Mellieha: Two Bay Evening Cruise Including The Blue Lagoon

Comino’s famous lagoons are at their best when the worst heat and largest crowds have eased. This three-hour evening cruise gives you about an hour at the Crystal Lagoon and another at the Blue Lagoon, with time to swim, snorkel, or simply sit on deck and watch the cliffs slide by.

I like the cooler timing and the chance to see two very different bays in one short trip. I also like the scale: one recent booking had roughly 20 passengers, making the boat feel calmer than the large catamarans that fill Malta’s daytime routes. The main catch is important: from May 2025, you need a government access pass if you plan to step ashore at the Blue Lagoon.

Key points to know before you book

• Two one-hour swim stops: Spend roughly an hour at both the Crystal Lagoon and Blue Lagoon.
• A cooler departure: The evening schedule helps you avoid Malta’s strongest afternoon heat.
• A smaller boat feel: The white Pegasus has been described as carrying about 20 passengers on one recent trip, though capacity can vary.
• Blue Lagoon pass required ashore: Apply at blcomino.com and select the evening slot if you want to leave the boat there.
• Bring your own swimming kit: Food, drinks, and snorkeling equipment are not included, though equipment can be rented.
• Simple departure point: Meet at Marfa Jetty in Mellieħa, opposite Riviera Spa Resort.

Why an evening cruise makes sense in Malta

Malta’s summer sun can make a daytime boat trip feel like hard work, especially when you are standing on exposed deck or waiting to enter the water. This cruise leaves in the evening, when the temperature is easier to handle and the light begins to soften across Comino’s cliffs.

You still get a proper outing, not just a short boat transfer. The route follows Mellieħa’s northern coastline before reaching Comino, so the ride itself is part of the experience. From the water, you can take in open Mediterranean views and the rocky shoreline without needing to organize separate transport to the island.

The timing also helps with crowd levels. The Blue Lagoon is Malta’s best-known swimming spot, and the middle of the day can bring a heavy concentration of boats and people. An evening arrival does not make the lagoon private, but it gives you a better chance at a more relaxed visit.

The return is scheduled for about 8:00 PM. That makes this a useful choice if you want your morning and afternoon free for Mellieħa, a beach, a museum, or a longer inland visit.

Leaving from Marfa Jetty on the white Pegasus

The meeting point is the Marfa Jetty, also called the slipway, opposite the Riviera Spa Resort in Mellieħa. Look for the white boat named Pegasus. If you have trouble finding it, the provider’s office is near the jetty beside the Dive Vision Malta Snorkel & Diving Centre.

This is a practical meeting point, but do not treat it like a major ferry terminal with endless signs and staff. Give yourself enough time to locate the boat. If you need help, the nearby office is the best place to ask.

The boat has toilet facilities and a shower, a welcome feature after swimming in salt water. Crew assistance is included, and recent comments point to a helpful captain and assistant. One booking also noted reasonable bar prices, though food and drinks are not included in the ticket.

The boat’s capacity matters. A recent trip had about 20 passengers, which made it feel less crowded than the large catamarans passing through the same waters. That number is not promised for every departure, so I would not book this expecting an empty boat. Still, the experience appears to favor a smaller, more personal setup than Malta’s biggest sightseeing vessels.

First stop: the Crystal Lagoon on Comino

The first swim stop is the Crystal Lagoon, on the western side of Comino. The boat stays for approximately one hour, giving you enough time to get into the water without rushing straight back aboard.

This lagoon is surrounded by high rock walls and cliffs, which give it a sheltered feel. The water is known for its clear turquoise color, and the setting provides wide views in every direction. It is a strong first stop because the cliffs, caves, and water all sit close together, creating a more enclosed scene than the open sea.

You can swim, snorkel, or stay on the boat. The lagoon is especially suited to people who want to see the rocky sea caves from the water. If you bring snorkeling equipment, this is one of the two places where you will have a good chance to use it. Equipment is not included, but rental is available.

The hour goes quickly. If you want to swim and inspect the caves, change into your swimwear before arrival and keep your towel close. There is no need to plan an ambitious shore walk here, since the main activity is in the water or aboard the boat.

The Crystal Lagoon also sets a different mood from the Blue Lagoon. It feels more enclosed and dramatic, with rock faces rising around the water. The Blue Lagoon is famous for its pale, transparent water and beach-like appearance, while Crystal Lagoon offers cliffs and sea caves as its main visual appeal.

Second stop: the Blue Lagoon after the daytime rush

After Crystal Lagoon, the boat continues to Comino’s Blue Lagoon. The stop lasts approximately one hour, and the boat anchors nearby. You can swim and snorkel from the boat, relax aboard, or try to walk on Comino Island if you have the required pass.

The Blue Lagoon’s appeal is easy to understand. Its water is exceptionally clear and bright, with a pale sandy bottom that helps create the famous cyan color. Marine life in the area adds interest for anyone carrying a mask and snorkel.

The boat’s position is a major practical detail. You are not automatically stepping onto the island simply because the cruise visits the Blue Lagoon. Since May 2025, anyone wanting to disembark at the Blue Lagoon must obtain a government-issued access pass in advance through blcomino.com.

The pass allocation is limited, and you need to select the evening time slot. This is your responsibility, not something arranged by the boat operator. If you arrive without the pass, you will not be allowed ashore, and no refund is provided for missing this requirement.

