Mellieha: Round Comino, Blue Lagoon & Gozo Cruise with Water

Blue water, bold cliffs, and a boat slide. This four-hour cruise from Mellieħa packs Comino’s best-known sights into one easy outing, with long swim stops at Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon. I like the generous time in the water, and I like that mineral water, showers, toilets, and snorkelling gear are available. The main catch is that Blue Lagoon shore access now requires a separate government pass.

I also appreciate the scenic return past Gozo, including a photo stop at Mġarr Harbour without the fuss of getting off the boat. At $34 per person, the trip is good value for a half-day on the sea, though the boat can feel busy and the outing is not suitable for wheelchair users or people prone to seasickness.

Key points to know before you sail

• Two proper swimming stops: You get about 1½ hours at Blue Lagoon and about one hour at Crystal Lagoon.
• The boat is La Laguna: Find the white and blue vessel at Marfa Jetty, opposite Riviera Spa Resort.
• A water slide adds some fun: You can slide directly into the Mediterranean during the cruise.
• Blue Lagoon access has changed: A government pass is required if you plan to step ashore there.
• Gozo is part of the return scenery: You pass Gozo’s coastline and pause for photos at Mġarr Harbour.
• Useful facilities are included: Mineral water flows throughout, while toilets, fresh water showers, rooftop deckchairs, and snorkelling equipment are available.

Starting at Marfa Jetty in Mellieħa

The cruise begins at Marfa Jetty, opposite the Riviera Spa Resort in Mellieħa. Look for the white and blue boat named La Laguna, rather than expecting a large terminal or a formal check-in building.

This location is practical if you are staying in northern Malta, near Mellieħa, or making your way toward the ferry area. Hotel collection is not included, so you need to arrange your own transport to the jetty. Arrive ready for the sea, with swimwear under your clothes if possible, since the first major stop comes after the initial coastal sightseeing.

The boat has rooftop deckchairs, but they are first come, first served. If you want a fixed place in the sun, arrive early. Otherwise, you can use the seating areas and move around during the cruise. Bring a towel, sunglasses, a hat, sunscreen, and some cash. Large bags and oversize luggage are not allowed, so pack like you are going to the beach, not the airport.

The northern coast, Elephant Rock, and Santa Maria Caves

After leaving Marfa Jetty, La Laguna follows Malta’s northern coast toward Comino. The early part of the cruise is mainly about views from the water, with short sightseeing stretches and photo opportunities rather than shore visits.

One of the first memorable sights is Elephant Head Rock Formation, a natural rock shape that is easy to appreciate from the boat. You will not get a long stop here, but the unusual outline makes it a worthwhile camera moment. The boat also passes the historic Saint Mary’s Battery, a compact reminder that these clear waters have long been part of Malta’s defensive story.

The route continues past St. Nicholas Bay and Santa Maria Bay. These coastal views are best enjoyed from the deck, where you can see the pale cliffs, small inlets, and clean water from a different angle than you would on land.

The Santa Maria Sea Caves bring another change of scenery. The boat makes a photo stop and gives you time to look at the rock openings from offshore. Keep your camera ready, but do not expect a full cave exploration on this cruise. An optional powerboat trip to the Comino Caves can be arranged separately with the crew for about €10 per person, subject to weather. That fee is not included, and the price may change slightly.

Blue Lagoon gives you the main swimming break

The cruise anchors at Blue Lagoon for around 1½ hours. This is the longest stop and the heart of the outing.

The water here is famously clear and cyan, with a bright, almost polished look on calm days. You can swim from the boat, snorkel, sit in the sun, or walk around Comino if you have the required shore access. The length of the stop matters. You are not being rushed into a ten-minute photo opportunity, so you have time to dry off, swim again, and enjoy the setting.

The most important practical change is the Blue Lagoon access pass. Since May 2025, anyone who wants to disembark and step ashore at Blue Lagoon must obtain a pass in advance through the official government website, blcomino.com. Daily numbers are limited. The cruise itself does not provide this pass, so plan ahead if walking on Comino matters to you.

