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

Gozo and Comino make a strong one-day pairing: one island gives you hilltop streets, churches, and a mediaeval fortress, while the other gives you clear water and a famous swim stop. The trip combines a coastal catamaran cruise with bus transport across Gozo, so you cover a lot without arranging ferries and taxis yourself.

I like the easy split between Victoria and the Citadel, then Comino’s two-hour pause for swimming or sunbathing. I also like the practical choice of departures from Sliema or St. Paul’s Bay. The catch is simple: the Blue Lagoon can be extremely crowded, and rough seas can make the return boat uncomfortable.

Key points at a glance

• Two islands in one day: Visit Victoria and the Citadel on Gozo, then stop at Comino.
• Choose your departure: Leave from Sliema Ferries or Buġibba Jetty in St. Paul’s Bay.
• Independent exploring: You receive transport and staff assistance, but there is no tour guide at the stops.
• Limited time in Gozo: Victoria gets about 1.5 hours, enough for a brisk look rather than a slow visit.
• Blue Lagoon access is now regulated: From May 2025, you need a government-issued pass booked through blcomino.com.
• Good value for transport: At $52 per person, the trip bundles the cruise, Gozo bus, and Comino stop, but food, admissions, and optional boat trips cost extra.

What this $52 day trip actually delivers

This is best understood as a transport-and-free-time excursion, not a traditional guided tour. You cruise from Malta, receive English commentary over the boat’s public-address system, use the included Gozo bus, and then explore Victoria and Comino on your own.

At $52 per person, the main value is convenience. You do not need to work out separate ferry connections between Malta, Gozo, and Comino, and the Gozo bus removes the need to find local transport at Mġarr Harbour. The price does not cover meals, drinks, entry fees, a tour guide, or the optional trip to Comino’s caves and Crystal Lagoon.

The boat has air conditioning, toilets, WiFi, and crew assistance. That makes the long travel sections easier, though WiFi is not a reason to choose this trip. The real payoff is getting the major transport pieces handled in one booking.

The day lasts about 7 to 7.5 hours. That sounds generous, but the cruise and transfers take up much of the day. You are sampling Gozo and Comino, not exploring either island at length.

Leaving Malta from Sliema or St. Paul’s Bay

You can select a departure from Sliema Ferries or Buġibba Jetty in St. Paul’s Bay when booking. The best choice is usually the meeting point that saves you the most local travel, since hotel pick-up and drop-off are not included.

Arrive early if you want a better seat on the boat. One practical choice is to wear your swimsuit beneath your clothes. The toilet can become crowded when many people change before the Blue Lagoon stop.

The boat cruises along Malta’s northeast coast toward Gozo. The sea crossing is part of the sightseeing, with English commentary over the public-address system. You get views from the water that you would miss on a road transfer, but the ride can be exposed to wind.

That matters if you are prone to seasickness. Bring motion sickness prevention if you need it, and keep your sunglasses, hat, sunscreen, and water close at hand. The return journey can become rough when the wind turns, even if the outward trip feels calm.

Arriving at Mġarr Harbour and crossing Gozo by bus

Mġarr Harbour is Gozo’s main port, and it gives you your first quick look at the island’s quieter character. From here, you board one of the tour buses for the drive to Victoria.

The bus route passes churches and other landmarks while crossing Gozo’s countryside. There is no audio commentary during this section, so you should treat the ride as a scenic transfer rather than a sightseeing tour with detailed explanation.

The bus system is useful, but you need to pay attention. At the return point, several buses and boats can make the area confusing. The driver gives instructions about where to return, and you should note the exact bus, meeting place, and departure time before walking away.

This is not a flexible hop-on, hop-off arrangement. The boat will not wait at the destination, and missing the agreed return transport is your responsibility. Keep the schedule in mind from the moment you arrive.

Victoria and the Citadel in a 1.5-hour window

Victoria, also called Rabat, is Gozo’s capital. You have approximately 1.5 hours here, which is enough to reach the Citadel, look around, and get a quick sense of the city.

The Citadel is Gozo’s major landmark, a fortified mediaeval complex on high ground within Victoria. Its stone walls and military form are visible from much of the island. Even with limited time, this is the place I would prioritize.

You can walk toward the fortress, take in the views, and explore its streets and courtyards at your own pace. Admission to sites in Gozo is not included, so check any entrance requirements before committing to a paid attraction. The schedule favors outdoor viewing and a short visit rather than a long museum stop.

The time limit is the main drawback. Some people will find 1.5 hours enough, while others will wish for more time in Victoria. A short stop works well if your goal is to see the Citadel and enjoy the old city. It will feel rushed if you want a leisurely meal, several interior visits, and a broad look around town.

Keep track of time yourself. This is free time, not a guided walk, and the bus returns to Mġarr Harbour for the next boat section.

Back to Comino for the Blue Lagoon

After Victoria, the bus returns you to Mġarr Harbour. You then board the boat again and continue toward Comino, where you have approximately two hours ashore.

The Blue Lagoon is famous for its clear turquoise water and pale sandy bottom. The setting is genuinely attractive, especially when viewed from the boat or from the edge of the bay. The usual activities are swimming, sunbathing, snorkeling, or walking to another part of Comino.

The important word here is crowded. In the warmer months, the shoreline and water can feel packed, and the sheer number of people can reduce the calm island atmosphere you may be expecting. The view remains beautiful, but you should not picture an empty Mediterranean cove.

Bring your own towel, swimsuit, sunscreen, sunglasses, and hat. Food and drinks are not included, and the supplied information does not promise a meal stop, so bring cash and plan accordingly. Large bags and oversize luggage are not allowed.

There is also an optional motorboat trip to the Comino Caves and Crystal Lagoon, priced at about €15 per person and paid locally. This is not part of the main fare. It can add variety if you want more time on the water, but it also uses part of your limited Comino stop.

The new Blue Lagoon access pass

Since May 2025, you need a government-issued access pass to step ashore at the Blue Lagoon. You obtain it in advance through blcomino.com, and the daily allocation is limited.

For this day trip, choose the afternoon timeslot when applying for the pass. Without the official pass, you will not be allowed to disembark at the Blue Lagoon. This is a government requirement, not an optional extra created by the boat operator.

Do this before the morning of your trip. The pass is now one of the most important parts of your preparation, and buying the boat ticket alone does not guarantee permission to go ashore.

How the schedule affects your day

The late morning departure can be a drawback. One departure mentioned for the trip was 11:30 a.m., and that leaves less daylight for exploring, especially in the warmer months when you may want a longer day outside.

The schedule is designed to fit both islands into one circuit. That efficiency is useful, but it means you must accept fixed transfer times and short stays. Delays at the start can also put pressure on the rest of the day, although the operation generally aims to keep the later sections on schedule.

Think of the trip as three connected blocks:

• A boat ride from Malta to Gozo
• A bus transfer and free time in Victoria
• A return boat ride followed by free time at Comino

This helps set the right expectation. You are not spending a full day on Gozo, and you are not getting an entire afternoon at a quiet Blue Lagoon. You are collecting the headline sights of both islands in one outing.

Boat comfort, staff, and sea conditions

The modern catamaran has air conditioning, toilets, and WiFi. The crew and driver provide assistance, and the operation has been praised for friendly staff, a professional boat crew, and good organization despite the number of people being moved.

The boat is a practical base for a full-day outing, but comfort depends on the sea. Strong winds on the return to Sliema can cause heavy movement. If you have a weak stomach or already know that boat travel is difficult for you, this is a real consideration, not a minor warning.

Sit where you feel most comfortable, keep motion sickness supplies available, and avoid assuming that calm morning conditions will last all day. The operator cannot control changing weather, and the boat may feel very different on the return crossing.

The public-address commentary is in English. If you have difficulty following fast speech or a strong Maltese accent, write down the schedule and meeting instructions before leaving the boat. Printed timetable and map information would make the day easier, but you should not rely on receiving it.

Who will get the most from this excursion

I would choose this trip if you are staying in Malta and want a simple way to see both sister islands without organizing several connections. It suits first-time visitors, couples, families with older children, and anyone who values transport over long guided explanations.

It also works well if your priorities are clear: see the Citadel, get a taste of Victoria, swim at the Blue Lagoon, and return to Malta the same day. The combination gives you both cultural sightseeing and time by the sea.

You may prefer a different plan if you want slow exploration, quiet beaches, or a detailed local guide. The Citadel stop is short, Comino can be overwhelming in peak periods, and the boat schedule leaves little room for wandering.

The trip is not suitable for wheelchair users or people with mobility impairments. It is also a poor fit for anyone prone to seasickness. You need comfortable shoes for walking, and the day requires you to board boats and buses and return to the correct meeting point on time.

A practical packing list

Bring comfortable shoes, swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a sun hat. Cash is useful for food, drinks, and the optional €15 motorboat trip.

Pack lightly. Pets, oversize luggage, and large bags are not allowed. A small day bag is more useful than a suitcase, especially when changing between boat, bus, and shore.

I would also bring a phone or small notebook for recording the return instructions. The boat will not remain at the destination, so knowing the meeting place and time matters more than finding one last photo.

Cancellation and booking flexibility

You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. The reserve-now-and-pay-later option can help if your Malta plans are still moving around.

Still, flexible payment does not replace the need to arrange your Blue Lagoon pass in advance. Check the government access system before committing to the trip, particularly during busy periods when the daily allocation may fill.

Should you book the Gozo and Comino day trip?

Book it if you want a convenient first look at both islands and accept a busy, scheduled day. The included catamaran, Gozo bus, Victoria stop, and Comino visit make $52 a fair price for the transport involved.

I would book early, choose the departure point closest to where you are staying, obtain the correct afternoon Blue Lagoon pass, and arrive early for the boat. Wear your swimsuit under your clothes and prepare for crowds at Comino.

Skip it if your main goal is peaceful swimming, extended time in Gozo, or a guided cultural tour. For everyone else, this is a practical way to sample Gozo’s Citadel and Comino’s famous water in one day, with the clear warning that efficiency comes at the cost of time and quiet.

FAQ

How long does the Gozo and Comino day trip last?

The trip lasts approximately 7 to 7.5 hours. Starting times vary, so check availability when booking.

Where can I join the boat?

You can choose a departure from Sliema Ferries in Sliema or Buġibba Jetty in St. Paul’s Bay. The exact meeting point depends on the option you select.

Is hotel pick-up included?

No. Hotel pick-up and drop-off transfers are not included.

How much free time do I get in Victoria?

You receive approximately 1.5 hours of free time in Victoria, including the chance to visit the Citadel.

How long do I spend at Comino?

You have approximately two hours of free time at Comino and the Blue Lagoon.

Do I need a pass for the Blue Lagoon?

Yes. From May 2025, you need a government-issued access pass to step ashore at the Blue Lagoon. Apply through blcomino.com and select the afternoon timeslot for this trip.

Is the trip guided?

No. This is not a guided tour. You receive English commentary during the cruise, but Victoria and Comino are free-time stops, and there is no audio commentary during the Gozo bus tour.

Is food included?

No. Food and drinks are not included. The optional motorboat trip to the Comino Caves and Crystal Lagoon costs approximately €15 per person and is paid locally.