Malta Blue Lagoon Tours
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Boats crossing the open water between Malta and Gozo through the Comino channel — the route shared by the public ferry and organised Blue Lagoon boat tours
Malta to Gozo · Ferry vs boat tour · Which to choose · 2026

Malta to Gozo: Ferry or Boat Tour?

Gozo is easy to reach — but the way you get there changes what you see completely. The public ferry is fast, cheap and flexible; an organised boat tour takes longer but adds the Blue Lagoon, Comino's sea caves and Crystal Lagoon en route. This guide covers both options so you can choose the one that fits your trip.

★★★★½ 4.5–4.9 / 5 across Malta's top-rated Gozo & Comino tours

Public ferry ~25 minutes Boat tours 6–8 hours with stops
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Two very different ways to reach Gozo

The Ferry and the Boat Tour: What Each Option Actually Gives You

Getting to Gozo from Malta is straightforward whichever way you go. The public ferry from Ċirkewwa to Mġarr runs throughout the day and takes roughly 25 minutes — it's the route locals use, it's inexpensive, and it drops you straight onto Gozo with no fixed schedule to follow. The downside is that it goes directly across the channel with no stops, so you won't see the Blue Lagoon, Comino or the sea caves unless you arrange a separate trip.

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

An organised boat tour from Sliema, Bugibba or St Paul's Bay takes a completely different route — north past Malta's coastline, through the Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon swim stops at Comino, and then on to Gozo for a few hours ashore before the return cruise. It costs more and takes a full day rather than 25 minutes, but it covers all three islands in a single booking without any logistics to arrange yourself. See our complete guide to the Gozo, Comino & Blue Lagoon one-day tour for a detailed look at what that day covers.

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Worth adding to your Malta itinerary

Other Malta Boat Tours & Island Experiences

Popular tours visitors combine with their Gozo day or Blue Lagoon trip.

Whether you're looking for a combined Gozo and Blue Lagoon day tour from Sliema or Bugibba, a Comino-only Blue Lagoon cruise with sea caves, a sunset sailing from St Paul's Bay, or a private boat charter for a flexible route around Comino and Gozo — the live options below update automatically for Blue Lagoon and island-hopping tours around Malta.

Side by side

Ferry vs Boat Tour: What Each Option Covers

The two routes are genuinely different in what they offer — not just in price.

Fast & flexible

The Public Ferry (Ċirkewwa–Mġarr)

A 25-minute vehicle and passenger crossing that runs regularly throughout the day. No booking required for foot passengers, no fixed itinerary — you cross over, explore Gozo independently, and return whenever you like. The cheapest option for reaching Gozo, and ideal if you're renting a car or planning more than a single day there.

Blue Lagoon & Comino included

Organised Boat Tour (via Comino)

A 6–8 hour full-day cruise that routes through the Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon at Comino before continuing to Gozo for a few hours ashore. Covers three islands in one booking — no separate ferries or transport to arrange — but you follow a fixed schedule and it takes a full day rather than a direct crossing.

Time in Gozo

Independent Exploration vs Guided Stop

By ferry, you have the whole day on Gozo and can reach inland villages, quieter beaches and the salt pans that a boat tour's few hours simply won't cover. A combined boat tour gives you a meaningful stop — typically 2–4 hours at or near the Citadel — but prioritises covering multiple islands over depth on any single one.

The missing piece

What the Ferry Doesn't Include

The public ferry crosses directly — no Comino detour, no Blue Lagoon, no Crystal Lagoon, no sea caves. If seeing those is a priority, a separate boat tour to Comino would be a second trip. A combined boat tour is the most efficient way to see both Comino and Gozo when time is limited. See our guide to Malta's best boat trips for a full breakdown of the options.

Which one fits your trip?

Ferry or Boat Tour: How to Decide

The right choice depends on your time, priorities and where you're staying.

