Mellieha: Two Bay Evening Cruise Including The Blue Lagoon

Comino looks best when the day cools down. This three-hour evening cruise from Mellieħa takes you to the Crystal Lagoon and the famous Blue Lagoon when there’s less crowd pressure and better light on the water.

I especially like the Crystal Lagoon stop. You get about one hour to swim and snorkel in the sheltered lagoon, with sea caves and that clean 360-degree view of cliffs and turquoise water.

One thing to plan carefully: the Blue Lagoon access pass (required since May 2025). If you do not secure your pass in advance for the evening slot, you may not be allowed to disembark, and the trip notes that no refunds are provided in that case.

Key highlights worth timing your evening for

• Crystal Lagoon swim stop for about an hour, ideal for swimming and snorkeling in a sheltered cove
• Blue Lagoon visit for about an hour, with time to swim, snorkel, or just relax while the boat anchors
• Better timing than the midday rush, designed to help you beat heat and crowds
• Small-feeling groups (some departures run with roughly twenty passengers), so it does not feel like a sardine situation
• On-board basics covered, with toilet facilities and a shower, plus crew help during the cruise
• Comino Island time options, since the boat anchoring near the Blue Lagoon means you can choose between water time and a slower pace

How the Mellieħa to Comino evening cruise really feels

This is the kind of trip that makes sense if you like water time but hate queue time. You leave from Mellieħa and head to Comino after the hottest part of the day, so the whole experience runs more comfortably. The main idea is simple: two lagoon stops, each with about an hour to enjoy the water, plus time to unwind on the boat in between.

For value, you are paying around $35 per person for a short cruise that gets you to the two most talked-about places around Comino. You are not just passing by either. The schedule is built around swimming and snorkeling windows, not long stretches of sitting.

The other quiet win is boat energy. In the feedback I’m using here, people repeatedly highlight that the departures can be calm, with room and a friendly crew. One review even called out that the boat was around twenty passengers and felt nothing like the larger catamarans.

Meeting at Marfa Jetty and finding the Pegasus

Your start point is Marfa Jetty or Slipway, across from Riviera Spa Resort in Mellieħa. When you arrive, look for a white boat named Pegasus.

If you need help, go to the activity provider’s office near the jetty. It’s located next to the Dive Vision Malta Snorkel & Diving Centre. This matters because getting on the right boat fast is half the stress-free start.

The trip length is listed as about 3 hours, and you return to base at roughly 8:00 PM. That timing is part of the charm here, since you are not spending your whole evening on logistics.

Crystal Lagoon: why the “first swim stop” is the best kind

After sailing along Malta’s northern coastline, you reach Crystal Lagoon on the west side of Comino Island. The first swim stop is about one hour, and it’s a big part of why this cruise works for both swimmers and snorkel fans.

Here’s what you should expect in practical terms:

• You’re in a sheltered lagoon, surrounded by cliffs.
• The waters are described as mesmerising and turquoise.
• There are sea caves inside the lagoon, which is why snorkelers and divers tend to like this spot.
• You get 360-degree views, so even if you only float and look around, it’s not wasted time.

A small, real tip: if you’re the kind of person who loves the first part of an activity more than the last, this is your best bet for early-energy swimming. Then you have a second stop later, when you can go slower if you’re tired.

Potential drawback: you still have a one-hour block, so if you want a long, slow swim with lots of drifting time, this might feel like a sprint rather than a beach day. Still, it’s the exact trade-off you want on an evening cruise, because it keeps the total trip compact.

The Blue Lagoon stop, plus the new access pass reality

After Crystal Lagoon, the cruise heads to the Blue Lagoon, the famous turquoise bay people come to Comino for. You get another stop of about one hour.

The boat anchors near the Blue Lagoon, so you have options:

• Swim and snorkel while the boat is anchored.
• Relax on the boat if you want a break between water time.
• You can also take a walk on Comino Island, though your ability to step ashore at the Blue Lagoon depends on the access pass rules.

Don’t skip the pass planning (this is the big gotcha)

There is an important government directive effective May 2025: anyone wishing to disembark at the Blue Lagoon must get an access pass in advance through blcomino.com. Pass allocations are limited, and you’re instructed to select the evening slot when you apply.

The trip notes also make this clear: it’s your responsibility to secure the pass, and no refunds are provided if you cannot access the lagoon without one. So even if everything goes perfectly on the boat ride, your Blue Lagoon time could change depending on pass approval and disembark rules.

What to do if you want the simplest plan

If you’d rather not risk the pass stress, you can still enjoy the anchored experience. The itinerary specifically mentions relaxing on the boat near the Blue Lagoon. So the swim portion might still be satisfying, even if stepping ashore is restricted.

