Mellieha: Two Bay Evening Cruise Including The Blue Lagoon

Comino’s lagoons are at their prettiest when the harsh afternoon sun softens and the crowds begin to thin. This three-hour evening cruise gives you two proper swim stops, about an hour at Crystal Lagoon and another at Blue Lagoon, rather than a quick photo pause.

I like the small-boat feel, with space for roughly twenty passengers according to recent booking details, and I like the calm timing. You can swim, snorkel, sit on deck, or simply watch the cliffs slip past without giving up a full day. The main catch is practical: you need a government access pass if you plan to step ashore at Blue Lagoon.

Key points at a glance

• Crystal Lagoon first: Enjoy about an hour in a sheltered bay with sea caves, cliffs, and clear turquoise water.
• Blue Lagoon later: Swim beside Comino’s famous pale sandy bottom, or remain aboard if you do not have a shore access pass.
• Evening timing: The cruise avoids the worst midday heat and offers softer light over Malta’s northern coast.
• Small passenger count: Recent booking details describe a boat carrying about twenty people, a welcome change from packed large catamarans.
• Useful onboard facilities: A toilet and shower are available, and refreshments can be bought onboard.
• Important pass rule: Since May 2025, stepping ashore at Blue Lagoon requires an advance government pass, with the evening slot selected.

Why an evening boat trip works so well in Mellieħa

Mellieħa sits in northern Malta, close to Comino and Gozo, so it is one of the best bases for reaching the lagoons without losing hours on a long transfer. This trip leaves from Marfa Bay, then follows Malta’s northern coast toward Comino.

The timing is the real selling point. Malta’s summer heat can make a midday boat outing feel exposed, especially when you are sitting on a bright deck with little shade. Leaving in the evening gives you a cooler start, gentler light, and a better chance of enjoying the water without the full crush of daytime boat traffic.

You should still bring sunscreen. The evening sun can burn you, and the boat remains exposed while it is moving. Sunglasses, a towel, swimwear, and a little cash belong in your small day bag.

At $35 per person, the trip offers solid value if you want both lagoons and do not need a full-day sailing adventure. You are paying for a scenic cruise plus roughly two hours of swimming time, with the convenience of a boat toilet, shower, crew assistance, and a return to Marfa Bay at about 8 PM.

Finding the Pegasus at Marfa Jetty

The departure point is the Marfa Jetty or slipway, opposite the Riviera Spa Resort. Look for the white boat named Pegasus.

That detail matters because Marfa Bay is a working departure area with several water-based activities nearby. If you need help, the operator’s office is close to the jetty beside the Dive Vision Malta Snorkel & Diving Centre. Allow enough time to locate the boat rather than arriving at the last minute with wet gear and luggage in hand.

Large bags and oversize luggage are not allowed, so pack lightly. A small backpack with your towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, swimwear, cash, and any motion sickness medicine is the sensible choice.

The crew speaks English and provides assistance throughout the trip. Recent booking details point to a captain and assistant who pay close attention to passengers, including children. Life jackets for children were specifically noted, which is useful for families considering the outing.

The cruise along Malta’s northern coast

Once the boat leaves Marfa Bay, the trip becomes a scenic ride as much as a swimming excursion. You travel along the northern coastline toward Comino, with open water and cliff views replacing the resort area around the departure point.

The boat is described as carrying about twenty passengers, a modest number for this busy part of Malta. That changes the feel of the trip. You are less likely to be packed shoulder to shoulder, and you should have a more relaxed choice between sitting on deck, using the water, or staying aboard.

The crew comments on the cruise in English, so you receive some context as you travel rather than simply being dropped at a swimming spot. The commentary is not presented as a long historical tour, however. Book this for the sea, the lagoons, and the easy evening pace, not for a formal lecture.

A small boat also means the ride can feel more noticeable if the sea is choppy. Anyone prone to seasickness should take that seriously. Motion sickness prevention is listed among the recommended items, and the activity is not suitable for people who often struggle on boats.

An hour at Crystal Lagoon

Crystal Lagoon is the first major stop, on the western side of Comino. The boat stays for approximately one hour, giving you enough time to swim without feeling rushed.

