From Melliea Bay: Gozo & Blue Lagoon Boat Tour w/ Swim Stop

Explore Malta, Gozo, and Comino on a 6.5-hour boat adventure starting from Mellieha Bay. For just $28 per person, this tour offers a combination of scenic cruising, cultural sights, and a refreshing swim at the famous Blue Lagoon. Led by friendly guides, you’ll visit iconic caves, enjoy a guided tour of Gozo, and see some of Malta’s most striking natural formations—all in one day.

What we love about this trip is how smoothly it balances sightseeing and relaxation. The highlight of the Blue Lagoon swim stop is a definite crowd-pleaser, giving you time to snorkel or just soak up the sun. The exclusive bus tour of Gozo’s highlights, like Victoria and the Citadel, offers rich context and local flavor. Also, the chance to see caves only accessible by sea, with dramatic names like Poppy’s and Lovers Caves, truly makes this a memorable adventure.

However, keep in mind that the itinerary is quite packed—timing can be tight, especially if you want to explore Gozitan sites in depth. Plus, if you’re not comfortable with boat trips or have mobility issues, some parts might be less suitable.

This tour suits travelers who want a cost-effective way to see multiple islands, combined with some time to relax and enjoy Malta’s natural beauty. It’s ideal for those who appreciate well-organized excursions and authentic scenic experiences.

Key Points

• All-in-One Experience: Combines Malta, Gozo, and Comino in one day, offering a comprehensive taste of the archipelago.
• Value for Money: At $28, the tour includes multiple scenic stops, a guided bus tour of Gozo, and a significant swim break at Blue Lagoon.
• Natural and Cultural Highlights: Visit caves, see iconic rock formations, and explore Gozitan landmarks like Victoria and the Citadel.
• Relaxation and Adventure: The swim stop provides time to snorkel, relax, and enjoy crystal-clear waters.
• Expert Guides: Friendly narrators enhance the experience with insights and local knowledge.
• Suitable for Most: While not wheelchair accessible and with a busy schedule, it appeals especially to active travelers seeking scenic, cultural, and beach experiences.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Detailed Look at the Tour Experience

Departure and Early Highlights

The journey begins from Mellieha Bay around 09:30 a.m., a scenic spot along Malta’s northern coast. The boat departs with anticipation, and the crew — who, from reviews, seem friendly and welcoming — quickly set the tone for a relaxed yet engaging day. We loved the way the boat smoothly glides past smugglers’ caves and the Elephant Head Rock on Comino, with plenty of photo opportunities from the deck.

Expect to cruise past Santa Maria Caves, a popular photo stop that offers scenic views and a sense of Malta’s rugged coastline. The boat tour provides a great vantage point to see caves and sea formations that are only truly appreciated from the water.

Exploring Comino and Its Caves

Next, the boat passes Poppy’s Caves and Lovers Caves, both enchanting spots that most travelers find fascinating. The boat’s path through these caves showcases Malta’s dramatic coastline, with towering rock walls and hidden inlets. You’ll get a chance to snap photos and marvel at the natural architecture.

The highlight here is the Elephant Rock on Comino, a striking formation that looks like the iconic animal’s head from certain angles. From reviews, people mention stopping near these formations for photos and taking in the wild beauty of the island’s sea caves.

The Gozitan Experience

Around midday, the boat anchors at Gozo, one of Malta’s sister islands. Here, you’re given about 2 hours and 45 minutes to explore on your own or purchase an optional open bus tour. The guided bus tour, exclusive to tour participants, is especially popular — it covers key sights like Victoria City, the Old Citadel, Fungus Rock, and Ta Pinu Cathedral, which famously was visited by Pope John Paul II.

The reviews point out that the guides are knowledgeable and helpful, enhancing the experience with insights about Gozitan culture and history. You might love the panoramic views from the Citadel or the quaint streets of Victoria.

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Blue Lagoon Swim Stop

After Gozito, it’s back on the boat for the Blue Lagoon stop, which lasts about 1 hour and 30 minutes. Here, the turquoise waters and sandy seabed make it one of the most inviting spots for swimming and snorkeling. The clear waters invite you to relax in the sun, with equipment available for rent (though at an extra cost).

Reviewers have appreciated that swimming from the boat is better than crowded beaches, giving a more private and relaxed experience. Many mention the fun of seeing fish while snorkeling, and some even saw dolphins nearby—a bonus that adds a touch of wonder.