You can still enjoy the water from the boat, but the experience is different. If you prefer not to deal with the pass, treat Blue Lagoon as a swim stop rather than a shore visit. If you want both options, secure the pass before departure and keep confirmation details accessible.

Blue Lagoon is also the place where expectations need a little adjustment. Its beauty is real, but its fame means it is one of Malta’s most sought-after spots. The bright water and cliffs are the reward. A busy setting and limited shore access are the trade-offs. I would focus on the swim, the view from the boat, and the chance to see the lagoon from the water rather than expecting a quiet beach day.

Crystal Lagoon offers a calmer second water stop

After Blue Lagoon, the boat moves to Crystal Lagoon on Comino’s west coast. The stop lasts about one hour, giving you a second serious chance to swim and snorkel.

Crystal Lagoon is framed by taller cliffs and feels more enclosed than Blue Lagoon. The water remains beautifully clear, and the cliffs create a strong backdrop for photographs. From the boat, you get wide views around the cove, with the high rock walls making the setting feel more dramatic.

This stop is especially useful if you spent part of the Blue Lagoon visit taking photos or walking. You can get back in the water here without feeling that your only swim of the day is already over. The crew also provides a water slide, which adds a playful touch for children and anyone who wants more than a quiet swim.

Snorkelling equipment is available to rent at no charge, but you must leave a €20 cash deposit. The deposit is fully refunded when you return the equipment. Bring cash for this, even though the onboard bar accepts both cash and cards. If you own comfortable snorkelling gear, bringing it may save a little time, but the rental option is handy.

The boat has fresh water showers, so you can rinse off salt after swimming. That small facility makes a real difference on a half-day cruise, especially if you plan to continue sightseeing after returning to Mellieħa.

Returning past Gozo and Mġarr Harbour

The return route adds more than a simple ride back to the starting point. The boat passes along Gozo’s coastline, giving you a broad view of the island from offshore.

There is a short photo stop at Mġarr Harbour, Gozo’s main harbour. You do not disembark, so think of this as a scenic pause rather than a quick visit to Gozo. The harbour, boats, and surrounding coast make a good final set of photographs, especially after the brighter open-water views around Comino.

The last part of the cruise takes about 25 minutes before returning to Marfa Jetty. By then, you have seen Comino’s main coastal sights, had two swim stops, and viewed Gozo without paying for a separate island excursion.

This is one reason the trip works well for a first visit to northern Malta. It gives you a taste of Comino and Gozo in one half-day, although it cannot offer the detailed exploration of either island that you would get by visiting on foot.

What the $34 price really includes

At $34 per person, the cruise offers solid value if you want an active day on the sea rather than a private boat experience. The price includes the scenic cruise, both swim stops, mineral water throughout, the water slide, rooftop deckchairs, toilets, fresh water showers, crew assistance, and the Gozo return route.

The included mineral water is particularly practical under the Mediterranean sun. You still need to buy or bring food, but staying hydrated does not require repeated purchases. There is a cash bar onboard with snacks and other drinks, and both cash and credit cards are accepted.

The price does not include hotel pickup, meals, a guide, the Blue Lagoon access pass, or the optional cave powerboat. Those exclusions are reasonable for a basic boat trip, but you should add them to your budget if you want a more complete day.

You are paying mainly for time on the water and access to two beautiful swimming locations. You are not paying for a guided cultural tour or a small private vessel. If you value swimming, views, and simple facilities, the price is attractive. If you want personal commentary, quiet coves, or a flexible route, you may prefer a smaller boat or private charter.

The practical side of the boat

This cruise is designed for people who are comfortable moving around a boat and getting in and out of the water. It is not suitable for wheelchair users or people with mobility impairments. Electric wheelchairs are not allowed, and large bags are prohibited.

There is no tour guide, so do not expect continuous commentary about every landmark. The host and crew speak English and provide assistance, but the focus is on the ride, the scenery, and the swim breaks.

