Three Bay Cruise Including Blue Lagoon from Mellieha

The best part of this six-hour Malta cruise is the generous swim time. You get about 90 minutes at the Blue Lagoon, an hour at Crystal Lagoon, and another hour at Ħalfa Rock Bay, rather than a quick stop for a photo and a scramble back aboard. I especially like the three-stop plan and the scenic return past Santa Maria Caves and Elephant Rock.

I also like the practical setup: a small cash bar, toilets, a shower, and a friendly crew make a long morning on the water easier. The main point to plan around is the new Blue Lagoon access pass. If you want to step ashore there, you must arrange the government pass in advance, and the limited daily supply means this is not a detail to leave until departure day.

Key points to know before booking

• Three separate swim stops: Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon, and Ħalfa Rock Bay each receive substantial time.
• A six-hour sea outing: The cruise includes sailing, swimming, sightseeing, and the return route.
• Blue Lagoon access now requires a pass: Apply through blcomino.com for the morning time slot.
• Marfa Jetty departure: Meet in Mellieħa at 10:00 am, with boarding closing 20 minutes earlier.
• Useful facilities on board: Toilets, a shower, crew assistance, and a small cash bar are provided.
• A medium-sized group: The boat carries up to 55 people, so this is not a private or tiny-boat trip.

A full morning from Marfa Jetty to three lagoons

This cruise is built around time in the water, not guided walks or long stops ashore. You leave from Marfa Jetty in Mellieħa at 10:00 am and spend roughly six hours circling Comino and part of Gozo.

That timing matters. You can expect a full half-day on the sea, with the sailing between stops forming part of the sightseeing. Since there is no hotel pickup, you need to make your own way to the jetty. Boarding closes 20 minutes before departure, so I would treat 9:40 am as the latest useful arrival time, not the moment to begin looking for the boat.

The service is offered in English, and assistance comes from the crew rather than from a named private guide. The group can include as many as 55 people. That gives the boat enough room to feel like a proper organized outing, but it also means you should not expect the quiet, personal feel of a charter.

The Blue Lagoon gets the longest stop

The first major stop is Comino’s famous Blue Lagoon, reached along Malta’s northern coastline. The boat anchors near the lagoon, and you get about one hour and 30 minutes there, sometimes described as up to two hours depending on the operating plan.

The water is the star. Transparent cyan shallows, a pale sandy bottom, and underwater life make this the obvious place to swim and snorkel. You can also sunbathe on the boat or spend some time walking on Comino if you have the required permission to go ashore.

That last point is now crucial. From May 2025, Malta requires an official access pass for anyone disembarking at the Blue Lagoon. You obtain it through the government website, blcomino.com, and you must choose the morning time slot when applying for this cruise. The daily number of passes is limited.

If you do not have the pass, you can still remain on the boat, but you will not be permitted to step ashore. You also will not receive a refund because of a missing pass. I would arrange it immediately after booking and keep proof of it with your other travel documents.

The boat’s position near the lagoon gives you an alternative to going ashore. You can swim, relax on deck, or snorkel from the boat if conditions and crew instructions allow. Still, do not book this trip assuming you can decide about the pass later. The pass is your responsibility, and the operator cannot override the government rule.

Blue Lagoon is also likely to be the busiest and most visually famous stop. Its beauty is real, but its popularity is part of the experience. The long first stop helps because you have time to find your pace instead of trying to fit everything into a rushed half-hour.

Crystal Lagoon brings cliffs, caves, and calmer water

After Blue Lagoon, the boat heads to Crystal Lagoon on Comino’s western side. The stop lasts about one hour and is aimed squarely at swimming and snorkeling.

Crystal Lagoon feels different from Blue Lagoon because the setting is more enclosed. Cliffs surround the water, creating striking views in every direction and giving the lagoon a sheltered character. Sea caves around the water add another reason to bring a mask and snorkel.

This is the stop for people who would rather look below the surface than simply float in the sun. You can swim near the cliffs, inspect the caves from the water, or stay aboard and enjoy the view. The exact swimming conditions depend on weather and sea movement, and the crew may change the order of stops if needed.

You should bring your own swim gear if you have it. The provided details confirm the boat has a shower, but they do not state that snorkel equipment is supplied. The sensible plan is to arrive prepared with a swimsuit, towel, sun protection, and any mask or snorkel you want to use.

An hour is enough to enjoy the lagoon without making the stop feel endless. It also keeps the day moving. The appeal of this cruise is that you see several distinct coves rather than spending the entire outing in one famous bay.

Ħalfa Rock Bay offers a quieter final swim

The third and last swim stop is Ħalfa Rock Bay on Gozo’s southeast coast. The boat pauses for about one hour beside a small islet and a pebbly beach.

This cove has a more secluded feel than the Blue Lagoon. The small rock sitting alone near the edge of the bay gives the stop a memorable focal point, while the pebbly shoreline and clear water make it a pleasant place for a final swim.

I like the position of this stop in the schedule. After the bright, famous Blue Lagoon and the cliff-lined Crystal Lagoon, Ħalfa Rock Bay provides a quieter finish. It can feel especially appealing in summer, when better-known bays are crowded.

The trade-off is that this is not a sandy beach stop. If you swim toward shore, expect pebbles rather than soft sand. The boat is still available as your base, so you can stay aboard if you prefer not to handle a rocky landing or shore entry.

Once the hour is over, the boat begins the return journey. That means you should treat this as your last chance for a proper swim and organize your belongings before departure. The crew may alter the order or timing because of wind, sea conditions, or other operating needs.

The return route adds Malta’s best rock scenery

The trip back is not simply a straight ride to Marfa Jetty. The boat passes Santa Maria Caves and the Elephant Head rock formation, giving you a final sightseeing section after the swim stops.

