From Mellieha: Three Bay Cruise including the Blue Lagoon

Turquoise water is only the beginning. This six-hour cruise from Marfa Bay in Mellieħa packs three proper swimming stops into one easy day, with time for snorkeling, sunbathing, and scenic views around Comino and Gozo. I especially like the smaller, comfortable boat and the generous swim time at Crystal Lagoon and Ħalfa Rock Bay. The main catch is the Blue Lagoon, where the water is beautiful but the shore can be extremely crowded in summer.

At $47 per person, this is strong value if you want Malta’s best-known bays without arranging several separate boat trips. I also like the choice at Blue Lagoon: you can go ashore with the required pass or stay on the boat and swim from the deck. Just note that the cruise is not suitable for wheelchair users, people with mobility limits, or anyone prone to seasickness.

Key points at a glance

• Three swim stops in six hours: Spend about 1.5 to 2 hours at Blue Lagoon, one hour at Crystal Lagoon, and one hour at Ħalfa Rock Bay.
• A smaller boat feel: The Pegasus has room for sun and shade, indoor seating, toilets, a shower, and an onboard snack and drink bar.
• Blue Lagoon access now requires planning: From May 2025, you need a government-issued access pass to step ashore, and you must choose the morning slot.
• Crystal Lagoon is the best water stop: Cliffs, sea caves, and clear water make it especially good for swimming and snorkeling.
• Ħalfa Rock Bay offers a quieter finish: This Gozo stop has a pebbly beach and a more peaceful setting than Blue Lagoon.
• Bring food, cash, and sun protection: The boat bar sells snacks and drinks, but swimmers often get hungry during the day.

Setting sail from Marfa Bay on the Pegasus

The cruise leaves from Marfa Jetty, across from the Riviera Spa Resort in Mellieħa. Look for the white boat named Pegasus. If the jetty is confusing, the provider’s office is nearby beside the Dive Vision Malta Snorkel & Diving Centre, and staff can point you in the right direction.

There is no hotel pick-up, so you need to make your own way to Marfa Bay. Build in a little extra time, especially if you are unfamiliar with northern Malta. The meeting point is simple once you know what to look for, but it is not the sort of place where you want to arrive at the last minute.

The boat itself is one of the stronger parts of this trip. It offers both open areas for sunbathing and shaded places to sit, along with tables downstairs and loungers upstairs. The layout gives you a choice between a quiet seat and a front-row view of the sea.

The crew has received especially warm praise, with Danny, Ali, Wes, and other staff members singled out for being friendly, patient, and helpful. That matters on a swimming cruise. Clear safety instructions, help with boarding, and simple explanations at each stop make the day feel relaxed rather than chaotic.

Past departures have been described as having roughly 40 people, though group size can change. The boat is large enough to avoid the cramped feeling found on some Malta cruises, and several departures have had enough open space for passengers to spread out.

Blue Lagoon: beautiful water, busy shoreline

The first stop is Blue Lagoon on Comino, usually lasting about 1.5 to 2 hours. This is the famous stop, and the color of the water explains why. From the boat, you get clear cyan water, a pale sandy seabed, and a fine view of the surrounding island.

You can spend your time swimming, snorkeling, sitting on the boat, or walking around Comino if you have permission to go ashore. The boat anchors near the lagoon rather than placing you directly on the beach, so you have a useful choice. Stay aboard for a quieter swim, or make your way to land for the full Blue Lagoon scene.

Here is the important practical point: from May 2025, anyone who wants to step ashore at Blue Lagoon must obtain an access pass through the official government website, blcomino.com. The daily supply is limited, and you must select the morning slot for this cruise. If you arrive without the pass, you may not be allowed onto the island, and there is no refund for missing out.

The pass requirement is separate from the cruise booking. Treat it as your responsibility and arrange it well before the day. Download the pass in advance because phone service and the official site may be awkward at the jetty.

The shore itself can be packed during the main summer months. Finding shade may be difficult, and the narrow beach can feel like a tight squeeze. The water remains attractive, but the land experience may not match the calm postcard image used to sell the lagoon.

