Mellieha: Round Comino, Blue Lagoon & Gozo Cruise with Water

Turquoise water comes with a practical catch. This four-hour cruise from Mellieħa packs in Comino’s Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon, sea caves, Elephant Rock, and a look at Gozo without the cost of a full-day boat trip. I especially like the generous swimming time and the free-flowing mineral water, though the Blue Lagoon access-pass rule and limited rooftop loungers require some planning.

The price is about $34 per person, which is good value if you want several scenic stops and two proper swim breaks rather than a short ferry crossing. I also like the simple setup: find the white and blue La Laguna boat at Marfa Jetty, climb aboard, and let the crew handle the route. The main drawback is that this is not a guided cultural tour, and it may be uncomfortable for people prone to seasickness or anyone needing wheelchair access.

Key details at a glance

• Blue Lagoon stop: About 1½ hours for swimming, snorkelling, sunbathing, and possibly walking ashore with the required government access pass.
• Crystal Lagoon stop: Around one hour in a quieter-looking cove framed by cliffs, with another chance to swim and snorkel.
• Boat comforts: Free mineral water, toilets, fresh-water showers, a water slide, and rooftop deckchairs available on a first-come basis.
• Scenery on the route: Saint Mary’s Battery, Elephant Head Rock, Santa Maria Bay, Santa Maria Caves, and Gozo’s Mġarr Harbour.
• Extra costs: Food and drinks are not included, and the optional Comino Caves powerboat ride costs about €10 per person.
• Best for: Swimmers, families, couples, and anyone wanting a half-day on the water rather than a long shore excursion.

Starting at Marfa Jetty in Mellieħa

The meeting point is Marfa Jetty, opposite the Riviera Spa Resort. Look for the white and blue boat named La Laguna. This detail matters because Marfa is a working departure area with several boats and water activities, so you will want to arrive with enough time to identify the correct vessel.

The cruise lasts four hours, with the same jetty used for the return. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you need to arrange your own way to Mellieħa. The location is useful for anyone already staying in northern Malta, but less convenient if you are based in the south or around Valletta.

This is a sightseeing cruise, not a small private boat trip. You should expect shared facilities, a defined schedule, and popular swimming stops. That is part of the value, but it also means you will not control the pace or choose how long to remain at each bay.

The northern Comino coast, from batteries to sea caves

Soon after leaving Marfa Jetty, the boat follows the northern coastline toward Comino. The first stretch is about seeing the shore from the water, with short sightseeing sections broken up by photo stops.

Saint Mary’s Battery is one of the first notable sights. Its position above the coast gives you a good view of how Malta and Comino were once defended from the sea. You will not be getting off to tour the structure, so think of this as a passing view rather than a historical visit.

Elephant Head Rock is a memorable natural landmark. The rock formation resembles an elephant’s head from the right angle, and the boat provides the useful viewpoint. It is the sort of stop where you will want your phone ready, since there is no long pause on shore.

The route continues past St. Nicholas Bay and St. Mary’s Bay. These stops help you see the difference between the open Mediterranean and Comino’s more sheltered inlets. The boat cruises past rather than landing, so you are here for the color of the water, cliffs, and coastline.

Santa Maria Caves provide another photo opportunity. The caves are shaped by the sea, and viewing them from the boat gives you a clear sense of the rock walls and openings. The optional powerboat trip to the Comino Caves is a separate activity, however. It costs about €10 per person, is paid locally, and depends on weather conditions. Do not assume the main cruise price covers it.

Blue Lagoon: beautiful water, busy expectations

The Blue Lagoon is the main event, and the boat remains there for roughly 1½ hours. That is enough time for a proper swim rather than a quick dip between announcements. You can also snorkel, sit in the sun, use the water slide, or take in the views from the boat.

The water is famously clear and cyan, which explains the lagoon’s popularity. The same popularity is also the warning. This is not a quiet, untouched cove. The cruise gives you access to one of Malta’s best-known swimming locations, but you should expect a popular setting, especially during the warmer months.

