Mellieha: Two Bay Evening Cruise Including The Blue Lagoon

Turquoise water after sunset hits different. This 3 hour evening cruise from Mellieħa takes you to two Comino lagoons at a calmer time of day: Crystal Lagoon first, then the famous Blue Lagoon. The timing also means you can enjoy the water without fighting peak heat and peak crowds.

I especially like two things here. First, the experience feels intentionally paced, and the boat typically carries only a small number of passengers, so it stays more relaxed than the big, packed catamarans. Second, the swim stops are the main event, with sheltered Crystal Lagoon views and open water snorkeling at the Blue Lagoon.

One thing to plan carefully is the new Blue Lagoon access pass rule. You must get the government pass in advance, and if you cannot disembark without it, you will not get a refund.

Key things that make this cruise worth your time

• Evening timing from Marfa Bay so the water time feels calmer and the heat is easier to manage
• Crystal Lagoon swim stop (about 1 hour) with sea caves and 360 degree cliff views
• Blue Lagoon stop (about 1 hour) with turquoise water, a sandy base, and lots of marine life
• Toilet and shower on board, so you can freshen up after swimming
• Small group feel that helps the trip stay friendly, not chaotic

Why an evening cruise from Mellieħa feels smarter

Most people rush to Comino at midday, when Malta’s sun is at full power and every boat seems to arrive at once. This cruise flips that script. You head out in the evening from Marfa Bay in Mellieħa, and the schedule is built around swim time when things are less crowded.

I like that the trip is short enough to feel easy, but long enough to get real water time. You are out for about 3 hours, with the return back to Marfa around 8:00 PM. That’s a sweet spot for an “I want the lagoons, but I still want a normal evening” plan.

There is also a practical comfort angle. The evenings off the northern coast tend to feel less punishing than full sun. Even if the air is still warm, you are spending your time in or near the water, which makes the experience much more enjoyable.

And yes, the small boat vibe matters. The cruise typically runs with a small group, often around twenty passengers, which makes it feel quieter and more family friendly. You still get a lively trip, but you are not squeezed shoulder to shoulder.

Marfa Jetty to Comino: the scenic part you should not rush

Your journey starts at the Marfa Jetty/Slipway, opposite the Riviera Spa Resort. When you arrive, look for a white boat named the Pegasus. If you need help, the activity provider office is near the jetty, next to Dive Vision Malta Snorkel & Diving Centre.

This is not just “getting there.” The cruise route along Malta’s northern coastline is part of the fun. On the way, you get the wide open sea views that help you understand why Comino is so popular in the first place. It also sets the tone: you can settle in, grab a drink if the boat’s bar is operating, and then focus on the swim stops.

You will also have crew support during the trip. The staff and guides help keep things organized, and there is commentary during the cruise so you are not just watching water go by. It makes the time feel intentional instead of random.

Crystal Lagoon: sea caves, 360 degree views, and an easy first swim

Crystal Lagoon is your first big stop, on the west side of Comino. You get about one hour here, which is a good amount of time to actually do something, not just stand around taking photos.

I like Crystal Lagoon for two reasons. One, it is well protected, so it tends to feel more comfortable for swimming and snorkeling. Two, the lagoon is surrounded by dramatic cliffs, and the views are 360 degrees, not just a single pretty angle from shore.

If you enjoy underwater exploring, this is a strong choice. Crystal Lagoon is described as a great area for snorkelers and divers, and there are sea caves within the lagoon. That means you can spend part of your hour snorkeling calmly, and part of it looking for cave openings from the water.

Practical reality check: sea caves and snorkel areas are weather dependent. If wind picks up or conditions change, you might not get the same experience as on a perfect day. But the sheltered feel is exactly why this stop works well as a first swim.

Also, it’s a great time to beat the sun. You are already out on the water, so you can focus on sunscreen, hat and shade when you need it, and then jump back in when the water feels best.

Blue Lagoon: the turquoise you came for, plus the access pass you must plan

Then comes the famous one. After Crystal Lagoon, the boat moves to the Blue Lagoon. You anchor near the bay, and you get about one hour there as well.

Here is what makes it special. Expect turquoise, crystal clear water, a white sandy base, and plenty of marine life to spot while snorkeling. It is also the kind of place where even people who do not swim much still enjoy watching what is going on just below the surface.

Now for the important part that affects your actual ability to enjoy the lagoon: the Blue Lagoon access pass requirement. Malta introduced a government directive effective May 2025. To disembark at the Blue Lagoon, you must obtain an official pass in advance through blcomino.com.

A few key points to take seriously:

• The daily pass allocation is limited.
• You must select the evening slot when applying for your pass for this trip.
• You will not be allowed to disembark without the pass.
• If you cannot access the lagoon without it, no refunds are provided. It is your responsibility to secure the pass.

The silver lining: even if you do not step ashore, you are anchored near the lagoon. You can still spend your time swimming, snorkeling, or relaxing on the boat while you enjoy the water from close by.

So if you are the type who loves the water but does not need to wander, this trip still works. Just don’t treat the pass as a nice optional extra.

What you actually do on board during the 3 hour cruise

This is a “water first” cruise. The itinerary is built around two swim stops, each around an hour. Between those stops, you are mostly enjoying the sea, taking in views, and getting refreshed.

You can also expect a pretty straightforward on board setup:

• Toilet facilities and a shower are available on the boat, which is genuinely helpful after swimming.
• Crew assistance is included, so if you need help timing your swim or getting settled, the staff can point you the right way.
• There is support for English speakers.

You should plan your gear like you are going on a short beach day with extra ocean. Bring sunglasses, swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and cash. Cash matters because food and drinks are not included on the cruise, so you may want spending money for onboard options.

Snorkeling gear is another practical point. Snorkeling equipment is not included, but it is available for rent. If you know you want to snorkel for both stops, consider renting ahead or making sure you can rent when you arrive.

One more thing, and I am saying this because it affects comfort more than people expect. If you get motion sick, take prevention seriously. The trip is not suitable for people prone to seasickness or motion sickness, and you are advised to bring motion sickness prevention. If you are unsure how you handle boats, pack medication and follow your usual routine.

Price and value: what $35 buys you, and what it does not

At around $35 per person for a 3 hour cruise, the price is mainly paying for three things: a scenic sea ride, two lagoon swim stops, and the boat amenities.

Included in the experience:

• A sightseeing scenic cruise
• Swim stop at Crystal Lagoon (about 1 hour)
• Swim stop at Blue Lagoon (about 1 hour)
• Toilet and shower
• Crew and staff assistance

Not included:

• Government issued access pass to step ashore at the Blue Lagoon
• Food and drinks
• Snorkeling equipment (rent may be available)

So is $35 a deal? It can be, depending on how you plan to spend your time. If you go expecting to swim in two different lagoons, you are getting a lot of direct water time for a modest ticket price. You are also avoiding the stress of arranging separate transport to Comino and timing your day around lagoon access.

The only “value risk” is the access pass. If you forget it or can’t get an allocation, you lose the ability to step ashore at the Blue Lagoon. You might still enjoy swimming from the anchored area, but you should not count on shore time without the pass.

Getting the most out of Crystal and Blue Lagoon stops

If you want the best chance of enjoying both lagoons, treat each stop like a mini plan. Here’s how I’d do it with the time you get.

At Crystal Lagoon, focus on calm snorkeling and take advantage of the sea caves when visibility is good. You have about an hour, so you can do a quick swim loop, spend a few minutes scanning for caves, and then finish with a relaxed surface swim.

At the Blue Lagoon, go in expecting the famous water and plan your timing. The water is the star, but anchoring time also means you may have choices between swimming, snorkeling, and relaxing on the boat. If you like sitting back and enjoying views, claim a comfy spot early and just keep a towel within reach.

Also, remember that you are in open water. Sunscreen can wear off faster than on land, and reflected light off the water is intense. Reapply if you are out in the sun between swims.

Finally, I recommend bringing cash not just for food, but for the reality that travel is often messy. If something changes and you want to rent snorkeling equipment, you do not want to be stuck asking for it.

Who should book this cruise, and who should skip it

This is a great fit for people who want Comino’s highlights without doing a full day trek. It is also a strong choice if you prefer a smaller, calmer feeling on the water.

It is not suitable for:

• People with mobility impairments
• Wheelchair users
• People prone to seasickness
• People with motion sickness

If any of those apply, you may want to choose a different Malta Comino option with a better fit for your needs.

For families, this kind of evening schedule tends to work well. The cruise timing is gentler than midday heat, and the experience is easy to understand: two lagoons, one hour each, plus time to swim or relax.

If you are traveling solo or as a couple, it also works because the trip is short and focused. You get the water experience without spending your entire day in transit.

Should you book the Mellieħa Two Bay evening cruise?

I think you should book this if you want two Comino lagoon swim stops in one trip, and you like the idea of an evening schedule that helps you dodge the worst of the heat and crowds. It’s also good value if you will use both swim windows instead of treating the stops as quick photo opportunities.

Book it with eyes open if you care about stepping onto shore at the Blue Lagoon. Get your access pass ahead of time, choose the evening slot, and plan for limited allocation.

If you are prone to motion sickness or have mobility constraints, take that warning seriously. This trip is not a match for those needs, even if you really want the scenery.

If you match the vibe, this cruise delivers exactly what you came for: Crystal Lagoon for caves and cliff views, Blue Lagoon for turquoise water, and a relaxed evening cruise back before your day runs out.

FAQ

What is the duration of the cruise, and what time do we return?

The cruise lasts about 3 hours. The return to the base at Marfa Bay is approximately 8:00 PM.

Where do I meet for the Mellieħa cruise?

You meet at the Marfa Jetty/Slipway opposite the Riviera Spa Resort. Look for a white boat named Pegasus.

How long are the swim stops at Crystal Lagoon and the Blue Lagoon?

You get about 1 hour at Crystal Lagoon and about 1 hour at the Blue Lagoon.

Do I need an access pass to step ashore at the Blue Lagoon?

Yes. Since May 2025, you must obtain a government-issued access pass in advance via blcomino.com. For this trip, you should select the evening slot. You will not be allowed to disembark without the pass.

What facilities are available on the boat?

Toilet facilities and a shower are available on board.

Is food or snorkeling equipment included in the price?

Food and drinks are not included. Snorkeling equipment is not included, but it is available for rent.

Is this cruise suitable for mobility issues or motion sickness?

No. It is not suitable for people with mobility impairments or wheelchair users, and it is also not suitable for people prone to seasickness or motion sickness.

If you want, tell me your month of travel and whether you plan to snorkel both stops. I can suggest a simple packing checklist and how to time your pass request for the Blue Lagoon.