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

This is one of those Malta trips that feels like you are getting four stops for the effort of one. You cruise out from Marfa Jetty to Comino, then spend real time floating in the Blue Lagoon and the Crystal Lagoon, with time to swim or snorkel and an onboard water slide for pure chaos in the best way.

I like two things most: the big swim time in those turquoise bays, and the fact that the cruise includes free-flow mineral water plus snorkeling equipment rental (with a cash deposit). One thing to plan around is the Blue Lagoon access pass rule, required in advance to disembark, with limited daily allocation.

You start on La Laguna (a white/blue boat), then you spend the day in and around some of Comino’s most famous water spots without having to organize separate day trips. You also pass by notable coastline sights on the way there, so the journey itself is part of the fun, not just transport.

Key highlights worth planning for

• Blue Lagoon swim and snorkel time of about 1.5 hours, plus the chance to enjoy Comino without rushing
• Crystal Lagoon stop of about 1 hour on Comino’s west side, with another swim break and excellent 360-degree views from the water
• Water slide onboard, plus rooftop deckchairs (first come, first served) for downtime
• Free mineral water during the whole cruise, and fresh water showers after you swim
• Snorkelling equipment included to rent free, with a €20 cash deposit refunded when you return it
• Return cruise past Gozo, with a photo stop at Mġarr Harbour (you do not disembark)

From Marfa Jetty to Comino: why this cruise feels efficient

This is a 4-hour round trip that starts at Marfa Jetty in Mellieħa, on the north side of Malta. The boat departs from Marfa Jetty (opposite the Riviera Spa Resort), and you should look for the La Laguna boat.

What makes it efficient is timing. You get a short sightseeing cruise while the boat gets you into position, then you land the day’s main value in two swimming stops, Blue Lagoon first and Crystal Lagoon second. The rest is scenic cruising, including a return route that passes the island of Gozo.

If you like your Malta days to be simple, this format helps. No hotel pickup, no complicated transfers. You just show up, check in, and let the sea do the work.

The Blue Lagoon stop: swimming, snorkeling, and the access pass you must plan for

The Blue Lagoon is the star of the show, and the cruise gives you about 1.5 hours there. The boat anchors, so you spend your time swimming, snorkeling, or relaxing on the water. This is the window where you will see why people come to Comino for that specific stretch of clear water.

The included extras are practical. You can rent snorkeling equipment for free, but you’ll need a €20 cash deposit that’s refunded when you return the gear. Bring swimwear and a towel, and plan to use sunscreen early because you are out on the water and the Maltese sun can be quick.

There is also a new requirement you cannot ignore. Since May 2025, anyone who wants to disembark ashore at the Blue Lagoon must obtain an access pass in advance via the official government website blcomino.com. Passes have limited daily allocation, so if you want the option to step onto land, do not wait until the day of the cruise.

Important note for your expectations: you are not guaranteed disembarkation at Blue Lagoon. The cruise is built around anchored swim time, and the access pass is the gate for stepping ashore.

Crystal Lagoon on Comino’s west side: a shorter swim with big views

After the Blue Lagoon, the cruise heads to the Crystal Lagoon on Comino’s west coast. You get about 1 hour here, again with time to swim and snorkel.

Crystal Lagoon is known for that “clear water plus cliff backdrop” feel. Since it is flanked by towering cliffs, you get panoramic 360-degree views from the water. That means even if you stay in the boat for a bit, the scenery is still doing a lot.

This stop is also a nice pacing choice. If you do not want to spend a full afternoon in the same bay, a second location keeps things from feeling repetitive. You end up with two different swim moods, even though both are centered on Comino’s famous water.

On the way there: Elephant Rock, Santa Maria area, and Gozo views from the water

One underrated part of this cruise is that you are not just sitting around waiting to swim. The itinerary includes short sightseeing segments and photo stops along the route.

As you head out from Mellieħa, you pass by notable coastline landmarks, including Saint Mary’s Battery, Elephant Head Rock Formation (often referred to through the Elephant Rock photo stop), and bays of St. Nicholas and St. Mary. You also go near the Santa Maria Sea Caves and Santa Maria Bay.

Later, there’s a photo-stop rhythm that makes sense for a boat day. You get quick chances to take pictures of the rock formations and caves from the water. You also get a brief scenic cruising time before the Blue Lagoon anchor.

One small drawback to keep in mind: the timeline has plenty of short segments that do not feel like long “hang out” stops. That is normal for a half-day cruise, but if you want shore time in multiple places, this is not the format for that. Here, the focus is Comino water time.

What onboard is really like: mineral water, rooftop deckchairs, showers, and the slide

This is the kind of cruise where small comforts matter because you are in and out of the water. Included onboard items do a lot for you without you having to manage extra purchases.

You get free-flowing mineral water throughout the cruise. That helps you stay hydrated, and it also means you are not paying for drinks just to keep going. There is also a cash bar on the boat with snacks and beverages, with both cash and credit card accepted, but it is not part of the included fare.

For gear, snorkeling equipment is included to rent free, with that €20 cash deposit. Fresh water showers are provided, which is a big quality-of-life detail when you want to rinse off after swimming.

There are toilets on board too, and there are deckchairs on the rooftop area on a first come, first served basis. If you care about getting a good spot for sun and sea views, I would treat that as a priority early in the cruise.

