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

Sliema to Gozo and Comino in one easy day. This cruise is interesting because it mixes a smooth catamaran ride along Malta’s north coast with real free time on the sister islands. I like the comfort factor, especially the air-conditioned modern boat, and I also like that you get two separate islands (Gozo and Comino) instead of one rushed stop. The main drawback is simple: this is not a guided tour, and the Blue Lagoon can be extremely busy, so your best experience depends on your timing and expectations.

Here’s the practical take. You’ll spend part of the day exploring Gozo on your own, then you’ll head to Comino for a swim break at the Blue Lagoon. You’ll also need to plan for Malta’s new Blue Lagoon access rule, which means buying a government access pass in advance if you want to step ashore and enjoy the swim stop.

Key points before you go

• Modern, air-conditioned catamaran with Wi-Fi and toilets, so the day stays comfortable.
• Two free-time island breaks: about two hours in Gozo and about two hours at Comino.
• Blue Lagoon access pass required after May 2025, with limited daily allocation.
• Optional motorboat add-on to Comino Caves and Crystal Lagoon, usually around €15 per person.
• Boarding needs QR scanning and wristbands at the departure point, or you could get stuck.
• Choppy water can happen, so plan for seasickness if you are sensitive.

The catamaran cruise route: Sliema or St. Paul’s, then north-coast views

This day starts with a morning departure by modern catamaran from either Sliema Ferries or the Buġibba Jetty in St. Paul’s Bay. You choose which departure point and time you want when booking. Either way, the idea is the same: get out on the water early and use the cruise time to enjoy views without needing a car or a complex schedule.

Once you leave, the catamaran cruises along Malta’s northern coast. You’ll see the attractions that line the shoreline from the sea, which is a big reason this feels like a “real trip” instead of just a ferry transfer. There’s also a brief stop at St. Paul’s Bay to collect passengers from that side, so don’t assume the boat will be quiet or empty.

A small but important point: this is a ferry-style day, meaning the boat won’t hover around. You’ll return to the island hopping rhythm with defined boarding times. If you like spontaneous detours, build them into your free-time blocks, not into the cruise schedule.

Gozo arrives via Mġarr Harbour, where your time is self-guided

When you reach Gozo, you disembark at Mġarr Harbour, Gozo’s main harbour. Your free time here is about two hours. That two-hour window is enough to get your bearings and see a highlight, but it won’t feel like a full Gozo day.

From Mġarr Harbour, you’re on your own. You can:

• Explore around the harbour area and nearby spots
• Take a public bus toward Victoria, Gozo’s capital
• Take a taxi to go further out

There are also transportation services offered by independent operators at the harbour that provide roundtrip transfers between Mġarr Harbour and Victoria. Land transport costs are not included, so you pay locally. One review experience you should treat as a heads-up: people reported a simple bus transfer to Victoria costing about €5 in cash, so have some euros ready even if you plan to stay casual.

Practical expectation: Victoria is the most common target because it gives you the best chance to pack in “main sights” quickly. But with only two hours, you’ll want to move fast once you get off the boat. If you’re the type who wants to sit down for a long lunch, Gozo can feel tight.

Also, expect the sea crossing to Gozo to take time and sometimes feel rough. If you’re even slightly seasick, bring your remedy and consider sitting where you’ll feel steadier, often toward the outside decks when weather is good.

Comino and the Blue Lagoon swim stop: plan for the pass, not just the photos

After Gozo, you board again from Mġarr Harbour and head to Comino. Your free time here is about two hours, and the big event is the famous Blue Lagoon.

Here’s the new rule you absolutely must plan around. Starting May 2025, if you want to disembark at the Blue Lagoon, you need a government-issued access pass arranged in advance through blcomino.com. The pass allocation is limited, so timing matters. For this trip, you are required to book the afternoon timeslot when applying for your pass. Without that official pass, you won’t be allowed to step ashore at the Blue Lagoon.

This is the biggest difference between a smooth day and a frustrating one. It’s not a “maybe” item. Treat the access pass like your ticket to the beach experience itself.

Once you’re there, you’ll get the classic Comino look: clear water, turquoise tones, and a small area where everyone wants to swim. One of the most common real-world themes here is crowding, especially in summer. People also noted that there are limited spots to sit, and the beach area can be packed enough that you may feel like you’re constantly navigating around other swimmers.

What you can do to make this work:

• Change quickly, and do not count on long on-the-ground turnaround time.
• Swim early in your stop if possible, before the crowd peaks.
• Bring swim shoes if you expect rocky or slippery edges. Some visitors warned the shoreline can be sharp in parts.

Optional motorboat to Comino Caves and Crystal Lagoon, worth it for some

During your Comino time, you may have the chance to take an optional motorboat trip to the Comino Caves and the Crystal Lagoon. This add-on is not included in the price, and it’s subject to favourable weather and sea conditions.

The fee is approximately €15 per person (paid on location). Whether it’s worth it comes down to your style:

• If you want more “moving around” and views, the caves trip can add variety beyond just beach time.
• If you’re happy with a swim plus photos, you might prefer to keep it simple and skip the extra cost.

One practical caution: the more you add on, the more you compress your main Blue Lagoon swim time. With only about two hours total at Comino, it’s easy to end up spending more time transitioning than actually enjoying the water.

How much time you get, and how to use it without stress

This day runs about 7 hours total. The structure is simple: cruising time plus about two hours in Gozo and about two hours at Comino. That timing is exactly why this can be such good value, but it also explains why it can feel short if you want to wander slowly.

