Coastal Ferry Cruise with Stops in Gozo and Comino Bue Lagoon

Gozo and the Blue Lagoon are close, but getting there can be a mess. This cruise turns it into one catamaran day with comfort, toilet breaks, and built-in ferry timing. I especially like the two free-time windows that let you choose your own pace on Gozo and Comino, plus the clear, helpful crew on board.

The one thing to plan around is the Blue Lagoon access pass. Since Malta requires it for disembarking at the Blue Lagoon (May 2025 directive), you will not be able to get off at Comino without booking the official pass in advance.

What You Get (and What You Should Watch)

You are paying for ferry transport and sightseeing stops, not a guided tour. That means you get freedom, but you also need to manage your own time between boat departures and the places you want to see.

If you are prone to motion sickness, keep in mind this is open-water catamaran travel. It is not recommended for people who get seasick, and it is also not recommended for mobility impairments.

Key Highlights at a Glance

• Air-conditioned catamaran with free Wi-Fi and toilets, so you are not stuck on a cramped boat all day
• Two departure options: Sliema Ferries or Sirens Quay in St. Paul’s Bay (pick your best start)
• About 2 hours in Gozo, with Mġarr Harbour as your easy launch point toward Victoria
• About 2 hours on Comino, timed for the Blue Lagoon swim stop
• Government-mandated Blue Lagoon access pass, required in advance for disembarking
• Optional motorboat upgrade (Comino Caves and Crystal Lagoon) around €15, weather dependent

A Smooth, Scenic Malta Ferry Day: Sliema and St. Paul’s Bay Starts

This is a Malta ferry cruise that focuses on one simple goal: get you around the coast with minimal hassle. The boat runs as a modern, state-of-the-art catamaran, and the ride is designed for comfort, not endurance. You start from either Sliema Ferries or Sirens Quay in St. Paul’s Bay, which is handy because it reduces extra commuting time on Malta.

The best part of the setup is that the trip is built around real scenery and real stops. You cruise along the northern coastline, passing shore attractions as you head toward Gozo. Then you get time on land in Gozo and a swim break in Comino, instead of doing a quick, shuffle-through visit.

Do note the practical reality: this is a ferry cruise, so the boat does not stay at each location. You disembark, explore on your own schedule, then rejoin the boat for the next leg.

Boarding Details That Actually Matter (Arrive Early)

For this kind of cruise, timing is everything. You need to arrive at your departure point 15 to 20 minutes before the scheduled departure time. That early buffer helps you find the right meeting area, settle your ticket, and avoid stress if there is a small line.

Your ticket is mobile, and you will receive confirmation at booking time. The company also notes that the departure areas are near public transportation, which is useful if you are not staying close by.

One more thing I recommend: when you do get dropped at any stop, ask the crew if you have any doubts about when to return. The timetable can feel confusing when you are in Gozo or Comino, and it is better to get clarity in person while you still have service.

The Morning Cruise: Relax Through Malta’s Northern Coast

After you board, you head along Malta’s northern coastline on the catamaran. This is not a guided commentary type of day, so think of the cruise time as a moving viewing deck. You can sit back and enjoy the coastal views, plus use the boat facilities when you need them.

Included on board you get:

• Air-conditioned comfort
• Free Wi-Fi (useful for messages and navigation planning)
• Toilet facilities
• Crew assistance

In plain terms, you are not sacrificing comfort to save money. You are paying for an organized way to reach the islands, with enough onboard amenities to make the ride feel like a proper excursion rather than a long transfer.

Stop in St. Paul’s Bay: A Quick Passenger Pick-Up

Depending on your chosen departure point, the itinerary includes a brief stop at Sirens Quay in St. Paul’s Bay to collect passengers embarking from that region. It is short, about 10 minutes, and there is no admission ticket involved.

Why it’s worth mentioning? If you are boarding at the Sliema departure, this pick-up stop means you should plan for the cruise to continue smoothly without assuming you will see much of St. Paul’s Bay from the boat. It is a logistics stop, not a sightseeing block.

