Three swim stops, one smooth day. This Mellieha boat cruise takes you to Comino and Gozo for real water time, with a top highlight at the Blue Lagoon. I like how the schedule gives you enough minutes to enjoy each stop, not just a quick dip. I also like the practical onboard setup, including a toilet and shower, so you can clean up after swimming. The main drawback is simple but serious: you need an official Blue Lagoon access pass to get ashore, and limited passes are released in advance.

The trip runs about 6 hours, starting at 10:00 am from Marfa Jetty, and the boat stays capped at 55 passengers. That smaller group size usually means less jostling and more time actually relaxing. Still, keep in mind this is not for everyone, since it is not recommended for mobility impairments or if you are prone to seasickness, and the order of stops can shift with weather.

Key things that make this cruise worth your attention

• Blue Lagoon swim time you can actually use, about 1.5 to 2 hours at anchor
• Crystal Lagoon stop on Comino, with sea caves and sheltered views on the west side
• Ħalfa Rock Bay in Gozo for a final swim in a quieter cove setting
• Return scenic cruising past Santa Maria Caves and Elephant Head
• Onboard comfort basics, including a shower and toilet facilities
• One-sided logistics to plan early: the Blue Lagoon access pass is required to disembark

A 6-hour Malta boat day from Mellieha

This is a classic “three swims, then done” kind of day in Malta. You leave from Marfa Jetty in Mellieħa in the morning and spend roughly 6 hours total, including sailing time and swimming breaks. Offered in English, it is designed for people who want scenery and water time without needing a car or extra transfers.

What I like most is the pacing. You are not trapped in a long, slow sightseeing circuit. Instead, you get multiple stops, each with a defined swim window, so you can decide what matters: floating, snorkelling, or just sitting back and watching the shoreline.

The boat also has practical basics onboard: toilets and a shower. That sounds small until you have been in seawater for hours, then you suddenly care a lot. There is also a small cash bar with snacks and beverages, so you are not totally stranded if you forgot something.

Blue Lagoon swim time and the Malta access-pass rule

The centerpiece stop is the Blue Lagoon on Comino. You arrive by cruising along the northern coastline, and then the boat anchors near the lagoon. Plan on about 1 hour 30 minutes (often described as 1.5 to 2 hours) here for your first real swim stop.

The vibe is what you picture: turquoise water, clear visibility, a sandy base, and plenty going on under the surface for snorkelling. There is even time to enjoy Comino’s countryside area nearby, if you want a change from floating. And since the boat is anchored nearby, you can also stay onboard and relax between swims.

Now the part you must not wing: Malta introduced a directive effective May 2025 that requires a government-issued access pass to disembark at the Blue Lagoon. The key details are:

• You must obtain the pass in advance via blcomino.com.
• Passes are limited, so timing matters.
• For this trip, you are required to book the morning timeslot when applying for your pass.
• If you do not have the official pass, you will not be allowed to get off at the Blue Lagoon.
• No refunds apply if you cannot disembark due to not having the required pass.

So yes, this adds one step to planning. But it also makes the experience more predictable once you are there. My advice: handle the pass early, then treat the day like a normal swim tour.

One more heads-up that matters on the day of travel: boarding closes 20 minutes before departure. Arrive early, even if you are only a few minutes away.

Crystal Lagoon stop on Comino, cliffs, sea caves, and sheltered water

After Blue Lagoon, the cruise heads to the Crystal Lagoon on the west side of Comino. Expect about 1 hour here, which is shorter than the first swim stop but still enough time to get in, check the water, and relax again.

This lagoon is known for two things that work well for different styles of travelers:

• Snorkelling-friendly conditions (clear water and marine life)
• A setting that feels a bit more protected, with imposing cliffs and 360-degree views

The itinerary also calls out sea caves inside the lagoon. You can keep it simple and just snorkel around the edges, or you might find you are drawn toward the cave areas while you float and look for openings. Even if you do not snorkel, the scenery from the water makes the short stop feel complete.

One practical consideration: one hour goes fast once you are in water. If you are the type who wants time to gear up, snorkel, then reapply sunscreen, you will feel the clock. My workaround is simple, show up ready, then plan one main activity and one lighter activity.

Ħalfa Rock Bay in Gozo for a quieter final swim

The third swim stop is at Ħalfa Rock Bay on Gozo’s southeast coast. Here you get the most “step away from the crowd” feel on the day. The bay is described as a small, mostly deserted islet at the edge of a pretty cove, with a pebbly beach.

You get about 1 hour for this final swim stop. That is long enough to cool off and enjoy a slower rhythm, especially since the rest of the day is already built around swimming. The key advantage is that this stop tends to feel calmer than the big-name lagoon vibe. If you want one last chunk of water time before heading back to Mellieħa, this is the moment.

