REVIEW · MELLIEHA
Malta: Roundtrip Ferry to Comino Blue Lagoon w/Gozo Option
Book on GetYourGuide →Operated by Robert Arrigo & Sons Limited · Bookable on GetYourGuide
Blue Lagoon is even easier than you think. This round-trip ferry gets you to Comino fast and lets you explore on your own terms.
I especially like the multiple sailings throughout the day and the fact that the boat passes the Comino Sea Caves on the way over.
One possible drawback: it’s open water. If you get seasick easily, skip it, and it isn’t designed for wheelchair users.
In This Review
- Key things worth knowing
- How the Malta–Comino Ferry Day Feels (no tight clock)
- Choosing Your Port: Marfa vs Ċirkewwa
- The Comino Sea Caves Stretch: Short ride, strong payoff
- Blue Lagoon Time: Using the included shore pass wisely
- Beyond the Lagoon: Exploring Comino at your own pace
- The Gozo Add-On (Mġarr Harbour): a smart two-island combo
- Price and Value Around $18: what you’re really paying for
- Comfort, Crowds, and Sea Conditions (set your expectations)
- What to Pack and How to Time Your Day
- Who This Trip Suits Best (and who might want another plan)
- Should you book this Malta–Comino ferry day?
- FAQ
- Do I need to book a specific time slot for the ferry?
- Where do I meet for the ferry?
- How long is the ferry ride to Comino Blue Lagoon?
- Are there multiple return trips from Comino Blue Lagoon to Malta?
- Does the ticket include access to step ashore at the Blue Lagoon?
- What about the option that includes Gozo?
- Is this ferry suitable for wheelchair users or seasickness?
Key things worth knowing
Flexible departures all day so you can match the day’s mood
20–25 minutes to Comino for more time in the water
Comino Sea Caves from the boat without a tight tour schedule
Government shore pass included so you can step onto Blue Lagoon’s area
Gozo add-on needs planning because your Malta return from Gozo is on you
How the Malta–Comino Ferry Day Feels (no tight clock)
This is one of those rare tour formats that trades a packed itinerary for real freedom. You take a ferry from Malta to Comino’s Blue Lagoon, spend your time however you want, then catch a later return sailing. No set excursion script. No awkward waiting for the group.
The practical win is the frequency. You can depart and return at many times through the day, and if you miss a departure, you can usually hop the next one instead of burning your whole plan. Your ticket also works any time on the day you booked, so you do not need to cling to a specific time slot.
The other key detail I like: the boat ride is short, about 20–25 minutes each way. That means you’re not sacrificing your day to travel time. You can show up, get there, and start enjoying the water.
Choosing Your Port: Marfa vs Ċirkewwa

You can depart from either Marfa or Ċirkewwa, and both have plenty of options. In real life, the best choice is usually the one that’s easiest for you to reach that morning.
There’s also a timing factor if you care about the Sea Caves. The boat passes the Comino Sea Caves on the way, but not on every trip. The last cave-passing departure is at 3:00 PM from Marfa and 3:10 PM from Ċirkewwa. If you’re aiming for that specific viewpoint, plan to be on one of the earlier sailings.
In winter, the schedule shifts slightly. The first trip and last trip are later in daylight limits, with winter departures starting at 9:00 AM from Marfa and 9:10 AM from Ċirkewwa, and the last cave-pass window ends at 4:00 PM / 4:10 PM respectively (as stated for the day’s range).
The Comino Sea Caves Stretch: Short ride, strong payoff

The ferry goes along Malta’s northern coastline and out toward Comino in that quick 20–25 minute hop. On the way, you’ll pass the Comino Sea Caves, which is one of the most memorable parts of the whole day.
A cave pass is not the same as a slow boat threading through tight passages. Here, you get the coastline views while staying efficient. For a lot of people, that’s the ideal mix: the scenery without the stress of a longer, more involved boat experience.
One practical note: sea conditions matter. You’re still out on open water, even if the trip is short. If the day is windy or choppy, it can feel like extra motion right as you’re trying to get excited about the lagoon.
Blue Lagoon Time: Using the included shore pass wisely

Once you arrive at Comino Blue Lagoon, you’re set up for the part that matters: water time and free roaming at your pace. The ticket includes a government-issued pass that lets you step ashore at the Blue Lagoon area. That’s a big deal in practical terms, because it removes one of the most annoying friction points you sometimes hit at popular sites.
Bring the basics and you’ll make your day easier:
- Swimwear and a towel
- Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a sun hat
- Comfortable shoes if you plan to walk a bit around the island
I’d also keep cash handy, since cash is specifically mentioned as something to bring. Food and drinks aren’t included, so plan to either buy on-site or go prepared.
Your time at the lagoon is flexible. You can spend a little, spend a lot, or split it into phases: swim first, then wander. Because you’re not trapped in a fixed tour timeline, you can pick a moment when you feel like being in the water versus on land.
Beyond the Lagoon: Exploring Comino at your own pace
Comino isn’t just one beach. With your freedom here, you can explore at the pace that fits you. The ferry setup gives you time to discover the Blue Lagoon itself, plus other nearby bays and spots around the island.
What I like about this approach is that it respects different travel styles. If you want to relax, you can stay near the main swimming area. If you want movement, you can walk and look for quieter stretches.
Also, you avoid the feeling of rushing through a single highlight because a guide is watching the clock. If you arrive and the water is perfect but you’re hungry, you can take care of that first. If the opposite happens and the day feels busy, you can change your plan and head for a different pocket of coastline.
One small reality check: Blue Lagoon is popular. Even with free time, you may find it a bit crowded at peak hours. That doesn’t ruin it, but it does help to go with expectations.
The Gozo Add-On (Mġarr Harbour): a smart two-island combo

For the same overall price, you can book an option that strings together Malta → Comino Blue Lagoon → Gozo. Instead of returning straight to Malta after Comino, you board another ferry to Mġarr Harbour in Gozo.
This can be a great move if you want more variety in one day. It turns the trip from a “just swim in one place” outing into a two-island experience with different vibes. Comino is all about the water. Gozo tends to feel more grounded and island-like.
Important planning point: your service does not include a return trip from Gozo to Malta. You’ll need to arrange your own transport back by either the Gozo Channel ferry or the Gozo Highspeed ferry.
Also, the Gozo departure times from Comino Blue Lagoon are specific. They’re listed at 11:00 AM, 12:00 PM, 1:00 PM, 2:00 PM, 3:00 PM, 4:00 PM, and 6:00 PM (with winter timing differences). So if you’re set on the Gozo option, choose your Malta departure time based on which Gozo ferry fits your day.
From one practical note: this routing works well for people who do not love long boat stretches. With short ferry legs, you can keep discomfort low while still getting two islands.
Price and Value Around $18: what you’re really paying for

At about $18 per person, this ferry option can be a strong value, especially because you’re not paying extra for a guide or a fixed tour narrative. You’re paying for transportation, time efficiency, and the shore access piece.
The biggest value lever is that shore pass. If you’ve ever priced out separate access or felt surprised by extra costs at popular waterfront areas, you’ll appreciate that the ticket includes the ability to step ashore at Blue Lagoon’s area.
You also get scheduling power. Multiple departures mean you can avoid buying into a rigid timeline. That matters because the Blue Lagoon day is all about mood and conditions. When you can shift your return time, you’re less likely to feel trapped at the site.
Food, drinks, and towels are on you. But that’s normal for this kind of day trip. If you’re traveling light, you might spend money on snacks anyway. Still, compared to guided boat tours that pack in more structure, this is usually a cheaper way to get the core experience: Comino, the Blue Lagoon, and the Sea Caves pass.
Comfort, Crowds, and Sea Conditions (set your expectations)
This isn’t a private charter. You’re sharing ferries with others, and a certain level of crowding can happen, especially in peak season. One tip: if you’re sensitive to busyness, try to plan for earlier or later windows rather than the exact mid-day rush.
Punctuality is a strong theme in the feedback you’ll see, with people highlighting ferries that are clean, efficient, and run on time. That helps, because boat days fail when the schedule falls apart. Here, it’s designed around multiple sailings, so if you arrive and catch the next one, you usually don’t lose your entire day.
On the motion front: people who don’t travel well on water often still make this work because the legs are short, but it’s not risk-free. If you’re prone to seasickness, this is specifically marked as not suitable.
And accessibility is limited. It isn’t for wheelchair users, so if that’s a factor, you’ll need an alternative plan.
What to Pack and How to Time Your Day
You’ll get the best experience if you treat this like a beach-plus-walk day.
Pack the items that are explicitly recommended:
- Sunglasses and sun hat
- Sunscreen
- Swimwear and towel
- Comfortable shoes
- Cash
Then time your day with the cave pass in mind. If you want the Comino Sea Caves experience, plan your outbound departure earlier enough to be within the cave-passing window. After that, you still go to Blue Lagoon, but you may miss that specific scenic segment.
Finally, if you’re doing the Gozo option, plan your day backwards from your Gozo return. Since your Malta return is not included, you need to make sure your Gozo ferry timing works with your energy level.
Who This Trip Suits Best (and who might want another plan)

This is ideal if you want:
- Freedom to explore instead of following a strict group schedule
- A fast route to Comino, so you spend time where it counts
- The option to add Gozo without building a whole second day
It’s a less ideal fit if:
- You get seasick easily
- You need wheelchair accessibility
- You’re expecting an all-day guided experience with a tour leader telling you what to do every step
It also works well for value-minded travelers. At this price, you’re getting transport plus shore access without a big markup for structure.
Should you book this Malta–Comino ferry day?
If your priority is simple: get to the Blue Lagoon, enjoy Comino on your own, and still have flexibility to change your return timing, I’d book it. The included shore pass plus the short 20–25 minute crossing is a practical combo that makes the day feel efficient rather than rushed.
If you’re considering the Gozo add-on, it can be a great way to stack islands in one day. Just be honest about your willingness to manage your own return from Gozo to Malta, and choose your ferry times so you’re not stressed when you arrive.
If sea conditions are a concern, watch the forecast and take seasickness seriously. And if accessibility is important, don’t plan on this one as a solution.
FAQ
Do I need to book a specific time slot for the ferry?
No. Your ticket can be used at any time on the day you booked, without needing a specific time slot.
Where do I meet for the ferry?
The meeting point may vary depending on the option you book.
How long is the ferry ride to Comino Blue Lagoon?
The journey is approximately 20–25 minutes each way.
Are there multiple return trips from Comino Blue Lagoon to Malta?
Yes. There are departures throughout the day from Comino Blue Lagoon to Ċirkewwa or Marfa.
Does the ticket include access to step ashore at the Blue Lagoon?
Yes. It includes a government-issued pass to step ashore at the Blue Lagoon.
What about the option that includes Gozo?
If you book Malta—Comino Blue Lagoon—Gozo, you can travel to Gozo and disembark at Mġarr Harbour. Your return trip from Gozo to Malta is not included, so you must arrange it yourself using the Gozo Channel ferry or the Gozo Highspeed ferry.
Is this ferry suitable for wheelchair users or seasickness?
No. It is not suitable for wheelchair users, and it is also not recommended for people prone to seasickness.




