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

Comino’s Blue Lagoon is the star here: clear water, a salty breeze, and a full day split between Malta’s two smaller islands. You can travel from Sliema or Bugibba, sit inside in air conditioning or outside with the sea air, and choose whether Gozo or Comino comes first.

I like the freedom to choose your island time, and I like that the fare includes onboard toilets, Wi-Fi, and return transfers to major hotels in the listed areas. The catch is simple: seven hours goes quickly, and Gozo can feel rushed if you try to see too much.

Key points to know before booking

• Choose your starting point: Depart from Sliema or Bugibba, depending on the option you book.
• Set your own island plan: Visit Gozo first, Comino first, or spend your day on only one island.
• Allow time for the Blue Lagoon: Bring swimwear and a towel if you want to use Comino’s famously clear water.
• Gozo is self-guided: Once you get off at Mgarr Port, you are responsible for planning what to see and how to get around.
• Expect a seven-hour day: Some schedules allow about three hours at Gozo and three hours at Comino, but exact timing can vary.
• Use the included return transfer: Sliema departures include transfers toward major hotels in Sliema and St. Julian’s, while Bugibba departures cover Bugibba, Qawra, and Mellieha.

What this ferry day is really like

This is not a guided sightseeing tour with a host leading you from one landmark to the next. It is a ferry-based island day with flexible stops. That distinction matters.

You board a catamaran from either Sliema or Bugibba and travel along Malta’s northeast coast toward Gozo and Comino. The ferry offers outdoor seating for the view and indoor air-conditioned seating when the sun gets strong. Restrooms and Wi-Fi are available onboard, and food and drinks can be bought on the boat.

The basic plan is easy. Ride to one island, get off if you want, spend your allotted time there, and use the ferry to continue or return. You can also remain onboard and go straight to the next stop.

The flexibility sounds generous, but you still need to watch the timetable. This is not a ferry running every few minutes. If you get off in Gozo and miss the next useful sailing, your Comino time may shrink. A seven-hour outing gives you enough time for a taste of both islands, but not enough for a full Gozo tour plus a relaxed Blue Lagoon afternoon.

Starting from Sliema or Bugibba

Your departure choice should be based on where you are staying, not on a promise that one route is better. Sliema is the sensible choice if your hotel is in Sliema or St. Julian’s. Bugibba works well for accommodation in Bugibba, Qawra, or Mellieha.

The included return transfers are useful, especially after a day in the sun. From the Sliema option, transfers go back toward major hotels in Sliema and St. Julian’s. From Bugibba, return transport covers major hotels in Bugibba, Qawra, and Mellieha.

Check the exact meeting point carefully because it can vary with the option selected. The booking information gives you the departure area, but not one universal meeting spot for every departure. Arrive ready for a ferry outing, with your confirmation details handy and enough time to find the right boarding point.

The catamaran ride is part of the experience. You get views of Malta’s northeast coast, a cool breeze when seated outside, and a quieter indoor option when the heat becomes too much. I would start outside if the weather is pleasant, then move indoors later if needed.

Gozo first: pretty, independent, and easy to misjudge

On some departures, the ferry goes to Gozo first. You get off at Mgarr Port, Gozo’s ferry gateway, and make your own plan for the stop.

This can be the better order if you want to see Gozo before the Blue Lagoon becomes the main event. It also gives you a chance to walk around, find food, or arrange local transport before returning to the ferry. But the stop is not a guided tour, so you need to know what you want to do before you arrive.

You may find bus services and local tour sellers near the port offering ways to see more of the island. They can be useful if you want transport, but do not buy in a hurry simply because someone approaches you as you leave the boat. First check how much time you have before the ferry departs for Comino.

A key practical point: a hop-on hop-off bus around Gozo may not fit neatly with a later Comino stop. If the ferry is scheduled to collect you a few hours later, a long island circuit could leave you watching the clock. For a short stop, stay near the port or choose one small area rather than attempting all of Gozo.

Gozo is best treated as a taste, not a full island tour. You can enjoy the slower Mediterranean feel, see a fishing village, have something to eat, or take a short walk. If your main goal is Gozo’s villages and inland sights, book a dedicated Gozo excursion instead. This ferry day gives you independence, but not much help with planning.

One useful schedule example allows roughly three hours in Gozo before the ferry continues to Comino, followed by about three hours at the Blue Lagoon. That is enough for a simple Gozo stop and a proper swim, though exact sailing times depend on the departure and conditions.

Comino and the Blue Lagoon

Comino is the reason many people choose this trip. The island’s Blue Lagoon is famous for clear, bright water and a setting made for swimming, sunbathing, and a slow afternoon.

Bring beachwear and a towel. Comfortable shoes also matter because this is not only a boat ride. You may want to walk around the island, move between the ferry and the water, or find a less crowded place to sit.

The Blue Lagoon stop is not a quiet private beach experience. The appeal is the water and the chance to spend several hours beside it, not solitude. If swimming is your priority, keep your Comino time intact and avoid using too much of the day on an ambitious Gozo plan.

You can swim, sunbathe, or explore Comino at your own pace. The boat also offers Comino Caves trips for an additional fee during June through September. Those tickets are not included, so treat the caves as an optional extra rather than part of the main fare.

Food and drinks are available for purchase onboard, in Gozo, and in Comino, but they are not included. I would bring what you need for a comfortable beach stop while keeping in mind that the supplied information does not promise a packed lunch or complimentary refreshments.

The order can work either way. Gozo first gives you a calmer start and saves the swimming for later. Comino first gets you into the water sooner, but you may then have less patience for a rushed Gozo stop. If your priority is the Blue Lagoon, choose the order that protects your time there.

The ferry’s comfort and practical extras

The ferry is more comfortable than a basic open boat. You can sit outside for fresh air and coastal views, or use the air-conditioned indoor seating. Restrooms are onboard, and Wi-Fi is provided.

Those details are not flashy, but they matter over seven hours. A full day at sea, in the sun, and between two islands can become tiring. Having a toilet onboard means you are not dependent on the next port, while indoor seating gives you a break from heat and wind.

The ferry is also your main connection between the islands. You are not hiring a private boat, so you should expect a shared schedule and a set route. The advantage is cost and simplicity. The trade-off is less control if the day runs late or you decide you want extra time in one place.

There is no named personal guide provided for this experience. The host language is English, but the day is mostly self-directed. If you prefer detailed explanations, local stories, and someone managing every transfer, this may feel too hands-off. If you like making your own choices, the lack of a tour leader is a benefit.

Is $42 good value for seven hours?

At $42 per person, the price is reasonable if you use the ferry as transport between both islands and value the included return transfer. You are paying for the catamaran service, the chance to stop at Gozo and Comino, onboard facilities, and a full seven-hour outing.

The value drops if you only use one stop or remain onboard for most of the day. A visitor who spends the entire time at the Blue Lagoon may still find the ferry worthwhile, but the two-island promise matters less in that case.

It also does not cover meals, drinks, or the optional Comino Caves boat trip. Add those costs if they matter to your plan. The fare is best understood as transportation plus flexible island access, not an all-inclusive day tour.

The included hotel transfer can make the price feel better, particularly if you are staying in one of the listed areas. It saves you from arranging a separate return ride after a long day. Just confirm that your hotel falls within the stated transfer zones.

What can go wrong with the timing?

The main weakness is not the scenery. It is the clock.

A ferry schedule that gives you about three hours in Gozo and three hours in Comino can work well. But a late arrival at Gozo, a long wait at the port, or an overly ambitious plan can change the balance. Some departures may leave you with too little time for both islands, especially if you want to explore beyond the port area in Gozo.

If the ferry reaches Gozo later than expected, you may decide to skip Gozo and spend the day at the Blue Lagoon instead. That is a sensible choice if swimming is your main goal, but it means you should not book this trip expecting a guaranteed full island tour of Gozo.

The safest plan is to choose one clear activity per stop. In Gozo, walk, eat, or arrange a short local visit. In Comino, swim and relax. Trying to cover several villages, take a bus circuit, add a cave trip, and still make every ferry is asking for trouble.

Keep your return time in mind from the moment you get off. You are responsible for getting back to the correct ferry. The flexibility is real, but it comes with personal responsibility.

Who should book this island combination?

I would recommend this ferry for you if you want:

• A simple way to see both Gozo and Comino in one day
• Time for a swim at the Blue Lagoon
• The freedom to choose how much time to spend ashore
• A departure from either Sliema or Bugibba
• A self-guided day rather than a tightly managed tour
• Included return transfers in the listed hotel areas

It suits couples, families, and independent visitors who can keep an eye on the clock. It is also a practical choice if you want a first look at both islands before deciding which one deserves a longer return visit.

I would choose something else if Gozo is your main reason for booking. A dedicated Gozo tour or ferry plan with more sailing times will give you better control. I would also think twice if you dislike shared transport, fixed pickup times, or making your own plans after getting off the boat.

Small details that make the day better

Wear swimwear under your clothes if you want an easy Blue Lagoon stop. Bring a towel, comfortable shoes, sun protection, and enough water for the time you expect to spend outside.

Decide before boarding which island matters most to you. If it is Comino, protect the Blue Lagoon time. If it is Gozo, avoid spending the whole day chasing a second island that you may only see briefly.

Use the outdoor deck for the coastal views, but do not feel you must stay there. The air-conditioned cabin is useful when the sun is strong or the sea air turns cool.

Food and drinks can be bought onboard, in Gozo, and in Comino. Still, having a few essentials with you can save time during a short stop.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. Those terms help if your Malta plans depend on the weather, but you should still check the exact starting time and meeting point for your selected option.

Should you book this ferry?

Book it if you want a flexible ferry day with a strong Blue Lagoon focus and a quick taste of Gozo. The catamaran is comfortable, the departure choices are useful, and the hotel return transfer adds practical value.

Do not book it expecting a full guided tour of Gozo. The seven-hour schedule is the limit, and the island stops can feel short if the boat arrives late or you choose a long local excursion.

My advice is simple: make Comino your non-negotiable stop, treat Gozo as a compact independent visit, and keep your plan modest. Used that way, the $42 fare gives you a pleasant way to see Malta’s smaller islands without arranging several separate boat trips.

FAQ

How long does the ferry experience last?

The experience lasts about seven hours. Exact departure times and stop lengths can vary, so check availability for the selected date.

Can I depart from Sliema or Bugibba?

Yes. You can choose a Sliema departure or a Bugibba departure when booking. The meeting point depends on the option selected.

Can I visit Gozo and Comino in either order?

Yes. You can visit Gozo first and then Comino, or start at Comino and continue to Gozo. You can also choose to focus on only one island.

Is the Blue Lagoon included?

The ferry trip to Comino and access to the Blue Lagoon area are part of the experience. Swimming and sunbathing are available there, but food, drinks, and optional cave trips cost extra.

Are food and drinks included?

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

Is there a restroom on the ferry?

Yes. Restrooms are available onboard, along with Wi-Fi.

Are hotel transfers included?

Return transfers are included to major hotels in Sliema and St. Julian’s for the Sliema option. The Bugibba option includes return transfers to major hotels in Bugibba, Qawra, and Mellieha.

What should I bring?

Bring beachwear, a towel, and comfortable shoes. These are especially useful if you plan to swim at the Blue Lagoon or walk around Comino and Gozo.