Also, this is your last swimming window. So if you still want to snorkel one more time, it is the time to do it. After this, you shift into cruising mode for the return sights.

Santa Maria Caves and Elephant Head on the way back

On the return cruise, you pass by Santa Maria Caves and the Elephant Head rock formation. You do not get an additional swim stop here, but you do get the payoff of Malta’s dramatic coast from the water.

Caves and rock formations can look impressive from the shore, but from the boat they become part of the day’s motion. It is the kind of scenery that helps the cruise feel like more than three swim pins on a map.

Because the exact order of stops can change with weather or operational constraints, focus less on perfect sequencing and more on the overall mix: Blue Lagoon for the main water moment, Crystal Lagoon for sheltered scenery, then Ħalfa Rock Bay for a calmer final swim, plus the return views.

Onboard comfort, snacks, and what to bring for a smooth day

This cruise includes the “small but crucial” comfort items that make a half-day feel easier: toilet facilities and a shower are onboard. There is also a small cash bar with snacks and beverages. The bar is a nice backup, but it is still best to come with a plan for what you will want during the day.

Here is what I suggest you bring based on how this cruise is built:

• Swimwear and a towel you can dry with after using the shower
• A swimsuit you can wear again if you plan to snorkel at more than one stop
• Sun protection, because you will be outside for much of the day
• A way to keep your phone and small valuables dry while you swim

Also keep in mind the rules: pets, large luggage, and large suitcases are not allowed. So pack light, and if you have a beach bag, keep it manageable.

If you care about comfort and control, arrive with time for boarding. With a scheduled 10:00 am departure, being there early helps you settle in without rushing.

Price and value: what you really get for about $47.66

At $47.66 per person, this cruise is priced like a budget-friendly way to do Comino and Gozo by boat. The value comes from how the time is divided. You are paying for three separate water stops plus scenic cruising back, not just for transportation.

A big part of why this feels like good value is the timing. The stop lengths are long enough to feel worthwhile:

• Blue Lagoon: about 1.5 to 2 hours
• Crystal Lagoon: about 1 hour
• Ħalfa Rock Bay: about 1 hour

Add in onboard toilets and a shower, plus crew assistance, and it becomes a practical choice for many people. And the small cash bar with snacks and beverages means you are not forced into a long gap without anything to drink.

One more value angle: the boat holds up to 55 travelers, which is not huge. That size makes it easier to find a comfortable spot and spend more time relaxing, rather than constantly negotiating space.

Who this tour fits best, and who should skip it

This is a strong match if you want a straightforward Malta water day with three swim moments and minimal hassle. It also works well if you are traveling in a group that likes different water activities. Some people snorkel, some float, some just want the view. The schedule supports all of that.

This cruise may not be the right fit if you:

• Have mobility impairments, since it is not recommended for travelers with mobility issues
• Are prone to seasickness, because it is not recommended for those who get sick on boats
• Need a plan for Blue Lagoon shore access, since you must arrange the government access pass in advance or you will be denied disembarking there

If you are healthy, comfortable on the water, and willing to plan the pass ahead, you will likely feel like the day delivers.

Should you book the Three Bay Cruise including Blue Lagoon from Mellieha?

I think you should book this if your priority is swim time over long sightseeing, and you are happy to spend the day between three major water stops in Comino and Gozo. The onboard basics like toilets and a shower make it feel more “complete” than basic boat trips. Plus, the stop lengths are enough to keep the day from feeling like a series of rushed photo stops.

I would hesitate if you do not want to handle the Blue Lagoon access pass step, or if your travel plans are tight and you might miss the boarding window. Also, if boats make you feel queasy, this one is not the best bet.

If you can check those boxes, this is an efficient, enjoyable way to experience Malta’s best-known water scenery in a single half-day style outing.

FAQ

Do I need an access pass to get ashore at the Blue Lagoon?

Yes. A government-issued access pass is required to disembark at the Blue Lagoon, and you must obtain it in advance through blcomino.com. Limited daily passes are available, and this trip requires booking the morning timeslot.

What time does the cruise depart from Mellieħa?

The start time is 10:00 am, departing from Marfa Jetty in Mellieħa. Boarding closes 20 minutes before departure.

How long is the tour, including the swim stops?

The duration is about 6 hours total, including all swimming stops and sailing time.

Are meals included?

No. Food and drinks are not included, though there is a small cash bar onboard serving snacks and beverages.

What happens if the cruise is canceled due to weather?

If the trip is canceled because of poor weather, sea conditions, or strong winds, you will be offered a rescheduled date. If you cannot reschedule, you receive a full refund.

Is this cruise suitable for everyone?

It is stated that most travelers can participate, but it is not recommended for travelers with mobility impairments or for people prone to seasickness. Pets and large luggage are also not allowed on the boat.