Comino Island , Blue lagoon, Crystal Lagoon & Gozo & Caves

Three swimming stops make this Comino and Gozo cruise a good match for anyone who would rather be in the water than on a bus. You get about 90 minutes at Blue Lagoon, an hour at Crystal Lagoon, and another hour at Ħalfa Rock near Gozo, with caves and rock formations filling the sailing time.

I like the generous swimming schedule and the mix of famous sights with smaller bays. I also like that the boat provides toilets and showers, which matter after several hours in salt water. The main concern is capacity: one serious complaint described an extremely crowded boat and a departure that left early, so arrive well before 10:00 and confirm the exact pier.

Key points before you book

• Three long water stops: Blue Lagoon gets about 1.5 hours, while Crystal Lagoon and Ħalfa Rock each get one hour.
• Caves come early: Smuggler’s Cave, Santa Maria Caves, Poppy’s Cave, and Lovers Cave are visited from the boat.
• A full six-hour outing: The cruise leaves at 10:00 and returns at about 16:00.
• Bring cash: Drinks, food, the optional fast power boat cave trip, and snorkel equipment cost extra.
• The meeting point needs care: The departure is described as Mellieha Bay Tunny Net Jetty, behind Starbucks and about a 10-minute walk from central Mellieha.
• Best for swimmers: This is not a gentle harbor tour or a good choice for anyone with limited mobility.

Three bays, six hours, and a clear purpose

This cruise is built around swimming. That sounds simple, but it helps you decide quickly if it suits you. You will spend most of the day in swimwear, moving between coves, caves, and open water rather than walking through towns or visiting museums.

The boat leaves Mellieha Bay at 10:00 and returns at roughly 16:00. That gives you a useful half-day-plus on the water, with enough time at each main stop to swim without feeling rushed from one bay to the next.

The listed price is $34 per person, which is fair if you use all three swim stops. A single Blue Lagoon boat trip can feel short once you account for sailing time, but here Blue Lagoon is only the first major stop. You also get Crystal Lagoon and Ħalfa Rock near Gozo, along with the coastal sights.

The value drops if you do not enjoy swimming or sunbathing. Food and drinks are not included in the price, despite the onboard bar and light snacks, so set aside extra cash. Snorkel masks are available to rent for €5, and the optional fast power boat cave tour costs €15.

Finding the boat at Mellieha Bay

The stated meeting point is Oh Yeah Malta at Mellieha Bay. The directions place it behind Starbucks, about 100 meters away, and roughly a 10-minute walk from Mellieha center. The departure is also described as the Tunny Net Jetty, so check the precise loading point when you book.

I would arrive early. The scheduled departure is 10:00, and one reported problem involved a boat leaving about 10 minutes early while a delayed party was still trying to reach the pier. Traffic was part of that problem, but the practical lesson is simple: do not aim to arrive at 10:00.

If you are staying in Mellieha, the walk to the bay is manageable according to the directions provided. If you are coming from elsewhere in Malta, allow extra time for the road journey and the walk to the jetty.

The boat returns to the same meeting point. That makes the day easy to plan, but do not assume you can leave from Gozo or arrange your own return midway through the cruise.

Sailing past Comino’s caves and Elephant Rock

The first part of the route works as a coastal introduction to Comino. You pass Mellieha Bay, Ghar Ic-Comb, and Coral Lagoon, with short photo opportunities along the way.

Elephant Rock is one of the most memorable sights. The rock formation resembles an elephant’s head, and the boat passes close enough for photos and a proper look. This is a quick scenic stop rather than a long shore visit, so keep your camera ready.

The route also includes Smuggler’s Cave, Santa Maria Caves, Poppy’s Cave, and Lovers Cave. The caves are viewed from the boat, with Santa Maria Caves listed as a visit of about 10 minutes. You should think of these as a coastal sightseeing portion, not a full cave walk. The optional fast power boat cave trip, sold onboard for €15, is available if you want a closer and faster look at the cave entrances.

This part of the cruise is useful because it breaks up the swimming. You can sit back, watch the cliffs and rock shelves pass by, and take photos without giving up the main purpose of the day.

Blue Lagoon gives you the longest swim

The first main stop is Blue Lagoon, where the boat stays for about 90 minutes. This is the longest swimming break, and you can use it for swimming, snorkeling, sunbathing, or a walk on Comino.

The time is generous enough to do more than jump in for a quick dip. If you want to walk on the island, do it early in the stop, then return to the water while you still have time. You will not have unlimited time for a long island hike, though, so keep your watch in mind.

Blue Lagoon is the most famous stop, and that fame brings a practical issue: you may find it busy, especially at popular times. The cruise gives you a planned water break, but it does not turn the lagoon into a private cove. If your ideal day means complete quiet, this is not the right expectation.

Bring your own towel, swimsuit, sunglasses, and sun protection. You will have plenty of time in the sun, and the boat’s shade may be limited depending on where you sit. The supplied information specifically advises beachwear, sunscreen, and cash.

Crystal Lagoon is the best fit for snorkeling

After Blue Lagoon, the cruise moves to Crystal Lagoon for another hour of swimming and snorkeling. The stop is shorter, but it gives you a second chance to get into the water after the busy first bay.

