Gozo & Comino Blue Lagoon

The real draw here is simple: you get a full day on the water with stops at Gozo and Comino’s Blue Lagoon, without arranging separate ferries. The catamaran gives you a good view of Malta’s coast, then anchors at the lagoon so you can swim or stay aboard.

I like the modern facilities, especially the air-conditioning, toilets, fresh-water showers, Wi-Fi, and onboard bar. I also like the freedom to choose your pace: swim in the famous blue water, walk around Comino, or claim a quiet spot on the vessel.

The catch is crowding. Blue Lagoon can feel packed in peak season, and boarding may be hectic. Arrive early, keep your booking details ready, and understand that this is a busy group boat, not a private cruise.

Key points to know before booking

• 10am departure from Sliema Ferry: The boat leaves Malta in the morning and returns to the same meeting point.
• Two-island route: You make a short stop in Gozo, then spend time at Comino’s Blue Lagoon.
• Swim or stay aboard: The catamaran anchors at the lagoon, so you are not required to go ashore.
• Useful onboard comforts: You get air-conditioning, Wi-Fi, toilets, fresh-water showers, and a bar at your own expense.
• Large group setting: The stated maximum is 190 people, so expect a social, busy boat rather than a quiet sailing trip.
• Best value for water time: At about $43.53 per person, the price is fair if you want transport, swimming time, and a simple island sampler in one outing.

Leaving Sliema at 10am

Your day begins at Sliema Ferry, a practical departure point near public transportation. The catamaran leaves at 10am, so I would arrive with time to spare rather than cutting it close.

That matters here because boarding has caused confusion for some passengers. Keep your mobile ticket, confirmation, and any Blue Lagoon landing pass easy to show. One particularly unpleasant problem involved a passenger who had the landing pass but was asked for the main ticket instead. The lesson is plain: have every document open before you reach the queue.

The boat is described as a state-of-the-art catamaran with air-conditioning and modern amenities. That makes the crossing more comfortable than a basic open ferry, especially if the sun is strong. Still, the boat may feel warm before departure, and one account specifically noted that the air-conditioning did not run until the vessel left.

I would not treat the vessel as a calm, intimate yacht. With room for up to 190 people, this is a large shared excursion. The size gives you stability and facilities, but it also means queues, noise, and competition for the best seats.

The short Gozo stop

The first island stop is Gozo, Malta’s quieter sister island. On this trip, the stop is brief rather than a full island tour. You will not have time to see all of Gozo, and you should not book this outing expecting a detailed cultural visit.

The operator’s explanation puts the split at roughly two and a half hours in Gozo and two and a half hours at Comino when the full schedule allows it. The advertised duration varies from four to seven hours, so the exact timing may change. Think of Gozo as a quick taste of another island, not a deep visit.

Some passengers use the optional open-top bus in Gozo for about €20. That ticket is intended to cover the available Gozo sightseeing period, but its value depends on how much time remains after the crossing and onward route. If you prefer to see more of Gozo, spending the full day there would make more sense than splitting your time with Comino.

For this particular trip, Gozo is best for a change of scene and a little time ashore. You can stretch your legs and get a glimpse of the island, but the famous swimming stop is still ahead. If your main goal is the Blue Lagoon, do not spend the entire Gozo stop trying to force in a complicated side trip.

Anchoring at Comino’s Blue Lagoon

Comino’s Blue Lagoon is the star of the day. The water is famously clear and intensely blue, and the catamaran anchors directly in the lagoon. That gives you the choice that makes this trip work well for mixed groups: swimmers can get into the water while everyone else can remain on deck.

You can also go ashore and explore Comino. The first landing area is likely to be the busiest part, with food trucks, drink stands, and rented equipment close to the arrival point. That is convenient, but it is not the peaceful side of the island.

I would walk beyond the first cluster of stalls if you want better scenery and a less frantic place to sit. The operator itself points out that quieter spots exist farther away, though you need to make the effort to reach them. Bring sensible footwear if you plan to explore, and do not assume you are arriving at a broad sandy beach.

The Blue Lagoon is not a traditional sand beach. You may find rocky edges and awkward places to set down a towel or umbrella. One useful warning from the trip feedback is that umbrellas can be difficult to secure, and some rentals come with a heavy concrete base. For many people, swimming will be more enjoyable than trying to build a full beach camp.

The lagoon’s beauty comes with a serious trade-off: it can be extremely crowded. In the busiest months, the water and shore may be filled with day visitors, boats, pop-up bars, and floating activity. If you dislike crowds, this may be the wrong Malta excursion, even though the water itself is superb.

What the catamaran gives you

The boat’s facilities are a strong part of the value. You get more than a basic transfer:

• Air-conditioning
• Free Wi-Fi
• Toilets
• Fresh-water showers
• A fully stocked bar
• Seating indoors and outdoors

The fresh-water showers are especially useful after swimming. You can rinse off salt and return to Sliema without spending the whole ride in damp swimwear. The toilets also make the longer shared outing easier for families and anyone who prefers not to depend on facilities ashore.

The bar is available, but drinks cost extra. Food and drinks are also sold at Comino’s food trucks, despite some confusion about what is available there. You do not need to rely only on the boat’s bar, but you should expect to pay separately for anything you buy.

Wi-Fi is a nice extra for checking messages or passing time, though I would not make it the reason to book. The main value is transport and access to the swimming stop.

Seating, queues, and the group size

The operator says nobody may travel without an assigned seat and that even crew members must be seated. That is reassuring, but several different issues can still feel like overcapacity: arriving late, limited preferred seating, people standing during boarding, and passengers being directed between decks.

The safest approach is to arrive early and board promptly. If you want an outdoor seat or a particular view, do not assume you can stroll aboard at the last minute and find plenty of choice.

The boat can also feel crowded once everyone is aboard. One account described passengers being directed first to the upper deck and then to a lower deck where seating was already difficult to find. Another account praised the boat as new and well arranged but found the operation focused on filling it as much as possible.

I see both sides. A large catamaran can carry many people at a lower price, and the stated capacity rules are important. But a boat that is technically within capacity may still feel packed during boarding and at the lagoon. If elbow room is central to your holiday, choose a smaller sailing trip instead.

Is $43.53 good value?

At $43.53 per person, this is a reasonable price for a half-day or longer outing that combines boat transport, Gozo, Comino, and use of the catamaran. You are paying for convenience as much as sightseeing. There is no need to arrange separate island transfers or work out how to reach the Blue Lagoon on your own.

The value is strongest if you want:

• A straightforward day on the water
• A chance to swim in the Blue Lagoon
• A short look at Gozo
• A return trip to Sliema
• Indoor facilities and a bar
• The option to stay aboard instead of going ashore

The value is weaker if you expect a guided Gozo tour, a quiet beach, or a private boat. The trip is not presented as a detailed historical tour, and there is no named guide included in the information provided. It is better understood as a ferry-style island outing with swimming time.

Extra costs can also change your total. Drinks at the bar are not included, and optional items such as the Gozo open-top bus, snorkel hire, and umbrella rental cost more. A reported snorkel rental price was about €10, while an umbrella could cost around €15, although prices may change.

I would compare the total with a simple public ferry plan if you only want to visit one island. The catamaran earns its price when you want both Gozo and Comino in one day.

How to make the day easier

I would prepare for this trip as a boat day, not a resort beach day. Bring swimwear, sun protection, and a towel, but keep your belongings compact. You may spend part of the day onboard and part on rocky ground or near crowded landing areas.

A few practical choices make a difference:

• Arrive early at Sliema Ferry.
• Keep the mobile ticket and confirmation ready.
• Bring a little money for drinks, food, or optional rentals.
• Do not rely on finding a comfortable sandy beach at Blue Lagoon.
• Walk beyond the first food stalls if you want a quieter place.
• Use the onboard shower after swimming.
• Treat the Gozo stop as a short visit unless you confirm a longer schedule.

Good weather matters because the activity requires suitable conditions. If poor weather cancels the trip, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. Free cancellation is available when you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations inside that window are not accepted for a refund.

Who will enjoy this boat trip?

I would recommend it to families, couples, and first-time Malta visitors who want an easy introduction to Gozo and Comino without handling several separate connections. The ability to stay on the boat is useful if one person wants to swim and another prefers shade or air-conditioning.

It also suits people who value facilities. Toilets, showers, Wi-Fi, and a bar are practical touches on a long shared outing. Service animals are allowed, and most people can participate. The activity is near public transportation, which makes the Sliema meeting point convenient.

I would be more cautious if you want solitude, a polished guided tour, or plenty of personal space. Blue Lagoon can be loud and crowded, especially in peak months. The Gozo stop is too short for anyone hoping to understand the island in depth.

The operator’s service appears to have mixed moments. Some passengers found the staff friendly and the transfer well organized, while another account described the crew as less warm. I would set expectations at functional ferry service rather than personal guiding.

Should you book the Gozo and Comino Blue Lagoon trip?

Book it if your priority is clear water, easy island transport, and a full boat day for about $43.53. The modern catamaran and onboard facilities make the outing more comfortable than a bare ferry ride, and the route gives you a taste of both Gozo and Comino.

Skip it if you strongly dislike crowds or want a quiet beach. Blue Lagoon is beautiful, but beauty does not make it empty. For the best chance of enjoying the day, arrive early, keep your documents ready, spend your Gozo time wisely, and walk beyond the first busy landing area at Comino.

FAQ

Where does the tour start?

The tour starts at Sliema Ferry in Sliema, Malta.

What time does the catamaran leave?

The catamaran departs at 10am.

Where does the tour finish?

The activity ends back at the starting meeting point at Sliema Ferry.

How long does the experience last?

The approximate duration is 4 to 7 hours.

Does the trip visit both Gozo and Comino?

Yes. The route makes a stop at Gozo and then continues to Comino’s Blue Lagoon.

Can I swim at the Blue Lagoon?

Yes. The catamaran anchors at the Blue Lagoon, where you can swim in the water or remain onboard.

What facilities are available on the boat?

The catamaran has air-conditioning, free Wi-Fi, toilets, fresh-water showers, and a fully stocked bar. Bar purchases cost extra.

How many people can join the tour?

The maximum stated group size is 190 people.

What happens if the weather is poor?

If poor weather cancels the activity, you can choose a different date or receive a full refund. You can also cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund.