Sliema or St. Paul’s Bay: Best of Gozo and Comino Day Trip

Gozo and Comino fit neatly into one busy day. I like the coastal catamaran ride and the easy transfer from Mġarr Harbour to Victoria, since you see two islands without arranging separate ferries and buses. I also like having free time at the Citadel and Blue Lagoon instead of following a guide all day. The catch is simple: Comino can be intensely crowded, especially in warm months.

This is a practical island sampler, not a slow cultural tour. You get about 1.5 hours in Victoria and roughly two hours at Comino, with English commentary on the boat but no guide during your free time. At $52 per person, the price is fair if you value transport and scenery more than long visits at each stop.

Key points to know before you go

• Two islands in seven to seven and a half hours: Gozo and Comino are covered in one organized outing from Sliema or St. Paul’s Bay.
• The Citadel is your main Gozo target: Victoria’s medieval fortress is close to the city center and worth making your first priority.
• Blue Lagoon access now requires a pass: Since May 2025, you must arrange an official government access pass before stepping ashore.
• The boat is comfortable but weather matters: It has air-conditioning, WiFi, toilets, and crew assistance, yet rough water can make the return ride unpleasant.
• This is not a guided walking tour: You explore Victoria and Comino on your own, so watch the meeting time carefully.
• Arrive early for better seating: The catamaran can be busy, and a good seat makes the coastal cruise more enjoyable.

A practical route from Sliema or St. Paul’s Bay

You begin at either Sliema Ferries or Buġibba Jetty in St. Paul’s Bay. The departure point and time depend on the option you choose, so check those details closely before leaving your hotel.

The trip starts aboard a modern catamaran heading along Malta’s northeast coast. This first stretch is more than simple transport. You get open-water views of the Maltese coast, and the English commentary over the public-address system gives you some context as you go.

I would arrive early if you care where you sit. A seat with a clear view makes the cruise more pleasant, while a crowded boat can feel less relaxed. The vessel has air-conditioning, toilets, WiFi, and crew members who can help with practical questions.

The boat is not a small private launch. It carries enough people to make the stops efficient, but that also explains some of the crowding at popular points. If you are prone to seasickness, bring prevention with you. One return journey became very rough in strong wind, with the boat pitching hard enough to frighten some passengers. The crew got everyone back safely, but calm weather is never guaranteed around Malta.

Gozo by bus, with Victoria as the main event

Gozo has a quieter feel than Malta, with fishing villages, small bays, churches, and open countryside passing your window. After arriving at Mġarr Harbour, you transfer to a sightseeing bus for the ride to Victoria, Gozo’s capital.

The bus is useful because it removes the need to organize local transport on a short visit. You can look out at the island rather than worry about driving, parking, or finding the right road back to the harbour.

Do not expect a fully narrated tour on land. The boat has English commentary, but the bus does not include audio commentary, and there is no tour guide leading you around Victoria. The bus driver provides the practical instructions, including where and when to return.

The transfer system can feel confusing at Mġarr Harbour, particularly when several buses are waiting. Pay close attention to the driver’s directions and remember the exact bus or meeting point for your return. A clear explanation from the waterfront driver helped some people avoid taking the wrong bus, but you should still confirm the details before walking away.

Victoria and the Citadel in 90 minutes

Your free time in Victoria lasts approximately 1.5 hours. That sounds reasonable until you include the walk, finding your bearings, taking photographs, and reaching the Citadel. I would head there first rather than begin with a leisurely meal or shopping.

The Citadel, also called Cittadella, is Gozo’s great landmark. Its fortified walls and military design rise above Victoria, and the high position gives you broad views across the island. Even with limited time, it offers the strongest sense of place on this stop.

You can visit the fortress area during your free time, but admission to sites in Gozo is not included. The tour gives you transport and time, not a guided visit or an all-inclusive ticket. If you want to enter paid attractions, keep that in mind when planning your minutes and cash.

