Mellieha: Gozo, Comino, Sea Caves, and Blue Lagoon Cruise

Mellieha: Gozo, Comino, Sea Caves, and Blue Lagoon Cruise — a straightforward yet spectacular way to explore Malta’s best sights by boat. This half-day trip offers a well-rounded mix of swimming, sightseeing, and photo opportunities, making it an ideal choice for travelers who want a taste of Malta’s coastal beauty without the full-day commitment.

What really makes this experience shine is the expert guidance and the carefully curated stops—from the shimmering waters of the Blue Lagoon to the intriguing sea caves—and the opportunity to get in the water multiple times. However, it’s worth noting that the boat is smaller, which might limit some comfort if you’re prone to motion sickness or prefer more space to lounge.

This tour is perfect for those who enjoy authentic, active days on the water, especially if you’re visiting Malta for a short time but still want to see its standout spots. It’s also a hit with snorkelers and photographers alike, thanks to the stunning scenery and friendly guides.

Key Points

• Short and Sweet: A 4-hour, half-day trip that covers major highlights efficiently.
• All-Inclusive Feel: Snorkeling gear, life jackets, and swimming noodles are provided for free, adding to the value.
• Expert Guides: Guides like “Jonny Rock” are praised for their descriptive commentary and attentive supervision.
• Unmatched Views: From sea caves to Elephant Rock, the scenic spots are well captured and just close enough for great photos.
• Swim and Snap: With multiple stops for swimming, snorkeling, and photography, you’ll get plenty of relaxed water time.
• Limited Comfort: The boat is smaller, which could be a consideration if you prefer spacious vessels or are sensitive to motion.

An In-Depth Look at the Experience

Starting Point and Departure

The tour kicks off at the Cirkewwa Cafe, a familiar meeting point with easy access from Mellieha. From here, passengers board a spacious and comfortable boat—not a massive vessel, but well-equipped for a smooth cruise. The departure times are flexible (check availability), making it adaptable to your schedule. The experience lasts around four hours, which strikes a good balance between seeing the sights and avoiding fatigue.

The Cruise: Scenic and Educational

The boat departs with a view of the Comino Tower, famously featured in “The Count of Monte Cristo.” As you cruise past, you get a sense of the island’s history and the rugged charm of Malta’s coast. The guides are attentive and knowledgeable, with reviews praising “Jonny Rock” for his friendly demeanor and descriptive commentary. This makes the cruise engaging, especially if you’re interested in learning about the sights as you go.

Crystal Lagoon: A Clearwater Paradise

The first major stop is the Crystal Lagoon, located on the western side of Comino. With 50 minutes allocated, it’s enough time for swimming, snorkeling, and basking in the sun. Reviewers love this spot for its crystal-clear, vibrant turquoise waters—some describe it as “incredibly vibrant,” and a perfect place to dip in and cool off. The snorkeling gear is available to rent (for 5 Euros), and free floating noodles are provided, which many find helpful for relaxing and floating effortlessly.

What to expect: The water here is shallow enough for beginners but still interesting enough for more experienced snorkelers to spot tiny fish. The environment is calm and inviting, making it a highlight of the tour.

Blue Lagoon: Iconic Malta

Next, the boat heads to the Blue Lagoon, arguably Malta’s most famous swimming spot. Here, sunlight filters through the shallow, sandy seabed, creating a dazzling palette of blues. The 50-minute stop feels just right to swim, take photos, or lounge on the rocks. Reviewers describe it as “spectacular,” and many emphasize that the water is refreshing and perfect for a quick dip.

Expect to see silver fish darting around while snorkeling, making it a favorite for underwater photographers. The lagoon’s shallow waters are ideal for all ages and ability levels, making it a family-friendly stop.

Exploring Gozo and Comino’s Coastline

After the lagoon stops, the boat cruises past the promising rock (Gebla tal Halfa) and the Santa Maria Caves, with about 50 minutes to explore the coast. This is a chance to appreciate the natural rock formations, take photos of Elephant Rock, and learn interesting tidbits from guides. Reviewers mention how close the guides get to the sites, allowing good photo opportunities and a better appreciation of Malta’s rugged coastline.

