How do you get to Comino from Malta?

In summer (June–September), regular boat services run from Mellieha Bay and Marfa Point. Return tickets cost €10–15 per person. In winter, no public scheduled ferry runs — you need a private charter. The crossing takes 10–20 minutes depending on departure point.

Ferry to Comino and Blue Lagoon: Mellieha, Marfa, Cirkewwa guide 2026

Getting to Comino: the basics

Comino is a tiny island (3.5 square kilometres) between Malta and Gozo with no airport, no cars and a permanent population of a handful of residents. The only way to reach it is by sea.

Unlike the Gozo ferry — which is a proper state-operated service with large vehicle ferries — the Comino crossing is operated by private boat companies on a seasonal basis. There is no government-operated scheduled service to Comino, and no vehicle access.

When Comino is accessible: the seasonal reality

June to September: Regular daily boat services run from Mellieha Bay and Marfa Point (a short distance from Cirkewwa, near the Gozo ferry terminal). Multiple operators run boats throughout the day.

October to May: No scheduled public boat service. Comino is accessible via:

Private charter boats from Sliema, Bugibba, Mellieha or Marfa
Gozo-based boat operators who run Comino excursions in good weather
Larger boat tours from Sliema that include Comino as a stop (these run year-round in calm conditions)

This is a genuine seasonal limitation. If you are visiting Malta in November–April and the Blue Lagoon is a priority, you will need to book a private charter or find a year-round boat tour that includes Comino.

Departure points for Comino

Mellieha Bay (most popular)

Mellieha Bay is the main jumping-off point for Comino boats. Several operators have booths on the beach or at the car park area near the bay.

How to get there:

By bus: Route 41 or 44 from Valletta to Mellieha village; from the village it is a 15–20 minute walk downhill to the bay, or take a local minibus/taxi
By car: Park at the Mellieha Bay car park (paid parking in summer)
By Bolt: Direct to Mellieha Bay

Crossing time from Mellieha Bay to Comino Blue Lagoon: approximately 15–20 minutes.

Marfa Point (closest to Cirkewwa)

Marfa Point is a rocky promontory a short distance east of the Cirkewwa Gozo ferry terminal. Some operators depart from here, particularly for the Santa Marija Bay side of Comino (slightly different from the Blue Lagoon approach).

Crossing time from Marfa: approximately 10–15 minutes.

Bugibba and Sliema

Many of the larger organised boat tours to Comino depart from Sliema Ferries or the Bugibba waterfront. These are longer crossings (30–60 minutes) but include guides, sometimes refreshments, and visit multiple sites around Comino (Crystal Lagoon, sea caves, Blue Lagoon). They are not the cheapest way to reach Comino, but they are the most organised and include more of the island’s surroundings.

If you are staying in Sliema or St Julian’s, a boat trip from Sliema to Comino is the most convenient approach — no need to travel north to Mellieha first.

Ticket prices and operators in summer

The Mellieha Bay and Marfa point ferry services are operated by local boat cooperatives and private operators. In summer 2026:

Route	Return fare	Journey time	Notes
Mellieha Bay → Comino (Blue Lagoon)	€10–15	15–20 min	Most common option
Marfa → Comino (Santa Marija Bay)	€8–12	10–15 min	Less crowded arrival point
Sliema → Comino (organised tour)	€20–35	45–60 min	Includes guide, multiple stops
Bugibba → Comino (catamaran)	€20–30	30–45 min	Often includes snorkelling

Prices and operators are not fixed contracts — individual operators set their own rates, and prices can vary from one boat to the next on the same beach. Generally, the boats departing from Mellieha Bay are the cheapest and most direct.

One-way or return? Most Mellieha operators sell return tickets with a flexible return time (you choose which return boat suits you; they run throughout the day). If you want to stay longer than the standard tour allows, verify this flexibility before buying.

What to expect at the Blue Lagoon (honest picture)

High season (July–August, 11 am–4 pm)

The Blue Lagoon between the peak hours of 11 am and 4 pm in July and August is one of the most overcrowded tourist spots in the Mediterranean. Numbers routinely reach 3,000–3,500 visitors simultaneously. The beach platforms are shoulder-to-shoulder; boats anchor in the cove, churning up the water with their engines; and food and drink are priced accordingly (€8 hot dogs, €12 sandwiches, €5 water).

The turquoise water is real — it genuinely is extraordinary. But experiencing it at its best requires either:

Arriving before 9 am (first boats depart around 8–8:30 am)
Staying into the evening (after 5 pm, when most day-trip boats have left)
Going in September, when the same beautiful water is accompanied by far fewer people

Shoulder season (May–June and September–October)

In the shoulder season — particularly September — the Blue Lagoon is genuinely wonderful. The water is warm (25°C in September), crystal clear, and the beach is nowhere near capacity. This is the version of Comino that the photographs show.

Facilities on Comino

Outside the tourist infrastructure:

On the beach: Sun loungers for hire (peak season: €8–12/day per lounger), umbrellas, snack bars, toilet facilities
Elsewhere on Comino: Almost nothing — a small hotel (Comino Hotel, closed since 2020 pending redevelopment), the old fort, a chapel, and farm fields. Comino is emphatically not an island you explore on foot for more than 30 minutes.
Bring your own: Food and water for the day is strongly recommended in summer, both for cost and quality reasons

Going to Comino from Gozo

If you are based on Gozo, Comino is even closer than from Malta. Private boat tours depart from Mġarr harbour and other Gozo points throughout the summer season, typically visiting both Crystal Lagoon and the Blue Lagoon. Gozo-based operators often have smaller group sizes and more flexible timing than the large Sliema departures.

Winter access to Comino (November–May)

In winter, the island is accessible only by private charter. Options:

Charter a small boat from Cirkewwa or Mellieha Bay (look for local boat owners offering private trips)
Book a year-round boat tour from Sliema or Bugibba that includes Comino as a stop (these operate weather permitting)
Contact Gozo-based operators who sometimes run Comino day trips in calm winter weather

The Blue Lagoon in winter looks different: the water is still clear and blue, but the surrounding beach area is deserted, and there are no facilities. For photographers and those who want the island to themselves, winter Comino visits are uniquely atmospheric. For beach-going, it is not the season.

Crystal Lagoon and the quieter alternatives

The Crystal Lagoon is directly adjacent to the Blue Lagoon, separated by a narrow strip of rock. It receives perhaps 20% of the Blue Lagoon’s visitor numbers in peak season. The water quality is equivalent; the swimming is equally good. If you arrive in summer and the Blue Lagoon is overwhelming, walk 200 metres to Crystal Lagoon.

Santa Marija Bay on the north side of Comino is another option — quieter, accessible via the Marfa ferry, and popular with snorkellers.

See the full comparison of Comino alternatives for more detail on these options.

Frequently asked questions about the Comino ferry

Is there a public ferry to Comino?

No — there is no government-operated scheduled ferry. All services are private operators running commercial boat trips. In summer (June–September), these run frequently from Mellieha Bay and Marfa and function like a de facto public service.

Can you stay overnight on Comino?

Currently, no. The Comino Hotel has been closed since 2020. There is no accommodation on the island as of 2026. All visitors are day-trippers.

How early can I get to the Blue Lagoon?

The first boats from Mellieha Bay typically depart around 8:00–8:30 am. Arriving on the first boat gives you approximately 2 hours before the main crowds build up. Return whenever suits you.

Can I swim from Comino to the Blue Lagoon?

The Blue Lagoon is accessible from the beach or via the steps/ladders on the rocky platform. Most people swim directly in the lagoon from the beach or from anchored boats. The water is shallow close to shore (1–3 metres) and deeper towards the open sea.

Is Comino safe for children?

Yes, with supervision. The Blue Lagoon has shallow areas that are excellent for young children. The boat trip (10–20 minutes) is calm in summer conditions. There are no car hazards on the island. The main risk is sun exposure — bring high-SPF sunscreen.

How long should I plan to spend on Comino?

Most day trips from Mellieha allow 3–4 hours. For the Blue Lagoon experience alone, 2–3 hours is sufficient. If you want to walk to the old fort, Crystal Lagoon and Santa Marija Bay, 4–5 hours gives more flexibility. There is no need to spend a full day — the island is small and the main attraction is the water.

Last reviewed: 2026-04-20