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

Exploring Malta from the Water: A Detailed Look at the Mellieha Bay: Gozo & Blue Lagoon Boat Tour

Travelers looking to see Malta’s scenic coastlines, historic sites, and crystal-clear waters often find that a boat trip offers the best vantage point. The “From Melliea Bay: Gozo & Blue Lagoon Boat Tour with Swim Stop” is a popular choice, especially because it combines island visits, cave explorations, and a relaxing swim in one manageable day. This tour, rated 4.4 out of 5 from over 250 reviews, aims to give you a taste of Malta’s diverse maritime landscape at a modest price—around $28 per person. And with a duration of about 6.5 hours, it packs quite a bit into a single trip.

What we love about this experience is how it balances sightseeing with leisure. You’ll get a chance to walk through the old citadel of Gozo and enjoy scenic views, then hop aboard for an exciting cruise around Comino’s caves and famous rock formations. Plus, the highlight for many is the generous swim stop at the Blue Lagoon, where the water is inviting and the setting stunning. On the flip side, the tour’s timing and pace might be tight for some, especially those wanting more time on each island or a more relaxed schedule.

This tour is best suited for travelers who want a cost-effective overview of Malta’s islands and coastline, along with an active element like swimming or exploring caves. If you prefer slow, in-depth visits or are looking for a private experience, this might not be the best fit. But for those seeking a lively, well-organized day with plenty of photo opportunities and a dash of adventure, it hits the mark.

Key Points

• Includes multiple stops: Gozo, Comino, and Malta, providing a broad view of the archipelago.
• Valuable guided optional tour: A 2hr 45min open bus tour of Gozo is available, exclusive to tour participants.
• Multiple scenic cave visits: Santa Maria Caves, Smugglers Caves, and caves around Crystal Lagoon.
• Swim at the Blue Lagoon: 1.5 hours of swimming, snorkeling, and relaxing in turquoise waters.
• Affordable price point: At around $28, it offers a lot of value for a full day out.
• Family-friendly and wheelchair accessible: Suitable for most travelers, but not for those with mobility impairments.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Itinerary and Experience

Starting Point and Early Departure

The adventure begins at Mellieha Bay, with your meeting point conveniently located near Oh Yeah Malta and marked by the familiar Starbucks. Departing at 09:30AM, the boat kicks off with a scenic cruise along Malta’s coast, giving you your first views of the coastline, along with a chance to spot Santa Maria Tower and the remnants of WWII Santa Maria Battery. The early start ensures you maximize your day, but be prepared for an active schedule.

Smugglers Caves and Caves around Comino

Soon after departure, you’ll pass by the Smugglers Caves, known historically for illicit activities but now a well-loved photo stop. The caves’ rugged outlines are a favorite for capturing memorable shots. Next, your boat visits the Elephant Head Rock on Comino, a natural formation that resembles an elephant’s trunk and a fun photo opportunity.

The cruise continues past Santa Maria Caves, where your guide might share tales of locals and pirates who once used these caves for shelter or hiding treasures. If you’re into caves and natural formations, these sights are straightforward but still impressive from the water.

The Gaze at Gozo’s Old Citadel and Town

The highlight for many travelers is the stop on Gozo, Malta’s quieter sister island. You’ll have about 2 hours and 45 minutes to explore—either independently or via the exclusive Open Bus Tour. The bus tour includes highlights such as Victoria City, the Old Citadel, Blue Hole, Inland Sea, Fungus Rock, and Ta Pinu Cathedral, which even Pope John Paul II visited.

We loved the way this optional tour offers a convenient way to see the island’s top sights without needing to rent a car or navigate on your own. The guides are knowledgeable, sharing snippets of local culture and history that add depth to the experience. That said, you could also opt to stay on the boat and enjoy free time, which some reviews suggest is a peaceful way to relax, especially if you’re tired from sightseeing.

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Swimming and Relaxing at the Blue Lagoon

After the Gozo stop, the boat heads to the famous Blue Lagoon for a 1 hour and 30 minutes swim stop. The water here is often described as stunningly clear, and many find the experience fun—especially if you enjoy snorkeling or just floating in warm, azure waters. One reviewer mentioned, “It was much better to swim at Blue Lagoon from the boat than from the main beach, as it was not that crowded,” which highlights how this stop offers a relaxed environment away from busy beaches.

Scenic Return and Additional Cave Visits

On the return journey, the boat visits Crystal Lagoon, Poppy’s Caves, and Lovers Cave, which are notable for their scenic and photographic value. The views along this stretch are beautiful, and the boat often passes by historical sites like Santa Maria Tower. The journey back to Mellieha Bay arrives around 4:00PM, giving you a full day’s experience.

