Three Bay Cruise Including Blue Lagoon from Mellieha

Three swim stops make this a strong sea day. Departing from Mellieha, this six-hour cruise gives you generous time at Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon, and Ħalfa Rock, rather than rushing through a string of quick photo stops. I especially like the long swimming breaks and the chance to see both Comino and Gozo from the water.

The friendly crew and fairly priced snack bar add to the easygoing feel, according to the available feedback. The main catch is the new Blue Lagoon access rule: if you want to step ashore, you must arrange a government pass in advance, and the boat is not a good match for anyone prone to seasickness or with limited mobility.

Key points to know before booking

• Three proper swim stops: About 90 minutes at Blue Lagoon, one hour at Crystal Lagoon, and one hour at Ħalfa Rock Bay.
• Morning departure from Mellieha: Meet at Marfa Jetty for the 10:00 am sailing, with boarding closed 20 minutes before departure.
• Blue Lagoon access now requires a pass: Apply through blcomino.com and select the morning time slot.
• Useful boat facilities: Toilets, a shower, crew assistance, and a small cash bar for snacks and drinks are available.
• A scenic return route: The cruise passes Santa Maria Caves and the Elephant Head rock formation.
• Good value for a full water day: At $47.66 per person, the price covers about six hours of sailing, sightseeing, and swimming.

A six-hour route through Comino and Gozo

This is a swimming cruise first and a sightseeing cruise second. You will spend much of the day in or near the water, with the boat moving between three bays and adding coastal views along the way.

That distinction matters. If you want a detailed guided tour of Malta’s history, villages, or churches, this is not the right outing. If you want clear water, cliff scenery, several chances to swim, and a simple day away from the roads, the plan makes good sense.

The boat leaves from Marfa Jetty in Mellieha at 10:00 am. You should arrive early because boarding closes 20 minutes before departure. The meeting point is near public transport, but hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you need to arrange your own way to the jetty.

The group can include up to 55 people. That is large enough that the boat will not feel like a private outing, but the schedule gives you a useful amount of personal time at each stop. The available feedback praises the pleasant crew and the fact that the pauses feel long enough without becoming tedious.

Blue Lagoon, Malta’s famous first stop

The first stop is Blue Lagoon on Comino, reached along Malta’s northern coastline. This is the scene most people picture when they think of a boat day in Malta: pale sand below, bright turquoise water, and rocky shores around a narrow bay.

You get approximately one hour and 30 minutes here, and the boat anchors near the lagoon. That gives you several choices. You can swim, snorkel, sit on deck, use the boat’s shower afterward, or simply enjoy the view without going ashore.

There is an important change to understand before you book. From May 2025, anyone who wants to disembark at Blue Lagoon must obtain an official government access pass through blcomino.com. The daily number of passes is limited, and you must choose the morning time slot when applying.

The boat can still anchor near Blue Lagoon, but you will not be allowed to step ashore without the pass. The operator does not issue a refund if you arrive without one and cannot leave the boat. This is the single most important practical detail in the whole experience.

I would treat the pass as part of your booking checklist. Do not wait until the day before if your travel dates are busy. Also remember that the pass concerns access to land, not simply being on the boat or swimming from it.

Blue Lagoon is beautiful, but it is also the best-known stop on this route. If you want a quieter setting, the later stops may suit you better. The long first break works well for people who want time to swim and settle into the day, but anyone expecting an untouched bay may find the famous location less peaceful than the promotional pictures suggest.

Crystal Lagoon and its sea caves

After Blue Lagoon, the boat continues to Crystal Lagoon on Comino’s western side. The stop lasts about one hour.

Crystal Lagoon is framed by steep rock and offers broad views in several directions. Its sheltered position makes it a pleasant place for a swim, and the clear water is well suited to snorkelling. The surrounding caves are a major reason to bring a mask if you have one.

You can use this hour actively or take it slowly. The boat provides access to the water, and you may swim near the cliffs and explore the sea caves. If you prefer not to get in, staying aboard gives you a comfortable view of the lagoon and the rock formations.

Compared with Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon feels more focused on the water itself. You are not simply stopping for a quick look. The schedule gives you enough time for a proper swim, which is one of the strongest features of the day.

Take care with your expectations. The boat’s exact position and the order of the stops can change because of wind, sea conditions, or operational needs. The crew may also adjust the route if conditions make one bay less suitable. That flexibility is sensible in Malta, where coastal weather can affect a boat schedule quickly.

Ħalfa Rock Bay, the quieter final swim

The third stop is Ħalfa Rock Bay on Gozo’s southeast coast. The cruise describes it as a small, secluded cove with a pebbly beach and a little islet sitting near the edge of the bay.

This stop gives the day a different mood. Blue Lagoon is famous, Crystal Lagoon is known for its caves and cliffs, while Ħalfa Rock Bay offers a more low-key setting. The scheduled pause lasts about one hour, giving you one last chance to swim before the return trip.

The pebbly beach means water shoes could be useful, although the tour information does not state that they are required. As with the other stops, you should be ready for a boat-based swim rather than assuming you will spend the whole hour walking ashore.

I like the position of this stop in the schedule. By the third swim, you may not want another crowded or highly organized beach visit. A quieter cove is a pleasant way to finish the active part of the day, especially if you have spent the first two stops swimming and snorkelling.

