Malta three islands cruise: which one to actually book

What the three islands cruise covers

The “three islands cruise” is Malta’s most ambitious group boat tour: a full-day trip that covers all three Maltese islands — Malta itself (as a departure point and coastal backdrop), Comino with the Blue Lagoon, and Gozo. Departures typically leave from Sliema around 09:00 and return around 17:00–18:00 — a 9-hour day.

The appeal is obvious: you tick all three islands in one day, you see the Blue Lagoon, you touch Gozo, and you get a full day on the water. The price is usually €55–85 per person including lunch or buffet.

The reality is somewhat more complicated.

How time is allocated on a typical tour

Based on standard tour itineraries, here’s what a three islands cruise actually looks like:

• Departure from Sliema, coastal pass by Malta: 75 minutes on the boat
• Comino and Blue Lagoon: 2.5–3 hours (this is the core of the trip)
• Sea caves near Comino: 30–45 minutes (often included as a floating stop, not an exit)
• Transit to Gozo: 30–45 minutes
• Time in Gozo: 30–60 minutes (usually at Mġarr harbour, occasionally Victoria)
• Return to Sliema: 60–75 minutes

The Gozo allocation is the critical disappointment. Thirty to sixty minutes in Gozo is enough to walk 200 metres from the harbour, perhaps see the outside of a café, and get back on the boat. You will not see Dwejra, Ggantija, Xlendi, the Citadel, or any of what actually makes Gozo worth visiting.

If you want to see Gozo properly, do a dedicated Gozo day trip or the Gozo boat tour from Mġarr.

When the three islands cruise is a good choice

Despite its limitations, the three islands cruise works well in specific situations:

First-time visitors with only 3–4 days: If you’re not returning to Malta soon and want to orient yourself across all three islands, the cruise gives you enough of each to know what you’re working with. You can plan a longer trip around what you’ve seen.

Cruise ship passengers with a single day: If you’ve arrived by cruise ship and have one free day in Malta, the three islands cruise is a reasonable way to sample the archipelago. You won’t get depth, but you’ll get breadth.

Those whose priority is Blue Lagoon: If Comino and the Blue Lagoon is your main goal and you’re happy to see Gozo from the water, this is an efficient way to achieve it.

Those who hate ferries: The three islands cruise handles all the logistics of getting to Gozo and back without you needing to navigate the Cirkewwa ferry, which can have queues in peak season.

Operators and what they offer

Book the Sliema 3 Islands cruise with buffet lunch and drinks

Book the Sliema to Gozo, Comino and Blue Lagoon cruise

Book the Sliema Gozo/Comino Blue Lagoon gulet cruise with lunch and drinks

The gulet option (a traditional wooden Turkish-style boat) is a more atmospheric experience than a modern motorboat, though it’s slower. The gulet cruise typically has a smaller group size and a calmer atmosphere — it’s the social cruise option for those who want to meet other travellers.

The buffet lunch is usually included or available at low extra cost. Quality ranges from adequate to good — don’t expect a restaurant experience, but it’s usually enough to sustain you through a long day.

From other departure points

If you’re based in St Julian’s:

Book the Malta, Gozo and Comino three islands trip with lunch and wine from St Julian’s

If you’re in the north (Mellieha, Bugibba area), the journey to Comino is shorter and some operators offer similar three-island itineraries:

Book the best of Gozo and Comino catamaran tour from Sliema/Bugibba

What to look for when comparing three islands cruises

Time at Blue Lagoon: Confirm this is at least 2 hours. Some budget tours reduce this to 90 minutes to fit in a longer Gozo stop (which sounds better but rarely is).

Lunch inclusion: Most full-day cruises include some form of lunch or buffet. Confirm what’s included vs. what’s purchased separately.

Drinks: Usually soft drinks and alcohol are available at cost on board. Some cruises include unlimited drinks — read the description carefully.

Group size: Smaller group tours (30 people or fewer) are significantly more enjoyable than the mega-boat cruises (100+ passengers). Check the boat description.

Sea cave stops: Many three islands cruises also pass through sea caves near Comino — these are dramatic and add real value. Confirm whether the caves are included.

The smarter approach: splitting into two days

If you have the time, the best version of the “three islands experience” is not a single cruise but:

1. Day 1: Dedicated Blue Lagoon visit (early morning or afternoon/sunset, private charter or early group tour)
2. Day 2: Gozo via the Cirkewwa ferry — full day with either a hop-on hop-off bus, a jeep safari, or a self-guided exploration

This approach gives you the Blue Lagoon at its best (not squeezed between Gozo transit times) and Gozo with enough time to actually see Dwejra, Ggantija, and the Citadel. See the Gozo boat tour guide and the Comino Blue Lagoon cruise guide for detailed planning.

What to bring on a three islands cruise

The day is long (8–9 hours) and you’re on the water the whole time. Pack:

• High-SPF sunscreen and a sun hat (shade on group boats is partial, not complete)
• Swimwear and a towel
• Light clothes over swimwear for the boat sections
• A light layer for the return journey (cool on the water in late afternoon)
• Snorkelling gear (some operators provide it, but your own is better)
• Water shoes (for the rocky Blue Lagoon entry)
• Cash for drinks and extras not included in the price

Frequently asked questions about the Malta three islands cruise

How long is the three islands cruise in Malta?

Typically 8–9 hours, departing around 09:00 and returning around 17:30–18:30. This is a full day commitment.

Is the three islands cruise suitable for children?

Generally yes. The boats are large and stable, and children often enjoy the Blue Lagoon swimming. Very young children (under 3) may find the long day tiring. Check minimum age requirements on specific tours.

Can I book the three islands cruise from Gozo?

Yes, some operators offer departures from Gozo (Mġarr harbour) that reverse the itinerary — you cruise to Comino first, then pass Malta on the way back. Ask specifically when booking from Gozo.

Does the three islands cruise go inside the caves?

Many three islands cruises include a stop at or inside the sea caves near Comino (Blue Cave, Crystal Lagoon sea caves). Some operators include this as a key stop; others only pass by. Check the specific tour description.

What’s the difference between the three islands cruise and a day trip to Gozo?

The three islands cruise spends the majority of its time at sea and at Blue Lagoon, with only 30–60 minutes in Gozo. A dedicated Gozo day trip via the Cirkewwa ferry gives you 7–8 hours on the island. These are completely different experiences.

Is lunch included in the three islands cruise?

It depends on the operator. Many include a buffet lunch; others provide snacks. Some include unlimited drinks; others charge per drink. Read the specific listing carefully before booking.

What happens if the weather is bad?

Most operators will cancel and refund if conditions are unsafe. In the case of light cloud or mild chop, the cruise typically runs regardless. Blue Lagoon cruises are particularly weather-dependent — strong winds (common in spring and autumn) can prevent safe entry into the lagoon.

Last reviewed: 2026-04-20