Three Bay Cruise Including Blue Lagoon from Mellieha

The best part of this six-hour Malta cruise is its generous time in the water. You get roughly 90 minutes at the Blue Lagoon, an hour at Crystal Lagoon, and another hour at Ħalfa Rock Bay, so this is not a quick sail past the sights with one rushed swim.

I like the three different swimming spots, each with a different feel, and the useful facilities on board, including a toilet, shower, and small cash bar. At $47.66 per person, the tour also offers solid value for a full morning and afternoon on the water. The main drawback is that you must arrange a government access pass in advance if you want to step ashore at the Blue Lagoon, and the boat may carry up to 55 people.

Key points to know before you book

• Three long swim stops: Spend about 90 minutes at Blue Lagoon, one hour at Crystal Lagoon, and one hour at Ħalfa Rock Bay.
• Blue Lagoon access now requires planning: A government-issued pass is needed to disembark ashore, and the morning time slot must be selected when applying.
• A useful six-hour route: The cruise covers Comino and Gozo, then passes Santa Maria Caves and Elephant Head on the way back.
• Good on-board basics: You have access to a toilet, shower, crew assistance, and a small cash bar serving snacks and drinks.
• Easy meeting point for northern Malta: Departure is from Marfa Jetty in Mellieħa at 10:00 am, with boarding closed 20 minutes early.
• Best for confident swimmers and sun seekers: The tour is not recommended for people with mobility impairments or a strong tendency toward seasickness.

Three lagoons, one full day on Malta’s water

This cruise is built around swimming rather than formal sightseeing. You spend the day moving between bright-water coves, rocky shores, and sea caves, with enough time at each stop to swim, snorkel, sunbathe, or stay on the boat.

That matters because many boat trips around Comino offer a short stop at one famous bay and then keep moving. Here, the three stops make up most of the day. You can enjoy the water at your own pace instead of scrambling back aboard after a few minutes.

The route starts at Marfa Jetty in Mellieħa at 10:00 am and lasts about six hours. The provider may change the order of the stops because of wind, sea conditions, or other operating needs. The exact sequence is less important than the overall plan: three water stops, scenic sailing, and a return to the same jetty.

With a maximum group size of 55 people, this is not a private boat outing. It is also not the largest possible cruise, but you should expect a shared experience, especially at the most popular lagoon. The friendly crew and the relaxed timing help keep the trip from feeling like a simple ferry ride.

Blue Lagoon: Malta’s famous first stop

The Blue Lagoon is the headline attraction. The boat heads along Comino’s northern coast before anchoring near the lagoon, where you get about one hour and 30 minutes. Some descriptions of the trip allow up to two hours here, so plan for a long first stop, while understanding that the final timing can vary.

The water is the main event. It is clear and turquoise, with a pale sandy bottom and plenty of light under the surface. You can swim, snorkel, sunbathe on board, or take a walk on Comino if you have the required permission to go ashore.

The boat anchors near the Blue Lagoon rather than giving you a simple drop-off on land. That is useful if you would rather avoid the crowded shore and keep your belongings close. It also means you should check exactly what sort of water access suits you before booking. The experience is centered on a boat-based stop, not a guided walk around the island.

A new government rule, effective from May 2025, adds an important step. If you want to disembark at the Blue Lagoon, you must obtain an official access pass through blcomino.com before the trip. Daily allocations are limited, and you need to select the morning time slot when applying.

This is your responsibility, not something the cruise provider arranges for you. You will not be allowed ashore without the pass, and there is no refund if you miss the shore visit because you failed to obtain it. If you are happy to swim from the boat or remain on board, the key issue is less pressing, but anyone planning to walk on Comino should handle the pass well ahead of departure.

The Blue Lagoon can be very busy in summer. The long stop gives you time to settle into the scene, but it does not guarantee a quiet bay. I would treat this as the most famous and most visually striking stop, not necessarily the most peaceful one.

