Comino day trips can feel like a ticket and a hope. This one keeps things simple with a roundtrip ferry and lots of departure times from Malta’s two main Comino ports. I especially like the built-in flexibility (you can use your ticket anytime that day) and the chance to catch the Comino Sea Caves when the route lines up.

The trade-off: it’s not a guided outing, and if seas get choppy you might not be dropped exactly at the Blue Lagoon steps. Also, if you’re prone to seasickness, this isn’t the calmest plan.

Key Things to Know Before You Ride

• Two Malta departure jetties: Marfa (opposite Riviera Spa Resort) or Ċirkewwa (pier behind/under Ċirkewwa Cafe)
• Look for Comino Ferries COOP: This is the boat you want at the pier when you arrive
• Sea Caves depend on timing: The last sailing that passes the caves leaves Marfa at 3:00 PM and Ċirkewwa at 3:10 PM
• Any-time ticket use: No fixed time slot, but boarding is first-come, first-served
• Gozo option changes the math: You can get to Gozo, but the trip back to Malta from Gozo is not included
• Small-ish capacity: Maximum 70 travelers per sailing, so it feels more manageable than big tourist buses

A Simple Ferry Plan for a Classic Comino Day

If your goal is the Blue Lagoon without turning your day into a logistics puzzle, this ferry option is built for that. The crossing is short (about 25 minutes), departures run regularly, and the return is easy: you generally board at the same spot you were taken to.

This is also a great way to keep your day flexible. The schedule includes a long run of sailings from morning through late afternoon, so you can aim for softer crowds or better light. And if you booked the add-on, you can extend your day into Gozo without having to figure out a brand-new operator on the fly.

The main thing to remember is that this is transportation, not a guided tour. There’s no tour guide, and food and drinks are not included. You’re going for time in Comino waters (or Comino beaches), then back—no extra frills.

Picking the Right Malta Port: Marfa vs Ċirkewwa

The service gives you a real choice of where to start, which matters in Malta. Traffic can be unpredictable, and where you’re staying may make one port feel like a 10-minute walk versus a 45-minute slog.

Here’s what you need to know:

• Departure from Marfa (Mellieħa): You’ll find the jetty opposite the Riviera Spa Resort.
• Departure from Ċirkewwa (Mellieħa): You’ll use the pier beneath/behind the Ċirkewwa Cafe.
• At either port: Walk up, then find the Comino Ferries COOP boat.

If you’re trying to minimize stress, I’d choose based on what’s easiest to reach on the day. Once you pick your port, the pattern is straightforward: you go out to Comino, then return by boarding another ferry at the same spot.

Timing: Schedules, Frequency, and the Sea Caves Window

Comino is popular, so you’ll see a lot of sailings on the timetable. In practice, that means you can usually match your day to how you feel—early morning calm, or later in the afternoon if you’re building in time for Malta first.

Malta to Comino Blue Lagoon departures

From Marfa, the departures start at 8:30 AM and run every half hour or so through the afternoon (with a different winter schedule from November to March: first trip 9:00 AM, last 4:00 PM).

From Ċirkewwa, the pattern is similar, starting at 8:40 AM and running through the day (winter schedule from November to March: first 9:10 AM, last 4:10 PM).

Return from Comino Blue Lagoon to Malta

The return ferries leave Comino Blue Lagoon for both Malta ports on a repeating pattern, including evening options. From Comino Blue Lagoon to Ċirkewwa or Marfa, the timetable includes departures at 9:30 AM, 10:30 AM, then every hour-ish through the afternoon and early evening (with winter hours starting 9:30 AM and last at 4:00 PM).

The Comino Sea Caves: when you’ll actually pass them

This is one of the nicer extras listed with the trip: the route passes the Comino Sea Caves—but only for certain sailings. The last trips that pass by the caves are:

• Marfa: last cave-passing departure at 3:00 PM
• Ċirkewwa: last cave-passing departure at 3:10 PM

Trips after that won’t include the caves on the route. So if you want that scenery highlight, don’t treat it like an automatic bonus—pick a departure earlier in the day.

What Your Comino Time Is Really For (Blue Lagoon vs Practical Reality)

The whole point of this day trip is the water around Comino Blue Lagoon, but here’s the part that can save you disappointment: the ferry isn’t promising a guarantee that you’ll land at exactly the same spot every time.

On a day with choppy seas, ferries may adjust their landing. In one real-world experience, the boat delivered passengers to Santa Maria Bay instead of the Blue Lagoon area, followed by a 20–25 minute walk to reach the Blue Lagoon. That walk wasn’t ideal for wheelchairs or strollers because the path can be rocky and uneven.

What does that mean for you?

• Bring good walking shoes.
• Plan time buffers in case you need to walk.
• If mobility is an issue, treat the standard Blue Lagoon landing as “possible, not guaranteed,” and make your decision accordingly.

In calm conditions, you’ll still get the classic Comino setup: a short ferry ride, time on the water, and then you hop back onto the ferry for your return. Just don’t build a tight schedule around walking-free access.

Also, this is a short-service window, not an all-day cruise. You’ll want to decide quickly when you arrive how long you’ll stay in the water, whether you’ll do a swim-first plan, and when you’ll start thinking about getting back to your dock for the return ferry.

Going to Gozo After Comino: The Add-On That’s Helpful (and One-Way)

If you choose the Malta—Comino Blue Lagoon—Gozo option, you can continue the day from Comino to Gozo. The key detail: this is a one-way add-on.

