From Mellieha: Three Bay Cruise including the Blue Lagoon

Malta’s best swimming water is not always beside its beaches. This six-hour cruise takes you by boat to three clear-water stops around Comino and Gozo, with time to swim, snorkel, sunbathe, or stay aboard. I especially like the smaller, uncrowded boat and the generous swimming time at Crystal Lagoon and Ħalfa Rock Bay.

I also like the choice at the Blue Lagoon: walk ashore, or stay on the boat and swim from it. The main catch is Blue Lagoon’s summer crowds, plus a new government access pass if you want to step onto Comino.

Key points to know

• Three proper swim stops: Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon, and Ħalfa Rock Bay each receive about one to two hours.
• A smaller boat: Pegasus offers room to sit in shade or sun, with upper-deck loungers and lower-deck tables.
• Blue Lagoon access needs planning: You must arrange the official government pass online before the trip if you want to go ashore.
• Crystal Lagoon is the snorkeling highlight: Cliffs, sea caves, and clear water make this a more rewarding swim than the crowded Blue Lagoon.
• Ħalfa Rock Bay is the quietest stop: Its pebble beach and secluded setting offer a calmer final swim.
• Useful onboard basics: Toilets, a shower, a cash bar, pool noodles, and rental snorkeling equipment are available.

A six-hour cruise built around swimming

This is not a sightseeing boat trip with a quick photo stop and a hurried return. The schedule gives you about 1½ to 2 hours at the Blue Lagoon, one hour at Crystal Lagoon, and one hour at Ħalfa Rock Bay.

That matters because the real attraction is the water. You have time to swim properly, try snorkeling, sit in the sun, or simply remain on deck while the boat sits in the lagoon. The crew also provides swimming noodles, a small but useful touch if you want to reach the shore without a hard swim.

The cruise begins at Marfa Bay in Mellieħa and follows Malta’s northern coast toward Comino. From the water, you see the islands from a different angle, with cliffs, coves, caves, and rock formations providing the scenery between swim stops.

The boat is called Pegasus. It leaves from Marfa Jetty, across from the Riviera Spa Resort. If the jetty is not obvious, the provider’s office is next to the Dive Vision Malta Snorkel & Diving Centre. Go there for check-in or directions rather than wandering around the port.

Blue Lagoon: beautiful water, busy shoreline

The Blue Lagoon is the famous stop, and the water explains its reputation. The bay has clear cyan water, a white sandy bottom, and plenty of marine life. From the boat, the color is especially striking, and the long first stop gives you time to enjoy it instead of snapping a picture and moving on.

There is an important practical distinction here. The boat anchors near the Blue Lagoon, but it does not put you directly on the beach. You can remain aboard, swim from the boat, or go ashore if you have the required pass.

Since May 2025, anyone wanting to disembark at the Blue Lagoon must obtain an official access pass through blcomino.com. The daily allocation is limited, and this cruise requires the morning slot when you apply. The pass is separate from the cruise price, and it is your responsibility to arrange it.

I would not treat the pass as a minor detail. Download it before you arrive, and make sure the time is correct. If you arrive without one, you may be unable to step onto Comino, and no refund is provided for missing access permission.

The shoreline can also be extremely crowded, especially during the main summer months. Shade is hard to find, and the beach area can feel packed. You may enjoy the stop more from the boat, where there is room to sit in the sun or shade and jump into the same clear water without squeezing onto the beach.

A useful tactic is to swim toward shore while staying in the water, then return to the quieter boat. One couple used the provided noodles this way and found the boat nearly empty when they came back. You get the famous Blue Lagoon color without committing to the busiest part of the island.

For some people, walking ashore is part of the point. For others, it is the least pleasant part of the stop. The cruise works well because you can choose.

Crystal Lagoon: the best stop for water lovers

After the Blue Lagoon, the boat heads to Crystal Lagoon on Comino’s western side. This stop lasts about an hour and is, in my view, the strongest part of the route for swimming and snorkeling.

