Best of Gozo and Comino from Malta

The islands make a fine double act. This seven-hour outing links Gozo’s Citadel with Comino’s famous Blue Lagoon, using a comfortable catamaran and an air-conditioned minibus. I like the easy boat connections and the generous free time, which let you explore without being tied to a guide’s running commentary.

I also like the low price, about $52.14 per person, for transport between three islands and two major sights. The main drawback is clear: this is transport with free time, not a guided cultural tour, and the Blue Lagoon can be packed in summer.

Key things to know before booking

• The 33-meter red catamaran runs from Sliema or Bugibba to Gozo and Comino, with indoor air conditioning, outdoor seating, restrooms, and free WiFi.
• Gozo time centers on Victoria and the Citadel, not the island’s beaches or rural corners.
• You get about 90 minutes in Victoria, enough for a focused walk, a church visit, lunch, or a quick look around the fortress.
• The Blue Lagoon stop lasts about 2 hours and 40 minutes, giving you time to swim, sunbathe, walk, or buy a cave boat ticket in season.
• The tour is unguided, though the minibus driver may offer brief explanations and practical help.
• Meeting points matter, especially in Bugibba, where construction has caused pickup changes.

A boat-first way to see Malta’s northern islands

This trip works best as a day of connections. You begin on Malta, cruise to Gozo, ride a minibus to Victoria, return to the harbor, sail to Comino, and then cruise back to Malta.

That format removes much of the planning work. You do not need to compare ferry schedules, arrange a Gozo taxi, or work out how to reach the Blue Lagoon afterward. I find that useful when you have only a short stay in Malta and want a broad taste of the northern islands.

The tradeoff is pace. You see two famous places, but you do not get a full tour of Gozo or Comino. Think of it as a scenic transport day with well-placed stops, not an in-depth island tour.

The group size is capped at 30 people. That is large enough to feel like a shared excursion, but small enough to keep the minibus transfer manageable. Still, you need to watch the clock and listen carefully for return instructions.

Starting from Sliema or Bugibba

You choose either the Sliema or Bugibba departure point when booking. In Sliema, the meeting place is at the mooring opposite the Sliema Hotel by ST Hotels, at 59 The Strand. The Bugibba departure point is at Bognor Beach Jetty, though construction work has led to changes, including a move to Sirens Jetty.

Arrive at least 25 minutes before departure. That advice matters because the boat does not wait for late arrivals, and the first transfer sets the timing for the whole day.

The catamaran is one of the stronger parts of the experience. It is a modern, 33-meter red vessel operated by Captain Morgan, with indoor air-conditioned seating and outdoor areas. You can choose a cool cabin or sit outside for the views, depending on the weather.

The first cruise takes about 45 minutes. The route follows Malta’s northeast coast and passes through the northern Comino channel before reaching Gozo. The trip itself gives you a pleasant start, rather than placing you immediately on a bus or in a crowded harbor queue.

On board, you have access to restrooms and free WiFi. Food and drinks are available for purchase, but they are not included, so bringing a little spending money is sensible. The boat is also the place to ask about the optional Comino caves boat trip, available from June through September.

Reaching Gozo and riding to Victoria

The catamaran arrives at Mgarr Harbour, Gozo. A representative directs you to your waiting minibus, which takes you to Victoria, also known as Rabat, and then back to the harbor after your free time.

This Gozo transfer is practical rather than scenic touring. The vehicle is air-conditioned and chauffeur-driven, a welcome break on a hot day. The minibus service received mixed impressions, with some passengers finding it smooth and well organized, while others felt the vehicle was older and the instructions less clear.

Before leaving the minibus, confirm the return meeting time with the driver. Write it down if needed. That simple step can prevent a rushed walk back through Victoria.

The trip does not include a guide in Gozo. One driver has been noted for giving a few useful explanations, but you should not count on a full introduction to the island. If you want context about Gozo’s churches, fortifications, or local life, read a little beforehand or use your own phone guide.

Ninety minutes inside Victoria’s Citadel

Victoria is Gozo’s main town, and the Citadel is its most recognizable sight. The fortified hilltop area gives you a compact historic center to explore during the roughly 90-minute stop.

You can walk through the fortress area, visit the Basilica of St. George in Victoria, browse the town, and stop for lunch if service is quick. One practical approach is to head straight toward the Citadel first, then use any remaining time for food or a short wander.

Do not expect enough time to see every corner at a slow pace. The stop is long enough for a good first look, but it is not designed for a museum-heavy visit. If you spend too long over lunch, the Citadel itself may become a hurried photo stop.

The absence of a guide has a benefit here. You can choose your own priorities. I would focus on the Citadel and the town center rather than trying to cover more of Gozo. The excursion does not take you to the island’s beaches, countryside, or other major sights, so keep your expectations focused.

For people who dislike being shepherded from one sight to the next, this is a pleasant arrangement. You get a fixed ride and a flexible stop. For people who want stories, local recommendations, and a detailed explanation of Gozo, the experience may feel thin.

Sailing from Gozo to Comino

After Victoria, the minibus brings you back to Mgarr Harbour. You then board the catamaran for the short cruise to Comino and the Blue Lagoon.

This second boat leg is a highlight because the day shifts from fortified town to open water. The cruise gives you another chance to sit outside, take in the coast, or cool off in the air-conditioned cabin.

The schedule allows about 2 hours and 40 minutes at the Blue Lagoon. That is considerably more useful than a brief photo stop. You can swim, sunbathe, relax, walk around part of Comino, or buy an optional cave trip during the June to September season.

