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

Blue Lagoon is only part of the story. This seven-hour catamaran cruise links Malta with Gozo and Comino in one busy, scenic day, giving you northern-coast views, free time ashore, and a swim stop at the famous Blue Lagoon. I like the clean, modern boat and the freedom to choose your own pace. I also like that you can leave from Sliema or St. Paul’s Bay, which makes the trip useful for many visitors.

The trade-off is simple: you see three places, but you do not get long at any of them. Gozo receives roughly two hours, and Comino gets about the same, so this is a sampler rather than a serious island visit. Blue Lagoon can also be extremely crowded, especially in July and August.

Key points before you book

• Two departure areas: Choose Sliema Ferries or Buġibba Jetty in St. Paul’s Bay when booking.
• A real ferry day, not a guided tour: Staff handle the boat and timing, but you explore Gozo and Comino on your own.
• Gozo transport costs extra: A bus, coach, or taxi is needed if you want to travel beyond Mġarr Harbour.
• Blue Lagoon access now requires a pass: From May 2025, arrange the official government access pass before you go.
• The modern catamaran is a strong point: Air-conditioning, toilets, Wi-Fi, indoor seating, and helpful crew make the long ride easier.
• Pack for rocks and sun: Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, cash, and water shoes if you plan to enter the lagoon.

A seven-hour route through Malta’s northern waters

The day begins at either Sliema Ferries or Buġibba Jetty. You choose the departure point and available time when booking, then arrive at least 15 to 20 minutes before departure. This matters because the boat follows a fixed schedule and will not wait for late passengers.

From Sliema, the catamaran travels along Malta’s northern coast toward St. Paul’s Bay, where it briefly collects more passengers. The ride is part sightseeing, part transport. You get broad sea views and a chance to see coastal attractions from the water, but there is no guide explaining each sight.

The vessel is one of the better features of this trip. It is modern, spacious, air-conditioned, and fitted with toilets and free Wi-Fi. One large boat used on the route, the I See Malta 2, has comfortable seats, a bar, and wide panoramic views. Air-conditioning is welcome in Malta’s summer heat, though some people find the cabin very cold.

The crossing can be choppy. If you are prone to seasickness, this may not be the right outing for you. I would bring seasickness tablets if you need them, and choose an outdoor seat toward the back if possible. Crew members have handed out sick bags when the sea turned rough, but prevention is better than relying on those.

Gozo: two hours at Mġarr Harbour and beyond

The first island stop is Gozo, where the catamaran docks at Mġarr Harbour. You have approximately two hours of free time before returning to the boat for Comino.

Mġarr Harbour itself is a pleasant place to look around, with sea views and nearby cafés, but most people want to reach Victoria, Gozo’s capital. That is where planning becomes important. The harbour is not Victoria, and the time is too short for a casual walk there and back.

You can use a public bus, taxi, or an independent coach service waiting near the harbour. A coach transfer to Victoria has cost about €5 in recent experiences, payable separately, though prices and arrangements can change. Cash is worth carrying. Some visitors have found the transport area confusing, so ask where the return pickup will be before leaving the harbour.

I recommend the coach or bus if your main goal is to see Victoria’s Citadel and central streets. It uses a large part of your short stop, but it gives you more than staying beside the ferry. If you prefer a relaxed morning, remain around Mġarr Harbour and avoid turning the stop into a race.

Victoria’s Citadel is the most obvious target if you want a quick taste of Gozo. You may also find market stalls, restaurants, and town streets around the centre. The problem is time. Two hours sounds generous until you include disembarkation, transport, a look around, and the return trip to the harbour.

This is the point where I would set expectations carefully. You will not properly explore Gozo on this excursion. You can get a quick look at Victoria or enjoy the harbour, which makes the stop worthwhile for first-time visitors who want an overview. If Gozo is your main interest, book a separate full-day visit instead.

Watch the clock closely. The ferry does not wait for late passengers, and the crew gives instructions for the return boarding. Keep your phone charged, note the meeting point, and leave Victoria with enough time for traffic or a crowded bus.

Comino and the Blue Lagoon’s famous water

After Gozo, the ferry returns to Mġarr Harbour and continues to Comino. You have roughly another two hours at the island, depending on the day’s schedule and operating conditions.

The Blue Lagoon is the headline attraction. Its clear turquoise water and pale seabed look wonderful from the boat and can be excellent for swimming. The setting is striking, but the small shore area has a serious weakness: it can be packed with people.

In high season, the Blue Lagoon may feel less like a quiet natural bay and more like a crowded public swimming stop. There are limited places to sit, and the rocky entry can be slippery and sharp. Water shoes are a smart addition. A towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a waterproof way to carry valuables will also help.

You should arrange the official government access pass before the trip. Since May 2025, visitors need a pass to step ashore at the Blue Lagoon, and the daily allocation is limited. The pass is obtained independently through blcomino.com. For this excursion, select the afternoon time slot when applying. Without the pass, you cannot disembark at the Blue Lagoon.

The pass is separate from your boat booking, so do not assume your ferry ticket covers it. This is one of the most important details to handle before leaving home.

The beach is not the only option on Comino. If you prefer walking and photographs, the island has trails leading to St. Mary’s Chapel, St. Mary’s Watch Tower, and St. Mary’s Battery. Comino has no cars or urban areas, and the island can be appealing outside the main summer season, when hiking may be more pleasant than competing for a patch of shore.

An optional motorboat trip to the Comino Caves and Crystal Lagoon can usually be arranged locally for about €15 per person. It depends on suitable weather and sea conditions, and it is not included in the cruise price. If the Blue Lagoon beach is too crowded, this boat ride may be a better use of your time, though it adds another fee.

Do not expect the catamaran to remain anchored while you swim from the boat. This is a ferry cruise. You disembark at the scheduled stops, spend your free time ashore, and return for the next sailing.

Why the boat matters more than you might expect

At $41 per person, this is a fair price for a full day of island transport, especially if you want both Gozo and Comino without arranging separate ferries. The boat’s air-conditioning, seating, toilets, Wi-Fi, and onboard staff add real value during the long route.

The price does not cover everything, however. Budget separately for transport in Gozo, food, drinks, entry fees, and the optional cave boat. The Blue Lagoon access pass is also your responsibility. If you take the coach to Victoria and buy lunch or drinks, the final cost will be higher than the advertised fare.

I see this as good value for a first look at the islands. You get a scenic cruise and two island stops for less than arranging several separate transfers. You pay for convenience, not depth. The short stays are the reason the trip works as a sampler and fails as a thorough Gozo tour.

The ferry also gives you a more comfortable day than a basic open boat. You can sit inside in air-conditioning, move outside for the views, use the toilet, and connect to Wi-Fi. The bar is useful, but food and drinks are not included, so bring cash if you plan to buy something onboard.

Crowds, timing, and the real Blue Lagoon experience

The main question is not whether the Blue Lagoon is attractive. It is whether you can enjoy it when many other people are there.

In summer, the answer may be only partly. The bay is small, the shore has limited seating, and the water can be full of swimmers. August is particularly difficult if you want peace. Even visitors who like the boat and the organization can find Comino too crowded.

The two-hour stop gives you enough time for a swim and a quick look around, but changing clothes can take planning. There are not many places to change, so you may want to put on your swimwear before reaching Comino or use the boat facilities if permitted by the crew. Bring a towel and a simple cover-up for the ride back.

The stop works better for people who see the Blue Lagoon as a refreshing break rather than a full beach day. You can swim, take photographs, walk a little, or pay for the cave trip. You cannot expect a quiet sunbathing session in peak season.

Season makes a big difference. Summer brings the warmest swimming conditions but also the largest crowds. Winter is less suitable for swimming, yet Comino can be appealing for walking and photography. The cruise still offers sea views and island scenery, but pack for the weather rather than assuming a beach day.

Who will enjoy this cruise most

I would recommend this trip to couples, families, and friends who want a simple way to visit two islands in one day. It is also useful if you have limited time in Malta and want a broad taste of Gozo and Comino without managing several transport connections.

Independent-minded visitors will like the free time. There is no guide leading you from one sight to another, so you can stay at the harbour, arrange a transfer to Victoria, swim, walk, or book the optional cave boat. That freedom is a real benefit if you dislike rigid sightseeing groups.

Solo visitors may find the day less rewarding if they prefer guided company or a planned cultural tour. The activity is essentially ferry transport with free time, not a social excursion with a tour leader.

I would avoid it if you have mobility impairments, use a non-folding wheelchair, or regularly suffer from seasickness. The boat ride is long, boarding can be busy, and both island stops require you to manage your own movement. Oversize luggage, pets, and smoking are not allowed.

Practical advice for a smoother day

Arrive early, especially if you care where you sit. One useful tip is to board ahead of the main rush for a better choice of seats. Keep your booking QR code ready, and check the boarding instructions carefully. Red and blue wristbands may be needed for the ferry and Blue Lagoon access, and a QR-code problem has caused confusion at the pier.

Bring cash for Gozo transport, the optional motorboat, and purchases onboard or at the islands. Wear comfortable shoes, carry sunglasses and sunscreen, and pack swimwear and a towel even if the forecast looks uncertain.

If you plan to see Victoria, decide before departure. The short Gozo stop is much easier when you already know whether you want a coach, public bus, taxi, or harbour time. Do not leave the transport decision until the last few minutes.

At every stop, listen for the exact return time. The crew is generally helpful and the schedule is organized, but the ferry will not wait. A beautiful photograph is not worth being left behind.

Should you book this Malta island cruise?

Book it if you want one comfortable day covering Malta, Gozo, and Comino, and you are happy with short independent visits. The modern catamaran, friendly crew, clear schedule, and reasonable $41 price make it a practical choice for a first taste of the islands.

Skip it if you want a quiet Blue Lagoon experience, a detailed visit to Gozo, or a guided cultural tour. In that case, choose a dedicated Gozo day trip or a smaller boat outing that spends more time away from the crowded shore.

My best advice is to book with realistic expectations: this is a scenic island transfer with free time, not a deeply planned tour. Arrange the Blue Lagoon pass, carry cash, wear water shoes, and treat Gozo and Comino as quick introductions. Done that way, the trip offers plenty for the price.

FAQ

Where can I board the catamaran?

You can depart from Sliema Ferries in Sliema or Buġibba Jetty in St. Paul’s Bay. The available departure point and time depend on the option selected when booking.

How long does the cruise last?

The total duration is about seven hours, or 450 minutes. You should check the available starting times when booking.

Is this a guided tour?

No. The cruise includes staff onboard, but there is no guide providing a structured tour. You have free time to explore Gozo and Comino independently.

Do I need a pass for the Blue Lagoon?

Yes. From May 2025, you must obtain a government-issued access pass before stepping ashore at the Blue Lagoon. Apply through blcomino.com and choose the afternoon time slot for this trip.

Is transport from Mġarr Harbour to Victoria included?

No. Public buses, taxis, and independent coach services are available locally, but land transport in Gozo is not included in the cruise price.

What is included in the $41 price?

The price includes the sightseeing catamaran cruise, free time in Gozo and Comino, air-conditioning, Wi-Fi, toilet facilities, and staff onboard. Food, drinks, Gozo land transport, entry fees, the Blue Lagoon access pass, and the optional cave boat are not included.