Sliema/St. Paul’s: Gozo, Comino & Blue Lagoon Ferry Cruise

The real appeal here is simple: one comfortable boat ride links Malta, Gozo, and Comino in a single day. You cruise the northern coast, step ashore in Gozo, then finish with a swim at the Blue Lagoon. It is an efficient way to sample Malta’s island trio without arranging several separate ferries.

I like the spacious, air-conditioned catamaran, the helpful crew, and the freedom to choose your own plan ashore. I also like that the $41 fare includes the main boat transport, Wi-Fi, toilets, and staff on board. The catch is short free time and heavy crowds, especially at Comino in summer. This is a scenic ferry outing, not a detailed island tour.

Key points to know before booking

• Two islands in one day: You get roughly two hours in Gozo and another two hours at Comino.
• Gozo transport costs extra: Public buses, taxis, and independent coach transfers from Mġarr Harbour are not included.
• Blue Lagoon access now needs a pass: From May 2025, you must arrange a government-issued access pass at blcomino.com.
• The catamaran is a strong point: It has air-conditioning, Wi-Fi, toilets, indoor seating, and broad sea views.
• The Blue Lagoon is beautiful but crowded: Bring water shoes, and do not expect a quiet beach.
• This is self-guided: You get transport and free time, not a guide or organized sightseeing in Gozo or Comino.

What this seven-hour island cruise really offers

This experience is best understood as a boat transfer with two island stops. The catamaran carries you from Sliema or St. Paul’s Bay to Gozo, then from Gozo to Comino, before returning you to Malta.

That distinction matters. You will not have a guide leading you through Victoria, explaining the Citadel, or showing you hidden corners of Comino. You receive instructions about timings, then make your own choices. I find that liberating if you like independence, but limiting if you want a carefully planned cultural tour.

The full outing lasts 450 minutes, or about seven and a half hours as scheduled. You can select a departure point and time when booking. Sliema Ferries is handy if you are staying around Sliema, while Buġibba Jetty suits you better if you are based near St. Paul’s Bay.

Arrive 15 to 20 minutes before departure. Boarding can be confusing if you do not have the required QR codes and wristbands ready. The red wristband is for the ferry, and the blue wristband relates to Blue Lagoon access arrangements. Keep your booking details easy to reach before you arrive.

Malta’s northern coast from the catamaran

The boat first follows Malta’s northern shoreline, collecting passengers at St. Paul’s Bay if needed. This is a pleasant part of the day because you get a broad view of the coast without worrying about roads, parking, or changing buses.

The catamaran is one of the strongest parts of the experience. It is modern, spacious, and air-conditioned, with indoor seats, toilets, Wi-Fi, and a bar. Large windows help you follow the coast, while outdoor areas give you fresh air and a better chance of avoiding seasickness.

That last point is worth taking seriously. The ride to Gozo can take around an hour and a half, and the sea can become choppy. If you are prone to seasickness, take suitable precautions before departure and consider sitting outside toward the back. The crew has handed out sick bags when conditions turned rough, but prevention is better than relying on them.

You do not need to sit inside for the whole crossing. Air-conditioning is welcome in Malta’s heat, yet the outdoor deck may offer a steadier ride and better photographs. Bring sunglasses, sunscreen, and a camera, but keep your belongings secure in windy conditions.

Mġarr Harbour and your limited time in Gozo

Gozo’s Mġarr Harbour is your first island stop. You have about two hours before returning to the boat for Comino. The harbor area lets you stay close and keep your plan simple, but the more interesting option is to reach Victoria, Gozo’s capital.

You can use a public bus, taxi, or an independent bus or coach operator waiting near the harbor. These services are separate from the cruise, and their fees are not included. A round-trip coach transfer to Victoria has cost around €5 in the past, payable in cash, though you should confirm the current price on the day.

I recommend arranging your Gozo transport as soon as you step ashore. The harbor can feel confusing, and independent operators may approach you with different options. If you wait too long, your two hours shrink quickly.

Victoria gives you more to see than Mġarr Harbour alone. You might use the time for the Citadel, market stalls, restaurants, and a quick look around the town center. You will not have time for a relaxed tour of the whole island. Places such as the Citadel are worth seeing, but reaching Victoria, exploring, and returning to the harbor requires a firm watch.

