From Sliema/Bugibba: Best of Gozo & Comino Catamaran Tour VT

The best thing about this trip is the combination: you get Gozo’s hilltop Citadel and Comino’s famous swimming water in one day, without arranging separate ferries and taxis. I like the large, spacious catamaran and the choice between an outdoor deck and air-conditioned seating. I also like the practical Gozo transfer, which saves you a long walk from Mgarr Harbour to Victoria.

The trade-off is limited time and little guidance. The Citadel visit lasts about 90 minutes, and the Blue Lagoon stop is roughly 105 minutes. You will need to manage your own sightseeing, food, and timing, and the Blue Lagoon access QR code is mandatory before you book the ferry.

Key points at a glance

• Two islands in seven hours: See Gozo and Comino on one organized day trip from Malta.
• A spacious 33-metre catamaran: Choose open-air seating or an indoor, air-conditioned cabin with WiFi and restrooms.
• Victoria’s Citadel: Spend about 90 minutes exploring Gozo’s fortified capital area independently.
• A useful Gozo transfer: Ride in an air-conditioned vehicle from Mgarr Harbour to Victoria and back.
• Blue Lagoon access needs planning: Reserve the afternoon access slot and carry the QR code before boarding.
• Good value for a short stay: At $51 per person, the fare covers the cruises and Gozo transfers, but not meals, drinks, or optional cave-boat tickets.

One boat, two islands, and a full day out

This trip is built for you if you want a taste of Malta’s smaller islands without spending several days sorting out transport. From Sliema or Bugibba, you board a modern catamaran and cruise along Malta’s north-east coast toward Gozo.

The boat is 33 metres long and designed for year-round use. You can sit outside for the sea views or stay indoors in air-conditioned comfort. That choice matters in Malta, where a pleasant sea breeze can turn into strong sun quite quickly. The catamaran also has restrooms and free WiFi, useful touches during a seven-hour outing.

The day has three main parts: the cruise to Gozo, free time around Victoria’s Citadel, and a later stop at Comino’s Blue Lagoon. The order makes practical sense. You see a major cultural sight first, then finish with time by the water.

This is not a guided history tour. The English-speaking staff and driver help with transport, but you explore the Citadel and Comino on your own. I see that as both a strength and a limitation. You are free to set your own pace, but you should do a little homework before you go if you want more than photographs and a swim.

Leaving from Sliema or Bugibba

You can choose a starting point in Sliema or Bugibba, depending on where you stay and which route suits you. Meeting details can vary by the option you book, so check the exact departure point carefully rather than assuming the boat leaves from the closest waterfront.

The trip includes organized transport after the cruise back to the main hotels in the Sliema and St. Julian’s areas when departing from Sliema. From Bugibba, return transport is organized toward the main hotels in Bugibba, Qawra, and Mellieha.

The opening ferry ride takes about 40 minutes. This is a pleasant way to begin the day because you get views of Malta from the water instead of spending the first part of the trip in road traffic. If the sea is calm, the ride should feel easy and spacious. One useful detail from the experience is that the boat has plenty of room, though onboard bar services are separate and food and drinks are not included.

Bring water and something to eat if you prefer to avoid buying refreshments during the day. Food and drinks are available for purchase on the catamaran, in Gozo, and in Comino, but the tour price covers transport rather than meals.

Gozo’s Citadel and the short ride to Victoria

After arriving at Mgarr Harbour, you take an air-conditioned, chauffeur-driven vehicle toward Victoria. The scenic transfer takes about 20 minutes each way. This is one of the tour’s more useful features because Gozo’s capital is inland, and walking from the harbor would take time away from your visit.

The transfer is not a guided sightseeing drive. Think of it as comfortable transportation that gets you to the main stop efficiently. You will have roughly two to three hours in Gozo overall, with about 90 minutes specifically listed for the Citadel visit and additional time tied to the transfers.

Victoria’s Citadel is Gozo’s fortified capital area, set above the town. Its walls and elevated position give you broad views across the island. The setting is the main attraction here: old defensive stonework, narrow routes through the fortification, and a strong sense of how Gozo’s central city was protected.

