Mellieha: Two Bay Evening Cruise Including The Blue Lagoon

Comino’s two famous lagoons are at their best when the day’s heat and crowds begin to fade. This three-hour evening cruise from Mellieħa gives you about an hour at Crystal Lagoon and another at Blue Lagoon, with time to swim, snorkel, or simply sit back on the boat.

I like the sensible timing, especially in Malta’s hot summer months, and I like the smaller-boat feel. A recent outing carried about 20 passengers, and the captain and assistant were praised for keeping the trip calm and well organized. The main catch is that Blue Lagoon access now requires a government pass if you want to step ashore.

Key points at a glance

• Two one-hour swim stops: Spend roughly an hour at Crystal Lagoon and another at Blue Lagoon.
• Evening timing: The cruise avoids the harshest midday heat and usually brings a quieter feel to Comino.
• Small-boat atmosphere: The Pegasus has been described as carrying about 20 passengers on one outing, rather than packing people in.
• Crystal Lagoon views: Expect cliffs, sea caves, turquoise water, and wide views around Comino.
• Blue Lagoon pass required: Apply at blcomino.com and choose the evening time slot before departure.
• Simple onboard comforts: A toilet, shower, crew assistance, and a bar are available, while food and snorkeling gear cost extra.

Why an evening cruise makes sense in Malta

Malta’s summer sun can be punishing, especially on open water. An evening departure lets you enjoy the coast after the strongest heat has eased, and it gives the trip a more relaxed rhythm than a rushed daytime outing.

The timing also matters at Comino. Blue Lagoon is one of Malta’s most famous swimming spots, so it can feel intensely busy during the middle of the day. This cruise does not promise an empty lagoon, but arriving later gives you a better chance of enjoying the water without the full daytime crush.

You’ll leave from Marfa Jetty in Mellieħa, opposite the Riviera Spa Resort. Look for the white boat named Pegasus. The provider’s office is beside the jetty, near the Dive Vision Malta Snorkel & Diving Centre, so there is a place to ask for help if you have trouble finding the boat.

The exact departure time depends on availability, but the full outing lasts about three hours and returns to base at approximately 8:00 PM. Check the time carefully when booking, since the return hour is tied to the evening schedule.

Sailing from Marfa Bay along Comino’s coast

Once the boat leaves Marfa Bay, the first part of the trip is a scenic ride along Malta’s northern coastline toward Comino. The main attraction here is the changing view from the water: cliffs, rocky shorelines, and clear Mediterranean water rather than a long narrated tour of inland sights.

The crew provides assistance and commentary in English. The captain and assistant have received especially warm praise for being attentive and focused on passengers, and the boat’s size can make it easier to ask a question or get help than on a large excursion vessel.

The boat has a toilet and shower, which are useful after swimming. There is also a small bar with prices described as reasonable, but food and drinks are not included in the $35 fare. Bring cash so you are not caught short, especially if you want something from the bar.

The boat is not intended for large luggage, oversized bags, or pets. Pack a small day bag with swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, and any motion sickness remedy you may need.

Crystal Lagoon: cliffs, caves, and the first swim

Crystal Lagoon sits on the western side of Comino and is the first stop. The boat stays here for about one hour, giving you enough time for a proper swim rather than a quick photo stop.

This lagoon is especially appealing if you enjoy swimming around rocky scenery. High cliffs surround the sheltered water, and the position gives you broad views in every direction. The turquoise water is clear enough for snorkeling, and sea caves add another point of interest along the edge of the lagoon.

You can get into the water, bring your own mask and snorkel, or rent snorkeling equipment from the provider. Equipment rental is not included, so check the cost before setting off if you do not have your own gear.

Crystal Lagoon is also a good place to stay aboard the boat. You are not required to swim, and the deck gives you a comfortable base for watching the cliffs and water. That flexibility matters for families and mixed groups, since one person can swim while another stays dry.

An hour goes quickly here. If you plan to snorkel, have your gear ready before the boat anchors. If you want photographs, take them early, then put the phone away and enjoy the water. The boat’s shower can help rinse off afterward, although the supplied information does not specify how much fresh water is available, so it is wise not to linger in the shower.

Blue Lagoon: famous water with a new access rule

After Crystal Lagoon, the boat continues to Blue Lagoon, where it anchors for approximately one hour. This is Comino’s signature stop, known for transparent cyan water, a white sandy bottom, and marine life visible below the surface.

The color is the main attraction. From the boat, you can see why Blue Lagoon is so popular, even before getting into the water. Swimming and snorkeling are the obvious choices, but you can also remain on the boat and enjoy the view without going ashore.

Here is the important practical point: since May 2025, anyone who wants to disembark at Blue Lagoon must obtain an official government access pass in advance. Apply through blcomino.com and select the evening slot. Daily numbers are limited, and you cannot step ashore without the pass.

The pass is not included in the cruise price, and failing to obtain one does not qualify for a refund. This is easy to overlook because the cruise itself still visits Blue Lagoon. You can remain aboard and use the surrounding water, but you should not assume that a ticket for the boat automatically gives you permission to walk onto Comino.

If walking around Comino matters to you, arrange the pass before your trip. If swimming is your main goal, staying on the boat may be perfectly satisfactory, but you still need to understand the difference between visiting the lagoon by boat and going ashore.

