Coastal Ferry Cruise with Stops in Gozo and Comino Bue Lagoon

Two islands, one long day at sea. This ferry cruise packs Malta’s northern coast, Gozo, and Comino’s Blue Lagoon into roughly seven to eight hours, making it an easy way to see several highlights without arranging separate boats. I especially like the comfortable catamaran, with air-conditioning, toilets, Wi-Fi, and crew assistance, plus the choice of departing from Sliema or St. Paul’s Bay.

I also like the freedom built into the day. You get about two hours in Gozo and another two hours at Comino, so you can choose between sightseeing, swimming, walking, or simply sitting by the water. The main drawback is time: two hours is enough for a taste of each island, but not enough for a relaxed visit to Gozo’s capital and several sights.

The company’s communication earns praise, particularly for clear instructions. Still, you need to pay close attention to the return times, arrange any Gozo transport yourself, and secure the required government access pass before stepping ashore at the Blue Lagoon.

Key points to know before booking

• Two departure points: Choose Sliema Ferries or Sirens Quay in St. Paul’s Bay when booking.
• Gozo time is independent: You have about two hours, with buses, taxis, and independent transport operators available at Mġarr Harbour for an extra fee.
• Blue Lagoon access now requires a pass: Since May 2025, you must obtain an official pass through blcomino.com and select the afternoon time slot.
• The boat leaves during each stop: This is a ferry service, not a boat waiting beside the islands all day. Confirm every return time with the crew.
• The optional cave trip costs extra: A motorboat ride to Comino’s caves and Crystal Lagoon costs around €15 per person, subject to weather.
• The day is good value for island-hoppers: At $41.71 per person, the cruise covers the main boat transfers, but food, land transport, site admission, and the Blue Lagoon pass are extra.

What this Malta ferry day is really like

This is best understood as a scenic transport day with sightseeing built in. The catamaran carries you from Malta to Gozo, then onward to Comino, before returning you to your original departure area. You are not joining a guided historical tour, and there is no guide leading you from monument to monument.

That lack of a guide is both a strength and a limitation. I like that you are not tied to a lecture or a fixed walking route. You can spend your Gozo stop at Mġarr Harbour, make a quick trip toward Victoria, or stay close to the waterfront. At Comino, you can swim, walk, take photos, or pay for the optional boat ride.

The tradeoff is that you must manage your own time. You need to know where to rejoin the ferry and when to be back. Ask the crew to repeat the meeting point and departure time if anything is unclear. Arriving a few minutes early at the boarding point is the sensible approach.

The boat holds up to 230 people, so this is not a small private outing. It is a practical shared ferry with modern facilities, not an intimate sailing trip. The air-conditioning matters during Malta’s warmer months, while the Wi-Fi and toilets make the long day easier.

Starting from Sliema or St. Paul’s Bay

You can begin at Sliema Ferries in Sliema or Sirens Quay in St. Paul’s Bay. The choice lets you cut down on unnecessary travel across Malta before the boat leaves, so select the departure point that fits your accommodation and morning plans.

You need to arrive 15 to 20 minutes before your scheduled departure. The boat first follows Malta’s northern coastline, offering views of shoreline attractions before making a brief stop at Sirens Quay to collect additional passengers.

That short stop lasts about 10 minutes. It is not a sightseeing visit, so do not plan to get off and explore St. Paul’s Bay. The main value of this opening stretch is the coastal view and the chance to settle into the boat before the island stops begin.

Bring only what you need for the day. Pets, large luggage, and large suitcases are not allowed. A small day bag with swimwear, a towel, water, sun protection, and some cash is more suitable than full luggage.

Gozo begins at Mġarr Harbour

The ferry reaches Mġarr Harbour, Gozo’s main port, where you disembark for about two hours. Mġarr is a useful arrival point, but it is not the same as arriving in Victoria, Gozo’s capital. That distinction matters because reaching Victoria takes extra time and costs extra money.

You can explore Mġarr Harbour and the surrounding area independently. You can also use a public bus, take a taxi, or arrange a round-trip transfer with one of the independent bus or coach operators at the harbour. None of these land transport costs is included in the cruise price.

