Comino’s water looks unreal on a boat day. This full-day cruise links Malta, Gozo, and Comino with multiple swim stops, including the famous Blue Lagoon, plus a buffet lunch on board.

I love how hotel pickup and drop-off simplify a day at sea. I also like the all-in basic plan: a buffet lunch, plus water and local wine included, so you’re not constantly thinking about extras.

One thing to consider: it’s a long 7-hour outing, and in hot weather you’ll feel it—so bring patience for slower moments between swim stops.

Key Things to Know Before You Go

• Blue Lagoon is the main show with a scheduled 1-hour swim slot and cave-lined scenery around Comino and Cominotto.
• You get three different beach-water vibes: Armier Bay, Paradise Bay, and Crystal Lagoon all have their own look and feel.
• Hotel pickup removes stress so you don’t waste your short Malta time hunting transport.
• Lunch is practical for the heat—a light buffet style meal is easier to eat on a full day.
• Included drinks are limited to water and local wine, so plan to buy anything else.
• Weather can change the day’s pace since the trip depends on good sea conditions.

A Three-Island Cruise That Fits Short Malta Trips

If you’ve got a limited window in Malta, this type of day trip is gold. You’re not picking between Comino and a “Malta day” or Gozo and a beach day. You’re getting the full geography in one go—starting at Mgarr Harbour and spending the day hopping between three island coastlines with swim time built in.

The experience has a simple rhythm: travel by boat, stop for water time, then regroup. That makes it especially good for first-timers. You’ll see the shape of the islands from the sea, and you’ll also actually get your feet wet in the kind of clear water people come to Malta for.

The other smart part is that the tour is built around staying active without turning into a hike. You’re not doing museum marathons. You’re out on the water, and the schedule keeps you moving while still giving you breaks.

Price and What You’re Really Paying For ($80.95)

At $80.95 per person, you’re paying for three things that add up fast on your own: boat time, swim stops, and a pre-planned day. On top of that, the package includes hotel pickup and drop-off, which is often where DIY Malta plans get annoying.

You also get lunch on board plus water and local wine. Drinks can be a sneaky budget drain on tours, so it’s nice that the basics are covered. Just be aware that anything beyond that (other drinks) is extra.

In plain terms: if you want a one-day “see-and-swim” Malta experience without logistics headaches, this price can make sense. If you prefer private boat time or you already have transport and a flexible day with full control, you might find cheaper ways—but you’ll trade away convenience.

Morning Setup: Mgarr Harbour at 8:00 AM

The day begins at 8:00 am at Mgarr Harbour, Malta, and it loops back to the meeting point at the end. That early start matters. It helps you get to the water before the day gets heavy and crowded, and it gives you a better chance at calmer sea conditions.

If you’re using the included transport, the tour’s pickup and drop-off is genuinely helpful. It means you’re not juggling buses or taxis with swim gear in tow. The pace also tends to feel smoother when everyone arrives together.

One practical point: bring a few essentials for a sea day. You’re on the water for hours, and the stops are focused on getting in and out of the sea.

Stop 1: Blue Lagoon (1 Hour of Comino Water Time)

This is the star stop. The Blue Lagoon is described as a natural wide pool between Comino and Cominotto. It’s partly sandy and mostly rocky, with caves adding that dramatic coastal texture you see in the photos.

What this stop is really good for is variety. Because the water area mixes sand and rock, you can choose how you enjoy it—relaxing where it feels calmer, or swimming near rockier edges where the water clarity is usually most impressive.

A small timing note: that 1-hour window is a solid chunk of time to get a swim, adjust to the water temperature, and still have a few minutes to take in the view. If you’re the kind of person who likes to “do it right” (get in, settle, and not rush), this stop fits well.

Stop 2: Armier Bay Beach (30 Minutes That Moves Fast)

Next up is Armier Bay Beach with crystal-blue water—close in look to the nearby Blue Lagoon vibe, just a little different in feel. You only get 30 minutes, so treat this as a quick hit.

In a schedule like this, short stops are usually about keeping the full-day flow. You’ll likely use Armier Bay for a refreshing swim and a change of scenery rather than a long linger.

This is also where you’ll want to manage your expectations: if you’re hoping for a full “beach hang,” a half hour won’t do that. But if you want multiple swims in one day, it’s exactly the right size.

Stop 3: Paradise Bay (30 Minutes Near Mellieha Bay Area)

Then you head to Paradise Bay, described as one of Malta’s most spectacular beaches and located near the islands’ farthest north point close to Mellieha Bay.

This stop is a nice counterpoint to the Comino-focused stops. Instead of the enclosed lagoon feel, Paradise Bay reads more like a classic beach scene: open water, wide shoreline impressions, and a change in coastline character.

With 30 minutes, you’ll probably do a quick swim and maybe a short walk around for photos. The main value here is variety—seeing that Malta’s “clear water” story doesn’t only happen in one famous place.

Stop 4: Crystal Lagoon (1 Hour on Comino’s Western Side)

Your final swim stop is the Crystal Lagoon on the western side of tiny Comino, located between Gozo and Malta.

