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

One of Malta’s easiest sea days. The Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon stops do the heavy lifting, plus you get time to swim, snorkel, and slide on board. I love the simple rhythm of two water stops, and I also like the included perks like free-flowing mineral water and snorkel gear rental with only a small cash deposit. A real consideration: there’s a government access pass requirement if you want to step ashore at the Blue Lagoon, and it can be limited by daily allocation.

This is the kind of cruise that works even when you do not want a big, complicated day. You meet at Marfa Jetty, see iconic coastline highlights as the boat cruises out, then spend your time in the water where Comino is famous for crystal-clear color. Just be aware this trip is not a fit if you are very prone to seasickness or have mobility limits.

Key highlights at a glance

• Two swim stops at the Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon, with about 1.5 hours and 1 hour respectively
• Water slide on the boat, plus deckchairs on the rooftop area (first come, first served)
• Snorkelling equipment rental included (small €20 cash deposit, refunded when you return it)
• Mineral water included throughout, so you are not counting sips all day
• Gozo pass and Mġarr Harbour photo stop on the way back, without needing to disembark

Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon, plus a Gozo photo pass

If you only have a half-day in Malta and you want sea time that feels worth it, this cruise hits the sweet spot. You start in Mellieħa at Marfa Jetty, then Comino becomes the main event: anchor time for swimming, snorkelling, and just floating in water that looks almost unreal.

What I like most is the pacing. You do not just do one stop and rush away. You get the famous Blue Lagoon first, then you head to the Crystal Lagoon for a second swim break, often with a different mood because it sits on the west side of Comino. And on the return, you get a scenic cruise past Gozo plus a short photo stop at Mġarr Harbour, so you come back with more than just saltwater memories.

Starting from Marfa Jetty: the route out to Comino

You meet the boat at Marfa Jetty, opposite Riviera Spa Resort. The crew asks you to look for a white or blue boat named La Laguna. Once you are aboard, you settle in because the early minutes are about the view, not the swim.

As you cruise along the northern coastline, the route is designed to show you recognizable features without feeling like a long lecture. Expect photo moments and slow passes near points like Elephant Rock and the Santa Maria Sea Caves area, plus other coastline sights such as Saint Mary’s Battery and the bays of St. Nicholas and St. Mary. These quick stops are short, but they are exactly the right length if you want something scenic without losing your appetite for the water time.

Practical tip: bring sunscreen and a sun hat early. The boat ride is part of the fun, but you can still burn before you even reach the anchorage.

Blue Lagoon swim time, snorkelling gear, and the access pass rule

The Blue Lagoon is the headline stop, and it is not hard to see why. The boat anchors for about 1.5 hours, which gives you enough time to actually get in, find a comfortable spot, and decide whether you want to snorkel or just relax.

Here is what you need to know before you go in:

• You can swim and snorkel during the stop.
• Snorkelling equipment is available for free rental, but there is a €20 cash deposit. The deposit is refunded when you return the gear.
• If you want to step ashore at the Blue Lagoon, Malta requires a government access pass in advance. The notice states this is effective May 2025, with passes available through the official site blcomino.com, and daily allocation can be limited.

That access pass detail matters. If you did not plan ahead, you may still be able to swim from the boat area, but you might not be able to disembark as you had hoped. If you want the full experience, plan your pass early so your day stays stress-free.

What about the water itself? The Blue Lagoon anchor time is built for the classic Comino idea: clear, turquoise water that makes even casual swimming feel special. If you are snorkeling, you will want to rinse your eyes and take it slow. Start shallow, get your breathing under control, and then look around. If you just want to relax, the boat’s sun setup helps. There are deckchairs on the rooftop area (first come, first served), plus toilet facilities and fresh water showers.

Also included for the whole trip: free-flowing mineral water, so you can pace yourself instead of doing an emergency dash to buy a drink.

Crystal Lagoon on Comino’s west side, your second swim break

After the Blue Lagoon, you move to the Crystal Lagoon on Comino’s west coast for about 1 hour. This second stop is valuable because it gives you a fresh setting rather than repeating the same anchorage.

The Crystal Lagoon stop is known for its turquoise color and the fact that it is surrounded by cliffs, which means you often get very good all-around views while you swim or float. Even if you do not snorkel, you can usually appreciate the shape of the coast and rock walls from the water.

The time here is shorter than the Blue Lagoon, so your best plan is simple: get in early, swim a bit, snorkel if you brought the gear, then take a break. You do not want to spend the first 20 minutes deciding what to do. This stop works best when you treat it like a focused swim hour.

Santa Maria Sea Caves and Elephant Rock photo moments

You do not lose the day to travel time. On the way in and out, the cruise includes several short scenic moments, like:

• Elephant Rock photo time and a scenic approach
• Santa Maria Caves photo time as you pass the area
• a scenic pass by Santa Maria Bay

These are the kinds of stops where you get the best use of your camera without making it a full detour. The timing is built around keeping the overall day around 4 hours total, so you are never stuck watching a view from the shore for long. You see these features from the water, in motion, which is often the most effective way to take them in.

