Gozo and Comino fit in one easy day. This Sliema/St. Paul’s Bay catamaran cruise strings together big sea views, free time on both islands, and a proper stop at the Blue Lagoon, all in a modern air-conditioned boat.

I love how much of the trip is about the ride itself: you cruise Malta’s northern coastline with open views, then you land at Gozo’s main harbour with everything organized for you. I also like the on-board comfort—air-conditioning, free Wi‑Fi, toilets, and staff on board—so you’re not cooking in the sun while you wait to start island time.

The main thing to consider is the time split. You’re working with about two hours in Gozo and about two hours on Comino/Blue Lagoon, and Blue Lagoon disembarkation now requires a government access pass booked ahead (with limited allocation).

Quick hits before you go

• Modern catamaran comfort: air-conditioned cabin, toilets, and free Wi‑Fi for the full outing
• Two islands, two free-time blocks: about 2 hours in Gozo, then about 2 hours at Comino/Blue Lagoon
• Blue Lagoon rules changed (May 2025): you must have an official access pass to go ashore
• Boat views along Malta’s north coast: the cruise portion is a highlight, not dead time
• Comino is small and can get crowded: plan for limited space at the beach in peak season
• Land transport in Gozo costs extra: Victoria is easy to reach, but it’s not included

Price and what you really get for about $40

At roughly $40 per person, this is one of the more budget-friendly ways to see Gozo + Comino + Blue Lagoon in a single day. The value comes from what’s included: the sightseeing catamaran cruise plus free time stops, with on-board comfort (AC, Wi‑Fi, toilets) and staff to keep the schedule moving.

What you should budget extra for is mostly predictable:

• land transport in Gozo (bus or taxi options are available at the harbour, but not included)
• food and drinks
• any entry fees (if you choose to go into paid sites)
• the government access pass needed to disembark at the Blue Lagoon
• optional motorboat add-on to Comino Caves/Crystal Lagoon (about €15 on location, weather dependent)

If you’re the type who likes to roam at your own pace and spend your money on experiences (like a bus ride to Victoria or an optional boat excursion), this price structure tends to suit you.

How the Sliema/St. Paul’s cruise day actually runs

You pick your departure point when booking: either Sliema Ferries in Sliema or Sirens Quay in St. Paul’s Bay. In the morning, the catamaran leaves and then continues along Malta’s northern coastline, stopping briefly at St. Paul’s Bay to pick up passengers from that area.

It’s a ferry-style cruise, meaning the boat is your transport and it won’t hang around at destinations like a hotel shuttle would. You’ll disembark for your free-time blocks, then return to the same ship for the next leg. The total time on the outing is about 7 to 7.5 hours.

One practical habit: arrive 15–20 minutes early at your departure point so you’re not stressed while lines form and crew are doing boarding.

Malta’s northern coast from a catamaran: why the ride matters

Even if your goal is swimming, don’t dismiss the cruise portion. The catamaran travels along Malta’s northern coastline, where the shoreline attractions and sea views keep coming. The point isn’t just getting from A to B—it’s seeing the coast from the water with a wide horizon, not through a car window.

This is also where the boat comfort earns its keep. The seating is spacious, the cabin is air-conditioned, and there’s free Wi‑Fi onboard—handy if you want to plan your next stop while you’re still at sea.

If you’re sensitive to motion, pay attention to the water conditions. The trip to Gozo can take a while and the sea may get choppy, so consider taking seasickness tablets and, if you can, spend more time on the part of the boat that feels steadier (some people prefer sitting toward the back/outside).

Gozo stop at Mġarr Harbour: making the most of two hours

Your Gozo portion starts at Mġarr Harbour, Gozo’s main harbour. Once you arrive, you get about two hours of free time before re-boarding for Comino.

This is the part where your plan matters. Two hours is not enough to do everything on Gozo, but it’s enough to:

• get your bearings around the harbour area
• choose whether to stay local or travel to the island’s capital
• snap photos and grab a quick bite if you find something convenient

From Mġarr Harbour, you have real options:

• board a public bus to Victoria
• take a taxi to other parts of the island
• use transfer services run by independent operators at the harbour (roundtrip between Mġarr and Victoria is often offered, but fees are not included in your cruise price)

If Victoria is your priority, don’t wait until the last minute. The most common time-waster is uncertainty about how to get moving quickly, especially if you’re figuring it out with a short clock.

Victoria vs staying at the port

Victoria (the main town) is where most first-timers aim their limited time—citadel area, market stalls, and central sights are concentrated there. If you want those highlights, you’ll likely find it’s worth paying for the transport rather than staying only around the harbour.

If, instead, your goal is a slower pace—harbour views, a short stroll, and photos—then staying near Mġarr Harbour can feel satisfying. Just remember: Comino/Blue Lagoon is the big swim moment, so keep enough energy for that.

Comino and Blue Lagoon: swimming with the new access pass rule

Comino time comes after you return to the ferry at Mġarr Harbour. You’ll get about two hours on Comino, and the headline moment is the Blue Lagoon.

Here’s the key change effective May 2025: to disembark at the Blue Lagoon, you must obtain an official government access pass in advance. Daily pass allocation is limited, and you need to book the afternoon timeslot for this trip. The pass is arranged through the official site listed for Blue Lagoon access. Without that pass, you won’t be allowed to go ashore.

That matters for two reasons:

• It’s a straightforward pre-trip task, but you need to do it early.
• It affects how you plan your swim time once you’re there.

What the Blue Lagoon experience feels like on a cruise day

Blue Lagoon is famous for a mix of clear water and a sandy base, plus the underwater life that makes swimming feel special. But it’s also small, and in peak summer it can be packed. If you’re going in high season, expect crowding and limited space to settle.

Also, practical reality: the beach area can be rocky and uneven. Bring swimwear, a towel, and ideally sea shoes if you’re walking over rocks or slippery spots. Changing can be awkward too—some people find the set-up is better handled quickly on the boat rather than searching for a lot of private space on the sand.

Optional motorboat add-on: Comino Caves and Crystal Lagoon

During your time on Comino, you may have the chance to join an optional motorboat trip to the Comino Caves and the Crystal Lagoon. This add-on costs about €15 per person, and it runs only with favourable weather and sea conditions.

If you want more than beach time—especially if caves are on your wish list—this can be a good use of extra money. If you mainly want a simple swim-and-relax day, you might skip it and keep your energy for the Blue Lagoon itself.

On-board comfort: what to expect from the boat

This trip is sold as a comfortable catamaran day, and the details line up with that. You get:

• air-conditioned seating
• free Wi‑Fi
• toilet facilities
• staff on board

The boat also has room to move around a bit, and there’s enough space inside for people who get tired of being in the sun. If you’re someone who likes to people-watch or keep your plans organized, Wi‑Fi makes it easier to navigate once you reach Gozo and figure out whether you’re taking the bus or going by taxi.

One more small note that matters: this is a catamaran, so you should expect it to follow a schedule with no long waiting around. That’s good for seeing two islands, but it’s not the right format if you want a long, flexible linger at every stop.

What to bring (and what to skip)

Bring what helps you enjoy the water and move quickly between stops:

• comfortable shoes (two hours in Gozo means walking time)
• sunglasses
• swimwear
• towel
• camera
• sunscreen
• cash (handy for transport in Gozo and any on-location options)

Skip or don’t plan around:

• pets
• oversize luggage
• smoking
• non-folding wheelchairs

If you’re prone to seasickness, plan for it before you board. This route can have choppy moments, and it’s not ideal if you’re already feeling sensitive.

Who this cruise fits best (and who should choose something else)

This is a great fit if you want:

• a simple day plan with two islands and a swim stop
• free time to roam at your own pace (this is not a guided tour)
• a comfortable ride with AC and Wi‑Fi, especially in warm months
• an easy way to get to Comino without handling ferry transfers yourself

It may not be your best option if:

• you need long time in Gozo (two hours can feel tight)
• you’re expecting lots of staff guidance beyond basic directions
• you’re extremely sensitive to motion, since the crossing can get choppy

Also, Comino can be crowded depending on season. If you’re hoping for a quiet, empty beach vibe, you’ll want to time your Malta trip thoughtfully.

Should you book this Gozo + Comino catamaran cruise?

I’d book it if you want the high points in one day: a comfortable catamaran ride, free time in Gozo, and a real chance to swim at Blue Lagoon without juggling complicated connections. It’s especially good value because the cruise portion and the included comfort reduce the friction of doing two islands.

I’d hesitate only if you already know you want a deep, slow exploration of Gozo. With limited time on both islands, you’ll spend more time choosing what to skip than soaking up everything.

One final decision-maker: the Blue Lagoon access pass. If you can handle that pre-booking step, this trip becomes much smoother. If not, plan accordingly—because without the pass, the main beach moment is off the table.

FAQ

How long is the Gozo and Comino ferry cruise?

It’s about 7 to 7.5 hours total, depending on the departure time you choose.

Where does the catamaran depart from?

You can depart from Sliema Ferries in Sliema or from Sirens Quay in St. Paul’s Bay. You choose your preferred departure point when booking.

Is this a guided tour?

No. It’s not guided. You’ll have free time to explore both Gozo and Comino on your own.

How long do you get in Gozo and Comino?

You’ll have about two hours free time in Gozo and about two hours free time in Comino.

Do I need an access pass to go ashore at the Blue Lagoon?

Yes. Effective May 2025, you must obtain an official government access pass in advance to disembark at the Blue Lagoon, and you need the afternoon timeslot for this trip.

Is transportation in Gozo included?

No. Land transportation in Gozo (such as bus or taxi to Victoria) is not included. You can arrange it on location at the harbour through independent operators.

What optional activities are available on Comino?

You can book an optional motorboat trip to the Comino Caves and the Crystal Lagoon. It’s paid on location (around €15 per person) and depends on favourable weather and sea conditions.