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

Comino looks unreal from the water. This Mellieħa to Comino cruise is built for Blue Lagoon swimming and an easy day at sea, plus a water slide onboard to keep things fun between stops. You’re also out on the Mediterranean with time to snorkel, relax, and take in the cliffs and bays along the way.

The one big thing to plan around is the Blue Lagoon access pass rule that started in Malta in May 2025, since you may not be able to disembark without getting one in advance.

Key highlights to zero in on

• Two swim stops at Comino, about 1.5 hours in Blue Lagoon and about 1 hour at Crystal Lagoon
• Free mineral water throughout the cruise, so you stay hydrated without paying onboard
• Snorkelling equipment rental included with a €20 cash deposit (refunded when you return gear)
• Water slide onboard, plus rooftop deckchairs on a first come basis
• Gozo views on the return trip, with a photo stop at Mġarr Harbour (no getting off the boat)
• Not a guided tour, so your best results come from managing your own timing at each stop

The Comino and Blue Lagoon combo you can fit into four hours

If you want Comino without giving up a whole day, this is one of the most practical ways to do it. You get two famous water stops in roughly the time it takes to enjoy a half-day in town, then you’re back at Marfa Jetty while it’s still light out. It’s the kind of trip that works well when your Malta plans are busy and you still want that postcard water.

I especially like that the day is structured around the water, not nonstop sightseeing. There’s scenic cruising, short photo moments, and then real time floating, swimming, and snorkeling. And yes, the water slide helps break up the waiting between anchor points, so it doesn’t feel like you’re just sitting.

Meeting the boat at Marfa Jetty, and what to double-check

The departure point is Marfa Jetty, opposite the Riviera Spa Resort. When you arrive, look for a white/blue boat named La Laguna. Plan to get there early, because the trip is only four hours total and you do not want to be rushing at the start.

One practical tip: since this is not a guided, roam-with-someone type of tour, you need to own your timing. You’ll have leisure time at stops, so the boat schedule matters. Keep an eye on what the crew says about when you should be back, especially after swimming breaks.

Also, don’t assume you’ll have the exact spot you want on deck. Rooftop deckchairs are first come, first served, and on a full day you might find fewer available than you expected.

What onboard feels like: water slide, showers, and deckchairs

Onboard is simple, functional, and built for water days. You’ll have toilet facilities and fresh water showers, which makes a big difference when you’ve been in the sea and want to feel human again before getting dressed for the ride back. There’s also a rooftop area with deckchairs for relaxing, plus assistance from crew and staff when you need it.

The day’s comfort bonus is the free-flowing mineral water. That’s one of those small inclusions that keeps the whole outing from becoming an expensive thirst problem. You’re not paying for bottled drinks as you go, and it helps you stay focused on swimming and snorkeling.

And then there’s the fun part: the water slide. It’s a quick morale boost for families, couples, and solo travelers alike. Just bring the basics like swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen, because you’ll want to be ready the moment you get your water time.

Comino by the rocks: Elephant Rock, Santa Maria Caves, and bays

Before you even reach the anchor spots, you’ll get scenic cruising along Malta’s northern coastline toward Comino. There are short photo moments that break up the ride and give you something to look at besides open water. You’ll pass sights like Elephant Head Rock Formation, plus areas such as Santa Maria Sea Caves and nearby bays including St. Nicholas and St. Mary.

The practical value here is that you’re seeing the coast from the sea, which is where these rock formations make sense. From the boat, those cliff lines and cave openings are easier to read, and you get a sense of why Comino’s waters are so protected and so clear.

Do note one thing: if you’re hoping for a dramatic, inside-the-caves experience, this is more of a look-from-the-water kind of day. There is an optional powerboat trip to the Comino Caves you can book locally, but it’s not included, so treat that as an add-on for specific cave interest rather than part of the core plan.

Blue Lagoon swim break plus the May 2025 access pass

This is the headline stop, and it’s where you’ll want to be organized. The boat anchors in the Blue Lagoon for about 1.5 hours, giving you time to swim, snorkel, and relax in some of Comino’s most famous water.

Here’s the rule that can affect your day: since May 2025, Malta requires a government-issued access pass for visitors who want to disembark at the Blue Lagoon. Passes are limited each day, and you’re directed to get them through the official site blcomino.com. If you don’t plan ahead, you may still be able to enjoy time on the boat and in the water, but you could lose the option to get ashore.

