Three Bay Cruise Including Blue Lagoon from Mellieha

The best thing about this cruise is its variety. In six hours, you get three separate swimming stops, open-water views around Comino and Gozo, and a scenic return past caves and rock formations. You are not tied to one crowded bay all day.

I like the generous stop times, especially the 90 minutes at Blue Lagoon and one hour each at Crystal Lagoon and Halfa Rock. I also like the simple onboard setup: a toilet, shower, small cash bar, and a friendly crew keep the day easy.

The main catch is the new Blue Lagoon access pass. If you want to step ashore, you must arrange a government pass before departure, and the limited morning allocation can sell out. Without one, you can still enjoy the lagoon from the boat, but you cannot disembark there.

• Three swim stops in one half-day: Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon, and Halfa Rock each offer a different setting.
• A quieter final stop: Halfa Rock Bay is a small cove on Gozo with a pebbly beach and a solitary islet.
• Useful boat facilities: A toilet, shower, and small cash bar are available onboard.
• Simple departure point: Meet at Marfa Jetty in Mellieha at 10:00 am, with boarding closed 20 minutes before departure.
• Pass required for Blue Lagoon shore access: Apply in advance at blcomino.com and choose the morning timeslot.
• Good value for swimmers: At $47.66 per person, the price covers six hours of sailing and three long water stops.

Three Malta swimming spots in six hours

This is a water day rather than a history tour. You will spend most of the time either cruising between islands or swimming, snorkelling, sunbathing, and relaxing on deck.

The boat leaves from Marfa Jetty in Mellieha at 10:00 am. From there, the route follows Malta’s northern coast toward Comino, then continues around Gozo before returning to the same jetty. The full activity lasts about six hours, including sailing time and all three swim stops.

That timing matters. You get enough time to enjoy each location without turning the day into a quick photo stop. The first stop lasts about an hour and a half, while the next two last about an hour each. One person can swim while another stays aboard, rests in the sun, or uses the boat’s facilities.

The boat can carry up to 55 people. That is not a tiny private outing, so you should expect a shared cruise with other passengers. Still, the three-stop format spreads the day across several places instead of keeping everyone in one bay.

Blue Lagoon: beautiful water and a new rule

Blue Lagoon is the first stop, and it is the place most people associate with a Comino boat trip. The water is clear and bright turquoise, with a pale sandy bottom and good conditions for swimming and snorkelling when the sea is calm.

You have approximately 90 minutes here. That is enough time for a proper swim, some time in the sun, and a look around Comino if you hold the required shore pass. The boat anchors near the lagoon, so you do not have to leave the boat to enjoy the water.

There is one important detail you must handle before the morning of the trip. Since May 2025, anyone who wants to disembark at Blue Lagoon needs an official government-issued access pass. You apply through blcomino.com, and you must select the morning timeslot for this cruise.

Passes are limited. If you arrive without one, you will not be allowed ashore, and there is no refund for missing the stop because you failed to obtain the pass. You can remain on the boat and use the nearby water, but anyone hoping to walk around the lagoon should treat the pass as part of the booking process.

This rule does not cancel the appeal of the stop, but it changes how you plan it. Apply early, save the pass on your phone, and check that you selected the correct morning period. The access requirement comes from the Maltese government, not the cruise company.

Crystal Lagoon for cliffs, caves, and clear water

After Blue Lagoon, the cruise continues to Crystal Lagoon on Comino’s western side. This stop lasts about one hour and feels different from the first because the water is enclosed by high cliffs and sea caves.

Crystal Lagoon suits people who want to spend their stop in the water. You can swim, snorkel, or explore the caves from the sea when conditions allow. The setting also gives you broad views around the lagoon, so even people who prefer to stay aboard have something to watch.

The lagoon is described as sheltered, but you should still take the crew’s instructions seriously. Malta’s wind and sea conditions can change the order of the route or shorten a stop. The captain may adjust the plan for safety.

Bring your own swimming and snorkelling equipment if you want to use it, since the tour details do not include equipment rental. A refreshing dip is the main activity here, not a guided underwater lesson.

Halfa Rock Bay on Gozo

The final swim stop is Halfa Rock Bay on the southeastern coast of Gozo. This is a smaller, less developed setting, with a pebbly beach and a little islet sitting near the edge of the cove.

You get about an hour here. Compared with Blue Lagoon, Halfa Rock offers a more secluded feel and a quieter finish to the swimming part of the day. The bay is known for keeping some of its appeal when other summer stops become crowded.

Do not expect a broad sandy beach. The shore is pebbly, and the small cove is more about clean water and a peaceful setting than beach facilities. Water shoes may be useful, though they are not supplied or specifically required by the operator.

I like the order of this stop. After the famous Blue Lagoon and the cliff-lined Crystal Lagoon, Halfa Rock gives the day a calmer final swim. It also makes the trip feel like more than a standard single-lagoon cruise.

The return route adds two worthwhile sights

The cruise does not simply turn around after the last swim. On the way back to Marfa Jetty, the boat passes Santa Maria Caves and the Elephant Head rock formation.

These are sightseeing moments rather than separate shore visits. You remain on the boat while the crew takes you past the formations, so have your camera ready and keep an eye on the route. The return ride also gives you time to dry off, sit back, and enjoy the coast after the active part of the day.

Because the route and visit order can change, the sights may not appear in exactly the sequence described. Weather, wind, sea conditions, and other operating limits can affect the plan. That flexibility is normal for a boat trip and is more important than following a fixed timetable.

