From Sliema: Gozo, Comino & The Blue Lagoon Boat & Bus Tour

One day, two islands, plenty of sea. I like this trip for its excellent value at $51 and the easy mix of scenic cruising, Gozo transport, and Blue Lagoon time. I also like that the boat has toilets, a bar, indoor seating, outdoor decks, and a water slide. The main drawback is simple: Victoria gets only about 75 minutes, and the Blue Lagoon can be extremely crowded in warmer months.

This is best understood as a well-organized island transfer with sightseeing built in, not a traditional guided tour. You get English commentary on the boat, but the stops in Gozo and Comino are your own time. That suits me if I want freedom, but it means you must watch the clock and return to the agreed meeting point promptly.

Quick facts about the day

• A full 7.5-hour outing: You leave from Sliema Ferries in the morning and return after a coastal cruise past Comino’s sea caves.
• Gozo by minibus: You travel from Mgarr Harbour to Victoria, with a short photo stop at a bay or Qala Belvedere.
• Victoria and the Citadel: You have around 75 minutes to walk around Gozo’s capital, visit the medieval fortress, shop, or find a snack.
• Ninety minutes at Comino: You can swim, sunbathe, snorkel, walk, or remain on the boat and use its slide.
• Blue Lagoon access now needs planning: From May 2025, you need a government-issued pass to go ashore, and the pass supply is limited.
• Not a suitable choice for everyone: People with mobility limitations, wheelchair users, or serious motion sickness should think carefully before booking.

The morning cruise from Sliema

The trip begins at Sliema Ferries, heading north along Malta’s coast toward Gozo. This first boat ride is not just a way to reach the next island. It gives you a broad view of Malta’s rugged shoreline, rocky inlets, and small coastal sights that are difficult to appreciate from land.

I would arrive early if you want an outdoor seat. The upper deck fills quickly, and arriving only 20 minutes before departure may leave you with fewer choices. The boat has indoor and outdoor seating, though some departures can feel crowded, especially on the roughly hour-long ride to Gozo.

The onboard commentary is one of the stronger parts of the experience. It is delivered in English, with prerecorded information available in other languages on some sailings. Sound quality may vary by seat, so sit near the speaker if the coastline stories matter to you. On one well-praised sailing, Captain Jean-Paul kept people informed and offered clear commentary along the Maltese coast.

There is also a cash bar serving drinks and snacks. It is useful, but I would not plan the whole day around boat food. The selection is limited, and you may prefer to eat during your free time in Victoria. The boat does have clean toilets, an important comfort on a long day at sea.

If you are prone to seasickness, bring suitable medication and choose your seat with care. A calm crossing can turn rough after a change in weather. The crew has helped passengers who felt unwell, but prevention is better than relying on assistance once the boat is moving.

Gozo begins at Mgarr Harbour

Gozo’s main port, Mgarr Harbour, is your first land stop. Buses or minibuses wait to take you inland toward Victoria, which keeps the day efficient. Without this transport, you would lose much of your limited time arranging local connections.

The road gives you a quick look at Gozo’s countryside, churches, villages, and open views. You may stop for about 15 minutes at one of Gozo’s attractive bays or at Qala Belvedere. The exact photo stop can vary, so treat it as a chance to stretch your legs and take pictures rather than a full sightseeing visit.

This part can be slightly untidy if several vehicles are loading at once. Stay close to the staff, listen carefully to the driver, and remember which bus you arrived on. Drivers give clear return instructions, but passengers who wander off or board the wrong vehicle can slow everyone down.

The minibus ride is practical rather than luxurious. Some departures use a tight vehicle, and seating can feel cramped. Still, it is a useful tradeoff for seeing Gozo without arranging your own transport. You get a quick taste of the island’s character before reaching Victoria.

Seventy-five minutes in Victoria and the Citadel

Victoria, also known as Rabat, is Gozo’s capital and the main stop on the island. You have approximately 75 minutes of free time. That sounds generous until you include walking from the drop-off point, finding the Citadel, taking photographs, and allowing time to return to the bus.

The Citadel is the clear priority. This fortified hilltop area gives you impressive views across Gozo and offers the strongest sense of place on the stop. The medieval walls and elevated position make it worthwhile even if you have no interest in visiting every interior site.

You can also see the cathedral area, browse shops, sit in a square with an ice cream or pastizz, or stop for coffee. Admissions to sites are not included, so check the time before paying to enter anything. With only 75 minutes, I would focus on the Citadel first and treat shopping or lunch as secondary.

Some people will find the time just right for a first look. I think it is tight if you want a relaxed meal and a proper visit inside several sites. The most common practical wish is for more time in Victoria, often two or three hours. That is the price of fitting two islands into one day.

Gozo itself deserves longer than this tour allows. Its quieter feel is part of the appeal, and a brief stop can leave you wanting a return visit. Still, if you have only one free day and want an introduction, the transport removes much of the hassle.

Comino and the Blue Lagoon

After Gozo, the boat continues to Comino. The Blue Lagoon is the headline stop, with about 90 minutes for swimming, sunbathing, snorkeling, or a short walk. The water is famously clear and turquoise, and even in cooler weather the view alone can justify the visit.

The big warning is crowding. In summer, the shoreline can be packed, and the area may feel more like a busy swimming stop than a peaceful island escape. Food stalls ashore tend to focus on simple items such as burgers and fries, so I would eat in Victoria or bring a sensible plan for snacks.