Gozo Stop From Mġarr Harbour: Two Hours to Decide Your Day

Once the cruise reaches Gozo, you disembark at Mġarr Harbour, Gozo’s main harbour. Your free time here is about 2 hours, which is enough to do one strong thing well.

Here is your most straightforward plan:

• Explore around Mġarr Harbour
• Then take a public bus to Victoria, Gozo’s capital city (bus fee not included)
• Or use a taxi to reach other parts of the island you want to see

At the harbour, you can also find transportation services run by independent operators, including roundtrip transfers between Mġarr Harbour and Victoria. The important note is that land transport fees in Gozo are not included in the cruise price, so you should expect to pay separately for bus or taxi.

A Realistic Gozo Time Check

Two hours sounds like plenty until you remember travel and waiting. If you choose Victoria, you will likely spend your time bouncing between harbour, bus stops, and whatever sights you prioritize in the capital. If you want a calmer pace, you can also stay closer to Mġarr Harbour and build your own low-stress loop.

The upside of Gozo being independent from the boat timing is that you are not forced into a single route. You pick your own priorities, from quick city wandering to scenic pauses.

A Catch to Keep in Mind

Because the boat will depart Gozo and return later to continue toward Comino, you cannot treat your Gozo time as flexible. Always aim to be back a few minutes before the scheduled departure, and if you are unsure, ask the crew for confirmation on return times.

The Blue Lagoon on Comino: Swim Time With a Required Access Pass

Comino is the highlight stop for most people, and the cruise gives you about 2 hours on the island to enjoy it. The boat ride from Gozo to Comino is part of the overall day, and when you arrive, you get that all-important swim window.

The Blue Lagoon is famous because of its clear turquoise water, a white sandy base, and visible marine life. In other words, it is the kind of water that makes you forget you are on a schedule.

But there is a new rule you must respect. Malta’s government directive effective May 2025 requires an official Blue Lagoon access pass for disembarking at the Blue Lagoon. Passes are acquired through the official government website: blcomino.com. The guidance is specific: you are required to book the afternoon timeslot when applying for your pass.

Two big points:

• Daily pass allocation is limited.
• You will not be allowed to disembark at the Blue Lagoon without an official pass.

This is not a suggestion. It is a must-do requirement, and the operator notes that there will be no refunds if you are unable to disembark at the Blue Lagoon because you do not have the pass. So if you remember nothing else, remember the pass.

Comino Without a Car: Why the Island Feels Different

Comino has no cars or urban areas, which is one reason it works so well for photos and walking. Even without a formal plan, you can wander to viewpoint-style spots or simply spend time near the water and enjoy the calm.

The information also notes hiking trails to places like St. Mary’s Chapel, St. Mary’s Watch Tower, and St. Mary’s Battery. You might not finish all of that in two hours, but you can pick a direction and make it your own.

Internet and Money on Comino

Do not rely on your phone for everything out there. The operator suggests bringing some cash because the internet connection on Comino is not always stable, and at times only cash payments can be accepted.

This is especially relevant if you think about the optional boat add-on.

Optional Upgrade: Comino Caves and Crystal Lagoon (Weather Dependent)

If you want to do a bit more than the standard Blue Lagoon swim, there is an optional motorboat trip to the Comino Caves and the Crystal Lagoon. It runs around €15 per person, can be booked on site with the crew, and is always subject to weather conditions. The fee can also change without prior notice.

I like options like this because it lets you decide once you are actually there. If you have energy, you can add it. If you prefer to simply relax, you can skip it and still get the core experience.

What Makes This Cruise Good Value at $41.71

At about $41.71 per person, you are paying for a lot of the expensive parts of island hopping: the catamaran transfer plus a structured day that covers both Gozo and Comino. There is no mention of a guided tour, but that is often what keeps the price reasonable.

Here is the value logic from a practical point of view:

• You are getting water transport to two different islands in one day.
• You get built-in free time blocks rather than being locked into a long, guided itinerary.
• On board you get air-conditioning, Wi-Fi, and toilets, which matters on Malta in warmer months or if the seas are choppy.

The trade-off is that your ticket does not include food or land transport in Gozo, and it does not include the Blue Lagoon access pass. So your real cost might be a bit higher depending on how you explore Victoria and whether you upgrade on Comino.

Still, for a one-day loop, it can be a strong deal if you want the ferry logistics handled for you.

Comfort, Timing, and Practical Tips for Your Day on the Water

This trip is designed to be easy, but you still need a few smart habits.

Use the included onboard time well

The air-conditioned cabin helps you cool down, and the free Wi-Fi can help you map your return points and check meeting details. Toilets are onboard, which is a small thing until you are stuck at sea on a boat without them.

Bring what you need for a swim

The cruise includes the Blue Lagoon swim stop time, but food and drinks are not included. Bring what you need for your personal comfort and stay hydrated. If you plan to swim, you will want swim gear ready when you arrive on Comino, since your time there is limited.

Plan for a changing schedule due to weather

The company reserves the right to alter the itinerary based on prevailing weather conditions or unforeseen operational constraints. If the trip is cancelled due to poor weather, sea conditions, or strong winds, you will be offered a different date or a full refund. That is normal for sea travel, but it does mean you should keep your plans flexible if possible.

Avoid what the boat does not allow

The operator notes that pets, large luggage, and large suitcases are not allowed on the boat. If you travel light, this is simple. If you packed bulky items, you may want to rethink what you bring.

Who Should Book This Cruise, and Who Should Skip It

This is a good fit if you:

• Want a straightforward ferry plan to Gozo and Comino
• Prefer having time to explore on your own schedule
• Like scenic coast views and a swim stop more than museum-style touring
• Value comfort features like air-conditioning and toilets during transfers

It is not a great fit if you:

• Are prone to seasickness, since it is not recommended for motion-sensitive travelers
• Have mobility impairments, since it is not recommended
• Need a guided, step-by-step tour, because this is not a guided experience

Also, the trip notes a maximum capacity of 230 travelers. That usually means you will not feel like you have the islands to yourself, but it should still be manageable if you keep your expectations realistic.

Should You Book This Coastal Ferry Cruise?

I think you should book this cruise if you want the classic Malta combo, Gozo exploration plus Comino swimming, without the headache of coordinating separate ferries and transport. The catamaran comfort, onboard facilities, and two self-guided time blocks make it feel efficient and relaxed at the same time.

I would only hesitate if the Blue Lagoon access pass requirement worries you. It should not, as long as you plan ahead and book the required afternoon timeslot at blcomino.com. The other reason to hesitate is if you know you get seasick or you need mobility-friendly arrangements, since the operator explicitly flags both as not recommended.

If you get your pass, travel light, and treat the day as a timed hop rather than a lingering beach holiday, this is a solid way to see a big chunk of Malta’s coast for a fair price.

FAQ

How long do I get in Gozo and in Comino?

You get about 2 hours of free time in Gozo, plus about 2 hours on Comino. There are also short stops for passenger pick-ups, including about 10 minutes in St. Paul’s Bay and about 10 minutes when arriving at Mġarr Harbour.

What’s included in the ticket price?

The ticket includes the sightseeing ferry cruise with stops in Gozo and Comino Blue Lagoon, departures from either Sliema or Sirens Quay (St. Paul’s Bay), an air-conditioned boat, free Wi-Fi on board, toilet facilities, and crew assistance.

Do I need a pass to disembark at the Blue Lagoon?

Yes. Since the Malta government directive effective May 2025, you must obtain an access pass in advance to disembark at the Blue Lagoon. Passes are available at blcomino.com, and you are required to book the afternoon timeslot.

How do I get from Mġarr Harbour to Victoria in Gozo?

You can take a public bus (bus fee not included) or a taxi. There are also independent transportation services at the harbour offering roundtrip transfers between Mġarr Harbour and Victoria, but any land transport fees are not included.

Are food and drinks included?

No, food and drinks are not included.

Is Wi-Fi available during the trip?

Yes, free Wi-Fi is available on the boat. The operator also notes that internet on Comino is not always stable.

What happens if I cannot disembark at the Blue Lagoon because I do not have the pass?

You will not be allowed to disembark without the official pass, and the operator states there are no refunds in that case because it is your responsibility to obtain the required pass in advance.

Can I cancel and get a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the start time, the amount paid is not refunded.