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

This is a two-island day by ferry, not a guided sightseeing tour. You cruise Malta’s northern coast, get about two hours in Gozo, then spend roughly two hours at Comino’s Blue Lagoon. I like the comfortable catamaran and the freedom to make each stop your own. The main catch is that both stops are short, and the Blue Lagoon can be packed.

I also like the simple value: for $41, you get a full day on the water, air conditioning, toilets, Wi-Fi, and transport to two of Malta’s most famous islands. Just remember that transport around Gozo, food, drinks, and the Blue Lagoon access pass cost extra.

Key points at a glance

• Two islands in seven hours: See Gozo and Comino in one outing, with the boat handling the long water crossings.
• Gozo is self-guided: Use your free time around Mġarr Harbour, take a bus or coach to Victoria, or arrange a taxi.
• The Blue Lagoon now needs a pass: Since May 2025, you must arrange a government-issued access pass before stepping ashore.
• The catamaran is a real strength: Expect air conditioning, comfortable seating, toilets, Wi-Fi, and broad sea views.
• Crowds shape the Comino stop: The water is beautiful, but the small shore area can feel tightly packed in summer.
• Bring cash and sea shoes: Gozo transport and the optional cave boat cost extra, while Comino’s rocky entry is hard on bare feet.

A full day from Sliema or St. Paul’s Bay

You can choose to leave from Sliema Ferries or Buġibba Jetty in St. Paul’s Bay. The departure point matters more than it may first appear. Pick the option that is easiest from your accommodation, then arrive 15 to 20 minutes early so you are not rushing through boarding.

The boat first follows Malta’s northern coast before stopping briefly at St. Paul’s Bay to collect more passengers. This opening section is part of the pleasure of the trip. You are not simply being shuttled from one island to another. You get a long look at Malta from the water, with coastal views and the changing shape of the shore.

The boat is a modern, state-of-the-art catamaran with indoor air conditioning and outdoor viewing areas. The large vessel called I See Malta 2 has been especially well received for its spacious interior, cold air conditioning, comfortable seats, bar, and wide panoramic windows.

That comfort matters because the journey to Gozo can take around an hour and a half, depending on the route and conditions. The sea can become choppy, especially on a windy day. If you are prone to seasickness, this is not the right outing for you. Sit outside toward the back if that helps, and consider bringing seasickness tablets.

Arriving at Mġarr Harbour in Gozo

Gozo’s Mġarr Harbour is your first proper stop. You have approximately two hours before returning to the ferry. That sounds generous until you factor in walking, finding transport, and getting your bearings.

You can stay around Mġarr Harbour, use a public bus toward Victoria, take a taxi, or buy a round-trip transfer from one of the independent bus and coach operators waiting near the harbour. The transfer to Victoria has often cost around €5 in cash, but the price is not part of the $41 tour fare and can vary.

I would not spend the entire stop waiting around the harbour unless you want a very quiet break. Victoria, Gozo’s capital, is the better target if you want a taste of the island beyond the port. The Citadel is the key sight there, and you may also find market stalls, cafés, and places to eat.

Still, keep your expectations sensible. Two hours is enough for a quick introduction, not a full Gozo visit. You will need to watch the clock closely, particularly if you use a shared bus or coach. The ferry does not wait for late passengers.

This short stop creates the main choice of the day. If Gozo is your priority, take a separate Gozo excursion with more time on the island. If you want a sample of Victoria combined with Comino and the Blue Lagoon, this arrangement gives you a useful taste of both.

What to do with your limited Gozo time

The easiest plan is to arrange transport to Victoria as soon as you arrive. Independent operators at Mġarr Harbour may offer round-trip bus or coach transfers. These services are not run as part of a guided tour, so ask exactly what is included and when the return vehicle leaves.

If you stay near the harbour, you can walk around the waterfront and take in the views without paying for transport. This is the least stressful option, but it gives you a much narrower look at Gozo.

A taxi lets you move more directly, though taxi costs are also extra. The official experience does not provide a guide, and entry fees for sites are not included, so you are responsible for choosing where to go and how long to stay.

I like this independence for people who dislike being herded from sight to sight. You can focus on the Citadel, eat something, browse the stalls, or simply sit by the water. The downside is that a first-time visitor has to make quick decisions, and the harbour transport can feel disorganized.

Set an alarm on your phone and return to the ferry early. The crew gives instructions, but the boat will continue on schedule.

The crossing from Gozo to Comino

After Gozo, you board again at Mġarr Harbour for the short continuation to Comino. This part of the day shifts from sightseeing to swimming and shore time.

The trip gives you approximately two hours at Comino, although exact timing can vary with the day’s schedule and sea conditions. That sounds like enough for a swim, photos, and a look around. In practice, time goes quickly because the access point can be crowded and changing facilities are limited.

The boat does not remain anchored as a floating beach club. You disembark and spend your free time ashore. This is important when comparing this trip with other cruises that let you swim directly from the boat.

Blue Lagoon: beautiful water, limited room

The Blue Lagoon is the headline stop. Its clear turquoise water and pale seabed create the classic Malta postcard scene. The water is inviting, and on a good day it is easy to understand why this bay draws so many boats and swimmers.

The practical reality is less dreamy. The beach area is small, there are few places to sit, and the shore can become extremely crowded during July and August. The entry can also be rocky, slippery, and sharp, so sea shoes are one of the smartest things you can pack.