Santa Maria Caves are part of Comino’s rugged shoreline, where the sea has cut openings into the rock. The boat’s route lets you view these formations from the water, a useful reminder that Malta’s coast is often best understood from offshore.

Elephant Head is a recognizable natural rock shape that gives the return ride a simple visual highlight. You may want to keep your phone ready, but protect it from spray and remember that the boat’s movement can make photography difficult.

This part of the cruise also gives you time to dry off, have a snack, and settle into the ride. The small cash bar serves snacks and drinks, though food and beverages are not included in the price. The onboard shower is another welcome feature after several saltwater swims.

What the $47.66 price really covers

At $47.66 per person, this is a reasonably priced way to spend six hours around Comino and Gozo. The value comes from the amount of time on the water and the three long swim stops, not from included meals, transfers, or a private guide.

You are paying for a scenic cruise, crew assistance, the three swimming visits, and the return passage by the caves and rock formation. You also get access to basic facilities that matter on a half-day boat trip: toilets, a shower, and a cash bar.

You need to budget separately for your route to Marfa Jetty, food and drinks, and any snorkel equipment you want to bring. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. The Blue Lagoon access pass is obtained separately through the government website, and it is not part of the tour price.

The onboard snack bar is a nice cost-control feature. It gives you the option to buy something without committing to a full meal, and the available feedback specifically describes the prices as reasonable. Still, I would not rely on a small boat bar for all your food needs. Since the tour lasts six hours, carry whatever snacks and water you require, subject to the operator’s rules and available storage.

Comfort, group size, and sea conditions

A maximum of 55 people places this cruise between a tiny personal boat and a large ferry-style outing. You will have crew support and useful facilities, but deck space and the best viewing positions may be shared.

The cruise is not recommended for people with mobility impairments. Boarding, moving around a boat, and getting in or out of the water can be difficult, and the supplied information does not describe special accessibility equipment.

It is also not recommended if you are prone to seasickness. Even a calm-looking day can feel different offshore, especially during a six-hour outing. If you know you get ill on boats, this is a serious consideration rather than a minor warning.

Weather plays a real part in the schedule. Strong winds, poor weather, or rough sea conditions can lead to cancellation. In that case, you can reschedule for another date or receive a full refund if rescheduling does not work for you. The operator can also change the order of the stops when conditions or other unexpected limits require it.

Large luggage, large suitcases, and pets are not allowed. Bring a compact day bag with your swimwear, towel, sunscreen, water, and personal items. Pack light enough to keep your space clear and your belongings secure.

Who will get the most from this cruise

I would choose this outing if you want several swimming locations in one day and do not need an elaborate shore program. It suits couples, families with confident swimmers, and friends who want a straightforward day at sea.

It is also a good fit if you enjoy variety. Blue Lagoon supplies the famous turquoise water, Crystal Lagoon brings cliffs and caves, and Ħalfa Rock Bay gives you a quieter cove. The stops are similar in their basic purpose, but the settings are different enough to keep the day interesting.

You may prefer another type of excursion if you want a long visit in Gozo, a guided historical tour, hotel transportation, or a private boat. This trip does not give you a structured cultural tour or much time walking through villages. Its focus is water, coastline, and relaxed sightseeing.

The experience may work well for casual swimmers because you can relax on the boat instead of swimming at every stop. Still, anyone joining should be comfortable with a boat outing and able to manage the physical demands of boarding and movement on deck.

Booking details that can save you trouble

Confirmation is provided at booking, and the cruise is near public transportation. The meeting point is Marfa Jetty in Mellieħa, with the activity ending at the same place.

Plan your morning backward from the 9:40 am boarding cutoff. Allow time for transport, finding the jetty, and walking to the correct boarding point. Arriving at 10:00 am is too late because the scheduled departure time is not the final boarding time.

The cancellation policy is simple but strict. You receive a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the local start time. Changes or cancellations made within 24 hours are not accepted for a refund.

Because weather matters, wait for the provider’s decision if conditions are poor rather than assuming the cruise will operate normally. A weather cancellation gives you the choice of another date or a full refund if you cannot reschedule.

Should you book the Three Bay Cruise?

Book it if your ideal Malta day means clear water, three swim stops, and plenty of time at each bay. At $47.66, the long duration and generous stop lengths make the price attractive, especially if you value time in the sea more than a guided land tour.

Before paying, check two things. First, arrange the Blue Lagoon access pass for the morning slot if you want to go ashore. Second, make sure everyone in your group is comfortable with a six-hour boat trip and does not have mobility or seasickness concerns.

If you handle those details, this is a practical, good-value way to see Comino and a slice of Gozo from the water. The pleasant crew, fair-priced small bar, and unhurried three-stop schedule add up to a relaxed day rather than a rushed coastal checklist.

FAQ

Where does the cruise depart?

The cruise departs from Marfa Jetty, X8PV+QPW, in Mellieħa, Malta. It returns to the same meeting point.

What time does the cruise start?

The scheduled start time is 10:00 am. Boarding closes 20 minutes before departure, so you should arrive by 9:40 am.

How long does the cruise last?

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

Is a Blue Lagoon access pass required?

Yes. From May 2025, anyone who wants to disembark at the Blue Lagoon must obtain an official government-issued pass in advance through blcomino.com. You must select the morning time slot when applying.

What swimming stops are included?

The cruise includes approximately one hour and 30 minutes at the Blue Lagoon, one hour at Crystal Lagoon, and one hour at Ħalfa Rock Bay.

Are food, drinks, and hotel transfers included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off, food, and drinks are not included. A small cash bar sells some snacks and beverages on the boat.

What happens if bad weather cancels the cruise?

If poor weather, strong winds, or sea conditions cause cancellation, you can reschedule for another date. If you cannot reschedule, you receive a full refund.