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Travel Guide

How to Get to Comino From Gozo

Comino sits a short crossing from Gozo's northern shore, reachable year-round by ferry from Mġarr Harbour. Most services run direct to the Blue Lagoon, with landing permits issued on arrival. Knowing which boat to take and when to leave determines whether you step onto an empty beach or join the afternoon queue.

7 min read Updated 2026-09-17 Fact-checked
How to Get to Comino From Gozo

Quick answer

Regular ferries depart Mġarr Harbour in Għajnsielem daily between 08:00 and 18:00, crossing to Comino's Blue Lagoon in approximately 15 minutes. No advance booking is required for standard ferry services. Landing at the Blue Lagoon requires a free entry pass, distributed on arrival. The crossing runs year-round, with higher frequency during summer months and reduced sailings in winter.

Comino remains the only inhabited Maltese island without a permanent harbour, which means every visitor arrives by boat and every departure depends on the day's ferry schedule. The 15-minute crossing from Mġarr Harbour to the Blue Lagoon operates daily, but frequency varies sharply between June and September, when boats leave every 30 minutes, and the quieter months of November through March, when departures thin to hourly intervals. The vessel itself is a shallow-draft ferry designed to nose onto Comino's rocky foreshore, allowing passengers to disembark directly onto the beach without a jetty. Travelling from Gozo to Comino means starting at Mġarr Harbour, located on the island's northeastern coast near Għajnsielem. The harbour serves as the sole embarkation point for Blue Lagoon ferries, and ticket kiosks open at 07:30 to handle the early morning rush. Most operators sail under the same route and timetable, departing on the hour and half-hour during peak season. The crossing itself hugs the channel between Gozo and Comino, passing the southern cliffs of the smaller island before rounding into the sheltered bay that holds the lagoon. Weather can delay departures—particularly the afternoon runs, when the Gregale wind picks up—but cancellations are rare outside winter storm days. Arriving early makes the difference between a private swim and a crowded shore. Boats that leave Mġarr between 08:00 and 09:00 deliver passengers to the Blue Lagoon before the tour groups arrive from Malta's main island, which typically land after 10:30. The return crossing operates on a continuous loop, with the last ferry departing Comino at 18:00. Late afternoon departures fill quickly as day-trippers converge on the beach, so boarding 30 minutes before the final sailing avoids the bottleneck. The free entry pass required for landing is distributed by the ferry crew during the crossing and collected by wardens stationed at the lagoon's access point. Keep the pass visible throughout your visit, as spot checks occur during peak hours. No facilities exist on Comino beyond portable refreshment kiosks near the lagoon, which means everything needed for the day must travel with you from Gozo. The island's rocky interior offers little shade, and the only fresh water comes from bottles carried by visitors. Ferries departing Gozo to Comino hold to the published schedule, but confirm the day's final return time at the harbour before boarding—seasonal adjustments are not always posted online, and missing the last crossing leaves no alternative route back.

“The 15-minute crossing from Mġarr Harbour operates daily, but frequency varies sharply between high summer and the quieter winter months.”
Directions

How to Get to Comino From Gozo: Departure Points and Transit

Travel to Comino from Gozo centers on boat services departing from Mġarr Harbour, the primary gateway for maritime transit between the two islands. Visitors should proceed to the designated harbour area in Għajnsielem to access ferry and water taxi connections.

Boat 15-20 min

Mġarr Harbour to Blue Lagoon

Boat 15 min

Mġarr Harbour to Comino (Private Charter)

Arrive at Mġarr Harbour between 08:00–11:00 to secure your departure before the peak crowds arrive for afternoon time slots.
Timing

Best Time of Day to Arrive in Comino

The best arrival window is 08:00–11:00. Arrive early to avoid the peak crowds that arrive for the afternoon time slots.

May to June

Moderate crowds

Warm, 20°C to 28°C

These months offer balanced temperatures before the peak summer heat arrives. Early morning arrivals ensure you secure a space before the mid-day influx.

July to August

Very high crowds

Hot, 28°C to 35°C

This is the peak season with high temperatures and heavy daily visitor numbers. Arriving at 08:00 is essential to experience the lagoon before it reaches capacity.

September to October

Decreasing crowds

Warm, 22°C to 29°C

The weather remains suitable for swimming while boat traffic begins to thin. Mornings provide calm conditions and easier access to the island shores.

Weekday mornings

Low to moderate

Visiting on weekdays between 08:00 and 11:00 provides the most space for visitors. Weekend mornings see a faster build-up of crowds due to local leisure traffic.

Verdict: The best time to arrive is between 08:00 and 11:00 on weekdays during the shoulder months of May, June, or September.

Opening hours

Operating Hours for How to Get to Comino From Gozo

The ferry service operates daily from Mġarr Harbour to facilitate travel between Gozo and Comino.

Monday 08:00–18:00
Tuesday 08:00–18:00
Wednesday 08:00–18:00
Thursday 08:00–18:00
Friday 08:00–18:00
Saturday 08:00–18:00
Sunday 08:00–18:00
The final crossing operates within the scheduled 18:00 closing time.
Checklist

Checklist for How to Get to Comino From Gozo

Prepare these items before your trip to ensure a smooth journey across the channel.

  • Secure your free entry pass online — Landing at the Blue Lagoon requires a free pass booked in advance through the official site.
  • Pack reef-safe sunscreen and a hat — The boat ride and lagoon offer little shade, and UV protection is essential.
  • Bring cash for the boat fare — Ferry operators at Mġarr Harbour typically accept cash for the short crossing.
  • Wear water shoes or sandals — Rocky entry points around Comino make sturdy footwear more comfortable than bare feet.
  • Charge your phone fully — You'll want battery life for photos, maps, and confirming return boat times.
  • Plan your return slot before departure — Boats run on schedules, and missing the last ferry means waiting until the next day.
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Questions

Frequently asked questions about how to get to Comino from Gozo

Everything you need to know about how to get to comino from gozo

How to get to Comino from Gozo?
To learn how to get to Comino from Gozo, visitors should head to Mġarr Harbour where frequent boat connections are available. You can plan your journey by coordinating with local boat services departing throughout the day.
Are there specific times to arrange a trip to the Blue Lagoon?
Travelers often search for how to get to Comino from Gozo during the morning hours. The site is open daily from 08:00–18:00, providing ample flexibility for your island-hopping itinerary.
Is there an entry fee to land on the island?
While there is no entrance fee of 0 EUR, please note that a free entry pass is required for landing at the Blue Lagoon. Be sure to secure this before your arrival to ensure smooth access.
How do I reach the departure point in Gozo?
The main hub for understanding how to get to Comino from Gozo is located at Mġarr Harbour, Għajnsielem, Gozo. This central port serves as the primary gateway for all marine traffic between the two islands.
What is the best way to travel between these islands if I want to avoid crowds?
To ensure a pleasant experience, the best arrival window is 08:00–11:00. Arriving during this time helps you avoid the peak crowds that arrive for the afternoon time slots when learning how to get to Comino from Gozo.
Are there any restrictions for visiting the island?
Visitors are reminded to follow local regulations while on the island. Always check the official site at https://blcomino.com for the most current updates before your departure.
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