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

Three island stops, one easy day. This seven-hour catamaran cruise gives you a broad look at Malta’s northern coast, then drops you at Gozo and Comino for independent exploring. I like the comfortable, air-conditioned boat and the chance to see both islands without arranging separate ferries. I also like having freedom at each stop instead of following a guide with a flag.

The trade-off is time. You get only about two hours in Gozo and about two hours at Comino, so this is a sampler rather than a deep visit. Blue Lagoon can be extremely crowded, especially in July and August, and the shore is rocky, slippery, and short on sitting space.

Key points before you book

• A full-day island sampler: See Malta’s northern coast, Gozo, and Comino in one 450-minute outing.
• A ferry first, tour second: There is no guide leading you around Gozo or Comino. You explore independently.
• Gozo requires a transport choice: Mġarr Harbour is pleasant, but Victoria and the Citadel require a public bus, taxi, or independent coach transfer.
• Blue Lagoon access now needs planning: Since May 2025, you need a government-issued pass to step ashore at the Blue Lagoon.
• The boat is a strong point: Expect air-conditioning, toilets, Wi-Fi, indoor seating, and a bar on at least some departures.
• Summer crowds change the experience: The water is gorgeous, but the Blue Lagoon may feel more like a busy swimming stop than a peaceful bay.

The boat ride along Malta’s northern coast

You can board at Sliema Ferries or Buġibba Jetty in St. Paul’s Bay, depending on the option you choose. Arrive 15 to 20 minutes early. That gives you time to find the meeting point, sort out your boarding details, and claim a decent seat.

The boat travels from Sliema along Malta’s northern coast before stopping briefly at St. Paul’s Bay to collect more passengers. This first stretch is part sightseeing cruise and part transport. You’ll see coastal views and shoreline attractions from the water, while the catamaran carries you toward Gozo.

I like the boat setup for a long day at sea. It is modern, air-conditioned, and fitted with toilets and free Wi-Fi. Some departures use a large vessel such as I See Malta 2, with wide panoramic windows, spacious seating, and a bar. Indoor air-conditioning is welcome in hot weather, but it can feel very cold, so a light layer is useful.

The sea may be choppy, particularly on the longer ride to Gozo. If you are prone to seasickness, this is not the best outing for you. Choose an outdoor seat toward the back if possible, take suitable medication before departure if you normally use it, and keep your eyes on the horizon. The crew has handed out sick bags when conditions turned rough, but prevention is much more pleasant.

This is a large ferry cruise, not an intimate sailboat trip. The boat can carry many people, and finding a preferred seat is easier if you arrive early. The size is part of the value, but it also means boarding can feel busy.

Gozo at Mġarr Harbour: choose your priority

Gozo is the first major stop. You disembark at Mġarr Harbour, the island’s main port, and have roughly two hours before returning to the ferry.

Mġarr itself gives you a quick taste of Gozo. You can stay near the harbour, take in the waterfront, and enjoy a slower stop without paying for extra transport. This is the simplest choice, but it will not show you much of the island beyond the port area.

Most people who want a stronger Gozo experience will want to reach Victoria, the island’s capital. Public buses, taxis, and independent coach operators are available around the harbour. A round-trip coach transfer to Victoria may cost about €5, paid locally, though prices and arrangements can vary. Bring cash.

That transfer matters because the journey to Victoria uses a good portion of your limited free time. You need to watch the clock carefully and return to Mġarr in time for the ferry. The trip is practical, but the transport area can feel disorganized, and you should not assume the coach ride is included in your $41 booking.

In Victoria, focus your short visit. The Citadel is the obvious choice if you want views, old streets, and a strong sense of Gozo’s character. You may also have time for a market, a meal, or a quick walk through the center, but not all three at a relaxed pace.

I would not try to see the whole island during this stop. Gozo deserves a separate day if you want to visit several towns, archaeological sites, or coastal areas. On this cruise, Victoria and the Citadel make the most sense for a first look.

The two-hour stop works well if you treat it as an introduction. It feels rushed if you arrive hoping to explore Gozo in depth. Pick one target before you leave the boat, and check the return transport immediately after reaching the harbour.

Comino and the Blue Lagoon

After Gozo, you return to the ferry and continue to Comino. You get approximately another two hours at the island, including time at the famous Blue Lagoon.

The lagoon’s appeal is easy to understand. The water is clear and turquoise, the seabed is pale, and the bay makes a striking swimming stop. On a calm day, the color alone is worth the boat ride.

The practical side is less dreamy. The beach area is small, and in high season it can be packed. You may find very little room to sit, so a towel is more useful for drying off than for claiming a spacious patch of sand. The shore is rocky and can be slippery, with sharp stones in places. Sea shoes are a smart addition, and you should move carefully when entering the water.

There are not many convenient places to change. If you plan to swim, change on the boat before reaching Comino, or wear swimwear beneath your clothes. Two hours sounds generous until you account for walking ashore, finding a place for your belongings, changing, and getting back to the ferry on time.

The Blue Lagoon access system is now an important part of planning. From May 2025, anyone who wants to disembark at the Blue Lagoon needs an official government access pass from blcomino.com. The daily supply is limited. For this cruise, select the afternoon time slot when applying for the pass.

The ferry company does not arrange this pass for you. Without it, you will not be allowed to step ashore at the Blue Lagoon. Check the official site before your trip rather than treating the pass as a small detail.