This is the central trade-off. The stop gives you a useful first taste of Gozo, but it does not replace a full Gozo day trip. If Gozo is your main priority, book an excursion that devotes most of the day to the island. If you mainly want a sample of Gozo alongside a swim at Comino, this arrangement works well.

You can also remain around Mġarr Harbour. That is less ambitious but safer if you dislike rushing or worry about missing the boat. The catamaran does not wait for late passengers, so keep plenty of time for the return journey.

Comino and the Blue Lagoon reality check

After Gozo, you board again for Comino. The Blue Lagoon is the visual high point: clear turquoise water, a pale seabed, and a striking setting between the islands. In good conditions, the water is inviting enough to make the long day worthwhile.

But the famous bay is small, and it can become extremely crowded. In July and August, expect many people, limited places to sit, and a lively party atmosphere rather than peaceful island solitude. The water may look spacious from the boat, but the usable shore area is limited.

You get about two hours at Comino. That sounds generous until you allow time to disembark, find a place for your belongings, change, swim, and return to the boat. There are limited changing facilities, so changing into swimwear before leaving the catamaran is a smart move.

The shore is rocky and can be slippery, with sharp stones in places. Water shoes are one of the most useful things you can pack. A towel, swimsuit, sunscreen, sunglasses, and cash also belong in your day bag. Do not count on finding a comfortable sandy beach with plenty of space.

From May 2025, you need a government-issued pass to step ashore at the Blue Lagoon. Arrange it independently through blcomino.com before the trip. The pass allocation is limited, and you must choose the afternoon timeslot when applying. Without the official pass, you will not be allowed to disembark at the lagoon. This is an important extra step, not a minor detail.

The access pass is separate from the $41 cruise price. It is also wise to check that the pass timing matches your selected sailing. A reservation on the boat does not replace the government access requirement.

The optional caves and Crystal Lagoon trip

While at Comino, you may be offered a motorboat ride to the Comino Caves and Crystal Lagoon. It costs about €15 per person, paid locally, and only operates when sea and weather conditions allow.

This is a useful add-on if you have already seen enough of the crowded Blue Lagoon and want more time on the water. It gives you a different view of Comino and may suit you better than trying to claim a small patch of shore.

Do not assume it is included. Keep cash available, and ask about the price and departure details before paying. With only around two hours at Comino, you need to decide quickly if the boat trip fits your plan.

If swimming is your priority, skip the extra ride and use the available time in the lagoon. If seeing the caves matters more than sitting by the water, the optional trip may offer better value.

Is $41 good value?

At $41 per person, the price is reasonable for a full-day island connection, especially because the fare includes the catamaran, staff, air-conditioning, toilets, Wi-Fi, and stops at both Gozo and Comino. You are paying for convenience as much as sightseeing.

The value drops if you add several extras without planning. Gozo land transport costs extra, the Blue Lagoon pass must be arranged separately, food and drinks are not included, and the caves trip costs about €15. A group that adds coach transfers, snacks, and the motorboat ride can spend noticeably more than the advertised fare.

Still, compare this with arranging separate boat tickets and local transport yourself. The combined route saves planning time and lets you see two islands in one outing. I consider it good value for a first visit, provided you accept that both stops are brief.

The boat also matters. A clean, modern catamaran with cold air-conditioning, comfortable seats, Wi-Fi, and a bar makes the long crossings easier. Some outings of this type use cramped vessels, but this one is designed more like a proper passenger ferry.

Timing, crowds, and the best season for your visit

Summer gives you the best chance of warm swimming weather, but it also brings the worst crowds at the Blue Lagoon. August can feel especially packed, and the small beach may offer little room to sit. If your dream is a quiet swim, this is the wrong setting during peak season.

Spring, autumn, and winter bring a different experience. Comino has no cars or urban areas, and its paths to St. Mary’s Chapel, St. Mary’s Watch Tower, and St. Mary’s Battery can suit hikers and photographers outside the swimming season.

Even in cooler months, check the practical details. The motorboat to the caves depends on sea conditions, and rough water can affect the crossing. You should also bring a light layer if you expect to spend time outdoors on the return journey.

