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

The main appeal here is simple: one boat ticket links Comino and Gozo in a single day. You can sit outside for the sea views or inside in air-conditioned comfort, then choose how much time to give each island.

I like the choice of two departure points, Sliema or Bugibba, and I like the freedom to stay on board, get off, or focus on only one island. The catch is time. Seven hours sounds generous, but it can feel short once boat travel, port stops, and island transport are counted.

Key points to know

• Two departure choices: Leave from Sliema or Bugibba, with return transfers to nearby hotel areas included for the matching departure option.
• Blue Lagoon stop: Comino gives you clear water, swimming, sunbathing, and a chance to walk around the small island.
• Gozo requires planning: Once you leave the ferry at Mgarr, you arrange your own visit rather than following a guided island tour.
• Flexible route: The boat may visit Gozo first and Comino second, or reverse the order, depending on the chosen sailing.
• Seven-hour schedule: One reported sailing allowed about three hours in Gozo and three hours at Comino, but the exact timing can make a big difference.
• Extras cost more: Food, drinks, and the seasonal Comino Caves boat trip are not included in the $42 fare.

What the $42 ferry day really offers

At $42 per person, this is best understood as shared island transportation with sightseeing along the way, not a fully guided tour. You pay for the ferry route, onboard facilities, and the ability to use the boat between Malta, Gozo, and Comino.

That price can work well if you want a straightforward way to reach the Blue Lagoon and also see Gozo without arranging separate ferry tickets. It is less convincing if you want a detailed Gozo tour, a set lunch, or a guide explaining each stop.

The seven-hour length gives you a full outing, but not unlimited freedom. You are working around the boat timetable. The ferry has to move on, and the time available on land depends on the sailing pattern selected for the day.

I would think of this as a convenient sampler. You can get a taste of two islands, take a swim, and enjoy the northeast coast from the water. You cannot realistically explore every corner of Gozo and still give Comino the time it deserves.

Leaving from Sliema or Bugibba

Your first choice is the departure location. The Sliema option is useful if you are staying in Sliema or St. Julian’s, while Bugibba is the practical pick for hotels in Bugibba, Qawra, or Mellieha.

The included return transport is tied to the departure point. From Sliema, transfers return you to major hotels in Sliema and St. Julian’s. From Bugibba, return service covers major hotels in Bugibba, Qawra, and Mellieha.

Check the exact meeting point before leaving your hotel because it can vary with the option you book. The activity is hosted in English, and the boat has restrooms and Wi-Fi, useful touches during a long day on the water.

The catamaran provides two seating moods. Outdoors, you get the wind and open views of Malta’s northeast coast. Indoors, air conditioning gives you a break from the sun. Bring a towel, beachwear, and comfortable shoes, since the day shifts between boat travel, port walking, swimming, and island exploring.

The catamaran ride along Malta’s northeast coast

The boat ride is part of the experience, not just a transfer. From the water, you get a different view of Malta’s coast and a cooling breeze that can make the journey pleasant even on a hot day.

The open deck is the natural choice if you want sea views and fresh air. Keep in mind that the sun can be strong, especially when you spend several hours moving between bright water and exposed island stops. The indoor cabin is a sensible retreat when you need shade or air conditioning.

Onboard food and drinks are available for purchase, but they are not included. Since you may have several hours between stops, budget for these extras or plan to buy something in Gozo or Comino.

The Wi-Fi and restrooms make the crossing easier, but they do not turn the ferry into a guided sightseeing vessel. You should expect transport and views rather than a constant stream of commentary about the islands.

Choosing Gozo first or Comino first

The day can be arranged in either direction. You may visit Gozo first and then continue to Comino, or stop at Comino before Gozo. You can also choose to focus on just one island instead of getting off at both.

That flexibility is helpful, but it also requires attention. Listen carefully to the pickup time and make sure you know where the boat will collect you. Missing the return sailing would defeat the point of choosing a ferry with a fixed route.

One sailing pattern gave about three hours at Mgarr in Gozo, followed by roughly three hours at Comino. That is enough for a quick Gozo plan and a proper swim at the Blue Lagoon, but it is not enough for a relaxed, island-wide tour.

Another practical issue is arrival time. If the boat reaches Gozo later than expected, you may decide that the available time is too short and skip Gozo altogether. That can be a sensible choice if Comino is your priority, but it means the two-island promise becomes a one-island day.

Making the most of your three hours in Gozo

Gozo is the larger and more varied stop. The ferry drops you at Mgarr port, and from there you make your own plan. You can look for local transport, visit a fishing village, or simply enjoy the laid-back Mediterranean feel around the harbor.

There is no included guided route around Gozo. That is important. You are responsible for deciding where to go, how to get there, and when to return to the port.

Transport sellers may approach you as you leave the ferry, offering bus services around the island. That can sound convenient when you have limited time, but choose carefully. A bus route that takes you around Gozo may not fit neatly with a later pickup for Comino.

If your main goal is to reach the Blue Lagoon afterward, ask exactly how long the Gozo option takes and where it returns you. A broad island circuit may leave you watching the clock instead of enjoying the stops.

For a short visit, keep your Gozo plan modest. Pick one area or one type of experience rather than trying to cover the whole island. The point is to get a taste of Gozo, not to force a full island tour into a few hours.

