Mellieha: Two Bay Evening Cruise Including The Blue Lagoon

The best part of this Mellieħa cruise is its timing. You visit Comino’s Crystal Lagoon and Blue Lagoon in the evening, when the harshest heat and daytime crowds have eased. The two stops give you time to swim, snorkel, or simply sit on deck with Malta’s cliffs and clear water in view.

I like the one-hour swim stop at each lagoon, rather than a rushed photo stop. I also like the smaller boat feel. Recent departures carried about 20 people, with a captain and assistant helping passengers, rather than packing everyone onto a huge catamaran. The main drawback is the new Blue Lagoon access rule: if you want to step ashore, you must arrange the correct government pass yourself before the trip.

Key points at a glance

• Two proper swim stops: Spend about one hour at Crystal Lagoon and another hour at Blue Lagoon.
• A cooler evening schedule: The cruise leaves the worst midday heat behind and returns to Marfa Bay at about 8 PM.
• Crystal Lagoon comes first: Its cliffs, sea caves, and sheltered turquoise water make it the stronger stop for snorkeling.
• A smaller boat atmosphere: Recent departures had around 20 passengers, with room to avoid the packed feel of large catamarans.
• Blue Lagoon access needs planning: You need an official evening access pass to step ashore at the Blue Lagoon.
• Bring your own swim kit: Towels, sunscreen, swimwear, sunglasses, cash, and motion-sickness protection are all useful.

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 exposed on deck for hours. This three-hour sailing from Marfa Bay gives you a cooler window while keeping the main attractions in view.

The evening schedule also changes the mood of Comino. You still get the famous bright water, but the day’s rush is beginning to thin out. The light may be especially pleasant around the bays late in the day, although exact sunset conditions depend on the season and weather.

You should not expect a quiet, private cruise. The lagoons remain popular, and other boats may be nearby. Still, an evening departure is a sensible way to reduce the pressure of the busiest hours without paying for a private charter.

At $35 per person, the value is strongest if you want transport, sightseeing, two swim stops, crew assistance, and basic facilities in one outing. Food, drinks, and snorkel equipment cost extra, so the final price depends on what you buy onboard or rent.

Starting at Marfa Jetty in Mellieħa

The boat leaves from the Marfa Jetty or slipway, opposite the Riviera Spa Resort. Look for the white boat named Pegasus. If you need help, the provider’s office is near the jetty beside the Dive Vision Malta Snorkel & Diving Centre.

Give yourself enough time to find the exact boarding point. Marfa is a departure area rather than a single obvious tourist square, and the instructions depend on recognizing the boat and nearby office.

The cruise begins with a scenic run along Malta’s northern coast toward Comino. This part is not just a transfer. It gives you open-water views and a gradual change from the mainland coast to the smaller island’s cliffs and coves.

The boat has toilet facilities and a shower, which matter after swimming. You also have crew assistance throughout the trip. Drinks and food are not included, and the available information points to onboard bar prices being reasonable, but you should still carry cash.

Crystal Lagoon: the better stop for snorkeling

Crystal Lagoon sits on Comino’s western side and is the first swimming stop. You get about one hour here, enough time for a real swim rather than a quick dip before the boat moves on.

The lagoon is surrounded by cliffs and has wide views around the boat. Its sheltered position makes it a good place to settle into the water, particularly if you want to look around with a mask and snorkel. Sea caves add interest, though conditions and access can vary with weather and water movement.

I would treat Crystal Lagoon as the more active stop. Bring your own mask and snorkel if you have them, or rent equipment through the provider. The cruise does not include snorkeling gear, so do not assume a mask will be waiting for you.

The cliffs also give this stop a stronger sense of place. You are not simply swimming in an open bay. You are surrounded by rock, bright water, and caves that help explain why Comino is such a popular boat destination.

One hour passes quickly if you plan to swim, snorkel, photograph the cliffs, and dry off before the next move. If swimming is your priority, get changed before departure or have your gear easy to reach. The boat has a shower, but the supplied details do not promise changing rooms.

Blue Lagoon after the daytime rush

After Crystal Lagoon, the boat continues to the famous Blue Lagoon for a second stop of about one hour. The water is known for its clear cyan color, pale sandy bottom, and marine life. This is the postcard portion of the trip, and you will want time to take it in rather than simply cruise past.

The boat anchors near the Blue Lagoon. That gives you two choices: stay aboard and enjoy the view, or apply for permission to go ashore and spend time on Comino. You can swim and snorkel from the boat area, subject to the crew’s instructions and conditions.

The important practical point is the government access pass. From May 2025, anyone wishing to disembark at the Blue Lagoon must obtain an official pass in advance through blcomino.com. The pass allocation is limited, and you need to select the evening time slot when applying.

This is not a small detail. The cruise provider cannot arrange the pass for you, and you will not be allowed to step ashore without it. No refund is provided if you miss the lagoon’s shore access because you did not obtain the required pass. Plan this before your sailing date, and keep proof of the pass available.

If you are happy to swim, sit on the boat, and enjoy the water without walking ashore, the pass issue may matter less. If your picture of the trip includes landing on Comino, treat the pass as part of the booking process.

What the smaller boat changes

The strongest practical advantage here is scale. One recent departure had about 20 passengers, mostly families, which created a calmer feel and avoided the packed conditions associated with large catamarans.