After your Comino visit, you board a ferry from Comino Blue Lagoon to Gozo at set times. The timetable includes departures at 11:00 AM, 12:00 PM, 1:00 PM, 2:00 PM, 3:00 PM, 4:00 PM, and 6:00 PM. In winter (November to March), the last departure is 4:00 PM.

The Gozo ferry goes to Mġarr Harbour in Gozo. Then you’re on your own for the return to Malta—you’ll need to arrange your transport back using either the Gozo Channel ferry or the Gozo Highspeed ferry. The service does not include a return from Gozo to Malta.

Is it worth it? For some trips, yes, because it turns “just Comino” into a two-island day. For others, it’s a trap if you hate planning. If you’re the type who likes a fixed return plan, you may prefer the standard Malta ↔ Comino roundtrip only.

Price and Value: Is $18.15 a Good Deal?

At $18.15 per person for the roundtrip, this is a value play. You’re paying for the key thing you can’t easily DIY: fast, scheduled sea transport that takes you to the right area for Blue Lagoon time.

A few reasons it’s good value:

• The crossing is short (about 25 minutes), so you’re not spending half your day in transit.
• Departure times are frequent, which reduces pressure to “get it perfect.”
• You get the roundtrip, so you’re not gambling on last-minute transport.
• The listing includes a chance to pass the Comino Sea Caves on many routes.

What’s not included is also part of the value math. There’s no tour guide and no food/drinks. That’s fine if you bring snacks and water, but it’s not a “pay once, everything handled” package. I’d call it good value if you’re comfortable building the rest of your day yourself.

Also, this is often booked about 5 days in advance on average. That’s a sign people plan it as a popular, straightforward day trip—not a spontaneous “maybe we’ll go” idea.

On-Board Expectations: Who This Works For

This ferry is simple and practical. The operator is Robert Arrigo & Sons, and the service runs with a maximum of 70 travelers on board. Boarding is first-come, first-served, so if you want to feel relaxed rather than rushed, get to the pier earlier than you think you need.

One practical note from a real sailing experience: the ferry can depart about 5 minutes early, and the advice that came with it was to show up earlier to avoid stress.

Not a fit for everyone

This service is not recommended if you’re prone to seasickness. The ride is short, but if your stomach doesn’t like motion, you’ll feel it.

Nice-to-haves

• Stroller-accessible boats
• Pet-friendly
• Service animals allowed
• Near public transportation

Even with stroller accessibility, remember the Santa Maria Bay walking possibility in rough weather. That’s the main “access” catch point.

How to Make Your Day Go Smoothly

You’ll have an easier time if you treat this like a day-trip checklist.

1) Match your plan to your port. If you choose Marfa, plan your route around Marfa. If you choose Ċirkewwa, plan around Ċirkewwa.

2) Aim to arrive early at the pier. With first-come boarding and potential early departure, “just on time” can feel tight.

3) Pack for water and walking. Even on a normal day, you’ll likely do some stairs and uneven surfaces.

4) Bring your own food and drinks. Nothing is included, so you don’t want to pay premium prices once you’re already out there.

5) If you care about the Sea Caves, go earlier. After mid-afternoon, you won’t get the cave-passing route.

If you’re traveling with a pet, this is one of the easier ferry choices because it’s explicitly pet-friendly. Just keep in mind that you’ll still be on open deck areas depending on how you handle it.

Should You Book This Comino Ferry With (or Without) Gozo?

Book it if you want a straightforward roundtrip to Comino and you like having frequent options to shape your day. The value at $18.15, the short crossing, and the self-guided freedom all work well for independent travelers.

Consider skipping the Gozo add-on if you hate planning separate legs later. The Comino → Gozo part is included only in one direction, and you’ll need to get back to Malta using Gozo’s own ferry options.

My quick decision rule:

• If you want Blue Lagoon time only, choose the roundtrip ferry.
• If you’re comfortable planning the Malta return from Gozo, the Gozo option can turn it into a satisfying two-island day.

FAQ

Where do the ferries depart from in Malta?

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

What boat should I look for at the pier?

At both departure locations, look for the Comino Ferries COOP boat.

How long is the ferry ride to Comino Blue Lagoon?

The duration is listed as about 25 minutes.

Is the trip roundtrip if I book Malta—Comino Blue Lagoon—Malta?

Yes. The roundtrip ferry Malta—Comino Blue Lagoon—Malta is included.

If I book Malta—Comino Blue Lagoon—Gozo, do I also get a return trip from Gozo to Malta?

No. When you choose the Gozo option, you must arrange your own transportation from Gozo back to Malta by either the Gozo Channel ferry or the Gozo Highspeed ferry. The service does not include the return.

Do I need to choose a specific departure time slot?

No. You can use your ticket at any time on the day you booked and do not need to book a time slot.

Does the ferry pass by the Comino Sea Caves?

It does pass by the Comino Sea Caves on many sailings, but timing matters. The last trip passing the caves is 3:00 PM from Marfa and 3:10 PM from Ċirkewwa.

Are strollers and pets allowed?

Yes. The boats are stroller-accessible and pet-friendly. Service animals are also allowed.

Is this suitable for people who get seasick?

It is not recommended for travelers who are prone to seasickness.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel for free up to 24 hours before the experience start time for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before, you won’t be refunded. The experience requires good weather, and if canceled due to poor weather you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.