Two sister islands, one easy boat day. This cruise is a comfort-first way to see Gozo and Comino, then spend time at the Blue Lagoon. The big catch: Malta’s May 2025 rule means you need a government access pass in advance to step ashore at Blue Lagoon.

I like that the day is built around real freedom: you get independent time in Gozo and Comino, not a rigid schedule. And I really appreciate the modern, air-conditioned catamaran setup with onboard Wi‑Fi, toilets, and staff who keep things moving. One possible drawback is that Blue Lagoon can be very crowded, and you’ll be managing time and access rather than having endless beach space.

You’ll cruise from the north side of Malta in the morning, with scenic coastal passing and a stop for boarding in St. Paul’s Bay if you start there. Then it’s two island drop times—so the day feels full without turning into a marathon. Just plan your swims and transport in advance so those free hours actually pay off.

Key things I’d plan for on this Gozo & Comino cruise

• Two free-time blocks: about two hours in Gozo and about two hours on Comino
• Blue Lagoon access pass required (book an afternoon timeslot for this trip)
• Gozo transport isn’t included once you reach Mġarr Harbour, so decide bus vs taxi early
• Comfort matters: air-con, Wi‑Fi, toilets, and a modern catamaran
• Crowds can shape your beach time—you may need to be quick for a good spot
• Optional motorboat to the Comino Caves and Crystal Lagoon costs extra and depends on conditions

Choosing Sliema or St. Paul’s Bay for your Gozo–Comino cruise

This trip gives you a real choice of departure point: Sliema Ferries (Sliema) or Sirens Quay (St. Paul’s Bay). Picking the one that’s easiest for you on the day matters, because this is a timed ferry operation and the boat won’t wait.

Both starts work in a similar way: you set off in the morning, cruise along Malta’s northern coastline, then continue the day toward Mġarr Harbour in Gozo. If you’re staying near either of these areas, you’ll save time and stress—plus you’ll arrive earlier than the crowd.

A small but important note: the meeting point can vary by option, so make sure you’re looking at the exact pickup spot for your chosen departure. And I’d aim to arrive 15 to 20 minutes early so you’re not sprinting to the boarding line.

Catamaran ride along Malta’s north coast: views, timing, and seas

The main “moving” part of the day is the catamaran cruise. You’ll travel in comfort along Malta’s northern coast, passing shoreline attractions along the way, then you’ll continue across to Gozo. You’re not just sitting on a boat—you’re getting a scenic route while your day gets set up.

This is also where you decide how you’ll handle sea conditions. The operator notes it’s not suitable for people prone to seasickness, and some reviews hint the water can get choppy on the longer crossing to Gozo. If you’re sensitive, take sea-sickness tablets before you leave and consider staying seated where you feel steadier.

The boat itself is part of the value: it’s described as modern and air-conditioned, with onboard Wi‑Fi and toilet facilities. In practical terms, that means you can relax, cool down, and still stay connected while you’re waiting for your first island drop.

Mġarr Harbour, Gozo: how to use your two hours well

Once you reach Mġarr Harbour (Gozo’s main harbour), you’ll get roughly two hours of free time. The good news is Mġarr is the logical base—so you’re not landing somewhere hard to reach. The less-good news is two hours can disappear fast if you spend it only around the harbour.

You basically have three choices, and all are valid:

• Stay near the harbour and enjoy the area at a slower pace
• Take public bus (or a coach service offered at the harbour) toward Victoria, the island capital
• Use a taxi to jump farther away from the port

If your goal is the classic Gozo sights in one day, Victoria usually gives you the most payoff for the time. Gozo’s capital has the concentrated vibe: citadel area, streets to wander, and a good place to reset your feet before you head back to the water.

Keep expectations realistic: the trip is designed around quick sampling. Two hours is enough to get your bearings and enjoy one or two major areas, but not enough for a full island loop.

Gozo transport at the port: bus, taxi, and avoiding wasted time

Land transport in Gozo is not included, so you’ll make the call at the harbour. The options you’ll see there include buses and coaches run by independent providers, offering roundtrip connections between Mġarr Harbour and Victoria. If you want minimal hassle, these port services are the simplest way to go.

One practical tip: if you think you’ll want to reach Victoria, don’t wait too long. By the time you factor in getting to the right bus and transit time, your “free time” becomes “free sprint.”

I’ve also found that when a tour gives you two-hour island time, the biggest risk isn’t the ferry—it’s time lost to logistics. So if Victoria is your target, aim to board quickly and give yourself a buffer for walking and photos.

If you’d rather skip the transit pressure, you can still have a good Gozo experience near the harbour. Just know you’ll be trading breadth for calm. Either approach works; the key is matching your plan to the clock.

Comino Island and the Blue Lagoon swim stop: access pass and beach reality

Comino is where the day turns into water time. After returning to the ferry at Mġarr Harbour, you’ll travel to Comino and get about two hours of free time to enjoy the island.

The headline is the Blue Lagoon: crystal-clear water with a turquoise look, plus a sandy bottom. It’s exactly the kind of place you’ll want to swim, but Comino’s rules and crowd level can affect how easily you do it.

Here’s the crucial May 2025 detail: you must obtain a government-issued Blue Lagoon access pass in advance to disembark at Blue Lagoon. The tour information says daily pass allocation is limited, and you’re required to book the afternoon timeslot when applying for your pass for this trip. Without that pass, you won’t be allowed to step ashore at Blue Lagoon.

In other words: the pass is not a nice-to-have. It’s the difference between a smooth swim stop and a frustrating scramble.

