Questions, answered before you book

Where does the boat leave from?

At Ċirkewwa in Mellieħa, down the stairs behind the café kiosk, on the kiosk’s jetty — a short walk from the Gozo ferry terminal. The trip ends back at the same place. Please arrive 15–20 minutes before departure so there is time to check in and board.

How do I get to Ċirkewwa?

By car, taxi or bus — Ċirkewwa is at the northern tip of Malta, next to the Gozo ferry terminal, so it is well served by public transport. Our Ċirkewwa meeting-point guide has parking, bus routes and walking directions.

What if I am running late or cannot find the boat?

Call or WhatsApp us on +356 79628574 as soon as you can. The boat leaves on time for everyone else on board, so the earlier you let us know, the more we can do.

How long is the trip?

About three and a half hours, door to door from Ċirkewwa and back.

Where do we actually stop?

There are three swimming stops — the Crystal Lagoon, the Blue Lagoon and Santa Marija Bay. Between them we cruise past Cominotto Reef, Ħondoq Bay on the Gozo side, Ħalfa Rock, the Santa Maria Caves and Elephant Head Rock.

How long do we get at each swim stop?

Around 30 minutes at the Crystal Lagoon, 45 at the Blue Lagoon and 30 at Santa Marija Bay. Times shift a little depending on the sea and how busy the lagoons are.

How many people are on the boat?

It is a small-group trip on a small boat, which is the point of it — there is room to move and the swim stops are not a scrum. Sunny and shaded seating is available, and seating is not assigned.

What's included in the price?

A welcome drink — water, iced tea or Coke — and free use of snorkelling equipment, swim noodles and a stand-up paddleboard during the swimming stops. Food and extra drinks are not included, but you can buy them ashore at the Blue Lagoon.

Do I need my own snorkel or paddleboard?

No. Snorkels, swim noodles and a stand-up paddleboard are on board and free to use at every swim stop.

I am not a strong swimmer. Can I still come?

Yes. Swim noodles are on board, and nobody has to get in the water — plenty of people stay on deck in the sun or the shade and enjoy the view.

Is there shade on the boat?

Yes. There are both sunny and shaded seats on board. Seating is not assigned, so pick whichever you prefer.

Is hotel pick-up included?

No. The trip starts and ends at Ċirkewwa in Mellieħa, so you make your own way there by car, taxi or bus.

What should I bring?

Swimwear, a towel, sunscreen and a hat. Sunglasses and a camera are worth having too. Everything you need for the water is on board.

Is this a private tour?

No — it is a small-group trip, so you share the boat with a few other guests. It sits between the big shared boats and a private charter: far fewer people than the big boats, for a fraction of the price of chartering the whole boat.

How is this different from the Comino ferry?

The ferry drops you at the Blue Lagoon and you make your own way from there. The boat trip also takes you to the Crystal Lagoon, Santa Marija Bay, the Santa Maria Caves and the Gozo coast, with snorkels and a paddleboard on board.

Do I need a Blue Lagoon pass?

Only if you want to go ashore at the Blue Lagoon. You can swim, snorkel and paddleboard there straight off the boat without one. Our Blue Lagoon pass guide explains how to get one.

Can I go ashore at the Blue Lagoon?

Yes, for around 45 minutes, though going ashore needs a free entry pass. Plenty of people skip it and swim straight off the boat instead — the paddleboard and snorkels are there either way.

Do we go inside the Santa Maria Caves?

When the sea allows it, yes. If conditions are not right we come up close to the entrances instead. Safety decides it on the day.

What happens if the weather turns?

The itinerary and the swimming stops can change depending on the weather and the state of the sea. If we cannot sail at all, we will contact you to move your booking or refund you in full.

Can I cancel?

Yes. Cancel more than 24 hours before departure and you get a full refund, no questions asked. Inside 24 hours the booking is non-refundable, because the seat can no longer be resold.

Is the trip suitable for children?

Yes, with an adult. Children should be comfortable on a boat and in open water.

Is it suitable if I get seasick?

We would not recommend it. It is a small boat in open water between Malta, Comino and Gozo, and it moves.

What language is the tour in?

English and Maltese.

Who is the skipper?

Nielias Azzopardi. Nielias grew up on the water around Comino, working on his father’s boat from when he was a boy. He skippers every Aloha trip himself.

How do I book?

Pick a date on the trip page. Availability comes straight from our own booking calendar, and your confirmation arrives by email straight away.

Something not covered here? Send us a message.