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

The best thing about this day trip is the combination of three very different experiences: a coastal cruise, a quick taste of Gozo, and a swim stop at Comino’s Blue Lagoon. For about $40, you cover a lot of water and see Malta’s sister islands without arranging several separate boat rides.

I like the roomy, air-conditioned catamaran and the freedom to explore without being tied to a guide. I also like that the boat has toilets, Wi-Fi, indoor seating, and a bar. The main catch is time: Gozo gets less than two hours, and Comino can be extremely crowded in summer.

Key points to know before booking

• Two hours in Gozo: Enough for Victoria if you use a paid shuttle, but not enough for a relaxed island tour.
• Blue Lagoon access pass required: Since May 2025, you must arrange a government-issued pass through blcomino.com before stepping ashore.
• Large, comfortable catamaran: The boat has air conditioning, panoramic views, Wi-Fi, toilets, and indoor seating.
• Independent free time: There is no guide leading you around Gozo or Comino.
• Extra costs matter: Gozo transport, food, entry fees, and the optional Comino Caves boat are not included.
• Best for a broad overview: Choose this trip to sample both islands, not for a long beach day or detailed Gozo sightseeing.

What this Malta island cruise really offers

This is best understood as a ferry cruise with sightseeing along the way, rather than a traditional guided tour. You board in the morning at Sliema Ferries or Sirens Quay in St. Paul’s Bay, then travel along Malta’s northern coast toward Gozo.

The catamaran is modern and spacious. You can sit inside in strong air conditioning, head outside for the sea views, or find a place near the large windows. The boat also has Wi-Fi, toilets, and a bar, which makes a long day at sea easier.

You should arrive 15 to 20 minutes before departure. The exact meeting point depends on the option you choose, so check your booking details carefully. Staff onboard speak English, but there is no dedicated guide explaining every stop or leading you through the islands.

The route from Sliema can take around an hour and a half before reaching Gozo, since the boat travels around much of Malta’s northern side and pauses at St. Paul’s Bay to collect passengers. That means the cruise itself is part of the day, not just a transfer.

The sea may become choppy. If you are prone to seasickness, this is not the ideal outing. Sit outside toward the back if possible, and consider bringing suitable medication if you normally need it.

Gozo in less than two hours

The first major stop is Mġarr Harbour, Gozo’s main port. It is an attractive arrival point, with boats, water, and steep coastal views, but the harbor is not the same as seeing Gozo’s main sights.

You get about two hours of free time. You can stay around Mġarr, walk nearby, or arrange transport to Victoria, the island’s capital. You can also hire a taxi or use one of the independent buses and coaches operating at the harbor.

The most practical choice for a first visit is usually the paid transfer to Victoria. Several people found the roughly €5 return bus useful, and it saves precious time compared with working out public transport on the spot. Bring cash, since the transport cost is separate from the cruise price.

Victoria gives you access to the Citadel, market stalls, restaurants, and the central streets of Gozo. The problem is the clock. Once you allow time to board the shuttle, travel inland, and return to Mġarr, your sightseeing window shrinks quickly.

If you want a proper visit to the Citadel, a meal, and time to browse, two hours will feel tight. You need to keep an eye on the departure time because the ferry will not wait for late passengers. If Gozo is your main goal, book a dedicated Gozo trip instead.

You can also stay near Mġarr and enjoy a slower break. This avoids the extra transport cost and removes the worry of getting stuck inland, but you will see much less of the island.

The ferry operator does not provide a guide in Gozo. That is good if you value independence, but you need to decide in advance what matters most. Choose Victoria, a harbor-area walk, or a taxi ride to another location. Trying to do all three will only make the stop stressful.

Cruising from Gozo to Comino

After Gozo, you return to the catamaran and continue to Comino. The crossing is shorter, and the main attraction is the famous Blue Lagoon.

Comino is much smaller and quieter away from its main swimming area. The island has no cars or urban areas, and it can be appealing for walking and photography outside the busiest months. Marked points of interest include St. Mary’s Chapel, St. Mary’s Watch Tower, and St. Mary’s Battery.

In summer, though, the Blue Lagoon can feel packed. The bay is small, and space on shore is limited. You may find very few places to sit, so bring a towel or compact mat and be ready for a rocky shoreline rather than a broad sandy beach.

The water is the star. It is clear and turquoise, with a pale seabed and marine life below. The swimming area is beautiful, but the rocks can be sharp, slippery, and uncomfortable under bare feet. Sea shoes are a very good idea.

You have about two hours at Comino, sometimes described as roughly two and a half depending on the schedule. That sounds generous until you disembark, find a place to leave your things, change, and get into the water.

If swimming is important to you, change into your swimwear before leaving the boat. There are limited places to change at the lagoon, and time spent searching for facilities is time lost in the water.

The catamaran remains part of the transport plan. This is not a boat that anchors offshore for you to jump from. You disembark for the Blue Lagoon, spend your free time on land, and return for the scheduled departure.

The Blue Lagoon access pass is now essential

A government directive introduced in May 2025 requires visitors to obtain an access pass before stepping ashore at the Blue Lagoon. You arrange this independently through the official website, blcomino.com.

Daily numbers are limited, so do not leave this until the morning of your cruise. When applying for the pass, select the afternoon timeslot required for this trip. Without the official pass, you will not be allowed to disembark at the Blue Lagoon.

This is separate from your boat booking. The cruise price does not include the pass, and obtaining a place does not replace your ferry reservation. Treat it as a second step in your planning.

