From Mellieha: Three Bay Cruise including the Blue Lagoon

The best part of this six-hour cruise is simple: you spend much of the day in the water. From Mellieħa, the boat reaches three attractive swim stops around Comino and Gozo, with time for snorkeling, sunbathing, and swimming from the boat itself. I like the smaller, comfortable boat and the fact that you can choose sun or shade. I also like the three long swim stops, rather than a quick photo stop at each bay.

The main catch is the Blue Lagoon. It is beautiful, but in summer the shore can be packed, with little shade and a tight squeeze near the beach. You now need a government access pass to step ashore, so check that detail before you go. The good news is that the boat anchors nearby, giving you a quieter place to swim without joining the crowd on land.

Quick points to know before booking

• Three proper swim stops: About 1½ to 2 hours at the Blue Lagoon, one hour at Crystal Lagoon, and one hour at Ħalfa Rock Bay.
• Pegasus departs from Marfa Bay: Find the white boat across from Riviera Spa Resort, or check in at the nearby office beside Dive Vision Malta.
• Blue Lagoon pass required: You need the official government access pass if you plan to disembark on Comino.
• Friendly, attentive crew: Danny, Ali, Wes, and Chandler are among the crew members praised for clear instructions and helpful service.
• Useful onboard basics: Toilets, a shower, shade, loungers, a snack and drink bar, and pool noodles are available.
• Best for active sea days: This suits people who want to swim and snorkel, but not those with limited mobility or serious seasickness.

Setting out from Mellieħa on the Pegasus

Your day begins at Marfa Jetty in Mellieħa, across from the Riviera Spa Resort. Look for the white boat named Pegasus. If the jetty is not immediately clear, the provider’s office is beside the Dive Vision Malta Snorkel & Diving Centre, and staff there can point you in the right direction.

The cruise lasts about six hours. Hotel transport is not included, so you need to make your own way to Marfa Bay. Arrive with enough time to find the jetty and check in without a last-minute scramble.

The boat gives you a choice of seating. Reviews describe upstairs loungers, shaded areas, and comfortable tables downstairs. That matters in Malta, where six hours in direct sun can turn a pleasant outing into a tiring one. I would claim a shaded spot early, then move around as the day changes.

The trip is built around swimming rather than a long list of shore visits. You cruise along Malta’s northern coast, with views toward Comino and Gozo, then stop at three bays. The order can change with the weather or operating conditions, so treat the schedule as a plan rather than a guarantee.

The crew provides safety guidance and explains the stops. Danny and Ali are named often for their friendly, clear approach, while Wes has been especially helpful with families. The atmosphere seems relaxed rather than pushy, with music on board and enough room to avoid feeling packed in on many departures.

Blue Lagoon: beautiful water, busy shore

The Blue Lagoon is usually the first stop, lasting around 1½ to 2 hours. This is the famous part of Comino, known for clear turquoise water, a pale sandy bottom, and good conditions for swimming and snorkeling.

The boat anchors near the lagoon, not directly on the beach. You can swim from the boat, use a pool noodle, or go ashore if you have the required pass. This choice is one of the cruise’s strongest features. You do not have to spend your whole stop squeezed onto the beach.

Since May 2025, visitors who want to step ashore at the Blue Lagoon must obtain an access pass through the official government website, blcomino.com. The daily supply is limited, and this cruise requires the morning slot when you apply. Download the pass before you arrive. Do not count on solving the problem at the jetty, and note that there is no refund if you cannot go ashore because you failed to secure one.

The pass controls access to land, not the boat’s stop itself. If you stay aboard, you can still swim in the water near the lagoon. Several people have found this the better option in high season, since the shoreline can be crowded and shade is hard to find. At times, staying on the boat also gives you a calmer place to sit while much of the group goes ashore.

The Blue Lagoon is still worth seeing. The water has the color you came for, and the contrast between white sand, pale rock, and open sea is striking. Just adjust your expectations. This is not a quiet, untouched cove in the middle of summer. The shore is one of Malta’s busiest places, and the boat traffic adds to the energy.

If you want to snorkel, equipment can be rented on board for a small fee, subject to availability. Bring your own mask if you have one, or ask early, since rentals are first come, first served.

