Enjoy a 3.5-hour coastal cruise from Marfa Bay that combines relaxed boating with three excellent swim stops and a cave visit. You’ll follow the coastline past Elephant Head and Santa Maria Bay before visiting Ħalfa Rock, the Blue Lagoon, and Crystal Lagoon. It’s a compact way to see several of Malta’s best-known inlets, with the option of either a daytime or sunset departure.
Your cruise starts from Marfa Jetty, opposite the Riviera Spa Resort, where you board the Island Hopper and are welcomed by the crew. Once the group is settled, the boat leaves Marfa Bay and follows the northern coastline, giving you early views of Elephant Head rock and the entrance to Santa Maria Bay. You’ll pause near the Santa Maria Caves for a closer look at the rock formations from the boat, with time for photos while the skipper manoeuvres into the best angles. Throughout the trip you can move between the open deck and shaded areas, taking advantage of the free-flowing mineral water and background music as the route continues towards Gozo and Comino.
The first swim stop is at Ħalfa Rock, a small, uninhabited islet off the southeast coast of Gozo. Here the boat drops anchor and you can use the swimming platform to access clear water in a quiet cove, away from the busiest Blue Lagoon area. After time in the water, you re-board for the short run to Comino’s Blue Lagoon. At Blue Lagoon you can swim directly from the boat, float over the pale sandy bottom, or stay on deck and watch the activity in the bay if you prefer not to get in. The crew manage timings to ensure everyone has a chance to swim, take photos, and enjoy the scenery from the boat.
The final scheduled stop is Crystal Lagoon on Comino’s west side, a well-sheltered inlet favoured by swimmers and snorkellers. Here you’ll again make use of the swimming platform for a final dip, with the cliffs and caves around the lagoon providing a dramatic backdrop while you’re in the water. If you choose an evening departure, this leg often coincides with softer light and the approach of sunset, which makes the return journey along the coast particularly memorable. After the last swim stop, the Island Hopper turns back towards Marfa Jetty, where you disembark at the end of the 3.5-hour trip.
This cruise operates from Marfa Bay in Mellieħa at the northern tip of Malta, an area well placed for quick access to both Comino and Gozo. The departure point is Marfa Jetty, directly opposite the Riviera Spa Resort. When you arrive, you should look for a white boat named Island Hopper. If you have chosen the option including transfers, you’ll be collected from a designated meeting point and dropped at Marfa Jetty in time for boarding; otherwise, you can reach the jetty by car, taxi, or local bus services that run to the Marfa and Cirkewwa area.
From Marfa, the route loops around Comino and towards the Gozo coastline, taking in a series of natural features: Elephant Head rock, Santa Maria Bay and caves, Ħalfa Rock, Blue Lagoon, and Crystal Lagoon. These areas are known for clear water, varied rock formations, and sheltered inlets that work well for mixed-ability groups. Because the cruise focuses on a compact circuit rather than a long crossing, you spend a good proportion of the time either swimming or close to the coast, rather than on open-water transits.
This cruise is graded easy and suits most guests looking for a relaxed half-day on the water. You do not have to go into the sea, and you can remain on the boat during all swim stops if you prefer. However, if you plan to swim, you should be able to manage a short ladder to and from the water and feel comfortable in areas where you cannot always stand. Basic swimming ability is recommended for anyone leaving the safety of the swimming platform. Children must be accompanied by an adult throughout the cruise.
The boat is stroller accessible but not wheelchair accessible, and the experience is not recommended for travellers with significant mobility impairments or those who are very prone to seasickness. You will need to be able to move around a floating deck, use handrails, and sit or stand steadily while the boat is under way. Large suitcases, bulky luggage, and pets are not allowed on board. Standard cancellation terms apply if you cancel within 24 hours, while weather-related cancellations by the operator allow for rescheduling or a full refund.
This cruise has been designed to pack three high-quality swim stops and a cave visit into a 3.5-hour window, making it ideal if you want variety without committing a full day. By including Ħalfa Rock alongside Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon, the route balances quieter, less visited spots with the most famous bay on Comino. The option to sail in the morning or in the evening gives flexibility; the later departure is especially appealing if you want to see the coastline in softer light and avoid the busiest midday traffic around the lagoons.
On board, the focus is on comfort and straightforward logistics: a clear departure point, optional transfers, free-flowing mineral water, a welcome drink for adults, and a swimming platform to simplify getting in and out of the water. The crew handle navigation, stop timings, and safety checks so you can concentrate on swimming, snorkelling, or simply relaxing on deck. For visitors based in the north of Malta who want a well-planned, multi-stop Comino boat trip, this cruise offers a very efficient and enjoyable option.
The trip lasts around 3½ hours on the water, not including any transfer time if you book hotel pick-up. You’ll depart from Marfa Jetty, cruise past Elephant Head and Santa Maria Bay with a cave visit, then enjoy swim stops at Ħalfa Rock, Blue Lagoon, and Crystal Lagoon before returning to Marfa. Exact timings at each stop can vary slightly with weather and sea conditions.
The morning cruise gives you a relaxed late-morning to early-afternoon outing, ideal if you want to be back in time for evening plans or have other activities booked later in the day. The evening option is popular for softer light and the chance to see the coastline close to sunset, as Comino is usually quieter by that time, especially around Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon.
About the centre
Marfa Bay, Mellieha, Malta
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