Three islands, one long day at sea. This cruise is built around swim stops in standout Comino water, with a solid onboard lunch and easy hotel pickup. If you’re short on time in Malta, it’s a practical way to see a lot without doing ferry math all day.

I especially like the hotel pickup and round-trip transport. It cuts down the stress of getting to Mgarr Harbour, and the tour runs like a plan, not a scavenger hunt. I also like the way the day mixes beach-and-water time, so you’re not stuck just watching from the boat.

The main drawback is that this is not a slow sightseeing cruise. Expect a hot, longer day on the water, with schedule-driven stops that can feel rushed when you want to linger.

Key points before you go

• Hotel pickup plus drop-off saves you time on travel days.
• Multiple swim stops (Blue Lagoon, Armier Bay, Paradise Bay, Crystal Lagoon) give you several chances in the water.
• Lunch, water, and local wine are included, which makes budgeting easier.
• Shorter beach windows mean you’ll want to arrive ready to swim and move fast.
• Group size can feel tight at the busiest moments, depending on when people join.
• Captain Chris keeps the day on track, and the route can adjust if weather is rough.

Price and what $80.95 gets you in real value

For about $80.95 per person, you’re buying three things that add up fast in Malta: boat time across Comino and Gozo areas, a full-day schedule with multiple swim breaks, and meal support.

Most “cheap” options for Comino end up costing more after you add transport, ferry tickets, and food. Here, you get a buffet lunch on board, plus water and local wine. That matters because the day is outdoors and long enough that you’ll spend at least some money on drinks anyway. If you prefer not to track costs all day, this one is easier.

You also get convenience: the tour offers hotel pickup and returns you to the meeting point at the end. When you’re in Malta for the first time, saving time and headspace can be worth real money.

The trade-off is that the ship schedule prioritizes water time over deep sightseeing. If you want museums, fortresses, and slow wandering, you might feel like the day is “busy” rather than “complete.” But if your goal is to experience Malta’s famous swim waters, the pricing is fair.

Getting started: Mgarr Harbour at 8:00 am and smooth transport

The cruise departs from Mgarr Harbour, Malta, with the start time listed at 8:00 am. The tour ends back at the same meeting point, which keeps it straightforward if you’re staying on the Malta side.

The big practical win is that pickup is included. For many visitors, the hardest part of a day around Comino is not the boat, it’s getting yourself to the right dock at the right time. With pickup, you can show up, get checked in, and focus on sunscreen and swim gear.

The tour uses a mobile ticket, and confirmation is sent at booking. It’s also described as near public transportation, so if you’re not using pickup, you still have options.

One more thing to keep in mind: the tour says moderate physical fitness is needed. You’re on and off a boat multiple times. Even if you’re a capable traveler, plan for some walking and stepping while wearing wet shoes or swim sandals.

The heart of the day: Blue Lagoon swimming and cave scenery

Your first named stop is Blue Lagoon, described as a wide natural pool between Comino Island and Cominotto. Expect mostly rocky edges with some sandy patches, plus caves in the area.

You get about 1 hour here, and that’s the kind of stop where preparation pays off. Go in ready: water-resistant sunscreen, a quick rinse if you have it, and goggles or snorkel if you plan to look around. The water in this region is what people come for, and the caves and mixed shoreline make it visually interesting even if you’re not snorkeling the whole time.

If you’re trying to decide what to prioritize, I’d put Blue Lagoon at the top of your list. It’s the most iconic name on the itinerary, and the schedule gives it the longest single stretch early in the day.

The one caution is timing. When you only have an hour, you can’t “explore later.” You swim first, then look around. If you’re the type who likes to take photos while slowly enjoying the moment, you’ll still have time, but you’ll need to keep one eye on the clock so you don’t get caught sprinting back to the boat.

Armier Bay and Paradise Bay: quick beach breaks with big sea color

After Blue Lagoon, the cruise includes Armier Bay Beach for about 30 minutes. This one is all about vibe: the sea around Armier Bay is described as crystal blue, and it gives you another look at the Comino-area water without repeating the exact same scene.

Thirty minutes is short, but it’s enough for a dip, a few photos, and a relaxed repositioning on your towel. If you hate rushing, this is the kind of stop that can feel tight. If you’re happy to treat it like a swim break, it works.

Then comes Paradise Bay, also about 30 minutes. This stop is described as one of Malta’s most spectacular beaches, at the far north point of the islands, near Mellieha Bay. The short time means you’re not going to do a long shoreline walk, but you can still soak in how dramatic the coastline looks from the beach and swim area.

In practice, these two 30-minute stops are a balancing act. They keep the itinerary varied, and they prevent the day from becoming one long “sit and swim” pattern. The downside is you need to be efficient. Show up dry, go for a swim quickly, then cool down and re-board.

Crystal Lagoon on Comino: your second main swim block

On the western side of Comino, between Gozo and Malta, you’ll find the Crystal Lagoon stop. This one is scheduled for about 1 hour, making it your second bigger water block of the day.

