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

Clear water, short stops, big views. This four-hour cruise from Mellieħa gives you a simple way to see Comino, swim at the Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon, and pass Gozo without arranging several separate outings. I like the generous swim time, with about 90 minutes at the Blue Lagoon and another hour at the Crystal Lagoon. I also like the free mineral water, onboard toilets, showers, and water slide.

The main catch is that this is a boat outing, not a guided sightseeing tour. You get free time rather than commentary, and the Blue Lagoon now requires a separate government access pass if you want to step ashore. The boat can also feel crowded, and rooftop deckchairs go quickly.

Key Points Before You Book

• Two proper swimming stops: You get about 1½ hours at the Blue Lagoon and one hour at the Crystal Lagoon.
• The boat returns past Gozo: You see Mġarr Harbour and Gozo’s coast from the water, but you do not get off in Gozo.
• Blue Lagoon access now needs planning: Since May 2025, stepping ashore requires a pass from blcomino.com, with daily numbers limited.
• Snorkeling gear is available: You can borrow equipment without a rental charge, but you must leave a €20 cash deposit.
• The water slide adds a playful touch: This suits swimmers and families who want more than a quiet sightseeing ride.
• Meet the right boat: Look for the white and blue boat named La Laguna at Marfa Jetty, opposite Riviera Spa Resort.

From Marfa Jetty to the Northern Coast

The trip begins at Marfa Jetty in Mellieħa, opposite the Riviera Spa Resort. Look for the white and blue boat called La Laguna. This detail matters because the departure area serves several boat operators, and confusion over the boat name has caused problems.

If you cannot locate the boat, use the GetYourGuide app to contact the operator directly. Do not rely on another company’s ticket stand or staff member to point you in the right direction. Arrive early enough to get your bearings, especially if you want a rooftop deckchair.

The cruise begins with views along Malta’s northern coast. This first section is less about getting anywhere quickly and more about seeing the shoreline from a useful angle. The boat passes Saint Mary’s Battery, a historic fortification, before continuing toward Comino.

There is no guide providing a running explanation, so you should treat these sights as visual landmarks rather than a formal history lesson. If you want background, read a little about Comino and the coastal forts before boarding.

Elephant Rock and Santa Maria Caves

One of the first memorable formations is Elephant Head Rock. Its shape is best appreciated from the water, where the outline becomes easier to recognise. The boat makes a sightseeing pass and photo opportunity rather than a landing.

Next come the Santa Maria Caves. The boat approaches the cave area for views and photographs, but the standard cruise does not take you ashore. Water conditions and the boat’s route affect how close you get.

An optional powerboat trip to the Comino caves may be offered and booked locally. The price is not fixed in the information provided here, so ask before paying. One account of this extra described the boat approaching the caves without actually going inside, a useful reminder to confirm exactly what the add-on includes.

The route also passes St. Nicholas Bay and Santa Maria Bay. These are attractive coastal views, but there is no planned landing or long stop at either bay. You see them as part of the moving cruise.

The Blue Lagoon: 90 Minutes of Bright Water

The first main stop is the Blue Lagoon, where the boat anchors for about 1½ hours. This is the part most people have in mind when they picture Comino: pale rock, clear cyan water, and a sheltered bay that often looks almost unreal in good weather.

You can swim from the boat, snorkel, sit in the sun, or walk on Comino if you have the required shore access pass. The long stop gives you time to do more than take a quick dip. You can swim first, dry off on deck, then return to the water without feeling rushed.

There is an important change here. Since May 2025, anyone who wants to disembark at the Blue Lagoon must obtain an advance pass through the official government website, blcomino.com. The daily allocation is limited, and the pass is not included in the cruise price.

If you plan to stay on the boat, you do not need to step ashore. But do not assume that booking the cruise automatically gives you permission to land. Check the government site before your trip, especially during busy periods.

The Blue Lagoon is also where expectations matter most. The water may be beautiful, but the area can be busy, and the boat is not a private charter. If your ideal swim requires quiet space and plenty of room, this may feel lively rather than peaceful.

Snorkel equipment is available at no rental cost, although you must leave a €20 cash deposit. Bring cash, and return the equipment properly to receive the full deposit back. You should also bring your own mask if you prefer a particular fit.

Crystal Lagoon: A Better Swim for Some

After the Blue Lagoon, the boat travels to the Crystal Lagoon on Comino’s western side. The planned stop lasts about one hour, enough for another good swim without turning the day into a rushed sequence of five-minute photo stops.

The Crystal Lagoon is framed by higher cliffs and is especially suited to swimming and snorkeling. The enclosed rock walls give it a different character from the more famous Blue Lagoon. You get clear water, rocky edges, and wide views around the boat.

I like the balance here. The Blue Lagoon is the headline stop, but the Crystal Lagoon gives you another chance to get in the water after the first stop. If the first swim is crowded or you spend too much time taking photographs, the second stop gives you a fresh opportunity.

The boat includes a water slide, which is a welcome extra for children and anyone who enjoys a little silly fun. The slide is not the reason to book the trip, but it makes the boat itself part of the experience rather than merely transport between lagoons.

Use care around the water and follow the crew’s instructions. This cruise is not suitable for people with mobility impairments, wheelchair users, or anyone prone to seasickness or motion sickness. Even calm-looking lagoons do not remove the movement of a boat.

The Return Past Gozo and Mġarr Harbour

Once the Crystal Lagoon stop ends, the boat begins its return to Marfa Jetty. This is not a direct run back. The route passes the island of Gozo, adding a second island to a trip that began around Comino.

