From Sliema or Bugibba: Two Islands Ferry to Comino and Gozo

Two islands, one bright-blue choice. This seven-hour ferry trip gives you a simple way to reach Comino’s Blue Lagoon and Gozo from Sliema or Bugibba without arranging separate boat tickets. I like the choice of starting point, and I also like the freedom to stay on the ferry or get off and make your own plan.

The best part is the open-air ride along Malta’s northeast coast, with indoor air-conditioned seating available when the sun gets too strong. The main catch is time: trying to see both islands can leave Gozo feeling rushed, and delays may cut into your stop.

Key points before you book

• Two departure areas: Choose Sliema or Bugibba, with return transfers to selected hotels near each area.
• Gozo and Comino in one day: The ferry can visit Gozo first, Comino first, or allow you to focus on just one island.
• Blue Lagoon stop: You can swim, sunbathe, and relax in Comino’s clear water.
• Gozo is self-guided: Once you get off at Mgarr port, you arrange your own time and activities.
• About three hours per island: This can work for a quick look, but it is not enough for a full Gozo tour.
• Extras cost more: Food, drinks, and the seasonal Comino Caves boat trip are not included.

A practical way to reach Malta’s smaller islands

This trip is built for independence rather than a guided sightseeing tour. You board a catamaran ferry from either Sliema or Bugibba, ride across the water, and choose how much time you want to spend at Gozo and Comino.

The seven-hour duration sounds generous at first. In practice, the day is split between transport and island time. A common arrangement gives you roughly three hours at Gozo and another three hours at Comino, though the order and exact timing can vary.

That setup works well if you want a taste of both islands. It is less suitable if your goal is to explore Gozo’s villages, churches, and countryside at an easy pace. You need to watch the ferry schedule and return to the correct pickup point on time.

You can sit outside for sea views and fresh air, or stay inside in air-conditioned comfort. Restrooms and Wi-Fi are available on board, which makes the ferry more comfortable than a basic open boat. Food and drinks can be bought on the catamaran, in Gozo, and in Comino, but they are not part of the $42 price.

Leaving Sliema or Bugibba

Your departure point matters more than it may seem. Sliema is convenient if you are staying in Sliema or St. Julian’s. Bugibba is the better choice for stays around Bugibba, Qawra, Mellieha, and nearby areas.

Hotel transfers are included after the trip to major hotels in the relevant areas. From Sliema, the return transfer covers major hotels in Sliema and St. Julian’s. From Bugibba, the return service covers major hotels in Bugibba, Qawra, and Mellieha.

The exact meeting point can change based on the option you book, so check your confirmation carefully. Do not assume that a hotel pickup means a door-to-door morning pickup. The included transfer information specifically describes transportation back to major hotels after departing from the chosen area.

Sliema and Bugibba also offer different views during the opening boat ride. From either point, you get a look at Malta’s northeast coast from the water. Sit outside if the weather is pleasant, but bring sun protection because the open deck gives little relief from strong midday light.

Gozo first: three hours at Mgarr port

When Gozo comes first, the ferry takes you to Mgarr, Gozo’s main port. You can get off and create your own outing, or stay on board and continue toward Comino.

This freedom is useful, but it also puts the planning burden on you. At Mgarr, you may find local bus tour services offering island trips as soon as you leave the boat. Those services can be tempting if you want to cover more ground, but you need to check the timing carefully.

A three-hour stop is enough for a short look around or a simple local excursion. It is not enough for a relaxed exploration of several villages and sights. If you buy a separate bus tour, make sure its route and return time fit the ferry’s departure to Comino.

One particularly useful warning concerns choosing between Gozo and the Blue Lagoon. A Gozo bus tour may take up much of your available time, leaving little room for Comino later. If the Blue Lagoon is your main goal, keep your Gozo plans modest and protect your ferry departure time.

The ferry then continues to Comino, where you may have around three hours. This split gives you a clear choice: a short taste of both islands, or one island visited properly.

Comino’s Blue Lagoon and the big decision

Comino is the crowd-pleasing part of the day. The Blue Lagoon is known for clear water, swimming, and sunbathing, and the ferry lets you spend time close to the water instead of only viewing it from the deck.

Bring your beachwear and towel. Comfortable shoes are also recommended, especially if you plan to walk around rather than stay by the swimming area. The day combines a beach stop with boat travel, so you should pack for both conditions.

The Blue Lagoon can easily absorb your whole visit. One practical choice is to skip Gozo and spend the available time at Comino. This makes sense if swimming and relaxing matter more to you than seeing two islands.

The other choice is to visit Gozo first, then use Comino for a shorter swim and rest. That gives you variety, but the day may feel tightly packed. If your ferry arrives late at Gozo, you could have even less time there, and you may decide that staying at Comino is the better use of the day.

The Comino Caves boat trip is an optional extra available on board from June through September. It is not included in the ticket price. If you are already trying to fit in both islands, add this only after you understand how much free time remains.

What Gozo offers, and what it cannot offer in three hours

Gozo is the larger and more varied stop, but the ferry format only gives you a quick introduction. You can see the port, arrange a local activity, visit a fishing village, or simply enjoy the quieter Mediterranean feel.

I would not book this ferry expecting a full Gozo day. The transport time, boat schedule, and return deadline limit your choices. You need to select one clear goal rather than trying to cover the island from end to end.