What you actually do on Comino: caves, lagoon time, and fast changing

On Comino, your free time is the flexible part. You’ll be focused on one main area, and there’s not much “moving around the island” energy during a short visit. That’s part of the charm—Comino isn’t built for car touring or urban wandering.

If you want a little extra adventure, there’s an optional motorboat ride to the Comino Caves and Crystal Lagoon. The fee is about €15 per person, and it’s subject to favourable weather and sea conditions, so don’t count on it if the sea is rough.

For the Blue Lagoon swim itself, go in with a simple plan:

• Get your swim session early in your time window
• Bring a towel and be ready to change quickly
• If you’re picky about sitting space, arrive ready to move fast once boats dock

Some reviews also point out that in peak season the lagoon can feel crowded and the beach is tiny. Translation: pack for standing, swimming, and quick photos rather than expecting a lot of room to spread out.

On-board comfort checklist: Wi‑Fi, toilets, and getting a seat

This is one of those trips where the boat experience matters because you spend real time onboard. The catamaran is described as modern, air-conditioned, and spacious, with toilet facilities. There’s also free Wi‑Fi on the boat, which is handy if you want to update photos before your island time.

Seat strategy is worth thinking about. A big catamaran means there’s lots of space inside, but it can also mean more people on the same schedule. If you’re sensitive to motion, you may prefer sitting where you feel steadier rather than toward the edges.

And yes, the AC can feel very cold. Bring a light layer or wear something you’re comfortable cooling down in, especially on the longer stretches of the crossing.

Also note: this is a ferry cruise, so the boat does not stay at your destinations. Once you get to Gozo and then Comino, it’s a timed drop and return—another reason to keep your island plan tight.

What to pack for rocky water and quick island changes

This trip is short-on-frills when you’re on the ground—so pack for water and movement. The essentials are the usual but practical:

• Comfortable shoes (you’ll do walking)
• Swimwear and a towel
• Sunscreen and sunglasses
• Camera and cash

One specific reminder from real Comino conditions: the Blue Lagoon area can be rocky and slippery, so bring sea shoes if you have them. Regular sandals can be a gamble there. If you’re prone to sharp-foot stress, solve that before you reach the water.

Also bring cash. Not because you need it for the tour ticket, but because Gozo transport costs and optional add-ons are paid on the ground through independent operators.

Finally, skip oversized luggage. The tour also doesn’t allow pets and doesn’t allow smoking. If you’re traveling light, you’ll move faster at the harbour.

Price and value: what the $40 gets you (and what it doesn’t)

At around $40 per person, this day trip can be good value because you’re paying for three things at once: a modern catamaran ride, scenic coastline time, and two major island stops. For a single day covering two sister islands, that’s the core appeal.

But the pricing structure has extras you should plan for:

• Gozo land transport (bus/coach/taxi to Victoria) is not included
• Food and drinks aren’t included
• The Blue Lagoon access pass is required independently
• The motorboat to caves and Crystal Lagoon is optional (about €15 per person)

My way to judge the value is simple: if you’re willing to do a bit of DIY on Comino access and Gozo transport, you’ll get a lot for the money. If you hate logistics and want everything packaged, you may feel the day is more chaotic than you expected.

Still, the freedom is real. You’re not locked into a guided script, and you can make the most of those two island windows at your own pace.

Who this tour suits best (and who should skip it)

This day trip fits best if you want:

• A quick hit of Gozo and Comino in one day
• Independent time where you can choose whether to see Victoria or keep it local
• Comfort onboard with air-conditioning and Wi‑Fi
• A swim-focused stop at Blue Lagoon (with the access pass handled correctly)

It may not suit you if:

• You get seasick easily (the operator says it’s not suitable for that)
• You have mobility impairments (not suitable per the tour info)
• You need a guided, narrated experience (there’s no guide included, and both island stops are at leisure)

If you’re traveling as a couple, it’s a solid “we want views and water without planning everything” option. If you’re traveling with kids, it can also work because it’s structured but still flexible—just keep the crowd/rocky water realities in mind.

For solo travelers, it’s easy to move with the group timetable while still making independent choices on the islands.

Should you book the Sliema to Gozo & Comino catamaran cruise?

I’d book this if you’re the kind of traveler who likes a clear day plan with freedom baked in. The catamaran comfort, onboard Wi‑Fi, and the two-island structure make it a practical choice for first-timers, especially if you can handle Gozo transport on your own.

Before you pay, do two checks:

1. Get your Blue Lagoon access pass ahead of time and pick the correct afternoon timeslot for this trip.
2. Decide how you want to use your Gozo two hours—harbour only, or Victoria by bus/coach/taxi.

If those two points are fine with you, the day has a good rhythm. If you prefer total “no-hassle, fully guided” experiences, look for an option that reduces on-the-ground decisions.

FAQ

How long is the Gozo, Comino & Blue Lagoon ferry cruise?

The total duration is about 7 to 7.5 hours, with starting times varying by option.

Where does the cruise depart from?

You can depart from either Sliema Ferries (Sliema) or Sirens Quay (St. Paul’s Bay). The meeting point can vary depending on the option you book.

Is the tour guided?

No. This is not a guided tour. You get free time at both Gozo and Comino to explore independently.

How much time do I have on Gozo and Comino?

You’ll have about two hours of free time in Gozo at Mġarr Harbour, and about another two hours on Comino.

Do I need a pass to enter Blue Lagoon?

Yes. After a government directive effective May 2025, you must obtain an official Blue Lagoon access pass in advance through blcomino.com. You won’t be allowed to disembark at the Blue Lagoon without it.

Are land transport in Gozo and food included?

Land transportation in Gozo is not included, and you can arrange it on location (bus/coach/taxi). Food and drinks are also not included.