Sliema is a fantastic base for boat tours and cruises, thanks to its prime location along Malta’s northeastern coast. Its lively waterfront and easy access to the ferry terminals make it a perfect jumping-off point for exploring Malta from the water. Whether you’re after a quick scenic cruise or a full-day island-hopping adventure, Sliema offers a variety of options that showcase Malta’s stunning coastlines, sea caves, and neighboring islands. We particularly love the From Sliema: Comino, Crystal Lagoon, and Blue Lagoon Cruise because it combines beautiful swimming spots with visits to iconic sea caves, all while fitting into a manageable half-day. For a more comprehensive experience, the From Sliema: Gozo, Comino and Blue Lagoon Cruise offers a full day exploring Malta’s second-largest island with the convenience of a bus tour in Gozo. These cruises make it easy to see Malta’s waters from a new perspective while relaxing onboard with plenty of swimming and snorkeling.
Sliema’s excellent location means many cruises depart directly from its waterfront, offering everything from short scenic rides to full-day excursions. The most popular options tend to include visits to the Blue Lagoon, the Sea Caves of Comino, and the neighboring island of Gozo. You can choose between budget-friendly short harbor cruises or more extensive combination trips that include land visits and private charters. Below, we’ve compiled the top boat tours and cruises in Sliema, complete with details on what makes each stand out.
1. From Sliema: Comino, Crystal Lagoon, and Blue Lagoon Cruise
At number 1 on our list, this cruise offers a beautifully curated day exploring Comino and Gozo, with stops at Crystal Lagoon and the Blue Lagoon. With a 4.5/5 rating from over 6,100 reviews, it’s a popular choice for travelers eager to swim in clear waters and see Malta’s famous caves. The cruise lasts around 5.5 to 7.5 hours, making it a satisfying half-day adventure.
The itinerary includes a scenic departure from Luzzu Cruises, passing by St. Julian’s, Qawra, St. Paul’s Bay, and Mellieha Bay, giving you a first glimpse of Malta’s coast. Swimming and snorkeling at Crystal Lagoon and the Blue Lagoon are the highlights, with time for relaxing and exploring sea caves. Reviewers love the opportunity to see the stunning sea caves and enjoy the water, with some calling it a “fantastic trip.” The seasonal stop at St. Nicholas Bay from May to October adds to the appeal. If you’re short on time but want a comprehensive day out, this cruise offers excellent value and a chance to cool off in some of Malta’s clearest waters.
Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers wanting a balanced mix of sightseeing, swimming, and cave exploration in one memorable day.
2. From Sliema: Gozo, Comino and Blue Lagoon Cruise
Rated at 4.5/5 from over 2,500 reviews, this full-day adventure combines a boat trip with bus sightseeing in Gozo. The 7.5-hour itinerary begins with a direct cruise from Sliema to Gozo, where you can explore Xlendi Bay and Victoria at your own pace. The highlight is the stop at the Blue Lagoon for 1.5 hours—perfect for swimming, sunbathing, or simply relaxing.
The tour offers a balance of guided sightseeing and free time, with a bus tour in Gozo included, allowing you to see Gozitan sights like the Citadel or stroll through charming villages. Many reviews mention the helpful staff and the opportunity to visit two islands in one day. For about $40, the value is excellent considering the full day of activities, especially if you appreciate a mix of land and sea exploration. It’s ideal for travelers who want to experience Gozitan culture along with the iconic Blue Lagoon.
Bottom Line: Best suited for those wanting a full-day, multi-activity experience that includes both boat and land exploration.
3. Sliema: Boat Trip to Comino Blue Lagoon, Gozo, and Caves
With a glowing 4.8/5 from nearly 1,000 reviews, this power boat trip is a high-energy option focusing on sea caves and snorkeling. For around $51, it lasts about 5 hours and is perfect for those who want to feel the wind in their hair and explore deep blue caves along the coast.
Captain Tony’s crew is praised for their humor and safety awareness, even in choppy waters. The trip includes visits to Ħalfa Rock and the Blue Lagoon, with opportunities for swimming and snorkeling. The small group size ensures a more personalized experience. If you’re after adventure and a fast-paced day on the water, this tour delivers with a focus on exploring caves and enjoying marine scenery.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers who love snorkeling, caves, and a lively boat experience with a personable crew.
4. From Sliema: Cruise Around Malta’s Harbours & Creeks
Rated 4.6/5 with over 1,500 reviews, this 1.5-hour scenic cruise takes you around Malta’s main harbors. It’s perfect if you want a quick, relaxed overview of Valletta, the Three Cities, and the Grand Harbour. The cruise includes audio commentary highlighting Malta’s historic forts and scenic landmarks.
Travelers appreciate the comfortable boat and the chance to see Malta’s vivid harbor life from the water. The cruise is a great way to get a snapshot of Malta’s maritime scenery without a big time commitment. It’s especially good for those on a tight schedule or as a relaxing introduction to Malta’s coastal sights.
Bottom Line: A short but informative tour best suited for first-time visitors or those wanting a peaceful way to admire Malta’s harbor scenery.
