Mellieha: Two Bay Evening Cruise Including The Blue Lagoon

Crystal-clear water feels better at sunset. This three-hour evening cruise from Mellieħa visits Comino’s Crystal Lagoon and Blue Lagoon when the harsh midday heat has eased. I like the one-hour swim at each stop, and I like the chance to see the lagoons with a smaller, calmer feel than the big daytime boats. The main consideration is that stepping ashore at the Blue Lagoon now requires a government access pass, and it is your responsibility to arrange one.

The cruise also earns points for practical touches: a toilet and shower are available onboard, and the boat has assistance from an English-speaking crew. A recent booking described roughly 20 passengers, which suggests a more comfortable ride than a packed catamaran, though the group size can vary.

Key points to know before booking

• Two one-hour swim stops: You get meaningful time at both Crystal Lagoon and Blue Lagoon, rather than a quick photo stop.
• Evening departure from Marfa Bay: The later timing helps you avoid the worst summer heat and may bring softer light over Comino.
• Crystal Lagoon comes first: Cliffs, sea caves, and sheltered turquoise water make this the stronger stop for snorkelling.
• Blue Lagoon access needs a pass: Since May 2025, you need an official evening access pass to go ashore.
• Small-boat feel is possible: A recent trip carried about 20 people, with friendly crew and space to sit rather than feeling packed in.
• $35 is fair for the time on the water: The price includes the cruise and both swim stops, but not food, drinks, snorkelling gear, or the Blue Lagoon access pass.

Why an evening cruise works well in Malta

Malta’s summer sun can be fierce, especially when you are exposed on open water. A morning or midday boat trip often means bright glare, hot decks, and crowded lagoons. This outing leaves from Marfa Bay in Mellieħa in the evening, giving you a cooler way to see Comino.

The timing is the central idea here. You are not trying to cram every bay and beach into one long day. Instead, you spend about three hours on the water, with roughly an hour at Crystal Lagoon and another hour at Blue Lagoon. That makes the experience easy to fit around a relaxed day in northern Malta.

I also like the evening light for the views. The sea and cliffs should take on warmer tones as the day fades, although the exact sunset conditions depend on the date and weather. One booking described the bay at sunset, which tells you what kind of mood this trip can offer: less heat, softer light, and a calmer end to the day.

The tradeoff is daylight. You have less time for seeing underwater details than you would on a bright midday trip. If your only goal is maximum snorkelling visibility, an earlier departure may suit you better. If comfort and atmosphere matter more, the evening schedule makes good sense.

Finding the Pegasus at Marfa Jetty

The boat leaves from the Marfa Jetty or slipway, opposite the Riviera Spa Resort. Look for a white boat named Pegasus. This detail matters because Marfa Bay has several waterfront facilities, and arriving at the general area is not quite the same as being at the correct boarding point.

If you need help, the provider’s office is near the jetty, beside the Dive Vision Malta Snorkel & Diving Centre. Give yourself enough time to locate the boat without rushing. The meeting point is specific, but it is not described as a large terminal with obvious signs everywhere.

The cruise runs in English, with assistance from the crew and staff. The exact starting time depends on the date, so check availability when booking. The return is planned for about 8:00 PM, though weather and operating conditions can affect the schedule.

Bring cash as well as your swimwear, towel, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Food and drinks are not included, though one recent booking praised the reasonable bar prices onboard. Treat the bar as a convenience rather than a full meal service, since the information does not promise a particular menu.

The ride along Comino’s northern coast

Once the boat leaves Marfa Bay, it follows Malta’s northern coastline toward Comino. This scenic section gives you time to settle in, find a place to sit, and take in the water and cliffs before the swim stops begin.

The boat has a toilet and shower, useful after swimming in salt water. These are modest but valuable comforts on a short cruise. You can swim without worrying about spending the whole ride in a wet swimsuit, and families have an easier time managing the practical side of a water outing.

The crew is another strong part of the experience. A recent booking praised the captain and assistant for putting customer needs first, while another described the staff as friendly and active throughout the trip. No individual crew names are provided, but the consistent picture is of an involved onboard team rather than a hands-off transfer service.

You should still expect a boat outing, not a private charter. Passenger numbers can change, and busy summer dates may feel fuller than the trip that carried around 20 people. The boat will have space for the number booked, but you should not assume an empty deck or unlimited room to spread out.

Crystal Lagoon: the best stop for snorkelling

Crystal Lagoon lies on the western side of Comino and is the first swim stop. You get about one hour here, which is enough time for a proper swim rather than a quick jump into the sea.

The lagoon is surrounded by imposing cliffs and offers 360-degree water views. Its sheltered position is one reason it works so well as an opening stop. The turquoise water is the obvious attraction, but the cliffs and sea caves give the place more character than a simple beach stop.

If you enjoy snorkelling, this is likely the more rewarding of the two lagoons. The water is described as clear, and the caves create something to explore close to the boat. Snorkelling equipment is not included, though it is available to rent. You can also bring your own gear if you prefer, but the supplied information does not specify rental prices or the equipment available.

Use the first few minutes to judge the conditions and your energy. An hour sounds generous, but it goes quickly once you swim, snorkel, dry off, and take photographs. If you are not keen to enter the water, you can stay onboard and enjoy the views.

The cliffs do mean this is not a classic sandy beach experience. You are visiting a natural swimming area, not a resort shore with a broad strip of sand and easy facilities. That is part of the appeal, but it also means you should be comfortable with boat-based swimming.

Blue Lagoon: famous water, important access rule

After Crystal Lagoon, the boat continues to the famous Blue Lagoon. This is the visual centerpiece of the trip, with transparent cyan water and a pale sandy bottom beneath the surface. The water is striking, and it is easy to understand why this small bay draws so much attention.

