REVIEW · MELLIEHA
Malta: Roundtrip Ferry to Comino Blue Lagoon w/Gozo Option
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Blue Lagoon without the rigid schedule. This round-trip ferry gets you to Comino’s Blue Lagoon fast from Marfa or Ċirkewwa, passes the Comino Sea Caves, and lets you choose when you head back.
I especially like two things: the multiple departures every 30 minutes so you’re not locked into one exact plan, and the freedom to explore at your own pace once you’re there.
One key consideration: if you get seasick easily, this is not the best match, and if you take too-late departures you may miss the cave-passing part (it stops earlier in the day).
Key things to know before you go
- Frequent ferries: use the ticket any time on your booked day, with rides running throughout morning to evening
- Fast crossing: about 20–25 minutes each way to Comino
- Comino Sea Caves timing: the boat passes the caves only on later-morning/early-afternoon departures
- Ashore access included: your ticket includes the government-issued pass to step onto the Blue Lagoon area
- Gozo option, one-way back: the Malta–Comino–Gozo service ends in Gozo; you arrange your own return to Malta
In This Review
- The simple appeal: ferry to Blue Lagoon with real time flexibility
- Getting to the boat in Malta: Marfa vs. Ċirkewwa docks
- Comino Sea Caves: when you’ll pass them (and when you won’t)
- The crossing to Comino: quick, scenic, and time-smart
- Blue Lagoon free time: what your shore pass actually gives you
- Exploring Comino at your pace: bays, shoreline views, and small detours
- Return ferry planning: multiple options all day
- The Malta–Comino–Gozo option: great idea, but watch the return leg
- Price and value: why $18 can be a strong deal here
- What to bring (and what to wear) so your day feels easy
- Comfort and safety: seasickness and first-come boarding
- Who this fits best (and who should choose something else)
- Should you book this ferry to Comino Blue Lagoon?
- FAQ
- What’s the duration of the Malta to Comino ferry day?
- Where do I depart from in Malta?
- How long is the ferry ride to Comino Blue Lagoon?
- Do I need a specific time slot for the ticket?
- Does the ticket include access to step ashore at the Blue Lagoon?
- If I book the Gozo option, do I get a return trip back to Malta from Gozo?
- Is this suitable for wheelchair users or people prone to seasickness?
The simple appeal: ferry to Blue Lagoon with real time flexibility
Most day trips to Comino feel like they were designed for someone else’s schedule. This one feels more like a travel tool: you get the boat ride, you get the important shore access, and then you control how long you stay.
The big win is that you’re not stuck waiting for one “perfect” departure time. With departures running every 30 minutes and ticket use that works at any time on your day, you can adapt to your energy level, the weather, and even that one café stop you didn’t want to rush.
I also like how the experience is practical. You’re not paying for a guided itinerary that tries to pack every viewpoint into a few hours. Instead, you get time on the water and at the lagoon, then you go back whenever you’re ready.
Getting to the boat in Malta: Marfa vs. Ċirkewwa docks

You’ll depart from either Marfa or Ċirkewwa, depending on the schedule you choose (and the option you book). Both work well, and the timing is similar: the ferry ride to Comino is about 20–25 minutes each way.
Here’s the useful way to think about it:
- Pick the dock that gives you an easier match with your day plan in Malta (morning start, lunch timing, or a later afternoon return).
- If you care about seeing the Comino Sea Caves, pay close attention to the last departures that still pass them (more on that next).
If you’re starting from the north side of Malta, either dock can make your day feel clean and efficient—get on the ferry, get to Comino quickly, and don’t burn your whole trip on long transfers.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Mellieha.
Comino Sea Caves: when you’ll pass them (and when you won’t)

One of the most memorable parts of this ferry is the scenery along the route. The boat passes the Comino Sea Caves as you travel, but timing matters.
The key cut-off:
- From Marfa, the last trip passing the caves leaves at 3:00 PM
- From Ċirkewwa, the last trip passing the caves leaves at 3:10 PM
After that, you can still reach the Blue Lagoon, but you might not get the cave-route bonus. So if this is a priority (and if you’re the type who enjoys coastal viewing from the boat), plan your outbound ferry so you’re not gambling with late timing.
A small, smart tip: if the day is warm and you want time to swim and still have breathing room, aim for an earlier departure. You’ll feel less rushed once you’re on Comino.
The crossing to Comino: quick, scenic, and time-smart

The ride is short—around 20–25 minutes. That matters more than it sounds. When the boat time is under half an hour, you can do a more relaxed day: arrive, enjoy the lagoon, and still have multiple chances to return.
The ferry is also set up for flexible use:
- Your ticket is valid any time during your booked day (you don’t need a timed slot).
- Boarding is first-come, first-served, so if you arrive late in the day’s busiest window, you may need to be patient.
You’ll also be doing a lot of “Mediterranean day trip” essentials: sunscreen, sunglasses, and swimwear. Keep water in mind too, because once you’re at the lagoon, the pace naturally slows down and you’ll lose track of time fast.
Blue Lagoon free time: what your shore pass actually gives you
Once you arrive at the Blue Lagoon in Comino, you get the part that people plan their whole Malta visit for: the bright, famous waters and that “how is this real?” feeling.
The practical detail that makes this trip better than many similar options is the government-issued pass included for stepping ashore at the Blue Lagoon. Some day-trip products handle transport but leave you sorting out shore access separately. Here, your ticket includes that ashore element, so you don’t waste your limited Comino hours on ticket confusion.
What to expect with your free time:
- You can stay as long as you want within the day’s ferry schedule.
- You can swim, relax, and explore along the lagoon area.
- You can also look beyond the main crowd areas and check out nearby spots and bays on your own.
If you like beaches but don’t like being herded, this is the sweet spot: you get the scenery and access, and then you choose your own rhythm.
Exploring Comino at your pace: bays, shoreline views, and small detours

Comino is small enough that you don’t need a rigid plan, which is why the independence is such a good fit. You can treat this as:
- a beach-and-swim day, or
- a slow walk around the island, hopping between quiet views and calm shoreline areas.
Because you’re not tied to a group return clock, your best move is simple:
- Start with your comfort priority first (swim time if the water calls you, shade/rest if you’re cooked by midday sun).
- Then, as your body settles, do a lighter exploration around Comino’s bays and viewpoints.
In practice, it feels like a day trip you can tailor. Want a calmer start? Take an earlier ferry. Want to sleep in a bit? Pick a later outbound ride (just remember the cave-pass timing).
Return ferry planning: multiple options all day

This is where the experience really behaves like a “choose your own day” product. You can leave Comino for Malta at several times, so you’re not forced into a single strict window.
From Comino Blue Lagoon to Malta (Ċirkewwa or Marfa), departures run in the late morning through evening, including:
- 9:30 AM, 10:30 AM, 11:30 AM, 12:30 PM, 1:30 PM, 2:30 PM
- 3:30 PM, 4:00 PM, 4:30 PM, 5:00 PM, 5:30 PM, 6:00 PM
In the colder months (November to March), the first and last departure times shift slightly (with the last one listed as 4:00 PM).
What I love about this setup: you’re not “doing Comino” and then immediately leaving at the earliest possible time. You can fit your ferry back to Malta around your swim comfort, how long the lagoon holds your attention, and whether you want a late-afternoon vibe back in Malta.
The Malta–Comino–Gozo option: great idea, but watch the return leg

For the same price, you can add Gozo after Comino. The concept is smart: you use the ferry connection to extend your day beyond Malta’s main island without booking a separate full transport plan.
How the Gozo option works:
- You still travel from Malta to the Blue Lagoon in Comino first.
- After time in Comino, you board another ferry to Mġarr Harbour in Gozo.
Gozo departures listed from Comino Blue Lagoon to Mġarr Harbour:
- 11:00 AM, 12:00 PM, 1:00 PM, 2:00 PM, 3:00 PM, 4:00 PM, and 6:00 PM
- In November to March, the last listed trip is 4:00 PM
Here’s the important drawback to plan around: the service does not include a return trip from Gozo to Malta. You must arrange your own transport back, using either the Gozo Channel ferry or the Gozo Highspeed ferry.
So, if you’re tempted by Gozo, think like a logistics editor:
- Choose the Gozo departure time that still leaves you comfortable options to get back to Malta the same day.
- If you want a stress-free return, don’t plan to cut it close to the last boat times listed.
Price and value: why $18 can be a strong deal here
At about $18 per person for a round-trip ferry day, the value depends on what you’re getting besides the boat ride. In this case, you’re not just paying for transit.
You’re also paying for:
- Fast travel (20–25 minutes each way)
- A shore pass included (the government-issued pass to step ashore at the Blue Lagoon)
- Flexibility (multiple departures so you can shape your day)
- The option to add Gozo for the same price
That combination is why this can be a cost-effective way to experience Comino without turning your day into a clock-watching exercise. You spend your money on the parts you actually care about: water time, lagoon time, and shore access.
If you’re trying to compare options, don’t compare only the headline price. Compare what’s included once you’re at Comino—especially that shore pass.
What to bring (and what to wear) so your day feels easy
This day is simple, but you’ll be happier if you show up prepared. Bring:
- comfortable shoes (you’ll likely do some walking around Comino and shoreline areas)
- sunglasses and sun hat
- swimwear, towel, sunscreen
- cash
Also, keep your packing light. The ferry ride is short, but once you reach the lagoon, you’ll want quick access to swim essentials without constantly digging through your bag.
If you’re heat-sensitive, plan shade breaks. If you’re sun-sensitive, apply sunscreen early. The lagoon time is exactly the kind of outing where people forget how strong the sun feels because they’re busy staring at the water.
Comfort and safety: seasickness and first-come boarding
Two practical considerations from the provided information:
1) Not suitable for people prone to seasickness
The crossing is relatively short, but it’s still a boat ride. If you know you get queasy on water, plan carefully—or skip this type of trip.
2) First-come, first-served boarding
This is common for ferries, but it still affects your day. If you arrive at the dock right at departure time during busy periods, expect the possibility of delays and stand-by waiting.
If you want a calmer experience, arrive early enough to get settled before the rush.
Who this fits best (and who should choose something else)
This ferry is a strong match if you:
- want freedom of time once you reach Comino
- like scenic routes without committing to a strict guided schedule
- care about hassle-free shore access via the included pass
- enjoy planning a day around your own energy rather than a set itinerary
It’s less ideal if you:
- get seasick easily
- need wheelchair access (this service is listed as not suitable for wheelchair users)
If you’re traveling as a couple, friends group, or solo, the independence works well. Even if you’re traveling with mixed ages, the flexibility can help everyone avoid being trapped in a rigid timeline—as long as no one is prone to seasickness.
Should you book this ferry to Comino Blue Lagoon?
I’d book it if your priority is a low-stress, flexible day to Comino with real time to swim and explore. The combination of a short ferry ride, multiple departures, and the included ashore pass is exactly what makes this feel like good value.
I’d think twice if you:
- are sensitive to boat motion, or
- want the cave-route highlight but would likely take a late outbound ferry (after 3:00 PM from Marfa or 3:10 PM from Ċirkewwa, you may miss the cave passing).
If you want Gozo too, it can be a smart add-on—just remember: you’ll need to handle the return from Gozo to Malta on your own.
If you’re the type who likes clear transport and flexible time, this is one of those simple plans that works.
FAQ
What’s the duration of the Malta to Comino ferry day?
The experience is listed as 1 day.
Where do I depart from in Malta?
You depart from Marfa or Ċirkewwa, 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.
Do I need a specific time slot for the ticket?
No. Your ticket can be used at any time on the day you have booked.
Does the ticket include access to step ashore at the Blue Lagoon?
Yes. The ticket includes the government-issued pass to step ashore at the Blue Lagoon.
If I book the Gozo option, do I get a return trip back to Malta from Gozo?
No. With the Malta—Comino Blue Lagoon—Gozo option, you disembark at Mġarr Harbour in Gozo, and you must arrange your own transport back to Malta. The service does not include the return from Gozo to Malta.
Is this suitable for wheelchair users or people prone to seasickness?
No. It is listed as not suitable for wheelchair users and people prone to seasickness.
