This lagoon is sheltered by high cliffs and is known for turquoise water, sea caves, and broad views around the bay. The cliffs give the stop a more enclosed, dramatic character than Blue Lagoon. From the boat, you can look around and see water, rock, and sky in every direction.

If you enjoy snorkeling, this is likely the more appealing stop for underwater exploring. The lagoon’s clear water and rocky edges provide the setting, but you need to bring your own equipment or rent it. Snorkeling gear is not included in the price.

You can also treat Crystal Lagoon as a simple swim stop. The water is the main attraction, and you do not need to be an experienced swimmer to appreciate the scenery from the boat, though you should be comfortable entering the sea and climbing back aboard.

Sea caves add another layer to the stop. Depending on conditions and how you choose to spend your time, you can look toward the openings in the cliffs and explore the water around them. The crew can assist, but the itinerary may change if weather or operating conditions make a stop unsuitable.

An hour is a good compromise. It gives active swimmers time in the water while leaving enough of the evening for Blue Lagoon. If you prefer sitting in the sun and taking photographs, the boat itself remains a pleasant base.

Blue Lagoon after the crowds begin to fade

After Crystal Lagoon, the boat continues to Blue Lagoon, Comino’s most famous swimming spot. The water is known for its bright turquoise color, clear visibility, pale sandy bottom, and marine life.

This is the scene most people picture when they think of Comino. The bay is striking, but it is also the place where practical rules matter most. Since May 2025, anyone wishing to leave the boat and step ashore at Blue Lagoon must obtain an official government access pass in advance.

You must get the pass through blcomino.com and select the evening time slot. Daily numbers are limited, and you will not be allowed to disembark without it. The pass is not included in the cruise price, and no refund is provided if you arrive without one and cannot go ashore.

The boat anchors near Blue Lagoon, so a pass is not required simply to enjoy the water from the vessel. You can swim from the boat, relax on deck, and take in the lagoon without walking onto the island. If you specifically want to stroll on Comino or stand on the beach, obtain the pass before the cruise.

The stop lasts approximately one hour. That is enough for a swim, some snorkeling, or a short walk if you have shore permission. It is not enough time for a long Comino hike, so keep your plans focused.

Blue Lagoon can look almost unreal in the evening light, but you should keep your expectations sensible. The phrase less crowded does not mean empty. Comino remains one of Malta’s most popular water stops, especially in summer. This cruise improves the timing, but it cannot guarantee solitude.

Swimming, snorkeling, or staying aboard

The outing is flexible in a useful way. You can spend both stops in the water, swim at one lagoon and rest at the other, or remain aboard for most of the trip.

That makes it a good fit for mixed groups. One person can snorkel while another sits on the boat, and children can enjoy the water with family supervision. The crew provides assistance, but this is not a dedicated learn-to-swim program or a guided snorkeling lesson.

Bring your own mask and snorkel if you have them. Equipment is available for rent, but it is not part of the $35 fare. A towel is also essential because the boat has a shower, but you will still want to dry off between stops and on the return ride.

The boat has toilet facilities, which is a small but important comfort on a three-hour outing. A shower is available as well. Food and drinks are not included, though recent booking details describe onboard bar prices as reasonable, with refreshments available at normal prices.

Cash is recommended. Even if you plan to buy only a drink, carrying some money is easier than relying on a card while at sea.

Evening light and the return to Marfa Bay

The return ride is part of the pleasure. You leave Blue Lagoon after your swim and head back toward Marfa Bay, with the light beginning to soften over the water.

One booking described the bay at sunset, and the timing gives you a real chance of catching warm evening color. The exact sunset view depends on the date, weather, and itinerary, so do not treat a dramatic sunset as guaranteed. Still, the late departure is better suited to evening photographs than a morning cruise.

The boat is expected back at its base at approximately 8 PM. That makes the excursion easy to fit into a day in northern Malta. You can spend the morning and early afternoon sightseeing, then use the cruise as your main evening activity.

The operator can change the route or stops if weather conditions or other operating problems require it. That is standard for a sea excursion, but it is worth remembering before you book. Crystal Lagoon and Blue Lagoon are planned stops, not an absolute promise in unsafe conditions.