That number is not a guaranteed maximum for every sailing, so you should not book expecting a private boat. Still, the boat and crew setup appear suited to people who want personal space and a less hectic outing.

The captain and assistant are there to help passengers, explain the cruise, and support the trip. English is the listed language. One family-focused detail is especially useful: children can receive life jackets from the crew.

An onboard bar adds convenience, and recent comments specifically praised reasonable prices. Food and drinks remain excluded from the $35 cost, so bring cash if you want to buy something. The boat also has a shower, useful after the two water stops.

Large bags and oversize luggage are not allowed. Pack a small day bag with only what you need. Pets, electric wheelchairs, and large luggage are also not permitted.

Swimming, snorkeling, or staying dry

This cruise works best when you see the water stops as the main event. You have about two hours combined at the lagoons, so pack swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and sunglasses.

Snorkeling equipment is available to rent, but it is not included. If you care about seeing the sea caves and marine life, ask about equipment before the boat leaves rather than waiting until you reach the lagoon.

You can also enjoy the trip without getting in the water. The boat remains near the Blue Lagoon, and you can relax onboard during that stop. The Crystal Lagoon has cliffs and wide views that are worth seeing even if you choose not to swim.

Still, the experience is not ideal for anyone who dislikes boats or feels unwell at sea. Motion-sickness prevention is specifically recommended, and the activity is not considered suitable for people prone to seasickness.

The cruise is also not suitable for wheelchair users or people with mobility impairments. The supplied information does not promise accessible boarding, and the boat-based swim stops require a level of physical independence.

Weather, timing, and what can change

The planned return to Marfa Bay is about 8 PM. Starting times can vary, so check the selected date before booking. Evening light can make the final part of the trip especially attractive, but the cruise does not promise a particular sunset.

Weather has the final say. The provider may alter the route or change stops because of sea conditions or other operational problems. This is standard for a small boat trip, but it is worth remembering if you are planning the cruise around one exact photograph or swim location.

The Crystal Lagoon and Blue Lagoon are both exposed to the Mediterranean, and water conditions can change. Follow the crew’s directions about swimming, snorkeling, and boarding. The crew’s presence is useful, but it does not turn the outing into a supervised swimming lesson.

Who gets the best value from the $35 price

I think the price is fair for a three-hour trip with transport from Marfa Bay, scenic cruising, two one-hour lagoon stops, crew support, a toilet, and a shower. It is particularly good value if you would otherwise need separate transport to Comino and a boat trip.

The cost is less complete than it first appears. You pay extra for food, drinks, and snorkel equipment. You may also need to account for any costs connected with getting to Marfa Jetty, though no transport arrangement beyond the boat departure is listed.

The strongest value comes from the schedule. A daytime cruise can give you similar scenery, but the evening timing may offer a less crowded and more comfortable experience. You are paying for access to two major Comino stops at a time when the sun is less punishing.

The smaller group feel is another reason to choose it. If you dislike being packed tightly onto a large vessel, this departure may suit you better. If you want a party boat, loud entertainment, or a full meal, this is probably not the right format.

Booking advice for a smooth outing

Before booking, check three things:

• Confirm the departure time and plan your route to Marfa Jetty.
• Apply for the Blue Lagoon government pass if you want to step ashore, selecting the evening slot.
• Pack light, with swimwear, towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, cash, and motion-sickness protection.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. That flexibility helps if your Malta schedule depends on weather.

Do not bring a large suitcase or oversized bag. A small, easy-to-carry day bag is the practical choice. Keep your phone and valuables protected around the swim stops, since the supplied information does not describe onboard storage.

Should you book this Comino evening cruise?

Book it if you want a straightforward, reasonably priced boat trip with two genuine swim stops and a calmer evening setting. It is especially suitable for couples, families, and small groups who prefer a boat carrying around 20 people rather than a crowded catamaran.

I would choose it for the one-hour Crystal Lagoon stop, the later Blue Lagoon visit, and the chance to avoid the worst afternoon heat. I would skip it if you are prone to seasickness, need wheelchair access, want a fully inclusive meal-and-equipment package, or cannot arrange the Blue Lagoon shore pass.

The decision is simple: secure the pass if you want to land, pack for swimming, and expect a practical three-hour cruise rather than a luxury charter. Do that, and the $35 price buys a solid evening on some of Malta’s clearest water.

FAQ

How long is the Mellieħa evening cruise?

The cruise lasts three hours. It is scheduled to return to the Marfa Bay base at approximately 8 PM.

Where does the boat depart from?

The boat departs from the Marfa Jetty or slipway opposite the Riviera Spa Resort in Mellieħa. 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 do you stop at Crystal Lagoon?

The planned stop at Crystal Lagoon lasts approximately one hour.

How long do you stop at Blue Lagoon?

The planned stop at Blue Lagoon lasts approximately one hour.

Do I need a pass to visit the Blue Lagoon?

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

Is food or drink included?

No. Food and drinks are not included in the tour price. Drinks can be purchased onboard, and cash is recommended.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

No. Snorkeling equipment is not included, but it is available to rent.

What should I bring?

Bring sunglasses, swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, cash, and motion-sickness prevention. Pack light because oversize luggage and large bags are not allowed.

Is the cruise suitable for wheelchair users or people prone to seasickness?

No. The activity is not suitable for wheelchair users, people with mobility impairments, or people prone to seasickness or motion sickness.