What the boat adds to the day

The facilities are modest but useful. A toilet is available, along with a shower for rinsing off salt water after swimming. These are small features, but they matter during a six-hour outing with three water stops.

There is also a small cash bar serving snacks and drinks. Food and beverages are not included in the price, so bring cash if you want to buy something onboard. The bar is not a substitute for a full meal, and the safest plan is to eat beforehand or carry suitable food if permitted.

Large luggage and large suitcases are not allowed. Pets are also not permitted. Pack a compact beach bag with swimwear, a towel, sun protection, water, and any personal snorkelling gear you need.

The crew provides assistance during the cruise. The supplied information does not name individual guides, so you should expect help from the onboard staff rather than a named, interpretive guide leading a historical tour.

Is $47.66 good value?

At $47.66 per person, this is a solid price for a six-hour cruise with three substantial swim stops. You are paying for time on the water, the route around Comino and Gozo, and the chance to visit three different bays in one outing.

The value is strongest if you plan to swim at every stop. You receive about three and a half hours of scheduled water time, plus the sailing sections and the return sightseeing route. That is a lot of activity for a half-day price.

The value is less clear if you dislike swimming or want a quiet sightseeing cruise. Much of the day is built around water access, and the boat may carry up to 55 people. If your priority is a small private boat, long guided commentary, or a full meal, this is not the right format.

The low price also does not include hotel pickup, food, drinks, or the Blue Lagoon access pass. You must make your own way to Marfa Jetty in Mellieha, and you must arrange the pass separately if you want to step ashore. Factor those details into your total cost and planning time.

Getting to Marfa Jetty on time

The meeting point is Marfa Jetty, Mellieha, at the location marked X8PV+QPW. The area is near public transportation, but hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

Boarding closes 20 minutes before the 10:00 am departure. I would not cut this close. Give yourself enough time to reach the jetty, identify the correct boat, and deal with any pass or ticket questions before boarding closes.

Your confirmation is issued at booking, and the activity ends back at the same meeting point. That makes the cruise easier to combine with a day based in the Mellieha area, but less convenient if you are staying far away and have a tight schedule afterward.

Who will enjoy this cruise most?

This outing suits you if you want an active day at sea without paying for a private charter. It works especially well for people who enjoy swimming, snorkelling, sunbathing, and changing scenery.

It is also a good choice if you want more than Blue Lagoon alone. The three stops give you a famous lagoon, a cliff-lined cove, and a quieter Gozo bay. Each has a different mood, which keeps the day from feeling repetitive.

Families and mixed groups can make good use of the format because not everyone has to swim at every stop. One person can stay on the boat while another heads into the water. Most people can participate, but the activity is not recommended for anyone with mobility impairments.

You should think twice if you are prone to seasickness. This is a six-hour boat outing, and conditions can be windy or rough. It is also not a good fit if you need step-free access or find boarding and moving around a boat difficult.

Practical tips for a smoother day

• Apply for the Blue Lagoon pass early. Use blcomino.com, select the morning timeslot, and keep proof of the pass with you.
• Arrive before 9:40 am. Boarding closes 20 minutes before the scheduled 10:00 am departure.
• Bring a towel and dry clothes. Three swim stops can leave you wet for much of the ride.
• Carry cash. The small onboard bar accepts cash, and food and drinks are not included.
• Pack light. Large luggage, large suitcases, and pets are not allowed.
• Protect yourself from the sun. The schedule includes long periods on the water, with limited shade information provided.
• Expect changes if the sea turns rough. The operator may alter the order or itinerary for weather and operational reasons.
• Plan around the full six hours. The activity includes sailing time, not only swimming.

Should you book the Three Bay Cruise?

Book it if you want a reasonably priced, water-focused day that covers Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon, and Halfa Rock in one trip. The long stops are the strongest feature, and the route gives you more variety than a short visit to Blue Lagoon alone.

I would especially choose it for a first Malta visit when you want to see Comino and part of Gozo without arranging several separate boat rides. The $47.66 price is fair for the duration and number of stops.

Skip it if you dislike boats, get seasick, need accessible transport, or want a private and quiet experience. Also, do not book casually if you hope to walk ashore at Blue Lagoon. Secure the government pass first, then reserve the cruise and arrive early. With that detail handled, this is a practical way to spend six hours in Malta’s clearest coastal waters.

FAQ

How long does the cruise last?

The cruise lasts approximately six hours, including sailing time and all three swimming stops.

Where does the cruise start?

It starts at Marfa Jetty in Mellieha, Malta.

What time does the cruise depart?

The scheduled departure time is 10:00 am.

When does boarding close?

Boarding closes 20 minutes before departure, so you should arrive before 9:40 am.

Which places does the cruise visit?

The cruise visits Blue Lagoon on Comino, Crystal Lagoon on Comino, and Halfa Rock Bay on Gozo. The return route passes Santa Maria Caves and Elephant Head.

How long is the Blue Lagoon stop?

The Blue Lagoon swimming stop lasts approximately one hour and 30 minutes. The supplied tour details also describe the stop as approximately one and a half to two hours.

Do I need a pass to visit Blue Lagoon?

You need an official government-issued access pass to disembark at Blue Lagoon. The pass is obtained through blcomino.com, and you must choose the morning timeslot.

Can I remain on the boat at Blue Lagoon?

Yes. The boat anchors near Blue Lagoon, so you can remain onboard if you do not have a shore access pass or prefer not to disembark.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not included, but a small cash bar sells snacks and beverages onboard.

What happens if bad weather cancels the cruise?

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