Bring realistic expectations about the setting. The lagoon is famous for clear, turquoise water, but fame brings crowds. The busiest summer periods can make the main swimming area feel very full, and the shore may not provide the peaceful escape suggested by photographs.

The water is the main event. If you want to swim, bring suitable clothing, a towel, sunscreen, and anything else you need for a few hours by the sea. These items are not listed as included, so plan to carry your own day-use supplies.

You also have the option of exploring Comino on foot. The available time is long enough for a walk beyond the immediate landing point, although the exact route and conditions are not specified. Stay aware of the agreed boarding time. You must return to the Blue Lagoon embarkation point at least 15 minutes before the catamaran leaves.

One useful detail from the experience is the presence of a cocktail bar near the lagoon. It gives you another way to spend the stop if you do not want to swim for the full period. Food and drinks are not part of the ticket, so purchases there cost extra.

The return cruise and hotel transport

The late afternoon cruise returns you from Comino to your original Malta departure point, either Sliema or Bugibba. The ride takes about 45 minutes.

After reaching Sliema, organized land transport is available to main hotels in Sliema and St. Julian’s. From Bugibba, the arranged transport serves main hotels in Bugibba, Qawra, and Mellieha.

This post-cruise connection adds real value. You may be tired after the heat, walking, and swimming, so having a planned hotel transfer is easier than searching for a taxi at the end of the day. Confirm with the ferry crew where to find the organized transport when you arrive.

The return arrangement is not a private hotel pickup at the beginning of the day. You must make your own way to the selected Sliema or Bugibba meeting point. That distinction is important when comparing the tour with a more expensive private excursion.

What the $52.14 price really buys

At about $52.14 per person, the price is fair for a full day of transport across Malta, Gozo, and Comino. The cost covers the catamaran cruises, the air-conditioned Gozo minibus, time at Victoria’s Citadel, time at the Blue Lagoon, onboard facilities, WiFi, and organized transport back toward several hotel areas.

It does not cover lunch, drinks, or the seasonal caves boat trip. You should also value the tour mainly for convenience and scenery, not for personal guiding.

I see the price as strongest for first-time visitors who want to sample Gozo and Comino without booking separate ferries and transfers. It is less attractive if you already know Gozo and want quiet beaches, smaller villages, or a local guide.

The current average rating is 3.3 out of 5 from 12 ratings. That middle-ground score fits the product. The boat service earns the warmest response, while the Gozo minibus, changing pickup details, and limited guidance create the main risks.

Who will enjoy this day most

I would recommend this trip to you if you want:

• A simple way to combine Gozo and Comino in one day
• A scenic boat ride rather than a long coach journey
• Free time instead of a tightly narrated tour
• A chance to swim at the Blue Lagoon
• Air-conditioned transport during the Gozo portion
• A reasonably priced introduction to Malta’s northern islands

Families and independent-minded visitors may appreciate the flexible stops. Most people can participate, and the group limit is 30.

I would hesitate if you want a quiet Blue Lagoon visit in high summer, a detailed Gozo tour, or a full day of beaches. The stop in Victoria is focused on the capital and Citadel, while the day’s most famous swim site can be crowded.

The heat is another practical concern. One very negative experience described the Gozo stop as uncomfortable in intense heat, with too little direction about what to do. That criticism is worth taking seriously. Wear light clothing, carry water, and decide in advance how you want to use your 90 minutes.

Booking advice and cancellation terms

Book this tour if the main departure point is convenient and you are comfortable managing your own time. Check the exact meeting location close to departure, especially for Bugibba, since construction has affected the pickup point.

Confirmation is provided when you book. The tour requires good weather. If poor conditions cancel it, you can receive a different date or a full refund.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations or changes made within 24 hours are not refunded or accepted. The cutoff follows local Malta time.

Should you book Best of Gozo and Comino from Malta?

Book it if you want an affordable, boat-centered introduction to two islands and prefer freedom over formal guiding. The modern catamaran, clear Blue Lagoon time, and organized Gozo transfer make it a useful choice for a first visit.

Skip it if you expect a full Gozo sightseeing tour or a calm, uncrowded lagoon. For the best chance of enjoying the day, confirm the meeting point, arrive early, check your return times, and treat Victoria as a focused Citadel visit rather than a complete tour of Gozo.

FAQ

How long does the Best of Gozo and Comino tour last?

The experience lasts about seven hours, including the catamaran cruises, the minibus transfer on Gozo, time in Victoria, and the Blue Lagoon stop.

Where can I join the tour in Malta?

You can choose a departure from Sliema or Bugibba. The Sliema meeting point is opposite the Sliema Hotel by ST Hotels at 59 The Strand. The Bugibba location is at Bognor Beach Jetty, although construction-related changes may apply.

How early should I arrive?

You should arrive at least 25 minutes before the scheduled departure time.

Is a guide included?

No. The tour is unguided. The Gozo driver may provide brief explanations, but a full guided tour is not included.

How much free time do I get in Victoria?

You get about one hour and 30 minutes in Victoria, including time to explore the Citadel and the town independently.

How long is the Blue Lagoon stop?

The stop at Comino’s Blue Lagoon lasts about two hours and 40 minutes. You can swim, sunbathe, walk around Comino, or relax.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are available for purchase on the catamaran but are not included in the tour price.

Can I cancel for a refund?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the start time are not accepted for a refund.