The trade-off is that three swim breaks may feel repetitive if you are not comfortable in the water. This is not a cruise with one short swim and several long sightseeing visits. The swimming is the main event, so choose another Malta excursion if you would rather stay dry.

Santa Maria Caves and Elephant Head on the way back

The return journey adds two scenic sights without requiring another stop. The boat passes the Santa Maria Caves and the Elephant Head rock formation before returning to Marfa Jetty.

These sights are best understood as coastal viewing points rather than full visits. You will see them from the boat, and the exact view will depend on the route, conditions, and the captain’s decisions. Keep your camera ready, but do not expect a guided shore visit or a long exploration of the caves.

This final section helps the cruise feel more complete. You get three chances to swim, then a relaxed ride back through some of Comino’s distinctive rock scenery. It is a useful balance for anyone who wants a water day with more than just time anchored in one bay.

What the $47.66 price includes

At $47.66 per person, this is a fair price for a six-hour outing if you intend to use the swimming stops. The cost includes the scenic cruise, all three scheduled water breaks, the return route past the caves and rock formation, and assistance from the crew.

You also get access to a toilet and shower on the boat. Those are small details, but they matter on a full day at sea. A shower is especially useful after swimming in salt water, and the toilet means you do not need to plan the day around finding facilities on shore.

The boat has a small cash bar selling snacks and beverages. Food and drinks are not included, so bring extra cash if you want something during the trip. The available feedback specifically describes the snack bar as reasonably priced, which makes it a practical backup rather than a tourist trap.

The value depends on your plans. If you only want to look at the coast from a boat, a shorter sightseeing cruise may be enough. If you would otherwise pay separately for transport, beach access, and several swimming locations, this package gives you a simpler way to cover Comino and part of Gozo in one day.

You should also budget for anything connected with the Blue Lagoon access pass, though the supplied information does not state a fee for that pass. The important point is that obtaining it is your responsibility.

Comfort, sea conditions, and the group size

A maximum of 55 people makes this a shared excursion, not a quiet private charter. The size may matter most when boarding, moving around the boat, and getting a preferred place to sit. On the positive side, the long stops mean you are not confined to one viewing position for the whole day.

The boat has a cash bar, toilet, shower, and crew support. Those facilities make a difference on a six-hour trip, but they do not change the basic nature of the outing. You are still spending much of the day on a moving boat in open coastal conditions.

The tour is not recommended for people prone to seasickness. If that applies to you, think carefully before booking a six-hour cruise with three separate crossings between bays. Weather cancellations are possible, especially with poor sea conditions or strong winds. If the operator cancels, you can reschedule or receive a full refund if rescheduling does not work for you.

The experience is also not recommended for people with mobility impairments. Large luggage, large suitcases, and pets are not allowed. Pack a small day bag with swimwear, a towel, sun protection, and any snorkelling equipment you plan to use.

Who will enjoy this cruise most

I would recommend this cruise to you if you want an active but uncomplicated day around Malta’s smaller islands. It suits swimmers, snorkellers, couples, families with older children, and anyone who prefers several substantial stops over a packed sightseeing program.

It is particularly useful if you are staying in or near Mellieha. The departure point at Marfa Jetty keeps the morning start straightforward, though you must handle your own transport because hotel transfers are not included.

You will probably enjoy it less if you dislike boats, cannot swim comfortably, or want a quiet cultural tour. The group size also means you should not expect a private atmosphere. And if stepping ashore at Blue Lagoon is essential to you, obtain the official pass before booking around this activity.

The strongest praise attached to this experience focuses on the generous stop lengths, pleasant crew, and simple rhythm of the day. You are not rushed from one bay to the next. The schedule leaves room for swimming, relaxing aboard, and enjoying the scenery at a sensible pace.

My verdict on this Malta boat day

Book this cruise if you want three well-spaced water stops and a full day on the coast for a reasonable price. Its best feature is the timing: about 90 minutes at Blue Lagoon, one hour at Crystal Lagoon, and one hour at Ħalfa Rock Bay gives you time to enjoy each place rather than merely photograph it.

Before paying, make two checks. Confirm that you can reach Marfa Jetty before the 10:00 am departure, and arrange the Blue Lagoon morning access pass if you plan to go ashore. If you are happy swimming from the boat and want a friendly, practical sea outing, this is a strong choice. If you want a private boat, extensive land exploration, or protection from rough water, choose a different experience.

FAQ

Where does the cruise depart?

The cruise departs from Marfa Jetty in Mellieha, Malta.

What time does the cruise start?

The scheduled start time is 10:00 am. Boarding closes 20 minutes before departure, so arrive well before that cutoff.

How long does the experience last?

The cruise lasts approximately six hours, including sailing time and all swimming stops.

How long is the stop at Blue Lagoon?

The Blue Lagoon stop lasts approximately one hour and 30 minutes. The supplied details also describe the stop as approximately 1.5 to 2 hours.

Do I need a pass to visit Blue Lagoon?

Yes. From May 2025, you need a government-issued access pass to disembark at Blue Lagoon. You can apply through blcomino.com, and you must choose the morning time slot.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not included, but a small cash bar sells snacks and beverages on the boat.

Are toilets and showers available?

Yes. The boat has toilet facilities and a shower.

What happens if bad weather cancels the cruise?

You will be offered another date. If you cannot reschedule, you will receive a full refund.

Can I bring a pet or large luggage?

No. Pets, large luggage, and large suitcases are not allowed on the boat.