Some people find the time in Victoria shorter than expected. That is a fair criticism, especially if you want to see several parts of the Citadel or stop for lunch. Still, the arrangement works well if your aim is a first look at Gozo rather than a detailed study of the island.

The return to Mġarr Harbour follows the same general route. You then board the catamaran again for the trip toward Comino. Keep your belongings with you and listen for instructions, since the boat will not wait at the destination.

Comino and the Blue Lagoon reality check

The Comino stop lasts approximately two hours. The Blue Lagoon is the main draw, with clear turquoise water, a pale seabed, and excellent conditions for swimming or snorkelling when the sea is calm.

The photographs are easy to understand. The water can look strikingly clear, and the setting makes a refreshing break after the Gozo bus ride. Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat. Wearing your swimsuit under your clothes is sensible because the boat toilet can become very busy when many people change at once.

Here is the important legal detail. Since May 2025, you need an official government access pass to step ashore at the Blue Lagoon. You obtain it in advance through blcomino.com, and the daily number of passes is limited. When applying, choose the afternoon time slot required for this excursion. Without the pass, you will not be allowed to disembark at the Blue Lagoon.

The Blue Lagoon is also the least peaceful part of the day. In summer, the small beach area can be extremely overcrowded. The water may be beautiful, but the shore can feel pressured by large numbers of people, boats, and movement around the landing area. I would treat this as a short swim stop, not a quiet beach afternoon.

If you prefer walking to swimming, Comino has more to offer. The island has no cars or urban areas, and marked paths lead toward St. Mary’s Chapel, St. Mary’s Watch Tower, and St. Mary’s Battery. Two hours is not enough for a long walk plus an unhurried swim, so choose your priority before you leave the boat.

An optional motorboat outing to the Comino Caves and Crystal Lagoon costs about €15 per person, payable locally. It is not included in the $52 price. The extra ride can add a scenic water element, but you should budget for it and allow enough time to return to the agreed meeting point.

What the $52 price really covers

At $52 per person, this is a reasonable value for a combined land and sea day trip. You are paying for the coastal cruise, the catamaran transfer to Gozo and Comino, the Gozo bus connection, and free time at two major island attractions.

That convenience matters. Booking separate transport could take more planning, and a mistake with ferry times would cost you precious hours. Here, the main route is arranged for you, and the crew, driver, and staff are available to help.

The price does not cover food, drinks, site admissions in Gozo, the Blue Lagoon access pass, or the optional caves trip. There is also no hotel pickup or drop-off, so you must reach Sliema Ferries or Buġibba Jetty yourself.

I see the best value for first-time visitors who want a broad taste of Gozo and Comino. I see less value for anyone hoping to spend half a day quietly at one beach or explore Victoria in detail. The tour covers distance well, but time at each stop is limited.

Timing, crowds, and the rhythm of the day

The total duration is seven to seven and a half hours. That makes this a full outing, but not an exhausting overnight-style expedition. The day has a clear rhythm: boat, bus, Victoria, bus, boat, Comino, boat back.

The schedule is usually organized closely once the day begins. A delay at the start can happen, and the crowd at the Gozo bus station can make the first transfer feel chaotic. After that, the timing generally follows the plan, provided you return when instructed.

One reported departure began at 11:30 a.m. Some people found that late for a summer day, since it leaves less time for a long swim or extended sightseeing. Check the available starting times when booking and think about how much daylight and heat you want at Comino.

At both stops, your freedom depends on your watch. This is not a guided tour where someone gathers you personally at every corner. The driver gives you a meeting place and a return time, and the boat leaves the destination rather than waiting indefinitely.

I recommend taking a photo of the bus, harbour area, or meeting sign if you are worried about getting turned around. Keep your phone charged, and do not wander far during the final part of your free time.

