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

Gozo in one day sounds ambitious, then the catamaran makes it easy. I like that you get free time in both Gozo and Comino, so you are not stuck watching a script all day. I also love the air-conditioned comfort of a modern catamaran while you cruise Malta’s northern coast. The main trade-off is that the day is tight, and the Blue Lagoon can get packed, so you may want a realistic plan for how long you can swim and explore.

Here is how it works in plain terms: you sail out of Sliema or St. Paul’s Bay, hop to Gozo for a couple hours, then continue to Comino for the Blue Lagoon break. No one runs a guided tour once you step off, so the value depends on how you like to explore on your own.

Key points before you go

• Two island stops, self-paced time: about two hours in Gozo, then another couple hours at Comino
• Modern catamaran comfort: air-conditioning, free Wi-Fi, and toilets onboard
• Blue Lagoon pass is mandatory: you must arrange the government access pass in advance
• Crowds and limited beach space: the swim stop can feel busy in peak season
• Optional motorboat add-on: Comino Caves and Crystal Lagoon are paid on location and weather dependent
• Gozo transport is on you: bus or taxis to Victoria cost extra, and you pay locally

Departure Choices: Sliema or St. Paul’s Bay, and how the day is paced

This cruise runs from two spots in Malta, and picking the right one matters. You depart from Sliema Ferries in Sliema or from Sirens Quay in St. Paul’s Bay. When you book, you choose your preferred departure point and time, and the activity returns you to the meeting point area later.

The timing is built around a quick “see, then swim” rhythm. The whole trip runs about 7 to 7.5 hours, with brief sailing time between ports and fixed free-time windows on the islands. Also, this is a ferry cruise, so the boat does not linger around one spot while you wander at leisure.

A small practical note: I’d plan to arrive 15 to 20 minutes early. Boarding moves fast when there is a lot of people, and you do not want to stress about finding the right line.

What the Catamaran Ride Feels Like: Views, Wi-Fi, and motion you should plan for

The boat is described as a modern, state-of-the-art catamaran with air-conditioning and toilet facilities. Free Wi-Fi is included, which is handy if you want to plan your Gozo route after you get off. You also have a staff presence onboard who can answer questions in English.

For the ride itself, the point is the northern-coast scenery. You cruise along the Maltese shoreline, seeing coastal towns and viewpoints as you head toward Gozo. The trip is long enough that you will feel the sea, so if you are sensitive, this is not the best match.

In fact, this activity is explicitly labeled not suitable for people prone to seasickness. If you know you get queasy, consider taking seaworthiness seriously, and if you can, plan to sit outside at a steadier part of the boat or use motion-sickness medication. A review also suggested sitting outside at the back if the seas get choppy.

Inside, the vibe seems designed for comfort rather than party energy. People call out the cold A/C and spacious seating, and there is even a bar onboard where drinks are replenished. If you want big sea views, you will likely spend time looking out from the panoramic areas whenever you can.

Gozo at Mġarr Harbour: how to use your roughly two hours

Gozo is reached via Mġarr Harbour, Gozo’s main port. When you arrive, you disembark and get about two hours of free time before you return to the ferry schedule for Comino.

This stop is not about ticking every major sight. It is about giving you enough time to feel Gozo’s slower pace and pick one or two things to focus on. You can hang near Mġarr Harbour, walk around the port area, or decide quickly where you want to go next.

Here is the reality check: two hours can evaporate fast once you include travel time. That is why I like this trip best if you already have a simple plan for Gozo, like Victoria (the capital) or one specific area you care about.

Also, your time is self-directed. There is no guide on the ground, so you will want to be comfortable reading signs and navigating simple bus or taxi options.

Getting from Mġarr to Victoria: buses and the cash reality

Once you are in Gozo, you can board a public bus to Victoria, the island’s capital city, or take a taxi to explore elsewhere. There are also bus and coach services run by independent operators at the harbour that offer roundtrip transfers between Mġarr Harbour and Victoria. Land transport in Gozo is not included in the price.

In practice, you should expect to pay locally. One clear hint from the on-the-ground experience: the coach to Victoria is reported as about €5 cash. If you want the simplest, most time-efficient route, I’d bring some cash so you are not scrambling right when you arrive.

If your goal is seeing something like the Citadel area and market-stall vibe in Victoria, this bus approach is usually the best use of your limited free time. If you are more into coastal wandering closer to the port, you can skip the long hop and still get a satisfying Gozo taste.

Either way, your best move is to decide right when you arrive. If you drift, you risk spending your best minutes waiting for a bus or walking back and forth.

Comino and the Blue Lagoon: the highlight, the pass, and the crowd equation

After Gozo, you re-board at Mġarr Harbour and travel to Comino. You get about two hours of free time on Comino, with the Blue Lagoon being the big draw. The day’s biggest visual payoff is the famous Blue Lagoon: crystal-clear turquoise water with a white sandy base and marine life.

This is the part where you must be organized in advance. Starting in May 2025, Malta requires a government-issued access pass for passengers to disembark at the Blue Lagoon. This pass must be arranged on the official website blcomino.com, and access is limited by daily allocation. You must book the afternoon timeslot when applying for your pass, since this trip uses the afternoon slot requirement.

The pass is not included in the tour price, so treat it as an add-on cost and an essential to-do. If you show up without the pass, you will not be allowed to disembark at the Blue Lagoon.

On timing, also be aware that Comino’s beach setup is compact. Multiple experiences point to crowding, especially in peak summer. If you want more breathing room and easier swimming, aim for off-peak days and plan your swim as soon as you can once you arrive.

