From Mellieha: Three Bay Cruise including the Blue Lagoon

The best part is the water, not the crowds. This six-hour boat trip from Mellieħa links three beautiful swim stops around Comino and Gozo, with plenty of time for floating, snorkeling, and sunbathing. I especially like the smaller boat and the friendly crew, including Danny and Ali, who keep the day relaxed and well organized. I also like that you can stay aboard at the Blue Lagoon instead of squeezing onto its crowded shore.

The main catch is the Blue Lagoon itself. Its water is gorgeous, but the beach can be packed in summer, and you now need a government access pass to step ashore. At $47 per person, this is strong value for a full day on the water, as long as you are comfortable with swimming, sun, and a boat ride.

At a glance: the details that matter

• Three swim stops: Spend about 1½ to 2 hours at the Blue Lagoon, one hour at Crystal Lagoon, and one hour at Ħalfa Rock Bay.
• A smaller, comfortable boat: The Pegasus has shade, sun loungers, toilets, a shower, and room to move around without the cramped feel of a giant excursion boat.
• Blue Lagoon access pass required: You need to arrange the official government pass online before the trip if you want to walk ashore.
• Best crowd-avoidance trick: Stay on the boat at the Blue Lagoon and swim from there. The water is still close, but the shore tends to be much busier.
• Bring food or cash: A small bar sells drinks and snacks, but a long day of swimming can leave you hungry.
• Weather can change the plan: The crew may alter the order or replace a swim stop if sea conditions turn rough.

Leaving Mellieħa aboard the Pegasus

Your starting point is Marfa Jetty in Mellieħa, across from the Riviera Spa Resort. Look for the white boat named Pegasus. If the jetty is confusing, the provider’s office is nearby beside the Dive Vision Malta Snorkel & Diving Centre.

I would arrive with enough time to locate the office and boat without rushing. One past passenger had trouble finding the right place using a map, but the nearby activity office helped with check-in. This is a small practical point, yet it matters when you are standing beside a harbor wondering which boat is yours.

The trip lasts six hours, with the cruise itself forming part of the experience. You will see the northern coastline, Comino, Gozo, sea caves, and rock formations between swim stops. The crew provides commentary and explains the places you pass, but the focus is on being out on the water rather than sitting through a long formal tour.

The boat gives you a choice of sun or shade. Reviews repeatedly praise its clean condition, comfortable seating, and manageable group size. One person counted about 40 passengers, while others simply noted that it never felt crowded. That makes a real difference when you are drying off, looking for a seat, or trying to keep your belongings close.

Blue Lagoon: beautiful water, busy shoreline

The Blue Lagoon is the first major stop, and the boat remains anchored near the famous bay for about 1½ to 2 hours. The water is clear and turquoise, with a pale sandy bottom and good conditions for swimming and snorkeling.

You can go ashore, stay on the boat, or swim between the boat and the shoreline. The choice is one of the strongest features of this trip. If the beach looks too crowded, you can enjoy the same clear water from a quieter spot on deck. Pool noodles are available, and some people use them to swim toward the shore without actually leaving the boat.

Here is the important legal detail: from May 2025, anyone wishing to step ashore at the Blue Lagoon must have an official government access pass. You need to reserve it online through blcomino.com, select the morning slot for this cruise, and keep the pass available. Daily numbers are limited, and the operator will not refund you if you arrive without the required pass.

The access rule is separate from the boat booking. You are responsible for arranging it. If you are mainly interested in swimming, you can avoid the shore altogether, but you should still understand the rule before setting off.

The beach itself may disappoint anyone expecting a quiet postcard scene in July or August. The water remains lovely, but the shoreline can be a tight squeeze, with little shade. I would treat the Blue Lagoon as a swimming stop, not as a peaceful beach break. Stay on the boat if you want more space and a better view of the bay.

Crystal Lagoon and its sea caves

After the Blue Lagoon, the boat heads to Crystal Lagoon on Comino’s western side for about an hour. This is often the most rewarding stop for people who care more about swimming and snorkeling than sitting on a beach.

The lagoon is sheltered by high cliffs and offers wide views in every direction. Its clear water and nearby sea caves give you more to explore than a simple open-water swim. You can take a refreshing dip, look beneath the surface, or swim toward the caves if conditions and your ability allow it.

I like the balance here. The Blue Lagoon gives you Malta’s famous name and scenery, while Crystal Lagoon feels more focused on the water itself. There is no need to force yourself ashore. The boat becomes your base, with a shower available afterward and room to dry off in the sun or retreat to the shaded area.

Snorkeling equipment is available to rent for a small fee, on a first-come, first-served basis. If you want a mask and snorkel, arrange it early rather than assuming equipment will remain available later in the day. You can also bring your own gear.

Ħalfa Rock Bay on Gozo

The final swim stop is Ħalfa Rock Bay on Gozo’s southeastern coast. The boat spends about an hour here, near a small pebble beach and a solitary islet. Compared with the Blue Lagoon, the setting feels quieter and less commercial.

This stop is a good reason to choose the three-bay cruise rather than a simple Blue Lagoon outing. You get a change of scenery, a different shoreline, and another chance to swim before heading back. The pebble beach is not a soft sandy place for stretching out, but it suits a short swim break and a look at Gozo’s coast.

Sea conditions can affect this part of the day. On one trip, rough water meant the crew found another attractive place to swim instead. That flexibility is reassuring. The itinerary is planned, but the captain does not appear to treat it as more important than safe and comfortable conditions.