People prone to seasickness should take the warning seriously. The route includes open-water cruising, and the boat will be underway for much of the four hours. Bring motion sickness prevention if you normally need it, and choose a place on the boat where you feel comfortable.

The sea and weather control the experience. The optional cave trip is specifically subject to weather conditions, and swimming conditions can also affect how enjoyable the stops feel. Pack sunscreen and a hat, but also carry a light layer if you tend to feel cool after swimming.

Who will enjoy La Laguna most

I would recommend this cruise to you if you want a straightforward introduction to Comino without spending a full day on several separate transfers. Families, couples, and friends who enjoy swimming and simple sea outings should find plenty to like.

It also suits anyone who wants a little variety. You are not anchored at one place for four hours. You see rock formations, bays, caves, Comino’s famous lagoons, and Gozo’s coastline, with the water slide providing a change from sightseeing.

The cruise is less suitable if your priority is peace and quiet. Blue Lagoon is popular, and a shared boat can never provide the same personal space as a private trip. It is also a poor fit if you want to explore Gozo itself, because the Mġarr stop is only for photographs and there is no disembarkation.

The strongest praise for this experience is easy to understand: the boat ride feels special, and swimming in Blue Lagoon can be breathtaking. The trip earns its high 4.7 rating from 43 reviews mainly through those simple pleasures. The best moments are not complicated. They are the first sight of clear water, the jump or slide into the sea, and the view of Malta and Gozo from offshore.

Small tips that make the four hours better

• Bring cash for the €20 snorkelling deposit and the optional cave boat.
• Get to Marfa Jetty early if you want one of the rooftop deckchairs.
• Arrange your Blue Lagoon access pass before the day of the cruise if you want to step ashore.
• Carry a small bag only, since large luggage is not permitted.
• Use the first swim stop well, but save energy for Crystal Lagoon.
• Keep your camera ready near Elephant Rock, Santa Maria Caves, and Mġarr Harbour.
• If you are sensitive to motion, take your usual prevention before sailing rather than waiting for discomfort.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. Starting times vary, so check availability when choosing your date.

Should you book this Comino cruise?

Book it if you want a reasonably priced four-hour sea outing with two long swim breaks, basic onboard comforts, and a scenic look at Gozo. The Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon stops give the day a clear purpose, while the water slide and snorkelling option keep it from feeling like a passive sightseeing ride.

Skip it if you need wheelchair access, dislike open-water travel, or want a quiet private boat. Also skip it if your main goal is to explore Comino or Gozo on land, since the Blue Lagoon pass is separate and the Mġarr Harbour stop does not include disembarkation.

For most active visitors staying in northern Malta, this is a practical way to see Comino from the water. Bring swimwear, sunscreen, cash, and realistic expectations about crowds at Blue Lagoon, and the $34 price buys a very enjoyable half-day.

FAQ

Where does the Comino and Gozo cruise depart from?

The boat departs from Marfa Jetty in Mellieħa, opposite the Riviera Spa Resort. Look for the white and blue boat named La Laguna.

How long is the cruise?

The full experience lasts four hours. Starting times vary, so you need to check availability for the date you want.

How long do you stop at Blue Lagoon?

The boat anchors at Blue Lagoon for approximately 1½ hours. You can swim, snorkel, relax onboard, or walk on Comino if you have the required access pass.

Do I need a pass to visit Blue Lagoon?

Yes. Since May 2025, anyone who wants to step ashore at Blue Lagoon must obtain a government-issued access pass in advance through blcomino.com. Daily availability is limited.

Is snorkelling equipment included?

Snorkelling equipment is available to rent free of charge. A €20 cash deposit is required, and it is refunded when you return the equipment.

Is food included?

No. Mineral water is provided throughout the cruise, but food and other drinks are not included. An onboard bar sells snacks and beverages, with cash and card payments accepted.

Can I get off the boat at Mġarr Harbour in Gozo?

No. Mġarr Harbour is a photo stop only. You remain on the boat while viewing the harbour and Gozo’s coastline.