Evening water, fewer crowds, two Comino lagoons. This Mellieħa to Comino cruise is timed for late-day comfort, so you trade peak sun heat for soft evening light and a calmer feel on the water. You get two swim stops, the first at the Crystal Lagoon and the second at the famous Blue Lagoon area.

What I really like is the stop at Crystal Lagoon. The water looks bright even before you swim, and the lagoon is protected by cliffs, so it feels more sheltered than many open bays. You also get a full hour to swim, snorkel, and look around at sea caves from the water’s edge.

One thing to plan carefully: the Blue Lagoon access pass. Since May 2025, you must get a government access pass in advance to go ashore at Blue Lagoon, and you will not be allowed to disembark without it.

Key points before you go

• Evening timing helps you beat the blistering Maltese summer heat.
• Two separate lagoons give you a different feel at each stop, Crystal Lagoon then Blue Lagoon.
• A calmer boat experience comes from a smaller group feel, so you are not packed in.
• One-hour swim windows mean you get time to water around without rushing the whole day.
• Bring your own basics like swimwear, towel, sunscreen, and motion sickness prevention, since food and drinks are not included.
• Blue Lagoon ashore requires a pass you must arrange in advance via blcomino.com.

Why this Mellieħa-to-Comino cruise feels calmer than big daytime boats

If you have ever watched people fighting for beach shade in Malta at midday, you know why this timing matters. This cruise starts in the evening and finishes around 8:00 PM, so you get cooler temperatures and softer light on the water. That changes the whole vibe. Swimming becomes pleasant, not sweaty. Even sitting on the boat feels easier.

The other calm factor is how the stops are handled. You are not doing a long day with nonstop touring. You get two focused swim periods, each about one hour. That is long enough to enjoy the water and still short enough that you do not feel trapped on a schedule.

Then there is the lagoon setting itself. Crystal Lagoon and Blue Lagoon are both famous for clear, turquoise color, but they feel different once you are there. Crystal Lagoon is more protected, with cliffs and sea caves that you can explore from the water. Blue Lagoon is the postcard bay, with transparent cyan water over a sandy bottom and marine life you can often spot while snorkeling. The cruise format lets you experience both without spending all day in crowds.

Marfa Bay departure: finding the Pegasus and getting settled fast

Your cruise starts at Marfa Jetty/Slipway in Mellieħa, across from Riviera Spa Resort. When you arrive, look for a white boat named the Pegasus. If you need help, you can check at the activity provider’s office near the jetty, close to the Dive Vision Malta snorkel centre.

Plan to arrive with enough time to get ready before boarding. This is not the kind of tour where you want to scramble for sunscreen and towel at the last second. It helps to show up dressed for the water. Bring your swimwear, towel, and sunglasses in a way you can grab quickly.

On the boat, you will have access to basic facilities: toilet facilities and a shower. That matters more than people think when you are swimming and snorkeling twice in a short timeframe. After the second swim, a quick rinse helps you feel human again on the ride back.

If you are sensitive to waves, take motion sickness prevention before you board, not after you are already queasy. The tour is explicitly not suitable for people who are prone to seasickness, so if you fall into that category, it is worth thinking twice.

Stop 1, Crystal Lagoon: cliffs, sea caves, and your first swim hour

The route takes you along the northern coastline, then toward Comino. Your first stop is on the west side of Comino at Crystal Lagoon. You get about one hour here, which is just the right length to do more than a quick dip.

Crystal Lagoon is known for its sheltered feel and the way the cliffs frame the water. What you notice right away is the 360-degree view effect. Even before you enter the water, you are surrounded by steep rock and bright sea color. That setting helps the lagoon feel like its own little world.

Once you swim or snorkel, focus on the sea caves. The tour notes that you can explore them from within the lagoon. From the surface, caves and rock openings can look like dark pockets against the bright water, which makes them easier to spot. If you like to be hands-on, you can also simply float and watch the rock lines drift past.

Practical tip: if you want calm water time, go in early in the stop. Even in evening, people tend to stack up when the boat first anchors. Getting your swim and snorkeling done sooner usually means less time waiting for the water area to clear.

Stop 2, Blue Lagoon: turquoise water, snorkeling time, and the ashore rule

After Crystal Lagoon, you continue to the famous Blue Lagoon. Again, the stop is about one hour. The water here is described as turquoise and crystal-clear, with a white sandy base and rich marine life. It is the kind of place where you can snorkel for a while, then just drift and stare at how the sand color changes through the water.

One key detail: the boat anchors near the Blue Lagoon, which means you do not have to step ashore to enjoy the stop. You can also relax on the boat while it is anchored.

But if you want to walk onto the sand and do more of the bay from shore, you must have the proper government-issued access pass. Malta’s directive effective May 2025 requires that visitors obtain the pass in advance via blcomino.com. Daily pass allocation is limited, and you must choose the evening slot for this specific cruise timing. If you show up without a pass, you will not be allowed to disembark at the Blue Lagoon, and the tour notes there are no refunds in that case.

My advice is simple: treat the pass like a must-do item before you leave home. If you are the kind of person who likes last-minute plans, set a reminder now and handle it early. This one step avoids a lot of frustration.

