Three Bay Cruise Including Blue Lagoon from Mellieha

The best part of this six-hour boat trip is its simple plan: three proper swim stops around Comino and Gozo, rather than a quick photo stop and a hurried return. You get about 90 minutes at the Blue Lagoon, an hour at Crystal Lagoon, and another hour at Ħalfa Rock Bay.

I like the variety of the three bays and the fact that you can stay in the water or relax on the boat. I also like the practical touches, including a toilet, shower, and small cash bar with reasonably priced snacks and drinks. The main catch is the Blue Lagoon access pass, which you must arrange yourself before sailing if you want to step ashore.

Key points to know before booking

• Three long swim stops: About 90 minutes at Blue Lagoon, one hour at Crystal Lagoon, and one hour at Ħalfa Rock Bay.
• Morning departure: Meet at Marfa Jetty in Mellieha at 10:00 am, with boarding closing 20 minutes before departure.
• Blue Lagoon pass required: Since May 2025, you need a government-issued pass to disembark at the Blue Lagoon.
• Scenic return route: The boat passes Santa Maria Caves and the Elephant Head rock formation on the way back.
• Useful onboard facilities: You’ll find a toilet, shower, staff assistance, and a small cash bar.
• Best for confident swimmers: The trip is not recommended for people prone to seasickness or those with mobility impairments.

Three bays, one well-paced day on the water

At $47.66 per person, this is a reasonably priced way to see Comino and part of Gozo from the sea. The price covers the cruise, all three swim stops, the return route past coastal sights, and use of the boat’s basic facilities. Food, drinks, and transport to Marfa Jetty cost extra.

The value comes from the amount of time at each stop. Many boat outings around Malta focus on a single famous bay and keep moving. Here, you spend roughly three and a half hours at swimming locations, with the rest of the six-hour schedule used for sailing and sightseeing. That gives you time to swim, snorkel, sunbathe, or stay aboard without feeling pushed along.

The boat holds a maximum of 55 people. That is not a tiny private cruise, so you should expect a shared outing, but the group is limited enough to keep the experience from becoming an enormous party boat. The crew and staff provide assistance, though no individual guide names are supplied.

Leaving Marfa Jetty from Mellieha

The meeting point is Marfa Jetty in Mellieha, at the northern end of Malta. The scheduled departure is 10:00 am, but boarding closes 20 minutes before departure. Arriving late is a poor gamble, since the boat will not wait for passengers who miss the boarding window.

There is no hotel pickup or drop-off. You need to make your own way to the jetty, which is near public transportation. Bring only what you need for a day on the water, since pets, large luggage, and large suitcases are not permitted.

The morning departure makes sense for this route. You get the major swim stops during the main part of the day and return to the same jetty after about six hours. Exact timing can change if wind, sea conditions, or other operating problems affect the route, and the order of the stops may be changed.

Blue Lagoon: the famous first swim stop

The boat first follows Malta’s northern coast toward Comino’s Blue Lagoon. This is the scene most people picture when they think of a boat trip in Malta: clear turquoise water, a pale sandy bottom, and rocky shores that make the bay easy to recognize.

You have approximately one hour and 30 minutes here. That is enough time for a proper swim and some snorkeling, rather than a quick plunge before the boat leaves. You can also walk on Comino, sunbathe, or remain on the boat and enjoy the water from there.

The boat anchors near the Blue Lagoon, so do not assume the experience is the same as being dropped directly onto the shore. If you want to get off and walk around, you now need a government-issued access pass. The pass is obtained through blcomino.com, and the daily supply is limited.

This point matters. You must select the morning timeslot when applying for the pass, matching this cruise’s schedule. Without the official pass, you cannot disembark at the Blue Lagoon, and there is no refund if you arrive without one. You can still use the swim stop from the boat, but the shore access rule is strict.

The Blue Lagoon is the most famous stop, so it may feel like the busiest and most heavily anticipated part of the day. I would treat it as the scenic opening act, not the only reason to book. The next two bays provide a useful change of pace.

Crystal Lagoon and its sea caves

After Blue Lagoon, the boat heads to Crystal Lagoon on Comino’s western side. The stop lasts about one hour and offers clear water, surrounding cliffs, and views in several directions.

Crystal Lagoon suits people who want to spend more time in the water. It is described as a sheltered spot for swimming and snorkeling, with sea caves nearby to explore from the water. You should be comfortable entering and moving through the sea, since this is not a shore-based sightseeing stop.

The cliffs give the bay a more enclosed feel than the open stretches of coastline seen during the cruise. That makes this stop a good contrast with Blue Lagoon. You can swim, snorkel, or stay on the boat, while the crew handles the timing and departure.

I would bring your own mask and snorkel if you have them, since equipment is not listed among the inclusions. Food and drinks are also not included, though the small cash bar sells snacks and beverages. The boat has a shower, which is useful after swimming in salt water, as well as toilet facilities.

Ħalfa Rock Bay on Gozo

The final swim stop is Ħalfa Rock Bay on Gozo’s southeast coast. This is a smaller cove with a pebbly beach and a little islet sitting off the shore. Its quieter character gives the day a different ending after the better-known Comino lagoons.

You get approximately one hour here. The stop is well suited to a final swim, a little snorkeling, or a rest on the boat while looking toward the cove. Since it is a smaller bay, do not expect the same broad, open-water feel as the Blue Lagoon.

This is also where the route feels less focused on Malta’s most famous postcard view. The attraction is the setting and the chance to spend time in a quieter part of the route. If you want a trip built around famous sights only, the stop may feel modest. If you value variety, it rounds out the day nicely.

