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

The best thing about this trip is the two-island plan. In one day, you cruise Malta’s northern coast, step ashore at Gozo, then finish at Comino’s famous Blue Lagoon. It gives you a useful first look at the islands without arranging several separate ferries.

I like the clean, modern catamaran, with air-conditioning, toilets, Wi-Fi, and wide sea views. I also like the freedom: you decide how to spend your time in Gozo and Comino. The catch is that this is transport with free time, not a guided tour, and two hours in each place can feel tight, especially when Blue Lagoon is crowded.

Key points to know before booking

• Gozo gets about two hours: Pay for transport to Victoria if you want to see the Citadel and island capital rather than staying near Mġarr Harbour.
• Blue Lagoon requires a government pass: Since May 2025, you need an access pass from blcomino.com to step ashore.
• The catamaran is a strong part of the deal: You get air-conditioning, Wi-Fi, toilets, indoor seating, and panoramic views.
• Blue Lagoon is beautiful but crowded: The swimming area is small, rocky, slippery, and short on places to sit.
• This is not a guided sightseeing tour: Staff handle the boat and timing, but you explore both islands independently.
• Bring cash and sea shoes: You may need cash for Gozo transport, food, or the optional boat to the caves and Crystal Lagoon.

A seven-hour route from Sliema or St. Paul’s Bay

You can start from Sliema Ferries or Buġibba Jetty in St. Paul’s Bay. The exact meeting point depends on the option you book, so check it carefully and arrive 15 to 20 minutes early.

The route begins with a cruise along Malta’s northern coast. This is more than a plain transfer. From the catamaran, you get open views of the shoreline and the attractions scattered along the coast, with the sea providing the main show.

The boat also makes a brief stop at St. Paul’s Bay to collect passengers. If you board in Sliema, the full crossing to Gozo can take around an hour and a half, depending on the route and sea conditions. That matters if you are prone to seasickness. Sit outside toward the back if you need fresh air, and consider bringing seasickness tablets.

The catamaran is one of the strongest parts of the experience. The newer vessels have comfortable seating, cold air-conditioning, toilets, Wi-Fi, and a bar. You can sit inside for relief from the sun or head outside for better views and air.

This is a large boat, not a small, intimate sailing trip. That gives you more room and a smoother sense of organization, but it also means many people may be on board. Arriving early helps you find a seat you like, especially on a busy summer departure.

Mġarr Harbour and your short Gozo visit

Gozo’s main harbour, Mġarr, is your first island stop. You have roughly two hours of free time before returning to the ferry for Comino.

If you stay at the harbour, you can enjoy a slower break with views of the port and nearby coast. Mġarr is easy to reach because the boat drops you there, but it is not the best base for seeing Gozo’s capital in such a short window.

The usual choice is to pay for an independent bus or coach transfer to Victoria. This generally costs about €5, and cash is useful. Public buses and taxis are also options, but the transport situation at the harbour can feel disorganized, especially when many passengers arrive at once.

Victoria is the practical target for a short first visit. You can head toward the Citadel, walk around the central area, browse market stalls, and stop for food. The Citadel is the most worthwhile sight if you want one clear Gozo highlight, but you should watch the clock closely.

Two hours sounds reasonable until you include the transfer from Mġarr, finding your way around Victoria, and returning to the harbour. You will not have time for a relaxed tour of several parts of Gozo. If Gozo is your main reason for visiting the Maltese islands, book a separate Gozo excursion with more time.

For a quick introduction, though, the stop works well. You can see the harbour, make a short trip inland, and get a feel for Gozo’s quieter character. The key is to choose one plan before you arrive. Trying to fit Victoria, the Citadel, lunch, shopping, and a long walk into the same two hours will leave you watching your phone instead of enjoying the island.

The boat does not wait for late passengers. Keep the return meeting time visible, and return to Mġarr with a margin.

Crossing to Comino and the Blue Lagoon

After Gozo, you rejoin the catamaran for the short trip to Comino. You have about two hours at the island, with the Blue Lagoon as the main attraction.

The water is clear and striking, with a pale sandy bottom and marine life below the surface. On a calm day, this is an excellent place for a swim and a quick afternoon break. The setting is especially appealing from the boat, where you can see the contrast between the pale water, rocky shore, and open sea.

The practical problem is space. Blue Lagoon is a small area, and in summer it can be packed. You may find very few places to sit, and the shore is rocky and slippery in places. Sharp rocks make sea shoes a smart addition. A towel, swimwear, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a camera belong in your day bag.

You should also know about the new access rule. Since May 2025, anyone wishing to step ashore at Blue Lagoon must arrange a government-issued pass in advance through blcomino.com. The daily number is limited, and this booking requires the afternoon time slot when you apply.

The pass is separate from the ferry booking. Do not assume that paying for the boat guarantees permission to land. Without the official pass, you will not be allowed to disembark at Blue Lagoon.

Once ashore, changing facilities are limited, so changing into swimwear on the boat can save time. Two hours is enough for a swim and a short look around, but not for a lazy beach afternoon. You may spend much of the stop walking carefully over rock, finding a place to sit, and getting in and out of the water.

This is also why some people prefer a boat trip that anchors away from shore and allows swimming from the vessel. If your priority is space, shade, and a calm swim, the Blue Lagoon landing may disappoint during the busiest months. If your priority is seeing the famous water in person, the stop delivers the classic Comino scene, provided you accept the crowds.

The optional caves and Crystal Lagoon boat

During the Comino stop, you may be offered an optional motorboat trip to the Comino Caves and Crystal Lagoon. It costs about €15 per person, is paid locally, and depends on suitable weather and sea conditions.

This can be a good use of your time if you want more than a swim at Blue Lagoon. The caves add a short boat-based view of Comino’s coastline, while Crystal Lagoon gives you another coastal setting without arranging a separate full-day trip.

Keep the extra cost and timing in mind. You already have limited time at Comino, so the motorboat may reduce the time available for swimming or sitting by the lagoon. If you want the caves, ask about departure timing as soon as you arrive rather than waiting until the end.

The optional trip is not included in the $41 price. The same applies to food, drinks, Gozo transport, and entry fees at any sites.

What the catamaran does well

At $41 per person, the experience offers a lot of transport for the money. You get a full-day outing, coastal views, Gozo, Comino, and a modern boat without paying for several separate transfers.

The comfort level matters because the trip involves a good deal of time at sea. Air-conditioning is welcome in Malta’s heat, while the indoor seating gives you a break from sun and wind. The toilet facilities and Wi-Fi are useful on a seven-hour day, and the onboard staff generally provide clear instructions and practical help.

The boat’s size is both an advantage and a limitation. There is more seating and room than on a small speedboat, but the experience can feel busy. You should not expect a private cruise or a quiet sailing lesson.

The crew’s timing is important because the day depends on several movements: departure, the St. Paul’s Bay pickup, arrival at Gozo, return to Mġarr, transfer to Comino, and the final return. Keep your boarding instructions and QR code easy to access. Some departures use color-coded wristbands, so following the crew’s directions at boarding helps avoid confusion.

Arriving early is wise. It gives you a better chance of choosing an outdoor or indoor seat and avoids last-minute problems at the boarding point. The shore staff and boat crew may not offer the same level of help, so have your booking details ready before you reach the ferry.

Who will enjoy this trip most

I would choose this trip if you want to see Gozo and Comino in one day without renting transport or planning a complicated island-hopping route. It suits couples, families, and friends who are happy to make their own plans after the boat arrives.

It also works for a first visit to Malta. You get a broad coastal cruise, a short look at Gozo, and time in Comino. The route helps you decide which island deserves a longer return visit.