5. From Sliema: Gozo, Comino & The Blue Lagoon Boat & Bus Tour
This 7.5-hour tour boasts a 4.4/5 rating from over 1,500 reviews. It combines a boat cruise to Gozo and Comino with a bus tour of Gozo, including a stop at Xlendi Bay and Victoria. The Blue Lagoon gets a generous 75-minute break, allowing time for swimming and relaxing. Reviewers mention the well-organized schedule and helpful staff, making this a solid choice for a full-day, multi-modal exploration.
The tour’s real strength is its combination of land and sea. Drivers are helpful, and the boat is spacious, making it a good option for families or travelers who like a mix of sightseeing styles. Price-wise, you get a lot of value for the full day, especially with the included self-guided strolls and swimming in Malta’s iconic waters.
Bottom Line: Best for travelers who want to explore both islands with a mix of guided and free time.
6. From Sliema: Comino Island and Blue Lagoon Cruise
Rated 4.6/5 from 333 reviews, this cruise emphasizes relaxation and scenic beauty. It’s about 7.5 hours and focuses on soaking up the sun at the Blue Lagoon, swimming, snorkeling, and walking in Comino’s countryside.
People love how easy it is to spend a day in turquoise waters while having the flexibility to explore the island’s caves or just lounge on the boat. Some reviews mention that, while the Blue Lagoon can get crowded, the trip itself remains a great value with attentive staff ensuring safety and fun.
Bottom Line: Great for travelers looking for a laid-back day of swimming and relaxing in Malta’s most famous waters.
7. Sliema/St. Paul’s: Gozo, Comino & Blue Lagoon Ferry Cruise
This 7-7.5 hour trip has a modest 4.1/5 from 1,100+ reviews. It’s ideal for those wanting a ferry-style experience with free time in Gozo and Blue Lagoon swimming. The modern catamaran provides a comfortable ride, and the tour includes self-guided exploration of Gozitan spots.
If you prefer a more relaxed pace and want to avoid overly structured tours, this is a good fit. The review mention the scenic northern coast and views of Malta’s sister islands make it a popular choice among travelers wanting a balanced day.
Bottom Line: Suited for travelers who want a leisurely, flexible schedule with some free time on both islands.
8. From Sliema: Valletta and the Three Cities Scenic Cruise
Rated 4.2/5 from 515 reviews, this 1.5-hour cruise offers a close-up view of Valletta, Senglea, and Cospicua. The cruise features audio commentary and a comfortable boat, making it a relaxing way to see Malta’s most historic harbors.
Reviewers love the well-paced tour and the opportunity to see Valletta’s impressive fortifications from the water. It’s an excellent option for a quick overview or a romantic sunset cruise.
Bottom Line: Perfect for those wanting a short but informative introduction to Malta’s harbor cities.
9. Malta: Panoramic Cruise around Malta’s Harbours and Creeks
Rated 4.6/5 from 121 reviews, this 75-minute cruise takes you around Marsa and Valletta with audio commentary. It’s an ideal short cruise for a quick dose of scenery and history, with views of fortifications and historic sites.
Travelers appreciate how informative and relaxing it is, with a friendly crew and modern boat. It’s a good pick if you prefer a short, scenic trip with lots of interesting facts.
Bottom Line: Best suited for those seeking a brief, scenic overview of Malta’s coastal defenses and harbors.
10. From Sliema: Blue Grotto Excursion & Sea Caves Boat Tour
Rated 4.4/5 from 50 reviews, this cruise focuses on the Blue Grotto and sea caves, with options for hiking and free time. The trip lasts about 6 hours, including scenic drives and walks.
Many reviews mention the stunning cave formations and the beautiful coastal views. The tour provides a good balance of sea exploration and land activities, making it suitable for travelers who want more than just a boat trip.
Bottom Line: Ideal for those who want a variety of experiences, including sea caves, scenic hikes, and swimming.
How to Choose Your Perfect Malta Boat Tour
Choosing among these options depends on your interests, schedule, and budget. For a quick overview of Malta’s harbors, the Valletta and Three Cities cruise offers a short, scenic ride. If you want to visit islands, the full-day Gozo and Comino cruise is a great choice. For swimming and cave exploration, tours like the Comino Blue Lagoon cruise or the power boat to caves are perfect.
Consider whether you prefer a self-guided exploration combined with boat rides or a private charter for a more personalized experience. Booking early is recommended, especially during peak season, to secure the best times and avoid disappointment.
Final Thoughts
Malta’s waters are full of options for every type of traveler—whether you’re into quick scenic rides, full-day island adventures, or private boat charters. For those wanting a balanced day of swimming, sightseeing, and caves, the From Sliema: Comino, Crystal Lagoon, and Blue Lagoon Cruise stands out as a favorite. If you’re after deep exploration of Gozo and Comino, the full-day cruise with bus sightseeing offers great value. For adventure seekers, the power boat trip with cave exploration provides a lively experience.
Remember to book early, especially for popular tours, to ensure you get your preferred date and time. No matter your style, Sliema’s boat tours are a fantastic way to see Malta from the water and make your trip truly memorable.