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

Two islands, one long day at sea. This ferry cruise makes it easy to see Gozo and Comino in one outing, with a scenic ride along Malta’s northern coast between each stop. I like the spacious, air-conditioned catamaran, and I like having free time instead of being tied to a guide’s schedule.

The main drawback is time. You get roughly two hours in Gozo and another two hours at Comino, which is enough for a taste but not enough for a proper visit to both islands. The Blue Lagoon can also be extremely crowded, especially in August, and you must arrange a government access pass before stepping ashore.

The essentials at a glance

• Two islands in seven to seven and a half hours: Visit Gozo first, then Comino and the Blue Lagoon.
• Comfortable catamaran ride: The boat has air conditioning, toilets, Wi-Fi, indoor seating, a bar, and wide views of the sea.
• Free time, not a guided tour: You explore both stops independently, so planning matters.
• Gozo transport costs extra: You can use the public bus, taxi, or independent coach services at Mġarr Harbour.
• Blue Lagoon access pass required: Since May 2025, you need an official pass from blcomino.com to go ashore.
• Best for a first taste: This works well if you want a simple island sampler, but less well if Gozo is your main goal.

Starting from Sliema or St. Paul’s Bay

You can board at Sliema Ferries or at Sirens Quay in St. Paul’s Bay, depending on the option you book. Arrive 15 to 20 minutes before departure, since the meeting point and boarding arrangements can vary.

The boat normally leaves Sliema in the morning and then stops briefly at St. Paul’s Bay to collect more passengers. From there, the ride continues along Malta’s northern coast toward Gozo. I would choose the departure point based on where you are staying, because the day is already long and an unnecessary cross-island transfer adds hassle.

The first part of the journey is a sightseeing ride rather than a direct crossing. You get views of Malta’s shoreline and various coastal attractions, though the exact view depends on your seat and the weather. If you want photos, spend some time outside, but keep a seat indoors available if the sea becomes choppy.

The catamaran is one of the strongest parts of the experience. The vessel known as I See Malta 2 has been praised for its roomy interior, cold air conditioning, comfortable seats, Wi-Fi, and large panoramic viewing areas. The bar is useful for buying refreshments, but food and drinks are not included in the ticket price.

What the long ride to Gozo means for you

The journey to Gozo can take about an hour and a half, since the boat follows much of Malta’s northern coastline before reaching Mġarr Harbour. That gives you a pleasant sightseeing cruise, but it also reduces the amount of time available on land.

If you are prone to seasickness, this is a serious consideration. The sea can get rough, especially during an otherwise sunny day. I would bring seasickness tablets if you use them, and choose a seat toward the back or outside where there may be more fresh air.

The crew generally provides clear instructions and helps keep the schedule moving. You should not expect a narrated sightseeing tour, though. This is transportation with scenic views, not a historical cruise with a full-time guide.

Two hours at Mġarr Harbour in Gozo

The ferry docks at Mġarr Harbour, Gozo’s main port. The harbor itself is attractive, with boats, steep coastal slopes, and a relaxed seaside setting, but most people want to use the stop to reach Victoria, Gozo’s capital.

You have about two hours here. That sounds generous until you factor in leaving the boat, arranging transport, reaching Victoria, and returning to the harbor before departure.

You have several choices:

• Stay around Mġarr Harbour and enjoy the port area.
• Take a public bus toward Victoria.
• Hire a taxi.
• Book an independent bus or coach service at the harbor.
• Use a roundtrip transfer offered by one of the local operators waiting near the arrival area.

The harbor coach option is often the simplest choice for a short stop. A common transfer has cost about €5 per person, paid in cash, though prices and arrangements can change. Bring cash and ask exactly where and when the return pickup will be before leaving the port.

Victoria is the better target if you want a quick taste of Gozo beyond the waterfront. The Citadel is a popular goal, and the central area also has market stalls and places to eat. Still, you will need to move quickly. Two hours is not enough for a relaxed exploration of Victoria, a full meal, and time to browse every shop.

I would not treat this stop as a complete Gozo visit. If the Citadel, villages, churches, or the island’s quieter roads are high on your list, book a separate Gozo day. On this ferry cruise, the practical aim is to reach one worthwhile spot, look around, and return on time.

The independent format has a clear advantage. You can choose your own pace and skip a forced group walk. The tradeoff is that you must watch the clock yourself. The ferry will leave without turning the stop into a guided tour.

Comino and the Blue Lagoon

After Gozo, you board again at Mġarr Harbour and continue to Comino. The island is small, largely free of cars and urban areas, and famous for the Blue Lagoon’s clear turquoise water and pale seabed.

You get about two hours at Comino, sometimes described as roughly two to two and a half hours depending on the schedule. The stop is designed for a swim and a short break, not for a complete island walk.

The water is the star. If conditions are good, the Blue Lagoon is striking, with clear water and plenty of marine life. Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a camera. Sea shoes are especially useful because the shore and seabed can be rocky, slippery, and sharp in places.

You should also plan your changing routine. There are limited places to change near the lagoon, so changing into swimwear on the boat may save time. If you want to swim, do not spend too long searching for a perfect spot on shore. Your time disappears quickly.

The biggest issue is crowding. The Blue Lagoon is a tiny area and can feel packed in the summer, especially in August. Seating is limited, and you may end up standing or sitting on a hard surface for much of your visit. Some people prefer a boat trip that remains offshore, allowing passengers to swim from the vessel away from the main beach.

