From Mellieha: Three Bay Cruise including the Blue Lagoon

The real appeal here is simple: you get three proper swim stops in one day, rather than a quick photo stop and a rushed splash. From Marfa Bay, the boat reaches Comino’s Blue Lagoon, the quieter Crystal Lagoon, and Ħalfa Rock Bay on Gozo, with time to swim at each.

I like the smaller feel of the boat and the choice between sun and shade. I also like the practical touches: clean toilets, a shower, a modest cash bar, and pool noodles for getting from the boat to shore. The main catch is the Blue Lagoon crowd, especially in summer, plus the new government access pass required if you want to step ashore.

Key points to know before booking

• 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.
• Blue Lagoon access pass required: You must arrange the government-issued pass online before the trip if you plan to go ashore.
• Smaller boat atmosphere: The Pegasus offers room to sit in shade or sun, with around 40 people on some departures.
• Best swimming may be from the boat: The Blue Lagoon shore can be tightly packed, while the water around the anchored boat remains a pleasant option.
• Onboard basics included: Toilets, a shower, crew assistance, and a small bar are available.
• Bring cash and sun protection: Food and drinks are not included, and snorkeling equipment is rented separately when available.

Why this six-hour cruise works well

This is a water day, not a sightseeing tour with occasional water stops. You spend most of the six hours moving between bright coves, swimming, snorkeling, sitting on deck, and watching the cliffs of Comino and Gozo pass by.

That distinction matters. If you want to walk through villages, visit monuments, or spend time exploring inland Gozo, this is not the right outing. If you want Malta’s clearest water without arranging several separate boat trips, the value is strong at $47 per person.

I would also choose this over a very large party boat if you care about personal space. The Pegasus is not empty, especially during the busy season, but several departures had roughly 40 people and enough room for loungers, tables, shade, and open deck space. You can listen to music, buy a drink, and move around without feeling packed shoulder to shoulder.

The crew has earned a particularly strong reputation for being friendly without hovering. Danny and Ali are names often associated with the boat, while other departures have included Wes and Chandler. The crew explains the stops, answers questions, and helps with practical matters such as swimming access and safety.

Finding the Pegasus at Marfa Bay

The departure point is the Marfa Jetty in Mellieħa, across from the Riviera Spa Resort. Look for the white boat named Pegasus. The operator’s office is near the jetty, beside the Dive Vision Malta Snorkel & Diving Centre, and that office is the best place to ask for help if the waterfront is confusing.

Do not rely only on a map pin. One passenger found the location unclear until discovering the nearby tour office. Allow enough time to locate the jetty, check in, and get settled before departure.

There is no hotel pickup or drop-off, so you need to make your own way to Marfa Bay. The boat leaves from northern Malta, making this practical if you are staying around Mellieħa, but less convenient if you are based in Valletta or the island’s south and have not planned extra travel time.

Blue Lagoon: beautiful water, crowded shore

The Blue Lagoon is the first main stop, lasting about 1½ to 2 hours. The water is the famous part: clear turquoise, shallow-looking in places, and set against pale rock and a sandy bottom. It is a fine place for a long swim, floating with a noodle, or snorkeling around the boat.

The boat anchors near the lagoon, so you have two choices. You can get off and spend time on Comino, or stay aboard and swim directly from the Pegasus. The second choice is often the smarter one in high summer. The beach and paths can become very crowded, shade is hard to find, and the shoreline may feel more like a busy public attraction than a quiet Mediterranean cove.

Several passengers preferred remaining on the boat, swimming toward shore, then returning to a much quieter deck. That option gives you the lagoon’s color without forcing you to sit among the thickest crowds. It also lets you claim a shaded table or lounger while others go ashore.

The new access rule adds an important step. From May 2025, anyone wishing to disembark at the Blue Lagoon must obtain an official pass through blcomino.com. Daily numbers are limited, and you need to select the morning slot for this cruise. The pass is not included in the cruise price, and the operator will not refund you if you cannot go ashore because you failed to secure one.

Download the pass before leaving your hotel. Do not assume the mobile website will work smoothly at the lagoon, where phone service, battery life, or internet access may become a nuisance.

Crystal Lagoon: cliffs, caves, and the best swim stop

After the Blue Lagoon, the boat heads to Crystal Lagoon on Comino’s western side for about an hour. This stop feels more focused on swimming and snorkeling than on beach time. High cliffs frame the water, and the sheltered setting gives you broad views in every direction.

Crystal Lagoon is also the place to look for sea caves. You can explore them from the water if conditions allow, but take the crew’s instructions seriously and stay within your comfort level. The cliffs and caves make this stop more visually interesting than simply floating in an open bay.

There is no need to leave the boat to enjoy Crystal Lagoon. The Pegasus anchors in the water, giving you a clear launch point for a swim. You can jump from a lower deck plank or from the sides of the upper deck, depending on the boat’s setup and the crew’s instructions. If you prefer a quiet hour in the sun, stay aboard and enjoy the view.

Snorkeling equipment can be rented on the boat for a small fee, but it is first come, first served. Bring your own equipment if snorkeling is central to your day, or arrive early enough to ask about rentals. The water and underwater rock formations make this a worthwhile stop for mask-and-fins time.

