From Mellieha: Three Bay Cruise including the Blue Lagoon

One trip, three different kinds of turquoise water. This 6 hour cruise from Mellieħa is built around swimming time and easy access to Comino and Gozo’s most famous bays. You start at Marfa Bay, then the boat anchors right where the water is prettiest, so you’re not just sightseeing from a seat.

I love that the schedule gives you real water time at Blue Lagoon (about 1.5 to 2 hours) plus two more swim stops at Crystal Lagoon and Ħalfa Rock Bay. I also like that you get onboard comforts like a shower and toilet, plus a small cash bar when you’re ready to dry off and refuel.

One drawback to plan for is the new May 2025 Blue Lagoon access pass rule, plus summer crowds at the shore. If you don’t secure the pass in advance, you may not be able to step onto the beach even though you’ll still be swimming nearby.

Key things I’d plan around before you go

• Blue Lagoon access pass (May 2025): you must book it online before the cruise if you want to go ashore.
• Three swim stops, not just one: about 1.5 to 2 hours at Blue Lagoon, then about 1 hour each at Crystal Lagoon and Ħalfa Rock Bay.
• Crystal Lagoon’s sea caves and views: it’s a snorkeler friendly stop with cliffs and sheltered water.
• Ħalfa Rock Bay is quieter: a small, pebbly cove on Gozo that tends to feel calmer than the busiest Comino spots.
• Pegasus boat and practical onboard setup: toilets and a shower on board, with shade options on deck.
• Snorkelling gear is available for rent: a small fee, first come first served.

From Marfa Jetty to three swim stops: how the day is paced

This cruise starts from Marfa Jetty in Mellieħa, across from the Riviera Spa Resort. The boat named Pegasus heads out along the northern coast first, then works its way through Comino and onward to Gozo.

The overall rhythm is simple: you cruise, you anchor, you swim, you repeat. That matters because these lagoons look best when you’re actually in the water, not waiting around at a crowded shoreline. You’ll also pass key sights on the way back, including Santa Maria Caves and the Elephant Head rock formation, so you end the day with more than just beach time.

One practical note: the operator can change the order of stops due to weather or operational needs. So if you’re aiming for a specific bay first, keep your plans flexible once you’re on the water.

Blue Lagoon access pass: the one rule that can change your beach plans

Here’s the logistics piece that can make or break your experience. A government directive effective May 2025 requires visitors to have an access pass in advance to disembark at the Blue Lagoon. Passes are booked on the official government site (blcomino.com), and the guidance for this cruise is to select the morning slot when applying.

This is not just paperwork. If you cannot access the lagoon without the pass, refunds are not provided. That means you should treat the pass like part of your ticket, not an optional extra.

Now the silver lining: even if the beach is crowded, the boat anchors near the Blue Lagoon. Many people choose not to step onto shore and instead stay on the boat, swim from the water, and use provided float noodles. So you can still enjoy the turquoise water, you just lose the beach walking time if you miss the pass.

Blue Lagoon swim stop: turquoise water, snorkel time, and crowd strategy

Your first big stop is the Blue Lagoon on Comino, with an anchored swim session of about 1.5 to 2 hours. The water quality is the main event here: clear turquoise water over a sandy base, with marine life you can spot when you snorkel.

What makes this stop feel different from the rest is that it’s both famous and intensely popular. That’s why I’d think about your crowd strategy before you reach the beach.

If you want a calmer experience, consider staying on the boat during peak moments. The boat is anchored about 100 meters from the shore, and the water approach is easy enough for a swim there and back. You can also use the provided swimming noodles, which helps if you want to float and watch the colors without committing to snorkel gear.

If you do plan to go ashore, bring your pass and expect the beach area to feel tight in summer. Shade can be limited, so a hat helps even if you mostly stay in the water.

Crystal Lagoon on Comino: caves, sheltered water, and the 360 view effect

After Blue Lagoon, the cruise heads to the Crystal Lagoon on the west side of Comino for about one hour. This is the snorkel friendly stop, surrounded by imposing cliffs and known for a sheltered feeling compared with windier spots.

What you’ll notice when you swim here is the mix of color and structure: turquoise water, rock walls, and sea caves you can explore while snorkeling. Even if you don’t go deep, the cave edges and cliff lines create a natural sense of adventure.

This stop also earns points for views. With cliffs around you and open water in sight, it can feel like you’re swimming inside a scenic viewpoint. If you like photos, you can usually find angles fast once the boat anchors because the surroundings are dramatic.

The only real drawback is time. One hour goes quickly once you’re swimming and drifting, so pace yourself. Start with a quick look around, then settle into your snorkel routine before you burn all your time too fast.

Ħalfa Rock Bay on Gozo: the pebbly shore that often feels calmer

Next comes Ħalfa Rock Bay on Gozo, another swim stop of about one hour. It’s described as a small deserted islet in a pretty cove, with a pebbly beach and pristine surroundings.

This is where the cruise gives you variety. Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon are Comino icons, but Ħalfa Rock Bay tends to feel more like a break from the busy circuit. If you want a place to swim, then pause on a quieter shore without the same level of crowd pressure, this stop can deliver.

Keep in mind the beach is pebbly, so wear swim shoes if you have them, or at least be ready for a different footing than sandy beaches. Also plan your swimsuit and towel timing because you’ll want to dry off and reapply sunscreen while the boat is still docked.

