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

Travelers craving a full day of sun, sea, and island charm will find this boat tour from Mellieha Bay a fantastic way to see Malta’s archipelago. It offers a balanced mix of sightseeing, swimming, and cultural highlights—all on a budget-friendly price of around $28 per person.

What makes this experience stand out? First, the comprehensive itinerary covering Malta, Gozo, and Comino in one day. Then, there’s the opportunity to swim at the Blue Lagoon, famously clear and less crowded than the main beaches, plus the chance to explore caves only accessible by sea. Lastly, the guided optional bus tour in Gozo adds a cultural touch without breaking the bank.

A potential consideration? The 6.5-hour duration can be long, especially for travelers with limited patience for boat trips or those who prefer more flexibility. Despite this, the tour’s structure offers enough variety to keep everyone engaged.

This tour suits visitors wanting a cost-effective, all-in-one island experience. Families, groups, and solo travelers who love adventure and scenic views will find plenty to enjoy here.

Good To Know

• All-in-One Archipelago: Explore Malta, Gozo, and Comino comfortably in a single day.
• Scenic Stops: Visit caves, historic sites, and viewpoints only accessible by boat or on foot.
• Blue Lagoon Swim: Relax on a 1.5-hour swim and snorkel break at a world-famous lagoon.
• Guided and Free Time: Optional bus tour of Gozo offers cultural insights, or enjoy free time on the island.
• Authentic Experiences: See caves like Santa Maria, Elephant Rock, and Lovers Cave, often highlighted in reviews.
• Value for Money: For around $28, the tour packs a lot of sights and experiences, with professional guides and boat crew.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Starting Point and Early Highlights

Your journey begins at Oh Yeah Malta in Mellieha Bay, a straightforward meeting point marked by a Starbucks along the seafront. The boat departs around 09:30, setting off into the Maltese waters. Early on, you’ll pass the Smugglers Caves, adding a touch of intrigue to the cruise. The boat then cruises past Elephant Head Rock on Comino, a unique natural formation that’s a favorite photo spot, and the Shearwater Birds, which are often seen soaring overhead.

The first sightseeing stop is the Santa Maria Caves, a series of sea caves known for their beautiful formations and photo opportunities. Reviewers mention how impressive these caves are for their scenic appeal, with one commenting on the “photos of the caves” that truly capture their beauty.

Exploring Gozo and Its Highlights

The main highlight of the tour is the stop at Gozo, where you get about 2 hours and 45 minutes to explore. You have two options here: enjoy some free time or opt for an exclusive 2 hour 45-minute bus tour that takes you to key sites like Victoria City, the Old Citadel, Blue Hole, Inland Sea, Fungus Rock, and Ta Pinu Cathedral—which even Pope John Paul II visited.

The guided bus tour is highly praised for its knowledgeable guides and the convenience of seeing multiple highlights in a short time. Reviewers mention how the guides make the experience enjoyable, with Luciano noting, “the crew was very friendly and welcoming.” The walk through the Old Citadel offers panoramic views and a peek into Gozo’s rich history and culture.

Swim Break at the Blue Lagoon

Post-Gozan exploration, the boat moves to the Blue Lagoon for a swim and snorkel stop that lasts 1 hour and 30 minutes. Travelers rave about this segment, emphasizing how crystal-clear waters make for a perfect swimming spot. One reviewer called it “much better to swim at Blue Lagoon from the boat than it would be from the main beach,” highlighting its less crowded, more relaxed vibe.

You’ll find that this swim stop is a good chance to relax, soak up the sun, and enjoy some snorkeling if you bring your gear (available for a small charge). The blue waters and limestone formations create a stunning backdrop, making this one of the tour’s most memorable moments.

Scenic Return and Additional Stops

On the way back, the boat skirts other scenic caves, including Poppy’s Caves and Lovers Cave—both visually striking and frequently photographed by visitors. The route also passes by Santa Maria Tower and the Santa Maria Battery, adding a bit of historical context to the scenic cruise.

