Comino Island , Blue lagoon, Crystal Lagoon & Gozo & Caves

Three bays, one busy day at sea. This cruise packs Comino’s best-known swimming spots, cave visits, Elephant Rock, and a Gozo stop into a six-hour boat trip from Mellieha. I especially like the three separate swimming stops and the chance to see several Comino caves without arranging different excursions. The onboard bar, cocktails, light snacks, toilets, and showers also make the long outing easier.

The main caution is capacity. One detailed account described an overcrowded boat with little room for bags and mainly standing space. A late arrival also caused trouble because the boat had left about 10 minutes early, although the local provider helped by taking the passengers to the cruise on a fast boat. Arrive early, and keep your expectations focused on swimming rather than a quiet yacht day.

Key points to know before booking

• Three long water stops: You get about 90 minutes at the Blue Lagoon, one hour at Crystal Lagoon, and one hour at Ħalfa Rock in Gozo.
• A full coastal circuit: The route passes Smuggler’s Cave, Santa Maria Caves, Poppy’s Cave, Lovers Cave, Coral Lagoon, Elephant Rock, and Santa Maria Bay.
• A 10 a.m. departure: The boat leaves from Mellieha Bay’s Tunny Net Jetty and returns at about 4 p.m.
• A low headline price: At $34 per person, the cruise offers a lot of time on the water, but drinks, food, snorkel gear, and the optional fast boat cave tour cost extra.
• Best for confident swimmers: The day centers on swimming, snorkelling, sunbathing, and relaxing, not museums or long walks.
• Plan for a busy boat: The experience can offer good value, but space may feel tight if the vessel is filled to capacity.

What the $34 price really covers

At $34 per person, this is a fairly full day for the money. Your fare covers the boat ride around Comino’s bays and caves, the three swimming stops, the main coastal sights, and the return to Malta. You are not paying separately for each cave pass-by or for access to the lagoons.

That price is most useful if you want water time. You receive about three and a half hours at the main swim locations, plus the cruise between them. A short sightseeing boat trip would give you the scenery, but not the same amount of time in the water.

The low price has limits. Food and drinks are available at the cash bar but are not included. A fast power boat cave tour is offered as an optional purchase for €15, and masks and snorkels can be rented for €5. Bring cash, especially if you want a drink, snack, or rental gear.

The boat has toilets and showers, which matter on a day when you will repeatedly get wet. Still, I would pack your own towel, beachwear, sunglasses, and sun protection. Keep your bag compact. The available account of a crowded departure suggests that large bags may be awkward when seating and storage are limited.

Finding the jetty at Mellieha Bay

The meeting point is listed as Oh Yeah Malta at Mellieha Bay’s Tunny Net Jetty. From Mellieha centre, allow about 10 minutes to walk. The departure point is behind Starbucks at Mellieha Bay, roughly 100 metres away.

The scheduled departure is 10 a.m. This is not a time to cut things close. One difficult experience involved traffic delays, platform assistance that did not contact the boat in time, and a vessel that had already left 10 minutes early. The local provider then helped by carrying the late passengers to the cruise on a fast boat, which was a kind and practical response, but it could not restore the missed part of the morning.

I would arrive early enough to locate the jetty, check in, and board without rushing. This is especially important if you are coming by taxi or bus and do not know Mellieha Bay. The cruise returns to the same meeting point at about 4 p.m.

Mellieha Bay to Comino’s cave coast

Once underway, the boat begins with views around Mellieha Bay before heading toward Comino. This early section is more about seeing the coast from the water than stopping for a long visit.

The route includes Ghar Ic-Comb, Coral Lagoon, and Elephant Rock. These are short sightseeing moments, usually good for photographs while the boat passes or pauses. Elephant Rock is the memorable marker, a natural rock formation that gives the trip a clear sense of place before the swimming begins.

The boat also visits or passes several caves, including Smuggler’s Cave, Santa Maria Caves, Poppy’s Cave, and Lovers Cave. Santa Maria Caves receive about 10 minutes for photographs and sightseeing. The caves are part of the cruise’s appeal because you can see several coastal formations in one outing without needing to navigate the shoreline yourself.

The sightseeing is fairly brisk. If you want a longer cave visit, the optional fast power boat tour costs €15. That may appeal to someone who cares more about getting close to the caves than spending every available minute swimming. If you prefer a simple, low-cost day, the included boat route is enough.

First stop: 90 minutes at the Blue Lagoon

The Blue Lagoon is the longest stop, with about an hour and a half for swimming, snorkelling, walking, and sightseeing. That generous block of time is one of the strongest parts of the schedule. You are not simply stepping into the water for a quick photograph before moving on.

The water is described as clear, and the stop is designed for people who want to swim and relax. You can also take a walk on Comino during this break. That gives you a choice: stay in the water, dry off on deck, or explore a little of the island before returning to the boat.

The practical issue is that the Blue Lagoon is the headline attraction, so it can feel like the busiest stop. The cruise does not promise a private swim or a quiet cove. You should choose this trip for access and variety, not solitude.

I would use the first few minutes to decide how you want to spend the stop. If you want to snorkel, get your mask ready before the boat reaches the lagoon. If you want to walk, carry only what you need. With a packed boat, returning to your bag may be less convenient than expected.

Second stop: one hour at Crystal Lagoon

Crystal Lagoon receives a full hour for swimming and snorkelling. The shorter stop works well after the Blue Lagoon because you have already had time to settle into the day. Here, the focus is almost entirely on the water rather than walking on land.

