Three lagoons in one day beats the heat. This 6-hour cruise out of Mellieħa is a simple way to see the best water stops between Comino and Gozo without rushing. I love the swim-stops timing here—about 1.5–2 hours at the Blue Lagoon and solid time at each next bay. I also like the human touch: the crew keeps things friendly and helps you get sorted on and off the boat.

One thing to plan carefully: Blue Lagoon disembarkation needs a government access pass now, and the daily allocation is limited. If you don’t have the pass, you won’t be allowed to step ashore at Blue Lagoon—so you’ll want that sorted before you show up.

Key points before you book

• Three anchored swim stops with enough time to actually swim, snorkel, or just hang out
• Blue Lagoon access pass requirement (limited daily) for getting onto the sand
• Crystal Lagoon’s cliff-lined views and sea caves make it a great snorkeling-style stop
• Ħalfa Rock Bay on Gozo gives you a quieter, smaller cove vibe
• Onboard toilet and shower, plus a small cash snack bar
• Up to 55 people means it feels like a day cruise rather than a cattle boat

A 6-hour Comino and Gozo cruise that doesn’t feel rushed

This is a classic Malta formula: start in the morning from Marfa Jetty in Mellieħa, cruise the island chain, anchor where the water looks best, then repeat. The nice part is the pacing. You get three different swim stops—Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon, and Ħalfa Rock Bay—and each one is long enough to matter.

The full trip runs about 6 hours, including sailing time between bays. That duration is long enough to feel like a real day on the water, but short enough that you’re back in the swing of your Malta plans afterward.

The boat experience also stays practical. You’re not just sitting there watching waves; you’re anchored near the sights, with time to get in the water and explore what you can see from the surface.

Blue Lagoon access pass: the rule that can make or break your day

The Blue Lagoon is the headline stop, but there’s a key detail you can’t ignore. Since May 2025, Malta requires a government-issued access pass to disembark at the Blue Lagoon. The pass has a limited daily allocation, and you must get it in advance from blcomino.com.

For this specific cruise, you’re told to book the morning timeslot when you request your pass. Also note the consequences are real: no refunds are issued if you can’t disembark because you didn’t get the pass. So treat this as your main homework item.

What this means for your day-to-day expectations:

• If you have the pass, you can step ashore at the Blue Lagoon for the swim window.
• If you don’t, you may still enjoy the swim stop by staying on the boat while it’s anchored nearby—but you won’t be going onto the sand.

If you’re traveling in high season, this is especially important. That limited daily pass allocation is exactly what you want in your favor, not against you.

Blue Lagoon stop: turquoise water, white sand, and real swim time

Your first swim stop is at the famous Blue Lagoon. The boat cruises along Comino’s northern coastline, then anchors so you can enjoy the water right away. Time on this stop is about 1 hour 30 minutes (some descriptions frame it as up to around 2 hours).

Here’s what makes this bay special, and why that time matters:

• The water is described as turquoise and crystal-clear
• There’s a white sandy base
• There’s also mention of rich marine life, which is exactly what you want if you plan to float and look around

The boat is anchored near the lagoon, so you can choose how active you want to be. You can swim and snorkel, or you can just lounge on the boat and enjoy the view. If you want the simplest plan, this stop is the one where you’ll feel happiest doing less.

One practical tip: the tour is weather-dependent. If it’s choppy, swimming can be more work. That doesn’t ruin the day, but it can change how long you’ll want to stay in the water.

Crystal Lagoon on Comino: cliffs, shelter, and sea-cave views

After the Blue Lagoon, you move to Crystal Lagoon on the west side of Comino. This stop runs about 1 hour and it’s built for swimmers and snorkelers.

This lagoon gets described as:

• Sheltered
• Framed by imposing cliffs
• Famous for 360-degree views
• A place with sea caves you can explore from the water

Even if you’re not doing a full-on swim adventure, that mix of cliffs and caves gives you a lot to look at without needing to be super athletic. In other words, it’s a great stop for people who want the look and the water, but don’t want a long active session.

Compared with Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon is shorter. That’s not a downside—it’s part of the pacing that keeps the day from dragging. You’ll get a focused swim stop, then you’ll move on before the novelty wears off.

Ħalfa Rock Bay on Gozo: a quieter cove with a pebbly beach

Next you cruise to Ħalfa Rock Bay, on the southeast coast of Gozo. This is the “slower” feeling stop, and it’s one of the reasons the itinerary works.

You’ll be there for about 1 hour. The bay is described as:

• A deserted small islet
• Sitting alone on the edge of a pretty little cove
• A pebbly beach
• A place that stays more charming in summer, when other bays get busy

This is a good stop if you want your photos, a calmer swim, and a bit of breathing space compared to the most famous nameplate in the itinerary. It’s also the last swim stop, so it’s a smart time to do your “one more swim” moment before the return sailing.

