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

Three swims, one gulet, nonstop sea time. I love the Blue Lagoon snorkeling and the first clear-water swim stop at Selmun Bay, both built into a full day on the water. I also like how the traditional Turkish gulet gives you room to spread out on deck and just enjoy the sea breeze. The main drawback to keep in mind is weather, the ride can feel windier on some days.

You’ll get a mix of water time and scenery, then more coastline stops as you head toward Gozo. It’s a solid choice if you want Malta at sea level, not just from land, plus the itinerary includes stand-up paddleboards during the key stops. If you’re the type who hates waves or wind exposure, plan to dress smarter than you think.

Key things to know before you go

• Traditional wooden sailing Turkish gulet with lots of deck time between stops
• Selmun Bay swim at Imgiebah Bay with swimming and snorkeling gear on board
• Blue Lagoon gets a full two hours for snorkeling, swimming, and relaxing on deck
• Snorkeling equipment and stand-up paddleboards included for the water breaks
• Gozo’s Ħalfa Rock stop for dramatic cliffs and another short swim option
• Photo stops at Santa Maria Caves and Elephant Rock for quick, scenic moments

Why this Turkish gulet day cruise feels like Malta at water level

This is the kind of tour that makes you understand why people keep coming back to Malta’s coast. Instead of rushing between beaches, you spend your day on a traditional Turkish gulet, then jump into the water when the views are at their best. The boat’s design matters here. A wooden sailing vessel gives you a real sense of being on the Mediterranean, not just stuck on a bus with a picnic.

I also like the way the day mixes activities without forcing you into one mode. You can snorkel and swim at the main stops, then switch to a slower pace while you cruise and take photos. There’s even onboard free WiFi, which is useful when you want to share your sea-day shots or check maps during the sightseeing stretches.

One more practical plus, the itinerary is set up around multiple stops, so if you have a good swim moment at one bay, you still have more chances later. That helps on days when one water stop is busier, windier, or just feels colder than expected.

The Sliema start, check-in time, and the long scenic cruise window

Your day begins back in Sliema, with the meeting point opposite Land’s End Boutique Hotel. You should plan to check in 30 minutes before departure, since you’ll want enough time to find the right spot and settle before the boat leaves. The cruise is scheduled for about 8 hours, but the exact starting time depends on availability.

The first big stretch after boarding is a sightseeing cruise time of 75 minutes. Translation: this isn’t a quick hop between close coves. You’re out on the water early, so bring your camera and your sunscreen. If you’re prone to getting sunburned while sitting still, this is the moment to protect yourself, because deck time adds up fast.

If the weather is clear, this early cruising block is where you get your bearings. You also get a feel for how the day will move, slow and scenic with occasional activity bursts. If it’s windy, you’ll notice it most while you’re sitting outside on deck before you’ve warmed up from a swim.

Imgiebah Bay and Selmun Bay: your first calm, clear-water swim

The first stop for real water time is Imgiebah Bay, with swimming and snorkeling, plus scenic views on the way. The duration is about 1 hour. This is the part of the trip that works for almost everyone because it’s not a long, commitment-heavy session. You can jump in, try snorkeling, then return to the deck if you just want to relax.

The tour description frames this stop as a tranquil bay with clear water, surrounded by greenery and rocky cliffs. That combination is ideal for snorkeling, because you’re not just swimming in open water. You’re exploring near a coastline where marine life tends to be easier to see when conditions are good.

Snorkeling equipment is included, so you won’t need to hunt for gear. Still, I recommend you bring your own towel, and keep your swimwear easy to reach. That way you can switch from deck to water quickly, without turning the stop into an outfit-change marathon.

One note: the stop is only an hour. If you want more than one swim attempt, keep an eye on time after you get in. The good news is that the next segment builds in more cruise time, so you’re not rushing immediately from one exhausting activity to the next.

Blue Lagoon (Comino) for two hours: snorkeling, swimming, and paddleboards

This is the star stop for most people, and it’s scheduled as Blue Lagoon, Malta for 2 hours. That length is a big deal. Two hours gives you time to do more than just dip in, snap a few photos, and scramble back out. You can actually settle into the water and enjoy it.

You’ll have a chance to swim and snorkel, and there’s also stand-up paddleboarding available here. If you’ve never tried a paddleboard before, this is a good place to experiment because you’re not dealing with a full-on open-water voyage. You’re in one of Malta’s best-known shallow cruising and snorkeling areas, so it’s easier to focus on balance and getting comfortable.

The tour includes snorkeling equipment, which means less friction. You also have time to relax on deck. That part matters, because even if you love being in the water, you’ll likely need a break afterward. The boat also lets you purchase snacks and refreshments, which is helpful because lunch isn’t included.

I love how this stop has room for different energy levels. Some people will snorkel steadily. Others will float, take in the views, and hop back in when they feel like it. With two hours, you can choose your pace without feeling like you’re wasting time.

Ħalfa Rock on Gozo: dramatic cliffs plus another swim moment

After Comino, the cruise heads toward Gozo, arriving at Ħalfa Rock. This stop is 45 minutes, and it includes sightseeing, scenic views, and the option for swimming and snorkeling. There are also stand-up paddleboards mentioned here too.

The description emphasizes dramatic cliffs and stunning scenery. That makes sense, because this is a viewpoint stop as much as it is a water stop. Even if you don’t jump in, you can still enjoy the coastline views and get that Gozo “edge of the island” feel that you simply don’t get from the main roads.

I think this is a smart stop length. It’s long enough to take a quick swim if conditions are comfortable, but short enough that it doesn’t drain your energy before the final cruise back. The crew is also ready to serve drinks during this segment, which helps you cool down if you’ve been in the sun.

