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

This full-day boat trip gives you Malta’s two famous sister islands in one outing. You cruise the northern coast in a large, air-conditioned catamaran, then get about two hours in Gozo and another two hours at Comino’s Blue Lagoon. It is a scenic ferry ride with free time, not a guided tour.

I like the comfortable boat, with indoor seating, toilets, Wi-Fi, a bar, and wide sea views. I also like the freedom to choose your own pace, whether that means heading toward Victoria in Gozo, staying near Mġarr Harbour, or spending your Comino stop in the water.

The main drawback is the clock. Two hours is barely enough for Gozo’s Victoria and Citadel, and the Blue Lagoon can be so crowded in summer that finding a place to sit is difficult. You also need to arrange the government access pass for the Blue Lagoon yourself before the trip.

Key points at a glance

• Two islands in one day: See Gozo and Comino without arranging separate ferries.
• Large modern catamaran: Expect air conditioning, indoor seating, toilets, Wi-Fi, and a bar.
• Gozo transport costs extra: Buses, taxis, and private coaches at Mġarr Harbour are not included.
• Blue Lagoon access pass required: Since May 2025, you need an official pass to step ashore.
• Comino is beautiful but crowded: The water is clear and inviting, but the tiny beach fills quickly in high season.
• No guide or fixed sightseeing program: You make your own plans during both island stops.

What kind of day this really is

At about $40 per person, this is best understood as a transport-and-sightseeing day, not a traditional escorted tour. You pay for the boat, the coastal views, and access to two islands, then handle your own activities and ground transport.

That makes the trip a good fit if you want a simple way to connect Malta, Gozo, and Comino. It is less suitable if you want a guide explaining the islands, a carefully planned Gozo visit, or a boat that stays offshore while you swim from the deck.

The journey lasts about seven to seven and a half hours. Departure is available from Sliema Ferries or Sirens Quay in St. Paul’s Bay, depending on the option you book. Arrive 15 to 20 minutes early, since the departure point and boarding details can vary.

There is no hotel pickup or drop-off. You need to reach the selected meeting point on your own and return there at the end of the day.

Cruising Malta’s northern coast

The boat first travels along Malta’s northern coastline, with views of the shore and its coastal attractions. The trip from Sliema may include a stop at St. Paul’s Bay to collect additional passengers, so the opening part of the morning is spent moving around Malta’s coast rather than heading directly to Gozo.

That scenic sailing is part of the value. You get a different view of Malta from the water, and the catamaran gives you a comfortable place to watch it go by. A large panoramic viewing area makes it easier to see the coast, while the interior offers shelter from strong sun or rougher sea conditions.

The boat commonly used for this route is described as spacious, with comfortable seats, very cold air conditioning, a bar, and Wi-Fi. That matters on a long day. You can sit inside during the hottest part of the afternoon, but I would still try to spend some time outside for the best coastal views.

The sea can become choppy, especially on the longer crossing. If you are prone to seasickness, this may not be the right outing. Sit toward the back or outside if that helps, and consider bringing seasickness medication. The activity specifically warns that it is not suitable for people prone to seasickness.

Two hours at Mġarr Harbour in Gozo

The first island stop is Gozo, where the ferry docks at Mġarr Harbour. This is Gozo’s main port, with a scenic waterfront and access to transport services heading inland.

You have approximately two hours here. If you stay at the harbour, you can walk around the immediate area and enjoy the views without paying for transport. But if your goal is to see Gozo’s capital, Victoria, you need to arrange ground transport.

A public bus, taxi, or independent coach service can take you from Mġarr Harbour toward Victoria. Private operators at the harbour often offer round-trip coach transfers, and some visitors find this the easiest choice. A coach transfer has been offered for around €5 in the past, but the exact cost is not included in the cruise price and should be confirmed locally.

I would plan this part before you arrive. The harbour transport setup can feel confusing, and two hours disappears quickly when you are waiting for a bus or deciding among several options. Carry cash for local transport, since the trip specifically recommends it.

Victoria and its Citadel are the main reason to leave the harbour. The Citadel gives you a central Gozo sight to aim for, along with market stalls and places to eat. But the travel time to and from the capital leaves little room for a relaxed visit.

If you want to explore Gozo properly, this ferry cruise is not the best choice. A separate Gozo day trip gives you more time and makes it easier to reach several parts of the island. This outing works better if you mainly want a brief taste of Gozo before continuing to Comino.

