From Mellieha: Three Bay Cruise including the Blue Lagoon

Three bays, one very blue day. This six-hour boat trip from Mellieħa packs Malta’s best swimming water into one easy outing, with stops at the Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon, and Ħalfa Rock Bay. I like the smaller, uncrowded boat and the generous swim time, plus the clean facilities, friendly crew, and reasonably priced onboard bar. My main caution is the Blue Lagoon itself: the water is lovely, but the shore can be extremely crowded in summer, and stepping ashore now requires a government access pass.

The crew, including Danny, Ali, Wes, and other helpful skippers, gets strong praise for clear instructions and a relaxed manner. I also like that you can stay aboard at the Blue Lagoon, swim from the boat, and avoid the squeeze on land. At $47 per person, this is a strong-value day for anyone who wants sea views and several proper swim stops, but it is less suitable if you dislike open water, boat motion, or a busy beach.

Key points to know before booking

• Three substantial swim stops: Plan on about 1½ to 2 hours at the Blue Lagoon, one hour at Crystal Lagoon, and one hour at Ħalfa Rock Bay.
• A smaller boat makes a difference: The boat has room for sun and shade, loungers, tables, toilets, a shower, and enough space to avoid feeling packed in.
• The Blue Lagoon pass is your responsibility: Since May 2025, you need a government-issued access pass to step ashore at the Blue Lagoon. Choose the morning slot when applying.
• You can skip the crowded beach: The boat anchors near the Blue Lagoon, so you can swim from the vessel or relax aboard instead of going ashore.
• Bring food or use the cash bar: Drinks, coffee, sandwiches, and snacks are available, but a six-hour swimming day can leave you hungry.
• Snorkel gear is limited: Equipment can be rented for a small fee, first come, first served. Bring your own if snorkeling is a priority.

Setting out from Marfa Bay in Mellieħa

The trip begins at Marfa Jetty, across from the Riviera Spa Resort. Look for the white boat called Pegasus. If the waterfront feels confusing, the provider’s office is beside the jetty near the Dive Vision Malta Snorkel & Diving Centre. That office is the useful place for check-in and last-minute help.

The cruise follows Malta’s northern coast toward Comino and Gozo. You get a scenic ride between the swim stops, but the heart of this outing is not a long commentary tour. It is a day built around water, sun, and several hours when you can choose to swim, snorkel, sit in the shade, or stretch out above deck.

The boat setup is one of the strongest reasons to choose this trip over a large ferry-style excursion. Information from the crew and recent feedback points to a comfortable vessel with upstairs loungers, lower tables, shelter, toilets, and a shower. One toilet is for men and one for women, and they are described as clean and functional.

The exact number of people can vary, but the boat is repeatedly described as having plenty of room. One outing had about 40 people aboard, which gives you a useful idea of the scale. You should not expect a private charter, but you also should not expect to sit shoulder to shoulder all day.

Blue Lagoon: beautiful water, busy shoreline

The first stop is the famous Blue Lagoon on Comino, where the boat stays for roughly 1½ to 2 hours. The water is clear and bright turquoise, with a pale sandy bottom that gives the lagoon its postcard look. It is the most famous stop of the day, and the color alone explains why.

You can go ashore, swim from the boat, snorkel, sunbathe, or simply remain aboard. The boat anchors near the shoreline, giving you a useful choice that many basic boat trips do not offer. If the beach is packed, I would seriously consider staying on the vessel and swimming from there.

That is not a second-rate option. Several people chose to remain aboard because the shore was crowded, then swam toward the beach using pool noodles supplied by the cruise. Once the boat empties out, the deck can become the calmer place to enjoy the same clear water.

The shore experience is the weak spot. In June, July, and August, the narrow beach can be full, shade can be hard to find, and the area may feel more like a busy attraction than a peaceful lagoon. If you picture a quiet sandy cove, adjust your expectations. The Blue Lagoon is beautiful, but it is not a secret.

There is also a new rule you must take seriously. From May 2025, anyone who wants to step ashore at the Blue Lagoon needs a government access pass booked in advance through blcomino.com. The number of daily passes is limited, and you need to select the morning slot for this cruise.

Download the pass before you arrive. The booking site may not work smoothly on the day, and the crew cannot issue the government pass for you. If you arrive without one, you may still enjoy the water from the boat, but you will not be allowed to disembark, and no refund is offered for that problem.

Crystal Lagoon and its sea caves

After the Blue Lagoon, the boat continues to Crystal Lagoon on Comino’s western side. The stop lasts about one hour, which is enough time for a proper swim and some snorkeling, though you will want to enter the water soon rather than spend half the stop arranging your belongings.

Crystal Lagoon feels more sheltered and dramatic than the Blue Lagoon. Cliffs surround the water, and the setting gives you broad views in every direction. The water is clear enough for snorkeling, and the nearby sea caves add a little adventure without requiring a long shore walk.

This is the stop I would look forward to most if you want active time in the water. You can swim around the boat, explore the caves, or use a rented mask and snorkel to look below the surface. Snorkel equipment is available onboard for a small fee, but the supply is first come, first served. If you already own a comfortable mask, pack it.

The boat stops near the middle of the lagoon rather than simply hugging the edge. That gives you a better view of the cliffs and more room to swim. It also means you should be comfortable entering open water from the vessel. The precise setup may change with weather and sea conditions, but the crew provides assistance and explains the rules.

Ħalfa Rock Bay on Gozo

The final swim stop is Ħalfa Rock Bay on Gozo’s southeastern coast. It lasts about one hour and offers a change from the famous Comino lagoons. Here, you find a small pebbly beach, a little offshore islet, and a quieter cove.

The name may appear as Halfa Rock Bay or Ħalfa Rock Bay, so do not worry if you see both spellings. The important point is that this is a cove rather than a wide sandy beach. Wear secure footwear if you plan to step onto the pebbles, and keep your expectations focused on swimming and scenery rather than a classic beach day.

This stop can be especially appealing when the Blue Lagoon feels too busy. Its quieter character gives the day a better rhythm: famous water first, cliff-lined swimming next, then a less crowded Gozo cove to finish.

Weather matters here. On one outing, the sea became too choppy for the planned third stop, so the crew found another attractive swimming place. That is a good sign. The route is not rigid for its own sake, and safety comes before ticking off a name on the schedule.

The return route past caves and Elephant Head

The ride back includes views of the Santa Maria Caves and the Elephant Head rock formation. You do not get a long shore visit at either sight. Instead, they are part of the return cruise, giving you time to dry off, buy a drink, and take photographs from the boat.

The Elephant Head is an easy landmark to spot, while the caves add a final look at Comino’s rugged coast. If you want a full sightseeing narration at every turn, this is not that kind of trip. The guides do share useful facts about the places you pass, but the focus stays on a relaxed day at sea.

What the crew and boat do well

The crew is a major part of the experience. Danny and Ali are frequently praised for being polite, clear, and professional. Wes receives special praise for helping a family with a baby. Other trips were led by Danny and Chandler, and the repeated pattern is a friendly crew that helps without constantly hovering.

That balance matters on a swim cruise. You want clear instructions before entering the water, but you also want freedom to enjoy your own day. The crew explains the stops, answers questions, assists when needed, and gives you time to relax.

The boat’s layout also earns its keep. You can choose upper-deck sun or a shaded area, use loungers, sit at tables downstairs, and take a shower after swimming. There is music, but it is described as pleasant rather than overpowering.

Pool noodles are available, which is a thoughtful touch for anyone who wants to float rather than swim hard for an hour. You can also jump from the lower-deck plank or from the sides of the upper deck, but only do so if the crew permits it and you are comfortable with the water entry.

Food, drinks, and what to pack

A small cash bar sells drinks and snacks. Prices are described as reasonable, with examples including beer around €2.50, water around €1.50, and a large glass of wine for about €3 on one outing. Prices can change, but the bar is not being treated as an expensive captive market.

You should still bring food if you tend to get hungry after swimming. The onboard selection includes items such as sandwiches and snacks, but it is not a full lunch service. A six-hour day with three water stops calls for more than a single packet of crisps.

Bring:

• Swimsuit and towel
• Sunscreen and a sun hat
• Sunglasses
• Cash for the bar and snorkel rental
• Motion sickness medication if you need it
• Your own snorkeling equipment if you want a guaranteed set

Large bags, oversized luggage, pets, and electric wheelchairs are not permitted. The boat is not suitable for wheelchair users or people with mobility impairments. It is also a poor fit if boat motion regularly makes you ill.

Is $47 good value for six hours?

At $47 per person, the value is strong. You get a six-hour coastal cruise, three planned swim stops, return sightseeing past the caves and rock formation, crew assistance, onboard toilets, a shower, and the option to stay aboard at the busiest stop.

The price looks even better when you compare it with the time involved. You are not paying for a short harbor ride with one quick swim. About three and a half to four hours of the day can be spent at the three main stops, depending on the schedule and conditions.

You still need to budget for drinks, food, and possible snorkel rental. Most important, the Blue Lagoon access pass is not included, and securing it is your responsibility. That pass is a government requirement, not an extra feature of the cruise, but it affects the total planning.

The trip gives you better value if you enjoy swimming. If you plan to remain dry and only want coastal views, a six-hour cruise may feel long. If you want repeated water time, the length is one of the main advantages.

When this cruise works best

Summer gives you the warmest swimming conditions, but it also brings the worst crowds at the Blue Lagoon. May, late September, October, and possibly the quieter parts of the season can offer a more comfortable balance, though the itinerary remains subject to weather.

The cruise suits couples, families with older children, and anyone who wants several swim locations without arranging separate transport. A family with a baby found the crew helpful, and children old enough to swim can make good use of the noodles and jumping points.

You should think twice if you need step-free access, dislike boats, or want a peaceful beach with lots of open sand. You also need to accept that the crew may change the order of the stops or replace a location if conditions become unsafe.

Should you book the Three Bay Cruise?

I would book this cruise if you want a full day on the water at a sensible price, especially if you prefer a smaller boat to a packed ferry. The Crystal Lagoon and Ħalfa Rock Bay help balance the crowded Blue Lagoon, and the option to swim from the boat lets you enjoy the famous water without fighting for beach space.

Book with two conditions in mind: secure the Blue Lagoon pass well ahead, and bring enough food, sun protection, and cash. If you mainly want to lounge on a quiet beach, choose a different outing. If you want clear water, three swim stops, helpful crew, and a good amount of freedom aboard, this is one of Malta’s strongest half-day sea trips.

FAQ

How long does the Three Bay Cruise last?

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

Where does the boat depart from?

The boat leaves from Marfa Jetty in Mellieħa, across from the Riviera Spa Resort. Look for the white Pegasus boat or visit the provider’s office beside the jetty near the Dive Vision Malta Snorkel & Diving Centre.

Which places does the cruise visit?

The planned stops are the Blue Lagoon on Comino, Crystal Lagoon on Comino, and Ħalfa Rock Bay on Gozo. The return route passes the Santa Maria Caves and Elephant Head rock formation.

Do I need a pass for the Blue Lagoon?

Yes. From May 2025, anyone wishing to step ashore at the Blue Lagoon must obtain a government-issued access pass in advance through blcomino.com. Select the morning slot for this cruise, and remember that daily passes are limited.

Can I stay on the boat at the Blue Lagoon?

Yes. The boat anchors near the Blue Lagoon, so you can relax aboard or swim from the boat instead of stepping ashore.

Is food available during the cruise?

A small cash bar sells some snacks and drinks, including coffee and other beverages. Food and drinks are not included, so bring extra food if you expect to be hungry after swimming.

Can I rent snorkeling equipment?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is available for a small fee, but it is offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Bring your own equipment if you want to be certain of having it.