Because it’s a cliff area, keep your expectations realistic. You’re getting a scenery-focused break with optional water time, not a full beach day with lots of shore access.

Quick scenic photo stops: Santa Maria Caves and Elephant Rock

Between the main water and sightseeing segments, you get two brief photo moments: Santa Maria Caves and Elephant Rock. Each is listed as a photo stop with 10 minutes and scenic views on the way.

These short breaks are perfect for people who want an actual photo, not a full-on activity. You’re not stuck waiting around for long. You’re out on the water, the scenery is doing its job, and you get enough time to capture the shape of the coastline and rock formations.

A practical tip: use these photo stops to fill in the visual story of the day. If you spent your time snorkeling earlier and your phone is low on battery, these quick stops are where you can pause the “water focus” and start saving the memories.

How the timing works across an 8-hour sea day

Your total duration is 8 hours, but it doesn’t feel like one continuous event. It’s structured like a sequence of movement and stops:

• Longer sailing blocks for views (including a 75-minute cruise early and a long return cruise listed at 105 minutes)
• Shorter but meaningful water and photo stops
• A couple of one-off sightseeing moments near Gozo and back toward Sliema

That pacing is one reason I like this type of cruise. It keeps you from sitting in one spot all day. You’ll naturally vary between deck time, water time, and quick sightseeing breaks.

The final return cruise is listed as 105 minutes before you arrive back at the meeting point. This usually helps the day end well, because you’ve already done the main swims. By the time you’re heading back, you can sit, cool down, and reflect rather than scrambling for one last activity.

What to bring, what to skip, and how to handle varying weather

This cruise is a sea day, so you should dress and pack like you’re spending hours outdoors on a boat. The essentials listed are:

• Hat
• Swimwear
• Towel
• Camera
• Sunscreen

Also, consider how water and wind interact. The tour notes varying weather conditions, and you’ll feel it more on deck than you might on land. On breezy days, a light layer can be the difference between enjoying the return cruise and feeling uncomfortable. If you know you get cold easily, plan accordingly.

There are also clear rules:

• Pets are not allowed
• Glass objects are not allowed

That’s common for boat settings, but it’s good you know ahead of time so you don’t bring something you’ll have to stow.

Finally, bring a flexible mindset. This kind of itinerary depends on conditions, and the crew’s safety instructions are the real priority. Listen, follow directions, and you’ll get a smoother day.

Price and value: what $51 gets you for a full day on the water

The price is listed as $51 per person. What you’re paying for isn’t just transport. You’re buying a whole day cruise on a traditional Turkish gulet, with built-in swimming and snorkeling at multiple locations. That matters in Malta, because many sea experiences cost more once you add gear, boat time, and guided stops.

Here’s what’s included that typically saves money and hassle:

• Day cruise on the traditional Turkish gulet
• Swimming and snorkeling stops at Blue Lagoon, Selmun Bay, and Ħalfa Rock
• Snorkeling equipment
• 2 stand-up paddleboards
• Skipper and crew
• Free WiFi

What’s not included:

• Food and drinks, though snacks and refreshments can be purchased
• Hotel pickup and drop-off

So the real value equation is simple. If you want sea time plus actual water activities and you’re fine purchasing snacks on board, this price looks like a fair deal for a full day. If you’re hoping for meals included, you’ll need to adjust your expectations and budget.

Also, you avoid the coordination headache of getting between locations yourself. The itinerary handles the sequence, and you just show up with swimwear and sunscreen.

Who should book this, and who might want a different option

I think this cruise is best for people who want three things in one day:

1. Clear-water swimming and snorkeling
2. Famous Malta scenery like the Blue Lagoon
3. A relaxed sea-day rhythm where you can be active at stops and calm on the deck

It’s also a good fit if you like the idea of Gozo viewpoints without doing a full independent day there. You’ll get the scenery highlights tied into the cruise route.

If you’re sensitive to wind or you strongly dislike being on boats when conditions change, this is the one part to take seriously. The tour explicitly warns about varying weather. On a calmer day it’s easy to relax. On a windy day, you might still have a good experience, but you should dress for it and expect the deck to feel cooler.

And if you don’t plan to snorkel or paddleboard, you might still enjoy the scenery, but you’ll get less out of the included gear. You’ll want to be honest about how much you’ll actually use once you’re out there.

Should you book this Malta 3-bay gulet cruise?

Book it if you want a classic Malta sea day with built-in water time, not a schedule full of land stops. I’d especially recommend it if you like the idea of:

• Two hours at Blue Lagoon rather than a quick swim
• Included snorkeling gear
• Stand-up paddleboards at the main water locations
• Scenic photo moments at Santa Maria Caves and Elephant Rock

Hold off or choose a different plan if you know you’ll struggle with wind, because the cruise is outdoors and the weather can change. In that case, pick your day carefully and pack for deck time.

If you do book, show up on time for check-in, bring the listed essentials, and plan your energy around the fact that the day mixes cruising, swimming, and short sightseeing stops. This is the kind of tour that works best when you go with the flow and let the water locations set the pace.

FAQ

How long is the Malta 3 Bay Cruise?

The duration is listed as 8 hours. Starting times depend on availability.

Where do I meet the boat?

The meeting point is opposite Land’s End Boutique Hotel, at WG45+V3F.

What stops are included during the cruise?

The cruise includes stops for sightseeing and water time at Imgiebah Bay, Blue Lagoon, Ħalfa Rock, plus photo stops at Santa Maria Caves and Elephant Rock.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, and snorkeling stops are built into Blue Lagoon, Selmun Bay, and Ħalfa Rock.

Are meals and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not included, though snacks and refreshments are available to purchase.

What should I bring, and what is not allowed?

Bring a hat, swimwear, towel, camera, and sunscreen. Pets are not allowed, and glass objects are not allowed.