On-board comfort: what you get, what you pay for, and what to bring

This cruise includes the sightseeing cruise and both swim stops. What is not included is food and drinks, so you should plan to either bring snacks and water if you are allowed (the tour data does not say you can, so I would stick to what is safe and what you know you can carry), or budget for purchases on board.

That said, the reviews give you a helpful clue about onboard prices. People note that bar prices are acceptable, and at least one comment mentions a buffet with normal prices. You can think of it as a convenience, not a full meal plan.

The boat also provides a shower and toilets. That is a big value add, because after two water sessions, you want to rinse chlorine or sea spray off before you head back into evening dinner plans.

What you should bring is clearly listed:

• Sunglasses
• Swimwear
• Towel
• Sunscreen
• Cash
• Motion sickness prevention

A small but important packing note: the tour does not allow oversize luggage or large bags. Keep it light. The more stuff you bring, the more annoying it becomes once you are trying to move around on a boat.

Also note what is not allowed: pets, and electric wheelchairs. The tour is also not suitable for people with mobility impairments or wheelchair users.

Swimming and snorkeling without turning it into a stress test

This is a swim-focused evening cruise. You will have real opportunities to get in the water at both lagoons. Snorkeling equipment is not included, but you can rent it. That is worth considering if you do not travel with your own gear. If you do bring your own mask and snorkel, double check it works well before you arrive, because there is limited time between boarding and your first swim.

If you are unsure how confident you are in open-water swimming, start with snorkeling. It is easier to control your pace when you can float and take things slowly. At Crystal Lagoon, the caves and cliffs give you something to look at without needing to swim fast.

Also, watch your sun habits. Evening in Malta still counts as summer sun. Sunscreen stays essential, especially if you plan to snorkel for portions of both stops. Sunglasses help with glare when the water is bright.

Finally, seasickness. The tour specifically says it is not suitable for people prone to seasickness or motion sickness. If you normally get queasy on boats, do not treat that as a challenge. Take the prevention step suggested in the “What to bring” list, and keep your seating position in mind. If possible, choose a spot with a stable view of the horizon.

Price and value: is $35 a good deal here?

At about $35 per person for roughly 3 hours, the value comes from the combination. You are paying for:

• A scenic cruise experience from Mellieħa
• Two lagoon swim stops, each about one hour
• On-boat facilities like toilets and a shower
• Crew support during the trip

What you are not paying for is also important. Food and drinks are not included, and snorkeling gear is not included, though it can be rented. If you plan to eat full meals and do extra purchases, your total day cost rises.

Still, $35 feels reasonable because you are getting a true water experience rather than a quick “see it from the boat” moment. You spend meaningful time in the water twice. If your priority is Comino’s lagoon colors with less time on a crowded shore, this format is a smart way to spend an evening.

One more value angle: the itinerary is built around the less crowded time of day. That kind of timing often saves you more than it costs. You get to enjoy the water without fighting for space.

Who this cruise fits best

This is a strong fit for:

• People who want a short, focused Comino day without spending all day traveling
• Families and groups who want a calmer boat feel and two clear swim periods
• Swimmers and snorkelers who plan to spend an hour at each lagoon

The tour is also described as having a smaller passenger feel in practice, with many families. That helps the mood stay relaxed. People also mention good crew attention, including a captain and assistant who stay on top of customer needs.

If you travel with kids, it is worth noting that at least one comment highlights life jackets for children being available. Still, ask on board when you arrive, since you do not want to assume every setup matches your child’s needs.

This is not the right choice if you:

• Use a wheelchair or have mobility impairments
• Get seasick easily
• Need to bring large bags or oversize luggage
• Plan to travel with pets

Should you book this Mellieħa evening cruise?

I would book it if your goal is Comino’s lagoons with less stress. The evening timing is the headline benefit, and the two stop structure lets you enjoy both Crystal Lagoon and the Blue Lagoon area without burning your whole day. The chance to swim, snorkel, and then relax on the anchored boat is exactly the kind of practical, good-value touring you want in Malta.

I would not book it if you cannot handle one critical planning item. The Blue Lagoon access pass is mandatory for going ashore, and the pass allocation is limited. If you are not confident you can secure the evening slot ahead of time, choose a plan where ashore access is not required for your experience.

If you do plan ahead for the pass, pack a towel and sunscreen, and take motion sickness seriously, this is an excellent way to experience Comino while the crowds thin out.

FAQ

How long is the cruise from Mellieħa?

The cruise duration is 3 hours.

Where does the cruise depart, and how do I find the boat?

You depart from the Marfa Jetty/Slipway opposite Riviera Spa Resort. Look for a white boat named Pegasus.

How long are the swim stops at Crystal Lagoon and Blue Lagoon?

You get approximately 1 hour at Crystal Lagoon and approximately 1 hour at the Blue Lagoon.

Do I need an access pass for the Blue Lagoon?

Yes. Since May 2025, you must obtain a government-issued access pass in advance to disembark at the Blue Lagoon. Passes are acquired via blcomino.com, and you should choose the evening slot.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not included.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

No. Snorkeling equipment is available for rent.

Is this cruise suitable for people prone to seasickness or mobility issues?

No. It is not suitable for people with mobility impairments or wheelchair users, and it is also not suitable for people prone to seasickness or motion sickness.