MELLIEHA SIGHTSEEING TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Three-island dayloop from Mellieħa: Gozo cliffs, Comino’s Blue Lagoon and coastal caves aboard the Hakuna Matata II
A 6-hour-15-minute sightseeing cruise from Mellieħa Bay that visits Gozo (with an optional island tour), offers swimming at the Blue Lagoon and returns via a string of coastal caves.
Three-island dayloop from Mellieħa: Gozo cliffs, Comino’s Blue Lagoon and coastal caves aboard the Hakuna Matata II.
Adventure brief
Three-island dayloop from Mellieħa: Gozo cliffs, Comino’s Blue Lagoon and coastal caves aboard the Hakuna Matata II
Embark on an unforgettable 6-hour cruise aboard the Hakuna Matata II to the islands of Gozo and Comino: a focused day of island scenery, a guided look at Gozo’s highlights, a swim in the Blue Lagoon’s crystalline water and a return passage past sea caves that frame the Maltese coastline.
Discover the rugged beauty of Malta and its neighboring islands on the Three Island Cruise, a six-hour journey that brings the rich landscapes of Gozo, Comino, and Malta’s famed Blue Lagoon into sharp focus. Departing from Mellieha Bay’s Tunny Net Jetty, this cruise aboard the Hakuna Matata II offers an immersive experience ideal for outdoor enthusiasts, history buffs, and swimmers alike. With boarding beginning at 8:30 a.m. and departure at 9:30 a.m., you’ll set sail into the Mediterranean’s clear blue waters and explore some of the region’s most iconic natural and cultural landmarks.
Your first stop is Gozo, Malta’s quieter, green sister island. You’ll have 2.5 hours here to either take a guided open-top bus tour or explore independently. This island is known for its diverse topography and notable sites such as Victoria City and the ancient Citadel, which stands as an imposing fortress overlooking the island. Don’t miss the Blue Hole, a diver’s paradise, or the Inland Sea, where the calm water meets dramatic cliffs. Ta’ Pinu Cathedral, a spiritual beacon visited by Pope John Paul II, adds a layer of historical significance to your visit. The island’s limestone formations and rural landscapes provide excellent photo opportunities and a taste of Maltese culture away from the bustle.
After Gozo, the cruise takes you to Comino Island’s Blue Lagoon for a 1.5-hour swim in some of the clearest waters in the Mediterranean. The lagoon’s stunning turquoise hues are framed by rocky cliffs and minimal development, creating a striking natural swimming area perfect for cooling off and snorkeling.
On your return to Malta, the boat stops at Crystal Lagoon, Poppy's Caves, and Lovers’ Cave, each showcasing unique rock formations and caves carved by the sea’s constant movement. These stops combine adventure with scenic serenity and provide outstanding vistas for photography.
This cruise is a standout adventure because it offers a seamless blend of nature, culture, and history with the ease of guided or self-paced exploration. Located in the Mediterranean heartland, this trip highlights why the Maltese archipelago is a treasured destination for travelers seeking vivid seascapes, active exploration, and immersive island culture.
Route Schematic
Route schematic: key stops and sequence
The cruise departs Mellieħa and follows a clockwise loop with scheduled stops on Gozo and Comino and a coastal cave tour on the return.
Mellieħa Bay — Tunny Net Jetty
Boarding at Mellieħa Bay begins between 08:30 and 09:15; the cruise departs at 09:30 from the Tunny Net Jetty.
Gozo — 2.5-hour stop
First major stop: a 2.5-hour visit with the option of a private tour or an organized open-top bus tour (discounted at €12.50) that visits Victoria/Citadel, the Blue Hole, the Inland Sea, Fungus Rock and Ta’ Pinu Cathedral.
Comino — Blue Lagoon (1.5 hours)
A scheduled 1.5-hour swim stop at the Blue Lagoon on Comino, known for its clear, turquoise water.
Return run — Crystal Lagoon and coastal caves
On the return leg the boat visits the Crystal Lagoon, Poppy's Caves and Lovers’ Caves before arriving back in Malta at approximately 16:00.
Boarding opens at 08:30 with departure scheduled for 09:30; the full cruise runs about 6 hours and 15 minutes and returns to Malta in the mid‑afternoon (approx. 16:00).
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Gozo: a 2½ hour island stop with optional touring
The cruise’s first major stop is Gozo, where you disembark for roughly 2.5 hours. You can join an organized open‑top bus tour (discounted at €12.50 per person) or take a private tour to visit Victoria and the Citadel, the Blue Hole, the Inland Sea, Fungus Rock and Ta’ Pinu Cathedral.
Blue Lagoon: swimming in crystal-clear Comino water
After Gozo the boat stops at Comino’s Blue Lagoon for approximately 1.5 hours, providing time to swim in famously clear, turquoise water before the return leg of the cruise.
Coastal caves on the return run
On the homeward passage the cruise explores sea formations including the Crystal Lagoon, Poppy’s Caves and Lovers’ Caves, before returning to Malta in the mid‑afternoon (around 16:00).
What the day feels like
What the day feels like
It’s a compact island hop that balances guided land time on Gozo with a leisurely swim stop at Comino and scenic coastal cruising on the way back: a single‑day circuit designed to show the Maltese archipelago’s geological and cultural highlights without requiring island‑to‑island hotel moves.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who fares best on this cruise
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Boarding runs from 08:30 to 09:15 with departure from Mellieħa Bay Tunny Net Jetty at 09:30; the full cruise duration is 6 hours and 15 minutes with an approximate return to Malta at 16:00.
No specific gear requirements were provided in the trip facts; confirm any recommended equipment with the operator before departure.
The cruise departs from Mellieħa Bay (Tunny Net Jetty); the boat used for this trip is the Hakuna Matata II and the operator is Oh Yeah Malta.
On Gozo you can opt for a private tour or join the organized open-top bus tour which is offered at a discounted price of €12.50 per person.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the cruise?
The cruise lasts approximately 6 hours and 15 minutes.
Where and when do I board the boat?
Boarding is at Mellieħa Bay (Tunny Net Jetty). Boarding starts from 08:30 and runs until 09:15, with departure at 09:30.
What are the main stops on the itinerary?
The route calls first at Gozo (about 2.5 hours ashore), then at Comino’s Blue Lagoon for approximately 1.5 hours of swimming, and on the return visits coastal features such as the Crystal Lagoon, Poppy’s Caves and Lovers’ Caves.
Is there a guided tour on Gozo?
Yes: you can choose a private tour or join the operator’s organized open-top bus tour offered at a discounted rate of €12.50 per person.
Which Gozo attractions are included in the stopover?
The Gozo stop includes access to Victoria and the Citadel, the Blue Hole, the Inland Sea, Fungus Rock and Ta’ Pinu Cathedral (where Pope John II celebrated a mass during his visit).
Who operates the cruise and what vessel is used?
The cruise is operated by Oh Yeah Malta and runs aboard the Hakuna Matata II.
How this guide was prepared
This field guide is synthesized using verified supplier specifications, route descriptions, and destination data. Some booking links may generate affiliate revenue for ADV Guides.
- Verified: 2026-09-10T12:12:18.241Z
Some booking links may generate revenue for ADV Guides or The Adventure Collective.
Availability, pricing, schedules and operating details can change.
Trip details and contextual sources were reviewed by ADV Guides Editorial.