Three Bay Cruise Including Blue Lagoon from Mellieha

Three swim stops, one beautiful day. This six-hour cruise from Mellieha takes you to Comino’s Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon, then across to Gozo’s quieter Halfa Rock Bay. I like the generous time in the water, and I like that you can relax on board if swimming is not your main goal. The main catch is the new government access pass required to step ashore at the Blue Lagoon.

At $47.66 per person, the cruise offers solid value if you want several coastal stops without arranging boats, transfers, or separate visits. You get a toilet, shower, small cash bar, and crew assistance, but food, drinks, hotel transport, and the Blue Lagoon shore pass cost extra.

Key Points to Know Before You Book

• Three proper swim stops: About 90 minutes at Blue Lagoon, one hour at Crystal Lagoon, and one hour at Halfa Rock Bay.
• Morning departure from Mellieha: Boarding is at Marfa Jetty at 10:00 am, and boarding closes 20 minutes before departure.
• Blue Lagoon access now needs planning: To step ashore, you must obtain a government-issued pass in advance through blcomino.com and choose the morning timeslot.
• A quieter final stop: Halfa Rock Bay on Gozo offers a more secluded setting than the famous Comino lagoons.
• Useful boat facilities: Toilets, a shower, and a small cash bar serving snacks and drinks are available.
• Best for active seaside days: You should be comfortable with swimming, boat movement, and getting on and off the vessel.

Starting at Marfa Jetty in Mellieha

The day begins at Marfa Jetty in Mellieha at 10:00 am. This is a self-arrival tour, so you need to arrange your own way to the meeting point. There is no hotel pick-up or drop-off included, though the location is near public transportation.

Do not cut it close. Boarding ends 20 minutes before departure, which means you should arrive with enough time to find the jetty, check in, and settle aboard. Large suitcases, large luggage, and pets are not allowed, so bring only what you need for a day on the water.

The cruise lasts about six hours in total. That includes sailing time, sightseeing, and the three swimming breaks. The group can reach up to 55 people, so this is not a private or small-boat outing. The benefit is a lower price and a social atmosphere. The tradeoff is that the boat may feel busy, particularly during the popular summer season.

You will want swimwear, a towel, sun protection, and a waterproof way to carry anything you need near the water. The boat has a shower, which is a welcome touch after swimming in several bays, although no other equipment is specifically listed.

Blue Lagoon: The Famous First Stop

The cruise heads along Malta’s northern coastline toward Comino’s Blue Lagoon. This is the stop most people already have in mind when they picture Malta’s sea: clear cyan water, a pale sandy bottom, and rocky shores crowded with swimmers, boats, and people enjoying the island.

You get about one hour and 30 minutes here. That is enough time for a good swim, some snorkelling, sunbathing, or a walk on Comino if you have permission to go ashore. You can also stay aboard and enjoy the view from the boat rather than joining the water crowd.

That choice matters. The boat anchors near the lagoon, so you are not forced to spend the full stop on land. If the main beach area feels too busy, staying aboard gives you a calmer place to rest while still keeping you close to the bright water.

The Blue Lagoon Pass Is Now Essential

A government rule introduced in May 2025 requires an official access pass if you want to disembark at the Blue Lagoon. You must arrange this through blcomino.com before the cruise, and you need to select the morning timeslot.

Daily passes are limited. This is not a small administrative detail, because you cannot simply decide to walk ashore when you arrive. If you do not have the pass, you will not be allowed to disembark, and no refund is provided for that reason.

The pass applies to going ashore, not to the entire cruise. You can still enjoy the Blue Lagoon from the boat and take part in the water stop, but anyone hoping to explore the island or use the shore area must prepare in advance.

I would treat the pass as part of booking this cruise, not as an optional extra. Confirm it early, check that you selected the required morning period, and keep proof of it available on the day.

Crystal Lagoon: Cliffs, Caves, and Clear Water

After Blue Lagoon, the boat continues to Crystal Lagoon on the western side of Comino. You get about one hour here, with time to swim, snorkel, and look toward the cliffs surrounding the sheltered water.

Crystal Lagoon has a different feel from the first stop. The setting is framed by rock walls and sea caves, giving you a more enclosed coastal view. The surrounding cliffs also create broad views across the water, so this stop is as much about the setting as it is about getting wet.

The lagoon is described as a favored place for snorkellers and people who enjoy exploring underwater surroundings. You may find the sea caves especially appealing, but conditions, boat position, and sea movement will affect how close you can get to them. The crew can offer assistance, but you should not assume the boat provides specialist water equipment or guided snorkelling.

One hour is a good middle ground. You have enough time for a proper swim without letting one stop take over the day. Still, the schedule is not designed for long, slow exploration of every corner. If you want extended snorkelling sessions, a dedicated snorkelling trip may suit you better.

Halfa Rock Bay on Gozo

The third stop takes you to Halfa Rock Bay on Gozo’s southeast coast. This is the cruise’s quieter counterpoint to the famous Blue Lagoon. The bay has a small pebbly beach, a solitary islet, and a more secluded feel when the better-known bays are full.

You get about one hour here. Use it for the final swim, a rest in the water, or time aboard while looking toward the cove and rock formations. The pebble beach means water shoes may be more comfortable than bare feet, though the tour does not state that footwear is supplied.

Halfa Rock Bay helps make this cruise more than a quick visit to the Blue Lagoon. You see three different coastal settings in one day: the famous bright-water lagoon, the cliff-framed Crystal Lagoon, and a quieter Gozo cove. That variety is a strong reason to choose this outing over a shorter boat ride focused on one location.

The word secluded should not be taken to mean empty or untouched. This is still a summer cruise route, and other boats or swimmers may be present. Its advantage is relative peace compared with the busiest areas, not complete solitude.

