tight spots, aim for earlier meals and take your sunbreaks between stops.

Lunch on the Boat and the Wine Question

Lunch is a buffet lunch onboard. More than one person found it “adequate,” and a couple of comments gave it a softer rating—so I’d file lunch under “included and helpful,” not “the highlight.”

One detailed note described it as a light cold buffet with items like bread, cold pasta, rice, vegetables, and deli-style toppings. That makes sense for a full-day boat schedule: cold food is easier in heat and less likely to feel heavy after swimming.

Water and local wine are included, and one review said white wine was nonstop. At the same time, another complaint said no drinks were served unless they asked. So my practical approach is: treat wine as part of the meal rhythm, not something you’ll automatically get all day without asking.

If you’re specific about beverages, bring a backup mindset (and cash if you plan to purchase anything else).

Swim-Friendly Reality Check: Timing, Conditions, and Your Comfort

This day is built around swimming at multiple locations. The stops are planned to fit into travel time between bays, which means you’ll likely spend the day cycling between sun, water, and boat rides.

A few practical points based on the stop descriptions:

• Blue Lagoon is partly sandy but mostly rocky, so your footing matters
• Caves are part of the Blue Lagoon story, but caves can mean extra scrambling if you choose to do them
• Water temps in June can be nippy (one review mentioned it), so don’t assume warm swimming by default

Physical fitness is listed as moderate. That’s fair: you’ll be moving around the boat, getting in and out at stops, and handling a steady day of activity. If you’re not comfortable with that, stick to the boat deck and enjoy the views from there.

Children must be accompanied by an adult—so bring a plan for kids around swim breaks and boat time.

Who This Tour Suits (and Who Should Choose Something Else)

This cruise is a strong fit if:

• You want a first-timer friendly day that covers Malta/Gozo/Comino without extra planning
• You mostly care about swimming and snorkeling time more than long guided tours
• You want pickup + lunch handled for you

It may not be the best fit if:

• You want quiet, slow-paced sightseeing with long shore time
• You’re sensitive to sun and heat and hate being on boats for hours
• You’re looking for a premium, top-tier meal experience (lunch is included, not gourmet)

Also, if you don’t like crowds, keep in mind the group can feel busy during the day. With up to 65 travelers, you’ll share the boat deck and stop areas with other people.

Quick Tips to Make Your Day Smoother

A few small moves can make the difference between a fun sea day and a grumpy one:

• Pack water shoes or something with grip for rocky areas (especially around Blue Lagoon)
• Bring sunscreen and a hat. Shade exists, but you’ll still spend time in sun
• Plan your snacks around included lunch. It’s a buffet, and cold food is part of the boat logic
• If you want the optional caves add-on, decide early so you’re not rushed at the stop
• Bring a light dry layer or towel for after swims, since you’ll bounce between wet and warm quickly

Should You Book the Blue Lagoon Full-Day Three Island Cruise?

If your priority is clear water and repeated swim stops, I’d book it. The big selling point is the value mix: hotel pickup, buffet lunch, and water/local wine included, plus multiple chances to get into Comino’s famed bays. It’s also a smart one-day solution when you don’t want to build a mini transportation plan between Malta, Gozo, and Comino.

I’d hesitate only if you’re expecting a long sightseeing cruise with relaxed beach time, or if you know you get uncomfortable in heat for extended periods. If that’s you, choose a different pace—or at least go in with the mindset that this is a water-focused day.

FAQ

How long is the Blue Lagoon full-day three-island cruise?

It runs for about 7 hours.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included.

What’s included in the price?

You get a buffet lunch, hotel pickup and drop-off, plus water and local wine.

Do I need tickets for the swim stops?

The listed stops show admission ticket free for Blue Lagoon, Armier Bay Beach, Paradise Bay, and Crystal Lagoon.

Is there an extra cost for a caves tour?

Yes. There’s an optional Caves Tour for 10 euro per person.

Can I get a full refund if plans change?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

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