Scenic and Cave Visits on the Return

On the way back to Malta, the boat passes Crystal Lagoon, Santa Maria Tower, and WWII Santa Maria Battery. The route offers scenic views, with brief stops for photos. The caves at Crystal Lagoon are also part of the sightseeing, giving a sense of Malta’s diverse coastline and history.

Expect to arrive back around 4:00 p.m., with plenty of time to reflect on a full day of natural beauty and cultural discovery.

What’s Included and What to Consider

This tour provides a comprehensive package: a three-island cruise, a visit to the smugglers caves and Elephant Head Rock, and the swim at Blue Lagoon. The guided Gozitan bus tour adds depth, giving you well-rounded insights into Gozo’s highlights.

However, some extras—like snorkel equipment or cave tours—are optional and come at small additional costs. Food and drinks are available on board, but not included, so bringing cash is advisable.

One point to note: mobility may be limited for some travelers, as the tour involves walkable sites and boat transfers. Also, the packed schedule might mean less time at each stop if you prefer a slower pace.

The Experience’s Strengths

• The value for money is notable — for $28, you get a full day of sightseeing, swimming, and cultural exploration.
• The friendly guides and exclusive bus enhance the experience, providing insider knowledge and easy access to Gozitan highlights.
• The scenic boat rides and cave visits are a memorable way to see Malta’s coastline from a different perspective.
• The Blue Lagoon swim is often highlighted as a top reason to book, with many reviewers saying it was more enjoyable than just staying at a crowded beach.

Possible Drawbacks

• The tight schedule may not suit travelers wanting to explore each site in-depth.
• Some stops are very brief, so those seeking a leisurely pace might find it rushed.
• Not suitable for travelers with mobility issues, given the walking involved and boat transfers.

Who Would Love This Tour?

This trip is best suited to active travelers looking to maximize their time on the islands without breaking the bank. It’s ideal for those who enjoy scenic boat rides, natural caves, and cultural highlights, and who don’t mind a busy schedule. If you’re comfortable with boat trips and want a fun, reasonably priced way to see multiple islands in one day, you’ll find this tour very rewarding.

Travelers seeking a relaxed, unstructured day or with mobility challenges should consider alternative options. But if you want good value, friendly guides, and the chance to swim in the Blue Lagoon, this tour hits the sweet spot.

The Sum Up

If you’re after a well-organized, affordable tour that captures Malta’s natural beauty and cultural richness, this From Mellieha Bay: Gozo & Blue Lagoon Boat Tour is a solid choice. It offers a mix of stunning scenery, local flavor, and a refreshing swim in the Blue Lagoon—something many travelers remember long after their trip.

The value for money is clear, especially with the guided Gozitan tour included, and the friendly staff help make the experience enjoyable. It’s a great pick for anyone wanting a full day of exploration without the hassle of planning multiple separate trips.

Just keep in mind the busy schedule and pack your essentials: sunscreen, swimwear, comfortable shoes, and a sense of adventure. For those looking to see Malta’s iconic caves, relax at the Blue Lagoon, and get a taste of Gozitan life, this tour offers an authentic and fun way to do all three.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
It’s generally suitable for most children, especially those comfortable on boats. However, younger kids might find the schedule busy and the boat ride a bit long.

How long is the swim stop at Blue Lagoon?
The swim and snorkeling break lasts about 1 hour and 30 minutes, giving plenty of time to relax, swim, or snorkel.

Can I buy food and drinks on board?
Yes, food and drinks are available for purchase on the boat, but they are not included in the ticket price.

Is parking available at Mellieha Bay?
The tour departs from Mellieha Bay, where parking options are available nearby, but you might want to arrive early for a good spot.

Do I need to bring cash?
Yes, bringing cash is recommended for optional extras like snorkel equipment, cave tours, or tips, as card terminals may not always work.

Can I bring my own snorkeling gear?
Yes, you can bring your own snorkel and mask, though rental equipment is also available for a small charge.

What should I wear?
Comfortable clothes, swimwear underneath, sun hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen are essentials. Don’t forget a towel if you plan to swim.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
No, this tour is not suitable for travelers with mobility impairments due to walking requirements and boat transfers.

This detailed review should help you decide if this Malta island-hopping adventure fits your travel style. Whether it’s the chance to see caves, swim in the Blue Lagoon, or explore Gozitan sites with a friendly guide, it offers a well-rounded taste of Malta’s maritime charm.

You can check availability for your dates here: