Sliema: 3-Islands Cruise with Buffet Lunch and Drinks

Malta looks best from the water. This eight-hour cruise from Sliema combines a Turkish gullet, broad coastal views, the Blue Lagoon on Comino, and a quiet bay for swimming. I especially like the unusual boat and the chance to see Malta’s cliffs from offshore, rather than spending the whole day at one crowded beach.

The cruise also includes a cold buffet, beer, wine, soft drinks, and water during lunch. The main consideration is the food and drink arrangement: the buffet has received mixed feedback, and the included drinks are specifically tied to lunchtime, not necessarily the whole day. The sea can also feel rough even when it looks calm from shore.

Key points at a glance

• A Turkish gullet gives the day a more distinctive feel than a standard, modern excursion boat.
• The Blue Lagoon is the headline stop, with time to swim or walk on Comino if you have the required free ticket.
• A Gozo-area bay adds a quieter side of the trip, away from the main Comino crowds.
• The boat departs Sliema at 10:30 and returns around 18:00, making this a full-day commitment.
• Lunch includes a cold buffet and selected drinks, but spirits, ice cream, and a powerboat cave ride cost extra.
• The current score is 4 out of 5 from 57 ratings, with high praise for the scenery, crew, and boat, but clear criticism of the buffet and drink policy.

Setting out from Sliema at 10:30

Your day begins at Sliema Ferries, with the boat called Faith located opposite McDonald’s. That landmark matters because Sliema’s waterfront can feel busy, and finding the correct boarding point is easier when you know what to look for. Plan to arrive with enough time to locate the boat without turning the start of your day into a dockside treasure hunt.

The cruise leaves at 10:30 and returns around 18:00. This is not a quick sightseeing ride with a short swim attached. You are committing most of the day to the boat, so it suits you best if you enjoy long stretches on deck and want several coastal stops rather than a tightly packed schedule on land.

The boat is a Turkish gullet, a traditional-style wooden sailing vessel often associated with coastal cruises in the eastern Mediterranean. The supplied details do not say that the boat sails under canvas, so you should think of it primarily as a characterful cruising boat rather than a guaranteed sailing experience. Its appearance is one of the pleasures of the trip, and one French assessment praised the vessel for feeling different from ordinary tourist boats.

Once under way, you can expect views of Malta’s coastline, cliffs, and open water. The advertised appeal is simple: fresh air, clear cyan water, and a wide view back toward the island. Bring a light layer even in warm weather, since a gentle breeze can feel surprisingly cool after several hours on deck.

Malta’s cliffs from the water

The first part of the cruise is about seeing Malta from a new angle. From the water, cliffs and rocky shorelines read differently than they do from a road or town. You get a broader sense of the island’s edge, with the boat moving close enough to shore for coastal details while still giving you a wide view.

This is where the cruise earns much of its value. You are not simply being transported to Comino. The journey itself is part of the experience, and the boat provides a slow-moving viewpoint for photographs, quiet sitting, and watching the coast change.

The experience is less suitable if you need constant entertainment or a tightly narrated tour. The host language is English, but the supplied information does not promise a detailed commentary throughout the journey. I would treat this as a scenic boat day with stops, not as a guided history tour of Malta.

Sea conditions are worth taking seriously. A low rating described the ride as uncomfortable even though the sea appeared calm, with difficulty standing on board. If you are prone to motion sickness, choose a stable seated position, avoid reading while the boat is moving, and bring any medication you normally use. The trip is not recommended for people with mobility impairments, and a moving boat adds another reason to consider your balance and comfort before booking.

Comino and the Blue Lagoon

Comino’s Blue Lagoon is the star attraction. Its clear water and bright color are exactly why this corner of Malta draws so much attention. The boat berths stern to, meaning the rear of the boat faces the landing area, making it easier to step ashore or enter and leave the boat.

You can spend time exploring Comino or swim in the water beside the boat. That choice is useful because not everyone wants the same kind of stop. You might prefer to walk around the island, while someone else in your group may want to stay close to the water with a mask and snorkel.

There is an important rule here. From May 1, 2025, you need a free online ticket to walk on Comino. You must request it through www.blcomino.com and select the morning time slot. Officials scan the QR code when you arrive. Without that code, you cannot walk on the island, though you can still swim next to the boat.

Do not leave this ticket until the last minute. The ticket is free, but free does not mean automatic. Save the QR code where you can display it quickly, and make sure you choose the morning slot rather than a later option that may not match the cruise schedule.

The Comino stop also has a practical limitation. The boat may berth away from the main point used by other boats, which can mean a longer walk to the most popular access points and steps. This can be good if you want to avoid being right in the thick of the main landing area, but it can be inconvenient if you have limited mobility or want the shortest route to the water.

The Blue Lagoon is beautiful, but it is not presented as a private swim. You should expect a famous site with plenty of activity around it. The boat gives you a base, but you will not have an empty island to yourself.

A Gozo bay and a quieter swim

The cruise includes a stop at a bay in Gozo, along with a separate secluded-bay stop described in the itinerary. The exact name of the Gozo bay is not provided, so you should not book this expecting a particular named beach or village. Instead, think of it as a chance to see a quieter coastal setting and get into the water away from the main Blue Lagoon stop.

At the secluded bay, you can swim, snorkel along the rugged coastline, sunbathe on the spacious decks, or simply sit with the view. This may be the most relaxing part of the day. Comino supplies the famous image, while the quieter bay gives you room to slow down.

You should bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and comfortable shoes. Comfortable footwear matters because you may be stepping between boat and shore or walking on uneven ground. The activity information specifically says it is not suitable for people with mobility impairments, so do not treat the swim stop as a minor detail if getting in and out of the boat is difficult for you.

