Malta: Full-Day Gozo and Blue Lagoon Cruise

Malta’s best water day comes with two island stops. This eight-hour cruise gives you a simple way to see Gozo, climb to the Cittadella in Rabat, and swim in Comino’s clear Blue Lagoon without arranging separate ferries and buses. I like the easy combination of sightseeing and swimming, and I like the views of St. Paul’s Island and Mellieha from the water. The main drawback is time: 75 minutes in Gozo is enough for a quick look, but not enough for a proper visit.

You meet at 10:00 at the yellow Malta Sightseeing Booth opposite McDonald’s at Sliema Ferries. The boat leaves at 10:30, and you return to the same point in the evening. At $45 per person, the price is fair for the boat ride, transport to Victoria, the return journey, and onboard facilities, but extras such as food, drinks, rental snorkel gear, and the optional top deck cost more.

Key points at a glance

• Gozo in 75 minutes: Visit Rabat, also called Victoria, and make a quick climb to the Cittadella.
• Blue Lagoon swimming stop: Plan to swim or snorkel in Comino’s clear turquoise water, though the area can be crowded.
• Free Comino ticket required: From May 1, 2025, you need a free QR-code ticket for the 13:30 to 17:30 access slot if you want to walk on Comino.
• A boat day, not a guided Gozo tour: The bus takes you to Victoria, then you explore on your own and return at the appointed time.
• Optional top deck: Sunbeds on the upper level cost an additional EUR 10.
• Bring your own refreshments: Food and drinks are not included, and reports of free drinks are not part of the current stated inclusions.

Starting at Sliema Ferries at 10:00

The practical part begins before the cruise. Be at Sliema Ferries by 10:00, opposite McDonald’s, and look for the yellow Malta Sightseeing Booth. The boat is scheduled to leave at 10:30, so do not treat the meeting time as a loose suggestion.

The cruise provider is Supreme Travel Limited. English is the stated language, and an English audio guide is included. The trip is also listed as wheelchair accessible, which is useful if you need accessible transport and boarding arrangements. I would still confirm your exact needs before departure, since the boat, bus, and shore access each involve different spaces.

The boat is large enough to offer several seating areas, with sunbeds available on the upper level for an extra EUR 10. That optional charge is worth knowing before you arrive. If you want a place in the sun with more open views, it may appeal to you. If you are happy with standard seating, keep your money for lunch or a drink.

The ride can feel cool, even in Malta. Wind is stronger on open water, especially in spring, so pack a light layer rather than assuming swimwear will be enough all day. A small boat has only one very compact toilet, another reason to use facilities before departure.

North coast views from Malta

The first part of the day is about Malta from the water. You cruise along the northern coast, with views toward St. Paul’s Island and Mellieha. This gives you a different angle on the island than you get from roads and towns, and it makes the boat ride more than simple transport.

I like this part because it creates a gentle start. You can settle in, watch the coast, and choose a seat before the two main stops. It is not a sightseeing cruise with a long list of guided commentary, so your enjoyment depends partly on where you sit and how much you like open-water travel.

The boat may be busy, and seating near the engine can bring more noise and an unpleasant smell. Try to board promptly if choosing your position matters to you. A shaded outdoor area would be useful, but seating arrangements can depend on the boat and how full it is.

The schedule may also slip. A late departure or later return is possible, and the return has sometimes been closer to 17:00 than 16:00. Build a little flexibility into your evening rather than booking a tight dinner reservation or airport transfer.

Victoria and the Cittadella in 75 minutes

After the coastal cruise, you board a bus for Rabat, the capital of Gozo, also known as Victoria. Transport to Victoria and Qala Belvedere is included, so you do not need to arrange your own connection between the boat and the town.

Here, the plan is free time rather than a guided walking tour. You get about 75 minutes to explore Victoria and the Cittadella. That distinction matters. If you expect a guide leading you through Gozo’s main sights, this is not that sort of outing. The bus drops you in the center, tells you when to return, and gives you time to choose your own route.

The Cittadella should be your first priority. Its elevated position gives you broad views and a sense of Gozo’s compact capital. From the bus stop, head there first, then leave time for a snack or a short look around town. A climb to the top is possible within the allotted time, but stopping for a relaxed meal, shopping, and a full exploration is not.

This short visit is the clearest weakness in the schedule. Gozo deserves longer, and the time pressure can make the stop feel like a sample rather than a real island visit. Still, the arrangement works if your goal is to see the Cittadella quickly and combine it with a swim at Comino.

Be back at the meeting point exactly when instructed. The return transfer can involve crowded buses, and several buses would make the process more comfortable. Do not wander off for one last look if it risks missing the group.

Qala Belvedere and the return to the boat

Transport also covers Qala Belvedere, although the amount of time devoted to the stop is not clearly laid out in the supplied schedule. Treat it as part of the transfer plan rather than a long independent visit.

The bus journey is useful because it connects the harbor area with Victoria without asking you to find local transport. The tradeoff is group movement. You travel on the operator’s timetable, and delays or crowded buses affect everyone at once.

This is also where expectations matter. The trip does not include an extended tour of Gozo’s villages or major sights. It focuses on Victoria, the Cittadella, and the practical connection back to the boat. If you want a slower Gozo day, book a dedicated Gozo tour instead.

The Blue Lagoon at Comino

The afternoon brings the part most people anticipate: Comino’s Blue Lagoon. The boat heads toward the island, where you can swim or snorkel in clear turquoise water, or stay on the beach and relax.

The water is the star here. On a calm day, it is easy to understand the appeal: bright water, a sheltered setting, and a chance to cool off after the bus ride and walk around Victoria. You may also see fish, jellyfish, or even dolphins from the boat, though these sightings are luck rather than a promise.