Ħalfa Rock Bay on Gozo

The third swim stop is Ħalfa Rock Bay, on Gozo’s southeast coast. This small cove has a pebbly beach and a solitary islet near the edge of the bay. Compared with the Blue Lagoon, it feels more removed and less dominated by shore facilities.

You get about an hour here. The appeal is the combination of open water, low-key surroundings, and a different setting from the Comino lagoons. You can swim from the boat, head toward the pebbly beach, or stay on deck and watch the bay.

This stop can be affected by sea conditions. On one departure, choppy water made the planned third stop unsuitable, so the crew found another attractive swimming location instead. That flexibility is useful, but it also means the exact order and location can change because of weather or operational needs.

If you want a long beach visit, Ħalfa Rock Bay may feel brief. If you want one more chance to swim away from the worst crowds, the hour is well used.

The return route adds more than a straight ride home

After the final swim, the boat begins the return to Marfa Bay. The route passes Santa Maria Caves and the Elephant Head rock formation, giving you a final stretch of coastal scenery without needing to walk or climb.

This is a good time to dry off, buy a drink, and find a seat in the shade. The boat has toilet facilities and a shower, which are useful after several swims. The bar sells snacks and drinks, and prices have been described as reasonable for a boat, with examples of inexpensive water and beer. Still, food is not included, and a six-hour swimming day can make you hungry.

Bring sandwiches or other food if you need a full meal. The onboard selection is described as small, not a complete lunch service. Cash is also worth carrying, both for the bar and for any equipment rental.

Boat comfort, swimming access, and group size

The Pegasus offers a useful mix of open deck and shelter. You can sit in the sun, find shade downstairs or under cover, and use tables or loungers. The boat is large enough to avoid the cramped feeling found on some small excursion boats, but it is not a private charter.

The boat has one male and one female toilet, along with a shower. These facilities are basic but important on a six-hour outing, especially when you are traveling with children or do not want to return to shore between swim stops.

Pool noodles are available for swimming, which helps if you want to reach shore from the anchored boat without strong swimming confidence. The crew also assists passengers and explains the rules. You should still be comfortable entering and leaving the water, since the trip is built around swimming rather than simply looking at the coast.

This cruise is not suitable for wheelchair users or people with mobility impairments. It is also a poor match if you are prone to seasickness. Take motion sickness prevention before departure if you know you need it, and bring a towel, swimsuit, hat, sunglasses, and high-factor sunscreen.

How the $47 price compares

At $47 per person, this is good value if you want a full day centered on swimming. The price covers the scenic cruise, all three planned swim stops, the return route past the caves and rock formation, crew assistance, and use of the boat’s basic facilities.

You will pay extra for food, drinks, and snorkeling equipment. You also need to arrange the Blue Lagoon access pass yourself if you plan to step ashore. Those extras do not change the basic value, but they matter when you compare the true cost with other boat trips.

The strongest value comes from the time in the water. You are not paying mainly for a narrated sightseeing loop. You are paying for roughly three hours of planned swimming time, plus the cruise between locations. Large boats may advertise lower prices, but you could get less comfortable seating or shorter stops.

The smaller boat is another reason the price works. You get room to choose sun or shade, and the crew can keep an eye on the group without the outing feeling like a mass ferry transfer.

Who should book this cruise?

I would recommend it to you if you want:

• Several long swim stops in one day
• Clear water, cliffs, caves, and coastal views
• A boat with shade, toilets, a shower, and a small bar
• A friendly crew that gives clear instructions
• The freedom to remain on the boat instead of fighting for space on the Blue Lagoon shore
• A reasonably priced alternative to a very large party cruise

It is especially suitable for couples, families with older children, and anyone who prefers swimming and sunbathing to organized land sightseeing. A family with a baby also found the crew helpful, but you should remember that the boat is not designed for wheelchair access and that everyone must manage the marine setting safely.

I would skip it if you dislike boats, get seasick easily, need step-free access, or want a quiet beach day. The Blue Lagoon itself is not quiet in peak season, and the cruise cannot remove that pressure from the shoreline.

The tour can be canceled up to 24 hours ahead for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later. The language of the host and crew is English.

FAQ

Where does the cruise depart from?

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

How long is the cruise?

The experience lasts about six hours. Starting times vary, so 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 for the Blue Lagoon?

You need a government-issued access pass if you want to step ashore at the Blue Lagoon. It must be booked online through blcomino.com, and you should select the morning slot for this cruise.

Can I stay on the boat at the Blue Lagoon?

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

How long are the other swimming stops?

The Crystal Lagoon stop lasts about one hour, and the Ħalfa Rock Bay stop lasts about one hour.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

No. Snorkeling equipment can be rented for a small fee, subject to availability on a first-come, first-served basis.

Is food included?

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

Is the boat suitable for wheelchair users?

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

Should you book the Mellieħa three-bay cruise?

Book it if you want Malta’s clearest water, three planned swim stops, and a comfortable boat day at a fair price. The best strategy is to treat the Blue Lagoon as a water stop rather than a peaceful beach visit, secure the access pass well ahead, and bring your own food, towel, sunscreen, and cash.

The Crystal Lagoon and Ħalfa Rock Bay may be the quieter highlights. Add the helpful crew, reasonable bar prices, shade, toilets, and the option to stay aboard at the Blue Lagoon, and this becomes a strong choice for an active day on the water.