Crystal Lagoon is particularly useful if you want to focus on clear water and marine life rather than walking around. The plan is straightforward: photo time, swimming, and snorkeling. There is no listed island walk here, so have your mask ready and make the most of the hour.

You can rent a mask and snorkel onboard for €5, but bringing your own may be more convenient if you already have equipment. The tour is aimed at people who enjoy swimming, relaxing, and sunbathing, so you should be comfortable entering and leaving the water from a boat.

Do not expect a guided snorkeling lesson. The tour includes time in the water, not specialist instruction. If you are a confident swimmer, this is a simple way to see more coastline without arranging separate boat transfers.

Ħalfa Rock adds a Gozo stop

The final water stop is Ħalfa Rock Bay near Gozo, where you get another hour for swimming, snorkeling, and viewing marine life. This gives the day a useful change of setting: you are no longer only circling Comino, and the cruise reaches Gozo before turning back toward Malta.

The stop is also referred to as Santa Maria or Hlafa Rock in the tour information, so the naming may vary slightly. Follow the guide’s instructions on the day and listen for the exact location.

An hour is enough for a good swim, but it passes quickly after two earlier stops. I would save some energy for this final bay rather than treating Blue Lagoon as the whole event. If you are prone to seasickness or tired easily in the sun, the repeated water entries and boat travel may make the last stop feel demanding.

The return trip to Malta is part of the scheduled day, with arrival around 16:00. Light snacks and a selection of drinks and cocktails are available from the onboard bar. The wording indicates a cash bar, and the included section does not cover food or drinks, so budget accordingly.

What the onboard setup means in practice

Toilets and showers are included, a small detail that becomes important after three swims. The showers are useful for rinsing off salt, while the toilet saves you from needing a shore stop.

The boat also has a bar with drinks, cocktails, and light snacks. This is convenient, but I would not treat it as a full lunch plan. Bring cash and consider bringing any food you know you will need, as the supplied details do not promise a full meal.

The experience provider presents the day as friendly and family-like, but the practical experience depends heavily on boat capacity. A serious complaint described a boat filled beyond comfort, with little room for bags and mostly standing room during the six-hour outing. That is not a minor issue on a long swim cruise.

The complaint also described the provider helping with a fast boat after the missed departure. That suggests staff may try to solve problems when they occur, but it does not remove the need for you to arrive early or confirm the departure arrangements.

Who will enjoy this cruise most

I would recommend this trip to you if you want:

• Three separate opportunities to swim in one day
• A straightforward way to see Comino’s caves and Elephant Rock
• Time for snorkeling without arranging several boat trips
• A relaxed day of sun, water, drinks, and coastal views
• A reasonably priced outing at $34 before extras

You should think twice if you want long walks, quiet beaches, or a guided history tour. The sightseeing is mostly from the boat, and the walking time at Blue Lagoon is limited to the 90-minute stop.

The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users or people with mobility impairments. The information also prohibits electric wheelchairs, glass objects, weapons, sharp objects, explosives, and making fires. Those rules are standard for a boat outing, but the mobility restriction is especially important because boarding, moving around, and entering the water can be difficult.

What to pack and how to manage the day

Pack light, but bring the basics:

• Towel
• Swimsuit and a change of clothes
• Sunglasses
• Sunblock
• Cash
• Your own snorkel mask if you have one

A waterproof bag for your phone and valuables would be sensible, though it is not specifically listed as provided. Keep your belongings compact, especially because a crowded boat may leave little space for bags.

Wear your beach clothes from the start. You will have a sightseeing stretch before Blue Lagoon, but changing facilities on a boat can be limited. Use the showers after swimming, but do not count on a private changing room.

The most useful planning tip is to treat this as an active water day, not a sightseeing transfer. Eat beforehand, arrive early, keep sunscreen handy, and save enough energy for Ħalfa Rock.

Should you book this Comino and Gozo cruise?

Book it if the main thing you want is water time. At $34, the three swimming stops give you solid value, and the cave visits, Elephant Rock, onboard facilities, and return transport add useful extras.

I would not book it for a quiet or intimate boat ride. Capacity may be the biggest risk, and the reported overcrowding issue is worth taking seriously. Arrive well before 10:00, confirm the exact Mellieha Bay pier, and ask about expected boat capacity if that matters to you.

For confident swimmers who want Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon, and a Gozo stop in one day, this is a practical choice. For anyone needing easy access, a full meal, extensive walking, or a calm sightseeing cruise, choose a different kind of Malta outing.

FAQ

Where does the cruise depart from?

The cruise departs from Mellieha Bay, described as the Tunny Net Jetty and the Oh Yeah Malta meeting point. The directions place it behind Starbucks, about 100 meters away and a 10-minute walk from Mellieha center.

What time does the boat leave and return?

Departure is scheduled for 10:00, with arrival back at the meeting point at approximately 16:00.

How long is the Blue Lagoon stop?

The Blue Lagoon stop lasts about 1.5 hours and includes time for swimming, snorkeling, sightseeing, and a possible walk on Comino.

Are food and drinks included?

Food and drinks are not included in the price. Light snacks, drinks, and cocktails are available onboard from a cash bar.

Can I rent snorkeling equipment?

Yes. Masks and snorkels are available to rent for a small charge of €5.

Is the cruise suitable for wheelchair users?

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