The lagoon can be crowded. Its beauty is real, but you should not picture a quiet private cove. If you want to swim, have your towel, sunscreen, and swimwear ready before arrival. Changing space may be limited, and the boat’s small toilet is not ideal for a full change of clothes.

Snorkeling equipment is not included, but it is available to rent. You can also simply swim without gear or relax on the beach. Bring your own mask if you have one and prefer a better fit, but the official inclusions do not promise personal equipment.

The new Comino walking ticket

From May 1, 2025, you need a free ticket to walk on Comino. Order it online at www.blcomino.com before the trip and choose the 13:30 to 17:30 time slot.

You will receive a QR code, which Comino officials scan when you arrive. Without that code, you cannot walk on the island, although you can still swim next to the boat. This is a small step, but an important one. Do not assume that a free ticket means no preparation is needed.

The rule changes how you plan the Blue Lagoon stop. If you want the beach, paths, or shore facilities, get the QR code in advance. If you only plan to swim from the boat, the ticket may not be needed, but the supplied information specifically warns that access on land is restricted without it.

How much time do you really get?

The stated Gozo stop is 75 minutes. The Blue Lagoon stop is described in the schedule as an afternoon visit, while practical accounts place the main stops at roughly one and a half to two hours each. The exact time can shift with boat loading, bus transfers, and delays.

That gives you enough time for a focused visit, not a leisurely one. In Victoria, go straight to the Cittadella. At Comino, decide before arrival if swimming or sitting on shore matters more to you. Trying to do everything can leave you rushing at both stops.

The boat may also return later than planned. Malta often runs on a relaxed clock, and this trip is not immune to that. Allow extra time at the end of the day, especially if you have a reservation elsewhere.

What is included for $45?

At $45 per person, the package offers solid basic value. You get:

• The full cruise along Malta’s northern coast
• Transport to Victoria and Qala Belvedere
• Return transport to the boat and Malta
• The Gozo and Comino stops
• Onboard facilities
• An English audio guide
• An English-speaking host or greeter

The price does not include food, drinks, or snorkeling equipment. That makes the total cost depend on how you spend your day. Pack water and snacks if you want to avoid onboard prices, though always follow the operator’s rules about bringing food onto the boat.

Be careful with old promotional details. Some guests were told about free drinks, but those drinks were limited or no longer offered. The current information does not include free drinks, so budget as if every drink is extra.

Optional sales for speedboat rides and snorkel equipment may also happen during the day. You can decline these if the basic cruise and lagoon stop are enough for you.

Cancellation is flexible: you can cancel up to 24 hours ahead for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later, which helps if your Malta plans are still shifting.

Who will enjoy this cruise most?

I would choose this trip if you want one easy day that covers coast, Gozo, and Comino. It suits you if you prefer organized transport, do not want to coordinate ferries and buses, and are happy with short independent visits.

It is especially useful for first-time Malta visitors with limited time. You see three different sides of the islands in one day: Malta from the water, Gozo’s main city and fortress, and Comino’s famous swimming area.

Families and mixed-age groups may appreciate the simple structure, though the boat, bus loading, stairs, heat, and short walking window can still be tiring. The wheelchair-accessible status is a plus, but confirm the details ahead of time if access is essential.

I would not choose it for a slow Gozo visit, a quiet beach day, or a serious snorkeling outing. The schedule is too tight for the first two, and snorkeling equipment is not included for the third.

What to bring for a smoother day

Pack light, but bring the basics that make a boat day easier:

• Comfortable shoes for the walk to the Cittadella
• Swimwear
• Towel
• Sunscreen
• A light layer for the windy boat ride
• Money or a card for food, drinks, and optional extras
• Your Comino QR code if you plan to walk on the island

Wear your walking shoes at the start, then keep swimwear and a towel easy to reach. You do not want to unpack your entire bag while the boat is preparing to dock.

Should you book the Gozo and Blue Lagoon cruise?

Book it if you want good island coverage in one day and accept a group schedule. The coast cruise is pleasant, Victoria gives you a quick look at the Cittadella, and the Blue Lagoon supplies the day’s strongest swimming stop. The $45 price is reasonable for the transport and boat access, provided you plan for extras.

Skip it if your main goal is an unhurried Gozo visit. Seventy-five minutes is simply not enough for a full look at Victoria, a relaxed meal, and more than one major sight. Also skip it if crowded swimming areas bother you or if you need a precisely timed return.

My practical verdict: this is a useful sampler, not a complete Gozo tour. Get the free Comino ticket before you go, arrive at Sliema Ferries by 10:00, head straight to the Cittadella, and bring your own water and towel. With those expectations, the day offers a pleasant mix of sea views, a historic hilltop stop, and a memorable swim.

FAQ

Where does the cruise start?

Meet at 10:00 at Sliema Ferries, opposite McDonald’s. Look for the yellow Malta Sightseeing Booth. The boat leaves at 10:30.

How long does the activity last?

The activity lasts about eight hours and ends back at the Sliema Ferries meeting point in the evening.

Is Victoria a guided tour?

No. The bus takes you to Rabat, also called Victoria, and you get about 75 minutes of free time to explore the city and Cittadella.

Do I need a ticket to walk on Comino?

Yes. From May 1, 2025, you need a free online ticket and QR code to walk on Comino. Select the 13:30 to 17:30 slot at www.blcomino.com.

Can I swim if I do not have a Comino ticket?

Yes. You can still swim next to the boat, but you will not be allowed to walk on Comino without the QR code.

Are food, drinks, and snorkeling equipment included?

No. Food, drinks, and snorkeling equipment are not included. Snorkeling equipment is available to rent.