That rule does not cancel the stop. You can still remain aboard and use the boat as your base, including swimming and relaxing near the lagoon. But if walking on Comino is important to you, handle the pass before travel. Do not leave it until the day of departure.

What the two stops offer you

The value of this trip comes from contrast. You are not spending three hours at one crowded swimming area. You get two stops with different character, plus the coastal cruise between them.

At Crystal Lagoon, you get cliffs, caves, and a more sheltered setting. At Blue Lagoon, you get the postcard water and the chance to experience Malta’s most famous bay at a later hour. The stops are long enough for a real swim rather than a token photo break.

You should still set realistic expectations. This is a swim cruise, not a guided walking tour of Comino. There is no listed land tour, historical commentary program, or meal. Crew members assist passengers and provide cruise commentary, but the main attractions are the sea, the cliffs, and the time in the water.

If you prefer sightseeing from a deck, you can enjoy the views without swimming. If you want an active outing, bring swimwear and snorkeling gear. The trip works for both styles, provided you are comfortable with a boat-based day and changing into the water from or near the vessel.

Is $35 good value?

At $35 per person, the cruise offers solid value if you want transport, sightseeing, and two organized swim stops in one evening. You are paying for a three-hour sea outing rather than just a ride to Comino, and the schedule includes about two hours at the lagoons.

The price also avoids the need to arrange separate boat transport between Mellieħa and Comino. You get crew support, a scenic route, toilet facilities, and a shower aboard. That is useful after swimming and makes the trip more comfortable than a basic open-water transfer.

The extras can affect your final cost. Food and drinks are not included, and snorkeling equipment is available to rent rather than supplied. Bring cash, as the practical information specifically recommends it. You can keep your spending down by bringing what you need before boarding, though only permitted personal items should come with you.

The Blue Lagoon access pass is a separate government requirement. It is not listed as part of the $35 price, so factor in the need to apply in advance if you want to step ashore. The bigger cost is not the fee, if any, but the risk of missing the limited allocation and losing the chance to leave the boat.

Who will enjoy this trip most

I would choose this cruise if you want a short, easy evening on the water with plenty of swimming time. It suits couples, families, and small groups who prefer a calmer schedule to a full-day boat excursion.

Families should note that a recent booking specifically praised the availability of life jackets for children. That is useful, but parents still need to decide if their children are comfortable boarding a boat and swimming at open-water stops.

This is also a good fit if you are staying around Mellieħa or nearby and want to keep your evening plans simple. The departure point is in Mellieħa, and the return is expected around 8:00 PM, leaving you with a manageable night afterward.

I would be cautious if you are prone to seasickness. Motion sickness and mobility limitations are listed as reasons this activity may not suit you. Large bags, oversize luggage, pets, and electric wheelchairs are not allowed, so pack lightly.

The cruise is conducted in English. If you want a tour in another language, this is not the right choice based on the information available.

What to bring and how to prepare

Wear or carry swimwear, and bring a towel, sunscreen, and sunglasses. Malta’s evening sun can still be strong, especially during the first part of the route.

Motion sickness prevention is worth considering if you are sensitive to boats. The trip is only three hours, but the route crosses open Mediterranean water and includes time at anchor.

Pack a small bag rather than a suitcase. Large bags and oversize luggage are not allowed. Cash is also recommended, particularly if you plan to buy something from the boat’s bar or rent snorkeling equipment.

If you want to visit the Blue Lagoon shore, apply for the official pass before the cruise. Select the evening slot, and keep proof of the pass available. If you are content to swim from the boat and relax aboard, the pass is not needed for that part of the visit.

Weather can change the plan. The provider may alter the route or change stops because of sea conditions or other operating problems. That is a normal consideration for any boat outing, and it matters here because the lagoons are the main reason for booking.

The practical verdict

Book this cruise if you want a reasonably priced evening on the Mediterranean, two substantial swim stops, and a smaller-boat feel without committing an entire day. The cooler timing, Crystal Lagoon caves, and later visit to the Blue Lagoon give the trip a clear advantage over a basic daytime transfer.

Think twice if you dislike boats, get seasick, need step-free access, or mainly want to walk around Comino. In that case, the shore-pass rule and boat-based format may frustrate you.

For most able swimmers staying near Mellieħa, this is a smart three-hour choice. Apply for the Blue Lagoon pass early if you want to step ashore, bring your own essentials, and treat the evening as a relaxed swim outing rather than a full island tour.

FAQ

How long is the Mellieħa evening cruise?

The cruise lasts approximately three hours. It is scheduled to return to the base at around 8:00 PM.

Where does the boat depart?

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

What stops are included?

The cruise includes approximately one hour at the Crystal Lagoon on Comino and approximately one hour at the Blue Lagoon.

Do I need a pass to visit the Blue Lagoon?

You need a government-issued access pass if you want to disembark and step ashore at the Blue Lagoon. Apply through blcomino.com and select the evening slot.

Can I swim at the Blue Lagoon without an access pass?

The boat anchors near the Blue Lagoon, so you can remain aboard, relax, and swim from the boat. The pass is required for stepping ashore.

Are food, drinks, and snorkeling equipment included?

No. Food and drinks are not included. Snorkeling equipment can be rented, and recent information notes that the boat has a bar with reasonable prices.

What should I bring?

Bring sunglasses, swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, cash, and motion sickness prevention if needed. Large bags, oversize luggage, pets, and electric wheelchairs are not allowed.