Three swims, one easy day at sea. This Mellieha cruise strings together Comino and Gozo with three swim stops and big island views, all on one 6-hour schedule. You’ll spend real time in the water, then coast back with passes by Santa Maria Caves and Elephant Rock.

I especially like the pace: you get enough time at each stop that you don’t feel herded from one photo moment to the next. I also like the practical boat setup, including a toilet and shower onboard, plus a small cash bar that makes it simple to grab a snack or drink without getting carried away.

One thing to plan early: to step ashore at the Blue Lagoon you need a government access pass (daily allocation is limited). If you show up without it, you won’t be allowed to disembark there.

Key things you’ll notice right away

• Three swim stops in one ticket: Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon, and Ħalfa Rock Bay, all with time to swim.
• Blue Lagoon access pass requirement (May 2025 onward): you must book the right morning timeslot in advance.
• Comino + Gozo mix: two Comino lagoons plus a quieter Gozo cove, instead of just one island.
• On-board comfort: toilet and shower onboard, and a cash bar for snacks and beverages.
• A manageable group size: maximum 55 people, which helps keep the day relaxed.
• Plan for sea conditions: not recommended if you’re prone to seasickness or have mobility limits.

The 6-hour cruise that covers Comino and Gozo in bite-size chunks

If you want the famous Comino water without committing to a full day of logistics, this cruise is a smart option. It runs about 6 hours total, starting and ending back at Mellieha’s Marfa Jetty, with a morning departure at 10:00 am.

The format is simple and that’s the point. You sail, stop, swim, and then sail again. No museum detours. No long bus rides. Just enough structure to keep the day flowing and enough water time to make it feel like more than a quick sightseeing lap.

Also, the operator Robert Arrigo & Sons keeps the day operationally flexible. They can change the order of visits due to weather or operational constraints. That’s common at sea, but it’s good to know you’re not paying for a rigid, guaranteed sequence.

Starting at Marfa Jetty: timing matters more than you think

Your day begins at Marfa Jetty (Mellieħa). The meeting point is close to public transportation, which helps if you’re not using a car.

Here’s the practical part: boarding closes 20 minutes before the scheduled departure. This matters because you don’t want your day to hinge on whether you found the jetty in time, or whether you were stopped for a quick detour looking for a restroom or coffee. Build in a little buffer.

The cruise includes toilet facilities and a shower onboard. That’s not a luxury detail. When you’re planning swims in saltwater lagoons, having onboard basics is a big deal. You’ll be able to rinse off and reset before the ride back.

Blue Lagoon swim stop: the famous water, plus a real planning rule

The first big stop is the Blue Lagoon off Comino. You’ll arrive by cruising along the northern coastline, then anchor close to the lagoon for your main swim time.

Plan for about 1 hour 30 minutes here. That’s enough time to do the big things—swim, snorkel, or just float and watch the water. The lagoon is described as turquoise and crystal-clear, with a white sandy base and marine life, so it’s the kind of place where the water does a lot of the work for you.

You also get choices that make the stop feel less one-note. Because the boat is anchored near the lagoon, you can spend time relaxing on board, too. If you feel like stretching your legs, you can also walk around the countryside of Comino Island during the break.

Now the important rule change (effective May 2025): if you want to step ashore at the Blue Lagoon, you need a government-issued access pass obtained in advance via blcomino.com. Daily pass allocation is limited, and you must book the morning timeslot for this trip. If you don’t have the official pass, you won’t be allowed to disembark at the Blue Lagoon, and there are no refunds for customers who can’t disembark due to not having the required pass.

If you’re the type who hates last-minute online admin, do this immediately after booking your cruise. Think of it like bringing your boarding pass, but for stepping onto the sand.

Crystal Lagoon on Comino: sheltered water and cave exploring time

After Blue Lagoon, the cruise heads to Crystal Lagoon on the west side of Comino. This stop is shorter—about 1 hour—but it’s tailored for people who want to spend time moving through the water rather than just staring at it.

Crystal Lagoon is described as a sheltered lagoon with imposing cliffs and 360-degree views, plus sea caves inside the lagoon. For practical purposes, that means you’re in a place designed for a snorkel-friendly exploration. You can swim around the edges, look toward cave areas, and enjoy the scenery without needing to fight open-water conditions.

This is also a good stop if you like variety. Blue Lagoon is about fame and bright open-water color. Crystal Lagoon is more about enclosed scenery—cliffs, caves, and a sense of being in a protected pocket.

One note: because this is the kind of water where people often want to snorkel, it’s smart to come prepared for getting wet and staying comfortable for about an hour. Bring a towel, and wear footwear you’re okay with in and out of boat life.

Ħalfa Rock Bay in Gozo: the quiet cove moment

Next up is Ħalfa Rock Bay on Gozo, usually the “wait, we came all this way and it’s calm?” stop. It’s described as a deserted small islet on the edge of a pretty cove, with a pebbly beach.

You get about 1 hour here for your third swim stop. What I like about this part of the day is the shift in feel. Earlier stops are known and photographed. This one is described as quieter in summer, and that matters. When you’re in busy months, that difference can make the whole cruise feel more relaxing.

If you enjoy simple beach time—swim, cool off, then just watch the water—you’ll probably feel more at ease here. The setting also gives you a nice contrast to Comino’s lagoons. Different coastlines, different textures, and a little more “off the main track” energy.

The return ride: Santa Maria Caves and Elephant Rock from the water

On the way back to Mellieha, you don’t just turn around and race home. You’ll pass by Santa Maria Caves and the Elephant Head rock formation.