Santa Maria Caves & Elephant Rock

The tour wraps up with a photo stop at the Santa Maria Caves, a picturesque spot perfect for snapping memorable shots. The 5-minute stop allows just enough time to appreciate and photograph the caves and Elephant Rock before heading back.

Return and Reflection

The return cruise is about 15 minutes, giving you time to relax and soak in the views. Many reviews highlight the friendly, professional nature of the crew, with some mentioning how the guides played music and made everyone feel comfortable. The boat returns to the starting point at Cirkewwa Cafe, completing the circuit.

What’s Included and What’s Not

Included:
– Experienced Captain for safety and guidance.
– All-around sightseeing cruise of Comino and the sea caves.
– 50-minute stops at Crystal Lagoon, Blue Lagoon, and Halfa Rock.
– Visits to Santa Maria Caves & Elephant Head Rock.
– Snorkeling equipment rental (for 5 Euros) and floaties.
– Life jackets and toilet facilities.

Not Included:
– Food and drinks (though available for purchase onboard).
– Snorkeling masks (available to rent for 5 Euros).

Practical Tips for a Smooth Experience

• Bring sunscreen, swimsuit, towel, and cash for rentals or snacks.
• Wear weather-appropriate clothing and sunglasses.
• The tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women, wheelchair users, or those with motion sickness.
• The smaller boat size means space is limited; pack light and comfortably.

Authentic Feedback from Past Travelers

Reviewers consistently praise the guides’ friendliness and knowledge, highlighting “Jonny Rock” for his descriptive commentary and supervision. Many mention how well-organized the trip is and appreciate the timing of stops—not too rushed, not too long.

One traveler noted, “The trip was perfect, the captain was super friendly, and the boat wasn’t crowded,” while others loved the plenty of time for swimming. Several reviewers also appreciated that the water in Crystal Lagoon was “way more relaxed and not as crowded as Blue Lagoon,” providing a more peaceful swim experience.

A few pointed out minor inconveniences, such as the small boat size or the need to rent snorkeling gear, but overall, the consensus is that this cruise offers fantastic value for a short sightseeing escape.

The Sum Up: Who Is This Tour Perfect For?

This boat trip from Mellieha offers an unbeatable combination of stunning scenery, active water stops, and friendly guides. It’s best suited for adventurous travelers, families, or anyone keen to see Malta’s coastline with minimal fuss. The multiple swimming stops make it ideal for those who love being in the water, whether snorkeling or sunbathing.

If you’re after a relaxed, fun-filled half-day that packs in some of Malta’s most beautiful spots, this tour is an excellent choice. Its value is reinforced by the guided commentary, snorkeling gear, and scenic stops, making it a memorable, affordable way to experience the islands’ natural beauty.

FAQ

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 4 hours, with flexible starting times depending on availability.

Where do I meet for the tour?
You meet at the Cirkewwa Cafe, which is easy to find with clear directions provided when booking.

Is food included?
No, food isn’t included, but drinks are available for purchase onboard. You might want to bring snacks or a light meal.

Can I rent snorkeling gear?
Yes, snorkeling masks are available to rent for 5 Euros. Snorkel gear is not included in the base price.

What should I bring?
Bring sunscreen, swimwear, a towel, cash for rentals or snacks, sunglasses, weather-appropriate clothing, and a camera.

Is this suitable for children?
Most stops are family-friendly, but the tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women, wheelchair users, or those with motion sickness.

How many people are on the boat?
The boat is smaller, offering a more intimate experience, but the exact number isn’t specified. Reviews note it’s not overcrowded.

Is the tour suitable for anyone who doesn’t swim?
While swimming is encouraged at the stops, non-swimmers can enjoy the scenery and relax onboard.

What are the main highlights?
The highlight spots include the Crystal Lagoon, Blue Lagoon, Santa Maria Caves, and Elephant Rock, all renowned for their beauty.

Can I take photos?
Absolutely. Guides are accommodating, and stops are timed for optimal photo opportunities.

In essence, this cruise from Mellieha offers a practical but incredibly scenic way to explore Malta’s coastlines, caves, and islands. Friendly guides, stunning stops, and a balanced schedule make it a highly recommended option for a memorable half-day adventure.