Families may appreciate the simple transport and the option to stay inside the air-conditioned boat. A parent with a seven-year-old can manage the day, but the short stops, slippery rocks, and strict departure times still require attention.

Independent visitors can enjoy the freedom, but solo passengers should know that the day is not built around a guide or group activities. You will need to plan your own time, arrange Gozo transport, and keep track of the ferry schedule.

I would not choose it if you want a detailed Gozo tour, a quiet beach day, or a small-group experience. It is also a poor fit for anyone with mobility limitations or a strong tendency toward seasickness. Non-folding wheelchairs are not accepted, and the rocky Blue Lagoon shore can be hard to manage.

What to pack and what to budget

Bring comfortable shoes, swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, a camera, and cash. Sea shoes are especially useful at Blue Lagoon, where the entry can be rocky, sharp, and slippery.

The $41 fare does not cover hotel pickup or drop-off. You need to reach Sliema Ferries or Buġibba Jetty yourself, and the meeting point changes with the option selected.

Budget extra for transport from Mġarr to Victoria, food and drinks, site entry fees, and the optional €15 motorboat. If you plan to use the public bus or a taxi, carry cash as a backup.

You should also arrange the Blue Lagoon access pass before the day of departure. This is the most important extra step because the pass is limited and required for landing.

The activity offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure and allows you to reserve now and pay later. Those terms help if your Malta plans are still changing, but they do not replace checking the access-pass requirement.

Is the $41 price good value?

For a modern ferry, a seven-hour schedule, and two islands in one day, I consider the price fair. The value is strongest if you want transportation and scenery rather than a guided cultural tour.

You are paying for convenience, not depth. Gozo gets only about two hours, and Comino is mainly a swim stop. Once you add Gozo transport, snacks, and possibly the caves boat, your final cost will be higher than the headline price.

Still, arranging the same route independently could take more time and planning. The catamaran links the islands in one organized day, provides indoor comfort, and removes the need to work out separate sea crossings.

The price is less attractive if you only want Gozo. In that case, a dedicated Gozo trip would give you more time and reduce the rushed feeling. It is also less attractive in August, when the Blue Lagoon can be so crowded that the beautiful water is hard to enjoy properly.

Should you book this ferry cruise?

Book it if you want an easy, reasonably priced introduction to Gozo and Comino, enjoy boat travel, and are comfortable exploring without a guide. Arrive early, secure the Blue Lagoon pass, bring sea shoes, and arrange your Gozo transport plan before leaving Mġarr.

Skip it if you want a quiet lagoon, a long Gozo visit, or a fully guided day. For many people, the boat, staff, and route make this a good-value outing. Just treat it honestly: it is a comfortable island transfer with sightseeing, not a deep tour of Malta’s sister islands.

FAQ

How long does the cruise last?

The activity lasts about seven hours, or 450 minutes. Check the available departure times when booking.

Where can I board the catamaran?

You can choose a departure from Sliema Ferries in Sliema or Buġibba Jetty in St. Paul’s Bay. The exact meeting point depends on the option you select.

Is this a guided tour?

No. The boat has English-speaking staff, but there is no guide accompanying you around Gozo or Comino. Both stops are independent free time.

How much time do I get in Gozo?

You have approximately two hours in Gozo. You can remain around Mġarr Harbour, use public transport, take a taxi, or arrange an independent bus or coach transfer to Victoria.

Do I need a pass for Blue Lagoon?

Yes. Since May 2025, you must obtain a government-issued access pass through blcomino.com before stepping ashore at Blue Lagoon. For this trip, select the afternoon time slot when applying.

Is transportation in Gozo included?

No. Public buses, taxis, and independent transport services from Mġarr Harbour cost extra. A transfer to Victoria may cost about €5, depending on the service.

Is the trip suitable for someone with limited mobility?

The activity is not suitable for people with mobility impairments, and non-folding wheelchairs are not accepted. The rocky shore at Blue Lagoon may also be difficult to manage.