Comino and the Blue Lagoon

Comino is the star stop for many people booking this boat. The Blue Lagoon is known for clear water, and the schedule gives you time to swim, sunbathe, or walk around the island.

Bring your towel and beachwear in an easy-to-reach bag. You will not want to dig through luggage after arriving at the lagoon. Comfortable shoes also matter if you plan to walk beyond your swimming spot.

The Blue Lagoon is not simply a photo stop. With several hours available in one reported schedule, you can swim and still have time to sit by the water. If you prefer a quieter day, you can skip the swim and explore Comino on foot instead.

The optional Comino Caves boat trip is sold separately and is available onboard between June and September. Treat it as an extra, not part of the basic $42 package. If you are trying to keep the day affordable, the Blue Lagoon itself already provides the main Comino activity.

Comino can also be the better choice if the Gozo stop arrives too late or feels too rushed. The ferry lets you adapt. Spend the day at the lagoon, then return with the boat rather than racing around Gozo for a short visit.

The limits of a hop-on hop-off island day

The phrase hop-on hop-off suggests complete freedom, but the ferry still operates on a timetable. You cannot treat it like a city bus with a stop every few minutes. The route and pickup windows shape your day.

That matters most in Gozo. Mgarr is only your arrival point, and reaching another village takes time. If you hire a local service or join a bus outing, you must protect enough time to get back to the ferry.

The same rule applies at Comino. Swimming can make you lose track of time, especially when the water is the main reason you came. Keep an eye on the pickup instructions and leave yourself a margin.

I like the control this format gives you, but it rewards organized people. Before getting off, confirm the next departure, the meeting place, and the amount of time you have. A quick check can save you from spending the rest of the day worrying about the boat.

What is included and what is not

The fare includes the hop-on hop-off ferry ticket from your selected departure point, toilets, Wi-Fi, and the relevant hotel return transfer. The matching hotel zones are Sliema and St. Julian’s for the Sliema departure, or Bugibba, Qawra, and Mellieha for the Bugibba departure.

Food and drinks are extra. You can buy them on the catamaran, in Gozo, or in Comino. The cave boat trip is also extra and only available in the June to September period.

This makes the value fairly clear. You are paying for transport, a full day out, and access to two of Malta’s smaller islands. You are not paying for lunch, a Gozo guide, or a complete sightseeing package.

The included hotel transfer adds value if your accommodation falls within the stated areas. If you are staying elsewhere, do not assume a door-to-door ride. The supplied transfer applies to the main hotels near the selected departure location.

Who should book this ferry

I would choose this experience if you want a simple day on the water and your priorities are the Blue Lagoon, sea views, and a short look at Gozo. It suits people who are comfortable making their own plans once they step off the boat.

It also works for couples, families, and independent visitors who do not want to arrange separate transport between three islands. The indoor and outdoor seating, restrooms, and Wi-Fi make the seven-hour outing easier to manage.

I would be more cautious if Gozo is your main reason for booking. The available time can be short, and you need to arrange your own transport from Mgarr. A dedicated Gozo excursion may suit you better if you want several villages, a planned route, or a guide.

This is also not the best pick if you dislike fixed pickup times. The flexibility is real, but it exists inside the ferry schedule. You gain convenience, not total control.

Practical tips for a smoother day

Book the departure point closest to your hotel. The included return transfer is designed around the selected side, and a shorter start to the day leaves more energy for the islands.

Pack a small beach bag with swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and comfortable shoes. Keep your phone, money, and any dry clothes protected from water near the Blue Lagoon.

When you arrive in Gozo, decide quickly what you want from the stop. If you want a village visit, choose one clear target. If Comino matters more, avoid a long bus circuit that could bring you back late.

Ask about the pickup time before leaving the ferry. Do not rely on memory, especially if you choose to swim first and explore later.

The experience allows free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. Those options are useful when your Malta schedule may change, though they do not solve the issue of limited time between island stops.

Should you book the Sliema or Bugibba ferry?

Book it if you want an easy way to combine a Blue Lagoon swim with a quick Gozo visit, and you are happy to plan your own time on land. The $42 cost is reasonable for a seven-hour ferry outing with onboard facilities and selected hotel transfers.

Skip it if you want a detailed Gozo tour or need long, relaxed visits at several sites. In that case, the boat’s timetable may feel restrictive, especially if the ferry arrives late and you have to choose between rushing Gozo and enjoying Comino.

My practical choice would be to make Comino the priority and treat Gozo as a bonus. That approach fits the schedule better and protects the main reward of the day: clear water, open sea, and time to slow down at the Blue Lagoon.

FAQ

Where can I depart from?

You can select a departure from Sliema or Bugibba. The meeting point varies according to the option booked.

How long does the experience last?

The ferry outing lasts seven hours. The exact time spent in Gozo and Comino depends on the sailing schedule and the order of the stops.

Can I visit Gozo and Comino in either order?

Yes. The activity allows a route that visits Gozo first and Comino afterward, or Comino first and Gozo afterward. You may also choose to focus on only one island.

Is food included?

No. Food and drinks can be bought onboard the catamaran, in Gozo, or in Comino.

Is the Comino Caves boat trip included?

No. The Comino Caves boat trip costs extra and is available onboard between June and September.

What should I bring?

Bring beachwear, a towel, and comfortable shoes. These items suit swimming at the Blue Lagoon and walking around the islands.