A ferry day, done right. You get an easy roundtrip ferry to Comino with the option to leave from either Marfa or Ċirkewwa, plus a scenic route that passes the Comino Sea Caves. It’s a simple setup that lets you pick the timing that fits your day instead of being locked into one strict schedule.

I like how practical this feels: you show up at the right pier, find the Comino Ferries COOP boat, and then you’re free to hop back on where you arrived when you’re ready to leave. The one big downside to keep in mind is that rougher water can affect where you’re dropped off on Comino, so plan for a possible walk.

If you hate choppy seas, take note too. This is not the sort of trip I’d choose if you’re seasickness-prone, and that same sea-state can also change the landing area.

Key things to know before you go

• Two departure piers in Malta: choose Marfa (opposite Riviera Spa Resort) or Ċirkewwa (by/behind Ċirkewwa Cafe).
• Find the right boat fast: look for the Comino Ferries COOP boat at your pier.
• Ticket timing is flexible on your day: you can use it any time you booked.
• Sea caves are time-sensitive: the last cave-passing trip departs earlier, depending on your return pier.
• Landing can shift in choppy weather: you might end up at Santa Maria Bay and walk over.
• Gozo option needs your own return: you can reach Gozo, but the trip back to Malta isn’t included.

Ferry Basics: Marfa vs Ċirkewwa, and how to spot your boat

This is a roundtrip ferry plan built around choice. You can depart from Marfa (Mellieħa) or from Ċirkewwa (Mellieħa), and the return works the same way: when you’re back on Comino, you simply board one of the ferries at the same spot you were dropped off. That matters because it removes a lot of guesswork.

Here’s how to find your departure:

• Marfa pier: it’s the jetty located opposite the Riviera Spa Resort.
• Ċirkewwa pier: you’ll depart from the pier located beneath/behind Ċirkewwa Cafe.
• When you arrive, you’re looking for the Comino Ferries COOP boat.

One small practical note: boarding is first-come, first-served, and the boat can leave as soon as it’s ready. If you’re even slightly unsure about where to go, arrive earlier than you think. Getting there with time to breathe is the cheapest upgrade you can buy.

Comino Blue Lagoon Timing: turning a short ride into beach time

The ferry ride itself is short, about 25 minutes (approx.). That’s a big part of the value here. You’re not spending half the day commuting just to reach the water, and you can shape your day based on your energy level, sun schedule, and how busy it feels when you arrive.

For departures from Malta to Comino Blue Lagoon, you’ll find lots of options throughout the day:

• From Marfa, departures run every 30 minutes from 8:30 AM through 5:00 PM (and from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM in November–March).
• From Ċirkewwa, departures run every 30 minutes from 8:40 AM through 5:00 PM (and from 9:10 AM to 4:10 PM in November–March).

You also don’t need to book a specific time slot on the day. Your ticket can be used at any time on your booked day. That’s great if you’re staying flexible—especially if you’re pairing Comino with other plans in Malta.

On the return side, ferries run from Comino Blue Lagoon back to Malta with departures listed at regular intervals. The big detail is that the timing affects whether you’ll also get the Comino Sea Caves pass on the way back (more on that below).

Passing the Comino Sea Caves: the scenic bonus you shouldn’t miss

One of the cleaner perks of this ferry is that it passes by the Comino Sea Caves. The catch is simple: it’s not an all-day guarantee. The last sailing that passes the caves leaves earlier:

• From Marfa, the last cave-passing trip departs at 3:00 PM.
• From Ċirkewwa, the last cave-passing trip departs at 3:10 PM.

If you care about this part of the ride, plan your return around that window. I’d treat it like a mini “experience within the experience.” Even though Comino is about water and swimming, that boat corridor is often the moment when you get the best views without doing anything besides sitting back and looking out.

What if the landing isn’t Blue Lagoon? Santa Maria Bay reality check

Here’s the honest part that can affect your comfort: when the sea is choppy, the boat may not land exactly where you expect. One clear example is that you might be taken to Santa Maria Bay instead of the Blue Lagoon area, and then you walk about 20–25 minutes to reach Blue Lagoon.

That walk isn’t a paved stroll. It’s described as a rocky, bumpy path, which means it’s not suitable for wheelchairs and strollers. So if you’re traveling with mobility constraints—or if you simply don’t want to deal with uneven ground—keep this in mind when you choose your day and your expectations.

How to handle this:

• If you’re flexible, go earlier in the day when conditions can be calmer.
• If you’re bringing a stroller or you need level footing, plan for the possibility that your route on Comino might involve a walk.

Also remember: this trip isn’t recommended for people prone to seasickness. If you tend to feel sick on boats, that’s your cue to choose a different day trip plan.

Gozo option on the same day: easy to reach, but your return is on you

If you book the Malta—Comino Blue Lagoon—Gozo option, the ferry setup adds one extra movement: after you’ve spent time on Comino and you’re ready to go onward, you board a ferry to Gozo from the same drop-off area on Comino.

The listed departures from Comino Blue Lagoon to Gozo (Mġarr Harbour in Gozo) are:

• 11:00 AM, 12:00 PM, 1:00 PM, 2:00 PM, 3:00 PM, 4:00 PM, and 6:00 PM
• In November–March, the last trip is at 4:00 PM.

Here’s the key limitation: the service includes the option to travel from Comino to Gozo, but it does not include a return trip from Gozo to Malta. You’ll need to arrange your own ride back using either:

• the Gozo Channel ferry, or
• the Gozo Highspeed ferry.

The upside is that this is still very doable if you like independent planning. The practical trick is to give yourself enough time in Gozo to catch the ride back you want, rather than assuming you’ll be able to improvise at the last minute.

Price and value: what $18.15 buys you

At $18.15 per person for a roundtrip ferry, this is one of those prices that only feels fair because the trip is so direct. You’re paying for:

• a roundtrip ferry ride,
• the chance to spend time on Comino,
• and a scenic Sea Caves pass on eligible departures.

The duration is short, around 25 minutes each way, so you’re not paying to sit on a boat all day. You’re buying access. That’s usually the best kind of value in the Malta region: move fast, then spend your real time enjoying the island.

What you don’t get for that price is also clear. There’s:

• no hotel transfer included,
• no food or drinks provided,
• and no tour guide on board.

So I’d budget like a beach day. Bring water, a snack, and whatever you need for sun. If you’re trying to keep costs down, this is straightforward: the ferry is your fixed cost, and everything else is on you.

Practical comfort: first-come boarding, group size, and your pack list

This service caps out at 70 travelers. That’s not huge, and it usually means you can find a spot without turning it into an endurance event.

Boats are:

• stroller-accessible
• pet-friendly (bring your furry friend if that’s part of your travel routine)

But remember the caveat again: choppy water can lead to a less convenient landing. If you’re traveling with a stroller, that matters even if the boat itself is stroller-accessible.

Bring these basics:

• Water and a snack since food isn’t included.
• Swim shoes if you don’t like scrambling on uneven areas.
• A light layer even in warm months, since sea breezes can change the feel fast.
• Your return time plan, especially if you want the Sea Caves pass on the way back.

And arrive a bit early at your chosen pier. If the boat is ready, they may depart about 5 minutes early. That’s not meant to be harsh—it’s just how quick ferry operations work.

Who this is best for (and who should skip it)

This ferry makes the most sense if you want a simple, flexible Comino day without paying for a guided tour and without being trapped by rigid group timing.

You’ll likely enjoy it if you:

• like choosing your own pace on Comino,
• want lots of departure options and the ability to head back when you’re ready,
• don’t mind a short boat ride to get to the beach.

You should think twice if you:

• are seasickness-prone,
• need fully level access on the Comino side (because a Santa Maria Bay landing can involve uneven walking),
• or you’re traveling with mobility needs that can’t handle a rocky, bumpy path.

It’s a great match for couples, friends, and independent families with manageable mobility. Just don’t assume every day lands exactly the same way.

Should you book the Comino Blue Lagoon ferry?

Yes, I’d book it if you’re aiming for a low-friction roundtrip that gets you to Comino fast, lets you pick your timing, and includes a scenic Sea Caves bonus on the right return sailings. The price is reasonable, and the “use your ticket any time that day” flexibility is a real help.

I’d hesitate if you’re sensitive to boat motion or if you strongly need a step-free, paved route on Comino. In rougher conditions, your landing point may shift, and that’s when the trip can feel less relaxing than you planned.

If you do book, my best advice is simple: choose a return time with the Sea Caves pass in mind, and arrive early at the pier so you’re not sprinting across the dock when the boat is already boarding.

FAQ

Where do the ferries depart from?

You can depart from either Marfa (the jetty opposite Riviera Spa Resort) or Ċirkewwa (the pier beneath/behind Ċirkewwa Cafe).

How do I find the right boat at the pier?

When you arrive at the departure location, look for the Comino Ferries COOP boat.

How long is the trip to Comino Blue Lagoon?

The ferry ride is about 25 minutes (approx.).

Can I use my ticket at any time on the booked day?

Yes. You can use your ticket at any time on the day you booked, without needing to reserve a time slot.

What’s included in the Gozo option?

If you choose Malta—Comino Blue Lagoon—Gozo, the service includes travel from Comino to Gozo. You still need to arrange your own return from Gozo to Malta.

Is food included on the ferry?

No. Food and drinks aren’t included, and there’s no tour guide.

What happens if conditions are rough?

This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered another date or a full refund. If sea conditions change landing, your drop-off on Comino may differ from what you expected.