That is the key choice here. This cruise gives you access to the island, but it does not offer the peaceful water stop that some dedicated swimming cruises provide. If your dream is to float quietly in open water, this may feel too busy. If you specifically want to step ashore at the Blue Lagoon, this option gives you that chance, provided you arrange the required pass.

The new Blue Lagoon access pass

Since May 2025, Malta requires anyone stepping ashore at the Blue Lagoon to obtain an official access pass in advance. You arrange this yourself through the government website, blcomino.com.

The daily number of passes is limited. You will not be allowed to disembark at the Blue Lagoon without one, so do not assume your ferry ticket covers shore access.

For this trip, select the afternoon time slot when applying for the pass. The access pass is not included in the cruise price, and it is a government requirement rather than a fee created by the boat operator.

This is now one of the most important planning steps. Check the pass system before committing to the cruise date, particularly if you are visiting during the busy summer period.

The optional Comino caves trip

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 only runs when weather and sea conditions are suitable.

I would treat this as an optional extra, not part of the basic value calculation. It can add another coastal view and a closer look at the caves, but you already have limited time at the Blue Lagoon. If swimming is your priority, the extra ride may reduce the time you have to get in the water.

Carry enough cash for this and for Gozo transport. The base fare does not include food, drinks, site entry, land transport, or the motorboat trip.

Is $40 good value?

At about $40 per person, the cruise is fairly priced for a full day of boat transport, scenic coastal views, and stops at two islands. You also get air conditioning, toilets, Wi-Fi, staff on board, and indoor seating, which matter on a seven-hour outing.

The value is strongest if you are staying in Malta for a short visit and want to sample Gozo and Comino without arranging separate ferries. You pay once for the main water transport and then decide how much extra to spend on Gozo transfers, drinks, food, and the optional caves trip.

The value is weaker if you want detailed sightseeing. There is no guide, and the short Gozo stop means you may spend extra money on a coach or taxi just to reach Victoria. After adding transport and optional activities, the final cost can rise above the advertised fare.

I see this as a convenient island sampler rather than a full sightseeing tour. The boat saves you from piecing together several connections, while the free-time format lets you avoid a rigid group itinerary. Just keep your expectations in line with the short stops.

Who should book this ferry cruise?

I would recommend it to you if you want:

• A simple way to visit Gozo and Comino in one day.
• A comfortable boat with strong air conditioning and indoor seating.
• Independent time rather than a guided walking tour.
• A Blue Lagoon swim stop, provided you arrange the access pass.
• A good first look at the Maltese islands during a short stay.
• A family-friendly day with clear transport instructions and no complicated island-hopping plan.

I would choose another option if you want a slow visit to Gozo, a quiet beach day, or a boat that stays offshore for swimming. This is also a poor match if you dislike boats, struggle with seasickness, or have mobility needs that make boarding and shore access difficult.

The experience is not suitable for people with mobility impairments, people prone to seasickness, or anyone bringing a non-folding wheelchair. Pets, smoking, and oversize luggage are not allowed.

How to make the day work better

I would prepare for this outing as a beach day and a transport day, not as a luxury cruise. Wear comfortable shoes for Gozo and bring sea shoes for the Blue Lagoon.

Arrive early enough to find a good seat. If you want views, look for outdoor or panoramic seating, but remember that the boat can become cold inside because of the air conditioning. A light layer is useful even in hot weather.

At Gozo, decide your plan before arrival. If you want Victoria, arrange your bus or coach transfer quickly and confirm the return time. If you prefer a slower pace, stay at Mġarr Harbour rather than losing much of your stop in transit.

At Comino, change before reaching shore if you plan to swim. Keep your towel, sunscreen, cash, and phone in a small day bag. The Blue Lagoon is beautiful, but it is not a place where you should expect a quiet patch of sand and plenty of facilities.

The crew has generally been praised for being friendly and helpful, although the staff at the Sliema red-box meeting area may be less useful than the boat crew. If you have a question, ask the onboard staff once you are aboard and listen carefully to the instructions for each stop.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. Check the exact starting time and meeting point for your chosen option before booking.

Should you book it?

Book this cruise if convenience matters more than depth. For $40, you get a comfortable catamaran, a scenic ride, free time in Gozo, and a Blue Lagoon stop in one long day.

I would book it with two conditions: arrange the Blue Lagoon access pass first, and budget extra for Gozo transport. If you can accept crowds and short stops, this is an efficient way to sample Malta’s sister islands. If Gozo is your main interest, spend a full day there instead and treat Comino as a separate outing.

FAQ

How long does the cruise last?

The activity lasts approximately seven to seven and a half hours. Starting times vary, so check availability for the exact schedule.

Where does the ferry depart?

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

Is this a guided tour?

No. The cruise provides transport and free time at Gozo and Comino, but there is no guide leading you around either island.

Do I need a pass for the Blue Lagoon?

Yes. Since May 2025, you need a government-issued access pass to step ashore at the Blue Lagoon. Arrange it independently through blcomino.com, and choose the afternoon time slot when applying for this trip.

Is transport in Gozo included?

No. Land transport is not included. You can use a public bus, taxi, or an independent bus or coach service at Mġarr Harbour. These options are paid locally.

Is the Comino caves boat ride included?

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