Gozo and Comino are two of Malta’s most popular island escapes, known for rugged coastlines, crystal-clear waters, and a slower pace of life.
But what’s the best way to reach them, by ferry or by boat?
Malta’s smaller sister islands offer a very different experience from the mainland. Gozo is greener, quieter, and rich in history, while Comino is largely uninhabited and best known for the iconic Blue Lagoon, one of the most photographed swimming spots in the Mediterranean.
When planning a visit, travellers usually face a simple choice: take the ferry or join a boat trip. Both choices will get you there, but they may differ greatly in terms of the experience and things you see along the way.
For many visitors, the ferry is the most familiar and practical option, particularly for longer stays.
The main ferry runs between Ċirkewwa (Malta) and Mġarr Harbour (Gozo), with frequent sailings throughout the day and night. The crossing takes around 25 minutes and is used by locals, commuters, and tourists alike. Advantages of the ferry include:
However, the ferry is purely a means of transport. It doesn’t stop at Comino, doesn’t include the Blue Lagoon, and offers limited views beyond the open channel between the islands.
For travellers planning to stay overnight in Gozo or explore villages, beaches, and inland attractions at their own pace, the ferry remains a solid choice.
A private boat trip offers a very different perspective. Rather than simply travelling between islands, the journey itself becomes part of the experience.
Many visitors opt for a private Malta boat trip to Gozo that also includes Comino, allowing them to see multiple highlights in one day. Typical routes may pass sea caves, cliffs, and hidden bays, with time allocated for swimming and snorkelling.
Boat trips are especially appealing to short-stay visitors who want to make the most of their time. A Gozo, Comino, and Blue Lagoon cruise often includes:
This type of boat trip to Gozo offers far more variety than the ferry, particularly for those interested in nature, photography, or water-based activities.
Choosing between ferries and boats depends largely on your travel style.
Many travellers consider boat excursions among the best Malta boat tours precisely because they combine transport, sightseeing, and leisure in one outing.
For those seeking a more personalised experience, private boat trips in Malta are becoming increasingly popular. These trips allow travellers to set their own pace, spend longer at quieter swimming spots, and visit areas away from busy tour routes.
Local operators with strong knowledge of Gozo’s coastline, such as GOZOblu Private Boat Tours, often mentioned by visitors seeking a calmer, more tailored day on the water, can offer insight into lesser-known coves and the best times to visit popular locations like the Blue Lagoon.
If Comino’s Blue Lagoon is high on your itinerary, arriving by boat is often the most rewarding way to experience it. Approaching from the water, swimming directly off the boat, and exploring surrounding coves adds depth to the visit that ferries simply can’t provide.
That said, ferries still make sense for travellers staying longer in Gozo or travelling with vehicles. Many visitors even combine both options, taking a boat trip one day and the ferry on another.
There’s no single “best” way to visit Gozo and Comino, only the best option for your travel plans.
Visiting Gozo and Comino from Malta
Malta’s smaller sister islands offer a very different experience from the mainland. Gozo is greener, quieter, and rich in history, while Comino is largely uninhabited and best known for the iconic Blue Lagoon, one of the most photographed swimming spots in the Mediterranean.
When planning a visit, travellers usually face a simple choice: take the ferry or join a boat trip. Both choices will get you there, but they may differ greatly in terms of the experience and things you see along the way.
Visiting Gozo and Comino by Ferry
For many visitors, the ferry is the most familiar and practical option, particularly for longer stays.
The Gozo Ferry Experience
The main ferry runs between Ċirkewwa (Malta) and Mġarr Harbour (Gozo), with frequent sailings throughout the day and night. The crossing takes around 25 minutes and is used by locals, commuters, and tourists alike. Advantages of the ferry include:
- Affordable fares
- Reliable, year-round operation
- Suitable for cars, scooters and foot passengers
However, the ferry is purely a means of transport. It doesn’t stop at Comino, doesn’t include the Blue Lagoon, and offers limited views beyond the open channel between the islands.
For travellers planning to stay overnight in Gozo or explore villages, beaches, and inland attractions at their own pace, the ferry remains a solid choice.
Exploring Comino and Gozo by Private Boat
A private boat trip offers a very different perspective. Rather than simply travelling between islands, the journey itself becomes part of the experience.
Many visitors opt for a private Malta boat trip to Gozo that also includes Comino, allowing them to see multiple highlights in one day. Typical routes may pass sea caves, cliffs, and hidden bays, with time allocated for swimming and snorkelling.
Why Boat Trips are so Popular
Boat trips are especially appealing to short-stay visitors who want to make the most of their time. A Gozo, Comino, and Blue Lagoon cruise often includes:
- Anchoring at the Blue Lagoon for swimming
- Stops near crystal-clear coves around Comino
- Gozo's coastal views that are inaccessible from land
This type of boat trip to Gozo offers far more variety than the ferry, particularly for those interested in nature, photography, or water-based activities.
Boat vs. Ferry: Which Option is Better?
Choosing between ferries and boats depends largely on your travel style.
- Choose the ferry if you want flexibility, plan to stay in Gozo, or prefer independent travel.
- Choose a boat trip if you want scenery, swimming opportunities, and a more immersive experience.
- Choose a private option if you want to avoid crowds and follow a more relaxed schedule.
Many travellers consider boat excursions among the best Malta boat tours precisely because they combine transport, sightseeing, and leisure in one outing.
Private Boat Trips: a Quieter Way to Explore
For those seeking a more personalised experience, private boat trips in Malta are becoming increasingly popular. These trips allow travellers to set their own pace, spend longer at quieter swimming spots, and visit areas away from busy tour routes.
Local operators with strong knowledge of Gozo’s coastline, such as GOZOblu Private Boat Tours, often mentioned by visitors seeking a calmer, more tailored day on the water, can offer insight into lesser-known coves and the best times to visit popular locations like the Blue Lagoon.
Is a Boat Trip to Gozo and Comino Worth It?
If Comino’s Blue Lagoon is high on your itinerary, arriving by boat is often the most rewarding way to experience it. Approaching from the water, swimming directly off the boat, and exploring surrounding coves adds depth to the visit that ferries simply can’t provide.
That said, ferries still make sense for travellers staying longer in Gozo or travelling with vehicles. Many visitors even combine both options, taking a boat trip one day and the ferry on another.
Choosing the Right Option for your Trip
There’s no single “best” way to visit Gozo and Comino, only the best option for your travel plans.
- The ferry offers simplicity and independence;
- A boat trip delivers scenery, swimming, and a memorable journey;
- Private boat trips provide flexibility and a more relaxed experience.
Whichever you choose, Gozo and Comino remain two of Malta’s most rewarding destinations, offering natural beauty that’s best enjoyed at a slower pace, whether from land or sea! (Image source: Unsplash)
