From Sliema: Three Bay Cruise with Lunch and Optional Transfers

The best part of this full-day Malta cruise is its easy mix of open-water scenery and swim time. From Sliema, the Hera follows the northeastern coast past St. Julian’s, Qawra, Buġibba, and St. Paul’s Island before reaching bays where you can swim, snack, and settle into the day.

I like the three swim stops, which keep the cruise from becoming a long sightseeing ride, and the practical food and drink setup: mineral water, soft drinks, a mid-morning snack, a cold buffet lunch, local wine and beer with lunch, and fresh fruit later. The main catch is the Blue Lagoon access pass. If you want to step ashore there, you must arrange the government pass in advance.

Key points to know

• Traditional Turkish gulet: Look for the wooden Hera at Sliema Ferries, opposite the Basilica of Jesus of Nazareth.
• Three swim stops: Swim at St. Paul’s Bay or beneath Selmun, Daħlet Qorrot Bay in Gozo, and the Blue Lagoon area.
• Long Blue Lagoon visit: The boat stays near Comino for about two to two and a half hours.
• Lunch and drinks included: A cold buffet, unlimited mineral water and soft drinks, plus local wine and beer during lunch are part of the fare.
• Access pass required: Since May 2025, you need a government-issued pass to step ashore at the Blue Lagoon.
• Pickup needs planning: Hotel transfers are optional, and pickup time is different from the 9:30 a.m. cruise departure.

What the eight-hour cruise is really like

This is a day on the water rather than a fast-moving sightseeing tour. You leave Sliema at 9:30 a.m. and spend much of the day looking back at Malta from the sea, pausing at three attractive swimming spots.

The route gives you a broad look at the northeastern shore. You pass St. Julian’s, Balluta Bay, Spinola Bay, St. George’s Bay, Qawra, Buġibba, St. Paul’s Bay, Mellieħa, and the waters around Gozo and Comino.

The English commentary adds context as the boat moves along. Still, the main appeal is time outdoors, with room to swim and relax instead of rushing from one shore stop to another.

The vessel is the Hera, a traditional-design wooden Turkish gulet operated by Robert Arrigo & Sons. The boat has fresh-water showers and other onboard facilities, and the stated maximum is 110 people. That is not a tiny sailing trip, but the experience is designed around comfort and open space rather than a tightly packed transfer boat.

Starting at Sliema Ferries

If you are staying within walking distance of Sliema Ferries, make your own way to the departure point. The boat leaves from Triq Ix-Xatt, in the area opposite the Basilica of Jesus of Nazareth.

Arrive 20 to 30 minutes before departure. Look for the Hera, since the meeting point is a waterfront area and the boat name is the most useful identifying detail.

Optional pickup and drop-off transfers are available, but the 9:30 a.m. time shown on your booking is the cruise departure time, not your hotel pickup time. Contact Robert Arrigo & Sons a few days before the cruise to confirm the pickup location and time. This matters because the transfer schedule is arranged separately.

Large suitcases, large luggage, and pets are not allowed on the boat. Pack light, and bring what you need for a swim, sun, and a full day outside.

Seeing St. Julian’s, Qawra, and Buġibba from the sea

The first part of the cruise passes familiar resort areas along Malta’s northeastern shore. St. Julian’s began as a fishing town and now connects with Sliema by a seaside promenade running past Balluta Bay, Spinola Bay, and St. George’s Bay.

From the water, you get a different view of this built-up stretch than you would on foot. It also helps explain how closely the coastal towns fit together. The boat continues toward Qawra and Buġibba, both zones within St. Paul’s Bay and popular seaside resorts.

This sightseeing section is not a shore tour. You do not get a scheduled walking visit in St. Julian’s, Qawra, or Buġibba. Instead, you see the shoreline while the boat makes its way toward the swimming stops. That arrangement suits you if you want a relaxed overview, but not if you want time in each town.

