Mellieħa to Comino, with two lagoon swims. I like that this is a tight 4-hour outing that still hits the big-name waters: Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon. You also get a fun boat day, not just sightseeing, with onboard perks like rooftop deckchairs, showers, and a water slide.

What I really like is the way the timing gives you real water time, around 1.5 hours at the Blue Lagoon and about 1 hour at the Crystal Lagoon. And I also appreciate the practical extras, like free mineral water all cruise long, plus free snorkelling equipment (with a small refundable cash deposit).

One thing to plan for: the Blue Lagoon has a government access pass requirement to step ashore since May 2025, and daily allocation is limited. If you skip that step, you might still enjoy the water from the boat, but you could lose the chance to go ashore there.

Key things to know before you go

• Two anchored swim stops on Comino, with solid time in both lagoons (about 1.5 hours, then about 1 hour)
• Snorkelling gear included, free to rent with a €20 cash deposit you get back
• Water slide on board plus rooftop deckchairs, first come, first served
• Fresh-water showers and toilets onboard, so you can rinse off after swimming
• Blue Lagoon access pass needed for disembarkation ashore (limited daily allocation)
• Gozo photo stop with no landing, plus a scenic return cruise past Gozo’s coastline

Why This Half-Day Cruise Works From Mellieha

This is one of those Malta trips that makes sense if you only have a half day. You start in Mellieħa, cruise out into Comino’s clear waters, and you still have time to do more than one swim stop without feeling rushed.

I also like the mix of “see it” and “do it.” You’re not stuck only looking out a window, because you get anchored time for swimming and snorkelling, plus onboard fun like the water slide.

The value is strongest if you want an efficient day in the sun, with included water and snorkelling support. If you’re the type who needs a long beach day or lots of guided talking, you might find this format shorter than you want.

Marfa Jetty to La Laguna: Getting On the Boat Fast

Your departure point is Marfa Jetty, right across from Riviera Spa Resort. When you arrive, look for a white or blue boat named La Laguna.

This matters because the cruise is only about 4 hours total. Arrive early enough to find the correct boat and get settled before you leave, especially if you’re also trying to organize your Blue Lagoon access pass in advance.

The crew and staff are there to help, and the host greeter is English. You’ll also have toilet facilities on board, plus fresh-water showers, which is a big deal after you spend time in lagoon water.

The Northern Coast Stops: Elephant Rock, Santa Maria Caves, and Fast Photo Breaks

Before you reach Comino’s star waters, you get a sightseeing cruise along Malta’s northern coastline. You pass some recognizable spots and get a few quick photo stops.

Here’s how it feels in real time: these are not long hikes. You’ll get short moments on the boat to take photos and look around while the coastline slides by. The stops include Elephant Rock, Santa Maria Caves, and Santa Maria Bay.

Why I think these matter: even if you’re mainly there for Comino, these quick viewpoints help you understand the shape of the area. You see how the cliffs, bays, and sea caves set up the conditions that make Comino water look so clear.

A small consideration is attention span. If you’re the type who only wants “swim time,” you may feel the earlier sightseeing bits are brief. But they do a good job of getting you warmed up before the main anchored lagoons.

Blue Lagoon Swim Stop: The 1.5-Hour Highlight and the Access Pass Rule

The Blue Lagoon is the main draw. The boat anchors there for about 1.5 hours, and the water is described as turquoise and crystal clear, with tons of people enjoying swimming and snorkelling.

This is where the cruise tends to deliver the most smiles. If you want the classic Comino water experience, this is the portion that fits your plan best.

The May 2025 access pass requirement

Since May 2025, if you want to disembark ashore at the Blue Lagoon, you must get a government access pass in advance. Passes come from the official site listed as blcomino.com, and daily allocation is limited.

So what should you do with that info?

• If stepping ashore is part of your plan, get the pass early.
• Keep your expectations flexible if you don’t get a pass, because the rule is about landing ashore, not about the cruise itself.

What you’ll actually do in the water

During your Blue Lagoon time, you can soak up the sun, swim, and snorkel. Snorkelling equipment is available to rent free of charge, but you need to provide a €20 cash deposit that is refunded when you return the gear.

I also recommend having your towel and swimwear ready so you can switch from boat to water quickly when the anchor time starts.

Crystal Lagoon Stop: Another Swim Break With a Different Angle

After Blue Lagoon, you head to the Crystal Lagoon on the west coast of Comino. The boat stops there for about 1 hour, again with time for swimming and snorkelling.

This lagoon feels like the “second look” option. The water is described as turquoise and surrounded by towering cliffs, and you get the feeling of a tighter, more enclosed viewing angle compared with the Blue Lagoon.

Why it’s worth doing both: if you only go to one lagoon, you might miss how Comino changes from bay to bay. The second stop gives you a fresh photo angle and another chance to cool down in the water without starting the whole day over.

If you’re serious about snorkelling, bring your time-management habits. One hour goes faster than you think, especially if you wait for other people to get in.

Onboard Fun and Practical Comfort: Water Slide, Showers, and Deckchairs

This cruise doesn’t treat the boat as dead time. There’s a water slide on board, and yes, it’s exactly the kind of distraction that makes a 4-hour trip feel shorter.