If you are bringing swim gear, pack for comfort on the shore. One practical tip: the Blue Lagoon beach can be rocky and slippery, with sharp rocks. Sea shoes help a lot if you hate dealing with painful steps from the boat to the water.

Can you swim freely, or is it more of a beach stop?

This cruise is built around a swim stop, but how it feels depends on the boat setup and the exact conditions. Some people note there are not many swimming spots, and Comino can feel crowded because the beach area is small. So yes, you can enjoy the water, but you might not get the exact kind of carefree “jump in from anywhere” experience some people expect.

Another useful tip is logistics for getting changed. The swim area is not huge, so changing quickly can make your time feel more relaxed. One review specifically advised changing on the boat because there are limited places to change once you are there.

If your top priority is hanging out on a quieter stretch with lots of room to sunbathe, this particular format may feel like a compromise. You are choosing the convenience of a day trip plus the iconic view, not a private or flexible boat-anchoring setup.

Optional motorboat to the Caves and Crystal Lagoon: what it is, and when it’s worth it

On Comino, there is an optional motorboat excursion to see the Comino Caves and the Crystal Lagoon. The big detail here is that it is not part of the included price.

The motorboat trip costs about €15 per person, is paid on location, and is subject to favourable weather and sea conditions. That means it can be a great add-on if conditions are good and you have the energy for one more hop. But if the sea is choppy or you want a slower day, skipping it is totally reasonable.

Some staff on the boat may try to sell additional options, so expect that kind of pressure if you are not already decided. I’d treat it like this: if you love caves, photos, and short scenic rides, the add-on can be worth it. If your plan is mostly swimming and relaxing at the Blue Lagoon, it is often optional.

Price and Logistics: where the real value comes from

At around $40 per person, the appeal is clear: you are paying for ferry transport plus sightseeing time plus two island stopovers. For that price, you get the catamaran ride, Wi-Fi, A/C, and toilets, and you receive structured free-time blocks in Gozo and Comino.

But several costs are not baked into the main price. You need to budget separately for:

• The Blue Lagoon government access pass (required to disembark)
• Land transport in Gozo if you want to reach Victoria, typically by bus or coach
• Food and drinks (not included)
• Any site entry fees (not included)
• The optional motorboat trip to the caves (around €15)

For me, the “value” depends on what you want most. If you want an easy, comfortable way to see Gozo for a short taste and then spend your afternoon in Blue Lagoon water, this can feel like a strong deal. If your dream day includes lots of inland exploration in Gozo or long beach lounging in Comino, then the included time may feel too short, and you might be better with a longer stay or a different style of tour.

Also, this is not a guided tour. You have to be comfortable making your own choices once the ship lands. That can be a plus if you like freedom, and a drawback if you want someone to steer your day.

Comfort, crowd levels, and who should book (or skip) this day trip

This trip seems to fit people who enjoy a structured day with breathing room. You get freedom to move at your pace in both Gozo and Comino, and the boat ride gives you comfort while you watch the coast roll by.

It may also be a good option for solo travelers. One experience described it as straightforward even for a parent traveling with a child, mainly because the plan is simple: ferry, two stops, back again.

That said, there are a few “don’t ignore this” flags:

• Not suitable for mobility impairments (explicitly stated)
• Not suitable for people prone to seasickness
• If you hate crowds, expect busy conditions at the Blue Lagoon, especially during peak season
• If you want deep exploration in Gozo, two hours at Mġarr Harbour may feel brief

If you go, bring the essentials: comfortable shoes, sunglasses, swimwear, a towel, camera, sunscreen, and cash. Pets and oversize luggage are not allowed, and smoking is not permitted. Non-folding wheelchairs are also not allowed.

My take: should you book this Gozo and Comino cruise?

If you want a low-stress day where Malta’s sister islands are in your itinerary without complicated planning, I’d seriously consider booking. The catamaran ride is a comfortable way to see the northern coast, and the Blue Lagoon payoff is real, especially when you plan around the access pass and beach logistics.

I would not book it if your priority is long, guided sightseeing or if you know you get seasick. I’d also think twice if you want a quiet, uncrowded beach day, because Comino’s main swim area can feel packed.

So, should you book? Yes, if you want a fast, practical sampler of Gozo + Comino, and you are willing to handle the Blue Lagoon access pass before you go. Skip it if you want slow travel, deep exploration, or a boat that functions more like a private swim platform.

FAQ

Where does the cruise depart from?

You depart either from Sliema Ferries in Sliema or from Sirens Quay in St. Paul’s Bay. Your departure point and time are chosen when booking.

How long is the trip?

The total duration is about 7 to 7.5 hours, depending on the starting time you book.

Is there a guide during the stops in Gozo and Comino?

No. This is not a guided tour, and both stops are at your leisure with free time.

What free time do I get on Gozo and Comino?

You get approximately two hours in Gozo and approximately two hours on Comino for the Blue Lagoon area.

Is Blue Lagoon disembarkation included?

No. You need a government access pass to disembark at the Blue Lagoon, and it is arranged independently in advance on blcomino.com.

Is Wi-Fi available onboard?

Yes. Free Wi-Fi is included on the boat.

What transportation is provided in Gozo?

There is no land transport included. You can use public bus or taxis from Mġarr Harbour to Victoria, and independent transport operators are available at the harbour, but fees are not included.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not included.

Is the Comino caves boat trip included?

No. There is an optional motorboat trip to the Comino Caves and Crystal Lagoon. It is paid on location (around €15 per person) and depends on weather and sea conditions.