First swim: St. Paul’s Bay or Selmun

The first swim stop lasts about an hour. Depending on the weather, the boat stops at St. Paul’s Bay or beneath Selmun.

St. Paul’s Bay was originally a fishing village and now stretches along a long promenade toward Qawra and Buġibba. Offshore, St. Paul’s Island is linked by tradition to the shipwreck of the Apostle Paul in 60 AD. A prominent statue of Saint Paul was placed on the island in 1844.

The island is small and has been uninhabited since World War II. It is sometimes described in the plural because a shallow isthmus can split it into two sections. Those details give the first swim stop more character than a simple beach break.

You get about an hour here, so this is a good time to swim without feeling that you must spend the whole day in the water. The exact location can change with weather conditions, and the operator can alter the route when needed. If swimming is a major reason for booking, keep in mind that sea conditions control the plan.

Sailing toward Gozo and Daħlet Qorrot Bay

After the first swim, the cruise continues toward Gozo. Daħlet Qorrot Bay is the second scheduled swimming area, and the boat allows about an hour there.

This bay is one of Gozo’s smaller coastal inlets, giving the day a change of setting after the resort shore around St. Paul’s Bay. You can swim, sit on the boat, or use the time to enjoy the views from the water.

The stop is free to enter because it is part of the cruise, and there is no separate shore admission listed. The itinerary does not promise a long landing at Gozo, so think of Daħlet Qorrot as a water stop rather than a chance to tour the island.

This is one reason the cruise works best for people who want Malta’s coastal scenery and swimming in one day. It is not a substitute for a full Gozo sightseeing excursion.

Lunch, drinks, and the value of staying onboard

The food plan is stronger than what you often get on a basic boat outing. A mid-morning snack comes first, followed by a cold buffet lunch. Local wine and beer are unlimited during lunch, while mineral water and soft drinks are available throughout the cruise.

Fresh fruit is served in the afternoon. A cash bar also offers some snacks and other drinks, with both cash and card accepted. Liquors, spirits, and beverages outside the stated inclusions cost extra.

The cold buffet will not suit you if you are seeking a restaurant meal with a wide range of hot dishes. But it is useful on a full-day cruise because you do not need to leave the water or search for food at Comino. The included drinks also make the $76.89 price easier to assess.

At that price, you are paying for roughly eight hours aboard the boat, three swim stops, commentary, food, and a fairly generous drink plan. Optional hotel transfers can add convenience, though pickup details must be confirmed separately. If you can reach Sliema Ferries easily, skipping the transfer option may keep the arrangement simpler.

Comino and the long Blue Lagoon stop

Comino is the main event. The small island sits between Malta and Gozo, covers only about 3.5 square kilometres, and has no cars. Its Blue Lagoon is known for clear turquoise water, a pale seabed, and strong appeal for swimming and snorkeling.

The cruise stays in the Blue Lagoon area for about two to two and a half hours. That is much longer than a quick photo stop. You can swim, sunbathe, snorkel, relax on the boat, or walk around parts of Comino.

Santa Marija Bay and San Niklaw Bay are also on Comino, but this experience specifically centers its long afternoon pause on the Blue Lagoon. The exact use of your time depends on conditions and access arrangements.

There is one important rule. Since May 2025, you need a government-issued access pass if you want to disembark at the Blue Lagoon. Apply through blcomino.com and select the afternoon time slot. Daily availability is limited, and you cannot step ashore without the pass.

The pass is not included in the cruise price. If you forget it, you may still be able to enjoy the water and the boat setting, but you will not be allowed to leave the vessel at the Blue Lagoon. No refund is offered for missing the landing because obtaining the pass is your responsibility.

Snorkeling equipment is available to hire for about €5 per person, on a first-come, first-served basis. The rental includes a mask and snorkel, but not fins. Bring your own equipment if you already have it, or plan to rent early if snorkeling is important to you.