Also, this is a self-guided stop. There’s snorkeling gear available on board (with that €20 cash deposit), but no guide is herding you from spot to spot. Your payoff comes from showing up to the water break ready to use the time well, then being back when the boat calls it.

Crystal Lagoon stop: snorkel time on Comino’s west side

After Blue Lagoon, you head to the Crystal Lagoon on Comino’s west coast. You’ll get about 1 hour here, which is a good pacing choice because you’re likely to be tired from the first swim and want enough time to enjoy the second stop without feeling rushed.

Crystal Lagoon is known for clear turquoise water and cliff views, which means it’s a great second chance if you want calmer snorkeling or just a different feel than Blue Lagoon. The anchor time is long enough to rinse off saltwater, reapply sunscreen if needed, and still have a proper swim rather than just dipping in.

One thing to watch for: water visibility and comfort can depend on the day’s conditions. The operator can also adjust the route or stops for weather and safety reasons. So if you’re the type who plans a tight itinerary around exact times, keep expectations flexible and use the hours you are given rather than trying to force a perfect script.

Return cruise past Gozo and Mġarr Harbour photos

On the way back, the cruise turns scenic again, this time with Gozo views. You’ll pass the island during the return journey, which gives you that “we’re still seeing stuff” feeling after the Comino swim time. It’s not a land tour, but it does add variety to a route that’s otherwise focused on one island.

You also get a brief photo stop at Mġarr Harbour in Gozo. The key detail is that it’s a photo stop only, with no disembarkation, so you stay on board and take a quick look from where you are. That works well because the stop doesn’t add delays, and you keep the cruise rhythm intact.

If you’re hungry for more, this is a reminder that Gozo is a whole destination on its own. This cruise keeps it light and view-based, which makes it a good fit for people who want Comino today and Gozo planning tomorrow.

Value, tips, and who should book (or skip)

At around $29 per person for a four-hour outing, the value is strong if what you want is two swim stops plus water-day amenities. You’re getting free-flowing mineral water, snorkeling gear rental, showers, toilets, and that added fun factor from the water slide. When you compare that to the cost of buying drinks and renting gear separately, it adds up.

What could reduce the value for some people is expectation mismatch. Rooftop deckchairs are first come, first served, so don’t plan on guaranteed seating. And because the Blue Lagoon access pass is required to get ashore, you need to treat planning time as part of the price you pay in effort, not money.

This cruise is a great match if you:

• Want a fast, scenic Comino day from Mellieħa
• Plan to swim and snorkel, not just watch
• Appreciate a clear structure with leisure stops and no tour guide crowding you

It’s not a match if you’re:

• Prone to seasickness or motion sickness
• Using a wheelchair or have mobility impairments, since it’s listed as not suitable
• Traveling with pets or large luggage, since those are not allowed

Should you book it?

I’d book it if your main goal is Comino water time without overplanning, and you’re comfortable handling your own timing at the swim stops. Get the Blue Lagoon access pass ahead of time so the day runs smoothly, and pack your water-day essentials so you can jump in as soon as the boat anchors.

If you strongly want a guided, land-based experience at every stop, or you’re worried about sea movement, look for a different style of tour. For everyone else, this is a solid four-hour “Comino fix,” with the bonus of real time in the water and a fun onboard break.

FAQ

Do I need an access pass to get off at the Blue Lagoon?

Yes. A Malta government rule effective May 2025 requires a government-issued access pass for visitors who want to disembark at the Blue Lagoon. Passes are limited daily and you can get them through blcomino.com.

Is snorkeling equipment included, and is there a deposit?

Snorkelling equipment is available to rent free of charge. However, you need to provide a €20 cash deposit when renting it, and you get the deposit back when you return the equipment.

Are meals included on the cruise?

No. Food and drinks are not included, except for complimentary mineral water provided throughout the cruise.

How long do you stop for swimming at the Blue Lagoon and the Crystal Lagoon?

You’ll have about 1.5 hours at the Blue Lagoon and about 1 hour at the Crystal Lagoon.

Is there a water slide and do deckchairs come with the cruise?

Yes, there is a water slide onboard. Rooftop deckchairs are available on a first come, first served basis.

Is this a guided tour?

No. This is not a guided tour, so stops are at leisure time rather than led by a guide.