I would keep your Gozo plan modest. Two hours can work for a brief look around Mġarr or a quick trip toward Victoria, but the clock starts working against you as soon as you leave the harbour. You need to allow time for the outward journey, the visit itself, and the return to the ferry.

Victoria is worth considering if seeing Gozo’s capital is your main goal, but this cruise does not give you enough time for a full island tour. You will not have room for several distant attractions unless you arrange transport carefully and accept a rushed visit.

The benefit of this stop is flexibility. You are not forced to pay for a preselected coach route, and you can decide how much effort you want to spend getting farther inland. The drawback is that transport arrangements are your responsibility, and prices or availability from independent providers are not included in the $41.71 fare.

Two hours at Comino’s Blue Lagoon

After the Gozo stop, the ferry returns to Mġarr Harbour and continues to Comino. You get approximately two hours at the Blue Lagoon, which is the visual centerpiece of the day.

The water is known for its clear turquoise color, white sandy bottom, and marine life. It is a natural choice for swimming and a refreshing break after the morning cruise. If you prefer not to swim, you can use the time for photographs or a short walk around Comino.

Comino has no cars or urban areas, so its appeal is different from Gozo’s. It feels more open and simple, with trails leading toward St. Mary’s Chapel, St. Mary’s Watch Tower, and St. Mary’s Battery. In winter, the island can suit walkers and photographers particularly well, when swimming may be less appealing.

There is a practical issue you must handle before departure. Since May 2025, anyone stepping ashore at the Blue Lagoon needs a government-issued access pass. You obtain it through the official website, blcomino.com, and this cruise requires you to choose the afternoon time slot when applying.

The daily number of passes is limited. If you arrive without one, you will not be allowed to disembark, and there is no refund for missing the stop because you failed to secure the pass. This is the single most important booking detail.

Also remember that the ferry does not remain at the Blue Lagoon. It drops you off, leaves, and later returns to collect you. Confirm the exact departure time and meeting point with the crew before walking away from the boarding area.

Swimming, walking, or paying extra for the caves

The Blue Lagoon stop gives you a choice, although the two-hour limit keeps those choices narrow. You can swim in the clear water, sit near the shore, walk one of the island trails, or combine a short walk with a quick swim.

A motorboat trip to Comino’s caves and Crystal Lagoon is available as an optional extra. It costs around €15 per person, though the price can change without notice, and you pay on site. The trip depends on weather and sea conditions, so treat it as an option rather than a guaranteed part of your day.

I would not try to do everything. A cave trip, a swim, and a long walk can easily become a scramble to return on time. Choose one main activity and leave a generous margin before the ferry’s departure.

Take cash. Internet service on Comino is not always stable, and some payments may only be accepted in cash. Food and drinks are not included, so bring money for anything you plan to buy during the stops.

Comfort on the catamaran

The modern catamaran is one of the strongest parts of the experience. Air-conditioning gives you a break from the sun, while toilets and free Wi-Fi are useful on a full-day outing. Crew and staff are available for assistance, which is especially helpful when you need to confirm the changing boarding arrangements.

The boat’s size also creates a clear expectation. With a maximum of 230 people, you should not expect a quiet, personal cruise. You are paying for an efficient island connection with coastal views, not a private yacht atmosphere.

The itinerary can change because of weather, sea conditions, strong winds, or other operating problems. Malta’s sea may look calm from shore, but conditions can affect a ferry schedule quickly. If the company cancels because of poor weather, you can reschedule or receive a full refund if you cannot use the new date.

The cruise is not recommended if you are prone to seasickness. It is also not recommended for people with mobility impairments. The ferry involves boarding and disembarking at several points, and the independent nature of the stops means you need to manage your own movements.

Is $41.71 a fair price?

At $41.71 per person, the fare is reasonable if your priority is seeing Gozo and Comino in one day. The price includes the sightseeing ferry, the return boat journey, air-conditioning, Wi-Fi, toilet facilities, and crew assistance. It also saves you from arranging separate maritime transport between the islands.

