Blue water days are rare in Malta, but this one hits. You get a 6-hour cruise with three swim stops around Comino and Gozo, plus scenic passes by famous rock formations on the return leg. It is an easy way to see a lot of coastline without spending your whole day figuring out boats.

What I like most is the pacing: each stop gives you real swim time, and you are not stuck hopping off every 20 minutes. I also like the practical onboard basics, like toilets and a shower, plus a small cash snack bar for when you get peckish.

One thing to watch is the Blue Lagoon rule. Since May 2025, you must have a government access pass in advance to get ashore at Blue Lagoon, and you will not be allowed to disembark without it.

Key points to know before you go

• Three swim stops in one day: Blue Lagoon (about 1.5–2 hours), Crystal Lagoon (about 1 hour), Ħalfa Rock Bay (about 1 hour)
• Blue Lagoon access pass is mandatory for ashore time, with limited daily availability
• A 55-person maximum keeps the trip feeling more manageable than big party boats
• Onboard comfort matters: toilets and a shower are available, plus a cash bar for snacks and drinks
• Weather-dependent route with rebooking or refund if conditions force a cancellation

Three Bays, One Tidy 6-Hour Window From Mellieha

If you want Comino and Gozo without turning your trip into a boat logistics project, this cruise is built for you. The boat departs at 10:00 am from the Marfa Jetty in Mellieħa, and the whole experience runs about 6 hours including the swimming stops and sailing time.

There is no hotel pick-up, so you will want to plan on getting yourself to the dock on time. Boarding closes 20 minutes before departure, which is early enough that you do not want to gamble with buses or parking. Good news: the meeting point is near public transportation.

At up to 55 travelers, the group size stays in the sweet spot for a day on the water. It is big enough that you’ll have company, but small enough that the boat does not feel like a floating stadium. That balance is part of why the day tends to feel calm, not chaotic.

Blue Lagoon Access Pass: The One Rule You Cannot Ignore

Here is the make-or-break item: after Malta’s May 2025 directive, you must obtain a government-issued access pass to disembark at Blue Lagoon. The pass is available through blcomino.com, and you are expected to book the morning timeslot for this trip.

This is not a “nice to have.” The boat will not allow you to step ashore at Blue Lagoon without the official pass. The rules also say no refunds will be issued if you cannot disembark because you did not get the required access pass in time.

So what should you do right now? Get the pass before the day you travel, and treat it like a ticket for a timed entry experience. If you wait until the last minute, you risk running into limited daily pass allocation.

Stop 1: Blue Lagoon in Comino (About 1.5–2 Hours)

Blue Lagoon is the reason many people make the trip, and it earns its fame. You’ll sail along the northern coastline and arrive for your first swim stop, with about 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours to enjoy the water.

The boat will anchor near the lagoon, so your time options are flexible. You can swim and snorkel, or just float and relax directly from the boat. If you like a slower pace, you can also spend time soaking in the views and keeping an eye on the water’s movement, especially as people settle into the swim-friendly rhythm.

What makes the spot special is the combination of turquoise, crystal-clear water and a white sandy base with marine life. That clarity is why snorkelling tends to feel worthwhile here, even if you are not an expert.

Timing note: because your access pass is tied to ashore, it is smart to have it ready before the cruise begins. If you do have it, you can likely take advantage of the full stop and not feel rushed.

Stop 2: Crystal Lagoon on Comino’s West Side (About 1 Hour)

After Blue Lagoon, you move to Crystal Lagoon on the west side of Comino. This is a shorter stop at about 1 hour, so you’ll want to use it with intention: swim first, then explore the edges once you’re warmed up.

Crystal Lagoon is described as sheltered and ringed by imposing cliffs, with 360-degree views. The water is framed by dramatic rock, and it is the kind of setting where even without a long stay, you still feel like you’re in a special place.

It is also a strong stop for people who enjoy being in the water for the views and the geology. You can explore sea caves located within the lagoon area while you swim and snorkel.

One small “pace check”: because the stop is only about an hour, it is less of a “hang around all morning” moment and more of a “make your time count” stop. If you are prone to wandering or want long stretches of sunbathing, you may prefer Blue Lagoon’s longer time first.

Stop 3: Ħalfa Rock Bay in Gozo (About 1 Hour)

The third swim stop takes you to Ħalfa Rock Bay, on the southeast coast of Gozo. This is the kind of place you come for when you want a more quiet feel compared with the busiest summer hotspots.

You get about 1 hour here, and the bay is described as a deserted small islet at the edge of a cove, with a pebbly beach. That “hidden by geography” vibe matters. Even in peak season, the bay tends to feel calmer because it is not as easy to reach as the most famous shore options.

This stop is a great payoff after Comino. It shifts the scenery from the iconic Blue Lagoon style to something more secluded and local-feeling. If you like photos, look around the cliffs and coastline while you’re in the water and also when you’re back on the boat, because the angles change as the boat repositions.

Passing Santa Maria Caves and Elephant Head on the Way Back

Between stops and on the return trip, you get cruising time where the route is part of the experience. On the way back, you will pass by the Santa Maria Caves and the Elephant Head rock formation.