The wording around the itinerary leaves some room for uncertainty about the exact order of the stops. The cruise description says it visits three picturesque locations, including a Gozo bay and the Blue Lagoon, while the detailed plan describes the Comino stop followed by anchoring in a secluded bay. The timing of each stop may change with conditions and operations on the day.

What lunch and drinks really include

The price is $88 per person. For an eight-hour cruise, that can be fair value if you want a full day on the water and plan to use the swimming stops. You are paying for the boat, the route, the time at Comino, the second swimming area, and a cold buffet with drinks, not just a short ride to the Blue Lagoon.

Lunch includes a cold buffet. Soft drinks, beer, wine, and water are included during lunchtime. Spirits, ice cream, and a powerboat cave ride are not included.

Read that drinks wording carefully. It does not promise a full open bar from 10:30 to 18:00. One particularly negative account said that the open-bar service was limited and that even water cost extra after lunch. I would bring some spending money and ask the crew when the included drink service ends, rather than assuming you can refill all afternoon without charge.

The buffet is the weakest part of the offer based on the available feedback. One Italian assessment described the food as poor and the buffet service as badly managed. That does not mean you will certainly dislike lunch, but it does mean you should book this for the cruise and swimming rather than for a memorable meal.

If food is a major part of your holiday enjoyment, consider the buffet an included convenience, not the reason to choose this outing. The value is stronger for you if you would otherwise pay separately for a boat trip, a beach day, and drinks.

The crew, boat, and overall mood

The best praise focuses on the scenery, the friendly crew, and the character of the boat. That combination matters. A long day at sea depends on more than the route, and a pleasant crew can make boarding, lunch, swimming, and returning to Sliema feel much easier.

The Turkish gullet helps the trip feel less generic. You still have a planned tourist excursion, but the vessel has more personality than a plain transport boat. If you enjoy taking photographs, the boat itself gives you another subject besides the coast and water.

At the same time, service can be uneven. The complaints about food, buffet management, drink availability, and an awkward mooring are specific enough to take seriously. I would keep expectations moderate: this is an enjoyable sightseeing and swimming day when the sea is kind and the operations run smoothly, but it is not a luxury yacht charter.

The overall rating of 4 out of 5 from 57 ratings suggests a generally positive experience with some meaningful exceptions. The strongest reasons to book are the route, the views, and the boat. The strongest reasons to hesitate are lunch quality, possible extra drink costs, rough motion, and the practical rules for reaching Comino.

Who will enjoy this cruise most?

I would recommend this cruise to you if you want to see several parts of Malta’s coastline in one day without arranging separate transport. It suits couples, friends, and confident swimmers who like a relaxed boat day with a few planned stops.

It is also a good fit if you want both a famous location and a quieter swim. The Blue Lagoon gives you the recognizable Comino experience, while the Gozo bay and secluded-bay stop offer a change of pace.

You may want a different plan if you are mainly interested in walking around Comino. The free QR ticket is essential, the boat may berth away from the main points of interest, and access can be less convenient than expected.

I would also think twice if you dislike boats that move under you, need highly polished food service, or want drinks included all day. The sea can feel rough, even in conditions that look calm, and the information does not support an all-day open-bar promise.

Practical booking advice for an easier day

Book only if you can give the full day to the outing. The 10:30 departure and 18:00 return leave little room for another major activity.

Before the trip, complete the free Comino ticket request and select the morning slot. Keep the QR code ready for scanning. Without it, you can swim beside the boat but cannot walk on Comino.

Wear comfortable shoes and pack swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen. I would also carry a small amount of money for possible purchases after the included lunchtime drinks finish, plus any ice cream, spirits, or optional powerboat cave ride.

Because English is the stated language, you should be comfortable receiving instructions in English. The tour is operated by Supreme Travel Limited, and cancellation is allowed up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later, which helps if your Malta plans are still shifting.

Should you book the Sliema 3-Islands Cruise?

Book it if your priority is a full day of coastal scenery, swimming, and the Blue Lagoon, with the added charm of a Turkish gullet. At $88, the package is reasonable when you value the long route, lunch, and included lunchtime drinks together.

Skip it if you want a quiet, polished, food-focused cruise or easy access for limited mobility. The buffet and drink policy need realistic expectations, and the boat ride may feel rougher than the water looks.

My practical verdict: choose this for the boat day and coastline, not for the buffet. Arrange the free Comino ticket before departure, bring your own patience for changing sea conditions, and you will be making the booking for the right reasons.

FAQ

Where does the cruise depart?

The boat is at Sliema Ferries, opposite McDonald’s. Look for the boat named Faith.

What time does the cruise leave and return?

Departure is scheduled for 10:30, with a return to Sliema around 18:00. Check availability for the exact starting time when booking.

What is included in the price?

The price includes the full-day cruise, a cold buffet, and soft drinks, beer, wine, and water during lunchtime.

Are drinks included all day?

The stated inclusions cover drinks during lunchtime. Spirits are not included, and extra drinks may cost more after the included service period.

Do I need a ticket to walk on Comino?

Yes. From May 1, 2025, you need a free ticket from www.blcomino.com to walk on Comino. Select the morning slot and keep the QR code ready for scanning.

Can I still swim at Comino without the ticket?

Yes. If you do not have the QR code, you can still swim next to the boat, but you will not be allowed to walk on the island.

What should I bring?

Bring comfortable shoes, swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen. You may also want money for spirits, ice cream, the optional powerboat cave ride, or drinks outside the included lunchtime service.