The boat anchors near the lagoon for about one hour. You can swim, snorkel, relax onboard, or walk on Comino Island if you have permission to go ashore. That choice is useful. You are not forced into the water, and people in the same group can enjoy the stop in different ways.

Here is the rule you must handle before departure. Since May 2025, anyone who wants to step ashore at Blue Lagoon needs an official government access pass from blcomino.com. Daily numbers are limited, and you need to select the evening slot when applying.

The pass is not included in the $35 price. It is also not optional if you plan to leave the boat. You will not be allowed to disembark without it, and no refund is provided if you arrive without the required pass. This is the single most important planning detail in the whole experience.

If you are happy to swim from the boat or remain onboard, the pass may not affect your plans. If you want to walk on Comino, check the official government site before booking or as soon as your plans are firm. Do not assume that having a cruise reservation automatically gives you shore access.

The Blue Lagoon can also feel more exposed to crowds than Crystal Lagoon, even during the evening. The later timing should help, but the famous name still attracts plenty of boats. Think of the evening cruise as a way to improve the setting, not a guarantee of solitude.

What the $35 price really buys you

At $35 per person, the value is strongest if you plan to swim at both stops. You receive a sightseeing cruise, two substantial swim breaks, crew assistance, and access to onboard toilet and shower facilities. For three hours on Malta’s water, that is a reasonable package.

The price does not cover every expense. You need to budget separately for food and drinks, snorkelling equipment if you rent it, and the government access pass if you want to walk ashore at Blue Lagoon. Bring cash, since the onboard bar is reported to accept it and may be the easiest way to buy something during the trip.

This is not the right choice if you expect a full meal, a guided island tour, or included water gear. It is a focused lagoon cruise. You are paying for the route, the boat, the time at the water, and the convenience of reaching both bays in one evening.

The smaller-group feel can improve the value. One recent trip had about 20 passengers, and the booking specifically praised the fact that people were not packed together like on larger catamarans. That number is not a guaranteed capacity for every departure, but it gives you a useful benchmark for the type of boat experience possible.

Who will enjoy this boat trip most

I would choose this outing if you want an easy water experience with two proper swim stops and no need to spend the whole day at sea. It suits couples, families, and friends who want a scenic evening without giving up an entire day in Malta.

Families should note that one booking specifically praised the availability of life jackets for children. That is encouraging, but you should still supervise children closely around the water and ask the crew about any specific safety needs.

The cruise is also a good fit for people who dislike the hottest part of the day. The evening schedule gives you a break from the strongest sun, while the return around 8:00 PM makes it possible to continue with dinner plans afterward, depending on your exact travel arrangements.

It is less suitable if you are prone to seasickness. Motion sickness prevention is listed among the things to bring, and the trip is not recommended for people with motion sickness or seasickness. Take that warning seriously. Open water can feel uncomfortable even on a pleasant day.

People with mobility impairments and wheelchair users should also look elsewhere. The experience is not considered suitable for them, and the listing specifically excludes electric wheelchairs and large luggage. Pack light and keep your belongings to a small personal bag.

Practical packing advice for the lagoons

Bring a towel, swimwear, sunscreen, and sunglasses. The sunscreen matters even in the evening, since the trip begins while the sun may still be strong and the water reflects plenty of light.

Cash is worth carrying for drinks or other onboard purchases. Food is not included, so eat before departure or bring only what the provider allows. Large bags and oversize luggage are not allowed, so this is not the place for full beach equipment or a suitcase.

If you want to snorkel, arrange equipment before you board or ask about rental options. The boat offers snorkelling gear for rent, but it is not included in the fare. A small waterproof pouch for valuables may also be useful, though the provided information does not confirm onboard storage.

Weather can change the plan. The provider may alter the route or stops because of weather or other operating conditions. That is normal for a boat trip, but it means you should keep a little flexibility in your evening schedule.

Booking decision: is the evening cruise worth it?

I would book this cruise if your priorities are cooler evening conditions, two swim stops, and a less hectic boat atmosphere. The combination of Crystal Lagoon’s cliffs and caves with Blue Lagoon’s clear water gives you two different Comino experiences in a compact three-hour outing.

I would pause before booking if you dislike boats, suffer from motion sickness, need step-free access, or mainly want to spend time walking ashore. The Blue Lagoon pass adds a task, and it is essential if a Comino walk is part of your plan.

For most able-bodied swimmers, the $35 price is fair, especially if the boat carries a moderate group and you make full use of both one-hour stops. Secure the evening access pass early, bring only a small bag, and think of the trip as a relaxed swim cruise rather than a complete island tour.

FAQ

Where does the cruise depart from?

The boat departs from the Marfa Jetty or slipway in Mellieħa, opposite the Riviera Spa Resort. Look for the white boat named Pegasus.

What time does the cruise return?

The planned return time is approximately 8:00 PM. Starting times vary, so check the available departure time for your date.

How long does the cruise last?

The experience lasts approximately three hours.

How long do you spend at Crystal Lagoon?

The boat stops at Crystal Lagoon for approximately one hour.

How long do you spend at Blue Lagoon?

The boat stops near Blue Lagoon for approximately one hour. You can swim, snorkel, relax onboard, or walk on Comino Island if you have the required access pass.

Do I need a pass to visit Blue Lagoon?

You need an official government access pass if you want to disembark and step ashore at Blue Lagoon. Passes are obtained through blcomino.com, and you must select the evening slot. You do not need the pass simply to remain on the boat.

Are food, drinks, and snorkelling equipment included?

No. Food and drinks are not included, and snorkelling equipment is available to rent separately. A toilet and shower are available onboard.