Gozo, Comino and The Blue Lagoon Trip from Sliema

The main appeal is the range packed into one day: you cruise from Sliema to Gozo, get a short taste of Victoria, then reach Comino for a swim or walk around the Blue Lagoon. It is a practical way to see two islands without arranging separate boats and land transport yourself.

I like two things in particular: the scenic boat ride, which makes the crossing part of the outing rather than just a transfer, and the chance to visit Victoria and the Citadel before changing pace at the water. The crew also provides English commentary, and the boat has a water slide.

The compromise is time. Gozo gets a brief visit, while the Blue Lagoon stop is about 90 minutes, and both can feel short once you account for transfers and crowds. Sea conditions can also make the crossing uncomfortable if you are prone to seasickness.

At a glance

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• Two islands in one outing: Travel by boat from Sliema to Gozo, then continue to Comino and the Blue Lagoon.
• A quick look at Victoria: Gozo’s capital offers time for the Citadel, cafes, shops, and a walk through town.
• A bay photo stop: The Gozo bus route includes a short stop at a scenic bay.
• Blue Lagoon time: The planned stop is about 90 minutes for swimming, sunbathing, or walking on Comino.
• A full day, not a guided walking tour: Expect English commentary and transport, but no dedicated guide or included admission fees.
• Plan for practical snags: Arrive early, check your boat details, and confirm how to obtain the Blue Lagoon pass before you go.

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From Sliema, the sea is part of the day

The trip starts at Sliema Ferries, at Ferries 4 on Triq Ix-Xatt. The listed departure is 10:00, with a return around 17:30, though the schedule can change with traffic and weather. Plan on roughly seven to seven and a half hours from departure to return.

Look for either the white Kataleya or the white, red, and yellow Lady Shelley. Arrive at least 15 minutes early, and give yourself extra time if you need to find the right boat or exchange your voucher. The meeting area serves multiple boats, and the booking voucher may not be the same thing as the boarding ticket. Have your confirmation handy and ask staff where to check in before joining a queue.

The boat crossing north gives you a long stretch of sea views before the day’s land stops begin. English commentary is included, but this is not a guided tour with a guide walking beside you at each site. Think of the commentary as useful context during the cruise, with free time to explore on your own once ashore.

Seats can go quickly. Arriving early gives you a better chance of choosing where to sit, and a seat outdoors may suit you if you want open views. The trade-off is exposure to sun and wind. Bring a hat and sunscreen, and keep in mind that open water can be rough. If you are prone to seasickness, this trip is specifically not recommended for you; consider taking your usual precautions before departure.

The boat has a cash bar with some snacks and drinks, and accepts cash and credit cards there. Snorkeling equipment is available to buy, not included in the price. A towel, swimwear, sunglasses, and walking shoes are sensible things to pack.

Gozo by bus, then a short stop in Victoria

After arriving at Mgarr Harbour, you transfer to a bus for the drive toward Victoria, Gozo’s capital. The route includes a 15-minute photo stop at a picturesque bay, a useful chance to stretch your legs and take in the coast. It is brief, so treat it as a snapshot rather than a beach visit.

Victoria is the main chance to get a feel for Gozo beyond its shoreline. You have free time to walk around, browse shops, stop at a cafe, or head up to the Citadel, the medieval fortified center above town. The Citadel is the most substantial historical stop on the day, and a good choice if you want more than a quick coffee break.

The stated free time is about 75 minutes, although timings can vary with the day’s schedule. That is enough to choose one priority, but it may not be enough to see every corner of town, eat a leisurely lunch, and explore the Citadel at length. If the Citadel matters to you, go there first and leave shopping or a cafe stop for whatever time remains.

The bus transfer makes this a more useful Gozo visit than a simple harbor drop-off, but it is still a sampler. You are not getting a full island tour, and there is no included admission to sites. Gozo’s other towns and landmarks are not part of the stated route. If you want a slow, in-depth day on Gozo, an outing focused on the island alone will give you more room to wander.

Pay attention to the bus pickup point and time. You will need to return to the agreed location to continue the trip, rather than setting your own pace back to the harbor. That fixed timing is what lets the boat connect Gozo with Comino in one day, but it also means you should not stray far without checking the clock.

Comino and the Blue Lagoon: beautiful, busy, brief

The day’s second island stop is Comino, reached by boat from Gozo. The Blue Lagoon is famous for its clear turquoise water, and it is the natural place to swim, sunbathe, or take photos. The planned stop is about 90 minutes, though actual time can shift with the schedule.

