Sliema Cruise to Gozo, Comino and Blue Lagoon in Beautiful Malta

Blue water, two islands, one busy day. This seven-and-a-half-hour cruise packs Gozo, Comino, the Blue Lagoon, and the Comino Caves into a single outing, making it useful if your Malta schedule is short. I especially like the easy combination of boat sightseeing and time on land, plus the excellent coastal views from Sliema to Gozo.

I also like the boat itself, with a sundeck, bar, bathrooms, swimming ladders, and a waterslide when anchored. The main drawback is pace: Victoria can feel rushed, while 60 to 90 minutes at the Blue Lagoon may be more time than you need if swimming is not your priority.

Key points to know before you book

• Two islands in one day: You visit Gozo and Comino without arranging separate ferries or buses.
• Gozo includes transport: The bus takes you toward Victoria, with a scenic photo stop along the way.
• Blue Lagoon time changes by season: You get 90 minutes from April through October, but only 60 minutes from November through March.
• The boat is part of the fun: A sundeck, bar, swimming ladders, and waterslide give you choices between stops.
• Plan for a large group: The boat can carry up to 200 people, so this is a lively sightseeing cruise rather than a quiet sail.
• Arrange the landing pass early: You may need to organize your Blue Lagoon landing pass before departure, especially in busy months.

What this Malta cruise is really designed to do

This is a broad sampler of Malta’s northern islands. For about $48.06 per person, you get a full day on the water, transport on Gozo, time in Victoria, a Blue Lagoon stop, and a look at the Comino Caves.

That price is strong if you want to cover several famous sights in one day. You would pay more in time and planning to arrange separate boat and land connections yourself. The trade-off is personal freedom. You are moving on the cruise company’s timetable, and the stops are designed to give you an introduction rather than a detailed visit.

I would think of this as a sightseeing cruise with island stops, not a traditional guided tour. The English commentary is mainly delivered on board while you pass Malta’s bays and coastal towns. On Gozo, the bus gets you around, but the time in Victoria is largely your own.

The 4.2 rating from 705 reviews reflects that balance. The most praised parts are the friendly crew, reliable timing, lovely views, and good value. The repeated complaints concern the short Gozo visit, limited bus commentary, and the crowded Blue Lagoon.

Starting from Sliema at 10am

The meeting point is Luzzu Cruises, Ferries 4, Triq Ix-Xatt, in Sliema. The boat departs at 10am, and you are asked to arrive 30 minutes early. I would arrive closer to 45 minutes early if possible.

The boarding process includes issuing wristbands, and it can feel disorderly when many people arrive together. Getting there early gives you time to find the right ferry point, check the Blue Lagoon landing requirement, and board without starting the day in a rush.

Sliema is a practical starting point because it is a busy tourist town with public transport nearby. Hotel transfers are not included, so you need to make your own way to the waterfront. The cruise ends back at the same meeting point.

Once on board, choose your priorities. The upper deck is best for wide views and photos, but it can feel cool in the wind, even in warmer months. Bring an extra layer and dress for the weather, not just the temperature on shore.

The boat has toilets and an onboard bar selling food and drinks. Food is not included, so buying something on board or bringing your own plan for the day matters. Snorkel sets are available to hire for €5 each, but supplies may be limited during the busiest periods, so you should not assume you will have all the gear you want.

The coastal cruise past Malta’s bays

The ride north gives you a different view of Malta. Instead of seeing the island from a road, you pass St Julian’s Bay, St George’s Bay, Bugibba, and Mellieha from the water.

The onboard commentary points out coastal features and major locations. This is one of the better parts of the outing for anyone who wants orientation. You get a sense of how Malta’s towns, bays, and harbors fit together before reaching Gozo.

The cruise is not only transportation. It is also a long scenic section of the day, so consider where you sit. If you want photos, stay alert as the boat approaches the bays rather than remaining indoors. If you are prone to seasickness, weather conditions matter. Several comments describe rough water when the weather changed, although the crew handled it professionally.