For that reason, I would not assume that going ashore is automatically better. Several passengers have preferred to remain on the Pegasus, swim from the boat, and use pool noodles supplied by the crew. The boat can become pleasantly quiet after most people head toward the beach, giving you space to swim and sunbathe without fighting for a patch of sand.

If you do leave the boat, keep track of the return time. You are responsible for getting back before departure. The crew is helpful, but the cruise cannot wait indefinitely for someone exploring the shore.

Crystal Lagoon: the best stop for swimming and snorkeling

After Blue Lagoon, the boat heads around Comino to Crystal Lagoon on the island’s western side. The stop lasts about an hour, and this is likely the highlight for anyone who prefers natural scenery to beach crowds.

Crystal Lagoon is surrounded by high cliffs and has wide views in every direction. Its sheltered water is clear enough for swimming and snorkeling, with sea caves adding interest around the edges. The boat anchors in the lagoon, letting you enter the water directly rather than wading in from a beach.

This stop feels more focused on the sea itself. You can jump from the lower deck plank or from the sides of the upper deck, then swim around the boat and toward the caves. You should always follow the crew’s instructions about where and when to enter the water.

Snorkeling gear can be rented on board for a small extra fee. It is offered on a first-come, first-served basis, so bring your own equipment if snorkeling is a major reason for booking. The water and underwater scenery are the real attraction here, and an hour passes quickly once you start exploring.

The crew may provide pool noodles, which are useful if you want to float without constant effort. A towel, swimsuit, sunscreen, and sunglasses belong in your day bag, not packed away in luggage. Large bags and oversize luggage are not allowed, so bring only what you need.

Ħalfa Rock Bay in Gozo has a quieter mood

The third swim stop is Ħalfa Rock Bay on Gozo’s southeast coast. The boat spends about an hour here before beginning the return journey.

This small cove has a pebbly beach and a solitary islet near the edge of the bay. The setting feels more secluded than Blue Lagoon, particularly when the main Comino stops are busy. You can swim from the boat, relax on the beach, or simply enjoy the views from deck.

The beach is pebbly rather than sandy, so water shoes may be useful, though they are not listed as required equipment. Do not expect a long beach walk or a developed shore area. Ħalfa Rock Bay works best as a peaceful swimming stop, not as a full beach visit.

Weather can affect this part of the day. On one departure, choppy seas meant the crew chose another attractive swimming location instead. That is a sensible safety decision, but it means the exact order and location can change. The provider can adjust the itinerary because of weather or other operating problems.

Santa Maria Caves and Elephant Head on the way back

The return route passes the Santa Maria Caves and the Elephant Head rock formation. These are viewed from the boat rather than treated as separate swim stops.

The caves add a final touch of Comino’s rugged coast, while Elephant Head gives you an easy landmark to watch for as the boat turns back toward Mellieħa. Keep your camera ready, but also remember that a moving boat, bright sun, and spray can make photography tricky.

The return ride is a good time to dry off, buy a drink, or find a shaded seat. A small bar serves snacks and beverages, with prices described as reasonable for a boat service. Past examples include beer at about €2.50, water at about €1.50, and a large glass of wine at around €3, although prices can change.

There are male and female toilets on board, along with a shower. These are basic facilities, but they make a difference after several swims. You will not need to spend the day searching for a beach toilet or carrying wet towels through town.

What the $47 price really gets you

At $47, the cruise is priced below the cost and effort of arranging several separate boat rides to Comino and Gozo. You get a scenic cruise, three swim stops, crew assistance, onboard toilets, a shower, and the chance to view caves and rock formations from the sea.

The value is strongest if you plan to swim at all three locations. The cruise gives you roughly three to four hours of water and shore time, depending on the exact Blue Lagoon schedule. That is far more useful than a short photo stop followed by a long ride.

You should budget extra for food, drinks, and snorkeling equipment. The bar is convenient, but it is not a replacement for a proper lunch. Bring sandwiches or other compact food if you tend to get hungry after swimming. Cash is specifically recommended, so do not rely entirely on a card.