The three stops work well together. Blue Lagoon gives you the iconic water and the option of shore access, Crystal Lagoon gives you cliffs and sea caves, and Ħalfa Rock Bay offers a smaller Gozo cove. You are not simply repeating the same swim three times.

Santa Maria Caves and Elephant Head on the return

The return journey adds two more coastal sights without taking time away from the swimming stops. The boat passes the Santa Maria Caves, a group of sea caves along Comino’s coast, and the Elephant Head rock formation.

These are passing sights rather than extended visits. You should expect to view them from the boat, with the route providing a final scenic stretch before returning to Marfa Jetty. This part is useful for anyone who enjoys seeing Malta’s coastline from the water but does not want a full sightseeing cruise with no time to swim.

The trip ends back at the original meeting point. There is no separate hotel transfer, so plan your onward transport from Marfa Jetty.

What the boat includes, and what you should bring

The boat provides a toilet and shower, both valuable on a six-hour outing with several swims. A small cash bar offers snacks and drinks, but you should not treat it as a full meal service. Bring food and water if you need more than light refreshments.

The cruise includes staff assistance, but there is no promise of a full guided commentary or a dedicated snorkel instructor. The main appeal is the route, the swimming time, and the ease of reaching several bays in one day.

Pack light. Large suitcases and large bags are not allowed, and there is no hotel pickup to handle your luggage. Bring swimwear, a towel, sun protection, and any snorkeling gear you prefer to use. These are practical suggestions for the water stops, not supplied equipment.

You should also plan around the boat itself. If you are prone to seasickness, this is not the safest choice for you, since the experience includes several hours at sea. Strong winds or poor conditions can lead to a changed route, rescheduled date, or full refund if the trip is canceled.

Who will get the most from this cruise?

I would recommend this outing to you if your Malta plans include a full day of swimming, clear water, and coastal views, with little interest in museums or long walks. It works especially well for couples, families with confident swimmers, and anyone who wants to compare several bays rather than spend the entire day in one place.

The long stops are a major strength. You are not expected to sprint off the boat, take a picture, and hurry back aboard. You have enough time to swim and relax, and you can choose to stay on the boat at any stop.

It is less suitable if you want a quiet private boat, a highly detailed history tour, or a shore-heavy itinerary. It is also not recommended for people with mobility impairments. Boarding, moving around a boat, and getting into the sea may be difficult, and the tour information does not promise special accessibility support.

The Blue Lagoon pass adds one extra task. It is not a fee created by the cruise operator, but it is still your responsibility. Apply early through blcomino.com, select the morning slot, and keep the confirmation available. This is the single detail most likely to cause trouble if overlooked.

Is $47.66 a fair price?

For a six-hour shared cruise with three swim stops, the price is fair. You are paying for access to several coastal locations in one outing, with the boat doing the work of moving between Comino and Gozo. The included shower, toilet, and crew assistance add practical value, even though they are basic rather than luxurious.

You should budget extra for food and drinks, and possibly for transport to and from Marfa Jetty. The Blue Lagoon access pass is another separate requirement, though the supplied information does not state a price for it. The cruise itself does not include hotel transfers or a meal.

The best value comes if you intend to use the water stops fully. If you plan to remain seated for most of the day, a six-hour boat trip may feel long. If you want several hours for swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing, the schedule gives you a lot for the cost.

Booking, weather, and cancellation details

You receive confirmation at booking, and free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the local start time. Changes or cancellations made less than 24 hours before departure are not accepted for a refund.

Weather matters on this route. If poor weather, strong winds, or sea conditions force a cancellation, you can choose a different date or receive a full refund. The operator may also change the stop order or adjust the itinerary when conditions or operational limits require it.

The overall rating is 4.6 from five submitted ratings, with particular praise for the friendly crew, the time allowed at each of the three stops, and the snack bar’s reasonable prices. Those details match the tour’s strongest practical features: a relaxed schedule and a boat setup designed for a full day at sea.

Should you book the Three Bay Cruise?

Book it if you want three substantial swim stops for a moderate price and are happy with a shared boat. The route gives you the famous Blue Lagoon, the more enclosed Crystal Lagoon, and a quieter Gozo cove, with Santa Maria Caves and Elephant Head added on the return.

Before you commit, secure the Blue Lagoon access pass, check that you can reach Marfa Jetty on time, and be honest about seasickness or mobility concerns. If those points work for you, this is a practical way to spend six hours around Malta’s clearest water without rushing from one stop to the next.

FAQ

Where does the cruise depart?

The cruise departs from Marfa Jetty, Mellieha, Malta.

What time does the cruise start?

The scheduled departure time is 10:00 am. Boarding closes 20 minutes before departure.

How long is the cruise?

The complete activity lasts approximately six hours, including sailing time and all swimming stops.

How long is the Blue Lagoon stop?

The Blue Lagoon stop lasts approximately one hour and 30 minutes. The supplied details also describe it as approximately 1.5 to 2 hours.

Do I need a pass for the Blue Lagoon?

Yes. Since May 2025, you need a government-issued access pass to disembark at the Blue Lagoon. You can obtain it through blcomino.com, and you must select the morning timeslot when applying.

What happens if I do not have the Blue Lagoon pass?

You will not be allowed to disembark at the Blue Lagoon, and no refund is provided for being unable to go ashore because you did not obtain the required pass.

Are food and drinks included?

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

What happens if bad weather cancels the trip?

You will be offered a different date. If you cannot reschedule, you will receive a full refund.