Additional viewpoints include Crystal Lagoon, which offers a quick photo stop and scenic views, and other caves that add to the visual feast.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

End of the Trip

The boat returns to Mellieha Bay around 16:00, giving you a relaxed end to an active day. The entire experience is designed to give a balanced mix of sightseeing, swimming, and cultural exploration, all in a manageable 6.5 hours.

The tour provides a 3-island boat cruise with highlights like the Santa Maria Caves, Elephant Rock, and Blue Lagoon. You’ll also visit smugglers caves and enjoy scenic views of landmarks like Poppy’s Caves and Lovers Cave.

The blue lagoon swim is the main highlight, offering ample time to relax and enjoy the transparent waters. The boat crew is known for their friendly service, and the tour is run in English, making it easy to follow along and ask questions.

Optional Extras and Practical Info

There’s an optional Gozan open-top bus tour available for about 2 hours 45 minutes at a small extra charge, which many reviewers find worthwhile for a more in-depth exploration. Snorkeling equipment can be rented for a small fee, perfect for those eager to see underwater life.

Food and drinks are available onboard, though travelers are encouraged to bring cash for snacks or souvenirs, as card terminals might not always work.

Meeting Point and Accessibility

The tour starts at Oh Yeah Malta in Mellieha Bay, easily accessible by public transport or car. It ends back at the same point, offering convenience for travelers staying nearby. The activity is wheelchair accessible, though those with mobility issues should consider the walking involved at some stops.

Many travelers appreciate the value for money of this tour, with a common sentiment being that the experience exceeds expectations for the price. Álmos notes, “Absolutely worth it for this price,” highlighting how much more enjoyable swimming at Blue Lagoon from the boat is compared to crowded beaches.

Guide interactions also receive praise. Christopher mentions the “enjoyable journey and great sights,” while Luciano highlights the crew’s friendliness and welcoming attitude. These personal touches help make the cruise memorable beyond just the sights.

Reviewers also appreciate the boat’s timing—departing in the morning and returning mid-afternoon—allowing for a full day of exploration without feeling rushed.

This boat tour offers an affordable, well-rounded experience of Malta’s most iconic islands and natural wonders. With a good mix of guided sightseeing, free time, and swimming, it’s perfect for visitors who want to maximize their day without overspending.

If you love scenic boat journeys, exploring caves, and relaxing at a famous lagoon, this tour delivers those in spades. It’s especially suited for travelers who enjoy structured tours with optional extras, as the bus tour in Gozo allows for a deeper cultural experience without the hassle of planning.

However, if you prefer more flexibility or are sensitive to long days, consider whether the 6.5-hour duration suits your travel style. Also, those with mobility issues might want to check accessibility, as walking is involved at some stops.

In short, this experience presents a solid value proposition—a beautiful boat ride, diverse highlights, and a chance to soak up Malta’s unique island scenery, all bundled into one memorable day.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, the tour is family-friendly, though the 6.5-hour duration might be tiring for very young children.

Do I need to bring my own snorkeling gear?
Snorkeling equipment is available for a small charge, but bringing your own can be more comfortable and cost-effective.

What should I pack for the day?
Pack comfortable shoes, sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and cash for extras.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible, but some walking is involved at stops.

Can I buy food on the boat?
Food and drinks are available onboard, though you might want to bring cash for snacks or souvenirs.

What is the exact duration of the swim stop?
The Blue Lagoon swim stop lasts approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.

How long do we spend on each island?
You get about 2 hours 45 minutes on Gozo, with the option for a guided bus tour, and time for swimming at the Blue Lagoon.

Are the caves and scenic spots reachable by boat?
Yes, the caves are only accessible by sea, making the boat an ideal way to see them.

What time does the tour start and end?
Departure is around 09:30, and the boat returns to Mellieha Bay around 16:00.

Is this tour weather-dependent?
Yes, it’s subject to weather conditions, especially wind and sea state—check the forecast before booking.

Travelling this route guarantees a fun, scenic, and culturally enriching day—perfect for those eager to taste Malta’s maritime magic without breaking the bank.

You can check if your dates are available here: