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

Gozo and Comino in one day sounds like a fine deal, and this seven-hour catamaran trip gives you exactly that: a scenic ride, about two hours in Gozo, and another two hours at Comino’s Blue Lagoon. You are not following a guide or a fixed walking route. Once ashore, the day is yours.

I like the comfortable, air-conditioned boat and the freedom to choose how you spend your short stops. The coastal views are a real part of the experience, and the boat has Wi-Fi, toilets, indoor seating, and a bar. The catch is limited time in Gozo, heavy crowds at Blue Lagoon in summer, and a required government access pass for landing at the lagoon.

Key points to know before booking

• Two islands in one day: You visit Gozo first, then Comino, with roughly two hours at each stop.
• A ferry, not a guided tour: Staff handle boarding and timing, but there is no guide walking you through Gozo or Comino.
• Gozo transport costs extra: You can use a public bus, taxi, or an independent coach from Mġarr Harbour to Victoria. A coach option is commonly offered for about €5 in cash.
• Blue Lagoon access is now regulated: Since May 2025, you need an official access pass from blcomino.com to step ashore at the Blue Lagoon.
• Bring sea shoes: The lagoon shore is rocky, slippery, and sharp in places, with little comfortable seating.
• Best for convenience: The $40 price is fair if you want transport to both islands without arranging separate ferries, but extra costs add up.

The morning ride from Sliema or St. Paul’s Bay

You can start at Sliema Ferries or Sirens Quay in St. Paul’s Bay. Your booking option determines the exact meeting point and departure time, so check it carefully. Arrive 15 to 20 minutes early. This is a busy boat operation, and arriving late is not a good way to begin an island day.

The catamaran first cruises along Malta’s northern coast. The ride is not just a transfer from point A to point B. You get broad views of the shoreline and the attractions along the coast, then make a short stop at St. Paul’s Bay to collect additional passengers.

The boat is one of the strongest parts of this trip. It is modern, spacious, and air-conditioned, with large windows for sightseeing. You can sit inside in cool comfort or look for a better view outside. Some boats have a bar, and free Wi-Fi is included.

Allow roughly an hour and a half for the trip to Gozo, depending on the departure point and sea conditions. The water can get choppy, especially on a windy day. If you are prone to seasickness, bring medication and choose a seat with fresh air and a clear view of the horizon. This outing is not recommended for people who regularly struggle on boats.

Mġarr Harbour and your short Gozo visit

The ferry docks at Mġarr Harbour, Gozo’s main port. The harbor itself is attractive, with boats, steep coastal slopes, and a clear sense that you have arrived somewhere quieter than Malta. The problem is the clock. You have approximately two hours before returning to the ferry.

You have several choices:

• Stay around Mġarr Harbour and explore at a relaxed pace.
• Take a public bus toward Victoria.
• Hire a taxi.
• Book a round-trip coach or bus with an independent operator at the harbor.

The coach transfer to Victoria is often the most practical choice for a first visit. It has been offered for about €5 in cash, though the exact cost and availability are handled by the local operator, not included in the ferry fare. Carry cash, since the trip specifically recommends it and extra transport is not covered by the $40 price.

Victoria, also called Rabat, is Gozo’s capital. From there, you may be able to see the Citadel, browse market stalls, or stop for food. But do not expect a leisurely city tour. The transfer takes time, and you must return to Mġarr Harbour before the ferry departs.

This is why I would not use this outing as my only Gozo visit if Gozo is your main interest. Two hours can work for a quick look at Victoria, but it is not enough for a relaxed visit to several parts of the island. You might spend much of your allotted time getting to and from the capital.

On the other hand, the short stop is useful if your goal is simply to sample Gozo while also seeing Comino. You avoid figuring out separate ferry tickets and get a taste of the island without giving up the Blue Lagoon.

From Gozo to Comino’s Blue Lagoon

After Gozo, you return to the catamaran and continue to Comino. The island has no cars or urban center, and its appeal is the water, open paths, and stark coastal setting. The famous Blue Lagoon has clear turquoise water and a pale seabed that makes it look especially striking from the boat.

You have roughly two hours at Comino. That sounds generous until you account for landing, finding a place to leave your things, changing clothes, and getting into the water. The lagoon is small and can feel packed in the summer months, particularly in August.

The shore is not a soft sandy beach. Expect rock, slippery footing, and sharp edges in places. Sea shoes are a smart item to pack, and a towel, swimsuit, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a waterproof bag will make the stop easier.

Comfortable seating is scarce near the lagoon. You may find yourself sitting on a rock or looking for a narrow place beside the water. If your main aim is a long, peaceful beach break, this stop may disappoint during peak season. The water and scenery are beautiful, but the setting is not private or spacious.

Changing on the boat is a sensible move if you plan to swim. Once you reach the lagoon, changing facilities are limited, and two hours passes quickly. You also need to keep an eye on the departure time. The ferry will not remain at Comino indefinitely while you wander elsewhere.

The Blue Lagoon access pass is essential

A new Maltese government rule took effect in May 2025. To disembark at the Blue Lagoon, you must obtain an official access pass in advance through blcomino.com.

The pass is separate from this booking. It is your responsibility, and daily numbers are limited. When applying, select the afternoon time slot for this trip. Without the pass, you will not be allowed to step ashore at the Blue Lagoon.

This is the single most important booking detail. Do not assume that paying $40 for the ferry automatically gives you permission to land. Arrange the pass before your day on the water, and keep the confirmation accessible.

The rule may add a little planning, but it also tells you something useful about the lagoon: the site has become so crowded that access now needs to be managed. Even with a pass, do not expect an empty cove in summer.

Optional boat trip to the sea caves

At Comino, you may be offered a motorboat trip to the Comino Caves and Crystal Lagoon. It costs approximately €15 per person, paid locally, and runs only when weather and sea conditions are suitable.

This is an optional add-on, not part of the $40 fare. It can be worthwhile if you want to see more of Comino from the water, but remember that it takes time away from swimming or sitting at the Blue Lagoon. If you already have a short visit planned, decide what matters most before paying.

The extra sales offers can feel tiring if you simply want to enjoy the stop. You are under no obligation to buy the motorboat ride. The main ferry trip continues as planned.

A different Comino in winter

Comino is not only a summer swimming stop. In cooler months, the island’s lack of cars and built-up areas makes it appealing for walkers and photographers. You can look for paths leading toward St. Mary’s Chapel, St. Mary’s Watch Tower, and St. Mary’s Battery.

Winter also avoids the worst summer crowds, though swimming conditions and boat schedules depend on weather. The official trip description specifically presents Comino as a walking destination outside the high season, so pack comfortable shoes if you plan to explore beyond the lagoon.

The same warning about time applies. Two hours is enough for a short walk or a swim, not a full circuit of the island. Plan one priority rather than trying to see everything.

What the $40 price really covers

At $40 per person, this trip is reasonably priced for a full day on the water. Your fare includes the sightseeing catamaran, the return journey, free time at both Gozo and Comino, air conditioning, Wi-Fi, toilets, and staff on board.

That is useful if you want a simple way to combine both islands. You do not need to arrange separate ferry tickets or work out the sea connection between Gozo and Comino yourself.

Still, the headline price is not the complete cost of the day. Budget separately for:

• Transport from Mġarr Harbour to Victoria or elsewhere in Gozo
• Food and drinks
• Any entrance fees
• The optional Comino caves and Crystal Lagoon boat trip
• The government access pass for the Blue Lagoon

The Gozo coach may cost about €5 in cash, and the optional motorboat is approximately €15. These are modest additions, but a family or larger group will notice them.

The price is best for someone who values convenience and wants a broad taste of Malta’s sister islands. It is less attractive if you want a quiet beach day, a long Gozo visit, or a small boat with room to swim away from the shore.

Who will enjoy this trip most

I would recommend this outing to independent sightseers who like having transport arranged but do not need a guide. You can decide if Gozo means Victoria, the Citadel, harbor views, or simply a quick walk and meal. At Comino, you can swim, take photos, walk, or pay for the optional motorboat.

Families can also find the format manageable. A parent traveling alone with a seven-year-old found the day easy to follow, and the clear instructions and organized ferry schedule help. Still, children need close supervision around the rocky lagoon shore and the water.

The trip is less suitable for anyone with limited mobility. It is not designed for people with mobility impairments, and non-folding wheelchairs are not accepted. Boarding, disembarking, harbor transfers, and the uneven Comino shore all require care.

It is also a poor match for anyone who dislikes crowds or gets seasick. The boat is comfortable, but comfort does not remove the motion of the sea. Peak-season Comino can be especially crowded.

Practical packing and timing advice

Wear comfortable shoes for both harbors and Comino’s paths. Pack swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, a camera, and cash for local transport or optional extras.

I would also bring a light layer for the air-conditioned cabin. Some passengers find the interior very cold, even on a warm Maltese day. If you plan to swim, change before reaching Comino so you do not lose precious minutes looking for a private spot.

Keep your ferry return time visible. Gozo and Comino are free-time stops, not guided visits, so nobody is leading you back through the island. The boat waits according to its schedule.

The tour ends back at the original meeting point. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you need to make your own way to Sliema or St. Paul’s Bay at the start and end of the day.

Should you book the Gozo and Comino ferry?

Book it if you want one convenient day covering two islands, a comfortable boat, and the freedom to make your own choices ashore. The coastal cruise, air conditioning, Wi-Fi, and simple ferry logistics give the $40 fare solid value.

Skip it if your priority is a deep visit to Gozo, a quiet swim, or a relaxed beach with plenty of space. In that case, a separate Gozo trip or a boat outing focused mainly on swimming may serve you better.

Before booking, secure the Blue Lagoon access pass, choose the correct afternoon slot, and accept that Comino may be crowded. With those limits in mind, this is a practical sampler of Gozo and Comino, not a full exploration of either island.

FAQ

How long does the ferry cruise last?

The full activity lasts approximately 7 to 7.5 hours. Check the available departure options when booking.

Where can I board the catamaran?

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

Is this a guided tour?

No. This is a ferry cruise with free time in Gozo and Comino. There is no guide leading visits on either island.

How much time do I get in Gozo?

You have approximately two hours of free time in Gozo before boarding the ferry again.

Can I visit Victoria from Mġarr Harbour?

Yes. You can use a public bus, taxi, or an independent bus or coach service at the harbor. The cost of Gozo land transport is not included.

Do I need a pass for the Blue Lagoon?

Yes. Since May 2025, you need an official government access pass to step ashore at the Blue Lagoon. Apply through blcomino.com and select the afternoon time slot for this trip.

Is the Blue Lagoon access pass included?

No. You must arrange and obtain the pass independently. Daily allocations are limited.

Is the motorboat to the caves included?

No. The optional motorboat trip to the Comino Caves and Crystal Lagoon costs approximately €15 per person and is paid locally.

What should I bring?

Bring comfortable shoes, sunglasses, swimwear, a towel, a camera, sunscreen, and cash.

Is the trip suitable for wheelchair users?

The activity is not suitable for people with mobility impairments, and non-folding wheelchairs are not allowed.