The cruise also avoids one common problem with large Malta excursions: a packed deck. The boat can still be busy, especially in high season, but its size and layout provide places for both sun and shade. If having a little personal space matters to you, choose a smaller boat like this rather than the biggest available ferry-style trip.

Timing, comfort, and the people this suits best

The day lasts six hours, with starting times available according to the date. The schedule is long enough to feel like a full outing without requiring an overnight stay or a complicated plan.

This trip is best for confident swimmers, snorkelers, couples, families with older children, and anyone who wants a relaxed day on the water. Children aged 10 and 12 have enjoyed the activity, and the lower deck jumping area gives stronger swimmers another way into the sea.

It is less suitable for anyone with limited mobility. You need to manage a boat, swimming stops, possible shore access, and a pebbly beach. Wheelchair users and electric wheelchair users should choose another outing.

If you suffer from seasickness, take that seriously. The boat travels across open Mediterranean water, and conditions can become choppy. Bring your preferred motion sickness prevention and avoid booking if sea travel usually makes you unwell.

The boat is not set up for pets, large bags, or oversize luggage. Pack a small beach-style bag with swimwear, towel, sunscreen, sun hat, sunglasses, cash, and any snorkeling equipment you already own.

My practical plan for a better day

I would arrive early enough to find the office and confirm the white Pegasus at Marfa Jetty without rushing. I would also have the Blue Lagoon access pass downloaded before leaving the hotel, even if I expected to remain on the boat.

At Blue Lagoon, I would first judge the crowd from the deck. If the beach looked packed, I would stay aboard and swim from the boat. You still get the lagoon’s clear water, and the boat may become quieter once people go ashore.

I would save my best snorkeling effort for Crystal Lagoon. The cliffs and caves make it the most interesting stop for exploring in the water, while Ħalfa Rock Bay is a good place to slow down and enjoy the final swim.

I would bring lunch, not just money for the snack bar. The onboard drinks are handy, and the prices are reportedly fair, but three swim stops can leave you very hungry.

Finally, I would keep one dry layer for the return trip. Even in warm weather, wind on a moving boat can feel cool after swimming.

Should you book this Mellieħa cruise?

Book it if you want a reasonably priced, swim-focused day with three different bays, a friendly crew, and more comfort than a packed open boat. The Crystal Lagoon and Ħalfa Rock Bay stops are the strongest reasons to go, while staying on the boat at Blue Lagoon can be smarter than squeezing onto the crowded shore.

Think twice if you dislike boats, struggle with motion sickness, need step-free access, or mainly want a quiet beach day. Also, do not book until you understand the Blue Lagoon pass rule. For swimmers who bring food, sun protection, and a little planning, this is one of the better-value ways to see the water around Comino and Gozo.

FAQ

Where does the cruise depart from?

The boat leaves from Marfa Jetty in Mellieħa, across from the Riviera Spa Resort. Look for the white boat named Pegasus. The provider’s office is near the jetty beside the Dive Vision Malta Snorkel & Diving Centre.

How long does the cruise last?

The full cruise lasts six hours. Starting times depend on the date and availability.

How long do you stop at each bay?

The Blue Lagoon stop lasts about 1.5 to 2 hours. Crystal Lagoon gets about one hour, and Ħalfa Rock Bay gets about one hour.

Do I need a pass for Blue Lagoon?

You need a government-issued access pass if you want to step ashore at Blue Lagoon. Passes must be booked online through blcomino.com, and you need to select the morning slot for this cruise. The daily allocation is limited.

Can I stay on the boat at Blue Lagoon?

Yes. The boat anchors near Blue Lagoon, so you can stay aboard, relax, and swim from the boat instead of going ashore.

Is food included?

No. Food and drinks are not included, but a small cash bar sells snacks and beverages. Bringing extra food is a good idea because several swim stops can make you hungry.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Snorkeling equipment is available to rent for a small fee on a first-come, first-served basis. You can also bring your own equipment.