From Sliema or Bugibba: Two Islands Ferry to Comino and Gozo

Comino’s Blue Lagoon is the main event here: clear water, open sea, and enough time to swim and sunbathe. I like the choice of Sliema or Bugibba for departure, and I like that you can spend your day at one island instead of forcing yourself to visit both.

The catch is simple: seven hours is not much for two islands. Gozo time can be short, and the ferry schedule may leave you choosing between a quick look at Gozo and a longer stay at the Blue Lagoon.

Key points to know before you book

• Three hours can be available at each stop: One reported schedule allowed about three hours at Gozo, followed by about three hours at Comino.
• Blue Lagoon time is the strongest part: Bring beachwear and a towel if swimming is your main goal.
• Gozo is self-guided: Once you get off at Mgarr port, you make your own plans and arrange your own sightseeing.
• You can choose your order: Visit Gozo first, Comino first, or focus on only one island.
• Two useful departure areas: Sliema serves nearby Sliema and St. Julian’s hotels, while Bugibba serves Bugibba, Qawra, and Mellieha.
• Extra costs add up: Food, drinks, and the optional Comino Caves boat trip are not included.

Why this ferry works best for a sea-and-swim day

This is not a guided sightseeing tour with a host walking you through Gozo. It is a transport-and-free-time day by catamaran, built around getting you from Malta to the two smaller islands and giving you room to choose how you spend your time.

That difference matters. I would choose this trip if I wanted a boat ride, broad views of Malta’s northeast coast, and a good block of time at the Blue Lagoon. I would not choose it if my top priority were a detailed tour of Gozo’s villages, churches, or inland sights.

The ferry gives you a practical base for the day. You can sit outside for the sea air and views, or move indoors into air-conditioned seating. Restrooms and Wi-Fi are available on board, which makes the ride easier, especially if you are traveling with children or want a break from the sun.

The hop-on hop-off format sounds completely open-ended, but it is still tied to the boat’s timetable. You can choose where to get off, but you cannot treat the ferry like a frequent local bus. Check the actual departure times carefully before leaving either island.

Choosing between Sliema and Bugibba

Your departure point should be based on where you are staying. The Sliema option is aimed at visitors in Sliema and St. Julian’s, while the Bugibba option serves Bugibba, Qawra, and Mellieha.

The two choices are not interchangeable in practical terms. Pick the departure area closest to your hotel unless you have a strong reason to cross Malta early in the morning. The meeting point can vary by the option you book, so confirm the exact location and pickup details before setting out.

The Sliema departure includes transportation back to major hotels around Sliema and St. Julian’s. The Bugibba departure includes return transportation to main hotels in Bugibba, Qawra, and Mellieha. This return service is useful after a long day in the sun, but it is not presented as a general Malta-wide hotel transfer.

The ride itself is part of the appeal. From the water, you get a different view of Malta’s northeast coast than you would from a road. Sit outside if the weather is comfortable, but keep the indoor cabin in mind if the sun becomes tiring.

The crossing to Comino and Gozo

The boat ride gives the day a pleasant start. You leave the mainland behind, feel the sea air, and watch the coast change from a close urban view to open water and island scenery.

You can visit Gozo first and then continue to Comino, or reverse the order. The exact sequence may depend on the option and operating schedule. That choice is useful because it lets you match the day to your priorities.

If swimming is your main goal, you will probably want to protect your Comino time. If you want to see a little of Gozo, get off there and make a short plan before the boat arrives. The key is to avoid assuming that you can see all of Gozo in a few hours.

The ferry has food and drinks for purchase, but they are not part of the $42 price. You can also buy refreshments in Gozo and Comino. I would still bring water and a small snack if you prefer to control your spending, while remembering that the supplied details only promise onboard and island purchases, not a specific included meal service.

Comino’s Blue Lagoon: the day’s big reward

The Blue Lagoon is the clearest reason to book this trip. Its water is famous for its clarity, and the basic plan is wonderfully simple: get off, swim, sit in the sun, and enjoy the setting.

Bring beachwear, a towel, and comfortable shoes. You will want swim clothes for the water, a towel for the ride or shore, and shoes for walking beyond the immediate swimming area. The ferry is not just a sightseeing platform, so plan for a real beach stop.

Time at Comino can also be used for a walk around the island rather than a swim. The experience details do not promise a guided walk, so you should treat this as free time. If you want the famous water, head straight to the lagoon and avoid spending the first part of your stop trying to organize extra activities.

A Comino Caves boat trip may be offered for an additional charge between June and September. It is not included in the ferry ticket. Consider it an optional add-on, not part of the core value of the day.

The main weakness is that the Blue Lagoon can become the only practical focus. If you spend a large part of the day there, Gozo may receive only a short visit. That is not necessarily a problem, but you should make the choice knowingly.

Gozo at Mgarr port: freedom with a time limit

Gozo gives you a chance to step off the boat and create your own short visit. You can explore around Mgarr, look for a fishing-village atmosphere, and enjoy a slower Mediterranean feel before returning to the ferry.

There is no included guided tour of Gozo. Once you get off at Mgarr port, you are responsible for deciding what to do and how to manage the clock. Local bus tour sellers may approach you as you leave the boat, offering paid sightseeing options.

That can be convenient if you have no plan, but it can also eat into your limited time. One useful warning is to avoid buying a Gozo bus circuit without checking how it fits with the later Comino departure. A route around Gozo may not suit you if your priority is reaching the Blue Lagoon for a long swim.

The strongest Gozo plan is a modest one. Choose a small area, allow plenty of time to return to the port, and do not try to cover the whole island. With only part of a day available, a focused visit is more satisfying than a rushed circuit.

The schedule can vary in feel. One reported arrangement offered about three hours at Mgarr, then about three hours at Comino. Other departures may give Gozo less usable time, especially if the boat arrives later than expected. Keep your plans flexible and listen closely to the return instructions.

How the seven hours really feel

Seven hours sounds generous until you divide it between two islands, boat crossings, getting on and off, and any delays. In the best version of the day, you get roughly three hours at Gozo and three hours at Comino, with the remaining time spent on the ferry.

That is enough for a taste of both islands. It is not enough for a full Gozo sightseeing day plus a relaxed Comino visit.

A useful way to think about the schedule is to choose your main event before boarding:

• If the Blue Lagoon comes first, make Comino your anchor and treat Gozo as an optional short stop.
• If Gozo matters more, keep your sightseeing close to Mgarr and do not spend too much time shopping for transport.
• If you mainly want a boat day, remain flexible and enjoy whichever island gives you the best weather and timing.

Some people have chosen to skip Gozo after arriving late and spend the full available time at the Blue Lagoon. That is a sensible choice if water and sun matter more to you than checking off both islands.

Is $42 good value?

At $42 per person, the price is reasonable for a seven-hour boat outing if you use the transport and spend meaningful time at Comino. You are paying for the catamaran crossing, access to a flexible route, onboard restrooms and Wi-Fi, and return transport in the listed hotel areas.

The value drops if you expect a full guided tour of Gozo. No Gozo guide, meal, or sightseeing program is included. You may also spend more on drinks, food, local transport, or the seasonal caves boat trip.

I see the price as strongest for three kinds of people: swimmers who want Blue Lagoon time, couples who prefer a free day over a fixed tour, and families who like having indoor and outdoor seating plus a restroom on the boat.

It is less attractive for someone who wants a carefully planned cultural tour. In that case, a dedicated Gozo excursion or a ferry service with more frequent island connections may give you better control.

Comfort, food, and what to pack

The ferry’s indoor air-conditioned area gives you a place to cool down, while the outdoor seating offers the best feel of the crossing. You can use Wi-Fi and the onboard restrooms, though the supplied details do not specify the quality or speed of the connection.

Food and drinks are available to buy on board and on both islands. Since they are not included, budget for them separately. If you plan to spend most of the day in swimwear, keep your belongings simple and bring only what you can manage easily between boat, shore, and port.

Your basic packing list should include:

• Beachwear
• Towel
• Comfortable shoes
• Money for food, drinks, and optional activities

Comfortable shoes matter even if you plan to swim. Gozo requires walking if you get off to explore, and Comino is more enjoyable when you are not limited to standing by the water.

Who should book this Comino and Gozo ferry?

I would recommend it to you if you want freedom rather than a guided program. You can choose your departure point, decide which island comes first, and spend the day at only one island if that suits you.

It also fits a short Malta stay. You can see two smaller islands in one outing without arranging separate boats and transfers. The hotel return service is another plus if you are based in one of the listed areas.

Families may like the practical setup, especially the restrooms, air-conditioning, and choice of seating. Swimmers will get the most from it, since the Blue Lagoon gives the day a clear purpose.

I would be cautious if you dislike changing plans or feel stressed by open-ended stops. Gozo is self-guided, local transport sellers may approach you at Mgarr, and the available time can feel short. You need to keep track of the ferry and make your own decisions.

My final take: book it for Comino, not a full Gozo tour

Book this ferry if your ideal Malta day includes sea views, a catamaran ride, and several hours at the Blue Lagoon. The flexible order and two departure areas make it practical, and the $42 fare can be fair when you use the boat as your main transport for the day.

Do not book it expecting an in-depth Gozo experience. You may get around three hours there, but late arrival or extra transport can leave you with much less time. For the best result, choose one main goal, check the ferry times, and treat the second island as a bonus rather than a promise of full sightseeing.

The experience earns its 3.8 out of 5 rating by doing one thing well: giving you an easy day on the water with a strong Comino stop. Its limits come from the same design. Freedom is useful, but it also means you must manage Gozo, timing, food, and optional activities yourself.

FAQ

How long does the Comino and Gozo ferry experience last?

The activity lasts seven hours.

Where can I depart from?

You can choose a departure from Sliema or Bugibba, depending on the option you book.

Can I choose which island to visit first?

Yes. You can visit Gozo first and then Comino, start with Comino, or choose to focus on only one of the two islands.

Is time at the Blue Lagoon included?

Yes. The ferry itinerary includes a stop at Comino, where you can swim, sunbathe, or explore during your available free time.

Is a Gozo tour included?

No. Gozo is self-guided after you get off at Mgarr port. Any local bus service or other sightseeing option costs extra.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks can be bought on the catamaran, in Gozo, and in Comino, but they are not included in the ticket price.

What should I bring?

Bring beachwear, a towel, and comfortable shoes. You should also plan for separate spending on food, drinks, and optional activities such as the Comino Caves boat trip, available between June and September.