And then there is the fun factor: the cruise includes a water slide. That means this is not only a calm-sun-and-snorkel outing. It is also the kind of ride where you can plan for a few laughs, especially if your group likes playful activities.

If you are prone to motion sickness, plan like a realist. You are on the open water, and the tour is not listed as suitable for people prone to seasickness or motion sickness. Bring motion sickness prevention if you need it.

Return cruise past Gozo and the Mġarr Harbour photo stop

After the Crystal Lagoon swim break, you start the return. This leg is designed to be scenic, including cruising past the island of Gozo.

There is a specific photo stop at Mġarr Harbour, Gozo’s main harbour. The key detail for your planning is that it is a photo stop only, with no disembarkation. So if you were hoping for a quick walk around the harbour, this cruise does not do that.

Still, the return route can be a great way to see the Gozo coastline from the water without extra ferry timing. You finish back at the same departure point, Marfa Jetty.

Price and value: where your $34 really goes

At around $34 per person for a 4-hour cruise, the value comes from the mix of inclusions plus the time spent in the water.

You are paying for:

• Two swimming anchor stops (Blue Lagoon for about 1.5 hours, Crystal Lagoon for about 1 hour)
• Free-flow mineral water for the entire cruise
• Snorkeling equipment rental included to rent free (cash deposit required)
• The water slide
• Onboard basics like toilets, fresh water showers, and rooftop deckchairs
• Assistance from crew and staff
• A scenic return cruise past Gozo plus a photo stop at Mġarr Harbour

What is not included is also important for your budget. Food and drinks are not included beyond mineral water. There is a cash bar onboard if you want snacks or beverages. You also need to budget for the possible Blue Lagoon access pass if you want to disembark there, and that pass is required by government directive effective May 2025.

There is one optional add-on too: an optional powerboat trip to the Comino Caves, bookable on site with the crew and subject to weather. The listed fee is €10 per person, and it can change slightly.

If you compare this to paying for separate transport plus guided excursions, this cruise keeps things tight and simple. You get the big Comino water moments without needing a full day of driving or multiple bookings.

What to bring (and what can slow you down)

Pack like you are doing a sea swim day. The basics are clearly listed:

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

Cash matters because of two situations: the snorkeling equipment deposit and the cash bar, plus the possibility of any on-site optional activities.

Also note what is not allowed: pets, oversize luggage, and luggage or large bags. If you pack heavy, you may run into comfort issues onboard even if it is technically permitted.

Finally, this cruise is not suitable for people with mobility impairments or wheelchair users. That is worth respecting when you are planning.

Who this cruise is perfect for, and who should pick another plan

This cruise is a strong match if you want a classic Comino experience with a practical timetable. You like swimming and snorkeling, and you want two water stops in one half-day. The included water and showers make it easier to enjoy the day without extra planning.

It is also a good fit for mixed groups. One person can do snorkeling, another can relax in the rooftop deckchairs, and someone else can hit the water slide. The cruise keeps moving, but you still get proper time to enjoy.

You might want to skip this specific cruise format if:

• You need shore time in multiple places, since the main shore option (Blue Lagoon disembarkation) depends on the access pass and still is not guaranteed as part of everyone’s plan
• You have issues with motion sickness, since it is not suitable for people prone to seasickness or motion sickness
• You need accessibility support beyond what is listed, since it is not suitable for wheelchair users or people with mobility impairments

Should you book the Round Comino, Blue Lagoon & Gozo Cruise with Water?

Yes, I would book this if your goal is a high-water-moment day in Comino without extra hassle. The two swim breaks are timed well, the mineral water and showers remove a lot of friction, and the water slide adds a fun break from just floating.

If the Blue Lagoon access pass requirement matters to you, plan first and book with that in mind. The only real “gotcha” here is the pass system for disembarking, since it can limit shore access and requires advance action.

Overall, this is good value for people who want the famous water spots, a bit of sightseeing from the boat, and a manageable half-day schedule.

FAQ

Where does the cruise depart from?

The boat departs from Marfa Jetty in Mellieħa (opposite the Riviera Spa Resort). When you arrive, look for the white/blue boat named La Laguna.

How long is the cruise?

The duration is 4 hours. Starting times vary, so you should check availability for the specific time you want.

How long do you get at the Blue Lagoon?

You anchor at the Blue Lagoon for about 1.5 hours.

How long do you get at the Crystal Lagoon?

You stop at the Crystal Lagoon for around 1 hour.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Snorkelling equipment is available to rent free of charge. A €20 cash deposit is required, and it is fully refunded when you return the equipment.

Is mineral water included?

Yes. Complimentary mineral water is available throughout the entire cruise.

Do I need an access pass for the Blue Lagoon?

Yes, if you want to disembark ashore at the Blue Lagoon you must obtain an access pass in advance through the official government website blcomino.com, as required by a Malta government directive effective May 2025.

What is included for onboard comfort?

The cruise includes toilet facilities, fresh water showers, deckchairs on the rooftop area (first come, first served), and assistance by the crew and staff.

Is there food and drinks included?

Food and drinks are not included except for mineral water. There is a cash bar onboard with snacks and beverages, and both cash and credit card are accepted.

What is the optional extra related to Comino Caves?

There is an optional powerboat trip to the Comino Caves that you can book and pay for on location. The fee is €10 per person, and it is subject to weather conditions.

What is the cancellation policy?

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.