Which three islands cruise from Malta is best?

For most visitors, a departure from Sliema or Bugibba on a gulet or catamaran gives the best balance of coverage, comfort, and time at the Blue Lagoon. The standard 7–8 hour tours include Comino's sea caves, Blue Lagoon swimming, and a Gozo coastal pass. Budget €30–55 per person.

Malta three islands cruise: best Gozo Comino Blue Lagoon tour 2026

What a “three islands” cruise actually is

The term “three islands cruise” covers a wide range of Malta day tours — but they share a common structure: you depart from somewhere on Malta’s coast, pass by or stop briefly at Gozo, swim in the Blue Lagoon at Comino, and return via Malta’s coastal highlights (often including a pass of the sea caves near Crystal Lagoon).

The honest reality: on most three-islands cruises, you spend roughly 30–45 minutes near the shores of Gozo and 2–3 hours at or near the Blue Lagoon. You do not go ashore on Gozo. “Three islands” is primarily a marketing description for a Comino Blue Lagoon day with a scenic Gozo coastal cruise.

If you want to actually explore Gozo — Ggantija temples, the Citadella, Dwejra — you need a dedicated Gozo day trip on the ferry. If you want maximum Blue Lagoon time, a dedicated Comino day trip makes more sense.

The three islands cruise makes sense for: first-time visitors who want to see all three islands in one day, understand the geography of the archipelago, and get a swimming stop in the Blue Lagoon.

Comparing the main three islands cruise options

From Sliema — the classic route

Sliema is the main departure hub for three islands cruises. Boats depart from the Sliema waterfront (accessible on foot from most accommodation in the area) and run a circuit of Malta’s north coast, past Gozo’s southern cliffs, into Comino’s Blue Lagoon, and back.

Sliema: three islands cruise with buffet lunch and drinks Sliema: Gozo/Comino Blue Lagoon gulet cruise with lunch and drinks

Typical day: depart 09:00, coastal cruise to Gozo (scenic only, no landing), continue to Comino sea caves, anchor at Blue Lagoon 11:00–14:00 (3 hours swimming/snorkelling), return via Malta north coast, arrive Sliema 17:30–18:00. Some tours include buffet lunch on board.

Cost: €30–55 per person depending on boat type and inclusions.

From Bugibba — shorter transfer to Comino

Bugibba is closer to Comino than Sliema, reducing sea time and increasing lagoon time. Boats from Bugibba typically reach the Blue Lagoon in about 45 minutes versus 90 minutes from Sliema.

Malta: Blue Lagoon, beaches and bays by catamaran from Bugibba

Best for: visitors staying in Bugibba/Qawra/St Paul’s Bay who want maximum Blue Lagoon time relative to transit time.

From Mellieha — the shortest approach to Comino

Mellieha, in Malta’s north, is the closest departure point to Comino. Boats from Mellieha Bay or from Ċirkewwa reach the Blue Lagoon in 20–30 minutes. This maximises time at the lagoon.

Malta: Gozo, Comino and Blue Lagoon boat tour with swim stop Mellieha: Gozo, Comino, sea caves, and Blue Lagoon cruise

Best for: visitors staying in Mellieha or those who prioritise Blue Lagoon time over the scenic transit.

From St Julian’s — speedboat option

St Julian’s offers speedboat departures to Comino that reach the Blue Lagoon in under 30 minutes. More expensive but very fast, and the speed itself is part of the experience.

Best for: smaller groups, those wanting to minimise travel time, and visitors who enjoy powerboat riding.

Boat types compared

Boat type	Best for	Pros	Cons
Gulet (traditional wooden sailing boat)	Atmosphere, comfort	Shade, stability, character	Slower
Catamaran	Groups, stability	Stable, spacious deck	Less character
Powerboat / speedboat	Speed, flexibility	Fastest, nimble	Wet, louder
Private yacht	Groups wanting exclusivity	Schedule control, quieter spots	Cost

Most day tours from Sliema and Bugibba use large gulets or catamarans (50–100 passengers). These are stable and comfortable but you share the experience with many others. Speedboats carry 6–12 people and are faster but more exposed.

The three islands cruise: what the marketing omits

You don’t land on Gozo. The “three islands” aspect means you see Gozo from the water. A coastal cruise of Gozo’s limestone cliffs is beautiful, but you don’t disembark. If seeing the Citadella or Ggantija temples matters to you, book a separate Gozo day.

Blue Lagoon in summer is crowded. Even on a large boat with its own mooring, you are sharing the lagoon with dozens of other boats and hundreds of swimmers. The water is still clear and beautiful but expect company.

Weather dependency. Day tours require good sea conditions. High winds (common in winter and spring) lead to cancellations. Check the policy at booking — reputable operators offer free rescheduling or refunds.

Lunch quality varies. “Buffet lunch included” tours range from excellent to mediocre. Check recent reviews for your specific operator.

Three islands vs individual island days: which is better?

Approach	Time on Gozo	Time at Blue Lagoon	Total cost	Best for
Three islands cruise	0 (coastal pass)	2.5–3 hours	€30–55	First visit, geography overview
Gozo day trip + Comino separately	Full day Gozo	3–5 hours Comino	€60–80 combined	Travellers with 5+ days
Comino day trip only	0	4–6 hours	€25–40	Beach-focused travellers

For a first visit to Malta lasting 3–4 days: the three islands cruise is the right choice — it covers the geography and gives a Blue Lagoon swim in one efficient day.

For a 7+ day Malta trip: do Gozo as a separate dedicated day and Comino as a separate half-day or evening cruise. You will see much more of both.

Frequently asked questions about three islands cruises from Malta

Do three islands cruises really visit all three islands?

Most pass Gozo by sea without landing, spend 2–3 hours at Comino’s Blue Lagoon, and depart from and return to Malta. “Three islands” means you see all three, not that you explore all three.

Is the three islands cruise suitable for non-swimmers?

Yes. Life jackets are available, the swimming is optional, and you can stay on the boat while others swim. The lagoon is calm. Non-swimmers often enjoy the scenery and the food on board.

What should I bring on a three islands cruise?

Swimwear, towel, sunscreen (very important — the reflected light off limestone and water is intense), water shoes or sandals that can get wet, a hat, snorkelling gear (or rent on board), and cash for drinks/snacks if not included.

Can I eat at the Blue Lagoon?

A small kiosk on the Blue Lagoon beach sells snacks and drinks at elevated prices. Cruises with buffet lunch on board are a better value. Alternatively, bring food from Malta.

What’s the best departure time for the three islands cruise?

Early morning departures (08:00–09:00) mean you reach the Blue Lagoon before the peak crowd around 11:00. Afternoon/sunset cruises reach the lagoon after most day-trip boats have left, giving a quieter experience — but the water is cooler and less good for long swims.

Are children suitable for three islands cruises?

Yes, with the right precautions. The Blue Lagoon is very child-friendly (shallow, calm). Sun protection is critical. A life jacket for young children is recommended. Most boat operators have children aboard routinely.

Which month is the three islands cruise at its best?

September is the consensus best month: the Blue Lagoon is still warm (25°C sea temperature), the crowds are reducing from August peak, and the sea is calmer than spring. May is excellent for clarity and wildflower-scented coastal air.

Last reviewed: 2026-04-20