Crystal Lagoon is often the kind of place you’d like to return to, because the name alone tells you what to expect, clear water, and a swim-friendly setup. Even without snorkeling, you’ll likely enjoy seeing the water change as the boat positions and the light shifts.

This stop also helps you make the cruise work even if your Blue Lagoon hour goes a bit fast. If you want at least one longer swim window, Crystal Lagoon gives you that chance.

Again, don’t assume there will be time later. With a tour like this, the day is a sequence. Once you re-board, it’s on to the next move. Bring what you need before you go in, and plan for at least one round of quick towel time after swimming.

Food, water, and local wine on board (plus the shade factor)

Lunch is included as a buffet, and the day is long enough that having food ready matters. Based on how the day is paced, you’ll appreciate not having to hunt for lunch on land in the middle of a sea-day schedule.

Some guests describe the lunch as a light cold buffet, which makes sense for a boat day where everyone is already hot and wet. Expect variety, and think “fresh and easy to eat” rather than a hot restaurant meal.

Drinks are included in the form of water and local wine. Other drinks are not included and need to be purchased. If you’re the type who likes cocktails or specialty drinks, budget extra. If you’re fine with wine, water, and the simple beach-day rhythm, this package makes the day feel complete.

One detail that really helps: there’s mention of a shaded area on the boat. That matters on a full-day cruise, especially if the sun is strong. Take advantage of shade between swim stops. It will make the next swim feel less like punishment.

What the boat day feels like: timing, crowds, and heat management

This is a 7-hour cruise on a boat, with a schedule built around swimming windows. That means you’ll spend chunks of time re-positioning, then jump into the water, then re-board, repeat.

A few practical expectations help you enjoy it more. First, wear swim sandals you can walk in, and bring a bag for wet items. Second, sunscreen does not care that you’re on a boat. Reapply when you can.

Crowding is the other reality check. The tour lists a maximum of 65 travelers, but the experience can still feel busier at certain times as the day fills up. Some people find the first part of the day calmer, then the boat gets more crowded later. When that happens, it’s less about comfort and more about finding your routine: where you sit, where you stash stuff, and how you move quickly back to the swim areas.

If you’re sensitive to heat or wind, plan for it. The tour requires good weather, but even in good weather, you can still feel it. The good news is that having shade and swim stops spread through the day prevents it from being nonstop sun exposure.

Who should book this three-island Blue Lagoon cruise

This is a strong fit if you’re:

• A first-time visitor who wants Comino’s top water spots without extra planning.
• A swimmer who wants multiple chances to get in the water rather than one quick stop.
• Someone who values convenience, since pickup and drop-off are included.
• Traveling in a group that enjoys a day built around sea views and beach time.

It may be less ideal if you’re:

• Looking for a classic sightseeing day with minimal swimming.
• Someone who hates schedule-driven experiences.
• Planning a very slow, laid-back beach day where you want long stretches on shore.

If you do book, I’d treat it like a water day with a few land-and-beach moments, not a history tour. Set your expectations that way, and the day will feel like it was designed for exactly what you came for.

Should you book Barbarossa Excursions, Blue Lagoon, Gozo, and Comino?

I’d book this cruise if your goal is simple: swim in Blue Lagoon, check out Crystal Lagoon, and enjoy the easy convenience of pickup plus lunch plus wine. The itinerary is built to hit the signature waters efficiently, and the onboard meal support means you can stay focused on the experience instead of logistics.

Skip it if you’re craving long, slow beach time or if you strongly prefer dry-land sightseeing. This is a boat itinerary where the “main event” is water time, and the schedule moves.

One final practical tip: pack like you’re doing several swims in one day, not one. That one choice usually turns a “long day” into a fun day.

FAQ

How long is the Blue Lagoon full-day three-island cruise?

It runs for about 7 hours (approx.).

Where does the cruise start and end?

It starts at Mgarr Harbour, Malta at 8:00 am and ends back at the same meeting point.

What is included in the price?

The tour includes a buffet lunch, hotel pickup and drop-off, water, and local wine.

Are drinks other than water and local wine included?

No. Drinks other than water and local wine must be purchased.

What are the main swim stops during the day?

The cruise includes time at Blue Lagoon, Armier Bay Beach, Paradise Bay, and Crystal Lagoon.

How long do you stop at each location?

The listed durations are about: Blue Lagoon 1 hour, Armier Bay Beach 30 minutes, Paradise Bay 30 minutes, and Crystal Lagoon 1 hour.

Is there an optional caves tour?

Yes. An optional caves tour is listed at an additional cost of 10 euro per person.

How large is the group?

The tour has a maximum of 65 travelers.

What is the cancellation policy if weather is poor?

The experience requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered an alternative date or a full refund. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund.

Can children join the tour?

Children must be accompanied by an adult.