Bring swimwear and a towel, but consider changing before you leave the catamaran. Changing space on Comino is limited, and you will want to use as much of your short stop as possible. Sunscreen, sunglasses, a camera, and cash are also useful.

A major rule now applies. Since May 2025, you need a government-issued access pass to step ashore at the Blue Lagoon. You must arrange it independently through the official website, blcomino.com, and the daily allocation is limited. For this itinerary, select the afternoon timeslot when applying.

Do not treat this as a minor detail. Without the official pass, you will not be allowed to disembark at the Blue Lagoon. The requirement comes from the Maltese government, not the ferry company, so check that the pass is arranged before departure.

Crowds are the deciding factor here. In quieter months, the lagoon can be a lovely swim stop, and even winter brings mild conditions suitable for walkers and photographers. In peak season, the same place may feel more like a packed public swimming area than a peaceful island retreat.

The optional Comino caves trip

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

This add-on can be worthwhile if you care more about seeing the coast from the water than sitting on the crowded Blue Lagoon shore. It gives you another view of Comino and makes better use of the stop for anyone who is not interested in swimming.

It is not included in the $41 price, and the operator cannot guarantee it in poor conditions. Bring cash, and decide based on the weather, your remaining time, and how busy the lagoon looks when you arrive.

Is $41 good value?

At $41 per person, I consider this good value if you want transport, a coastal cruise, and brief visits to both islands. A full seven-hour outing with an air-conditioned catamaran, Wi-Fi, toilets, and crew support is a fair deal, especially if you are staying in Sliema or St. Paul’s Bay.

The value is less clear if you mainly want a relaxed beach day or a serious visit to Gozo. You still need to budget for Gozo transport, the Blue Lagoon access pass, food and drinks, and possibly the €15 cave trip. Those extras can push the real cost well above the advertised fare.

The absence of a guide keeps the price down, but it also means you must organize your own time. You are paying for the boat and the island stops, not for historical commentary or a planned walking tour.

I see this as a transport-and-free-time tour, with sightseeing built around the ferry ride. That is a good match for independent people. It is a weaker fit if you want someone to explain the sites, choose your route, and keep everything bundled into one price.

Comfort, boarding, and timing

The crew generally provides clear instructions and is helpful once you are on board. The catamaran is clean, spacious, and well suited to a long day at sea. The bar is available on board, but food and drinks are not included, so plan to buy them or bring what you need within the operator’s rules.

Boarding can be less polished than the boat ride itself. Have your booking QR code ready and pay close attention to the wristband process. You may need both a red ferry wristband and a blue Blue Lagoon wristband before boarding or disembarking. Keep the code accessible offline if possible, since phone connection or app problems can cause delays.

Arrive early if you want a better choice of seat. The vessel fills with families, couples, friends, and larger groups. The experience is not designed around solo socializing, though one parent described it as easy to manage with a seven-year-old child.

Stay alert at every departure. The boat leaves Gozo and Comino on schedule, and late arrivals may be left behind. This is a ferry cruise, not a private charter.

Who will enjoy this outing most?

I would choose this trip if you have only one day for Malta’s northern islands and want to see Gozo and Comino without arranging separate transport. It works well for couples, families, and friends who are happy to split their time between a little independent sightseeing and a swim.

It also suits people who value comfort. The air conditioning is welcome in Malta’s heat, while the toilets, Wi-Fi, and indoor seating make the long crossings easier.

You should choose something else if you want a quiet Blue Lagoon visit in August, a long day in Victoria, or a fully guided history tour. People with mobility impairments should note that the activity is not considered suitable for them, and non-folding wheelchairs are not allowed. Anyone prone to seasickness should also think carefully before booking.

Wear comfortable shoes for Gozo and bring sea shoes for Comino. Pets, oversized luggage, and smoking are not allowed.

Should you book the Gozo and Comino ferry?

Book it if your goal is maximum island coverage in one day. You get a pleasant coastal cruise, a practical two-hour sample of Gozo, and time to swim at one of Malta’s most famous bays. The modern catamaran and friendly onboard crew add real comfort to what could otherwise be a tiring day.

Skip it if you want depth rather than variety. Gozo deserves more than a short stop, and the Blue Lagoon can be too crowded to deliver the peaceful experience suggested by its photographs.

My best advice is to choose the earliest workable departure, arrange the Blue Lagoon pass before leaving home, carry cash, and decide in advance whether Victoria or the lagoon matters more to you. With those expectations, this is a useful and fairly priced introduction to Malta’s sister islands.

FAQ

How long does the ferry cruise last?

The activity lasts approximately 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 selected when booking.

Is this a guided tour?

No. There is no guide. You receive free time in Gozo and Comino and explore both places independently.

How much time do I get in Gozo?

You get approximately two hours in Gozo. You can stay around Mġarr Harbour, take public transport to Victoria, or arrange transport with an independent operator.

Do I need a pass for the Blue Lagoon?

Yes. Since May 2025, you must obtain a government-issued access pass in advance to step ashore at the Blue Lagoon. The pass is arranged through blcomino.com, and the afternoon timeslot is required for this trip.

Is the motorboat trip to the caves included?

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

What is included on the catamaran?

The price includes the sightseeing catamaran cruise, free time in Gozo and Comino, Wi-Fi, air conditioning, toilet facilities, and onboard staff. Food, drinks, Gozo land transport, entry fees, and the optional motorboat trip are not included.