Ċirkewwa to Blue Lagoon: Ferry vs Private Boat, Self-Drive Boat or Jet Ski
Ċirkewwa is the closest practical departure point in Malta for the Blue Lagoon and Comino.
From the same coastline, you can take a passenger ferry, book a private boat with a skipper,
rent a self-drive boat or join a guided jet ski safari. The price, freedom and experience are
completely different—this guide helps you choose the right one.
Updated for 2026 by the family team behind iMalta Boat Trips and Outdoor Explorers Malta,
based at Ċirkewwa and operating on these waters throughout the season.
A private boat is the best all-round option for most couples, families and groups because it includes a
skipper, caves, flexible swim stops and quiet anchoring away from the crowded landing area. Self-drive boats
suit confident groups who want independence, while jet ski safaris are best for speed and adventure.
Ċirkewwa to Blue Lagoon: Key Facts for 2026
Ċirkewwa
From €15 return with one operator
From €99 per boat
From €199 + fuel
From €119 per driver
Around 10–12 minutes
Around 20 minutes
Reservation required to disembark
Prices, schedules and journey times can change. Ferry prices above refer to a current local operator,
while boat times depend on the vessel, wind, swell and harbour traffic. Always check the live booking
page before travelling.
Ferry vs Private Boat vs Self-Drive vs Jet Ski: At a Glance
| Option | Starting price | Typical crossing | Caves and swim stops | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Passenger ferry | From €15 return per adult | About 20 minutes | Transport to shore; route varies by operator | Solo travellers and lowest budget |
| Private boat | From €99 per boat | About 10–12 minutes | Yes—flexible route with skipper | Most couples, families and groups |
| Self-drive boat | From €199 + fuel | Usually 10–15 minutes | You choose approved stops; cave access is limited | Confident, independent groups |
| Jet ski safari | From €119 per driver | Fast guided crossing | Guided sightseeing; swim stops depend on tour | Adventure and speed |
That is close to the cost of some ferry tickets, but the private boat includes your own skipper, boat,
fuel, flexible sightseeing and optional swimming stops.
Option 1: Passenger Ferry From Ċirkewwa to Blue Lagoon
The Comino passenger ferry is the cheapest and simplest option when your main goal is to reach the island
and spend time on land. Current services depart from Ċirkewwa and nearby Marfa, with schedules that vary
by operator and season.
Typical price and crossing time
One established operator currently lists a return fare of €15 for adults and
€7 for children under ten, with a crossing of approximately 20 minutes each way.
Other operators may have different fares, routes and cave add-ons.
What the ferry does well
- The lowest-cost option for one or two travellers
- A straightforward return transfer to Comino
- No need to operate a boat or organise a skipper
- Useful when you want to walk on Comino or stay ashore for several hours
The honest limitations
A ferry is primarily transport. It does not provide the same privacy, flexibility or number of swimming
stops as a charter. You arrive at a designated landing area and share the shore with other day visitors.
Shade and comfortable space on land can be limited, particularly during the busiest summer hours.
Some ferry routes include a short cave detour, while others travel more directly. Read the exact ticket
description before booking instead of assuming every ferry includes the same experience.
specifically want to walk around Comino or spend most of the day on the island.
Check current fares and schedules directly with
Comino Ferries
or your chosen local operator.
Option 2: Private Boat to Blue Lagoon From €99
A private boat changes the experience because you book the whole boat for your group. A local skipper
handles the route, anchoring and sea conditions while you relax, swim and snorkel.
What is included
- A completely private boat—never mixed with strangers
- Local skipper and guide
- Fuel and port costs
- Life jackets, snorkelling masks and cooler with ice
- Shade canopy and comfortable seating, depending on the selected boat
- Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon and caves according to tour length and conditions
- Flexible swimming, sightseeing and snorkelling stops
The main difference
The ferry brings passengers to a landing point. A private charter allows the skipper to use the water itself:
anchoring in a suitable blue-water area, visiting caves and changing the route according to wind, crowds and
what your group wants to do.
from a private boat. The water is the same, but your space, route and ability to move away from the busiest
area are not.
Which duration should you choose?
1 Hour
€99 per boat
Best for visitors short on time. See Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon with optional short swim stops.
2 Hours
€199 per boat
More time for the main caves, Crystal Lagoon, Cominotto and a relaxed Blue Lagoon stop.
3 Hours
€289 per boat
The most complete short tour, with a flexible Comino circuit, several swimming locations and selected
views of south Gozo when conditions allow.
6 Hours
€539 per boat
Suitable for a full Comino circuit, multiple swims and a larger section of the Gozo coastline.
who values comfort, local knowledge and time away from the busiest shore areas.
Option 3: Self-Drive Boat From Ċirkewwa
A self-drive boat gives your group independence: after a full briefing, you captain the boat and explore
within the approved route. The 3-hour rental starts from €199 plus fuel and carries up to
six guests.
What is included
- Modern self-drive boat with canopy and sunbed
- Snorkelling masks, cooler with ice and Bluetooth
- Navigation map and full safety briefing
- Life jackets and emergency contact information
- Approved route around Comino and the Blue Lagoon, subject to conditions
Requirements and limitations
- Driver must be at least 21 years old
- No licence is required for the eligible boat, but experience is strongly recommended
- A refundable caution deposit applies
- Fuel is charged separately; a Comino circuit typically uses around €25–€30
- No alcohol is allowed onboard during the self-drive rental
- Guests must follow speed, anchoring and restricted-area instructions
A self-drive boat cannot safely enter every cave or narrow gap that an experienced local skipper may use.
Your freedom remains subject to the briefing, weather, restricted areas and the safe limits of the boat.
ferries, reefs, swimmers and changing wind. Choose self-drive only when the nominated driver is confident,
responsible and comfortable following the full briefing.
Option 4: Guided Jet Ski Safari to Blue Lagoon
A jet ski safari is the fastest and most energetic choice. A guide leads the route while each driver
controls their own jet ski, with the option to carry one passenger subject to weight and safety limits.
Current safari options
1-Hour Jet Ski Safari
From €119 per driver
A guided route from Ċirkewwa toward Blue Lagoon, Comino caves and nearby coastline, adapted to weather.
2-Hour Jet Ski Safari
From €199 per driver
More time for Comino and selected Gozo coastline, with guided sightseeing and possible swim stops.
What to expect
- Guide leading the route
- Safety briefing and life jacket
- Fuel included
- No licence required for the guided safari
- Driver must meet the minimum age and identification requirements
- The route may change for wind, swell, ferry traffic or passenger safety
shade, long swimming stops and relaxing onboard comfort.
Do You Need a Blue Lagoon Access Pass?
The Blue Lagoon visitor-management system applies to people who disembark onto the regulated land
area. Visitors choose an available time slot and receive a QR code or qualifying ticket confirmation.
- Passenger ferry: land access is required. Some ferry operators include the required entry confirmation with the ticket; others may ask you to reserve separately.
- Private boat: no land-access reservation is needed when you remain on the boat or swim without stepping onto the regulated shore.
- Self-drive boat: no land-access reservation is needed when you remain offshore and do not disembark.
- Jet ski safari: no land-access reservation is needed when the experience remains on the water and does not land.
stepping onto Comino, confirm whether your ferry or tour ticket already includes the required reservation.
Read the current official information on the
VisitMalta Blue Lagoon booking page.
Which Ċirkewwa to Blue Lagoon Option Is Best for You?
| Your situation | Best match | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Lowest possible budget | Passenger ferry | The cheapest straightforward return transport to Comino. |
| Only one hour available | Private boat express | Reaches the lagoons quickly and still allows sightseeing or short swims. |
| Family with young children | 2- or 3-hour private boat | Shade, life jackets, privacy and a route adjusted to the family. |
| Couple wanting privacy | Private boat | No strangers onboard and more freedom to stop in quiet areas. |
| Group of up to six | Private boat or self-drive | Private boat for relaxation; self-drive for independence. |
| Special occasion or hen group | Private boat | Flexible music, drinks, swimming and route with a skipper in control. |
| Experienced, independent group | Self-drive boat | You control the pace within the approved route. |
| Adrenaline and speed | Jet ski safari | The most exciting guided way to cover coastline quickly. |
best balance of comfort, sightseeing, swim time and value. The ferry wins on the lowest total price;
self-drive wins on independence; the jet ski wins on excitement.