That is worth taking seriously. The boat has open decks and water equipment, but this remains a sea trip. Poor weather can lead to cancellation, a different date, or a full refund. On a calm day, the journey is relaxing. On a rough one, the crossing may be the hardest part of the schedule.

Gozo: a short taste of Victoria and the Citadel

The boat moors at Gozo’s main harbor, where you transfer to land transport. The Gozo portion usually includes a scenic photo stop, described at different points as Xlendi Bay and Qala Belvedere, followed by time in Victoria, Gozo’s capital.

Xlendi Bay is useful as a quick photo stop. You get a look at one of Gozo’s pretty coastal settings, but do not expect a long visit, a swim, or time to walk the whole area. The stop is meant to break up the bus ride and give you a scenic view.

The more important stop is Victoria. You have roughly an hour to explore, and the main sight is the hilltop Citadel, known locally as the Cittadella. You can also visit the market or find something to eat.

Here is my practical advice: go directly toward the Citadel when you get off the bus. The historic center is uphill, and if you spend the first part of your stop shopping or eating, you may have little time left for the main sight. Some passengers have found the bus drop-off less helpful than expected, with limited directions and a walk from the bus station to the Citadel.

The Citadel is the reason to choose the full Gozo stop. Its fortified walls and high position give you broad views over Victoria and the surrounding countryside. You will not have time for a slow, detailed visit, but even a quick look can make Gozo the strongest cultural part of the day.

The bus service is the least consistent element. Some drivers are praised for being helpful and keeping the schedule, while other accounts describe small, untidy vehicles, little commentary, missed stops, or an unplanned café break. The included transport is valuable, but you should treat it as a transfer with photo stops, not as a fully guided Gozo tour.

There may also be choices about how you use your Gozo time. Some arrangements allow you to remain at the port rather than take the bus, or to spend more time at Comino instead of following the full route. Check the instructions you receive before departure, because the choices and meeting points need to be clear.

Comino and the Blue Lagoon

The Blue Lagoon is the big visual reward. The water is famously clear and bright, and the boat provides time to swim, sunbathe, or snorkel.

From April through October, the scheduled stop is 90 minutes. From November through March, it is reduced to 60 minutes. That difference matters. In winter, an hour is enough for photos and a short walk, but it is tight if you want to walk to the lagoon, find a place to change, swim, and return to the boat.

A Blue Lagoon landing pass may be required, and it is not included in the price. The supplied instructions say you can obtain one and choose an afternoon slot. Arrange this before you leave for the harbor if possible. Waiting until the last moment can create confusion at boarding.

You can use the boat as your base or go ashore. The boat has swimming ladders and a waterslide, which some families find more enjoyable than squeezing onto the crowded shore. The designated swimming area beside the boat can be small, however, and there is no stated storage service for personal belongings while you swim.

That creates a practical problem for solo visitors. If you leave the boat to swim elsewhere, you need to think carefully about your phone, wallet, clothes, and other items. A dry bag or a travel companion who can watch your belongings would make the stop easier, but the tour does not provide secure storage.

The Blue Lagoon is beautiful, but it is also heavily visited and commercialized. In the busiest months, the setting may feel less peaceful than its photos suggest. If you want a quiet swim, this is not the right time or place to expect solitude.

Sharp rocks are another reason to pack water shoes. The shore is not always a soft sandy beach, and comfortable footwear can make getting in and out of the water easier. Snorkeling equipment costs €5 per set from the onboard bar, while food and drinks cost extra.

Santa Marija Caves on the return ride

After Comino, the boat passes by the Santa Marija Caves before returning to Sliema. This is a viewing stop, not a cave walk.

Have your camera ready and stay on the deck if you want the clearest view. The caves provide a pleasant final scenic moment after the swimming stop, and they require no extra ticket. The boat then returns to the Sliema meeting point, completing a long day that combines several short experiences.

