Mellieha: Round Comino, Blue Lagoon & Gozo Cruise with Water

Comino’s famous Blue Lagoon is only part of the appeal here. You also get a full hour at the quieter Crystal Lagoon, a water slide, and a return cruise past Gozo, all in one four-hour outing from Mellieħa.

I especially like the generous swimming time and the practical extras: free mineral water throughout, plus toilets, fresh-water showers, deckchairs, and snorkelling equipment available with a refundable deposit. The main catch is that the Blue Lagoon’s limited government access pass is required if you want to step ashore, and the boat does not take you onto Gozo.

• Two swim stops: Spend about 90 minutes at Blue Lagoon and one hour at Crystal Lagoon.
• A boat built for a relaxed day: Use the water slide, rooftop deckchairs, showers, toilets, and fresh water.
• Comino’s northern coast: See Elephant Rock, Saint Mary’s Battery, Santa Maria Bay, and the sea caves from the water.
• Gozo without a long detour: Cruise past Gozo and pause for photos at Mġarr Harbour, with no disembarkation.
• Useful snorkel arrangement: Equipment is free to rent, but you need a €20 cash deposit that is returned when you bring it back.
• A clear price point: At $34 per person, this is a good-value swim cruise if you want several water stops rather than a guided land tour.

Why This Comino Cruise Works Well

This is a straightforward boat day built around water time. You leave from Marfa Jetty in Mellieħa, circle parts of Comino, stop at two famous swimming spots, and return by way of Gozo. It is not a walking tour, a history lesson, or a small-group expedition. You are paying for access to beautiful coves, boat views, and a convenient way to fit several sights into half a day.

The four-hour schedule is well judged. About two and a half hours are set aside for the two lagoons, leaving the rest for the cruise between them and the coastal sights. That gives you enough time to swim without sacrificing the pleasure of simply being on the water.

The English-speaking crew provide assistance, but there is no tour guide included. That matters if you want detailed commentary about every fort and rock formation. If your priority is sunshine, swimming, and views, the lack of formal guiding is less important.

At $34 per person, the value is strongest for independent visitors who would otherwise need to arrange separate boat transport and find their own way around Comino. Mineral water, the slide, showers, toilets, and scenic return route are included. Food, most drinks, the optional cave trip, and hotel transfers cost extra or are left to you.

Finding La Laguna at Marfa Jetty

The boat leaves from Marfa Jetty, opposite the Riviera Spa Resort. Look for the white and blue boat named La Laguna. The activity ends at the same jetty, so you do not need to arrange a second pickup point.

Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. Plan your own way to Mellieħa and allow enough time to find the boat. The meeting point is specific, but the practical instruction is simple: arrive at Marfa Jetty and look for the boat name.

Bring a towel, swimwear, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a sun hat. Cash is useful for the refundable snorkel deposit, the bar, and the optional powerboat ride to the Comino caves. If you are prone to seasickness, motion sickness prevention is sensible, since this is a boat trip with several hours on open water.

Large bags, oversize luggage, pets, electric wheelchairs, and wheelchairs are not allowed. The activity is also not suitable for people with mobility impairments. That is worth taking seriously, since you will be boarding a boat, moving around a marine deck, and using swimming areas rather than visiting an accessible beach facility.

The Northern Coast of Comino from the Water

Once La Laguna leaves Marfa Jetty, the first stretch is a sightseeing cruise along Comino’s northern coastline. You will pass Saint Mary’s Battery, an old defensive structure, before reaching the striking rock profile known as Elephant Head Rock Formation.

Elephant Rock is best appreciated from the boat. There is no land stop here, so keep your camera ready and stay near a good viewing position if you want a clear photo. The brief pause is about seeing the shape and setting, not exploring on foot.

The route continues past St. Nicholas Bay and St. Mary’s Bay. These coves show the contrast between open Mediterranean water and the sheltered inlets around Comino. You will also pass the Santa Maria Sea Caves, where the rock has been cut into openings by the sea.

The coastal viewing is one of the better reasons to choose this trip instead of simply taking a ferry to Comino. You get a moving view of bays, cliffs, caves, and old defenses, rather than only arriving at one crowded swimming area. The tradeoff is that these are passing sights. You will not get a guided explanation or a chance to walk into the caves.

Blue Lagoon: Ninety Minutes at Comino’s Famous Stop

The boat anchors at the Blue Lagoon for about one and a half hours. This is the centerpiece of the outing, and the water is the brilliant turquoise shade that makes Comino so popular.

You can swim, snorkel, sunbathe on the boat, or take a walk through the countryside of Comino if you have the required access arrangements for going ashore. The boat gives you a useful choice: you do not have to spend the entire stop on land, and you can return to the deck when you want shade, a shower, or a different view.

There is an important rule here. Since May 2025, anyone wishing to disembark at the Blue Lagoon must obtain a government-issued access pass in advance through blcomino.com. The daily allocation is limited. This pass is separate from the cruise booking, so check the official process before you go if you want to step onto Comino.

The supplied details distinguish between stepping ashore and the boat’s swim stop. You should confirm the day’s arrangements with the crew if you are unsure about where you may enter the water or go ashore. Either way, the long anchor stop gives you proper time for a swim rather than a quick photo pause.

The Blue Lagoon is the most sought-after location on Comino, so it is best approached with realistic expectations. You are visiting a famous, heavily requested bay, not a private cove. The value here is convenience and water access, not solitude.

Snorkelling equipment is available to rent free of charge, with a €20 cash deposit. Return the equipment and the deposit is fully refunded. That is a useful arrangement if you do not want to pack your own mask and snorkel, but remember to bring the cash.