You can also take a taxi from the port to another location, but the cost and schedule are your responsibility. There is no guide organizing a group visit, and no entry fee to any site is included.

The Blue Lagoon and the new access rule

After Gozo, you return to the ferry and continue to Comino. The stop lasts approximately two hours, sometimes a little longer depending on the schedule you book.

The Blue Lagoon is the visual prize of the day. The water is clear and turquoise, the bay has a pale sandy bottom, and the surrounding sea life adds to the appeal. On a sunny day, it is easy to understand why this small inlet is one of Malta’s most popular swimming spots.

There is an important rule here. Since May 2025, you must obtain an official government-issued access pass before stepping ashore at the Blue Lagoon. You arrange this independently through blcomino.com, and the daily number of passes is limited.

For this ferry trip, select the afternoon timeslot when applying for your pass. Without the official pass, you will not be allowed to disembark at the Blue Lagoon. This is not an optional extra or a detail to handle at the pier. Arrange it before your day on the boat.

Once ashore, you can swim, walk around Comino, or look for a place to sit. The beach area is small, and in August it can be extremely crowded. Seating is limited, so bring a towel or something comfortable to sit on, but do not expect a quiet beach break in the middle of high season.

The shoreline is rocky and slippery in places, with sharp rocks underfoot. Sea shoes are a smart addition, especially if you plan to enter the water. Bring swimwear and a towel, and consider changing on the boat because Comino has limited changing space.

The water may be the best part of the stop, but you need to move quickly if swimming is important to you. You have roughly two hours, and part of that time may go toward getting ashore, finding a spot, changing, and walking back to the boat.

Optional caves and Crystal Lagoon boat trip

While at Comino, you may be offered an optional motorboat trip to the Comino Caves and Crystal Lagoon. It costs approximately €15 per person, is paid locally, and depends on favorable weather and sea conditions.

This can add another water-based look at Comino, but it is not part of the $40 price. Budget for it only if you want an extra boat ride and are comfortable with the additional cost. The main ferry cruise already includes the Comino stop and the time at the Blue Lagoon.

Be aware that the crew may offer other transport or activity options during the day. Check exactly what is included in your booking before paying for anything locally. Different booking choices can include different extras, and Gozo transport is a common source of confusion.

Why the boat matters on a long island day

A basic ferry can make a long day tiring. This one has several features that make the hours on board easier: air conditioning, comfortable seating, toilets, staff, free Wi-Fi, and a bar.

The interior is especially useful in Malta’s strong summer heat. You can cool off between island stops instead of spending the entire day exposed to the sun. The wide windows and panoramic viewing areas also mean you do not have to choose between comfort and scenery.

The boat is not a small private vessel. It can carry a large number of people, and the main attraction is the route rather than personal attention. If you prefer a quiet cruise with room to sunbathe, read, or jump directly from the boat into the water, this may feel too much like a busy ferry.

Smoking is not allowed, pets are not allowed, and oversize luggage is not permitted. Non-folding wheelchairs are also not accepted, and the activity is not recommended for people with mobility impairments. The crew speaks English.

Timing, crowds, and the best season

The schedule gives you about two hours at each major stop, but the experience of that time changes sharply with the season.

In summer, especially August, Comino’s Blue Lagoon may be packed. The water remains attractive, but the tiny beach can feel cramped, and there may be little room to sit. If you mainly want to swim, arrive prepared to change quickly and spend much of your stop in the water.

Gozo also feels rushed in this format during the busy season. If you take a coach to Victoria, you need to watch the return time carefully. Missing the ferry is not a small inconvenience, so follow the staff’s boarding instructions and return to Mġarr Harbour early.

The trip can also work in winter. Comino has no cars or urban areas, and its walking paths lead toward St. Mary’s Chapel, St. Mary’s Watch Tower, and St. Mary’s Battery. Winter visitors may find the island more suited to walking and photography than swimming.

The Blue Lagoon pass still matters whenever you plan to step ashore. Check the official requirements before booking, since the pass system is government controlled and daily availability is limited.

What the $40 price includes

The $40 price covers the sightseeing catamaran cruise, the stops in Gozo and Comino, air conditioning, toilets, Wi-Fi, and onboard staff. For a full day connecting three Maltese islands, that is a reasonable price if you value convenience.

But it is not an all-inclusive day. You pay separately for:

• Transport between Mġarr Harbour and Victoria or another Gozo location
• Food and drinks
• Entry fees at any sites
• The optional Comino Caves and Crystal Lagoon motorboat, about €15
• Any taxi or private transport in Gozo
• The official Blue Lagoon access pass process, if any fee applies through the government system

The best value comes from treating this as a boat transfer with sightseeing time. If you add a coach, food, and the optional motorboat, your final cost will rise. Bring cash so you are ready for local transport and optional activities.

There is no guide, so you are not paying for historical commentary or a planned walking route. That keeps the price down and gives you independence, but it also means you must manage your own time.

Who will enjoy this ferry cruise

I would recommend this outing to you if you want to see Gozo and Comino in one day, prefer making your own plans, and value a comfortable air-conditioned boat. It is also useful if you are staying in Sliema or St. Paul’s Bay and want a straightforward island day without piecing together several public ferries.

Families can find the format manageable because the boat is spacious and the schedule is clear. A parent traveling with a seven-year-old could handle the day without a guide, provided the child is comfortable with the boat ride, heat, crowds, and rocky water entry.

Swimmers should bring sea shoes, sunscreen, a towel, and cash. I would change into swimwear before reaching Comino if possible, since the island has few changing facilities.

I would not choose this trip for a serious Gozo visit. Two hours is simply not enough for Victoria, the Citadel, a meal, and a second sight without rushing. I would also avoid it if you dislike large boats, crowded beaches, or open-water crossings.

The route is less appealing if you want to jump from the boat into the sea. The ferry stops to let you ashore, then leaves and returns later. It does not remain anchored as a private swimming platform.

Practical advice before you book

Select your departure point carefully. The options are Sliema Ferries and Sirens Quay in St. Paul’s Bay, and the exact meeting point depends on the booking choice.

Arrive 15 to 20 minutes before departure. Bring comfortable shoes for walking, sunglasses, sunscreen, swimwear, a towel, a camera, and cash.

For Gozo, decide in advance if you want to stay around Mġarr Harbour or go toward Victoria. If you want Victoria, expect to pay for local transport and allow time for the return journey.

For Comino, arrange the Blue Lagoon access pass through blcomino.com before the trip. Choose the afternoon timeslot when applying for the pass. Without it, you cannot step ashore at the lagoon.

If weather or sea conditions are poor, the optional motorboat to the caves and Crystal Lagoon may not operate. The main ferry experience itself is also more pleasant when the sea is calm, especially for anyone sensitive to motion.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. Those terms help if your Malta plans may change, but they do not remove the need to secure the Blue Lagoon pass separately.

Should you book it?

Book this ferry cruise if your priority is seeing Gozo and Comino in one day for a moderate price. The boat is comfortable, the route is scenic, and the independent format lets you decide how to use your limited time.

Skip it if Gozo is your main goal. Give Gozo its own day instead, then visit Comino separately when you can choose a quieter schedule or a boat with more swimming time.

The smartest booking approach is to reserve the ferry, arrange the Blue Lagoon pass immediately, plan your Gozo transport, and bring sea shoes. With those details handled, this is an efficient introduction to Malta’s sister islands, though not a slow or peaceful beach escape.

FAQ

How long does the Gozo and Comino ferry cruise last?

The activity lasts approximately seven to seven and a half hours. Check the available departure times when booking.

Where does the boat depart?

You can depart from Sliema Ferries in Sliema or Sirens Quay in St. Paul’s Bay, depending on the option selected.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. You must make your own way to the selected meeting point, and the activity ends back there.

How much free time do I get in Gozo?

You have approximately two hours at Mġarr Harbour and the surrounding area.

Can I visit Victoria during the Gozo stop?

Yes. You can use a public bus, taxi, or an independent coach service from Mġarr Harbour. Land transportation is not included in the cruise price.

Is there a guide?

No. The Gozo and Comino stops are independent free time, not guided visits. The onboard host or greeter speaks English.

Do I need a pass for the Blue Lagoon?

Yes. Since May 2025, you need an official government-issued access pass to step ashore at the Blue Lagoon. Arrange it through blcomino.com before the trip.

Which timeslot should I choose for the Blue Lagoon pass?

For this ferry cruise, choose the afternoon timeslot when applying for the pass.

Is the optional Comino caves boat included?

No. The motorboat trip to the Comino Caves and Crystal Lagoon costs approximately €15 per person, is paid locally, and depends on weather and sea conditions.

What should I bring?

Bring comfortable shoes, sunglasses, swimwear, a towel, a camera, sunscreen, and cash. Sea shoes are especially useful because parts of the Blue Lagoon shoreline are rocky and slippery.