The boat makes a short photo stop at Mġarr Harbour, Gozo’s main harbour. You stay onboard, so this is a chance to photograph the harbour and surrounding coast rather than a visit to Gozo itself.

That distinction is worth stressing. If you want to walk through Mġarr, explore Gozo’s villages, or visit inland sights, this cruise will not replace a Gozo day trip. It gives you a pleasant coastal view and a harbour photograph, with no disembarkation.

The final stretch takes roughly 25 minutes after the Gozo sightseeing section. You return to Marfa Jetty after about four hours in total, assuming weather and operating conditions allow the planned route.

What the Boat Provides

The practical facilities make this better value than a bare sightseeing boat. Mineral water flows throughout the cruise, which is useful under the strong Mediterranean sun. Still, bring your own food and any other drinks you need, since meals and beverages beyond water are not included.

You also get:

• Toilets
• Fresh water showers
• Assistance from the crew
• A rooftop area with deckchairs
• Snorkeling equipment for rent with a refundable deposit
• The water slide
• Scenic coastal cruising

Rooftop deckchairs are first come, first served. Do not book this expecting a guaranteed lounger. A recent experience found that the advertised deckchairs were not available, and the boat felt full even outside the peak season.

For comfort, pack swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a sun hat. Cash is important for the snorkeling deposit and any optional cave excursion. Motion sickness medication is sensible if boat travel usually bothers you.

Oversize luggage and large bags are not allowed. Pets and electric wheelchairs are also not permitted.

How Good Is the Value at $29?

At $29 per person, the cruise is priced as an accessible half-day outing rather than a luxury boat charter. The value is strongest if you want several things in one package: two swim stops, Comino views, mineral water, a slide, snorkeling equipment, and a Gozo coastal cruise.

You would pay more and spend more time arranging transport if you tried to combine these sights independently. The cruise also saves you from choosing between the Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon. Both are built into one route.

The price looks less attractive if you mainly want a quiet seat, guaranteed deck space, or a guided explanation of the coast. There is no tour guide, and the group shares the boat with other passengers. You are paying for access to a well-planned water route, not personal service.

Food is not included, so add the cost of bringing or buying supplies before you leave. Also allow for any optional cave trip, and remember that the Blue Lagoon shore pass is a separate government requirement.

Crowd Levels, Weather, and Changing Plans

The operator can alter the route or stops because of weather, health and safety concerns, or other operating problems. That is normal for a water outing, but you should keep your schedule flexible.

Weather affects almost every part of the experience. Wind can change the comfort of the boat, the quality of the swim stops, and the ability to approach caves or rock formations. If you are prone to seasickness, take precautions before departure rather than waiting until the boat is underway.

The cruise has received a generally positive overall rating, but the low-scoring experiences point to two practical risks. One person reported confusion at the meeting point and missed the departure, while another said the boat left before the stated return time and left the group to arrange its own way back to Malta. These are serious complaints, so keep your confirmation ready, identify the correct boat, and listen carefully to the crew’s return instructions.

Do not wander far from the boat during free time. You are responsible for returning on time, and a missed departure can turn a pleasant swim into an expensive problem.

Who Will Enjoy This Cruise Most?

This outing suits you if you want a simple, active half-day on the water. Swimmers, casual snorkelers, families, and visitors with limited time in Malta get the most from it.

It is also useful for anyone staying around Mellieħa who wants to see Comino without committing to a full-day sailing trip. The two lagoon stops offer enough time for actual swimming, not just photographs from a moving boat.

You may want another option if you dislike crowds, need guaranteed accessibility, or suffer badly from motion sickness. You should also choose a different tour if your main goal is exploring Gozo on foot. This cruise only passes Gozo and pauses at Mġarr Harbour for photographs.

If you care most about history, bring your own reading. Saint Mary’s Battery and the coastal landmarks are part of the view, but no guide explains them in detail.

Should You Book It?

Book this cruise if you want good water time for a modest price and are happy with a shared boat, free time, and changing weather conditions. The Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon stops are the core value, while the Gozo return route and water slide add variety.

Before paying, confirm the departure boat is La Laguna, plan how you will reach Marfa Jetty, and arrange the Blue Lagoon shore pass if you want to step onto Comino. Bring cash, arrive early, and treat the optional cave trip as an extra that needs careful clarification.

For a relaxed, practical introduction to Malta’s northern islands, this is a solid choice. Just do not confuse it with a guided tour or a private sailing day.

FAQ

Where does the cruise depart from?

The boat departs from Marfa Jetty in Mellieħa, opposite the Riviera Spa Resort. Look for the white and blue boat named La Laguna.

How long does the cruise last?

The cruise lasts about four hours, including the sightseeing route, the Blue Lagoon stop, the Crystal Lagoon stop, and the return past Gozo.

How long does the boat stop at the Blue Lagoon?

The boat anchors at the Blue Lagoon for approximately 1½ hours. You can swim, snorkel, relax onboard, or go ashore if you have the required access pass.

Do I need a pass to visit the Blue Lagoon?

You need a government-issued access pass if you want to disembark and step ashore at the Blue Lagoon. Passes are obtained through blcomino.com, and daily availability is limited.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Snorkeling equipment is available to rent free of charge, but you must provide a €20 cash deposit. The deposit is fully refunded when you return the equipment.

Can I get off in Gozo?

No. The cruise passes Gozo and makes a brief photo stop at Mġarr Harbour, but there is no disembarkation.