The Return Route Adds More Than a Simple Ride Back

After the final swim, the boat begins the return journey toward Marfa Jetty. Along the way, it passes Santa Maria Caves and the Elephant Head rock formation.

These sights are viewed from the boat rather than presented as separate stops with extended time ashore. Have your camera ready, but keep your expectations practical: this is scenic cruising, not a guided geology tour. The value comes from seeing more of Comino’s coastline without giving up another swimming break.

The return passage also gives you a chance to dry off, use the shower, buy a snack or drink, and enjoy the view from the deck. Since the activity already includes three swimming stops, the ride back is useful downtime rather than dead time.

What Is Included, and What You Still Pay For

The $47.66 price includes the scenic cruise, all three planned swim stops, the return route past Santa Maria Caves and Elephant Head, toilet access, a shower, and help from the crew.

A small cash bar sells snacks and beverages. Food and drinks are not included, so bring cash and do not expect a full meal service. Because the cruise lasts six hours, you may want to bring something extra to eat, although the available snack selection is not specified.

Hotel transportation is not included. You also pay separately for the government access pass if you plan to step ashore at Blue Lagoon. The cruise price therefore works best when you already have a simple way to reach Mellieha and are happy with a self-contained day on the sea.

For the money, I see good value in the three-stop structure. Booking three separate coastal visits would take more planning, and you would lose the convenience of moving between the islands by one boat. The price is less compelling if you dislike group excursions, rarely swim, or want a quiet sightseeing cruise with little time in the water.

The Crew, Comfort, and Pace

The crew is described as pleasant and friendly, and that matters on a six-hour boat trip. You will spend much of the day around the same staff, so a helpful attitude can make boarding, swimming stops, and returning to the vessel easier.

The boat carries up to 55 people. That gives you a clear picture of the experience: organized, shared, and active rather than intimate. There should be assistance from staff, but the tour is not recommended for people with mobility impairments. Getting around the vessel, using the swimming stops, and managing the shore access may be difficult if you need substantial physical support.

The pace is one of the tour’s strengths. The first stop lasts roughly 90 minutes, and the next two last about an hour each. You get enough time to enjoy the water without spending the whole day anchored in one bay. The schedule also avoids the common problem of rushing through several stops in a single afternoon.

The main physical concern is the sea itself. This tour is not recommended if you are prone to seasickness. Weather and wind can affect the boat, the route, and the order of the stops. The operator can change the sequence when conditions or other operational issues require it.

Who Will Enjoy This Cruise Most

I would recommend this cruise to you if you want a straightforward day of swimming, coastal views, and island scenery. It works particularly well for people staying in or near Mellieha who want to see Comino and Gozo without arranging separate boats.

It is also a good choice if you like having options. You can swim, snorkel, walk ashore at Blue Lagoon with the correct pass, relax on deck, or use the snack bar. You do not need to spend every minute in the water.

Families and mixed groups may appreciate the format because different people can use the stops in different ways. Still, the access and mobility limits mean you should consider the needs of everyone in your party before booking.

I would be less likely to choose it if your priority is privacy, luxury, a guided cultural visit, or long time on land. The cruise is about Malta’s coast and clear water, not museums, villages, food, or detailed commentary about local history.

Practical Tips for a Better Day

• Arrange the Blue Lagoon pass before anything else. Without it, you cannot step ashore there, and missing that requirement does not qualify for a refund.
• Choose the morning pass period. The cruise departs in the morning, and the pass application must match that timing.
• Arrive before the 20-minute boarding cutoff. Marfa Jetty is the start point, and late arrival can mean missing the boat.
• Carry a towel and sun protection. You will have three water stops, with a total of about three and a half hours allocated to swimming.
• Bring cash for the onboard bar. Snacks and drinks are available, but they are not part of the fare.
• Pack light. Large luggage, large suitcases, and pets are not permitted.
• Expect schedule changes. Wind, sea conditions, or other constraints can alter the order of the stops.
• Keep some flexibility in your plans. If the trip is canceled because of poor weather, strong winds, or unsafe sea conditions, you can reschedule or receive a full refund if rescheduling does not work for you.

Should You Book the Three-Bay Cruise?

Book it if you want three good swimming locations in one organized six-hour outing, especially if you are based near Mellieha. The long stops, friendly crew, useful boat facilities, and lower per-person cost make it a sensible choice for a relaxed water day.

Before paying, handle the Blue Lagoon access pass and be honest about seasickness, mobility, and your comfort with a boat carrying up to 55 people. If you do that preparation, this cruise gives you a well-paced look at Comino and Gozo, with enough time to swim rather than merely photograph each bay from a distance.

FAQ

Where does the cruise start?

The cruise starts at Marfa Jetty, Mellieha, Malta. It returns to the same meeting point at the end of the activity.

What time does the cruise depart?

The scheduled departure time is 10:00 am. Boarding closes 20 minutes before departure.

How long is the cruise?

The full activity lasts approximately six hours, including sailing time and all swimming stops.

How long do you stay at the Blue Lagoon?

The Blue Lagoon stop lasts approximately one hour and 30 minutes. The boat anchors near the lagoon, and you may swim, snorkel, relax aboard, or walk on Comino if you have the required access pass.

Do you need a pass to visit the Blue Lagoon?

You need a government-issued access pass to step ashore at the Blue Lagoon. The pass must be obtained in advance through blcomino.com, and you must select the morning timeslot.

Is food included?

Food and drinks are not included. A small cash bar on the boat sells some snacks and beverages.

What happens if bad weather cancels the cruise?

If poor weather, strong winds, or sea conditions cause cancellation, you will be offered another date. If you cannot reschedule, you will receive a full refund.