Book Your Ċirkewwa to Blue Lagoon Experience
1-Hour Jet Ski Safari
From €119
Guided high-speed trip toward Comino and Blue Lagoon.
2-Hour Jet Ski Safari
From €199
Extended guided route around Comino and selected Gozo coast.
least 14 days in advance. Check the booking page for current availability and offer conditions.
Ċirkewwa Departure Point
The map below shows the iMalta Boat Trips departure area at Ċirkewwa. Guests receive exact meeting and
arrival instructions after booking.
Frequently Asked Questions: Ċirkewwa to Blue Lagoon
How do you get from Ċirkewwa to the Blue Lagoon?
You can take a passenger ferry, book a private boat with a skipper, rent a self-drive boat or join a
guided jet ski safari. Ċirkewwa is the closest practical Malta departure point for Comino.
How much is the ferry from Ċirkewwa to Blue Lagoon?
One established local ferry operator currently lists €15 return for adults and €7 for children under ten.
Other operators may charge different prices, so check the exact service before travelling.
How long does it take from Ċirkewwa to Blue Lagoon?
A fast private boat normally takes around 10–12 minutes in suitable conditions. Local passenger ferries
typically advertise a crossing of about 20 minutes. Times vary with vessel, route, wind and traffic.
Do I need a Blue Lagoon access pass?
You need a valid Blue Lagoon Landing Pass if you disembark within the regulated land area. Some ferry operators arrange this with your ticket, but always check before travelling. Guests who remain on a private or self-drive boat and swim directly from the boat—without going ashore—do not need a landing pass.
Official booking: Book your Blue Lagoon Landing Pass
Official information: Blue Lagoon FAQs
Is the Comino ferry worth it?
Yes for solo travellers or visitors on the lowest budget who want to spend time ashore. It is less suitable
for people wanting privacy, several swim stops, shade or a flexible cave-and-lagoon route.
What is the cheapest way to reach Blue Lagoon from Ċirkewwa?
The passenger ferry normally has the lowest total price. For a group of six, however, a €99 private boat
works out at €16.50 per person and includes the whole boat and skipper.
Which is better: ferry or private boat?
The ferry is cheaper and lets you spend time on land. A private boat costs more but offers privacy, caves,
flexible swimming stops, skipper knowledge and the ability to remain away from the busiest shore area.
Can you take a jet ski from Ċirkewwa to Blue Lagoon?
Yes, on a guided jet ski safari. Current one- and two-hour safaris depart from Ċirkewwa and visit Comino
locations according to the chosen route and sea conditions.
Can you bring alcohol on a private boat?
Guests may normally bring drinks on a skippered private charter and use the onboard cooler. Alcohol is not
allowed on self-drive rentals, and the skipper may refuse unsafe or heavily intoxicated behaviour.
What is the best option for a family with young children?
A two- or three-hour private boat is usually the easiest option because the family has shade, life jackets,
privacy and a skipper who can adapt the route and swimming stops to the children and conditions.
Do self-drive boats require a licence?
No licence is required for the eligible self-drive boat, but the driver must be at least 21, complete the
safety briefing and follow all route, speed and anchoring rules. Previous experience is strongly recommended.
What happens if the weather is rough?
Routes may be changed, postponed or cancelled when conditions are unsafe. Blue sky does not guarantee calm
water, so the skipper, guide or rental team makes the final operational decision.
Further Reading
Still Not Sure Which Option to Choose?
Tell us your group size, children’s ages and how much time you have. We will recommend the most suitable
option honestly—even when the ferry is enough for what you need.