Why this one hits: after earlier stops, you get a longer 1-hour slot to settle in. It’s the kind of time that lets you actually enjoy your swim without constantly checking the clock.

This location also gives the day a geographic payoff. By the end, you’ve seen multiple island faces and water settings. Crystal Lagoon is the last “big” swim moment, so it’s a smart place to plan your energy.

If you’re someone who wants one last decent swim before the day winds down, this stop is built for that.

Lunch on Board: Light Buffet, Heat-Friendly, Not Fancy

The day includes a buffet lunch on board. Based on the way the meal is described, it’s more of a light, cold spread than a heavy restaurant lunch—something designed to be easy to eat when the sun and sea air have you feeling warm.

What you can expect from a buffet style like this is convenience: you grab something, sit where you can, and keep moving. Some guests have described the selection as varied enough—things like bread, cold pasta, rice, and vegetables—plus options that work better when you’re not trying to balance a hot meal with ocean time.

One more detail that matters: the included beverages are water and local wine. If you’re expecting a full drinks menu, you’ll need to buy anything beyond that. Also, on busy sea days, service can vary, so don’t assume coffee, soda, or cocktails are part of the deal.

The “practical” verdict: the lunch isn’t positioned as a gourmet highlight. It’s there to keep you going for the full day at sea, and it generally does that job.

Drinks, Shade, and the Real Boat Experience

This tour runs on a gullet-style boat feel, and the big comfort factor is that there’s shaded space if you need a break from direct sun. That matters because the day is long, and the water stops mean you’ll be out and about in the heat.

On the drinks side, the baseline is water and local wine included. Some guests have noted frequent wine service, which is a pleasant surprise for a day cruise. Still, be ready for the simple rule: included means included, and anything beyond that costs extra.

The boat day can feel crowded at times. The tour has a maximum size of 65 travelers, and some people have experienced the group as more comfortable early on than later in the schedule. You can plan around that by aiming to stand near calmer areas when you want photos, and grabbing shaded seating during lunch.

Weather and Safety: Why the Route Can Change

This experience requires good weather, and the operator notes that you’ll be offered an alternative date or a full refund if poor conditions cancel the trip.

On choppier or windier days, expect the captain to protect the schedule and the group’s comfort. Some operational flexibility is part of how these sea days work. If you’re worried about motion sickness, it’s smart to bring what helps you normally, and it’s wise to be open to adjustments if the captain needs to change pacing for a smoother experience.

Also, if you get nervous in open water, this is still a boat day with a captain coordinating safety and timing. You’re not driving anything—you’re following a plan run by the crew.

Group Size, Fitness Level, and Who This Tour Suits

This tour calls for moderate physical fitness. That doesn’t mean it’s an athletic challenge, but you should be comfortable moving on and off the boat and navigating uneven sea-to-boat moments during swim stops.

Kids must be accompanied by an adult. If you’re bringing children, the schedule is swim-focused, so you’ll want to judge whether that timing works for your kids’ comfort with sea water and boat movement.

Who this fits best:

• First-time Malta visitors who want an efficient overview plus real beach-and-lagoon swim time
• People short on time who don’t want to plan separate Comino days
• Swimmers who like the idea of multiple water stops rather than one long beach day

If you hate heat and long days, or you only want one or two major stops, you might find this schedule feels like “constant transition.” For many people, though, that’s exactly the point.

Optional Caves Tour: A €10 Add-On if You Want More

There’s an optional Caves Tour that costs €10 per person and isn’t included in the base price.

This is worth considering if you love the cave element that’s associated with the Blue Lagoon area. Since it’s an add-on, you’ll want to decide based on your interest level and the time you’ll have after the main swim stops.

Should You Book This Three-Island Cruise?

Book this tour if you want a simple, high-reward day: clear-water swim stops in Comino, plus beach changes at Armier Bay and Paradise Bay, all wrapped into one pickup-included outing from Mgarr Harbour.

Skip it (or look for something more tailored) if you’re very sensitive to long hours in warm weather, or you want a classic “sit on the beach all day” pace. This is a swim-and-cruise plan, not a slow lounge day.

If you go in with that mindset, you’ll get exactly what the day is designed to deliver: a memorable Malta-to-Comino-to-Gozo-style water experience, with enough stops to feel like you traveled far—even though it’s all happening in one easy block of time.

FAQ

How long is the Blue Lagoon, Three Island Cruise?

The cruise is listed as about 7 hours.

What time does the tour start, and where does it meet?

It starts at 8:00 am and begins at Mgarr Harbour, Malta.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included.

What’s included for food and drinks?

Lunch is included (buffet lunch), and water and local wine are included. Other drinks are not included and need to be purchased.

How long are the swim/beach stops?

The schedule lists: Blue Lagoon 1 hour, Armier Bay Beach 30 minutes, Paradise Bay 30 minutes, and Crystal Lagoon 1 hour.

Do I need to pay admission for the stops?

Admission tickets for the listed stops are marked as free.

Is the caves tour included?

No. The caves tour is optional and costs €10 per person.

If you want, tell me your travel month and whether you’re more of a swimmer or a sit-and-snack beach person—I can help you decide if this timing and stop lengths match your style.