The schedule is strict at both islands. The crew will give instructions, but you are responsible for returning on time. Set an alarm on your phone before leaving the boat. It is easy to lose track of time beside clear water, especially when you have only a short stop.

Who will enjoy this, and who should skip it?

I would choose this for a couple, family, or group of friends who want a straightforward day on the water and prefer making their own plans. It is also useful if your Malta schedule is tight and you want to see Gozo and Comino without committing to separate full-day trips.

Families can appreciate the simple route and onboard facilities, though young children need close supervision around slippery rocks and crowded water. Solo visitors can certainly take the trip, but the format may feel less social because the boat simply carries you between stops and the island time is independent.

I would not choose it if you want a guided explanation of Gozo, a quiet beach, or a long visit to Victoria. It is also a poor fit if you have serious mobility limitations, cannot manage uneven or slippery shore areas, or are prone to seasickness.

The lack of a guide is not a flaw for everyone. I like being able to decide between Victoria, the harbor, the Blue Lagoon, or the optional caves. You just need to understand that the freedom comes with responsibility for transport, timing, and extra costs.

What to pack and how to make the day easier

Pack light. Oversize luggage is not allowed, and you will be moving between the catamaran and two island stops.

Bring:

• Comfortable shoes for Gozo and Comino
• Water shoes for the rocky Blue Lagoon shore
• Swimwear and a towel
• Sunglasses and sunscreen
• A camera
• Cash for land transport, drinks, or the optional motorboat
• Any seasickness remedy you normally use

Food and drinks are not included, though the boat has a bar. Bring something small if you need regular snacks, while keeping bags compact.

Check your QR code before leaving your accommodation. Have it ready for scanning, and confirm that you have the correct wristbands before boarding. A little preparation here can prevent a stressful start.

Should you book this Gozo and Comino cruise?

Book it if you want efficient island hopping, a comfortable boat, and independent free time. The $41 base price is fair for the route, and the catamaran makes the long crossings pleasant. You will see Gozo and swim at Comino in one day without arranging the main ferry connections yourself.

Skip it if Gozo deserves your full attention, or if a quiet Blue Lagoon experience matters most. The two-hour stops pass quickly, the lagoon can be packed, and extra transport costs are easy to overlook.

For most first-time visitors with limited time, I think this is a practical choice. Just secure the Blue Lagoon pass, arrive early, pack water shoes, plan your Gozo transfer, and treat the day as a scenic ferry cruise with island breaks rather than a guided tour.

FAQ

How long does the Gozo and Comino cruise last?

The scheduled duration is seven hours, or 450 minutes.

Where can I board the catamaran?

You can choose a departure from Sliema Ferries in Sliema or Buġibba Jetty in St. Paul’s Bay, depending on the option and time selected when booking.

Is this a guided tour?

No. The trip includes transport and free time, but no guide. You explore Gozo and Comino independently.

How much time do I get in Gozo?

You get approximately two hours in Gozo before returning to the ferry.

Can I visit Victoria from Mġarr Harbour?

Yes. You can use a public bus, taxi, or an independent bus or coach operator at the harbor. Land transport is not included in the cruise price.

Is transport from Mġarr Harbour to Victoria included?

No. You pay separately for public transport, taxis, or independent coach transfers.

Do I need a pass for the Blue Lagoon?

Yes. From May 2025, you must obtain a government-issued access pass through blcomino.com before stepping ashore at the Blue Lagoon.

How much time do I get at the Blue Lagoon?

You have approximately two hours at Comino and the Blue Lagoon area.

Is the caves and Crystal Lagoon boat trip included?

No. The optional motorboat trip costs approximately €15 per person, paid locally, and depends on suitable weather and sea conditions.

What facilities are available on the catamaran?

The catamaran has air-conditioning, Wi-Fi, toilets, onboard staff, and a bar. Food and drinks are not included in the fare.

Is the cruise suitable for people with mobility impairments?

The activity is not considered suitable for people with mobility impairments. The island stops can involve boarding, uneven ground, and rocky shore areas.

What should I bring for the day?

Bring comfortable shoes, sunglasses, swimwear, a towel, a camera, sunscreen, and cash. Water shoes are especially useful at the rocky Blue Lagoon shore.