Sliema: 3-Islands Cruise with Buffet Lunch and Drinks

The best part of this cruise is the combination of Malta’s dramatic coastline and clear swimming water in one long day. You sail aboard Faith, a Turkish gullet, stop at Comino’s Blue Lagoon, and later anchor in a quieter bay where you can swim or snorkel from the boat.

I like the generous eight-hour schedule and the chance to see Malta from the sea rather than from a crowded road. I also like the easygoing choice of activities: explore Comino, swim, snorkel, sunbathe, or simply enjoy the views. The main caution is that the buffet and drink arrangement may feel less generous than the phrase complimentary drinks suggests, since drinks are included with lunch and may cost extra afterward.

Key details before you book

• Faith leaves Sliema at 10:30 and returns around 18:00, giving you a full day on the water.
• Comino requires a free online ticket to walk ashore from May 1, 2025. Choose the morning time slot and save the QR code.
• The Turkish gullet offers wide views, a gentle sailing feel, and more character than a basic transport boat.
• A cold buffet is included, with beer, wine, soft drinks, and water during lunchtime.
• The second swim stop is quieter, with time for a dip, snorkeling, or a rest on deck.
• Mobility is a serious consideration, since this cruise is not suitable for people with mobility impairments.

Setting sail from Sliema at 10:30

You meet the boat opposite McDonald’s at Sliema Ferries. Look for the name Faith. That detail matters because the waterfront has several boats and operators, and finding the correct vessel without fuss is a good start to a long day.

Departure is scheduled for 10:30, with a return around 18:00. This is not a quick sightseeing ride. You are committing most of a day to the sea, so it suits you best if you want a relaxed boat outing rather than a packed list of land attractions.

The route stays close to Malta’s shore at first. From the water, you get broad views of the coast, cliffs, and rocky edges that can be easy to miss when you are moving through towns by car or bus. A boat also gives you a changing view every few minutes. The shoreline becomes the subject, while the open deck gives you room to watch it without squeezing through streets.

Faith is described as a Turkish gullet, a traditional-style wooden boat shape often associated with leisurely coastal sailing. The design gives this trip a more distinctive feel than a plain ferry transfer. One practical detail is worth noting: a passenger account found the boat’s movement uncomfortable even in calm weather, making it difficult to remain standing. If you are sensitive to motion, take that possibility seriously and choose a steady place to sit when the boat gets underway.

Malta’s coastline from the open water

The first part of the cruise is about the view rather than a formal stop. You pass close to shore and see Malta from an angle that changes the way the island feels. Instead of looking up at cliffs from a road or beach, you look back toward the rock face and settlements from the sea.

The advertised promise here is simple: wide panoramas, a light breeze, and clear cyan water. Weather will affect how impressive the coast appears, but the route gives you plenty of time to enjoy it. I like this part because it is unhurried. You are not being moved from one photo stop to another every 20 minutes.

The long sailing time is also the tradeoff. If you want constant commentary, guided sightseeing, or a tightly structured program, this may feel quiet. The host language is English, but the available information does not name an individual guide or promise a detailed narration throughout the trip. Think of it mainly as a coastal cruise with stops, not a history tour.

A good plan is to bring sunscreen, a towel, swimwear, and comfortable shoes. Comfortable shoes matter most when you leave the boat at Comino, where you may want to walk on uneven ground. Sunglasses and a hat are sensible additions, though only sunscreen, comfortable shoes, swimwear, and a towel are specifically required on the instructions.

Comino and the Blue Lagoon stop

The cruise then heads toward Comino, Malta’s small island famous for its Blue Lagoon. This is the most anticipated stop, and it is easy to understand why. The water is clear, bright, and inviting, with a strong contrast between the pale rock and the sea.

Faith berths stern to, meaning the rear of the boat faces the landing area. The arrangement is intended to make getting on and off easier. You can spend time walking on the island or swim in the clear water beside the boat.

There is now an important rule. From May 1, 2025, you need a free ticket to walk onto Comino. Get it online at www.blcomino.com, choose the morning time slot, and keep the QR code ready for officials to scan when you arrive. Without that code, you cannot walk on the island, although you can still swim next to the boat.

This is a small step that can make a big difference to your day. Do not wait until you are standing at the boat. Arrange the free ticket before departure and make sure the QR code is available on your phone. The requirement applies to walking ashore, not to staying aboard and swimming from the vessel.

The Blue Lagoon area is likely to be the busiest part of the outing. The cruise gives you access to it, but it does not turn the place into a private cove. If you want quiet, use the island stop for a short walk or swim, then look forward to the later anchorage. If you want the famous water color and a chance to say you have seen Comino’s best-known bay, this stop is the centerpiece.

The boat’s exact time at Comino is not provided, so you should not assume a long independent walk. You are there as part of a moving cruise schedule. Keep an eye on the boat and follow the crew’s instructions for returning aboard.

The buffet lunch and what the drinks really include

Lunch is a cold buffet served on the boat. The package includes beer, wine, soft drinks, and water during lunchtime. That can be good value when you compare the price with buying a meal and several drinks separately in a busy coastal area.

The key phrase is during lunchtime. The package does not clearly promise an all-day open bar. One account specifically described the drinks as ending after lunch, with even water costing extra later. I would budget for that possibility and carry some money for additional drinks or ice cream.

The food itself has received mixed practical feedback, with one particularly unhappy account describing the buffet quality and organization as poor. That does not mean every meal will be disappointing, but it does mean you should book this for the boat day, swimming, and scenery first. The lunch is a useful inclusion, not the reason to choose the cruise.

A cold buffet also works well on a moving boat because it avoids a long formal meal. You can eat, return to the deck, and keep the day flowing. Still, if you have strict dietary needs, the supplied information does not list menu choices or special-diet arrangements. You should not assume that a particular meal can be provided.

Spirits are not included. Ice creams are not included either. A powerboat cave ride is also extra, so do not treat that activity as part of the standard package.

The quieter bay for swimming and snorkeling

After Comino, the boat anchors in a secluded bay. This is where the day becomes less about checking off a famous name and more about enjoying the water.

You can take a refreshing swim, snorkel along the rugged coast, or stay on the spacious deck. The bay is described as tranquil, which offers a useful contrast with the more famous Comino stop. You get a chance to slow down, cool off, and use the boat as a base rather than rushing back into sightseeing.

The stop should suit different energy levels. Strong swimmers can enter the water and explore near the boat. You can also skip swimming and sunbathe if you prefer. Bring your own towel, and remember that sunscreen is especially important on open decks where the sea breeze can hide how much sun you are getting.

Snorkeling is part of the suggested activity, but equipment is not listed among the inclusions. The safest assumption is that you should bring your own mask and snorkel if you want to use them, or confirm availability before booking. Do not count on a guided snorkeling session or specialist gear because neither is promised.

The phrase secluded bay should also be taken in context. It describes the setting, not a guarantee that the boat will have the entire place to itself. The value is the change of pace and the chance to swim away from the main Blue Lagoon stop.

Is the $88 price fair?

At $88 per person, this cruise sits in the middle of a full-day activity budget. You are paying for eight hours aboard the boat, coastal views, the Comino stop, a second bay, a cold buffet, and selected drinks with lunch.

I think the price can work well if you plan to spend a whole day at sea. Booking a separate boat outing, lunch, and drinks could approach the same amount, especially in peak season. The Turkish gullet also gives the trip more character than a basic point-to-point boat ride.

The value drops if you mainly want a quick visit to the Blue Lagoon. You would be paying for several hours of sailing and a second stop that you may not use. The cruise also becomes less attractive if you expect an open bar, a high-end buffet, or a polished guided program.

There is a clear split in what this experience offers. The strongest parts are the route, the length, the views, the two water settings, and the boat itself. The weaker parts are the uncertainty around post-lunch drinks and the uneven food experience. At this price, I would book it for the sea time and swimming, not for the menu.

Who will enjoy this boat day most?

This cruise suits you if you want to see Malta’s coast from the water and are happy giving most of a day to a relaxed sailing program. It is a good match for swimmers, sunbathers, couples, and families or friends who want choices rather than a strict schedule.

You will probably enjoy it most if you:

• Like long boat rides with open views
• Want to visit Comino and swim at a second bay
• Appreciate having lunch included
• Are comfortable with a day built around sun, sea, and deck time
• Can manage boarding, walking, and movement around the boat

It is less suitable if you have mobility impairments, need a fully guided cultural tour, or want a quiet private boat. It is also a poor fit if you expect premium food and unlimited drinks throughout the day.

The English-speaking host makes the outing accessible to English speakers, but no other language service is listed. The available information also does not give a group size, so you should not assume a small-group experience.

Cancellation is flexible up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later. Those terms are useful if your Malta plans are still shifting, but check the available date and starting time before you finalize the booking.

My recommendation for Faith’s three-island cruise

I would book this cruise if your main goal is a full day of Malta’s sea views, Comino’s bright water, and swimming from a traditional-style boat. The schedule is long enough to feel like a proper outing, and the second bay gives you something more peaceful after the famous stop.

I would pause before booking if food quality matters greatly, if you want drinks all day, or if rough boat movement bothers you. Bring money for drinks after lunch, arrange the free Comino QR ticket in advance, and treat the buffet as a convenient part of the package rather than a dining highlight.

For the right person, $88 is fair for a full day on the water. For someone who only wants a brief Blue Lagoon visit, it is more time and money than necessary.

FAQ

How long is the cruise?

The cruise lasts eight hours. It departs from Sliema at 10:30 and returns around 18:00.

Where do I meet the boat?

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

What stops are included?

The cruise visits Comino’s Blue Lagoon area and a secluded bay where you can swim, snorkel, or relax. It also includes coastal sailing with views of Malta and a bay in Gozo.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A cold buffet lunch is included.

What drinks are included?

Beer, wine, soft drinks, and water are included during lunchtime. Spirits are not included, and additional drinks after lunch may cost extra.

Do I need a ticket for Comino?

From May 1, 2025, you need a free online ticket and QR code to walk onto Comino. Choose the morning time slot at www.blcomino.com. You can still swim next to the boat without walking onto the island.

What should I bring?

Bring comfortable shoes, swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen. You may also want to bring snorkeling equipment, since it is not listed as included.

Is the cruise suitable for people with mobility impairments?

No. The activity is listed as unsuitable for people with mobility impairments.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Reserve now and pay later is also available.