This final section also shows why the cruise works best for people who enjoy being on a boat. The route includes plenty of sailing time, not just quick transfers between attractions. You get changing coastal views, but you should not expect every minute to be filled with guided information or activities.

How the boat facilities affect your day

The vessel gives you more choices than a basic passenger ferry. You can sit on the sundeck, buy drinks and snacks, use the bathrooms, and enjoy the swimming ladders or waterslide when the boat is anchored.

That flexibility is especially useful for families. A child who loses interest in sightseeing may enjoy the slide, while another family member can stay dry and watch the coastline. The facilities also make the long day easier than a trip that relies only on small open boats.

Still, a boat carrying up to 200 people will not feel intimate. Boarding, wristband collection, and moving between the boat and buses can be busy. If you prefer quiet coves, personal service, or a custom route, a smaller and more expensive trip would likely suit you better.

The crew receives strong praise for being friendly, professional, and punctual. That matters on a schedule with several connections. A late return from Victoria could reduce time at Comino or create stress before the return sailing, so good timekeeping is not a minor detail here.

What to bring for the seven-and-a-half-hour outing

Pack lightly, but prepare for several different settings. I would bring:

• A light jacket or warm layer for the boat
• Swimwear and a towel
• Water shoes for rocky access at the Blue Lagoon
• Sun protection and a hat
• A dry bag or waterproof pouch for valuables
• Cash or a card for food, drinks, and the €5 snorkel rental
• A phone or camera for Gozo, Comino, and the caves

Do not forget that food and drinks are extra. The boat bar is convenient, but planning ahead can help control the cost. You also need to manage your own belongings during swimming because no storage facility is listed.

Arrive early, read the pre-trip instructions carefully, and keep track of the meeting time in Victoria. The day is organized, but you have limited room for mistakes.

Who will enjoy this cruise most

I would recommend this cruise to you if you are visiting Malta for only a few days and want to fit several headline sights into one outing. It is also a good match for families, couples, and anyone who likes a relaxed boat ride with optional swimming.

You will get the most from it if you see Gozo as a short introduction rather than a complete island visit. The Citadel deserves your attention, but you will not have enough time to explore Victoria in depth.

This is less suitable if your main goal is a serious Gozo tour. It is also a weak fit if you dislike crowds, want a quiet beach, or need lots of time for swimming and snorkeling. In that case, a dedicated Gozo trip or a smaller Comino boat excursion may give you more time where you care about it.

The cruise is not designed for a detailed food, history, or walking experience. It is designed for views, transport, and a handful of Malta’s most photographed places.

Should you book the Sliema to Gozo and Comino cruise?

Book it if you want strong value and a wide sample of Malta in one day. The price covers a full cruise, Gozo transport, time in Victoria, the Blue Lagoon, and the Comino Caves. The crew and schedule are widely praised, and the boat facilities add real value.

Go in with realistic expectations. You may get a rushed Citadel visit, limited help from the Gozo bus, and a crowded Blue Lagoon. Organize your landing pass early, arrive at least 30 to 45 minutes before departure, and make Victoria your first priority.

For a first visit and a short itinerary, I think this is a sensible choice. For a quiet, detailed, or highly personal island day, choose something smaller.

FAQ

Where does the cruise depart from?

It departs from Luzzu Cruises, Ferries 4, Triq Ix-Xatt, Sliema SLM 1023, Malta.

What time does the cruise start?

The scheduled start time is 10am. You should arrive 30 minutes before departure, though arriving about 45 minutes early may make boarding easier.

How long does the experience last?

The cruise lasts approximately seven hours and 30 minutes.

How much time is provided at the Blue Lagoon?

From April through October, the scheduled stop is 90 minutes. From November through March, the stop is 60 minutes.

Is food included?

No. Food and drinks are available for purchase at the onboard bar but are not included in the tour price.

Can I rent snorkeling equipment?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is available to hire from the onboard bar for €5 per set.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The experience requires good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you can choose a different date or receive a full refund. Cancellations made at least 24 hours before the start time also qualify for a full refund.