The fare does not cover the costs that can quickly shape your final budget. You still need to pay for transport around Gozo, food and drinks, admission to any paid sites, and the official Blue Lagoon access pass if a fee applies. The optional cave trip costs about €15.

The value depends on how you use the free time. If you stay near Mġarr and spend your Comino visit swimming, the included ferry covers the main experience. If you want to reach Victoria, visit several Gozo sights, eat out, and add the cave trip, your total cost will rise.

I would choose this option for convenience rather than maximum depth. It is cheaper and simpler than booking several separate transfers, but it cannot give Gozo the time it deserves. The previous timing leaves roughly two hours on each island, and even positive feedback about the day points to a wish for closer to three hours per stop.

Who will enjoy this cruise most?

This day suits you if you want a broad taste of Malta’s islands and prefer independent exploring. It works well for people who enjoy scenic boat travel, want a Blue Lagoon swim, and are comfortable checking the time and arranging their own local transport.

It can also suit first-time visitors with limited time in Malta. You see three island settings in one outing: Malta’s northern coast from the water, Gozo through Mġarr or a short inland trip, and Comino through swimming or walking.

I would think twice if Gozo is your main reason for visiting. Two hours is short for Victoria and far too short for a relaxed tour of the island’s many parts. A dedicated Gozo day would give you more freedom, but this cruise is useful when you want Gozo and Comino together.

I would also avoid it if you dislike fixed ferry schedules, crowded shared transport, or sea travel. The itinerary depends on conditions, and missing a return boat can disrupt the rest of your day. Clear communication from the crew helps, but you remain responsible for being at the right place on time.

Booking and cancellation details to keep in mind

You receive confirmation when booking, and the mobile ticket makes the experience easy to carry on your phone. You should still arrive 15 to 20 minutes early and keep the departure instructions available.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the experience begins. Cancellations or changes made within 24 hours are not refunded, except when the company cancels because of poor weather or sea conditions and you cannot reschedule.

The Blue Lagoon access pass is separate from the ferry booking. Do not treat the mobile ticket as permission to go ashore at Comino. Apply through blcomino.com in advance, select the required afternoon slot, and confirm that your pass matches the date of your cruise.

Should you book the Gozo and Comino ferry?

Book it if you want a straightforward full-day outing with Malta’s northern coast, a short Gozo visit, and time to swim at the Blue Lagoon. The modern catamaran, two departure points, and clear crew instructions make the day practical, while the $41.71 fare offers fair value for the main boat connections.

Skip it if you want a slow, detailed visit to Gozo or prefer a guided cultural tour. The stops are independent, transport on Gozo costs extra, and the two-hour limits require discipline.

My best advice is to secure the Blue Lagoon pass first, choose the most convenient departure point, bring cash, and ask the crew to confirm every return time. With those details handled, this is a useful way to sample Malta’s island coast without spending the day planning connections yourself.

FAQ

How long does the ferry cruise last?

The experience lasts approximately seven to eight hours, including the coastal cruise and stops in Gozo and Comino.

Where can I board the ferry?

You can choose to depart from Sliema Ferries in Sliema or Sirens Quay in St. Paul’s Bay when booking.

How long do I have in Gozo?

You have approximately two hours of free time in Gozo after arriving at Mġarr Harbour.

Is transport from Mġarr Harbour to Victoria included?

No. Public buses, taxis, and independent bus or coach services are available, but land transportation costs are not included.

Do I need a pass for the Blue Lagoon?

Yes. Since May 2025, you need an official government-issued access pass to disembark at the Blue Lagoon. You can obtain it through blcomino.com, and you must select the afternoon time slot for this cruise.

Is the Blue Lagoon access pass included in the ferry price?

No. The pass is not included in the cruise fare, and you are responsible for obtaining it in advance.

Is food included?

No. Food and drinks are not included, so you should plan to bring money or your own provisions as permitted for the trip.

Can I take a boat trip to Comino’s caves?

Yes. An optional motorboat trip to the Comino Caves and Crystal Lagoon can be booked on site for around €15 per person. It is subject to weather and the fee may change.

What happens if bad weather cancels the cruise?

You will be offered another date. If you cannot reschedule, you will receive a full refund.