You won’t have a “wander around” moment at these sites, but that is not the point. This is a boat cruise, so the value is in seeing the coast from the water with a moving viewpoint. If you enjoy observing the shape of coastline and rock formations, this return stretch gives you something to watch besides the next swim countdown.

Also, this kind of cruising between swim stops helps break up the day. You get a mental reset, and you come back to the boat feeling like you’ve actually moved through space, not just repeated the same thing three times.

On-Board Comfort: Toilets, a Shower, and a Small Cash Bar

This cruise does not feel bare-bones. The included setup includes toilet facilities and a shower on the boat. After swimming, that simple convenience can make a big difference, especially if you plan to keep exploring after the cruise.

There is also a small cash bar serving snacks and beverages. The key detail is that food and drinks are not included in the ticket price, so you’ll want to budget a little for drinks or a quick snack. Still, the snack bar is presented as a nice extra rather than an overpriced trap, which is exactly what you want on a day trip.

What you likely need to plan for yourself: bring your own swim essentials like a towel and sunscreen. If you use snorkel gear, bring your own if you have it, because you cannot count on any specific rental details here.

What It Costs (and Why It Can Be a Good Value)

The ticket price is $47.66 per person, and for a half-day style cruise, that is often a fair deal when you consider what’s included. You are paying for a scenic cruise, plus three separate swim stops across two islands, with crew assistance throughout.

Admissions are listed as free for the swim stops, but remember the key exception: the Blue Lagoon access pass is required for ashore. If you budget for that pass separately, the rest of the day stacks up well.

Where the value shows is in the time allocation. Most similar cruises either rush you, or they make you spend hours traveling with only one swimming window. Here, your time is broken into three meaningful water breaks, and the total stays around six hours.

The only extra costs you should expect are food and drinks from the cash bar and any items you bring with you (like sunscreen or swim accessories). If you can keep spending light besides the pass, this becomes an easy “worth it” day.

Who Should Book This Cruise (and Who Should Skip It)

This one works well if you want an efficient Malta water day with a clear plan. The trip says most travelers can participate, and that usually means the main barrier is not technical difficulty—it’s whether the water and boat movement fit your comfort level.

There are two “pay attention” groups:

• Not recommended for travelers with mobility impairments.
• Not recommended if you are prone to seasickness.

Also, the boat does not allow pets, and it does not allow large luggage or large suitcases. If you are traveling with just a day bag and basic swim kit, you’ll be fine. If you’re trying to bring bulky gear, you’ll run into restrictions.

If you’re an active day tripper who likes swimming and short snorkelling sessions, this schedule fits your rhythm. If you mainly want a long beach day on land, you might find the time at each stop shorter than you hoped.

Quick Booking Checklist for a Smooth Blue Lagoon Day

Do these things, and the day usually goes smoothly:

• Get your Blue Lagoon access pass in advance from blcomino.com, and choose the morning timeslot.
• Plan to arrive early enough that you are at the dock before boarding closes 20 minutes early.
• Pack for three water stops, not just one. Think swimwear, towel, and sunscreen.
• Bring a day bag that fits within the “no large luggage” rule.
• If you tend to get seasick, be honest with yourself about it before booking.

Weather matters too. The experience depends on good conditions, and if it’s cancelled due to poor sea conditions or strong winds, you’ll be offered to reschedule or get a full refund.

Should You Book This Three-Bay Cruise?

Book it if you want a straightforward Comino and Gozo day where swimming time is the whole point and the schedule keeps moving. The three-stop plan means you get variety without the stress of jumping between ferries and waiting on multiple timetables.

Think twice if Blue Lagoon ashore time is a must for you and you have not already secured the required access pass. The rules are strict: without the pass, you will not be allowed to disembark there, and refunds won’t cover that mistake.

Also skip if you are very sensitive to motion. The cruise is short, but it is still a boat day, and the trip is not recommended for people prone to seasickness.

If you match those conditions, you should feel good about the value. For a $47.66 day with three swim stops, onboard shower access, and coastal cruising by Santa Maria Caves and Elephant Head, this is the kind of trip that makes your Malta days feel lighter and more fun.

FAQ

Where does the cruise depart from?

The cruise departs from Marfa Jetty in Mellieħa, Malta.

What time does the tour start?

The start time is 10:00 am.

How long is the cruise?

The total duration is about 6 hours, including sailing time and all swimming stops.

What swim stops are included?

You stop for swims at Blue Lagoon (Comino), Crystal Lagoon (Comino), and Ħalfa Rock Bay (Gozo).

Do I need an access pass for Blue Lagoon?

Yes. Due to a Malta government directive effective May 2025, you must obtain a government-issued access pass in advance through blcomino.com to disembark at Blue Lagoon. You must book the morning timeslot for this trip.

Are toilets and a shower available on the boat?

Yes. The boat has toilet facilities and a shower available.

Is food and drinks included in the price?

No. Food and drinks are not included, but there is a small cash bar on the boat serving snacks and beverages.

If you want, tell me your travel month and whether you plan to do snorkelling, and I’ll suggest what to pack and how to time your Blue Lagoon access pass so you don’t waste a swim minute.