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

Two islands, one boat, a tricky timetable. This seven-hour ferry trip gives you the freedom to choose Comino, Gozo, or both, with departures from Sliema or Bugibba. I like the choice of starting points and the chance to sit outside for sea views or inside in air-conditioned comfort. The included hotel transfers also make this easier than arranging your own ride to the harbor.

The Blue Lagoon is the main prize, with clear water for swimming and sunbathing. I also like that you can make your own plan instead of following a guide around all day. The catch is time: trying to fit both islands into seven hours can leave Gozo feeling rushed, and delays can make the connection to Comino less useful.

Key points to know before booking

• The departure port shapes your day: Choose Sliema for transfers to major hotels in Sliema and St. Julian’s, or Bugibba for hotel transfers in Bugibba, Qawra, and Mellieha.
• Comino is the easy highlight: The Blue Lagoon offers clear water, swimming, and a long break for relaxing.
• Gozo is self-guided: You get off at Mgarr port and decide how to spend your time, with no included guided island tour.
• The two-stop plan can feel tight: A sample schedule allowed about three hours in Gozo and three hours at Comino, but late arrival can cut Gozo time further.
• Onboard basics are covered: Restrooms and Wi-Fi are included, while food, drinks, and the seasonal Comino Caves boat trip cost extra.
• This suits flexible beach days: It works best if you are happy to choose one island when timing becomes tight.

What this seven-hour ferry day really offers

This is not a fully guided sightseeing tour. Think of it as shared boat transport with flexible island stops, plus the option to stay aboard and continue to the next destination.

You can choose to visit Gozo first and then Comino, start at Comino, or focus on only one island. That flexibility matters because the two islands offer very different days. Comino is mainly about water and open-air relaxation. Gozo gives you a chance to explore around Mgarr and seek out fishing villages and a slower Mediterranean mood.

The ferry leaves from either Sliema or Bugibba, depending on the option you book. From the boat, you get views along Malta’s northeast coast. You can sit outdoors for the breeze or use the air-conditioned indoor seating when the sun becomes too strong.

The trip lasts seven hours, so you should treat it as a full half-day on the water and islands. It is long enough for a worthwhile stop, but not long enough to see every corner of Gozo and Comino at a relaxed pace.

Sliema or Bugibba: choosing the right starting point

Your departure point should be based on where you are staying. Choosing the wrong port can turn a convenient ferry trip into a morning of unnecessary transfers.

The Sliema option includes transport back to major hotels in Sliema and St. Julian’s. The Bugibba option includes return transport to major hotels in Bugibba, Qawra, and Mellieha. The exact meeting point can vary by booking, so check the instructions carefully before leaving your hotel.

Sliema is the practical choice if you are staying around Malta’s central coastal hotel areas. Bugibba makes more sense for northern resorts. The included hotel return service is useful after a day in the sun, when the last thing you want is to figure out a bus connection.

I would not choose based only on the port’s name. Choose based on your hotel location first, then look at the departure time and planned order of stops. The ferry offers the same basic idea from either side, but your transfer time can affect how much of the day you actually enjoy.

The boat ride along Malta’s northeast coast

The crossing is part of the experience, not just a way to get from one island to another. Outdoor seating lets you enjoy the ocean air and coastal views, while the indoor cabin provides a cooler place to sit during the warmest part of the day.

The ferry has restrooms and Wi-Fi. Food and drinks are available for purchase onboard, but they are not included in the $42 price. You can also buy refreshments on Gozo or Comino, so you do not need to carry a full picnic unless you prefer to control your costs.

The boat’s flexibility is its main strength. You can stay onboard between stops or get off and build your own day. That sounds simple, but you must keep a close eye on the return schedule. The service is not the same as having a frequent public ferry running every few minutes.

A late arrival can change your plan. If the boat reaches Gozo later than expected, you may decide that a short visit is not worth the trouble and spend the day at Comino instead. That choice is sensible, especially if swimming at the Blue Lagoon is your main goal.

Comino and the Blue Lagoon: the day’s clearest reward

Comino is the stop most people picture when they see this experience. The Blue Lagoon is known for clear water, and the planned stop gives you time to swim, sunbathe, and relax beside the sea.

Bring beachwear and a towel. Comfortable shoes are also recommended, especially if you want to walk around rather than stay by the water. The boat’s stop is valuable because it gives you a set block of time to enjoy Comino instead of trying to squeeze in a quick photo from the deck.

The water is the main attraction, so this stop suits you best if you want a beach break. It is less suited to someone seeking museums, detailed cultural commentary, or a guided walk. No guided sightseeing is included on Comino.

The Blue Lagoon can easily absorb your full attention. If you arrive after a short Gozo stop, you may prefer to stay at Comino for the rest of the day rather than rush back to the other island. This is one of the most important choices built into the trip.

A Comino Caves boat trip may be available for an extra charge between June and September. It is not included, so treat it as an optional add-on rather than part of the basic experience. Food and drinks are also extra.

Gozo at Mgarr: freedom with a time limit

The ferry takes you to Gozo, where you can get off at Mgarr port and make your own plans. This gives you freedom, but it also means there is no included guide or fixed sightseeing route once you step ashore.

You might explore nearby areas, look for charming fishing villages, or simply enjoy the island’s slower pace. The supplied details do not promise a particular attraction or guided route, so you should not book this expecting a full tour of Gozo.

One useful example of the timing is a schedule that allowed about three hours on Gozo before the boat continued to Comino, followed by about three hours at the Blue Lagoon. That is enough for a taste of each island, but not enough for an ambitious Gozo sightseeing plan.

Transport sellers may approach you at Mgarr port with island services. You can choose one if it fits your plan, but remember that every extra transfer takes time away from Gozo itself. A hop-on hop-off bus service may not fit well if your boat connection to Comino is fixed later in the day.

This is where the ferry’s flexible promise needs a little interpretation. You can choose where to get off, but you cannot assume unlimited time at either island. The boat’s next departure sets the boundaries.

Why the schedule matters more than the price

At $42 per person, the trip can be good value if you use it as a combined boat transfer, coastal cruise, Comino stop, and short Gozo visit. The included return hotel transport adds value, particularly if you are staying in one of the listed areas.

The price is less attractive if you want a long, detailed day on Gozo. You may need to pay for local transport, food, drinks, or optional activities, and the available time can still be short. In that case, a simple ferry service with more departure times might suit you better.

I would think of this as a convenient island sampler. You pay for access to both islands and the freedom to choose your stops, not for a guided explanation of Malta’s culture or a complete Gozo tour.

The mixed rating of 3.8 reflects the main trade-off. The boat, Blue Lagoon, and choice of route work well when the day runs on time. The experience becomes less satisfying when the Gozo stop is shortened or a delay makes it difficult to reach Comino as planned.

What happens if you choose only one island?

You do not have to visit both islands. The experience allows you to explore Comino or Gozo exclusively if that suits your plans.

Choosing only Comino is the safer choice if your priority is swimming and relaxing. You avoid splitting your time and can make the Blue Lagoon the center of the day.

Choosing only Gozo makes sense if you care more about villages and the island’s quieter atmosphere. You still need to work within the boat schedule, and the trip does not include a guided Gozo tour.

This option is useful for families, couples, or solo visitors who prefer not to rush. The two-island plan sounds appealing, but one carefully chosen stop can produce a calmer day.

Comfort, food, and practical items to bring

The basic comfort level is good for a seven-hour outing. You have indoor air conditioning, outdoor seating, restrooms, and Wi-Fi. These details matter on a long boat day, especially if you are traveling with children or want a break from the heat.

Food and drinks are not included. You can buy them onboard, in Gozo, or in Comino. I would still bring water and a small snack if you have dietary needs or want to avoid spending extra during the stops.

Pack beachwear and a towel if you plan to use the Blue Lagoon. Comfortable shoes are useful for walking around either island. Sun protection is also a sensible addition, though it is not specifically listed among the required items.

The English-speaking host or greeter can help with the basic meeting process, but this is not presented as a multilingual guided tour. If you need detailed commentary at each stop, you may find the format too independent.

Who will enjoy this ferry most?

I would recommend this to you if you want an easy way to combine Malta’s smaller islands without committing to a fixed guided tour. It is especially suitable if you enjoy choosing your own pace and are happy to spend a large part of the day around the water.

It also works well if you are staying near Sliema, St. Julian’s, Bugibba, Qawra, or Mellieha and value the included return transfer. The hotel transport removes one small but annoying part of the planning.

You should think twice if your main goal is a serious Gozo sightseeing day. The available stop can be short, and delays may reduce it further. You may also prefer another option if you need frequent ferry departures or want a guide waiting at each island.

For a beach-centered day, Comino is the stronger choice. For a broad taste of two islands, the combined route works, as long as you accept that each stop will be brief.

My booking advice for the best day

Before booking, decide which island matters most to you. If the answer is the Blue Lagoon, choose the departure that gives you the simplest transfer and be ready to stay at Comino if the Gozo timing slips.

If Gozo is your priority, do not assume you will have enough time for a wide-ranging visit. Keep your plan close to Mgarr, allow time to return to the boat, and avoid adding transport services unless you know they fit the departure schedule.

Check the meeting point and start time carefully because they can vary by the selected option. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure and reserve-now, pay-later booking make it easier to keep your plans flexible.

At $42, I see this as a fair-priced introduction to Comino and Gozo, with the best value going to people who use the ferry as both transport and a coastal outing. Just do not mistake flexibility for unlimited time.

Should you book this Comino and Gozo ferry?

Book it if you want the Blue Lagoon, prefer independent exploring, and like having Sliema or Bugibba departure choices. The boat facilities and hotel return transfers make the day straightforward, and Comino can provide a memorable swim stop.

Skip it if you want a full Gozo tour, dependable long stops on both islands, or frequent connections that let you change plans easily. For many people, the smartest approach is to choose one island and enjoy it properly instead of trying to force two separate days into seven hours.

FAQ

How long does the ferry experience last?

The activity lasts seven hours. Check the available start times when booking because departure times can vary.

Can I depart from Sliema or Bugibba?

Yes. You can select a Sliema or Bugibba departure option, depending on availability and your booking choice.

Can I visit both Comino and Gozo?

Yes. The ferry allows you to visit Gozo and Comino in either order, subject to the operating schedule.

Can I visit only Comino or only Gozo?

Yes. You can choose to explore either Comino or Gozo exclusively instead of visiting both.

Is swimming available at Comino?

Yes. The Blue Lagoon is suitable for swimming and relaxing. Bring beachwear and a towel.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are available for purchase onboard, in Gozo, and in Comino, but they are not included in the ticket price.

Are there restrooms and Wi-Fi on the ferry?

Yes. Restrooms and Wi-Fi are available onboard.

Is the Comino Caves boat trip included?

No. The Comino Caves boat trip is an optional extra available for purchase onboard between June and September.

Are hotel transfers included?

Return transportation is included for major hotels in Sliema and St. Julian’s when departing from Sliema. The Bugibba option includes return transportation to major hotels in Bugibba, Qawra, and Mellieha.