Visiting Comino by Ferry during Covid-19

With Malta’s heatwaves, there’s nothing better than having a relaxing boat day, looking at the spectacular views of the Maltese islands while having a cool drink and getting a much-needed tan. Even though the Covid-19 pandemic has put a large dent in most people’s plans. Ebsons Comino Ferries are offering inexpensive boat travels from Malta and Gozo to Comino and back which will lift up your spirits whilst keeping the Comino ferry covid free!

The standard Comino boat

One way to go about travelling to Comino during the Coronavirus pandemic is by using the general Comino ferry. This departs from the Mgarr Harbour in Gozo to the beautiful Blue Lagoon beach in Comino. Although you’ll be with people who you don’t know on the ferry, the Covid-19 restrictions in place will surely allow you to enjoy your day off in the open air and keep the Gozo Comino ferry covid free. The use of masks or visors and strict social distancing measures whilst on the Comino ferry ensure a safe and enjoyable journey, both to Comino and back. As per Maltese Covid-19 regulations, fully vaccinated people may remain maskless outside when in groups of a maximum of 2 people.

Private Charters

A better option for those who are still too wary to be around a group of people during the pandemic is the private boat. By booking a private boat, you and your family and friends can appreciate the gorgeous views of the Maltese islands and crystal blue waters in seclusion, with no need to worry about other people on the ferry potentially making you or others sick. Private charters are arranged depending on your individual requirements, and you can choose between a 3 hour and a 5 hour boat ride which take you to unique swimming and snorkelling locations around Comino and Gozo. Including the infamous Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon, St Maria Bay, Mgarr ix-Xini, and Xatt l-Ahmar.

Self Drive Boats

Going one step further, instead of the standard Gozo Comino ferry, you can also rent a Self-Drive Boat, thus not needing any extra persons to actually drive the ferry. This way, someone from your own safety bubble can drive the boat themselves, with a maximum of 5 passengers on the boat. By using one of these self-drive boats, you can be completely relaxed knowing that nobody outside of your friends and family is aboard alongside you, and therefore that the virus cannot reach you. Another advantage of choosing this ferry is that you are completely free as to which beaches you would like to visit. So, if one seems too crowded for your liking, you can simply move on to another one, or even enjoy the stunning Mediterranean sea from the comfort of your Comino ferry, covid free!

Choosing quieter beaches

Whichever boat option you choose, due to Covid-19, it’s always better to choose quieter beaches so that you can enjoy some sun and sea feeling reassured, especially when going with young children who run around like lightning bolts. When visiting a quiet beach, there is much more space for easier social distancing, both on the beach itself and in lines for kiosks and ice-cream trucks, making it simpler to stay safe. Santa Maria Bay is arguably Comino’s quietest beach, as many people automatically go towards the more popular Blue Lagoon which is a postcard location. Despite it not being the first option for many, Santa Maria Bay, being a small but just as stunning beach, should be at the top of your list during these times, as safety and relaxation are guaranteed!

Choosing quieter days

Apart from choosing the right beaches to visit during Covid-19, choosing days which are quieter than others is also crucial to ensure a comfortable and peaceful mini-holiday. It’s to be expected that most people choose to go on such day trips during weekends and public holidays, given that many workplaces, including children’s summer schools, operate during office hours. So, by avoiding weekends and holidays, not only would the standard Comino ferry be less crowded, but so would all the beaches and establishments, thus making social distancing a much less problematic feat.

Finally, it goes without saying that if anybody in your bubble feels any Covid-19 symptoms, or has tested positive for the virus, please do your part for the community and cancel your Gozo Comino ferry booking.

This article was written on 21 July 2021. It is possible that such health regulations pertaining to the Covid-19 pandemic have been modified in line with the health Authorities. For any updated information, kindly get in touch with the Health Authorities of Malta.