Crystal Lagoon and its sheltered sea caves

After the Blue Lagoon, the boat continues to Crystal Lagoon on the western side of Comino. The stop lasts about one hour and brings a different mood, with steep rock faces, clear turquoise water, and wide views around the sheltered inlet.

This is the strongest stop for anyone who wants to explore below the surface or swim toward the sea caves. The cliffs give the lagoon a more enclosed feel than the open Blue Lagoon, and the caves add something to do beyond floating and sunbathing.

You should bring your own swimming and snorkelling gear if you have it. The supplied details do not state that equipment is provided, so do not count on an on-board rental service. The same applies to towels. Pack what you need, but keep your luggage modest because large suitcases and large bags are not allowed.

The one-hour stop is long enough for a proper swim and a look at the caves, though it will pass quickly if you want plenty of time in the water. Stay aware of the boat’s instructions and sea conditions. The crew can alter the order or route if weather or wind makes a planned stop unsuitable.

Crystal Lagoon may be the most rewarding stop for active swimmers. If you prefer to stay dry, it still offers strong views from the boat, but its appeal is closely tied to getting into the water.

Ħalfa Rock Bay on Gozo

The third swim stop takes you to Ħalfa Rock Bay on the southeast coast of Gozo. Here, a small bare islet sits near a pretty cove with a pebbly beach. The bay is described as quieter than some of the better-known swimming areas during the summer season.

That gives the final stop a useful change of pace. After the bright, popular Blue Lagoon and the cliffs of Crystal Lagoon, Ħalfa Rock Bay feels more secluded and simple. You get about an hour for a last swim before the cruise begins its return journey.

The beach is pebbly rather than sandy, so water shoes may be useful, although the tour information does not specifically require them. If you would rather not go ashore, you can use the stop for swimming from the boat or relaxing on board.

This bay is also a good reason not to judge the cruise only by its first stop. Blue Lagoon is the name most people know, but the Gozo stop gives you a quieter setting and a chance to enjoy the water without making the entire day about one crowded attraction.

Scenic views on the way back

The return route adds two final sights without taking time away from the main swimming stops. The boat passes the Santa Maria Caves and the Elephant Head rock formation before returning to Marfa Jetty.

The Santa Maria Caves are a natural highlight of Comino, with rock formations shaped by the sea. You see them from the boat, so this is a passing scenic view rather than a cave visit on foot. Keep your camera ready, but remember that boat movement, glare, and changing light can make photographs less predictable than they appear in promotional images.

Elephant Head is an easily recognized rock formation with a profile that gives the cruise a memorable finish. These sights help round out the route, particularly if you enjoy seeing the coastline from the water rather than spending every minute at a beach.

The trip ends back at the same meeting point, which makes the logistics simple. There is no hotel pickup or drop-off, so you must arrange your own way to and from Marfa Jetty.

What the $47.66 price gets you

At $47.66 per person, the value comes from the length of the outing and the amount of time allocated to swimming. You are paying for about six hours on the water, scenic cruising around Comino and Gozo, three stops, crew assistance, and access to the boat’s basic facilities.

That is a fair price if you want a full day of sea time without arranging several separate transfers. The cruise also avoids the need to choose between Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon. You see both, then add a Gozo bay and two coastal sights.

Food and drinks are not included. A small cash bar sells snacks and beverages, and the reasonable prices mentioned in the available feedback make it a practical backup. Still, I would bring water and any food you need, since the bar is limited and the day is long.

The price does not include the government access pass for stepping ashore at Blue Lagoon. The pass itself is not presented as part of the cruise fare, and the responsibility for obtaining it rests with you. Factor that extra planning into your decision if walking on Comino is important.

Getting to Marfa Jetty on time

The meeting point is Marfa Jetty, Mellieħa, listed at X8PV+QPW. The cruise departs at 10:00 am, but boarding closes 20 minutes before departure. I would aim to be there by 9:40 am at the latest, with enough time to find the jetty and board without stress.

Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. The meeting point is near public transportation, but the supplied details do not specify exact bus routes or travel times. Check your route before the morning of the cruise, especially if you are staying outside Mellieħa.

Bring swimwear, sun protection, a towel, water, and a small amount of cash for the bar. Large luggage, large suitcases, and pets are not allowed. The boat has a toilet and shower, which are useful after swimming, but you should still pack light and keep personal items secure.

The boat accommodates up to 55 people. That size allows the operator to offer a reasonably priced route, but it also means you will share the deck, swimming areas, and facilities with a group. If your priority is privacy, a smaller charter would be a better fit.

Comfort, weather, and who should skip it

This is a sea-based day, so the weather matters. The operator may cancel because of poor weather, rough sea conditions, or strong winds. You can then reschedule or receive a full refund if rescheduling does not work for you.

The boat’s toilet, shower, and snack bar make the six hours easier. Crew assistance is also included. Still, these are practical basics, not luxury features. You should be comfortable spending much of the day outdoors, in strong sun, and on a moving boat.

The cruise is not recommended for people prone to seasickness. If you often feel unwell on boats, the combination of sailing time, wind, and repeated movement between stops could make the day unpleasant. It is also not recommended for people with mobility impairments, since boarding, moving around the boat, and entering the water may be difficult.

Most people who can manage a standard boat outing can participate, but the tour does not promise specialized access support. If you need specific mobility arrangements, confirm them before booking rather than assuming the crew can provide them.

The booking rules that matter

You receive confirmation when you book, 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 cancellations are treated differently. If the provider cancels because of sea or weather conditions, you are offered another date or a full refund.

The Blue Lagoon pass deserves special attention. You cannot rely on a last-minute application, since the daily allocation is limited. Apply for the morning time slot before your cruise date, and keep proof of the pass with you if you plan to step ashore.

Should you book this Comino and Gozo cruise?

Book it if you want three substantial swim stops for one reasonable price, prefer a shared boat to arranging separate transport, and like the idea of combining Malta’s most famous lagoon with quieter coastal stops around Comino and Gozo.

It is especially well suited to confident swimmers, snorkellers, couples, families with older children, and anyone who wants a relaxed day on the water rather than a guided history tour. The long stops are the key advantage. You are not simply photographing the lagoons from a boat and moving on.

Think twice if you dislike crowds, get seasick, need easy step-free access, or want a private and quiet cruise. You also need to plan the Blue Lagoon access pass yourself if stepping ashore matters to you.

For most able-bodied visitors who want a practical northern Malta boat day, the route offers good value. Bring your swim gear, arrive at Marfa Jetty early, sort out the Blue Lagoon pass in advance, and judge the day by all three swimming stops rather than the famous first one alone.

FAQ

How long is the Three Bay Cruise?

The cruise lasts approximately six hours, including sailing time and the three swimming stops.

Where does the cruise depart?

It departs from Marfa Jetty in Mellieħa, Malta, at 10:00 am.

When should I arrive at Marfa Jetty?

Boarding closes 20 minutes before the scheduled departure, so you should arrive by 9:40 am at the latest.

What swimming stops are included?

The cruise includes about 90 minutes at the Blue Lagoon, one hour at Crystal Lagoon, and one hour at Ħalfa Rock Bay in Gozo.

Do I need a pass for the Blue Lagoon?

You need a government-issued access pass if you want to disembark ashore at the Blue Lagoon. It must be obtained in advance through blcomino.com, and you need to select the morning time slot.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not included, but a small cash bar sells snacks and beverages.

Are there toilets and showers on the boat?

Yes. Toilet facilities and a shower are available on board.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. You must make your own way to Marfa Jetty, and the cruise returns to the same meeting point.

What happens if the cruise is canceled because of weather?

You can reschedule for another date. If you cannot reschedule, you will receive a full refund.