Comino and Gozo look unreal from the water. This 6-hour cruise from Mellieħa mixes three top swimming stops, starting with the Blue Lagoon and continuing to the Crystal Lagoon and Ħalfa Rock Bay.

I especially like how the schedule is built around water time. You get two longer swim windows in Comino and a final stop on Gozo, plus a return route that passes famous cave scenery along the way.

One drawback is the Blue Lagoon logistics. You need a government access pass to disembark, and if you cannot get it, the company says there are no refunds for missed shore access.

Key Things I’d Pay Attention To

• Small-boat feel: many recent groups note the Pegasus is not overcrowded, which matters when lagoons get packed.
• Blue Lagoon strategy: you may have the option to stay on the boat and swim from nearby instead of fighting the beach crowd.
• Two Comino lagoons, different vibes: Blue Lagoon is iconic, Crystal Lagoon is sheltered and great for snorkeling.
• Halfa Rock Bay on Gozo: a quieter pebble-beach cove that feels more private than the headline stops.
• Onboard comfort: toilets and a shower are included, plus there is a cash bar for snacks and drinks.
• Real-world pass rules: the Blue Lagoon access pass must be booked in advance through the official site.

Pegasus From Marfa Jetty, Then Straight Into Comino and Gozo

You start at Marfa Jetty in Mellieħa, across from the Riviera Spa Resort. Go looking for a white boat called Pegasus, and if you need help, there is an activity provider office near the jetty by the Dive Vision Malta Snorkel & Diving Centre.

This is a half-day outing with a simple rhythm: sail, stop, swim, sail again. Even though the total trip is about 6 hours, it does not feel rushed because the stops are built around anchored swimming time.

A big practical win here is the boat setup. Recent comments mention plenty of room, a comfortable onboard feel, and a choice of shade or sun depending on where you want to hang. If you have ever done one of those big-boat schedules where you spend most of the day waiting, you’ll likely appreciate how this one keeps moving you toward the water.

Also, the crew matters more than people expect on lagoon days. Many reviews specifically called out guides like Danny and Ali for clear explanations and a calm, professional tone. That kind of hands-on guidance helps when you are jumping in, snorkeling, or trying to understand where the boat will anchor.

Blue Lagoon Swim Stop, and the Access Pass You Must Plan

The Blue Lagoon is the headline for a reason, but here’s the real-world take: it can get packed on the beach. The cruise gives you about 1.5 to 2 hours, anchored near the shore so you can swim directly in the turquoise water.

Starting with the May 2025 directive from Malta, anyone wanting to disembark at Blue Lagoon must have a government-issued access pass booked online in advance. The tour operator explicitly advises choosing the morning slot when applying, and the rule is strict: if you cannot access without the pass, there are no refunds for missing shore access.

So I’d plan like this. If you love the beach photo moment and walking around Comino, get your pass early and hope for a good timing window. If you mainly want the water, consider the backup plan many groups have used: stay on the boat and swim nearby. Several reviews describe exactly that approach, including using swimming noodles provided onboard to splash around with less shore crowding.

One more tip: shade can be hard to find on busy days. If you are the type who wants a calm place to recover between swims, bring a sun hat and lean toward boat time when the beach gets crowded.

Crystal Lagoon: Sea Caves, 360 Views, and Snorkel Time

After Blue Lagoon, the cruise continues to the Crystal Lagoon on the west side of Comino. Your stop here is about 1 hour, and this is the change of pace most people want.

Crystal Lagoon is described as a sheltered spot with imposing cliffs and sea caves, plus wide views in all directions. Practically, that means it can feel more protected than the big open stretches you might expect on a windy day. If you snorkel, this is also the sort of stop where you can spend time exploring underwater edges rather than just treading in place.

Your time is shorter here than Blue Lagoon, so you’ll want to be ready right when the boat anchors. Bring your goggles, use any rental equipment if you want to snorkel, and do a first pass quickly. Then decide whether you want a second swim focused on caves and reef-like spots, or just relax and soak up the views.

One small consideration: because it is only around an hour, you might wish there were more time if Crystal Lagoon is your favorite. Still, for most people it works well. It keeps the day from dragging and preserves energy for Ħalfa Rock Bay on Gozo.

Ħalfa Rock Bay on Gozo, Quiet Water and a Pebble Beach

The final swim stop is at Ħalfa Rock Bay on Gozo, around 1 hour. This is one of those places that feels calm because it is smaller and less of a mass beach experience.

What you get here is a deserted small islet on the edge of a cove with a pebbly beach. That matters because it changes the vibe from Comino’s more famous shores. Instead of trying to squeeze into peak-time crowds, you can often find a more comfortable rhythm, swim, dry off, then swim again.

If you are with kids or you just like an easy swim day, this stop tends to hit the right note. The bay setting supports a relaxed break, and you are still getting that classic Mediterranean lagoon feeling.