On Gozo, your best strategy is to choose one focus:

• Quick Victoria walk and viewpoints if you’re into old streets and city views
• Harbour and nearby sights if you want less transit and more breathing room

On Comino, your best strategy is to think in swim blocks. The Blue Lagoon is the main draw, and you will likely spend your time swapping between standing, swimming, and finding a moment to relax. With limited space and crowd density, plan your priorities before you arrive at the shore.

Also remember: this is not a guided tour. There’s no route plan inside Gozo or Comino that you must follow. That freedom is a plus, but it’s also why you need your own short game plan once you land.

Comfort and onboard setup: what makes the ride feel easy

This is one of the most comfortable island days you can buy in Malta. The boat is air-conditioned, and you also get free Wi-Fi and toilet facilities. The staff are on board in English, and they provide instructions during the day.

One small detail that matters in real life: bring a small towel and sunscreen. The trip focuses on sea time, and you’re exposed to sun once you’re out near the lagoon. Comfortable shoes help too, especially because you’ll be moving around harbours and possibly walking on uneven surfaces.

If you’re concerned about seasickness, this route can sometimes feel choppy, particularly during the crossing portion around Malta. If you’re sensitive, plan for it rather than hoping for smooth water.

Finally, a heads-up from real-world boarding experiences: boarding has QR scanning, and you may need to scan your QR code to receive wristbands tied to the red ferry and the Blue Lagoon portion. If you miss this step, you can be delayed or denied entry until you sort out the wristbands. It’s not the kind of thing you want to figure out while people are lining up.

Price and value: what the trip includes, and what can cost extra

At around $41 per person, this is good value for a day that moves you between Malta, Gozo, and Comino with a catamaran cruise plus two free-time island stops. You’re paying for:

• The sightseeing cruise on a modern catamaran
• Free time in Gozo and Comino
• Free Wi-Fi
• Air-conditioning
• Toilets and staff onboard

What you should budget for beyond the ticket:

• The government access pass for stepping ashore at the Blue Lagoon, required after May 2025
• Land transportation in Gozo (bus or taxi to Victoria, or other operator transfers)
• Food and drinks
• Any entry fees to specific sites you choose while on free time
• The optional motorboat trip to Comino Caves and Crystal Lagoon (about €15 per person)

This pricing structure is why this trip suits people who want transport plus freedom more than a “guided itinerary.” If you plan carefully, you can keep costs predictable. If you show up unprepared for the Blue Lagoon pass, you risk losing the beach portion of your day, which is the one thing you can’t replicate elsewhere on this itinerary.

Who this cruise fits best, and who should skip it

This day is best for people who want a flexible island taste without committing to a full multi-day trip. It also works well for couples, families, and groups who are comfortable moving independently once they land.

You’ll probably enjoy it most if you:

• Want a comfortable boat ride with air-conditioning and facilities
• Like the idea of choosing your own Gozo plan during free time
• Prioritize a swim break at the Blue Lagoon
• Can handle crowding as part of the experience

You may want to skip it if you:

• Get seasick easily, since conditions can be choppy
• Have mobility limitations, because the day includes harbour steps and ferry transfers (and this option is not suitable for people with mobility impairments)
• Want a fully guided experience, because this is free time, not a guided tour

One interesting note about Comino itself: it has no cars or urban areas, and it can be worth visiting in winter for hikers and photo enthusiasts. If you like quiet trails, you might find Comino more your style outside peak season, though this specific cruise format focuses on the Blue Lagoon swim stop.

Should you book this Gozo and Comino ferry cruise?

Book it if you want the best “first look” at Gozo and Comino in a single day, and if you can commit to planning the Blue Lagoon access pass in advance. The modern boat, the comfort, and the two separate island breaks are the big wins, and at this price, the value is strong.

Think twice if you hate crowds, because the Blue Lagoon can get packed. Also think ahead if you’re sensitive to rough water, or if you like deeply structured touring with lots of guidance.

If you do book, go in with a simple strategy: choose one Gozo target, arrive ready for QR wristbands during boarding, and treat Comino as a focused swim session. That mindset turns a short day into a memorable one.

FAQ

Where does the cruise depart?

You can depart from Sliema Ferries in Sliema or from the Buġibba Jetty in St. Paul’s Bay. Your exact meeting point may vary based on the option you book.

How long is the tour?

The duration is about 7 hours (450 minutes). Starting times vary, so check availability for the specific departure you want.

How much free time do I get in Gozo and Comino?

You get approximately two hours of free time in Gozo and approximately two hours of free time on Comino.

Is this a guided tour?

No. It is not a guided tour. Both island stops are at your own leisure, and you return to the boat at the scheduled times.

Do I need tickets or a pass to step ashore at the Blue Lagoon?

Yes. After May 2025, you must obtain a government-issued access pass in advance through blcomino.com to disembark at the Blue Lagoon. You should book the afternoon timeslot for this trip.

Is food included?

No. Food and drinks are not included.

Is the boat air-conditioned and are there toilets?

Yes. The boat is air-conditioned and has toilet facilities. Free Wi-Fi is also included.

Is there an optional motorboat trip?

There is an optional motorboat trip to the Comino Caves and the Crystal Lagoon. It is not included, costs about €15 per person, and depends on favourable weather and sea conditions.

What should I bring?

Bring comfortable shoes, sunglasses, swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and cash. A camera can also be useful.