You also get deckchairs on the rooftop area, first come, first served. If you want that view and don’t want to hunt for a spot later, be ready soon after you board.

Comfort details are included too:

• Toilet facilities
• Fresh water showers
• Complimentary mineral water free-flowing throughout the cruise

That last one is surprisingly useful. When you’re in strong sun around lagoons, drinking water is not optional, and having it included keeps you from scrambling for purchases.

There’s also a cash bar on board with snacks and beverages. Payments are accepted by cash and credit card.

Passing Gozo on the Return: Scenic Cruising Plus Mġarr Harbour Photos

On the way back, you cruise past Gozo. There’s a return journey that’s meant to be scenic, not just a straight shot back to Mellieħa.

You’ll also have a brief photo stop at Mġarr Harbour, Gozo’s main harbour. Important detail: this is a photo stop only, with no disembarkation.

This part is good for two types of travelers:

• People who want a bit of variety beyond Comino water
• Photographers who like a quick change of scenery without adding logistics

If you’re hoping for a full Gozo visit, this isn’t that. It’s more like a moving postcard and a short harbor photo moment.

Price and Value: About $34 for Two Lagoons, Snorkel Gear, and a Water Slide

At around $34 per person, this cruise can feel like a fair deal if you compare it to what you’d pay for boat time plus snorkel support plus the kind of lagoon anchoring people travel for.

Your included value centers on five things:

• Two swim stops with meaningful time (Blue Lagoon first, then Crystal Lagoon)
• Free snorkelling equipment rental with a refundable cash deposit
• Free-flowing mineral water
• A water slide
• Onboard showers and toilets that make the swim day easier to handle

You’re not paying for a guided lecture or a full meal. Food and drinks beyond the mineral water are not included, and there’s a cash bar onboard.

Optional add-on if you want caves

There’s an optional powerboat trip to the Comino Caves you can book on site with the crew. It’s an extra €10 per person, and it depends on weather conditions.

If you’re choosing between this cruise and a longer Comino add-on, this powerboat option can be a nice way to add intensity. If you want to keep the day simple, you can skip it.

What to Bring, What to Skip, and Who This Fits Best

This trip is built for active sun time, so pack like you’re going to actually use the water.

Bring:

• Sunglasses and sun hat
• Swimwear, plus a towel
• Sunscreen
• Cash (you may need cash for snorkelling deposits and the onboard bar)
• Motion sickness prevention, if you’re prone to it

Not allowed:

• Pets
• Oversize luggage, and large bags
• Electric wheelchairs (and in practice it is not suitable for people with mobility impairments or wheelchair users)

One more realistic note: the cruise is not suitable for people prone to seasickness or motion sickness. If waves usually bother you, think twice and consider meds before you board.

Who I think this is best for:

• Couples, friends, and families who want a fun day with real swim time
• People who want Comino water without arranging separate ferry plus water-taxi plus beach coordination
• Anyone who likes a mix of photo stops and active time in the sea

Should You Book This Mellieħa Round Comino Cruise?

If your goal is two Comino lagoons in one half-day, this is a strong option. The Blue Lagoon stop is the headline, and the Crystal Lagoon stop gives you an extra chance at that turquoise, clear-water feel. Add the water slide, snorkelling gear, and included mineral water, and you get more than a basic sightseeing boat day.

Book it if:

• You want included snorkelling support and you’re planning to swim
• You like the idea of a short, efficient schedule from Mellieħa
• You’re comfortable with a photo-only stop at Gozo instead of a full island visit

Skip or reconsider if:

• You need full accessibility support, since it’s not suitable for wheelchair users
• You’re sensitive to motion, since it’s not recommended for people prone to seasickness
• You don’t want to deal with planning for the Blue Lagoon access pass if you intend to disembark ashore

One last practical tip for your decision: if this is your one Comino shot, plan around the access pass rule early. Get your swim stuff ready, and you’ll walk away feeling like you actually used your time on the water, not just watched it go by.

FAQ

Do I need an access pass for the Blue Lagoon?

Yes, to disembark ashore at the Blue Lagoon you need a government-issued access pass in advance. The information provided says passes are acquired through blcomino.com and daily allocation is limited.

How long do we stop at the Blue Lagoon and the Crystal Lagoon?

The boat anchors at the Blue Lagoon for about 1.5 hours. The Crystal Lagoon stop is about 1 hour.

Is snorkelling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkelling equipment is available for free rental, but you need to pay a €20 cash deposit. The deposit is refunded when you return the equipment.

Is food included on the cruise?

No. Food and drinks are not included, except for complimentary mineral water throughout the cruise. There is also a cash bar onboard with snacks and beverages.

Where does the cruise depart from?

The boat departs from Marfa Jetty, opposite the Riviera Spa Resort. You should look for the white or blue boat named La Laguna.

Is the Mġarr Harbour stop in Gozo a landing?

No. You get a photo stop at Mġarr Harbour with no disembarkation. The rest of the Gozo experience is from the boat as you cruise past.