Then, on the way back, you’ll pass Santa Maria Caves and the Elephant Head rock formation. You do not get the kind of time ashore you’d get on a longer excursion, but the sail-by views help break up the day and make the return feel like more than just transit.

Onboard Comfort: Toilets, Shower, Noodles, and the Cash Bar

One thing I always check for boat days is basic comfort. This one includes toilet facilities and a shower on board, which is huge when you are doing multiple swims in a row.

You can also rent snorkeling equipment onboard for a small fee. It’s described as first-come, first-served, so if you want gear, aim to arrive with time to spare. Even if you bring your own gear, it helps to know the option exists on the day.

Food and drinks are not included, but there is a small cash bar selling snacks and beverages. People mention it is reasonably priced, with examples like a beer around €2.50 and a small wine glass around €3. Exact prices can change, but the overall impression is that it does not feel wildly overpriced compared to many tourist water activities.

Another practical detail: people note the boat has spaces to sit and relax, plus loungers on upper areas. If you get sun easily, bring a hat and plan to alternate between shade and swim time.

And if you are sensitive to waves, take that seriously. The tour is not considered suitable for people prone to seasickness or motion sickness, and the packing list includes motion sickness prevention for a reason.

Timing, Group Size, and What $47 Really Buys You

At $47 per person for about 6 hours, the value is mostly in what you avoid. You avoid the headache of arranging transport, parking, and separate tours for each lagoon, and you get three distinct swim settings in one outing.

It is also a value play because it is not a full-day bus-and-then-boat combo. You are on the water right away from Marfa Jetty, and the day is paced with swim stops rather than constant wandering. Recent reviews repeatedly point out that the boat was not overcrowded, with some mentioning around 40 people on board, which helps when everyone wants to shower off, grab a seat, or head out for their next swim.

You do give up a few things compared to private charters. You cannot control crowds at the most famous beach, and the boat sequence can shift due to weather or operational constraints. But for the price, you’re still getting real swim time plus scenic cruising, not just a quick look from the deck.

Here’s the part I think matters most for your expectations. Blue Lagoon is stunning, but it can feel like a tourist bottleneck on land. Crystal Lagoon and Ħalfa Rock Bay tend to deliver a more relaxed feeling, especially if you treat the day like a swim day, not a beach day.

Who This Cruise Suits Best, and Who Might Feel Miserable

This is best for people who want a swim-first day in Comino and Gozo. If you love turquoise water, snorkeling, and jumping in multiple times, the structure of three stops with anchored swimming time makes sense.

It is also a good choice for couples and small families who want clear guidance. Reviews mention helpful crew members and a friendly, professional approach from guides such as Danny and Ali, which is comforting when you are learning where to swim and how to manage gear.

On the other hand, this is not a fit if you have mobility limitations or use a wheelchair. The tour is listed as not suitable for people with mobility impairments and wheelchair users, and it also flags people prone to seasickness.

If you are prone to getting motion sick, bring prevention and think hard about whether you want a boat day on open water. The description is blunt about this, and I’d trust that warning rather than hoping for smooth seas.

Should You Book This 3-Bay Cruise From Mellieħa?

I think this is a strong booking for most visitors who want maximum water time with minimal fuss. The biggest reason is how well it matches what you actually want on a lagoon day: anchored swim stops, onboard comfort, and a cruise route that adds extra scenery on the way back.

I’d book it if you can do one key thing: handle the Blue Lagoon access pass requirement correctly. If you’re willing to plan ahead online and you want the option to either disembark or swim from nearby, you’ll likely feel like you got your money’s worth.

Skip or reconsider if you want a quiet, uncrowded Blue Lagoon beach experience at peak time, or if seasickness is a concern for you. In those cases, you might be happier with a different type of Malta day trip where the plan depends less on lagoon beach traffic.

If you’re flexible about where you spend your time, bring sunscreen, and treat this as a swim day first, you’re in for a memorable half-day in the Maltese islands.

FAQ

Where does the cruise depart from?

It departs from Marfa Jetty in Mellieħa. The boat is a white boat named Pegasus, across from the Riviera Spa Resort.

How long is the cruise?

The duration is 6 hours.

How much time do you get at each swim stop?

You get about 1.5 to 2 hours at the Blue Lagoon, about 1 hour at the Crystal Lagoon, and about 1 hour at Ħalfa Rock Bay.

Do I need an access pass for the Blue Lagoon?

Yes. You must obtain an access pass in advance to disembark at the Blue Lagoon (booked online through blcomino.com). The operator notes there are no refunds if you cannot access the lagoon without the pass.

Is snorkeling gear included?

Snorkelling equipment is available for rental for a small fee on a first-come, first-served basis. The tour itself does not list snorkeling equipment as included.

Is food and drink included in the price?

Food and drinks are not included. A small cash bar is available on the boat with snacks and beverages.

What onboard facilities are available?

The boat has toilet facilities and a shower.

Who should not book this tour?

It is listed as not suitable for people with mobility impairments or wheelchair users, and also for people prone to seasickness or motion sickness.