The setting is more enclosed, with high cliffs and clear water around the boat. Sea caves add interest to the swim, and the sheltered position can make the stop feel more natural than the famous lagoon nearby.

The boat anchors in the lagoon rather than at its edge. That gives you a broad view in every direction and lets you enter the water directly from the vessel. You can swim, snorkel, or explore toward the caves, but pay attention to the crew’s instructions and the time.

Snorkeling equipment is available to rent for a small fee, first come, first served. Bring your own equipment if you have it, or rent early if snorkeling is important to you. The water and caves make this stop worth preparing for.

Crystal Lagoon is also a good place to stay on the boat if you do not want to swim. The views are the point here, and the boat’s upper deck gives you a comfortable perch. You can choose a lounger in the sun or find shelter below.

Ħalfa Rock Bay: a quieter Gozo finale

The third stop is Ħalfa Rock Bay on Gozo’s southeast coast. It is a small cove with a pebbly beach and a little islet sitting offshore. Compared with the Blue Lagoon, it feels less developed and less pressured by crowds.

This is the final swim stop and lasts about an hour. You can swim from the boat, head toward the pebble beach, or relax aboard while taking in the cove. The water remains the main event, but the setting gives you a calmer finish to the day.

Conditions can affect this stop. On one trip, choppy water meant the crew changed the final swimming location to another attractive spot. That is a sensible safety decision, and the provider reserves the right to alter the order or route because of weather or operational problems.

If you want the classic busy lagoon scene, Blue Lagoon supplies it. If you want a quieter bay and a more relaxed swim, Ħalfa Rock Bay may be the stop you remember best.

The return route adds caves and unusual rock

The return journey passes Santa Maria Caves and the Elephant Head rock formation. These are sightseeing portions rather than separate swimming stops, so keep your phone or camera ready as the boat passes.

Santa Maria Caves add another look at Comino’s rocky coast, while Elephant Head is a distinctive natural formation. The return cruise helps round out the day, giving you scenery between the water stops rather than sending you straight back to Marfa Bay.

The exact order can change with weather or operational needs. That flexibility is worth accepting on a boat trip, particularly when the sea becomes rough around an exposed bay.

What the Pegasus is like onboard

The boat is a strong part of this experience. It is large enough to provide useful facilities, yet smaller and less cramped than the big excursion vessels that operate around Comino.

You can sit upstairs on loungers or use the lower deck, where tables provide shade and a place to eat. Several people particularly liked being able to choose between sun and shelter. That choice matters in Malta, where six hours outside can become tiring even on a pleasant day.

There are male and female toilets onboard, and a shower is available. The facilities are basic rather than luxurious, but they make a long swimming day much easier.

A small cash bar sells drinks and snacks. Prices have been described as reasonable, including inexpensive water, beer, wine, coffee, and sandwiches. Still, bring food if you tend to get hungry after swimming. The bar is convenient, but it is not a substitute for a full meal.

Bring cash, sunglasses, a hat, swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen. A dry bag or waterproof pouch would also be sensible for phones and valuables, although that item is not specifically supplied. Large bags, oversize luggage, pets, and electric wheelchairs are not allowed.

Crew, music, and the pace of the day

The crew keeps the day straightforward. Danny and Ali are among the guides praised for clear explanations, polite service, and useful facts about the stops. Other trips have included Wes and Chandler, so the exact crew may vary.

The tone is friendly but not overbearing. You receive safety information and explanations about the bays, then plenty of time to do your own thing. Music plays onboard, adding a holiday feel without turning the cruise into a loud party boat.

The group size is one of the tour’s practical advantages. Reports describe around 40 people on some departures, with enough room to sit comfortably and move between the decks. Capacity can vary, so do not assume every departure will feel identical, but this is not designed as a packed ferry ride.

The six-hour duration is well judged for the route. You get three water stops plus the coastal cruise, but the day remains manageable. People who dislike long boat rides should note that this is still a full half-day on the Mediterranean, with possible motion from the sea.

Is $47 good value?