The return past Sliema’s waterfront

After the Comino stop, the boat heads back toward Malta and passes the Sliema seafront promenade before returning to Sliema Ferries. The activity ends at the same meeting point where it began.

That final coastal view is a pleasant way to close the day, but remember that the schedule is approximate. Weather and operational issues can change the route or timing. The operator also requires good weather for the trip to run. If poor weather cancels the cruise, you are offered another date or a full refund.

Who will get the most from this cruise

I would choose this trip if you want one easy sea day that combines Malta, Gozo, and Comino without arranging separate boats, meals, and swimming stops.

It suits couples, families, and friends who prefer a relaxed pace. The onboard setup means you can swim when you want, eat without hunting for a café, and spend the rest of the day watching the coast. The comfortable boat, clean facilities, attentive crew, and smooth schedule are central to the experience.

It is less suitable if you get seasick or have mobility limitations. The operator specifically does not recommend it for people prone to seasickness or for those with mobility impairments. Boarding, swimming, and moving around a boat can be demanding.

It also may not suit you if you want serious cultural touring. You see many coastal places, but you do not get extended time in St. Julian’s, St. Paul’s Bay, Gozo, or Comino’s inland areas.

What to bring and what to sort out first

Bring swimwear, sun protection, a towel, and a small bag rather than a suitcase. Fresh-water showers are available onboard, which is useful after the swimming stops.

Before departure, settle three practical matters:

• Confirm your pickup time if you paid for transfers.
• Get the Blue Lagoon access pass if you plan to step ashore.
• Decide if you need to hire snorkeling equipment, since rentals are limited.

Tips are optional. The cruise includes English commentary, assistance from the crew, food, and the stated drinks, but spirits and other unlisted beverages are not included.

The cancellation policy allows a full refund when you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations inside that window are not accepted. Since weather matters, check your plans with some flexibility.

Should you book the Hera cruise?

Book it if you want a well-organized day on the water with three swim stops, a long Blue Lagoon visit, lunch, and drinks included. The price is fair for the amount of time and the number of included services, especially if you value not having to arrange meals and boat transport separately.

Before booking, be honest about your priorities. This is a coastal cruise with swimming, not a walking tour of Malta or Gozo. If you can handle a full day at sea, arrive early at Sliema Ferries, and arrange the Blue Lagoon pass in advance, the Hera offers a pleasant and practical way to see Malta from the water.

FAQ

Where does the cruise depart from?

It departs from Sliema Ferries on Triq Ix-Xatt, in the area opposite the Basilica of Jesus of Nazareth. Look for the traditional wooden Turkish gulet named Hera.

What time does the cruise leave?

The cruise departs at 9:30 a.m. You should arrive at the meeting point 20 to 30 minutes before departure.

Are hotel transfers included?

Pickup and drop-off transfers are optional and included only when you select that booking option. The listed 9:30 a.m. time is the cruise departure, not the hotel pickup time.

How long does the cruise last?

The experience lasts approximately eight hours and returns to Sliema Ferries.

How many swimming stops are included?

Three swim stops are included. They are at St. Paul’s Bay or beneath Selmun, Daħlet Qorrot Bay in Gozo, and the Blue Lagoon area of Comino.

Is lunch included?

Yes. The cruise includes a cold buffet lunch, a mid-morning snack, fresh fruit in the afternoon, unlimited mineral water and soft drinks, and unlimited local wine and beer during lunch.

Do I need a pass for the Blue Lagoon?

You need a government-issued access pass to disembark at the Blue Lagoon. Apply through blcomino.com and choose the afternoon time slot. The daily allocation is limited.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Snorkeling equipment is available to hire for about €5 per person, subject to availability. The rental includes a mask and snorkel but no fins.

Can I bring large luggage or pets?

No. Pets, large luggage, and large suitcases are not allowed on the boat.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The experience requires good weather. If the operator cancels because of poor conditions, you are offered a different date or a full refund.