That sounds generous until you factor in getting ashore, finding a spot, and deciding whether to swim or walk. In the warmer months, the lagoon can be very busy. If swimming is your priority, wear your swimsuit under your clothes before leaving Sliema so you do not need to change at the stop. Bring a towel and sun protection, and keep your belongings simple.

You can also use the time to walk on Comino. The island has no cars or urban sprawl, and footpaths lead toward places such as St. Mary’s Chapel. The terrain is uneven and rugged, so this is not an easy stroll for everyone. A short visit means you will probably need to choose between a swim and a longer walk rather than try to do both at a relaxed pace.

The boat’s water slide adds a playful option, especially if you are travelling with children or simply want a quick way into the water. It is one of the included features, but don’t mistake it for a full water-sports session. The stop is still a short visit to a small island, with time limited by the return schedule.

One important detail: the booking voucher is not the Blue Lagoon Pass. You need to apply for the pass separately through the designated official process. Because the pass rules and eligibility can be confusing, check directly before departure that your booking and visit date qualify, and complete any required registration in advance. Do not assume that holding the boat voucher alone secures lagoon access.

The return cruise and what the day feels like

After Comino, the boat passes the Comino Caves on the way back toward Sliema. This coastal stretch gives you another chance to take in the cliffs and sea from the water. Some departures may pass close to the cliffs; if that matters to you, ask the crew where to sit rather than relying on a particular side, since route and conditions can vary.

The overall rhythm is a long cruise, a bus ride and town visit, then another island stop. That variety is the tour’s strength. You are not spending the whole day in one place, and the boat rides offer time to rest between short bursts of walking and sightseeing.

It is also the source of the main limitation. Travel time takes up a sizeable part of the day, and neither Gozo nor Comino gets the kind of lingering visit you would have on an overnight stay. Some people will find the pace efficient; others may wish they had longer in Victoria or at the lagoon. The schedule is designed to connect the highlights, not to let you settle in.

Weather makes a difference. A calm, sunny day can turn the crossings into a pleasure, and warm weather may make swimming appealing even outside peak summer. On a windy day, the ride can feel choppy. The schedule may also change with weather or traffic, so keep your plans for the evening flexible.

Price, value, and who should book

The advertised starting prices differ: the summary lists a price from $58.10, while the join-in package shows a starting figure from $50.55. Check the price for your date and selected option before paying. The value is strongest if you want transport between Sliema, Gozo, and Comino, along with a taste of Victoria, all arranged in a single day.

The fare includes the scenic cruise, English commentary, Gozo bus transport, the bay photo stop, free time in Victoria, the Comino and Blue Lagoon stop, and the water slide. It does not cover meals, drinks, site admission, personal expenses, or tips. Add those costs if you plan to eat in Victoria, visit paid sites, or buy snacks and snorkeling gear on board.

I would choose this trip if I had limited time in Malta and wanted an overview of Gozo and Comino without organizing several transfers. It also suits people who enjoy a boat outing and are happy to keep sightseeing brisk. Families should note that children aged 0 to 3 travel free but must still be included in the passenger count; ages 4 to 11 pay the child rate, and ages 12 and up pay the adult rate.

I would look elsewhere if I wanted a long visit to Gozo, a quiet swim at the Blue Lagoon, or a comfortable trip despite rough seas. The boat is wheelchair and stroller accessible, but Comino itself is not: its rough, uneven ground makes moving around difficult. The activity is also not recommended for people with mobility impairments.

FAQ

Where does the trip leave from?

It leaves from Ferries 4 at Sliema Ferries, on Triq Ix-Xatt in Sliema. Look for the Kataleya or Lady Shelley boat.

What time does the trip depart?

The listed departure time is 10:00. Arrive at least 15 minutes beforehand, and follow the time selected when booking.

How long does the trip take?

Plan for about seven to seven and a half hours. A listed return time is around 17:30, but timing can change with traffic and weather.

How much time do I get in Victoria?

The stated free time is about 75 minutes. The schedule may change, so follow the pickup time and location given by the crew or bus staff.

Is a tour guide included?

A dedicated tour guide is not included. The trip does include English commentary during the sightseeing cruise.

Is the Blue Lagoon Pass included?

No. The booking voucher is not the Blue Lagoon Pass. Apply separately through the designated pass process and confirm eligibility for your date before travelling.

Are meals and drinks included?

No. Meals and beverages are not included. A cash bar on the boat sells some snacks and drinks, and accepts cash and credit cards.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat or cap, cash, and walking shoes. Snorkeling equipment is available to purchase on the boat.

Is the trip suitable for wheelchair or stroller users?

The boat is wheelchair and stroller accessible, but Comino is not. Its terrain is uneven and rugged, making it difficult to navigate with a wheelchair or stroller. The activity is not recommended for people with mobility impairments.