What the $35 price really covers

At $35 per person, this is a fair price for a three-hour sea trip with two long swim stops. You are paying for the boat ride, access to both lagoon areas by water, crew support, and a full hour at each location.

The value is strongest if you want swimming time rather than a short sightseeing circuit. Many boat trips around Malta spend only a few minutes at a photo stop. Here, you get approximately two hours combined in the lagoons, which gives you time to swim and still relax on deck.

The price does not cover food, drinks, snorkeling equipment, or the Blue Lagoon shore pass. That keeps the basic fare lower, but your final cost can rise if you buy refreshments and rent gear.

The small-boat setup is another part of the value. One recent trip had around 20 passengers, with enough room that people did not feel packed together. Passenger numbers can vary, so I would not treat 20 as a guaranteed limit, but the experience appears designed to avoid the feel of a huge catamaran excursion.

The boat, crew, and onboard atmosphere

The white Pegasus is easy to identify at the departure point. The crew speaks English and provides assistance throughout the trip, including help with the swimming stops and general questions about the cruise.

The captain and assistant have been singled out for their friendly service and attention to passengers. Two crew members were also noted as giving commentary during the cruise, which adds useful context without making the outing feel like a formal lecture.

Families should find the format manageable, especially since children can remain on the boat between swims. A note from a family outing specifically mentions life jackets being available for children. Still, this is a boat trip with open-water swimming, not a supervised swimming lesson, so parents need to keep an eye on children.

The bar is convenient, and prices have been described as acceptable. Still, bring your own water if you prefer to control spending, and remember that the tour does not include meals.

Who will enjoy this trip most

I would choose this cruise if you want the main Comino sights without giving up most of your day. The three-hour length works well for visitors based in Mellieħa who want an evening activity rather than another full-day excursion.

It is also a good fit for people who care about swimming. Each lagoon receives roughly an hour, so you are not simply looking at the water from a moving boat. Snorkelers can explore around the rocky edges and caves at Crystal Lagoon, while Blue Lagoon offers clear water and a pale sandy bottom.

Families and couples may appreciate the quieter pace and smaller passenger count. The boat offers a place to sit, a toilet, a shower, and a bar, so the basic needs are covered without turning the trip into a luxury cruise.

I would be more cautious if you are prone to seasickness. The activity specifically advises bringing motion sickness prevention and says it is not suitable for people with motion sickness. Evening light may be pleasant, but it does not remove the movement of the sea.

The trip is also not suitable for wheelchair users or people with mobility impairments. There are no provisions listed for electric wheelchairs, and the boat, swimming stops, and jetty require a level of physical movement.

What to pack and what to leave behind

Pack lightly. The operator does not allow large bags, oversized luggage, or pets, so bring only what you need for a short boat trip.

Your useful checklist is simple:

• Swimwear and a towel
• Sunscreen and sunglasses
• Cash for the bar or other personal purchases
• Motion sickness prevention if you need it
• Your own snorkeling mask and snorkel, if preferred

Snorkeling equipment is available for rent, but it is not part of the fare. Ask about rental arrangements before the boat leaves if you want to use the full hour at either lagoon.

A government access pass is not something to pack, but it is something to arrange. If you intend to walk ashore at Blue Lagoon, apply at blcomino.com before the trip and choose the evening slot. The daily allocation is limited, and the responsibility rests with you.

Weather changes can alter the route

The provider may change the itinerary or stop locations because of weather or other operational problems. That is normal for a sea excursion, and it is worth keeping expectations flexible.

Crystal Lagoon and Blue Lagoon are the planned highlights, but wind and sea conditions can affect anchoring and swimming. The crew’s priority will be safety, so the exact order or choice of stops may change.

This is another reason not to schedule an essential connection immediately after the cruise. The planned return is around 8:00 PM, but sea conditions and operational changes can affect the timing.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before departure, and the reserve-now, pay-later option helps if you are still arranging your Malta plans. Those policies are useful, but they do not replace checking the access-pass rule or the weather before you go.

Should you book the Mellieħa evening cruise?

Book it if you want a reasonably priced evening on the water, two proper swim stops, and a smaller boat rather than a crowded full-day outing. The strongest features are the timing, the one-hour stops, and the chance to see Crystal Lagoon and Blue Lagoon in the same trip.

Before booking, make sure you are comfortable with open-water swimming, boat movement, and the physical demands of boarding and swimming from the vessel. If you want to walk onto Blue Lagoon, secure the government pass first and select the evening slot.

For a $35 outing, this is a good value for swimmers, families, and anyone staying near Mellieħa. It is less suitable for visitors who need wheelchair access, dislike the sea, or want a full meal and equipment included. Get the pass, pack light, and treat the evening as a relaxed swim cruise rather than a land tour of Comino.

FAQ

Where does the cruise depart from?

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

How long is the cruise?

The experience lasts three hours. The planned return to the base is approximately 8:00 PM.

How much time do you spend at each lagoon?

You spend approximately one hour at Crystal Lagoon and approximately one hour at Blue Lagoon.

Can you get off the boat at Blue Lagoon?

You can only disembark at Blue Lagoon with an official government access pass. Apply through blcomino.com and select the evening slot. Daily availability is limited.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

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

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not included. A bar is available onboard, and cash is recommended.

Is the cruise suitable for people with motion sickness or mobility impairments?

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