If you want the easiest plan, get off at Mgarr and explore within reach of the port. If you want to see more, consider a local bus service, but ask exactly how long the tour lasts and where it returns you. A service that sounds efficient can leave you with little time for Comino.

The ferry’s flexibility is real, but it is not unlimited. You can choose to remain on board, get off, or focus on one island, yet you cannot create extra hours in the day. This is the kind of trip where a simple plan works better than an ambitious one.

The ferry ride is part of the experience

The boat is not just a shuttle between stops. The ride gives you a different view of Malta’s northeast coast and lets you feel the sea air between island visits.

Choose the outdoor area for the best sense of the journey. Choose the indoor seating if you want shade, air conditioning, or a quieter break from the sun. Wi-Fi and restrooms make the crossing easier, particularly if you are spending most of the day in swimwear and beach shoes.

Food and drinks are available for purchase on board. You can also buy them in Gozo and Comino, so you do not need to arrange a full packed lunch. Still, the $42 ticket does not cover meals, drinks, or the Comino Caves boat outing, so your final cost will be higher if you add extras.

The catamaran format is a good match for anyone who wants an easy island connection without hiring a private boat. It is less appealing if you dislike fixed departure times or want a quiet, unhurried day.

Is $42 a fair price?

At $42 per person, the price is reasonable for a full-day ferry connection covering two islands, especially when you use both the Sliema or Bugibba departure and the return hotel transfer.

The value comes from convenience. You get the ferry ticket, toilets, Wi-Fi, views from the water, and a return transfer to major hotels in several nearby areas. Booking separate transport to Comino and Gozo could take more planning, even if it gave you greater control.

The limitation is that the ticket does not include a guided tour on Gozo. Once you leave the ferry at Mgarr, you are responsible for deciding what to do. You also pay separately for food, drinks, and the seasonal Caves boat trip.

I see the ticket as good value for a self-directed day, not as an all-inclusive sightseeing tour. If you want transport and a Blue Lagoon stop, the price works well. If you expect guided visits, meals, and organized sightseeing on Gozo, budget for extras.

Who should choose this ferry?

I would recommend it to you if you want to combine a boat ride, a swim, and a quick look at Malta’s smaller islands. It suits independent people who can keep an eye on time and make decisions without a guide leading every step.

It is also useful if you are staying near Sliema, St. Julian’s, Bugibba, Qawra, or Mellieha and want a simple departure option. The hotel return transfer adds real value after a long day in the sun.

Families and couples may like the mix of swimming and sightseeing, provided everyone is comfortable with a schedule. The outdoor deck, indoor seating, toilets, and food available for purchase make the day easier than a bare-bones boat ride.

I would be cautious about booking it if Gozo is your top priority. Three hours can feel short, especially if you want to visit more than one place or use a separate island tour. The same applies if you want a quiet beach day, since the trip’s two-island format adds travel and a fixed timetable.

Small details that make the day easier

Pack beachwear, a towel, and comfortable shoes. You will want something suitable for both the boat and walking around Comino or Gozo.

Keep your ticket details and departure instructions easy to reach. The meeting point varies by booking option, and the ferry schedule controls the day.

Decide before boarding what matters most:

• Blue Lagoon time: Focus on Comino and protect your swimming hours.
• A Gozo introduction: Keep your plans near Mgarr and avoid an overlong excursion.
• Both islands: Accept that each stop will be brief.
• A relaxed boat day: Stay on board for part of the route and enjoy the coast from the water.

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure gives you some flexibility if the weather looks poor. You can also reserve now and pay later, which helps if your Malta plans are still shifting.

Should you book it?

Book this ferry if you want an uncomplicated way to reach Comino and Gozo from Malta’s main resort areas, with the Blue Lagoon as the star attraction. The boat ride, choice of departure point, onboard facilities, and return hotel transfers make it a useful transport package.

Skip it if you want a full Gozo visit or a carefully guided island tour. For most people, the smartest plan is to choose one priority before boarding. If that priority is swimming in Comino’s clear water, this trip can deliver a pleasant day. If it is exploring Gozo in depth, choose a service with more time on Gozo.

FAQ

How long does the ferry experience last?

The experience lasts about seven hours. Check the available starting times when booking.

Where can I depart from?

You can choose a departure from Sliema or Bugibba, depending on the option selected.

Can I visit both Comino and Gozo?

Yes. The ferry is designed to let you visit both islands, although you can also focus on only Comino or only Gozo.

Can I choose which island to visit first?

Yes. You may visit Gozo first and then Comino, or Comino first and then Gozo.

Can I get off the ferry in Gozo?

Yes. You can get off at Mgarr port and arrange your own activities on Gozo.

Is there time to swim at the Blue Lagoon?

Yes. The Comino stop gives you time to swim, sunbathe, and relax at the Blue Lagoon.

Is food included?

No. Food and drinks are available for purchase on the catamaran, in Gozo, and in Comino, but they are not included in the ticket.

Are restrooms available?

Yes. Restrooms are available on board the catamaran.

Is Wi-Fi available during the trip?

Yes. Wi-Fi is available on board.

Is the Comino Caves boat trip included?

No. The Comino Caves boat trip requires a separate ticket and is available for purchase on board from June through September.