A major rule began in May 2025: anyone who wants to step ashore at the Blue Lagoon must obtain a government-issued access pass in advance through blcomino.com. Daily numbers are limited. This pass is not included with the cruise, and it is not an optional extra controlled by the boat operator. Plan ahead if walking on Comino matters to you.

The information supplied for the cruise identifies the access pass specifically for disembarking ashore. It does not replace the need to follow crew instructions about swimming and boat safety. If you are mainly interested in swimming from the boat, confirm the current arrangements when you board.

The water slide adds a playful touch, especially for families and anyone who would rather make an entrance than use the ladder. Snorkelling equipment can be borrowed at no rental charge, but you must leave a €20 cash deposit. You receive the deposit back when you return the equipment, so bring cash even if you plan to pay for other things by card.

Crystal Lagoon and the value of a second swim

After Blue Lagoon, the boat continues to Crystal Lagoon on Comino’s west coast. The stop lasts about one hour, giving you a second substantial break in the water.

Crystal Lagoon is framed by high cliffs and is known for its clear turquoise water. The setting feels more enclosed than the Blue Lagoon, which makes the cliffs part of the experience. From the water, you can look up at the rock walls and out toward the open sea, creating the wide 360-degree views highlighted by the operator.

I consider this second stop a big reason the $34 price works well. Some boat trips spend most of their time cruising and give you only a token swim. Here, around 2½ hours are set aside between the two lagoons, at least according to the planned schedule. That gives you room to swim at one location and snorkel or relax at the other.

Still, the exact rhythm can be affected by weather, sea conditions, and the day’s operation. The Crystal Lagoon is not a shore excursion with shops or a long list of activities. Its value is simple: clear water, cliffs, and another chance to get wet.

The water slide, showers, and rooftop deck

The onboard facilities make this more than a basic transport boat. You have toilets, fresh-water showers, and a water slide. The showers are especially useful after snorkelling, since you can rinse off salt and feel more comfortable during the return cruise.

Rooftop deckchairs are available on a first-come basis. If you want one, arrive early and move efficiently when boarding. Do not count on a reserved lounger. If the rooftop fills, you will need to use another seating area or stand during parts of the cruise.

Mineral water flows freely throughout the trip, which is a practical inclusion under the Mediterranean sun. Food and other drinks are not included, but a cash bar serves snacks and assorted beverages. The bar accepts both cash and credit cards. You should still bring cash for the snorkel deposit, access-related needs, and the optional cave boat.

Pack a towel, swimwear, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a sun hat. The boat provides water, but it does not remove the need for sun protection. Large bags and oversize luggage are not allowed, so bring a compact day bag rather than full beach luggage.

Returning past Gozo and Mġarr Harbour

After Crystal Lagoon, the route turns toward the return journey. Instead of heading straight back to Mellieħa, the boat cruises past Gozo, Malta’s smaller neighboring island.

The return route gives you a different view of the coast from the outward journey. You will make a brief photo stop at Mġarr Harbour, Gozo’s main harbor, without disembarking. This is a quick camera moment, not time to explore the waterfront, so keep expectations clear.

The boat then continues past Gozo before returning to Marfa Jetty. The final sightseeing stretch is longer, around 25 minutes, and gives you a chance to dry off, rest, and watch the shoreline. If you have spent the earlier stops swimming and using the slide, this quieter ride home can be welcome.

The Gozo portion is scenic rather than cultural. You will not visit villages, churches, or inland sites. If your main goal is to see Gozo on foot, book a separate land tour. If you want a coastal preview without leaving the boat, this is a pleasant addition at no extra cost.

How much value do you get for $34?

At about $34, this cruise is priced as an accessible half-day activity rather than a luxury sailing trip. The value comes from the combination of transport, multiple coastal sights, two swim stops, mineral water, snorkel equipment access, showers, toilets, and the slide.

The Blue Lagoon alone can be expensive and complicated to reach during busy periods. This cruise gives you a structured way to reach it, then adds Crystal Lagoon and the Gozo coastline. You are paying for a compact sampler of northern Malta’s water scenery.

There are limits. You pay separately for food, drinks, the optional cave powerboat, and any government access pass needed to step ashore at Blue Lagoon. You also do not get hotel transfers or a guide. If you want a quiet private outing, a small boat, or detailed commentary about Malta’s past, this is not the right product.