This is a good place to use the snorkel gear. The activity specifically includes clear water and marine-life viewing at the later Gozo stop, but it does not promise a particular animal sighting. Bring your own mask if you have one, or rent one onboard for the stated small charge of €5.

The schedule gives you enough time for a proper swim, though you should watch the clock. The boat has a planned route and three stops, so returning late could delay everyone. Follow the crew’s instructions and be ready to board before the stated departure time from each bay.

Third stop: Ħalfa Rock in Gozo

The final water stop is at Ħalfa Rock Bay in Gozo, for another hour of swimming and snorkelling. The route description also refers to Santa Maria and Ħalfa Rock for this part of the day, so listen for the crew’s exact instructions about the anchorage and timing.

This stop adds variety. Instead of spending the whole day around one famous Comino site, you reach Gozo and spend time in another bay. The planned activities include swimming, snorkelling, marine-life viewing, and wildlife viewing.

The Gozo stop is still a water stop, not a land tour of the island. You will not have time to visit Gozo’s towns or inland sights on this schedule. That is fine if your goal is the sea, but it is important to understand the difference before booking.

Drinks, snacks, and the rhythm of the day

Light snacks and a selection of bar drinks and cocktails are available onboard. This is helpful because the cruise runs from 10 a.m. until roughly 4 p.m., but the food and drinks are not part of the $34 fare. You will need cash for purchases.

The onboard bar gives the day a social, holiday feel. It also means you can stay on the boat between swims rather than searching for food at each stop. Still, I would bring some water and perhaps a small snack of your own if you have dietary needs, since the exact snack selection is not specified.

A shower and toilet onboard are practical touches. After three swims, a freshwater rinse can make the return trip much more comfortable. Do not assume the boat provides towels, though. A towel is specifically listed among the things to bring.

The operator presents the trip as a family-style experience and places emphasis on looking after passengers’ enjoyment. The most reassuring service detail comes from the late-arrival problem, where the provider helped take passengers out by fast boat. That does not erase the boarding issue, but it suggests that direct help from the local crew may be more useful than relying on a booking platform during a same-day problem.

Capacity, comfort, and the main warning

The biggest question is how crowded the boat will be. One poor account described a vessel filled beyond a comfortable level, with no proper place to put a bag and much of the six-hour outing spent standing. That is a serious concern, especially for anyone expecting a relaxed cruise.

The information provided does not give the boat’s maximum capacity, seating layout, or shade arrangements. I would therefore avoid assuming that you will have a reserved seat, generous deck space, or easy access to your belongings. Pack light and arrive early so you have the best chance of finding a comfortable place.

The complaint also involved a departure about 10 minutes ahead of the expected time. Even if the scheduled time is 10 a.m., you should treat it as a firm deadline and be at the jetty well before then. Traffic around Malta can turn a short transfer into a stressful one.

There is a balance here. The provider responded kindly once the late passengers reached the port, and the overall score is 4 out of 5 from nine ratings. That points to an experience that works well for many people, but the limited feedback also means you should take the capacity warning seriously rather than treating it as a minor detail.

Who will enjoy this Comino cruise

I would recommend this trip to a strong swimmer, a snorkelling fan, or anyone who wants several famous Maltese bays in one day. It suits you if you like a steady schedule, short scenic pass-bys, and long periods in the water.

It also works for people who want a straightforward price. The included route covers plenty of coastline and three major swim stops without requiring separate transport to Comino and Gozo.

I would be more cautious if you want a peaceful boat ride, a spacious sun deck, or a carefully paced sightseeing tour. The schedule is built around swimming, and the boat may feel crowded. It is also not suitable for people with mobility impairments or wheelchair users.

The day is not a good match if you dislike getting wet, prefer cultural attractions, or want substantial time ashore in Gozo. The only island walking specifically mentioned is at the Blue Lagoon during the 90-minute stop.

Booking advice and final verdict

Book this cruise if your ideal Malta day means clear water, repeated snorkel stops, cave views, cocktails, and a simple return to Mellieha. At $34, the amount of water time is persuasive, and the combination of Comino and Gozo gives the route more variety than a single-lagoon outing.

Skip it if comfort and personal space matter more than price. The reported overcrowding is the one issue that could change a good-value day into a tiring one. Arrive early, carry cash, bring your own towel and snorkel gear if possible, and keep bags small.

My call: a good-value swimming cruise with a real capacity warning. It is best for flexible, water-loving visitors who see the boat as transport between beautiful bays rather than as a luxury vessel.

FAQ

Where does the cruise depart?

It departs from Oh Yeah Malta at Mellieha Bay’s Tunny Net Jetty. The meeting point is behind Starbucks, about 100 metres away, and roughly a 10-minute walk from Mellieha centre.

What time does the cruise leave?

The scheduled departure is 10 a.m.

When does the boat return?

The cruise returns to Malta at approximately 4 p.m., ending back at the meeting point.

How long is the Blue Lagoon stop?

The Blue Lagoon stop lasts about 1.5 hours and includes time for swimming, snorkelling, walking, and sightseeing.

How long are the other swimming stops?

Crystal Lagoon has a one-hour swimming stop. Ħalfa Rock Bay in Gozo also has a one-hour stop for swimming and snorkelling.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Light snacks, bar drinks, and cocktails are available onboard, but they cost extra and the bar operates on a cash basis.

Can I rent snorkelling equipment?

Yes. Masks and snorkels are available to rent for a small charge of €5.

Is the cruise suitable for wheelchair users?

No. The activity is not suitable for wheelchair users or people with mobility impairments.