At $47 per person, this is good value if you want a full day of swimming around Comino and Gozo without arranging separate transport. The price includes the cruise, three swim stops, the return route past Santa Maria Caves and Elephant Rock, crew assistance, toilets, and a shower.

You pay extra for drinks, snacks, and rented snorkeling equipment. Hotel pickup is not included, so you must reach Marfa Jetty in Mellieħa yourself. The Blue Lagoon access pass is also separate and needs advance planning.

The value comes from the time in the water. Many boat trips charge for the view but offer only a quick swim. Here, the schedule leaves roughly four hours across the three main stops, with the longest period at the Blue Lagoon.

I think the price works best for active days. If you plan to swim and snorkel at every stop, you receive plenty for your money. If you mainly want a quiet scenic cruise, you may find the six hours longer than necessary.

Who should book this cruise?

I would choose this trip if you want clear water, several swims, a smaller boat, and a relaxed schedule. It suits couples, families with older children, and anyone who would rather spend time in the sea than visit Comino entirely on foot.

The boat setup is helpful for mixed groups. Strong swimmers can jump from the lower-deck plank or upper deck, while less active passengers can remain in the shade or use the loungers. Pool noodles add confidence for anyone who wants help in the water.

It is not a good match for wheelchair users or people with mobility impairments. Access to a boat, decks, beaches, and swimming areas can be difficult. It is also a poor choice if you are prone to seasickness, so bring motion sickness prevention if you know you need it.

Families should note that a baby has been accommodated successfully, but the experience still involves a full day at sea, swimming stops, sun, and limited onboard food. Bring supplies that suit your group.

Small details that make the day easier

Arrive at Marfa Jetty with enough time to find the office and check in. Look for the white Pegasus across from the Riviera Spa Resort, and ask at the nearby office if you are unsure.

If you want to go ashore at the Blue Lagoon, arrange the morning government pass before booking day arrives. Keep a downloaded copy available, since poor site performance can make last-minute access frustrating.

Do not assume the Blue Lagoon beach will be peaceful. Plan to swim from the boat, especially in July and August, and treat the shore visit as optional rather than essential.

Pack more food than you think you need if swimming makes you hungry. The onboard bar is useful and reasonably priced, but the selection is limited to snacks, drinks, and simple food.

Rent snorkeling equipment early if you need it. Availability is first come, first served, and Crystal Lagoon is the stop where it is most useful.

Should you book it?

Book this cruise if your ideal Malta day means warm sun, clear water, three distinct bays, and a boat with enough room to escape the worst crowds. The crew, flexible seating, useful facilities, and long swim stops give it strong value at $47.

The main warning is the Blue Lagoon. It is gorgeous, but the beach can be packed, and the access-pass rule adds one more task. If you are happy to stay aboard and swim from the boat, that drawback becomes much smaller.

For a water-focused outing from Mellieħa, I would book it, especially outside the busiest summer weeks. Bring cash, food, sunscreen, motion sickness protection if needed, and the correct Blue Lagoon pass if you plan to step ashore.

FAQ

Where does the cruise leave from?

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

What are the three swimming stops?

The cruise stops at the Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon on Comino, then Ħalfa Rock Bay on Gozo. The Blue Lagoon stop lasts about 1½ to 2 hours, while the other two stops last about one hour each.

Do I need a pass for the Blue Lagoon?

You need a government-issued access pass if you want to disembark ashore at the Blue Lagoon. Apply in advance through blcomino.com and select the morning slot for this cruise.

Can I stay on the boat at the Blue Lagoon?

Yes. The boat anchors near the Blue Lagoon, so you can relax onboard, swim from the boat, or go ashore if you have the required pass.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Snorkeling equipment can be rented onboard for a small fee. It is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Is food available during the cruise?

A small cash bar sells selected snacks and drinks. Food and beverages are not included in the cruise price.

Are toilets available onboard?

Yes. The boat has toilet facilities, and a shower is also available.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. You must make your own way to Marfa Jetty in Mellieħa.

Can the route change?

Yes. The provider may change the order of the stops or adjust the itinerary because of weather or unexpected operational conditions.