Crystal Lagoon and the Water Slide

After Blue Lagoon, the boat heads to Crystal Lagoon on Comino’s west coast. The stop lasts about one hour, giving you another substantial swimming break rather than a short look from the rail.

Crystal Lagoon is surrounded by high cliffs and is known for clear turquoise water. The cliffs create a more enclosed setting than the open cruise route, while the elevated position of the boat provides wide views around the cove.

This is also where the water slide adds a little harmless silliness to the day. If you want an active break between swims, slide into the sea and climb back aboard. If that is not your idea of relaxation, you can stay on deck, use the rooftop area, or simply swim at your own pace.

The rooftop deckchairs are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Do not count on securing one for the entire trip, especially if you board with a particular seat in mind. Bring sun protection even if you plan to spend much of the time in the water, since the Mediterranean sun can be strong and the boat offers limited shade information.

A fresh-water shower is available after swimming. That small detail makes the second stop more comfortable, especially if you dislike sitting in salt water for the return ride. Toilets are also provided onboard.

Returning Past Gozo and Mġarr Harbour

After Crystal Lagoon, the boat begins the return to Marfa Jetty. The route passes the island of Gozo, giving you a broad view of its coastline from the sea.

There is a brief photo stop at Mġarr Harbour, Gozo’s main harbour. You do not disembark, so think of this as a camera-ready pause rather than a visit to Gozo. It works well as a final scenic touch because the harbour offers a distinct change from Comino’s open coves and swimming bays.

You will then continue by boat for roughly 25 minutes before returning to Marfa Jetty. The Gozo portion is a bonus, not a substitute for a Gozo tour. If you want villages, churches, inland scenery, or time on the island, you need a separate day. Here, you get a useful glimpse without giving up the main Comino stops.

Food, Drinks, and Comfort on Board

Mineral water flows throughout the cruise at no extra charge. That is one of the better inclusions, since swimming and sun exposure quickly make a bottle of water feel less like a perk and more like basic equipment.

A cash bar sells snacks and various beverages, with both cash and card accepted. Food is not included, so bring something if you know you will want more than a snack from the bar. The supplied information does not specify a full meal service, so treat this as a light refreshment option.

The boat has toilets, fresh-water showers, and crew assistance. Those facilities make the four-hour schedule much easier than a simple open boat ride. Deckchairs on the rooftop are available, but they are first come, first served.

There is no hotel transfer, no included meal, and no formal guide. These omissions help keep the price at $34, but they also mean you should handle the basic planning yourself. Bring your own sun protection, decide whether you need food, and arrange transport to Marfa Jetty.

Who Will Get the Most from the $34 Price

I would choose this cruise if you want a half-day built around swimming and scenery. Families, couples, and friends who enjoy being on the water will find plenty to do, especially with the slide and two separate lagoon stops.

The price is particularly fair when you use the included extras. You receive a four-hour scenic cruise, free mineral water, the Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon stops, a Gozo viewing route, toilets, showers, and access to snorkelling equipment with only a refundable deposit. The optional cave boat ride costs extra, but you can skip it without losing the main experience.

This is less suitable if you want quiet, personal attention, or a detailed account of Malta’s history. The boat carries you between locations and the crew assists you, but no guide is included. It is also a poor match for anyone with serious motion sickness, limited mobility, or a need for wheelchair access.

The cancellation policy gives you useful flexibility. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later. Starting times vary, so check availability before making the rest of your day’s plans.

My Take: Book It for Water Time, Not a Land Tour

Book this cruise if you want an easy way to see Comino’s best-known water stops without spending a full day arranging transport. The strongest features are the long Blue Lagoon stop, the separate Crystal Lagoon swim, the slide, and the return views of Gozo.

Think twice if your main goal is to walk around Comino, explore Gozo, or receive detailed commentary. The Blue Lagoon access pass requires advance planning, Gozo is only viewed from the boat, and there is no guide.

For $34, La Laguna offers a practical, fun half-day on the Mediterranean. Bring swimwear, sun protection, cash for the refundable snorkel deposit, and a realistic expectation that the famous Blue Lagoon is a popular place. If that sounds like your kind of Malta day, this is an easy one to choose.

FAQ

Where does the cruise depart from?

The boat departs from Marfa Jetty in Mellieħa, opposite the Riviera Spa Resort. Look for the white and blue boat named La Laguna.

How long is the cruise?

The activity lasts four hours. Check availability for the available starting times.

How long does the boat stop at the Blue Lagoon?

The boat anchors at the Blue Lagoon for approximately one and a half hours.

How long is the Crystal Lagoon stop?

The Crystal Lagoon stop lasts around one hour and includes time for swimming.

Do I need a pass to visit the Blue Lagoon?

You need a government-issued access pass if you want to disembark ashore at the Blue Lagoon. Passes are obtained in advance through blcomino.com, and daily availability is limited.

Is snorkelling equipment included?

Snorkelling equipment is available to rent free of charge. A €20 cash deposit is required and is fully refunded when you return the equipment.

Is food included?

Food is not included. A cash bar sells snacks and various drinks, and it accepts both cash and card payments. Mineral water is included throughout the cruise.

Does the cruise stop in Gozo?

The boat cruises past Gozo and makes a brief photo stop at Mġarr Harbour. You do not disembark in Gozo.

Is the cruise suitable for wheelchair users?

No. The activity is not suitable for wheelchair users or people with mobility impairments. Large bags, oversize luggage, pets, and electric wheelchairs are also not allowed.