The rule matters most during the high season, when demand for the Blue Lagoon is strongest. Check the current government instructions before you book, since access arrangements can change.

Optional caves and Crystal Lagoon boat trip

At Comino, you may also be offered a motorboat ride to the Comino Caves and Crystal Lagoon. The trip costs about €15 per person, paid locally, and operates only when weather and sea conditions are suitable.

This can be a good add-on if you want more time on the water and less time squeezed onto the Blue Lagoon shore. It is not included in the $40 price, so carry cash and decide how much you want to spend before the day begins.

Do not assume the optional ride is guaranteed. It depends on conditions, and the operator may not run it when the sea is unsuitable.

Is $40 good value?

At $40 per person, the trip offers solid value if you want transport between Malta, Gozo, and Comino in one day. You also get a coastal cruise, air conditioning, Wi-Fi, toilets, staff onboard, and free time at both islands.

The price looks less attractive if you want a full Gozo tour or a long, quiet swim. You will pay extra for the Gozo shuttle, food and drinks, any site entry, and the optional caves boat. The tour is affordable because it gives you transportation and access, not a detailed island program.

Think of it as a sampler. You can see how much you like Gozo and Comino, then return later for more time. That is a sensible use of the day if you are visiting Malta for a short stay and want to cover several places quickly.

It is also useful for families or solo visitors who prefer a simple transport plan. The catamaran provides a reliable base, and the free-time format lets you move at your own pace. You still need to manage your own timing at each stop.

Comfort on the boat, crowds on shore

The boat is one of the strongest parts of the experience. The large vessel has comfortable seats, spacious indoor areas, strong air conditioning, a bar, and wide views of the sea. If the weather turns rough or the sun becomes intense, you can retreat indoors.

The air conditioning may feel very cold, so a light layer is sensible even on a hot day. Outdoor seating offers better views and fresh air, but it can fill quickly.

The contrast with Comino is sharp. You may travel in comfort on the ferry, then arrive at a packed lagoon with limited seating and a rough beach edge. That is not a flaw in the boat service, but it shapes the day.

I would choose this trip in spring, early summer, autumn, or winter if your schedule allows. Comino is still worth visiting in cooler months for walking and photographs, and you avoid the worst beach crowds. Swimming is more weather-dependent, of course.

Who should book this day trip?

I would recommend it if you want:

• A simple way to visit Gozo and Comino in one day
• A comfortable sightseeing cruise with indoor seating
• Free time rather than a guide-controlled itinerary
• A chance to swim at the Blue Lagoon
• A broad taste of Malta’s northern coast and sister islands
• A reasonably priced option for a short Malta visit

I would think twice if you want:

• Several hours in Gozo
• A guided explanation of the islands
• A quiet, uncrowded beach
• Plenty of time for swimming and sunbathing
• Easy access for a non-folding wheelchair or significant mobility limitations
• A boat where you can jump directly into the sea

The trip is not recommended for people prone to seasickness, and it is not suitable for non-folding wheelchairs. Pets, smoking, and oversized luggage are not allowed.

What to pack for this ferry day

Wear comfortable shoes for uneven ground and bring swimwear, a towel, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a camera. Pack cash for Gozo transport, food, drinks, and the optional motorboat.

I would also bring sea shoes, a light cover-up for the cold air conditioning, and a small day bag. Large luggage is not allowed, so keep your gear compact.

Most important, arrange your Blue Lagoon access pass before departure. Pack your swimming clothes where you can reach them quickly, since changing at Comino may be awkward.

My verdict: a useful island sampler with a crowded finish

Book this trip if your priority is seeing Gozo and Comino in one organized day without arranging several boats and buses yourself. The ferry is comfortable, the coastal views are worthwhile, and the freedom at each stop is a real advantage.

Do not book it expecting a full Gozo tour or a peaceful Blue Lagoon beach day. The schedule is tight, the lagoon can be crowded, and the extra transport and activity fees add up.

For most short visits to Malta, I think the trip makes sense. Use the Gozo stop for Victoria and the Citadel, change before reaching Comino, secure the required access pass, and accept that this is a quick introduction rather than an in-depth island holiday.

FAQ

How long does the Gozo, Comino, and Blue Lagoon trip last?

The activity lasts about 7 to 7.5 hours. Starting times vary, so check availability when booking.

Where does the ferry depart from?

You can depart from Sliema Ferries in Sliema or Sirens Quay in St. Paul’s Bay. The available departure point and time depend on the option you book.

Is this a guided tour?

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

How much time do I get in Gozo?

You get approximately two hours at Mġarr Harbour and the surrounding area. Land transport to Victoria or other parts of Gozo is not included.

How can I get from Mġarr Harbour to Victoria?

You can use a public bus, taxi, or an independent bus or coach service at the harbor. A return shuttle to Victoria may cost about €5, paid separately and often in cash.

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 through blcomino.com, and select the afternoon timeslot when applying for this trip.

Is swimming possible at the Blue Lagoon?

Yes, the Blue Lagoon is used as a swimming stop, but the shore is rocky and can be slippery. Bring swimwear, a towel, and sea shoes.

Is the Comino Caves boat ride included?

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

What is included in the $40 price?

The price includes the sightseeing catamaran cruise, free time in Gozo and Comino, Wi-Fi, air conditioning, toilet facilities, and staff onboard. It does not include hotel transfers, Gozo transport, food, drinks, site entry, the Blue Lagoon access pass, or the optional motorboat trip.