Who this cruise suits best (and who should skip it)

This is not built like a slow, sit-on-the-beach half day. It’s a short evening cruise with active water time. That makes it a good fit for:

• People who want two lagoon moments without spending all day in transit
• Families who like swimming breaks but want a guide-run schedule
• Anyone who prefers calmer water timing, since this is designed for less crowded conditions

In one review, the writer mentioned life jackets for children, which is a nice practical reassurance for families. Also, the staff approach gets praised, including attentive crew help.

Who should consider alternatives

The “not suitable for” list matters:

• People with mobility impairments or wheelchair users
• People prone to seasickness
• People with motion sickness

There’s also a tip in what to bring: motion sickness prevention. If you’re even slightly sensitive on boats, plan accordingly or consider another option.

Price and what you really get for $35

At $35 per person and a total duration of about 3 hours, you’re paying for transport plus two guided swim stops. The “value” part comes from the combination: you’re not taking separate tours or private boat charters to hit both lagoon locations.

Here’s what’s included:

• Sightseeing scenic cruise
• Swim stop at Crystal Lagoon (about 1 hour)
• Swim stop at Blue Lagoon (about 1 hour)
• Toilet facilities and a shower on the boat
• Crew assistance

Here’s what’s not included:

• Government-issued access pass for stepping ashore at the Blue Lagoon
• Food and drinks
• Snorkeling equipment rental (available)

So you can keep the trip budget under control, but you should expect additional costs for:

• The Blue Lagoon access pass
• Snacks or drinks if you buy them on-site
• Snorkel gear rental if you need it

One review also said bar prices were so much more acceptable, and they called out the general friendliness of the crew. That doesn’t mean food is cheap, but it hints you will not feel totally gouged if you want a drink or snack.

Boat time between lagoons: the underrated part

Between the two swim stops, you’re not just sitting. You’re cruising, and the whole route is along the northern coastline with open water views. The trip description highlights 360-degree viewpoints at Crystal Lagoon, and you should expect plenty of natural scenery on the ride as well.

This is also when you’ll feel the “evening” advantage. By late day, the Maltese sun can be less punishing than midday. Still bring sunscreen, because the water reflects sunlight and you’ll be out there in swimwear.

Also, if you’re traveling with people who do not all swim the same way, the boat provides a middle option. One review described the ability to swim, snorkel, or unwind on board. That flexibility matters more than it sounds.

What to bring, what to expect on board

Bring the basics because the itinerary is very water-focused:

• Swimwear
• Towel
• Sunscreen
• Sunglasses
• Cash
• Motion sickness prevention

Snorkeling equipment can be rented, but it’s not included, so if you want to keep things easy, check rental availability and costs in advance.

On-board basics are covered with toilet facilities and a shower. That sounds minor, but after a swim session, having a rinse and bathroom access changes the whole comfort level.

One more “small but important” detail: oversize luggage is not allowed. So pack light, and treat this like a water activity, not a beach vacation suitcase.

Weather changes and itinerary tweaks you should expect

The provider reserves the right to alter the itinerary or change stops depending on weather and operational conditions. That’s pretty standard for sea trips, but it’s worth keeping in your head.

If conditions are rough, the cruise can feel less comfortable, and that’s part of why people prone to seasickness should be careful.

Should you book Mellieħa’s Two Bay Evening Cruise?

Book this if you want:

• Two lagoon swim stops in about three hours
• An evening schedule that helps you avoid peak heat and crowds
• A calmer boat atmosphere (some departures run around twenty passengers, which helps a lot)
• Time to swim, snorkel, and also unwind without stress

Skip it if:

• You’re sensitive to motion or seasickness
• You need wheelchair-friendly access
• You don’t want to deal with the Blue Lagoon access pass requirement

My practical advice: sort your access pass early for the evening slot if you plan to step ashore. Then pack like you’re going to get wet, and aim to enjoy the water time rather than trying to “perfectly maximize” every minute.

FAQ

How long is the cruise, and when do you return?

The duration is about 3 hours, with an expected return to the base around 8:00 PM.

Where do I meet the boat in Mellieħa?

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

How much time do I get at the Crystal Lagoon and Blue Lagoon?

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

Is food or drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not included.

Do I need snorkeling equipment, and is it included?

Snorkeling equipment is not included, but it is available for rent.

Do I need a Blue Lagoon access pass?

Yes. After a government directive effective May 2025, you must obtain an access pass in advance for disembarking at the Blue Lagoon. Passes are acquired via blcomino.com, and you should choose the evening slot. No refunds are provided if you cannot access the lagoon without a pass.

Is this cruise suitable for wheelchair users or people with mobility impairments?

No. It is not suitable for people with mobility impairments or wheelchair users.