What Travelers Say and What It Means for You

Reviews praise the friendly crew, noting that they’re knowledgeable and welcoming. One traveler wrote, “Enjoyable journey and great sights and experiences,” highlighting the overall value of the trip. Others appreciated the good value for money, with one calling it “much better than just sitting on a beach,” thanks to the stops and sightseeing options.

A recurring theme is how many travelers enjoyed the swimming and cave visits, seeing them as a highlight that made the trip more than just a sightseeing cruise. The dolphin sighting—briefly stopping for dolphins—is a bonus that some travelers appreciated, reflecting the tour’s flexible and friendly approach.

Some caution that the schedule might feel a little rushed, especially if you wish to linger longer at each stop. If your priority is relaxing and soaking in the scenery, this tour’s pace might be brisk, but most find it offers excellent coverage for the price.

Transportation, Timing, and Practical Details

The tour departs promptly at 09:30AM from Mellieha Bay and returns around 4:00PM, making it a manageable half-day adventure. The boat itself is comfortable and suitable for most age groups, though not designed for travelers with mobility impairments. The group size tends to be moderate, ensuring everyone gets attention without feeling crowded.

The tour includes several photo stops and scenic views, making it ideal for photography lovers. Be sure to bring your sun protection—sunscreen, hat, sunglasses—and a towel or swimwear for the Blue Lagoon. Food and drinks are available on board for purchase, so you can stay refreshed without bringing your own.

Cost and Value Analysis

At $28 per person, this tour offers excellent value—covering multiple islands, caves, a scenic cruise, and a swim stop. For less than the price of a single entry ticket to some attractions, you get a rundown of Malta’s coast and islands. The inclusion of the optional bus tour adds even more value, providing a guided experience that complements the boat trip.

What makes the price worthwhile is not just the destinations but the convenience of having everything organized, guided, and inclusive of the swim. Travelers consistently mention that the experience exceeds expectations given the modest cost, especially considering the quality of sights and service.

Who Should Book This Tour?

This trip is perfect for budget-conscious travelers who want a full day of sightseeing without the hassle of planning transportation or multiple bookings. It’s also suitable for families, couples, or solo travelers eager to experience Malta’s islands from the water with minimal fuss. The tour’s inclusive nature and the availability of optional extras make it flexible for different interests.

However, if you have limited mobility or prefer slow, immersive visits, this may feel a bit hurried. Also, those seeking a private or personalized experience might find the group setting too large.

The Sum Up

This boat tour from Mellieha Bay delivers a well-rounded and affordable way to see Malta’s islands, caves, and coastlines in one day. The mix of sightseeing, swimming, and scenic views keeps it lively and engaging. The inclusion of guided optional tours and the chance to see caves and dolphins makes it a memorable outing for many.

Travelers who appreciate good value for money, knowledgeable guides, and a lively atmosphere will find this trip hard to beat. It’s particularly suited for those wanting a rundown of the Maltese archipelago without the need for extensive planning or extra costs.

For anyone wanting a fun, scenic, and convenient way to experience Malta’s natural beauty and historic sites, this boat tour offers a satisfying slice of it all—at a price that makes it a smart choice for most travelers.

FAQ

How long is the boat tour?
The total duration is approximately 6.5 hours, starting around 09:30AM and returning by 4:00PM.

What is included in the tour?
The tour includes a 3-island boat cruise, a stop on Gozo, visits to caves (Smugglers, Santa Maria, Poppy’s, Lovers), and a swim stop at Blue Lagoon for about 1 hour and 30 minutes.

Are there optional activities?
Yes, you can buy the Gozo open-top bus tour, cave tours, and snorkelling equipment for small charges. Food and drinks are available for purchase onboard.

Is the tour suitable for children and families?
Yes, it’s family-friendly and wheelchair accessible. But keep in mind it’s not suitable for people with mobility impairments and involves some walking and standing.

What should I bring?
Bring comfortable shoes, sun protection, swimwear, a towel, cash for extras, and a camera. Be prepared for outdoor exposure with plenty of sun.

Will I see dolphins?
While dolphin sightings are not guaranteed, some trips have stopped briefly when dolphins were spotted nearby, adding a special moment.

Can I stay longer on the islands?
The itinerary offers limited free time—about 2 hours and 45 minutes on Gozo and 1.5 hours at Blue Lagoon. You can choose to explore more or stay on the boat for a relaxed experience.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible, though it’s not suitable for those with significant mobility impairments.

In essence, this boat trip from Mellieha Bay hits the sweet spot between affordability, scenery, and adventure. It’s a fantastic way to cover Malta’s highlights, enjoy some sun and sea, and come away with a handful of unforgettable memories—especially if you’re keen on a value-packed, fun-filled day on the water.

You can check availability for your dates here: