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

Two islands, one boat, plenty of sea views. This ferry cruise makes Gozo and Comino possible in one day, with a comfortable catamaran, air-conditioning, toilets, Wi-Fi, and staff on board. I like the freedom to explore each stop at your own pace, and I like that the boat gives you a broad view of Malta’s northern coast along the way.

The main catch is time. You get about two hours in Gozo and roughly two hours at Comino, so Gozo can feel rushed if you want to see Victoria, the Citadel, and more than the harbor. Comino’s Blue Lagoon can also be extremely crowded in summer, and you now need a government access pass before stepping ashore.

Key Points Before You Book

• Two islands in one day: Visit Gozo and Comino without arranging separate ferries.
• About two hours in Gozo: Use the harbor area, pay for a bus to Victoria, or arrange another local transfer.
• The Blue Lagoon requires a pass: Since May 2025, you must arrange an official afternoon access pass at blcomino.com.
• Comfortable catamaran travel: Expect air-conditioning, spacious seating, toilets, Wi-Fi, and a bar on some boats.
• Free time, not a guided tour: No guide leads you around either island, so plan how you want to use each stop.
• Summer crowds change the experience: Comino is beautiful, but the small beach and swimming area can feel packed in August.

What This Malta Ferry Cruise Actually Is

This is best understood as a sightseeing ferry with two island stops, not a traditional guided excursion. You board in Sliema or at Sirens Quay in St. Paul’s Bay, cruise along Malta’s northern coast, stop in Gozo, then continue to Comino before returning to your original meeting point.

That distinction matters. You will not have a guide explaining every church, fort, or bay. Instead, you receive transport and free time. I find that appealing if you prefer independence, but it means you need to make your own decisions quickly, especially in Gozo.

The full day lasts about seven to seven and a half hours. Departure times vary, so check the exact option carefully when booking. You should arrive at your chosen boarding point 15 to 20 minutes early, since the boat will not wait while you search for the dock.

The trip is offered from two useful parts of Malta. Sliema works well if you are staying near the central harbor area. St. Paul’s Bay is more convenient if you are based in the north. Choose the departure point based on where you are sleeping, not just on the advertised starting time.

Cruising Malta’s Northern Coast

The outward journey is part sightseeing trip, part transport. From Sliema, the catamaran follows Malta’s coastline toward St. Paul’s Bay, where it briefly collects additional passengers before continuing toward Gozo.

You can sit inside in air-conditioned comfort or look for a place with better outside views. The vessel is modern and spacious, with panoramic windows on some boats and a bar area. The boat called I See Malta 2 has been especially praised for its roomy interior, cold air-conditioning, comfortable seats, and wide views across the sea, though the exact vessel can vary.

The sea is not always calm. The cruise to Gozo can take about an hour and a half, and the water may feel choppy. If you are prone to seasickness, this is a serious consideration. Take suitable precautions before sailing, and choose a seat with fresh air if possible. One useful tip is to sit outside toward the back of the boat, where the motion may feel easier for some people.

The boat has free Wi-Fi and toilets, which make the long first leg more manageable. Still, this is a ferry, not a private yacht. On busy departures, finding your preferred seat may take effort, and a large number of passengers can make boarding and disembarking less relaxed.

Gozo: Two Hours at Mġarr Harbour

Gozo’s main arrival point is Mġarr Harbour, a scenic port surrounded by water and hills. You can stay close to the harbor, walk around the area, or use the short stop to get a taste of Gozo before returning to the ferry.

The problem is simple: two hours is not enough for a full Gozo visit. Victoria, the island’s capital, is inland, so you need transport if you want to reach the Citadel and central streets. Public buses are available, and independent operators at the harbor sell roundtrip coach or bus transfers to Victoria.

A local transfer has been described as costing about €5, paid in cash, but the supplied trip information does not guarantee a fixed price. Bring cash and confirm the cost before boarding. These independent transport options can save valuable time, though the transfer area may feel chaotic when several groups arrive at once.

If you stay at Mġarr Harbour, your visit will be calmer but limited. You can enjoy the port and nearby surroundings, then return to the boat without worrying about traffic or missed departure times. If you want to see Gozo’s capital, the Citadel, market stalls, or restaurants, take the available transfer as soon as you arrive.

I would not try to reach multiple parts of Gozo during this stop. Pick one goal. Either use the time around Mġarr Harbour, or go to Victoria and focus on the Citadel and central area. Trying to do both will turn this pleasant stop into a race against the clock.

Gozo deserves a separate day if it is high on your list. This cruise works better as a first look or a way to combine a short Gozo visit with Comino. It offers convenience, but not enough time for a serious exploration of the island.

Comino and the Blue Lagoon

After Gozo, you board the ferry again and head for Comino. The stop lasts approximately two hours, giving you time to swim, take photographs, walk a little, or simply sit near the famous Blue Lagoon.

The water is the star here. It is clear and turquoise, with a pale sandy bottom and marine life visible in good conditions. The setting can be lovely even in cooler months, when Comino’s car-free paths appeal to hikers and photographers.

The beach itself is small. In August and other peak periods, the Blue Lagoon can be packed, with limited places to sit and little space to spread out. The rocky shoreline can also be slippery, uneven, and sharp. Sea shoes are a smart addition, especially if you plan to enter the water.

Changing facilities are limited, so put on your swimwear before leaving the boat if you can. You will have a much easier time enjoying the water if you are not searching for a place to change after arrival.

A common disappointment is that this ferry does not anchor offshore for swimming. It takes you to the island and leaves you to use the shore. If you hoped to jump directly from the boat into open water, this is not that kind of cruise.