Who will get the most from this cruise

I would choose this trip if you want a straightforward way to see Comino’s two best-known lagoons without committing an entire day. The three-hour format gives you real water time and avoids the most punishing part of the afternoon.

It suits:

• Swimmers who want two separate lagoon stops
• Snorkelers who prefer clear water and sea caves
• Families looking for a shorter boat outing
• Couples interested in evening light and a calmer pace
• People staying in Mellieħa who want a nearby departure point
• Anyone who dislikes the packed feel of very large catamarans

I would think twice if you dislike boats, suffer from motion sickness, or need step-free access. The activity is not suitable for wheelchair users or people with mobility impairments, and large luggage is not allowed.

It is also a poor fit if your main goal is a long visit on Comino itself. The focus is swimming and relaxing around the lagoons, not walking across the island. And if you forget the Blue Lagoon access pass, you will be limited to enjoying the area from the boat.

Is $35 a fair price?

For $35, the value is strongest if you use both swim stops. You receive a scenic coastal ride, about one hour at Crystal Lagoon, about one hour at Blue Lagoon, crew support, and access to a toilet and shower.

The fare does not cover food, drinks, snorkeling equipment, or the Blue Lagoon shore pass. Those extras are easy to overlook when comparing prices, so include them in your budget.

Compared with a large catamaran outing, the smaller passenger count can justify choosing this cruise even if another boat advertises a similar fare. A less crowded deck means more room to sit, easier movement, and a quieter atmosphere. Recent booking details describe a group of about twenty people, though the exact number may vary.

The strongest value is the timing. You are not simply buying transport to Comino. You are buying an evening window when the heat is easier to handle and the lagoons may feel less pressured.

Booking advice before you go

Book only after checking the Blue Lagoon pass situation. If you want to walk ashore, secure the official pass first and choose the evening slot that matches this cruise.

Pack for the water, not for a full day away. Wear swimwear, bring a towel and sunscreen, and keep sunglasses secure while the boat is moving. Add a small amount of cash for refreshments and equipment rental.

Do not bring pets, large bags, or oversize luggage. If you are unsure about mobility or sea conditions, ask before booking, since the activity is not designed for wheelchair users or anyone who struggles with boat movement.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. That flexibility helps if your Malta plans are still shifting, but it does not remove the responsibility to arrange the Blue Lagoon access pass.

Should you book the Mellieħa evening cruise?

Book it if you want two lagoon swim stops, a smaller boat, and a cooler alternative to a midday trip. The Crystal Lagoon stop adds cliffs and sea caves, while Blue Lagoon supplies the famous bright water and pale bottom. The return around 8 PM also gives the outing a pleasant sunset possibility.

Skip it if you need full accessibility, dislike open-water rides, or care more about a long Comino walk than swimming. The government pass rule is the key detail: arrange it ahead of time if you want to step ashore at Blue Lagoon.

For most able-bodied swimmers staying near Mellieħa, $35 is a sensible price for a focused evening on the water. Pack lightly, bring snorkeling gear if you have it, and treat the boat as your base at Blue Lagoon if the shore pass has sold out.

FAQ

How long is the evening cruise?

The cruise lasts approximately three hours and is expected to return to Marfa Bay at about 8 PM.

Where does the boat depart from?

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

How do I find assistance at the departure point?

The activity provider’s office is near the jetty, beside the Dive Vision Malta Snorkel & Diving Centre.

How long do you stop at Crystal Lagoon?

The planned swim stop at Crystal Lagoon lasts approximately one hour.

How long do you stop at Blue Lagoon?

The planned stop at Blue Lagoon lasts approximately one hour.

Do I need a pass to visit Blue Lagoon?

You need an official government access pass if you want to step ashore at Blue Lagoon. The pass must be obtained in advance through blcomino.com, and you should select the evening slot.

Is the Blue Lagoon access pass included?

No. The government-issued pass is not included in the cruise price. Daily availability is limited, and no refund is provided if you cannot go ashore because you did not obtain one.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

No. Snorkeling equipment is not included, but it is available to rent.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not included. Refreshments can be purchased onboard, and cash is recommended.

Is the cruise suitable for wheelchair users?

No. The activity is not suitable for wheelchair users or people with mobility impairments. It is also not recommended for people prone to seasickness or motion sickness.