As you swim, you’re also getting a taste of Gozo’s coastline feel, which makes the day feel like more than a single island highlight.

The return route: Santa Maria Caves and Elephant Head viewpoints

On your way back, the boat passes Santa Maria Caves and the Elephant Head rock formation before returning to where you started. This is not a stop where you get out and wander, but it adds value because it extends the scenery beyond just the three swimming anchor points.

It also helps balance the day if you find Blue Lagoon shoreline time to be busy. Even if you spend most of the day in the water, the return route keeps the cruise from feeling like a simple sequence of anchor jobs.

Onboard details that matter: Pegasus comfort, shower, toilets, and the bar

The boat you’ll be on is called Pegasus, and the overall vibe in the recent experience feedback is that it’s not an overcrowded monster boat. In at least one sailing, the group was about 40 people, which usually translates into easier movement for getting to the water and finding space on deck.

Practical onboard items are clearly part of the plan:

• Toilet facilities and a shower on the boat
• A small cash bar with drinks and snacks
• Snorkelling equipment rental available for a small fee, first come first served

There are also deck access details that can shape your comfort level. People can typically jump in from lower deck planks or from the sides from an upper deck area. If you’re nervous about jumping, you can still do an easy entry from the water side, but it helps to watch what others do and follow crew instructions.

Shade versus sun is another small but real factor. You can choose where to sit and relax, which matters when you’re waiting between swim stops. A sun hat and sunscreen are still non negotiable.

What to bring, plus how to handle seasickness like a pro

This trip is built around being on the water for hours, so pack for sun and for movement. Here’s what you should bring:

• Swimwear
• Towel
• Sunglasses and sun hat
• Sunscreen
• Cash for snacks or drinks
• Motion sickness prevention if you’re prone to it

Also be realistic about who this is not for. It’s listed as not suitable for people with mobility impairments or wheelchair users, and it’s not recommended if you’re prone to seasickness or motion sickness. If that describes you, consider a different Malta plan that stays more sheltered.

Weather can also affect operations, and the operator can alter the itinerary order based on conditions. That’s normal, but it’s a reason to pack everything you need for your comfort early, not at the last minute.

Value and pricing: why $47 can work (and when it might not)

At $47 per person for about 6 hours, this tour is priced like a budget friendly way to hit three major swim zones in one day. The value comes from how much time you spend in the water and how close the boat anchors to the action.

You’re not paying for a land sightseeing bus day. You’re paying for:

1. Multiple swim stops, including Comino’s two most famous lagoon styles
2. A cruise route that includes extra coastal sights on the return
3. Onboard basics like toilets and a shower
4. Crew assistance to help you manage safe entries and time at each bay

Where value can drop for some people is the beach reality at the Blue Lagoon. If you’re expecting an uncrowded dream beach, summer crowds can make shore time feel less relaxing. That’s why I think the pass rule needs to be treated seriously, and why I’d also plan to swim from the boat if you prefer less shoreline crowding.

If you’re flexible and you focus on the water, the price is hard to beat for a day that can feel like three mini escapes.

Who should book this cruise, and who should skip it

This is a strong match if you:

• Love swimming and want scheduled time in the water
• Like snorkeling or plan to rent gear onboard
• Want to see both Comino and Gozo without juggling separate transport plans
• Prefer a smaller boat feel instead of a huge group

It’s a weaker match if you:

• Need wheelchair access or have mobility limitations that make steps and deck movement difficult
• Get motion sick easily
• Want a purely on-shore experience at Blue Lagoon, especially in peak season

Also, if you don’t want to think about the pass system, make sure you handle that requirement early. The access pass rule is the one thing most likely to cause a frustrating day if it’s overlooked.

Should you book the Mellieħa Three Bay Cruise to the Blue Lagoon?

I’d book it if your main goal is water time and you’re okay treating Blue Lagoon shore time as optional. The combination of Blue Lagoon plus Crystal Lagoon plus Ħalfa Rock Bay gives you variety in water color, swim style, and surroundings, and the boat setup keeps it practical.

I would not book it if you know you’ll hate crowds at the shoreline or if you don’t want to deal with the May 2025 Blue Lagoon access pass requirement. You can still swim near the lagoon without disembarking, but the whole point for some people is the beach experience.

If you’re coming to Malta for a swim focused day, this cruise is good value and the kind of trip where your time in the water is the real souvenir.

FAQ

Where does the cruise depart from?

The boat departs from Marfa Jetty in Mellieħa, across from the Riviera Spa Resort. You’ll look for a white boat named Pegasus.

How long is the cruise?

The experience lasts 6 hours.

What are the three swim stops?

The cruise includes swim stops at the Blue Lagoon (Comino), the Crystal Lagoon (Comino), and Ħalfa Rock Bay (Gozo).

How much time do you get at each lagoon?

Blue Lagoon is about 1.5 to 2 hours. Crystal Lagoon is about 1 hour. Ħalfa Rock Bay is about 1 hour.

Do I need a pass to go onto the Blue Lagoon beach?

Yes. Since May 2025, disembarking at the Blue Lagoon requires a government-issued access pass booked online in advance. For this cruise, you should select the morning slot when applying.

Is food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not included. A small cash bar is available on the boat with snacks and beverages.

Can I rent snorkelling equipment?

Yes. Snorkelling equipment is available for rental at a small fee on a first-come, first-served basis.

Are there toilets and showers onboard?

Yes. Toilet facilities and a shower are available on the boat.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.