You can also pay locally for an optional motorboat outing to the Comino Caves and Crystal Lagoon. The stated price is approximately €15 per person, and the trip depends on favorable sea and weather conditions. Treat it as an extra, not part of the advertised fare, and carry cash.

The New Blue Lagoon Access Rule

This point deserves careful attention. Since May 2025, the Government of Malta requires anyone stepping ashore at the Blue Lagoon to hold an official access pass.

You must arrange the pass independently through blcomino.com, and daily numbers are limited. For this ferry trip, select the afternoon time slot when applying. Without the pass, you will not be allowed to disembark at the Blue Lagoon.

This is separate from your ferry booking. Paying $40 for the cruise does not arrange the pass for you. Check the official government site before finalizing your plans, especially during July and August when availability may be tight.

If you cannot obtain a pass, do not assume you can simply board and sort it out later. The access rule can change the practical value of the whole day, so make it your first planning task.

Is the $40 Price Good Value?

At $40 per person, the cruise offers a fairly efficient way to reach two Maltese islands in one day. You receive the catamaran ride, sightseeing along the coast, free time in Gozo and Comino, air-conditioning, Wi-Fi, toilets, and staff on board.

The price is strongest if you want transport and flexibility, rather than a detailed cultural tour. Arranging separate boat trips to Gozo and Comino could take more planning, and this option gives you a clear structure from morning to afternoon.

The advertised price does not cover several costs that can add up:

• Transport from your hotel to the meeting point
• Bus, coach, or taxi transport in Gozo
• Food and drinks
• Entry fees at any sites
• The optional Comino Caves and Crystal Lagoon motorboat
• The government access pass process for the Blue Lagoon

The Gozo transfer is the extra most people are likely to consider. If you want Victoria, budget for local transport and bring cash. If you stay at the harbor, you can avoid that expense but see less of the island.

I consider the cruise good value for a first visit, a family day out, or anyone short on time. I would not choose it for a deep visit to Gozo, a quiet beach day, or a small-group sailing experience. The low price comes with a large boat, limited time, and busy stops.

Who Will Enjoy This Trip Most?

This excursion suits you if you want to see Malta’s sister islands without managing several separate bookings. Families can appreciate the straightforward plan, and the air-conditioned boat is useful after time in the sun. One adult traveling with a seven-year-old child found the day easy to manage, which says something about the simple structure.

It also works well for independent visitors. You can decide to swim, walk, take photographs, eat, or use a local bus. There is no guide directing every minute.

You may want another option if you have mobility limitations. The activity is not considered suitable for people with mobility impairments, and the rocky shoreline at the Blue Lagoon can be difficult underfoot. It is also a poor fit if you are prone to seasickness, since the sea can become choppy during the long cruise.

For photographers and walkers, Comino can be rewarding outside the hottest months. Paths lead toward St. Mary’s Chapel, St. Mary’s Watch Tower, and St. Mary’s Battery. In summer, the heat and crowds can make those walks less appealing.

Practical Tips for a Smoother Day

Wear comfortable shoes, even if swimming is your main plan. Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, a camera, and cash for local transport or optional activities.

Arrive 15 to 20 minutes before departure. Confirm whether you are boarding at Sliema Ferries or Sirens Quay, since the meeting point depends on the option you select.

Keep your Gozo plan modest. If you want Victoria, take the first available transfer and head directly there. If you are content with the harbor, enjoy a slower stop and save your energy for Comino.

Use the ferry’s facilities wisely. Change into swimwear before reaching Comino, keep a layer handy for strong air-conditioning, and stay aware of the return boarding time. The boat will not remain at either destination.

The crew on board has generally been praised for being pleasant, helpful, and clear with instructions. The shore-side staff at the Sliema red boxes may be less helpful, so arrive with your booking details and meeting point already understood.

Final Verdict: Book It for Convenience, Not Depth

Book this cruise if you want a comfortable, reasonably priced island sampler with Gozo and Comino in one day. The catamaran is a real strength, and the combination of sea views, free time, and a swim stop gives you a pleasant taste of Malta beyond the main island.

Skip it if Gozo is your main priority. With less than two hours there, you will need to choose between Mġarr Harbour and Victoria. Also think twice about peak-season Comino, when the Blue Lagoon may feel more like a crowded swimming area than a peaceful natural stop.

My best advice is to secure the Blue Lagoon pass first, bring sea shoes and cash, take the Gozo transfer if Victoria matters to you, and expect a busy but well-organized day. For a first look at Malta’s northern islands, it delivers. For a slower and more personal experience, split Gozo and Comino into separate outings.

FAQ

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

The activity lasts approximately seven to seven and a half hours. Starting times vary, so check availability for the specific departure option you choose.

Where does the ferry depart?

You can depart from Sliema Ferries in Sliema or Sirens Quay in St. Paul’s Bay. The meeting point depends on the option booked.

Is this a guided tour?

No. The cruise includes free time in Gozo and Comino, but it does not include a guide. You explore both stops independently.

How much time do you get in Gozo?

You receive approximately two hours in Gozo. You can stay around Mġarr Harbour, use a public bus, take a taxi, or purchase a local roundtrip transfer to Victoria.

Is transportation in Gozo included?

No. Buses, coaches, taxis, and other local transport services in Gozo cost extra. Independent providers at the harbor may offer roundtrip transfers to Victoria.

Do I need a pass for the Blue Lagoon?

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

Is swimming possible at the Blue Lagoon?

Yes, swimming is possible during the Comino stop, subject to conditions and available space. The shoreline is rocky and slippery, so sea shoes are useful. Bring a towel and swimwear.

Is the Comino Caves motorboat trip included?

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