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

Comino and Gozo in one day, without stress. I like the way this catamaran day trip gives you flexible hop-on hop-off time on two islands, and I really enjoy the ocean views from Sliema or Bugibba as you cruise northeast toward Comino. The catch is simple, you are working with a 7-hour window, so Gozo time can feel short if you want to do a lot in one visit.

On this outing run by V. Tabone Travel, you pick where you start, then choose how you want your day to flow, Gozo first then Comino, or Comino first then Gozo, or even just one island if that fits your mood. I think it is a great option if you want the highlights, especially Comino’s Blue Lagoon, without juggling multiple tickets and schedules on your own.

Key points to know before you go

• Sliema or Bugibba departure: your hotel transfer depends on which port you choose.
• Hop-on, hop-off flexibility: you can choose how much time you spend on Gozo versus Comino.
• Onboard comfort: outdoors seating and air-conditioned indoor space, plus Wi-Fi and restrooms.
• Blue Lagoon is the star: plan for swimming and sun time in crystal-clear water.
• Food is on your bill: drinks and meals are available to purchase on board and on both islands.

Where the ferry leaves, and why Sliema vs Bugibba matters

This is one of those Malta trips where your start point changes your whole day. If you leave from Sliema, you get transportation back to main hotels near Sliema and St. Julian’s. If you leave from Bugibba, you get transport back to Bugibba, Qawra, and Mellieha.

That means the “best” choice is not about the view first, it’s about reducing friction. If your hotel is closer to Bugibba, go that way and keep your morning simple. If you’re in Sliema or St. Julian’s, starting there usually saves you time and hassle getting to the port.

Also, check the meeting point details for your specific option, since it may vary. The tour runs with multiple departure setups, so confirm your exact pick-up location the day you book.

Onboard comfort: catamaran vibes, Wi-Fi, and bathrooms

You’ll ride a catamaran ferry with two main ways to enjoy the trip: outdoors or indoors. Outdoors is where you’ll want to be for the breeze and coastal views, but indoors is there when you want air-conditioned comfort.

It is not just a scenic ferry, it is built for a day trip. You get restrooms on board, and there is Wi-Fi too. That matters more than you’d think when you are figuring out timing on two islands, plus where to walk once you get off.

If you like to plan in real time, this is a nice setup. You can check messages, map your next move, or simply keep your group coordinated without burning mobile data.

Your 7-hour game plan: Gozo first, Comino first, or one island only

The trip is designed around flexibility, but you still need a strategy. You can choose to do Gozo first then Comino, or Comino first then Gozo. You can also keep it simple and explore only Comino or only Gozo.

This choice is really about your priorities:

• If you care most about the Blue Lagoon, consider starting with Comino so you are not racing the clock later.
• If you want Gozo village time and coastal walking, start with Gozo so you can enjoy it before you switch to swim mode.

Remember that “hop-on hop-off” here means you are choosing when you get off, but you still have set pickup timing for the ferry. So you are not free-floating all day like you would be on a private charter. You are making a choice inside a schedule.

Gozo time at the heart of Mgarr port: fishing villages and fast decisions

Gozo is all about slower energy, with charming fishing villages and a laid-back Mediterranean feel. The upside is that Gozo can be the most relaxing part of the day, especially if you like wandering without a strict itinerary.

The downside is time pressure. In a common Gozo-first flow, you’ll have a window to get off the ferry (often around Mgarr port) and decide how to spend your hours. If you want to cover more ground, you may feel pushed to pick a plan quickly.

Here is the practical part I would use if you want to get value:

• Decide early whether you want bus transport or just walk from where the ferry drops you.
• If you are considering bus services, be ready to make a call fast once you are on the island. People may approach right after you disembark to sell options.
• If your priority is Comino’s water time, keep Gozo simple. A short but focused Gozo stop usually beats trying to do a full circuit.

Also, keep expectations honest. This is not a day trip for deep exploration. It is a “taste and photos” outing, and Gozo shines when you treat it like a taste.

Comino and the Blue Lagoon: the swim-and-sun slot

Comino’s Blue Lagoon is the reason most people book. Expect crystal-clear water and a setting where swimming and sun time feel like the main event.

On this trip you can take your time once you’re at the lagoon area, whether you want to:

• swim and cool off,
• sunbathe,
• or just sit and enjoy the water views.

Timing matters here. If you start with Gozo, your Comino window still tends to be solid, but you have to be ready to move when it is time. If Comino is your one must-do, starting with Comino first often gives you more breathing room to enjoy the water without worrying you will lose your best hours.

Comino Caves note

If you are thinking about the Comino Caves boat trip, those tickets are not included. You can purchase them on board between June and September. If you travel outside those months, you should not assume you can add it in the same way, so plan around what is included in the standard ferry flow.

Food, drinks, and what you should budget besides the ticket

The ticket covers the ferry and the core ride, but not meals. Food and drinks are available to purchase:

• on board the catamaran,
• in Gozo,
• and in Comino.

So you have flexibility, but you should budget for it. If you like beach days with snacks, pack a realistic snack-and-drink plan. If you prefer to buy on site, you can still do that, but bring cash or a way to pay, since you will be hopping between small island spots.

One more budget item: if you want the Comino Caves boat trip in June through September, you will need to pay for that separately.

Price and value: is $42 per person a fair deal?

$42 per person for a 7-hour day that includes hop-on hop-off ferry tickets and transportation back to hotels is reasonable, especially if you would otherwise pay for separate crossings and then figure out local transport.

Here’s why it can be good value:

• You get hotel-area transfers tied to your departure choice, which cuts down on getting stuck with taxi costs.
• You get the key experiences, Comino and Gozo, without needing two separate day plans.
• You get onboard essentials like Wi-Fi and restrooms, which make the day smoother.

Where value depends on you is how you use the flexibility. If you treat it like two islands in one day and actually prioritize what matters, it feels like a smart shortcut. If you try to do everything, you can end up frustrated because the time window will not stretch.

Practical tips so your day feels easy, not rushed

This is a “bring your beach basics” tour. You’ll be swapping between ferry time, island walking, and water time.

Pack:

• beachwear,
• a towel,
• comfortable shoes.

Then do two decision things before you stress yourself:

1. Pick your priority island (usually Blue Lagoon or Gozo villages) and commit to a realistic plan for that island first.
2. If you are tempted by extra plans in Gozo, make sure they fit your ferry pickup schedule. The island is not the problem, time is.

Also, keep an eye on the order you choose. If you start with Gozo and you love it, you might lose patience if you wanted more Comino time. If Comino is your main draw, starting with Comino first can help you protect your best water hours.

Finally, bring the right mindset: this trip is built for choosing. You are not on a long stay itinerary. You are on a highlights day, and that is exactly how to enjoy it.

Who should book this ferry day trip, and who should skip it

You will likely love this experience if:

• you want Comino Blue Lagoon without planning ferries on your own,
• you like flexibility and being able to choose how much time to spend on each island,
• you want an easy day with hotel-area transportation included.

It might not be the right fit if:

• you want a long, slow Gozo exploration with lots of stops,
• you are the type who needs every minute to be planned down to the second,
• you are hoping for a full-day experience on both islands without trade-offs.

Think of it like a very efficient sampler platter. If you love samplers, this works.

Should you book the Sliema or Bugibba ferry to Comino and Gozo?

If you want a practical way to see Malta’s two smaller island highlights in one shot, this is a strong candidate. The combination of hop-on hop-off flexibility, onboard comfort, and hotel-area transport makes the logistics feel lighter than doing it solo.

I would book it if your expectations match the format. Decide what matters most, protect your Blue Lagoon time if that is your top goal, and keep Gozo focused so you enjoy the laid-back feel instead of chasing distance.

Skip it if you are trying to turn 7 hours into a full vacation on two islands. You’ll get the beauty, but you will feel the clock.

FAQ

What islands does this ferry visit?

The ferry visits Comino and Gozo.

How long is the experience?

The duration is 7 hours.

Is food included?

No. Food and drinks are available for purchase on board the catamaran, and also in Gozo and in Comino.

Are Comino Caves boat trip tickets included?

No. Comino Caves boat trip tickets are available for purchase on board between June and September, but they are not included.

What transport is included back to hotels?

If you depart from Sliema, transportation is included back to main hotels in Sliema and St. Julian’s. If you depart from Bugibba, transportation is included back to Bugibba, Qawra, and Mellieha.

Where do I meet the group?

The meeting point may vary depending on the option you booked, so check the details for your specific departure.