Choose the ferry if…

  • You're planning a full day or more in Gozo — the ferry gives you the whole island rather than a few hours
  • You have a rental car and want to reach Gozo's inland towns, salt pans or quieter beaches
  • You've already done a Blue Lagoon cruise and just want to explore Gozo independently
  • You want the most flexible and cheapest crossing, without a fixed tour schedule
  • You're staying multiple nights and want to return to Gozo at different times across your trip

Choose a boat tour if…

  • You want to see the Blue Lagoon, Comino and Gozo all in a single day — the boat handles the whole route
  • You're short on time and don't want to coordinate separate ferries and transport between islands
  • You'd rather have the day planned for you, with swim stops, guides and return transport included
  • This is your only full day available for island-hopping — the combined tour covers everything in one booking
  • You're visiting in July or August and want to avoid managing Comino's peak-season logistics yourself
How the day breaks down

What a Combined Boat Tour to Gozo Looks Like

A typical itinerary for a full-day Gozo, Comino and Blue Lagoon cruise from Malta.

Morning departure (~9am)

Most tours depart between 8:30 and 9:30am from Sliema, St Julian's, Bugibba or St Paul's Bay. The boat heads north along the Malta coastline, often passing sea caves on the way, before crossing toward Comino.

Blue Lagoon swim stop

The first major stop is at Comino's Blue Lagoon — typically the longest swim stop of the day, usually 1–2 hours. The clear, shallow turquoise water is what most people come for, and arriving before midday means calmer conditions and fewer boats.

Crystal Lagoon pass-through

Many itineraries include a pass through Crystal Lagoon on the other side of Comino's headland, or a stop at Santa Maria Caves for snorkelling — a boat-only section of the route that the public ferry never reaches.

Gozo stop (2–4 hrs)

The boat continues to Gozo, usually docking near Mġarr. Free time ashore typically centres around the Citadel in Victoria — some tours include a guided element, others leave you to explore at your own pace. Check the itinerary before booking if guided coverage of Gozo matters to you.

Return cruise (late afternoon)

The boat heads back toward Malta in the late afternoon, arriving at the original departure port by early evening. Some routes pass additional coastal sections on the return leg.

Total duration: 7–8 hours

A full combined Gozo and Blue Lagoon tour takes most of the day. In July and August, popular sailings fill up ahead — book a week or two in advance to secure your preferred departure date and port.

Before you go

Practical Tips for Reaching Gozo

A few things worth knowing before you commit to either option.

Ferry tip

Check the Timetable in Advance

The Ċirkewwa–Mġarr ferry runs more frequently in peak season and adjusts its schedule through the year. Arrive early in summer — vehicle queues at Ċirkewwa can be long, and foot passenger spaces on the first available sailing aren't always guaranteed at the busiest times.

Boat tour tip

Book Ahead in July and August

Popular combined Gozo and Comino boat tours can sell out — especially weekend sailings in high season. A week or two's notice is usually enough in shoulder season; in July and August, book further ahead if you have a specific date in mind.

Weather

Both Options Are Subject to Sea Conditions

The public ferry can be delayed or cancelled in rough weather, and boat tours may adjust their route or cancel stops if conditions change. Most operators have clear weather-cancellation policies — check before booking. See our Gozo + Comino vs Comino-only guide for more on what conditions affect each tour type.

Time in Gozo

Depth vs Coverage

If seeing more of Gozo beyond the coastal towns is a priority — inland villages, the salt pans at Xwejni, or the sea view from the Citadel walls at your own pace — the ferry with your own transport offers more time and freedom than a boat tour's few hours ashore. A combined tour gives you a real taste of Gozo; the ferry lets you explore it properly.

The combined tour we'd book first

The Best Combined Gozo, Comino & Blue Lagoon Tour

One booking covers the Blue Lagoon swim, Comino's sea caves and a proper Gozo stop — the most time-efficient way to see all three islands in a day.

Top pick · Gozo + Comino + Blue Lagoon

Malta: Gozo & Comino, Blue Lagoon & Sea Caves

From $34 4.5 (18,900+ reviews) Full day (7–8 hrs) · shared cruise Free 24-hour cancellation

Why we recommend it: with nearly 19,000 reviews it's the most-booked combined Gozo and Comino tour on GetYourGuide for Malta — and it covers the Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon, Santa Maria sea caves and a Gozo stop in a single day. From $34 with free cancellation.

The itinerary covers everything the ferry skips: a Blue Lagoon swim, a pass through Crystal Lagoon, the Santa Maria sea caves, and a few hours in Gozo — typically with time at the Citadel. Departures from Sliema, Bugibba and St Paul's Bay mean there's likely a port near wherever you're staying. If you want to see all three islands without managing multiple ferries, this is the most straightforward way to do it.

  • Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon swim stops included
  • Santa Maria sea caves on the route
  • Gozo stop with free time (often at the Citadel)
  • 18,900+ verified reviews, rated 4.5/5
  • Free cancellation up to 24 hours before

Check live availability below. For a small-group alternative with the same route, see the options further down this page.

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More island tour options

More Ways to See the Islands

Prefer Comino only, or a different Gozo departure? Here are two alternatives worth considering.

Blue Lagoon without Gozo

A Comino-only cruise if you're skipping Gozo

If you're taking the ferry to Gozo for a separate visit — or if Gozo doesn't interest you — a Comino-only cruise covers the Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon and the sea caves in a half-day or full day, without the longer combined itinerary. It's cheaper and less rushed, with more time at each swim stop. See our Comino island guide for what to expect on a Comino-only trip.

See all Blue Lagoon & Comino cruises →
Turquoise clear water at Comino's Blue Lagoon on a Comino-only cruise — the alternative for visitors skipping Gozo
Best Comino-only pick Comino: Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon & Sea Caves Tour ★ 4.8 · 1,000+ reviews · From $28 · GetYourGuide Check availability
Sliema departure · Gozo + Comino

An alternative Gozo and Blue Lagoon cruise from Sliema

If you prefer a Sliema departure or the main tour above is sold out, this well-reviewed combined cruise covers the same three-island route — Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon and a Gozo stop — with nearly 5,000 reviews. It's a solid alternative that offers the same coverage at a similar price point. Worth comparing availability if you have flexibility on the date.

See all Gozo & Comino tours →
Boats moored at Mġarr Harbour on Gozo — the arrival point for combined Gozo and Comino cruises departing from Sliema and Malta's main ports
Alternative Sliema departure From Sliema: Gozo, Comino & Blue Lagoon Cruise ★ 4.6 · 4,900+ reviews · From $34 · GetYourGuide Check availability
Common questions, answered

Malta to Gozo: Ferry & Boat Tour Questions

Is it cheaper to take the ferry or a boat tour to Gozo?

The public ferry is significantly cheaper than a boat tour, but a boat tour includes stops at the Blue Lagoon and Comino that the ferry doesn't offer. If seeing the Blue Lagoon and Gozo in one day is the goal, a boat tour is the more time-efficient choice even at the higher price — doing both independently would normally require two separate trips.

Can I do a day trip to Gozo by ferry?

Yes — many independent travellers take the public ferry from Ċirkewwa to Mġarr, spend the day exploring Gozo and return by ferry in the evening. It works particularly well if you have a rental car or are happy to use Gozo's bus network to reach the Citadel, beaches and villages.

Do boat tours actually stop in Gozo, or just pass by?

Most full-day combined tours include a proper stop in Gozo — typically a few hours of free time, often centred around the Citadel in Victoria/Rabat. They don't just pass the island. Check the specific itinerary before booking to confirm how much time ashore is included and whether a guided element is offered.

Which is better for seeing the Blue Lagoon and Gozo in one day?

A combined boat tour is generally more time-efficient, since it handles the Blue Lagoon swim and the Gozo stop in a single booking without needing to arrange separate ferries and transport between islands. Doing both independently in a single day usually requires at least two separate trips and more planning.

Is the ferry crossing rough?

The Ċirkewwa–Mġarr crossing takes around 25 minutes and is generally calm. Like any sea crossing it can be affected by weather conditions — rough crossings are more common in winter. In summer the vast majority of crossings are smooth.

Can I take a car on the Gozo ferry?

Yes — the public Ċirkewwa–Mġarr ferry carries vehicles as well as foot passengers. Vehicle tickets are purchased separately and cost more than the pedestrian fare. In peak summer, vehicle queues at Ċirkewwa can be significant — arrive well ahead of your intended sailing if you're taking a car. Foot passengers generally board faster with less waiting.

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See the Blue Lagoon, Comino and Gozo in one day

Book a Combined Gozo & Blue Lagoon Boat Tour

The most time-efficient way to cover all three islands — swim at the Blue Lagoon, cruise through Crystal Lagoon and the sea caves, and spend a few hours in Gozo — all in a single day booking from Malta.

  • Covers Blue Lagoon, Comino caves and Gozo in one full day
  • 18,900+ reviews · from $34 per person · free cancellation
  • Departures from Sliema, Bugibba, St Paul's Bay and Mellieħa
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