If you are prone to seasickness, this is worth considering. The tour is not recommended for people with motion sickness, and a six-hour boat trip gives a queasy stomach plenty of time to complain. Bring motion sickness prevention if you normally need it, and think carefully before booking if choppy water causes problems for you.

The return past caves and Elephant Head

The cruise back includes views of the Santa Maria Caves and the Elephant Head rock formation. These sights add interest after the final swim, when you may be ready to sit back and let the coastline pass by.

The return is not just a transfer to the harbor. The caves and unusual rock shape give you something to watch for, and the crew may share facts about the sites along the way. Bring sunglasses and a hat, since the open deck can be bright even when the air feels comfortable.

The boat has toilet facilities and a shower. These are basic conveniences, but they make a six-hour outing much easier, especially after repeated swims. The bar sells some cold drinks, coffee, and snacks. Prices have been described as reasonable, with examples including inexpensive water and beer, though the exact selection can vary.

I would still bring or buy enough food before departure. A snack bar is useful, but it is not a full lunch service, and swimming for several hours works up an appetite.

How the boat compares with the big cruise options

The strongest pattern in the feedback is appreciation for the boat’s size and atmosphere. People liked having a choice between upper-deck sun and shaded seating below. They also appreciated the music, clean facilities, friendly service, and the ability to jump into the water from different levels of the boat.

The Pegasus is not a private yacht. You are still sharing the day with a group, and the Blue Lagoon will not be empty simply because your boat is smaller. But the trip avoids the worst feeling of being packed shoulder to shoulder on a huge vessel.

The crew receives especially strong praise. Danny and Ali are named often, and other crew members, including Wes and Chandler, are singled out for being helpful, polite, and attentive. Their style seems more practical than pushy. They explain the rules, answer questions, help with equipment, and give people room to enjoy the day.

That matters on a swimming cruise. You want clear instructions around departure times and safe boarding, but you do not need a guide hovering over every minute. This trip appears to find a useful middle ground.

Is $47 good value?

At $47 per person, the price is very reasonable for six hours, three swim stops, a scenic cruise, crew assistance, onboard toilets, a shower, and access to a bar. You are not paying only to be transported to the Blue Lagoon. You are getting a full day around Comino and Gozo, with about three and a half to four hours dedicated to swimming and exploring.

The value is strongest if you plan to use the stops. Someone who dislikes swimming or wants a land-based tour may find the day repetitive. But if you enjoy snorkeling, sunbathing, jumping from the boat, and taking in coastal views, the cost compares well with other Malta excursions.

Food, drinks, snorkeling rental, and the Blue Lagoon shore pass are extra. The bar is reasonably priced, but you should still budget for those items. Bring cash because the information specifically recommends it, and the onboard bar is a small operation rather than a full café.

Who will enjoy this cruise most?

I would recommend this trip to you if you want:

• Several long swim stops rather than a short photo stop
• A smaller boat with sun and shade options
• The freedom to stay aboard at the Blue Lagoon
• Snorkeling, sea caves, and clear water
• A relaxed day with friendly English-speaking crew
• A reasonably priced outing from Mellieħa

Families can enjoy it, and one crew member was especially helpful to a family traveling with a baby. Still, parents should be comfortable with the boat setting, swimming stops, and limited food service.

I would be more cautious if you have limited mobility, use a wheelchair, dislike boats, or are prone to seasickness. The trip is not suitable for wheelchair users or people with mobility impairments, and large bags or oversize luggage are not allowed.

Pack swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, a sun hat, cash, and motion sickness prevention if needed. Leave pets and bulky bags behind. A waterproof pouch for your pass and valuables would be sensible, although one is not listed as provided.

Should you book this Mellieħa boat trip?

I would book it if your idea of a good Malta day includes clear water, several swims, and a boat that does not feel overloaded. The Crystal Lagoon and Ħalfa Rock Bay offer a better sense of the coast than a Blue Lagoon-only trip, and the option to remain on the boat is a smart answer to the shore crowds.

Book with two points in mind: arrange the Blue Lagoon access pass early if you want to step ashore, and expect the famous bay to be busy in peak summer. If you can accept those limits, this is a well-priced, well-run way to see Comino and part of Gozo from the water.

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. The provider’s office is near the jetty beside the Dive Vision Malta Snorkel & Diving Centre.

How long is the cruise?

The total duration is six hours. Starting times vary, so you need to check availability when booking.

How long do you stop at the Blue Lagoon?

The Blue Lagoon stop lasts approximately 1½ to 2 hours.

Do I need a pass to visit the Blue Lagoon?

Yes. From May 2025, anyone stepping ashore at the Blue Lagoon needs a government-issued access pass booked in advance through blcomino.com. For this cruise, select the morning slot.

Can I stay on the boat at the Blue Lagoon?

Yes. The boat anchors near the lagoon, so you can relax aboard, swim from the boat, or go ashore if you have the required pass.

How long do you stop at Crystal Lagoon?

The cruise stops at Crystal Lagoon for approximately one hour.

How long do you stop at Ħalfa Rock Bay?

The third swim stop at Ħalfa Rock Bay lasts approximately one hour.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Snorkeling equipment can be rented on the boat for a small fee. Rental is first come, first served, so availability is not guaranteed.

Are food and drinks included?

No. A small onboard bar sells some snacks and beverages. Food and drinks are not included in the tour price.