Malta Blue Lagoon Tours
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The crystal-clear turquoise water of Comino's Blue Lagoon seen from the surface — the destination reached by public ferry or boat tour from Malta and Gozo
Getting to Comino · Blue Lagoon · Ferry vs boat tour · 2026

Comino Ferry & Blue Lagoon: How to Get There

Comino has no bridge and no road connection, so the only ways to reach the Blue Lagoon are the public passenger ferry or a private or tour boat. The ferry is the cheapest option, but it comes with practical trade-offs worth understanding before you go. This guide explains how the ferry works and what alternatives are available.

★★★★½ ~20 min ferry crossing from Ċirkewwa to Comino

Ċirkewwa or Mġarr departure Fixed timetable · seasonal frequency
See Boat Tour Alternative How the Ferry Works
Your options for getting to Comino

Ferry or Boat Tour: What's the Difference?

Comino is a small island between Malta and Gozo — uninhabited year-round except for a single hotel — and the only access is by water. The public passenger ferry is operated by private companies and runs a fixed seasonal timetable from Ċirkewwa (the northernmost tip of Malta) and Mġarr Harbour on Gozo. It's a functional crossing: gets you to the Blue Lagoon, and that's largely it.

Check live availability and prices for this tour on GetYourGuide. Pоwered by GetYourGuide.

Boat tours depart from multiple points across Malta — Sliema, Bugibba, St Paul's Bay, Mellieħa — and typically include sea caves and Crystal Lagoon stops en route that the ferry skips entirely. For a side-by-side comparison of the two approaches, see our Malta ferry vs boat tour guide. If you're planning a combined Gozo and Comino day, the Gozo, Comino & Blue Lagoon one-day tour guide explains how the full itinerary works.

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Live tour availability for Comino

Boat Tours to Comino & the Blue Lagoon

Options departing from Sliema, Bugibba, St Paul's Bay and Mellieħa — no trip to Ċirkewwa required.

Whether you want a Comino-only Blue Lagoon cruise from Mellieħa, a sea caves and Crystal Lagoon tour from St Paul's Bay, a full-day Gozo and Comino cruise from Sliema, or a private boat charter departing on your schedule — the live options below update automatically for Comino and Blue Lagoon tours.

If you choose the independent route

How the Comino Ferry Works

The ferry is a functional passenger crossing — here's what to expect before you go.

Departure points

Ċirkewwa & Mġarr

The ferry runs from two points: Ċirkewwa at the far northern tip of Malta, and Mġarr Harbour on Gozo. Ċirkewwa is the most common departure for visitors staying in Malta. If you're not already staying in the north of the island, budget extra time — and possibly a bus or taxi fare — to get there before your sailing.

Crossing time

~20 Minutes Each Way

The water crossing itself is short, typically under half an hour. The total journey time depends on how long it takes to get to Ċirkewwa from wherever you're based in Malta — from Valletta or Sliema this adds at least 45–60 minutes each way by public bus.

Timetable

Fixed Departure Times

The ferry runs on a fixed schedule rather than continuously on demand. Frequency increases in peak summer and drops significantly in autumn and spring. Always check the current timetable close to your travel date rather than relying on information from earlier in the season, as times can change.

Crowds

Queues in Peak Season

Popular summer sailings — especially the late-morning departures — can build queues at Ċirkewwa. Arriving early is advisable. On Comino itself, the Blue Lagoon is its busiest between 10:30am and early afternoon, so earlier ferry departures not only secure your spot but get you to the lagoon before the main crowd arrives.

Return planning

Manage Your Return Sailing

Unlike a boat tour with a fixed return time built in, the ferry requires you to keep track of your return options and plan accordingly. Missing your intended return sailing means waiting for the next available crossing, which can mean a significant wait later in the day — especially as frequency drops towards evening.

Comino access pass

blcomino.com Pass Required

To land and stay on Comino — as opposed to swimming from a boat in the lagoon — you need a Comino access pass (purchased via blcomino.com). The pass applies to the Blue Lagoon and beach areas. Ferry passengers landing on Comino will need this; check current pricing and booking requirements before you travel. See our Blue Lagoon visitor guide for more on the pass system.

Side by side

Ferry vs Boat Tour: Quick Comparison

The two routes to Comino and the Blue Lagoon compared across the factors that matter most.

Public Ferry Boat Tour
Cost Lowest Higher, but more included
Departure points Ċirkewwa or Mġarr only Sliema, Bugibba, St Paul's Bay, Mellieħa
Stops en route None — direct crossing only Sea caves, Crystal Lagoon, sometimes Gozo
Schedule Fixed, seasonal frequency Fixed daily departures, more consistent in season
Return management You manage your own return sailing Return time built into the tour
Best for Budget travellers already near Ċirkewwa Visitors who want convenience and more stops
The boat tour options explained

Alternatives to the Public Ferry

Three ways to reach Comino and the Blue Lagoon without using the public ferry — each suited to different priorities.

Boat Tours from Malta's Main Towns

  • Depart from Sliema, St Julian's, Bugibba or St Paul's Bay — no need to travel up to Ċirkewwa first
  • Most tours include sea caves and Crystal Lagoon stops en route to Comino, covering more in one booking than the ferry alone
  • Return time is managed for you — the tour returns to the departure port at a fixed time
  • Typically includes a dedicated swim stop at the Blue Lagoon lasting 45 minutes to over an hour
  • Good for visitors staying in central or southern Malta who want to avoid the long journey to Ċirkewwa

Combined Gozo, Comino & Blue Lagoon Tours

  • Handles the entire route — Malta to Comino to Gozo and back — in a single booking
  • No need to coordinate a separate ferry crossing for each island leg
  • Typically includes a few hours ashore on Gozo alongside the Blue Lagoon swim stop
  • Best for visitors who want to see both Gozo and Comino in one day without complex logistics
  • See our Gozo, Comino & Blue Lagoon one-day tour guide for how the full day breaks down

Private Boat Charter

For maximum flexibility — a private charter departs on your schedule, goes exactly where you want, and avoids both ferry queues and group tour timing constraints. The trade-off is cost: private charters are significantly more expensive than either the ferry or a shared group tour. They make sense for families or groups who want a tailored route around Comino's coves and lagoons without sharing the boat.

If you decide to go by ferry

Ferry Tips: What to Know Before You Go

Small things that make a real difference on a busy summer crossing.

Check timetables close to travel

Ferry schedules vary by season and can change — always verify the current timetable directly with the operator, ideally a few days before your visit rather than relying on older information. This is especially important outside peak summer months when frequency drops significantly.

Arrive early at Ċirkewwa

Queues build quickly for popular mid-morning summer sailings. Arriving before the advertised departure time gives you a much better chance of securing your spot without a wait. For a Blue Lagoon visit, early morning departures also get you there before the main crowd arrives at the lagoon around 10:30–11am.

Plan your return before you leave

Check which return sailings are available and when — and have a plan before you disembark on Comino. Missing your intended return can mean a long wait for the next available crossing, particularly if you stay later in the afternoon when frequency drops. See our Blue Lagoon visitor guide for what the day looks like on Comino.

Bring cash for Comino

Card payment is unreliable on Comino itself. Any food, drink or facilities you use on the island will likely require cash — bring enough for the day before you board the ferry, as there are no reliable ATMs once you've arrived.

Consider a weekday visit

Weekend and bank holiday traffic at the Blue Lagoon is noticeably heavier in peak season. A weekday visit — especially a Tuesday or Wednesday in July or August — typically means shorter queues at Ċirkewwa and fewer people in the water at the lagoon. See our best time to visit Malta guide for a full seasonal and weekly breakdown.

Pre-book the Comino access pass

The Comino access pass (blcomino.com) is required to land on the island and use the beach and Blue Lagoon area. Book it in advance rather than assuming you can purchase it on arrival. Ferry passengers landing on Comino will need a valid pass — check the current pricing and booking system before you travel.

The boat tour alternative we'd recommend first

Best Comino Boat Tour from Malta

A full Comino circuit — Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon and sea caves — departing from Malta with no trip to Ċirkewwa required.

Top pick · Comino · Blue Lagoon · Crystal Lagoon · Sea caves

Comino: Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon & Seacaves Tour

From $34 6,800+ reviews Full day · Comino circuit Free 24-hour cancellation

Why we recommend it: with 6,800+ verified reviews, this is the most-reviewed dedicated Comino tour available — covering the Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon and Santa Maria sea caves in a single sailing. It departs from Malta and includes all three of Comino's headline stops in one booking, without the need to manage ferry timetables or walk between lagoons on foot.

The route covers the full Comino circuit: Blue Lagoon as the primary swim and snorkel stop, Crystal Lagoon for dramatic cliff scenery, and the Santa Maria sea caves for the most atmospheric section of the coastline. Everything is included in the price, and the return is built into the itinerary. For independent travellers weighing the ferry, this tour is typically the most direct equivalent — and covers more ground. See our Comino island guide for what the island itself is like beyond the lagoon.

  • Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon and sea caves in one booking
  • Departs from Malta — no travel to Ċirkewwa needed
  • 6,800+ verified reviews
  • Return included — no timetable management required
  • Free cancellation up to 24 hours before

Live availability below — check your preferred date before booking. For a combined Gozo and Comino day on a single tour, see the Gozo, Comino & Blue Lagoon one-day tour guide.

Check availability & prices

Free cancellation · instant confirmation

Other boat tour options

More Ways to Reach the Blue Lagoon

For visitors who want to add Gozo to the day, or who prefer a fully flexible private departure.

Add Gozo to the day

A combined Gozo, Comino & Blue Lagoon tour

If you want to see Gozo as well as the Blue Lagoon — without coordinating a separate ferry crossing for each leg — a combined three-island tour handles the full route in a single booking. The itinerary typically includes a few hours ashore on Gozo, a swim stop at the Blue Lagoon and a pass through the sea caves, departing from Sliema or Bugibba. With 18,000+ reviews it's the most-reviewed three-island cruise available. See our Gozo, Comino & Blue Lagoon one-day tour guide for the full itinerary breakdown.

See all Gozo & Comino tours →
A boat on the water between Malta and Gozo on a combined three-island cruise that includes the Blue Lagoon, sea caves and time ashore on Gozo
Best combined Gozo + Comino pick Malta: Gozo & Comino, Blue Lagoon & Seacaves — Full Day ★ 4.5 · 18,900+ reviews · From $34 · GetYourGuide Check availability
Maximum flexibility

A private boat charter to the Blue Lagoon

For visitors who want to avoid shared boats entirely — and ferry queues — a private charter to Comino departs on your schedule, anchors where you want, and gives you the Blue Lagoon without the crowds of a group tour. The trade-off is cost: private charters are significantly more expensive per person than either the ferry or a shared tour. They work well for families or groups of four or more who want a tailored route. See our Malta private boat charters guide for what a typical charter includes and what to check before booking.

See all Malta boat tours →
A private boat cruising along the dramatic limestone cliffs of Comino — the flexible alternative to the public ferry for visiting the Blue Lagoon on your own schedule
Best private charter pick Malta: Private Boat Cruise with Caves, Beaches & Swim Stops ★ 4.9 · 256+ reviews · From $285 · GetYourGuide Check availability
Common questions, answered

Comino Ferry & Blue Lagoon: Frequently Asked Questions

Is the ferry the cheapest way to reach the Blue Lagoon?

Yes — the public passenger ferry from Ċirkewwa or Mġarr is generally the lowest-cost option for reaching Comino. However it offers less flexibility and fewer stops than a boat tour: you travel directly to the Blue Lagoon with no sea cave or Crystal Lagoon detour en route, and you need to manage your own return timing.

How long is the ferry crossing to Comino?

The crossing itself is short — typically well under half an hour. Total travel time depends on how long it takes you to reach the departure point first. Ċirkewwa is in the far north of Malta, so factor in travel from wherever you're staying: by public bus from Valletta or Sliema, this adds at least 45–60 minutes each way.

Can I visit the Crystal Lagoon on the public ferry?

It's possible on foot from the Blue Lagoon area — Crystal Lagoon is roughly a 10–15 minute walk across Comino. However, boat tours that stop directly at both lagoons are far more convenient and don't require managing your ferry return times or covering the distance in summer heat. See our Blue Lagoon vs Crystal Lagoon guide for what the two spots offer.

Does the ferry to Comino run in winter?

Service is significantly reduced outside the main summer season — some operators run a very limited winter timetable, and the ferry may not run at all on certain days. Always check current schedules directly with the operator if you're travelling outside peak months (roughly May to October).

Is a boat tour better than the ferry for visiting the Blue Lagoon?

For most visitors, yes. Boat tours depart from multiple points across Malta, include sea caves and often the Crystal Lagoon en route, and remove the need to travel separately to Ċirkewwa. The ferry suits budget-conscious independent travellers who are already in the north of Malta and happy to manage their own timing.

Can I book the Comino ferry in advance?

Some operators allow advance booking; others operate on a turn-up-and-pay basis. In peak summer — especially for popular mid-morning departures — queues at Ċirkewwa can build quickly. Arriving early is advisable regardless of whether advance booking is available with your chosen operator.

← Back to all Malta Blue Lagoon & Comino tours

Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon and sea caves — no timetable to manage

Book a Comino Boat Tour

The most popular alternative to the public ferry combines the Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon and sea caves in a single sailing — departing from Malta without the need to travel to Ċirkewwa first. Over 6,800 verified reviews and a full Comino circuit included.

  • Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon and sea caves in one booking
  • 6,800+ reviews · departs from Malta · from $34
  • Return included — no timetable management needed
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