For a four-hour outing focused on swimming and views, I think the price is fair. The strongest praise centers on the boat ride itself and the Blue Lagoon swim, with the water described as a breathtaking part of the day. That enthusiasm makes sense, provided you are comfortable with a shared cruise and a popular destination.

Who will enjoy this cruise most?

I would recommend it to you if you want:

• A half-day activity from northern Malta
• Two planned opportunities to swim
• A mix of natural sights and coastal history
• A family-friendly water slide
• A simple way to see Comino and the edge of Gozo
• A tour with free water and useful onboard facilities

It is also a good fit for people who do not want to spend a full day on a boat. Four hours is long enough to feel worthwhile but short enough to leave time for dinner or another Malta activity.

I would be cautious if you suffer from motion sickness. The organizers specifically advise bringing motion-sickness prevention, and the activity is not suitable for people prone to seasickness. The open sea, boat movement, and several hours on board can be tiring even when conditions are good.

This cruise is not suitable for wheelchair users or people with mobility impairments. Electric wheelchairs, pets, large luggage, and oversized bags are not allowed. If you need step-free access or specialist assistance, choose another outing.

Practical ways to make the day smoother

Arrive ready to swim. Wear your swimsuit under your clothes, pack a towel and sunscreen, and keep sunglasses and a hat within easy reach. You will not want to dig through a large bag once the boat reaches the lagoon.

Bring cash. The €20 snorkel deposit must be paid in cash, and the optional cave trip is paid locally. The onboard bar accepts cards, but cash gives you more flexibility.

If you want to use a rooftop deckchair, board early and claim one promptly. The loungers are not reserved. Also, keep your phone secure during the water slide and swimming stops.

Check the Blue Lagoon access-pass situation before departure. If you plan to step onto Comino, obtain the pass through the official government website in advance. The daily allocation is limited, and buying the cruise does not arrange this pass for you.

Finally, leave room for weather changes. The cave powerboat is subject to sea conditions, and the overall order or timing of stops may need to change if conditions require it. The crew provides assistance, but this remains a sea outing, not a fixed museum visit.

Should you book the La Laguna cruise?

Book it if you want a reasonably priced, four-hour water day with long Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon stops, a slide, and a scenic look at Gozo. The strongest feature is the balance between cruising and swimming. You get far more than a quick photo pass, but you do not surrender an entire day.

Skip it if you need a quiet boat, a detailed guide, hotel transfers, shore access guaranteed at Blue Lagoon, or a fully accessible vessel. Also think twice if seasickness is a serious concern.

For swimmers and first-time visitors who want Malta’s famous water views without arranging several separate trips, this is a practical choice. Just secure the Blue Lagoon pass if you want to go ashore, bring cash, and arrive at Marfa Jetty prepared for sun, salt, and a busy but rewarding day at sea.

FAQ

Where does the cruise depart from?

The boat departs from Marfa Jetty in Mellieħa, opposite the Riviera Spa Resort. Look for the white and blue boat named La Laguna.

How long does the cruise last?

The cruise lasts four hours. Starting times vary, so check availability when booking.

How long does the boat stay at the Blue Lagoon?

The planned stop at the Blue Lagoon lasts approximately 1½ hours.

How long does the boat stay at Crystal Lagoon?

The planned stop at Crystal Lagoon lasts around one hour.

Is mineral water included?

Yes. Free-flowing mineral water is available throughout the cruise.

Is snorkelling equipment included?

Snorkelling equipment is available to rent without a rental charge. A €20 cash deposit is required and is refunded when you return the equipment.

Do I need a pass to visit the Blue Lagoon?

You need a government-issued access pass if you want to disembark and step ashore at the Blue Lagoon. Passes are obtained in advance through blcomino.com, and daily numbers are limited.

Is food included?

No. Food and drinks are not included, apart from mineral water. A cash bar on the boat serves snacks and various beverages, and accepts cash and credit cards.

Can I get off the boat at Gozo?

No. The cruise includes a photo stop at Mġarr Harbour and a scenic cruise past Gozo, but there is no disembarkation.