You may also be offered an optional motorboat trip to Comino’s caves and the Crystal Lagoon. It costs approximately €15 per person, paid locally, and operates only when sea and weather conditions allow. If you want a boat-based view of the caves instead of extra beach time, this can be a worthwhile use of your stop. It is not part of the $41 fare.

Comino is more than a summer swimming stop. Outside the warmest months, the island can be appealing for walkers and photographers because it has no cars or urban areas. Paths lead toward St. Mary’s Chapel, St. Mary’s Watch Tower, and St. Mary’s Battery. In winter, the Blue Lagoon may be less useful for swimming, but the island’s quiet character becomes more important.

What the $41 price really covers

At $41 per person, the cruise offers good value if you want transportation and a quick look at both islands. Your fare covers the sightseeing catamaran, the coastal cruise, free time at Gozo and Comino, Wi-Fi, air-conditioning, toilets, and staff on board.

The price does not cover the parts that can shape your day on land. You pay separately for transport from Mġarr Harbour to Victoria, food and drinks, entry fees, the optional cave boat, and the Blue Lagoon access pass. There is no hotel pickup or drop-off.

That makes the cruise best for an independent visitor who can manage a simple day plan. You get an efficient route and comfortable transport, but you do not get a guide, a reserved beach chair, or a fully packaged Gozo excursion.

I see the value in avoiding the hassle of arranging two separate island trips. The boat ride itself gives you a pleasant view of Malta from the sea, and the staff generally keep the schedule moving. If you prefer one destination at a slower pace, spending the same money on a dedicated Gozo trip may suit you better.

Is this a guided tour?

No. This is a ferry cruise with sightseeing along the coast and free time at the two islands.

The onboard staff provide instructions and help with the day’s movements, but they do not lead a walking tour of Victoria, explain every landmark in Comino, or escort you from site to site. That freedom is a major advantage if you like choosing your own pace.

It also means you need to manage your watch, transport, and meeting points. The boat will not wait for late passengers. Keep your phone charged, listen carefully to the return instructions, and allow extra time for getting back to the harbour.

Boarding materials deserve special attention. Have your booking QR code ready, and check whether you need to collect or scan separate wristbands for the ferry and Blue Lagoon access. Some passengers have found this process unclear, and sorting it out at the last minute can create needless stress.

Who will enjoy this cruise most?

I would choose this outing if you have limited time in Malta and want a broad first look at Gozo and Comino. It suits couples, families, and friends who are comfortable exploring independently and accepting a fairly busy schedule.

It also works for a solo visitor who likes self-guided travel, though the day is built around ferry transfers and shared stops rather than personal attention. You can certainly manage it alone, but there is no guide creating a social group or helping you decide what to see.

Families should appreciate the air-conditioning, toilets, and straightforward transport. The main concerns are the crowded Blue Lagoon, rocky entry to the water, and the need to keep children close during boarding and return times.

I would skip it if you dislike large boats, get seasick easily, need step-free access, or want long, quiet time at one island. The experience is not suitable for people with mobility impairments, and non-folding wheelchairs are not allowed. Oversize luggage, pets, and smoking are also not permitted.

Simple ways to make the day better

• Arrive 15 to 20 minutes early, especially if you want a good seat.
• Bring cash for Gozo transport, snacks, drinks, and the optional motorboat.
• Pack sea shoes for the rocky Blue Lagoon shore.
• Change into swimwear on the boat if you plan to swim.
• Apply for the Blue Lagoon access pass before the trip, using the afternoon time slot.
• Use your Gozo time for one clear goal, such as Victoria and the Citadel.
• Sit near the back or outside if the sea is rough.
• Carry sunscreen, sunglasses, a towel, comfortable shoes, and a camera.
• Keep your QR code and any wristbands easy to reach.
• Watch the time at both stops. The ferry does not wait.

Should you book the Gozo and Comino cruise?

Book it if you want an efficient, reasonably priced introduction to Malta’s sister islands. The comfortable catamaran, helpful onboard crew, coastal views, and included transport make the day easy to organize. You will see a lot without renting a car or working out separate ferry schedules.

Do not book it expecting a guided Gozo tour or a quiet Blue Lagoon escape. Gozo gets a short visit, and Comino can be crowded enough to take the shine off the water. If you accept the cruise as a well-run island sampler, $41 is fair value. If your dream is a relaxed swim or a full day in Victoria, choose a trip that gives you more time in one place.

FAQ

Where does the cruise depart from?

You can depart from Sliema Ferries in Sliema or Buġibba Jetty in St. Paul’s Bay, depending on the option selected when booking.

How long does the experience last?

The cruise lasts approximately seven hours, or 450 minutes.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

Is there a guide in Gozo or Comino?

No. The stops are independent free time, and no guide is included.

How much time do you get in Gozo?

You get approximately two hours at Mġarr Harbour and the surrounding area before rejoining the ferry.

How can you reach Victoria from Mġarr Harbour?

You can use a public bus, taxi, or an independent transport operator at the harbour. Land transportation is not included.

Do you need a pass for the Blue Lagoon?

Yes. Since May 2025, you need a government-issued access pass to step ashore at the Blue Lagoon. It must be arranged independently through blcomino.com.

Is the trip suitable for people prone to seasickness?

It is not recommended for people prone to seasickness because the sea can be choppy, particularly during the longer crossings.

What is included on the catamaran?

The fare includes the sightseeing cruise, free time at Gozo and Comino, air-conditioning, Wi-Fi, toilet facilities, and staff on board. Food, drinks, land transport, entry fees, the Blue Lagoon access pass, and the optional cave boat cost extra.