Crystal Lagoon and Comino’s sea caves

The second stop is Crystal Lagoon, on the western side of Comino, for about an hour. I consider this the stronger swimming stop if you want cliffs, clear water, and a more enclosed setting.

The lagoon is surrounded by high rock faces and gives you broad views in every direction. Its sheltered position can make the water feel calmer, though the captain may change the plan if conditions shift. This is a good place to swim around the boat and look for the sea caves cut into the rock.

Crystal Lagoon suits confident swimmers and snorkelers who want to see more than the shoreline. The boat stops in the middle of the lagoon, so you are not limited to standing at the edge. You can jump from the lower deck plank or from the sides of the upper deck, provided you follow the crew’s instructions.

An hour sounds short, but it is enough for a focused swim. You can get in, explore around the boat, and climb out for a rest without spending the whole afternoon in one place. If your main goal is underwater time, this stop is a good reason to bring your own mask and snorkel.

The cliffs also make this a fine stop for people who prefer not to go ashore. You can stay on deck, take in the rock formations, and use the boat’s shade. The cruise does not offer a long guided walk here, so the value comes from the setting and the water, not a land excursion.

Ħalfa Rock Bay on Gozo

The final swim stop is Ħalfa Rock Bay, on Gozo’s southeastern coast. The stop lasts about an hour and has a different feel from the two Comino lagoons.

Here, a small islet sits near a pretty cove with a pebbly beach. The bay is described as quieter than the better-known swimming spots, especially when the main summer bays are crowded. You can swim, relax on the beach, or remain on board and enjoy the view.

This is a useful third stop because it breaks up the day. The Blue Lagoon gives you the famous scenery, Crystal Lagoon brings cliffs and caves, and Ħalfa Rock Bay offers a smaller cove with a more peaceful shore. The water and beach are rocky, so pack water shoes if you already own them, although they are not listed as required equipment.

Weather matters most here. On one trip, choppy conditions meant the crew changed the third location to another attractive swimming area. That is a good sign from a safety point of view, but it also means the exact experience can vary. The captain has the final say when sea conditions change.

The return past Santa Maria Caves and Elephant Rock

Once the final swim is over, the boat begins the return journey. You pass the Santa Maria Caves and the Elephant Head rock formation before heading back toward Marfa Bay.

These sights are viewed from the boat rather than treated as separate stops. Keep your phone ready, but do not spend the whole return trip looking through a screen. The rock formations and caves are part of the scenic payoff after a day in the water.

The return also gives you time to dry off, buy a drink, and settle into the shaded seating. A small bar sells snacks and beverages, including soft drinks, water, beer, wine, coffee, tea, and some sandwiches according to the available onboard service and customer reports. Prices have been described as reasonable, but this is still a limited snack bar, not a full lunch service.

Bring food if you know you get hungry after swimming. You can carry cash for the bar, and cash is also useful for snorkel rental. Large bags and oversized luggage are not allowed, so pack lightly.

What the boat is like for a six-hour outing

The boat appears to hit a useful middle ground. It is not a tiny craft with nowhere to sit, but it is also not the largest party boat on the route. Reports describe departures with around 40 people and plenty of room, though the exact group size can vary.

You get toilets and a shower on board. The toilets have been described as clean and functional, a small detail that becomes important during a full-day sea trip. The upper deck offers loungers, while the lower area provides tables and shelter.

Music plays during the cruise, but the mood is generally relaxed. You can sunbathe, sit in shade, swim from the boat, or go ashore at the Blue Lagoon if your pass is in order. That freedom is more valuable than a rigid program that tells you how to spend every minute.

Pool noodles are available, and they are useful if you want to float without wearing yourself out. Snorkel gear costs extra and is rented on a first-come, first-served basis. Bring your own gear if snorkeling is a priority.

Is $47 a fair price?

At $47 per person, this is strong value for a six-hour outing. The price includes the scenic cruise, three swim stops, crew assistance, the return route past Santa Maria Caves and Elephant Rock, toilet facilities, and a shower.

The value comes from the amount of time in the water. You are not paying mainly for a short transfer to Comino. The itinerary allows roughly four hours across the three stops, which gives you time to swim, snorkel, sunbathe, and choose between boat and shore at the Blue Lagoon.

