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

Malta’s best island sampler fits into one day. This seven-hour ferry cruise links Gozo and Comino with a scenic ride along Malta’s northern coast, making it an easy way to see two islands without arranging separate boats or buses. I like the modern, air-conditioned catamaran and the freedom to spend your stops as you please. The main catch is that the schedule gives you only about two hours at each island, and the Blue Lagoon can be extremely crowded.

I also like the simple price, about $41 per person, which covers the cruise, Wi-Fi, toilets, staff, and free time at both stops. You will not get a guide or a planned island tour, though, so this suits independent visitors more than anyone wanting a polished sightseeing program.

Key points to know before booking

• Two islands in seven hours: You visit Gozo first, then Comino and the Blue Lagoon.
• Modern catamaran comfort: The boat has air-conditioning, Wi-Fi, toilets, spacious seating, and a bar on some departures.
• Gozo transport costs extra: A bus, coach, or taxi from Mġarr Harbour to Victoria is not included.
• Blue Lagoon access now needs a pass: Since May 2025, you must arrange an official access pass before stepping ashore.
• Crowds shape the experience: The lagoon is beautiful, but summer visits can feel packed rather than peaceful.
• This is a ferry cruise, not a guided tour: You explore both islands on your own and must return to the boat on time.

What this day trip actually offers

Think of this as an island transport day with good scenery, not a guided tour. You board in the morning at Sliema Ferries or Buġibba Jetty in St. Paul’s Bay, depending on the option you choose, then ride north along Malta’s coast.

The catamaran is a major part of the appeal. It is modern, air-conditioned, and built for a fairly long day on the water. You can sit inside in cool comfort or look out over the coast, and free Wi-Fi helps make the longer stretches easier. A large boat reviewed as I See Malta 2 was praised for its roomy seating, cold air-conditioning, panoramic views, and onboard bar.

Arrive 15 to 20 minutes before departure. That matters because boarding can become confusing, especially when passengers need to scan their booking codes and collect the correct wristbands. Keep your QR code ready on your phone, and do not assume that arriving at the jetty just before departure will be enough.

The cruise first stops briefly at St. Paul’s Bay to collect passengers from that departure area. The coastal ride is part sightseeing, part transfer. You get views of Malta’s northern shoreline and the various coastal sights along the way, but there is no guide explaining each one in detail.

The ride from Sliema or St. Paul’s Bay

The departure point affects the shape of your morning. From Sliema, you begin at one of Malta’s busiest waterfront areas. From Buġibba Jetty, you join at St. Paul’s Bay after the boat has already started its route.

The trip toward Gozo can take around an hour and a half, depending on the route and conditions. Several passengers have found the sea choppy, so sit outside toward the rear if you are prone to seasickness, or bring motion-sickness tablets. The crew has handed out sick bags when the water turned rough, but it is better to prepare before boarding.

The boat does not remain at the destinations. It drops passengers off, returns later, and follows the published schedule. That means you need to watch the time closely. The crew gives instructions, but the responsibility for returning to the ferry rests with you.

For the best views, arrive early enough to choose a seat. The inside area is useful when the sun is strong, but the outside deck gives you a better sense of the coast and may feel easier on your stomach in rough water.

Gozo begins at Mġarr Harbour

Gozo’s main port, Mġarr Harbour, is your first proper stop. You get roughly two hours of free time, which is enough for a taste of the island but not enough for a relaxed tour of several sights.

If you stay around the harbour, you can look around the waterfront and nearby areas without paying for transport. That is the least complicated choice, but it gives you only a small sample of Gozo.

Most people wanting more than the port arrange transport to Victoria, Gozo’s capital. Public buses, taxis, and independent coach operators are available at the harbour. A return bus or coach transfer to Victoria has often cost about €5, payable separately in cash, though the exact service and price can vary.

Victoria gives you a better use of the short stop. You can visit the Citadel area, browse market stalls, and find places to eat. But allow time for the return journey. A two-hour stop sounds generous until you include getting off the ferry, finding transport, seeing the town, and returning to Mġarr Harbour before boarding.

You can also hire transport to other parts of Gozo, but that is not a sensible plan unless you already know exactly where you want to go and how long the journey takes. Gozo deserves more time than this schedule allows. If the island is your main interest, book a separate Gozo day trip instead.

I like the freedom here. You are not dragged through a fixed itinerary, and you can choose between a quiet harbour visit and a quick trip to Victoria. The tradeoff is that no guide is waiting to explain what you are seeing, and local transport can feel chaotic when a boatload of people arrives at once.

Comino and the Blue Lagoon

After Gozo, you return to the ferry and continue to Comino. You get about two hours at the island and the Blue Lagoon, though the exact time can vary with the day’s schedule and conditions.

The water is the star. The Blue Lagoon has clear turquoise water, a pale sandy bottom, and plenty of marine life. In calm weather, it is an excellent place for a swim and a short break from the boat.

The shore itself is less comfortable than the photos suggest. The beach area is small, and the entry can be rocky, slippery, and sharp. Bring water shoes if you have them. There are limited places to sit, so a towel is useful, but you may spend much of the stop standing, swimming, or sitting wherever you can find room.

Summer crowds are the biggest weakness. In July and August, the lagoon can be packed with people, and the noise and lack of space take away some of the calm. If you expect an empty cove and a quiet swim, you may be disappointed. The water remains beautiful, but the setting can feel more like a busy public swimming area than a secluded island escape.

The boat does not let you jump directly from the vessel into the water. You must go ashore at the Blue Lagoon, and current rules require an official government access pass. Arrange this through blcomino.com before your trip. Passes are limited, and you need the afternoon timeslot when applying for this excursion. Without the pass, you will not be allowed to disembark at the Blue Lagoon.

This requirement is easy to miss, so treat it as part of your preparation. The pass is not included in the cruise price, and it is a government rule rather than an optional add-on from the boat company.

The optional caves and Crystal Lagoon boat

While at Comino, you can pay locally for an optional motorboat trip to the Comino Caves and Crystal Lagoon. The listed cost is about €15 per person, and the trip depends on suitable weather and sea conditions.

This is a sensible add-on if you want more than beach time. It lets you see parts of Comino from the water and gives you a change of pace after the ferry crossing. Some passengers have felt this short boat ride was worth the extra cost.

You should not treat it as included sightseeing. Bring cash, ask about the current price before boarding, and allow enough time to return to the main meeting point. The ferry will not wait for late passengers.

If you visit Comino outside the main swimming season, the island has a different feel. There are no cars or urban areas, and hiking paths lead toward St. Mary’s Chapel, St. Mary’s Watch Tower, and St. Mary’s Battery. Winter visitors may find this side of Comino more appealing than the summer lagoon crowds, although swimming may not be the main reason to go.

Is $41 good value?

At about $41, this is a fair price for a full day of transport between Malta, Gozo, and Comino. You get the sightseeing cruise, two island stops, air-conditioning, Wi-Fi, toilets, and staff assistance. Booking separate boat transport to both islands could cost more and would require more planning.

The price does not cover everything you may need. Add money for Gozo transport, food and drinks, entry fees, the optional cave boat, and any required Blue Lagoon access arrangements. If you want to visit Victoria, the extra bus or coach fare is small, but it should not come as a surprise.

The value is strongest if you want a simple overview. You can sample Gozo, swim at Comino, and enjoy the coast without hiring a car or building your own boat schedule.

The value is weaker if you want depth. Two hours in Gozo is short, and two hours at the Blue Lagoon may feel short once you find transport, change clothes, locate a spot, and deal with crowds. You are paying for access to two destinations, not enough time to understand either one fully.

Who will enjoy this cruise most?

This trip suits couples, families, and friends who want an easy day on the water. It also works for parents who prefer a clear ferry schedule and a boat with toilets and air-conditioning.

It can work for solo visitors too, but the unstructured stops may feel less social and less supported. You must organize your own time, transport, food, and swimming plan. A solo visitor who enjoys making quick decisions should be fine, while anyone wanting a companion or guide may prefer another format.

It is not suitable for people with mobility impairments, non-folding wheelchair users, or anyone who gets badly seasick. The rocky shore at the lagoon also makes sturdy shoes important for anyone who feels unsure on uneven ground.

What to pack for a smoother day

Pack light. Oversize luggage is not allowed, and you will be moving between ferry, harbour, road transport, and shore.

Bring:

• Comfortable shoes
• Water shoes for the Blue Lagoon
• Swimwear and a towel
• Sunglasses and sunscreen
• A camera
• Cash for Gozo transport and optional activities
• Motion-sickness medication if rough water affects you

Changing on the boat may save time, since the lagoon has limited changing space. Keep your phone charged and your booking code easy to access. You may need it during boarding, especially if wristbands must be issued before you enter the ferry.

Smoking and pets are not allowed. Non-folding wheelchairs are also not permitted.

Timing, communication, and small frustrations

The staff on the catamaran generally receive high marks for being friendly, helpful, and clear with instructions. The boat itself is clean and comfortable, and departures and pickups are usually handled closely to schedule.

The weak point can be the boarding process at the departure area. If the QR code does not appear properly in your email or app, you may face unnecessary back and forth. Check your booking details the day before, download the code if possible, and arrive early.

The tour is offered in English, and the host or greeter language is English. There is no guide leading you around Gozo or Comino. Listen carefully to the return instructions, then set your own alarm so you do not lose track of time while swimming or exploring.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. Those terms help if your Malta plans are still shifting, but they do not remove the need to secure the Blue Lagoon access pass in advance.

Should you book it?

Book this cruise if you want a convenient island sampler with a comfortable boat, good coastal views, and free time rather than a guided program. The price is reasonable for covering Malta, Gozo, and Comino in one day, and the staff and boat make the long water journey manageable.

Skip it if Gozo is your main goal, if you dislike crowded swimming spots, or if you want a quiet day anchored away from the shore. For the best version of this trip, arrive early, prepare for choppy water, arrange your Blue Lagoon pass, budget for transport in Gozo, and treat the lagoon as a beautiful but busy stop.

FAQ

How long is the Gozo, Comino and Blue Lagoon cruise?

The experience lasts about seven hours, or 450 minutes. The schedule includes the ferry ride, roughly two hours of free time in Gozo, and roughly two hours at Comino and the Blue Lagoon.

Where can I board the ferry?

You can depart from Sliema Ferries in Sliema or Buġibba Jetty in St. Paul’s Bay. The exact meeting point depends on the option selected when booking.

Is this a guided tour?

No. This is a ferry cruise with free time at Gozo and Comino. There is no guide accompanying you around the islands.

Is transport in Gozo included?

No. Public buses, taxis, and independent bus or coach services are available at Mġarr Harbour, but you pay for these separately.

Can I visit Victoria during the Gozo stop?

Yes. You can use public transport, a taxi, or an independent transport operator at Mġarr Harbour to reach Victoria. Allow enough time to return to the harbour before the ferry leaves.

Do I need a pass for the Blue Lagoon?

Yes. Since May 2025, you need an official government access pass to step ashore at the Blue Lagoon. Arrange it through blcomino.com, and select the afternoon timeslot for this trip.

Is food included?

No. Food and drinks are not included. You should bring money for refreshments and any other purchases during the day.

Is the caves and Crystal Lagoon boat included?

No. The optional motorboat trip costs approximately €15 per person, is paid locally, and depends on suitable weather and sea conditions.

What facilities are available on the catamaran?

The boat has air-conditioning, free Wi-Fi, toilets, and staff on board. Some departures also have a bar.

Is the cruise suitable for people with mobility impairments?

The experience is not suitable for people with mobility impairments or passengers using non-folding wheelchairs. It is also not recommended for people prone to seasickness.