You’re not told that you’ll have a stop to go ashore at these spots, so the value here is seeing them from the boat. That can still be worthwhile, because sea views often look different than land views. The caves and rock formations are the kind of features that benefit from a moving viewpoint and a bit of distance.

If you like taking photos, this part of the cruise gives you another set of scenic moments without adding extra swim time.

Crew service, onboard basics, and the snack-bar reality

The crew and staff are part of what keeps this from feeling like a factory-timed ferry. The tone is described as pleasant and friendly, and that shows up in small things: helping people get sorted, answering questions, and generally keeping the day smooth.

Onboard basics are also covered. You’ll have access to toilet facilities and a shower. That’s one of those “not glamorous until you need it” inclusions that makes a day on the water feel civilized.

There’s also a small cash bar for snacks and beverages. Food and drinks aren’t included in the price, but you’re not stranded without options. And one of the nice confirmations from real-world experience is that it’s not overly priced for a day tour snack stop.

My practical advice: bring water expectations. Even if you buy a snack, you’ll want to drink enough across the day. The combination of sun, saltwater, and boat time can sneak up on you.

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

This is a good match if you want:

• Three swim stops rather than one
• A relaxed day with real water time
• Basic onboard comfort (toilet, shower) without bringing the whole day’s gear

It’s not a great match if:

• You’re prone to seasickness. This is open-water cruising, and the route involves moving between stops.
• You have mobility impairments. It’s explicitly not recommended for mobility limitations.
• You have pets or big luggage. Pets, large luggage, and large suitcases aren’t allowed on the boat.

If you’re traveling light and you’re comfortable with boat days, this tour usually makes sense.

Price and value: $47.66 for three lagoon experiences

At about $47.66 per person, this cruise feels like a straightforward value proposition for what you get. You’re paying for one 6-hour block that includes scenic cruising plus three separate swimming opportunities: Blue Lagoon (~1.5–2 hours), Crystal Lagoon (~1 hour), and Ħalfa Rock Bay (~1 hour).

You can think of it as buying time. You’re not just touring from a distance. You’re getting anchored swim breaks, including one longer lagoon stop and two shorter but still meaningful swims.

Also, the pass situation at Blue Lagoon means your real costs can be affected by whether you plan ahead for the access pass. The cruise price doesn’t change, but your ability to step ashore does depend on that extra government pass.

If your priority is: water, swimming, and scenery with minimal fuss, the price is reasonable for the structure of the day.

What to bring so the day feels easy

You don’t need a beach-house setup. But you do want to be comfortable in and out of water, then back on a boat.

Here’s a practical checklist based on what’s not included and what the day involves:

• Swimwear and a towel (you’ll likely want both)
• Sunscreen and a hat
• Water shoes or sandals that handle pebbly areas (especially for Ħalfa Rock Bay’s pebbly beach)
• A dry layer for the ride back if you get chilly on open water
• Government access pass for Blue Lagoon, booked for the morning timeslot
• Motion-sickness plan if you’re even slightly sensitive

If you’re using snorkel gear, bring your own. The tour doesn’t state that equipment is provided.

Weather and cancellations: plan for the sea, not just the calendar

Because this is a sea cruise, good weather matters. If the trip is cancelled due to poor weather, sea conditions, or strong winds, you’ll be offered a reschedule date. If you can’t reschedule, you’ll get a full refund.

Also, if you need flexibility, you can cancel for free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. After that window, refunds aren’t offered for late cancellations.

That combination is a plus for planning. But still, treat the day as weather-dependent. If the forecast looks rough, consider how you’ll feel about a reschedule.

Should you book this Three-Bay Cruise from Mellieha?

Book it if you want a simple, efficient water day that hits three scenic swimming stops in one go. I like the pacing because the stops aren’t just quick dips. You get real time to swim and reset, and you also get a scenic return with caves and rock formations passing by.

I’d hesitate if you dislike paperwork or if Blue Lagoon ashore time matters to you. The access pass rule is real, and you must get it in advance through blcomino.com for the morning slot. If you already know you’ll handle that, you’re in good shape.

And skip it if you get seasick easily or you need accessibility accommodations. This one is built around boat movement and swim stops.

If you tick those boxes, you’re basically buying a fun half-day-to-full-day on the water at a fair price, with the kind of scenery that looks better the closer you get.

FAQ

How long is the Three Bay Cruise including Blue Lagoon from Mellieha?

The cruise lasts about 6 hours total, including sailing time and all swimming stops.

What time does the tour depart from Mellieha?

The departure time listed is 10:00 am, from Marfa Jetty in Mellieħa.

Where does the boat stop for swimming?

You’ll have swim stops at Blue Lagoon (Comino), Crystal Lagoon (Comino), and Ħalfa Rock Bay (Gozo). On the return trip, you pass Santa Maria Caves and Elephant Head rock formation.

Do I need a pass to get ashore at Blue Lagoon?

Yes. Since May 2025, a government-issued access pass is required to disembark at the Blue Lagoon, and it must be obtained in advance from blcomino.com. If you don’t have the pass, you won’t be allowed to disembark there.

Are meals included on the cruise?

Food and drinks are not included. There is a small cash bar on the boat where you can buy snacks and beverages.

Is the cruise suitable for everyone, including people with mobility issues?

It is not recommended for travellers with mobility impairments, and it’s also not recommended for people prone to seasickness.

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