When you’re on this bay, pay attention to how the shoreline looks from where the boat anchors. The cove feel here is the point, and it changes how you’ll experience the water.

The scenic return: Santa Maria Caves and Elephant Head

On the way back, you cruise past a couple landmarks that add a “Malta postcard” feel without turning your day into a museum tour.

You’ll pass:

• Santa Maria Caves
• Elephant Head rock formation

This part matters because it gives you something to enjoy even if you’ve been in the water already. It’s also a nice transition: you finish swim time, then you still have scenery to look forward to on the ride home.

Onboard comfort: toilets, shower, and a small cash bar

This cruise includes a few onboard perks that you’ll appreciate once you’re out there:

• Toilet facilities
• A shower
• A small cash bar with snacks and beverages
• Crew assistance

That shower detail is underrated. After you’ve been swimming and drying off with salty air, being able to rinse off can make you feel human again fast.

There’s also a cash bar for snacks and drinks. Importantly, one piece of feedback you can take seriously from the reviews is that the snack bar felt reasonable, not like a rip-off. You’re not going to want to treat it like a full meal plan, but it can save you if you’re hungry between swim stops.

Also, boarding is capped at 55 travelers, so the vibe usually stays manageable rather than chaotic.

Group size, language, and pacing in real life

The tour is offered in English and uses a mobile ticket. The meeting point is straightforward at Marfa Jetty (start time 10:00 am), and you’ll return to the same meeting point.

Two “how it feels” notes:

• With up to 55 people, you’ll still have a line sometimes for boarding or getting everyone organized, but it’s not the type of crowd that ruins the day.
• The stops are spaced so you don’t feel trapped in one place for too long.

The reviews highlight that the time at each stop feels right: long enough to enjoy it, not so long that you start counting minutes. That’s exactly what you want on water tours, where weather can also affect how long you naturally want to swim.

Weather and what the operator can change

This is a sea trip, so weather matters. The provider reserves the right to change the visit order or adjust the itinerary based on weather or operational constraints.

If the trip is canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date, or you’ll get a full refund if you can’t reschedule.

In plain terms: be flexible with your plans, especially around summer wind and spray conditions. If you’re prone to seasickness, this is also flagged as not recommended, so factor that into your decision.

Price and value: where $47.66 really lands

At $47.66 per person, this cruise is priced for what you actually get: a full morning of sailing plus three swim stops across Comino and Gozo.

What’s included that protects your wallet:

• Scenic cruise
• Swim time at Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon, and Ħalfa Rock Bay
• Return sailing with passes by Santa Maria Caves and Elephant Head
• Onboard toilet and shower
• Crew assistance

What’s not included:

• The government access pass for Blue Lagoon
• Hotel pickup and drop-off
• Food and drinks beyond the small cash bar

So the value equation is pretty clear. If you plan your day around swimming and you already know you want these three water stops, this ticket price looks like a solid way to buy time on the water without renting a boat.

The only cost “surprise” risk is the access pass for Blue Lagoon, which is required to disembark. Plan for that and you’re good.

Should you book this Mellieħa–Comino–Gozo boat trip?

Book it if:

• You want three swim stops in one day with time to enjoy each one
• You care more about water time than a long land program
• You’ll handle the Blue Lagoon access pass requirement ahead of schedule
• You like the idea of a day cruise with onboard basics like a shower and toilets

Skip it (or think hard) if:

• You’re very sensitive to sea movement and seasickness
• You need accessibility options beyond what’s typically possible on a small boat
• You haven’t yet sorted your Blue Lagoon pass and you’re traveling on a tight schedule

If your goal is simple: get great water, snorkel or swim a bit, and see Comino and Gozo without complex logistics, this is a strong choice. Just treat the pass rule as step one, and the rest of the day should feel easy.

FAQ

FAQ

What time does the cruise depart from Mellieħa?

It starts at 10:00 am from Marfa Jetty in Mellieħa.

Where is the meeting point, and do you return there?

You meet at Marfa Jetty in Mellieħa, and the activity ends back at the same meeting point.

How long is the cruise, including swimming time?

The total duration is about 6 hours, including the sailing and all swim stops.

What swim stops are included?

You’ll have swim stops at the Blue Lagoon (about 1.5–2 hours), Crystal Lagoon (about 1 hour), and Ħalfa Rock Bay (about 1 hour).

Do I need a pass to disembark at the Blue Lagoon?

Yes. Since May 2025, you need a government-issued access pass to disembark at the Blue Lagoon, and passes are limited. You get it in advance via blcomino.com.

What facilities are on the boat?

There are toilet facilities and a shower available on the boat.

Is food included in the ticket price?

Food isn’t included. There is a small cash bar on board with snacks and beverages.

Is the tour refundable if the weather cancels it?

If the trip is canceled due to poor weather/sea conditions/strong winds, you’ll be offered a reschedule date; if you can’t reschedule, you’ll receive a full refund.