If you are the type who likes photos, this segment helps you build a story for your day, not just a single postcard from the lagoon.

Return past Gozo and the Mġarr Harbour stop (no disembarkation)

When it is time to head back to Marfa Jetty, the cruise shifts into scenic sightseeing mode again. You pass the island of Gozo on the return journey, and there is a photo stop at Mġarr Harbour.

Important detail: the photo stop is described as no disembarkation. In other words, you are not expected to hop off and explore. You get a moment for photos and then you are back aboard quickly. It is a good compromise: you see Gozo without stretching the day.

If your priority is swimming and you do not want extra walking, this works in your favor. You still get that extra island perspective that makes the cruise feel more complete.

On-board extras that make this feel like a bargain

At this price point, what makes the experience feel fair is that you get small comforts that add up. You are not only buying a route to the lagoon.

Here are the extras that matter most:

• Mineral water is included throughout the cruise, so hydration is handled.
• A water slide on board adds a playful element that many people end up loving, even if they came for the sea views.
• There are fresh water showers and toilet facilities, which is huge after you have been in saltwater.
• Deckchairs on the rooftop area help you cool down between swim times, and you can also enjoy the return views from above.
• The crew and staff provide assistance, which helps if you are figuring out snorkel gear on a schedule.

There is also a cash bar on the boat for snacks and beverages. If you want extra drinks beyond the mineral water, you can use the bar, with cash or credit card accepted.

Price, value, and what you still need to pay for

The price listed is $34 per person for a total 4-hour cruise. For Comino, that is the part that feels like a win: you are paying for the boat, two anchored swim opportunities, and onboard basics, not just transport.

What is included:

• sightseeing scenic cruise
• mineral water all day
• snorkelling equipment rental (with €20 cash deposit)
• swim stops at the Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon
• water slide
• return cruise passing Gozo
• photo stop at Mġarr Harbour (no disembarkation)
• deckchairs, toilet facilities, and fresh water showers
• crew assistance

What is not included:

• the government access pass to step ashore at the Blue Lagoon (required if you want to disembark)
• hotel pick-up and drop-off
• tour guide
• food and drinks (other than mineral water)
• an optional powerboat trip to the Comino Caves, which is €10 per person on location and subject to weather

Value check: if you want both lagoons plus snorkel time plus a water slide, the included mineral water and the free snorkel gear rental are part of why it feels like a fair deal. If you also plan ahead for the Blue Lagoon access pass, you remove the main surprise cost.

Who should book this cruise from Mellieħa

This works best if you want a straightforward sea day with strong payoff: two swim anchors, good photo opportunities from the boat, and enough onboard comfort that you do not feel rushed.

You will likely enjoy this most if you:

• want snorkel time but do not want to bring gear
• like the idea of a water slide and an easy, fun atmosphere on a boat
• enjoy scenic coast cruising but do not want a long all-day schedule

You should think twice if:

• you are prone to seasickness or have trouble with motion
• you need wheelchair access or have mobility impairments, since the trip is marked not suitable for wheelchair users

Should you book this Mellieħa round Comino cruise?

If your goal is a classic Comino experience without overplanning, I think this is an easy yes. The combination of two swim stops and included essentials like mineral water and snorkel gear rental makes it feel efficient for your time and fair for your money. Add the water slide and the return views past Gozo, and you get more than a single lagoon stop.

My main booking advice is practical: if you want to go ashore at the Blue Lagoon, get the access pass in advance through blcomino.com so your day stays smooth. If you are okay swimming from the boat area, you still get the core water time.

FAQ

Where do I meet for the cruise?

You depart from Marfa Jetty, opposite Riviera Spa Resort. Look for a white/blue boat named La Laguna.

How long is the Mellieħa round Comino cruise?

The cruise duration is 4 hours. Starting times vary, so you should check availability for your preferred time.

Are mineral water and showers included?

Yes. Mineral water is free-flowing throughout the cruise, and there are fresh water showers on board.

Is snorkelling equipment included?

Yes, snorkelling equipment is available for rent free of charge, but you need a €20 cash deposit. The deposit is refunded when you return the equipment.

Do I need an access pass for the Blue Lagoon?

If you want to disembark ashore at the Blue Lagoon, the information says you must obtain a government access pass in advance via blcomino.com, and daily allocation is limited.

Is food included in the price?

Food and drinks are not included except for mineral water. There is a cash bar on the boat for snacks and beverages.

Is the water slide included?

Yes. The cruise includes a water slide.

Is this cruise suitable if I get seasick or have mobility limits?

It is marked not suitable for people prone to seasickness and not suitable for people with mobility impairments or wheelchair users.