Gozo & Comino Blue Lagoon

The great draw here is simple: you get a catamaran ride from Sliema to Gozo and Comino for about $43.53, with time to swim in the Blue Lagoon. I like the easy seaside departure and the fact that you can choose between getting into the water, walking ashore, or staying in the shade onboard.

I also like the practical setup: air-conditioning, toilets, showers, Wi-Fi, and a bar make this more comfortable than a basic ferry. The catch is the crowds. The Blue Lagoon can feel packed in peak months, and early boarding is important if you want a good seat and a calm start.

Key points to know before you book

• The day begins at 10am from Sliema Ferry, with the boat returning to the same meeting point.
• Gozo is a short stop, so you get a taste of the island rather than a full day of sightseeing.
• The Blue Lagoon is the main event, with clear water for swimming and time to explore Comino.
• This is a shared boat, not a private cruise, with capacity for up to 190 people.
• Onboard comforts are better than you might expect, including Wi-Fi, fresh-water showers, restrooms, air-conditioning, and a stocked bar.
• Arrive well before departure, since late arrival or unclear ticket handling can create a stressful start.

From Sliema Ferry to Malta’s island trio

At 10am, you leave from Sliema Ferry, one of Malta’s most convenient waterfront departure points. The start is appealing because you avoid a long land transfer. You simply make your way to the ferry area and board for a day on the water.

The exact duration is flexible, listed at roughly four to seven hours. That wide range matters. This is not a tightly timed sightseeing tour with a guide leading you from one monument to the next. It is closer to a shared island transfer and swimming cruise, with the boat serving as your base.

The vessel is described as a modern catamaran, and that is one of the stronger points of the experience. You have indoor, air-conditioned space, toilets, fresh-water showers, and Wi-Fi. A fully stocked bar is available, but drinks cost extra. If you want a cocktail, soft drink, or snack, bring money or a payment method that works onboard.

I would still arrive early. One serious complaint involved a passenger who had a Blue Lagoon landing pass but did not understand which ticket had to be shown at boarding. That person missed the first boat and spent time waiting in the sun. The operator says punctual passengers are assigned seats and that the boat follows strict capacity rules, but the practical lesson is clear: have your booking confirmation and any landing pass ready, and ask staff exactly where to check in.

What the Gozo stop really gives you

Gozo is Malta’s quieter sister island, but this trip offers only a quick visit. Depending on how the day is organized, you may have roughly two and a half hours in Gozo and a similar amount of time at Comino. That is enough for a taste, not enough for a full island tour.

The stop works best if you treat it as a chance to get your bearings, see a little of Gozo, and enjoy the sea journey. It does not work well if you arrive expecting to explore the island’s villages, churches, coast, and countryside at a relaxed pace.

An open-top bus option has been used by some passengers during the Gozo stop. It costs about €20 and is intended to cover the full period of the trip, not just a short ride. That can be useful if you want a quick overview without arranging transport yourself, but it also divides your time. If you spend half the day in Gozo and half at Comino, your time at each place becomes limited.

I would choose the bus only if seeing more of Gozo matters to you and you are comfortable with a quick overview. If your main goal is swimming at the Blue Lagoon, skip extra transport and protect your time there. The boat journey itself provides attractive views, and one positive account praised the quick transfer, modern vessel, and friendly service.

Arriving at the Blue Lagoon

The catamaran anchors in the Blue Lagoon area, giving you three basic choices. You can swim in the clear water, go ashore to explore Comino, or stay on the boat and relax.

The water is the star. On a clear day, the lagoon has the bright blue color that makes Comino famous. Swimming here is a memorable Malta experience, especially if you enjoy warm sea water and wide views from the deck.

The shore is less polished than the name might suggest. The Blue Lagoon is not a broad sandy beach. You may find rocky edges, hard surfaces, and limited space for placing belongings. Setting up a beach umbrella can be awkward, particularly if you expect soft sand.

Food and drink stalls operate on Comino, so you are not dependent on the onboard bar. The boat has vending machines and a stocked bar, while food trucks near the lagoon sell refreshments. Prices and quality may vary, so I would avoid treating onboard sales as your only choice. Pack what you need if you want to keep spending under control, but remember that the available facilities and rules of the boat still apply.

Snorkel rental is also offered onboard, with limited quantities promoted for hire. If you want to use one, ask early. You can also check the vendors at the Blue Lagoon rather than assuming the boat is your only source.

The crowd question at Comino

The Blue Lagoon is beautiful, but beauty brings a price: plenty of people. In peak months, the first area where the boat drops you can feel extremely crowded, with day-trippers, food trucks, drink stalls, and people searching for a place to sit.

That atmosphere is not for everyone. If you want quiet water, open space, and a peaceful swim, this may disappoint you. The lagoon can feel more like a busy resort stop than a remote island escape.

You can improve the experience by walking beyond the first drop-off area and looking for calmer places on Comino. The advice is practical, but it comes with a warning: the tour gives you limited time, and walking farther means less time in the water or onboard. Wear sensible footwear and keep track of the return schedule. The available information does not promise a private cove or a secluded swim.