The strongest points, and the weak spots

The boat receives much of the praise for good reason. It is described as modern, clean, and well equipped, while the crew is often helpful, friendly, and professional. Those basics matter when several hundred people are moving between islands.

The views are another major strength. The coast, the approach to Mġarr Harbour, the high Citadel, and the blue water around Comino create a varied day. You are not trapped in a bus from start to finish.

The main weakness is crowd management. Gozo’s bus transfer can be confusing, and the Blue Lagoon can be so full that its natural beauty becomes hard to enjoy. The trip is well suited to seeing the famous places, but less suited to solitude.

The English commentary is useful on the cruise, though the public-address system and speed of speech may be difficult for some listeners. If spoken English is not easy for you to follow, rely on the timetable and meeting instructions rather than commentary alone. Ask staff to repeat the return details before you leave the bus or boat.

Who should book this island day trip?

I would choose this trip if you have only a short stay in Malta and want to see both Gozo and Comino without building your own transport plan. It also suits swimmers, photographers, and people who enjoy boat rides followed by independent sightseeing.

Families and couples can make it work, provided everyone is comfortable with a busy schedule and some walking. The free-time format gives you flexibility, but it also means you must keep track of children, belongings, and return times yourself.

I would hesitate if you use a wheelchair, have a mobility impairment, or are prone to seasickness. The experience is specifically not recommended for wheelchair users or people with mobility limitations, and rough water can make the cruise hard for anyone with a weak stomach.

Bring comfortable shoes, swimwear, a towel, sun protection, sunglasses, a hat, cash, and motion sickness prevention if needed. Pets, oversized luggage, and large bags are not allowed.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now while paying later. Those policies help if your weather plans are uncertain, but they do not remove the need to secure the Blue Lagoon pass ahead of time.

Should you book it?

Book this trip if your goal is efficient island coverage. You will get Gozo’s Victoria and Citadel, a scenic boat journey, and a chance to swim at the Blue Lagoon for a fair $52, with the major transport links handled for you.

Skip it if your ideal day means an empty beach, a long lunch, or a detailed guided tour of Gozo. For the best experience, arrive early, check your bus and boat meeting points, obtain the afternoon Blue Lagoon pass before departure, and accept that Comino’s famous water comes with a very popular shoreline.

FAQ

Where does the trip depart from?

You can depart from Sliema Ferries in Sliema or Buġibba Jetty in St. Paul’s Bay. The available departure point and time depend on the option selected when booking.

How long does the experience last?

The trip lasts approximately seven to seven and a half hours. Starting times vary, so check availability when booking.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. You must make your own way to the selected meeting point.

Is this a guided tour?

No. The trip includes English commentary over the boat’s public-address system, but Victoria and Comino are free-time stops. There is no tour guide leading you through the streets or sites.

How much time do you get in Victoria?

You have approximately 1.5 hours of free time in Victoria. This gives you time to visit the Citadel if you make it your priority, though admission to Gozo sites is not included.

How much time do you get at Comino?

You have approximately two hours on Comino Island and at the Blue Lagoon. You can swim, snorkel, sunbathe, walk, or explore nearby parts of the island.

Do I need a pass for the Blue Lagoon?

Yes. Since May 2025, an official government access pass is required to step ashore at the Blue Lagoon. You must obtain it in advance through blcomino.com, and the daily allocation is limited.

Which time slot should I choose for the Blue Lagoon pass?

Choose the afternoon time slot when applying for the pass, as required for this trip.

Is food included?

No. Food and drinks are not included. Plan to bring money for refreshments and any optional purchases.

Is the caves trip included?

No. The optional motorboat trip to the Comino Caves and Crystal Lagoon costs approximately €15 per person and is paid locally.

Is the trip suitable for wheelchair users?

No. The experience is not suitable for wheelchair users or people with mobility impairments.

What should I bring?

Bring comfortable shoes, sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, cash, and motion sickness prevention if needed. Pets, oversized luggage, and large bags are not allowed.