You do not have to leave the boat. This is one of the smartest features of the day. If the shore looks too crowded, you can stay onboard, enjoy a drink, take photographs, and use the water slide when conditions permit. Several people preferred swimming from the boat because it offered more space than the beach area.

From May 2025, you must obtain a government access pass in advance if you plan to step ashore at the Blue Lagoon. The pass is obtained through blcomino.com, daily numbers are limited, and this tour requires the afternoon slot. You are responsible for getting the pass. Without it, you may be unable to leave the boat, and there is no refund for missing the lagoon because you failed to secure access.

That rule makes planning especially important. Check the official government website before your outing, select the correct afternoon time, and keep the pass available when boarding or approaching Comino. The pass requirement is separate from the tour booking.

The water may be chilly outside summer. In February, December, or early spring, Comino can still be rewarding for photography and walking, but swimming becomes a personal decision. The island has no cars or urban areas and includes paths to St. Mary’s Chapel, St. Mary’s Watch Tower, and St. Mary’s Battery. The scheduled stop is centered on the Blue Lagoon, so you will not have time to walk every path.

The return route past Comino’s caves

The return journey adds one of the most scenic parts of the day. The boat passes close to Comino’s sea caves, giving you a chance to see the rock formations from the water. This is a nice finish because you can enjoy the views without having to organize another excursion.

A boat ride also changes how you see Malta. From shore, the islands can seem dry and heavily built up in places. From the water, the rugged cliffs, coves, and bright sea become the main story. I find that this perspective adds real value to the ticket, especially when compared with a basic ferry transfer.

The boat has a bar, toilets, and places to sit inside if the weather turns. Crew members are generally clear about departure times, but you must still take responsibility for returning promptly. The boat will not wait for a late passenger who has wandered too far along Comino.

Is $51 good value?

At $51 per person, I consider this a strong deal if your goal is to see Gozo and Comino in one day. The price covers the scenic cruise from Sliema, English boat commentary, Gozo land transport, the photo stop, free time in Victoria, the Blue Lagoon stop, and the return route past the caves.

You are also paying for convenience. Reaching Mgarr Harbour, Victoria, and Comino independently would require separate transport planning, ferry timing, and local connections. This trip bundles the main movements into one schedule.

The value is less clear if you want a deep visit to Gozo. You will not have enough time to explore the island at a slow pace, and admissions, food, and drinks cost extra. The bus portion is transport with some information, not a full island tour with a guide walking beside you.

I would also factor in the season. In warm weather, the swimming stop may be the best part of the day, but the Blue Lagoon is likely to be crowded. In the cooler months, you may appreciate the boat views, Victoria, and Comino’s walking options more than the water.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. The activity is in English, and hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you must make your own way to Sliema Ferries.

Who should book this island trip?

I would choose this tour if you have one day for Malta’s smaller islands and want a simple plan. It works well for couples, families who like boat rides, first-time visitors, and anyone who prefers transport arranged in advance.

Families may appreciate the boat’s toilets, indoor seating, bar, and water slide. Staff have also been helpful with children, including a small onboard viewing feature with windows below the waterline on at least one vessel. Still, young children need close supervision around decks, steps, and the water.

You should skip it if you want a quiet beach day, a long historical visit, or a fully guided walking tour. It is also not suitable for wheelchair users or people with mobility impairments. The boat and bus changes, shore access, and uneven areas around the Citadel and Comino can make the day difficult.

People prone to seasickness should be cautious. Even though the crew can help, the open-water sections are a major part of the experience.

My practical verdict

I like this tour because it gives you a useful first look at Gozo and Comino without wasting time on connections. The boat is a genuine part of the experience, the crew usually keeps the schedule clear, and the combination of Victoria, the Citadel, the Blue Lagoon, and the sea caves offers a lot for $51.

Book it if you want a broad introduction and accept some time pressure. Arrive early for a better seat, bring swimwear, towel, comfortable shoes, and sunscreen, and secure the Blue Lagoon access pass before you go. Eat in Victoria if you want more choice, and consider staying on the boat if the Blue Lagoon shore is too crowded.

Skip it if you want to explore Gozo properly. For everyone else, this is a practical, scenic day out with very good value and just enough island time to show you what deserves a longer return visit.

FAQ

How long does the Gozo and Comino boat tour last?

The experience lasts approximately 7.5 hours, including the boat journey, Gozo transport, the Victoria stop, the Blue Lagoon stop, and the return cruise past the Comino caves.

Where does the tour depart from?

The boat departs from Sliema Ferries in the morning. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

How much free time is provided in Victoria?

You receive approximately 75 minutes in Victoria, Gozo’s capital. You can visit the Citadel, have a snack or coffee, shop, or walk around the city.

Is a guide included in Gozo?

No. This is not a traditional guided tour. The boat includes English commentary, but your time in Victoria and Comino is free time. The bus does not include audio commentary.

Do I need a pass for the Blue Lagoon?

Yes. From May 2025, anyone wishing to step ashore at the Blue Lagoon must obtain a government-issued access pass in advance through blcomino.com. Select the afternoon slot for this cruise. Daily access is limited.

Can I swim at the Blue Lagoon?

Yes, the stop lasts approximately 90 minutes and allows time for swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing. You can also remain on the boat and use the water slide, subject to conditions.

What should I bring?

Bring comfortable shoes, swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen. Pets, oversized luggage, and large bags are not allowed.