I would book this trip for the water and the views, not for solitude. If your idea of a perfect boat day means sun, clear sea, and plenty of company, the setting should work. If you dislike crowded beaches, consider visiting Comino at a quieter time or choosing another kind of boat outing.

Finding a seat on a boat for up to 190 people

The catamaran can carry as many as 190 people. That is a large group, and it changes the feel of the day. You are not buying a private cruise or an intimate sailing trip. You are joining a substantial shared excursion.

The operator strongly disputes any claim that people are carried without seats and says even the crew must be seated. Still, some passengers have described difficulty finding a comfortable place after arriving close to departure. The most useful advice is not to test the system. Arrive early, follow the boarding instructions, and claim your seat before the boat fills.

You may find seating on more than one level, with indoor areas and outdoor spaces. The air-conditioning may not be running at full strength before departure, so expect heat while waiting or boarding, especially in summer. Once underway, the modern amenities make the ride easier, but they do not turn a large ferry into a quiet yacht.

The lower deck can be useful in hot weather or rougher conditions. The upper deck gives you better views and sun, but it will be more exposed. If shade and a seat matter to you, early arrival is worth more than trying to solve the problem later.

Comfort features that make the fare worthwhile

At $43.53 per person, the price is reasonable if you want transport to both Gozo and Comino without arranging separate ferries. The value improves if you use the boat for the full day and take advantage of the included facilities.

The best extras are practical rather than fancy:

• Air-conditioning for the ride
• Wi-Fi while onboard
• Fresh-water showers after swimming
• Toilet facilities
• Outdoor and indoor areas
• A bar for drinks purchased separately

A shower is particularly useful after swimming in salt water. Wi-Fi is a minor benefit, but it helps if you need to check directions, contact your accommodation, or share a photo without using mobile data. The facilities also make the trip more suitable for families and anyone who prefers a proper boat with basic comforts.

The fare does not cover everything. Food, drinks, snorkel rental, umbrellas, and possible Gozo transport cost extra. That means the advertised price is best understood as the cost of the boat journey and access to the planned stops, not an all-inclusive day out.

Who will enjoy this trip most

I would recommend this experience to you if you want to see Malta’s famous blue water without managing several ferry connections. It suits first-time visitors who want a simple day on the sea, swimmers who care more about Comino than a detailed Gozo visit, and families who value toilets and showers onboard.

It also works for mixed groups. One person can swim while another relaxes on the catamaran. Someone who does not want to get in the water can stay onboard, use the Wi-Fi, buy a drink, and enjoy the views.

I would be cautious if you need a quiet, personal experience. The boat may carry up to 190 people, and the Blue Lagoon itself can be packed. I would also avoid booking it if you want a full Gozo tour, because the stop is too short for a thorough visit.

The 4.8 rating from 1,164 ratings and 94 percent recommendation rate suggest that the overall experience works well for many people, especially when expectations match the product. The high marks appear tied to the boat, views, easy transfers, and friendly service. The weaker experiences focus on crowding, heat during boarding, seat concerns, and confusion at check-in.

Practical details that can save your day

The activity starts and ends at Sliema Ferry. It is near public transportation, which makes the meeting point convenient from other parts of Malta. The ticket is mobile, and confirmation is sent when you book.

Service animals are allowed, and most people can take part. The group size can reach 190, so do not expect a small-group feel.

The trip depends on good weather. If poor conditions cancel it, you are offered another date or a full refund. For your own cancellation, you can receive a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations or changes inside that 24-hour window are not refunded or accepted.

Before you leave your accommodation, check three things: your departure time, your booking confirmation, and the exact boarding point at Sliema Ferry. Keep the ticket easy to display on your phone. That small bit of preparation may prevent the kind of confusion that has caused some passengers to miss the first departure.

Should you book the Gozo and Comino Blue Lagoon trip?

Book it if you want a well-equipped shared catamaran, a swim in famous clear water, and an easy way to combine Gozo and Comino in one outing. At $43.53, it offers fair value for the boat transfer, onboard facilities, and access to both islands.

Do not book it expecting a private cruise, a peaceful beach, or a full Gozo sightseeing tour. The Blue Lagoon is the highlight, but it can be crowded and commercial in peak season. Arrive early, keep your expectations realistic, and walk beyond the first shore area if you want a better chance of finding a calmer place.

FAQ

Where does the tour start?

The tour starts at Sliema Ferry in Sliema, Malta.

Where does the tour end?

The activity ends back at the meeting point at Sliema Ferry.

What time does the catamaran depart?

The catamaran departs at 10am.

How long does the experience last?

The experience lasts approximately four to seven hours.

Is the tour private?

No. It is a shared catamaran experience with a maximum capacity of 190 people.

Are food and drinks included?

No. The vessel has a fully stocked bar, but purchases are at your own expense. Food trucks also operate near the Blue Lagoon.

What happens if bad weather cancels the trip?

You can choose another date or receive a full refund if the experience is canceled because of poor weather.