You still need to budget for food, drinks, and snorkel rental. Hotel pickup is also not included, and the Blue Lagoon shore pass is a separate government requirement. Even with those extras, the base fare compares well with a cruise that gives you only one main stop.

The smaller boat also helps the price feel worthwhile. You get more space than on a tightly packed vessel, yet you still have practical features such as shade, toilets, a bar, and loungers.

Who should book this cruise?

I would choose this cruise if you want a full day on the Mediterranean with plenty of swimming and no complicated land touring. It suits couples, families with older children, and anyone who prefers a boat-based day to a crowded beach visit.

Families should note that crew members have been especially helpful with children and babies, but you still need to supervise anyone in the water. The boat has different deck levels and jumping points, so listen carefully to the crew before getting in.

This is not a good match if you dislike boats, suffer badly from motion sickness, or need step-free access. The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users or people with mobility impairments. If seasickness is a concern, bring suitable prevention and choose a calm-weather day if your plans allow.

You should also skip it if your main aim is to spend hours walking around Comino or Gozo. Shore time is limited, and the focus is swimming. The Blue Lagoon access pass only covers disembarking there, and the tour does not include a longer island visit.

Practical tips for a better day

• Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, swimwear, and a towel. Reapply sunscreen often, especially after each swim.
• Carry cash for the onboard bar and possible snorkel rental.
• Bring food if you need more than snacks and drinks.
• Download your Blue Lagoon access pass before departure if you plan to go ashore.
• Choose the morning access slot listed for this cruise.
• Bring motion sickness prevention if you are prone to seasickness.
• Pack a small day bag only. Large luggage and oversized bags are not allowed.
• Arrive at Marfa Jetty early enough to find the white Pegasus and check in.
• If the Blue Lagoon shore looks too crowded, stay on the boat and swim from there.
• Keep an eye on the meeting time after every swim stop. The boat cannot wait indefinitely for late returns.

Final verdict: book it for the water, not the beach

I would book this cruise if your perfect Malta day means clear water, three distinct bays, a friendly crew, and enough time to swim without paying for a luxury yacht. Danny, Ali, Wes, and the wider crew have helped make the outing feel organized and easygoing, and the boat’s space, shade, bar, and toilets add real comfort.

Go in knowing that the Blue Lagoon shore can be crowded, and secure the access pass well before the day. If you are happy to swim from the boat instead of chasing a quiet patch of beach, the crowd becomes much less of a problem. For $47, the long water time and three-stop route make this one of the better-value ways to see Comino and part of Gozo from the sea.

FAQ

Where does the cruise depart from?

The boat leaves from Marfa Jetty in Mellieħa, across from the Riviera Spa Resort. Look for the white boat named Pegasus.

Where can I get help finding the meeting point?

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

How long does the cruise last?

The experience lasts about six hours. Starting times vary, so check availability when booking.

What swim stops are included?

The cruise includes the Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon on Comino, plus Ħalfa Rock Bay on Gozo.

How long do you stop at the Blue Lagoon?

The Blue Lagoon stop lasts approximately 1½ to 2 hours.

How long are the other swim stops?

Crystal Lagoon has a stop of about one hour, and Ħalfa Rock Bay has a stop of about one hour.

Do I need a pass for the Blue Lagoon?

You need a government-issued access pass if you want to disembark at the Blue Lagoon. Apply through blcomino.com and select the morning slot for this cruise.

Can I stay on the boat at the Blue Lagoon?

Yes. The boat anchors near the lagoon, so you can stay aboard, relax, and swim from the boat instead of going ashore.

Is food included?

No. A small onboard bar sells some snacks and drinks. Bring cash, and consider bringing extra food if you expect to be hungry after swimming.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Snorkeling equipment is available to rent for a small fee, subject to availability on a first-come, first-served basis.

Are toilets available on the boat?

Yes. Toilet facilities and a shower are available on board.

Is the cruise suitable for wheelchair users?

No. The experience is not suitable for wheelchair users or people with mobility impairments.

What happens if the weather changes?

The provider may change the order of the stops or alter the route because of weather or other operating conditions. The crew may also choose another swimming location if sea conditions become choppy.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. A reserve-now, pay-later option is also available.