With 90 minutes, you can walk around the Citadel, take photographs, and pause for a drink or snack if needed. You will not have time for an unhurried exploration of every part of Victoria, so keep your priorities clear. Head toward the Citadel first, then use any remaining time for a short look at the surrounding city.

I like this stop because it gives the day some substance beyond swimming. Comino is famous for its water, but Gozo supplies the architecture, views, and sense of place. The drawback is that the visit is unguided. If you want detailed explanations about the fortifications, churches, or local history, you will need to read ahead or use your own guidebook.

The vehicle returns you to Mgarr Harbour for the short cruise toward Comino. The ride from Gozo to the Blue Lagoon takes about 20 minutes, so you get another chance to view the coastline from the water without a long transfer.

Comino’s Blue Lagoon in the afternoon

The Blue Lagoon stop lasts about 105 minutes. This is enough time for a swim, sunbathing, a relaxed shoreline break, or a little independent walking around the area. Bring beachwear and a towel, and wear comfortable shoes if you plan to move beyond the immediate swimming spot.

The water is the reason people come here. It is known for its clear, turquoise color, and the catamaran gives you a direct arrival by sea. For many people, this will be the most anticipated part of the outing.

Still, keep your expectations practical. The Blue Lagoon is a major attraction, and your time there is controlled by the boat schedule. You are not getting a full afternoon on Comino. You have just over an hour and a half, so change efficiently, keep track of the departure time, and do not wander so far that you risk missing the boarding call.

A separate Comino caves boat trip may be available for purchase onboard from June through September. That ticket is not included. Since the listed stop is already only 105 minutes, you should consider the extra ride only if you are happy to give up some swimming or free time.

The access rules are especially important here. To help control numbers and protect the lagoon, you must reserve Blue Lagoon Access for the afternoon slot through the Malta Tourism Authority website before booking the ferry. Once approved, you receive a QR code by email.

You must present that code to ferry staff before boarding in Sliema or Bugibba. You also need it when disembarking at the Blue Lagoon, where officials scan it and issue a wristband. Without a valid QR code, you will not receive a ferry ticket refund, so this is not a minor formality. Save the code on your phone and consider carrying a printed copy as a backup.

The return cruise to Malta

After the Comino stop, you board the catamaran for the ride back to Malta. The final crossing takes about 50 minutes. By this point, you may be ready for a quiet seat, so the indoor cabin can be welcome, especially after time in the sun.

You can also use the outdoor area to watch Comino and Malta recede across the water. The spacious boat is a real advantage here. You are not confined to a cramped seat for the entire day, and the onboard restrooms and WiFi make the return trip easier.

The schedule is fairly tight, so listen carefully for instructions. One practical weakness is that post-cruise transport can require clear coordination. A previous outing had confusion between transport providers and limited directions for the return ship. I would confirm where to go after disembarking and stay alert for staff instructions rather than assuming every transfer will explain itself.

The complete experience lasts about seven hours, though exact departure times depend on availability and the option you select. Plan your day around that block of time and avoid booking another fixed activity immediately afterward.

What the $51 price really covers

At $51 per person, the price is reasonable if you want a simple way to combine Gozo and Comino. The fare includes the catamaran from Malta to Gozo, the Gozo harbor transfer to Victoria and back, the cruise from Gozo to Comino, the Blue Lagoon stop, and the return cruise to Malta.

It also includes access to indoor and outdoor seating, restrooms, WiFi, and organized hotel-area transport after the cruise in the listed zones. Those inclusions matter because arranging the same route independently could mean coordinating several ferry or vehicle connections.

The price does not include food, drinks, or the optional caves boat trip. It also does not include a guide. The Blue Lagoon access reservation is mandatory, but the provided tour details do not state an additional cost for that reservation, so check the official access page when applying.

I would call this good value for a first look at Gozo and Comino, especially if you are staying in Sliema, St. Julian’s, Bugibba, Qawra, or Mellieha. It is less appealing if you want a slow day, a long swim, or detailed commentary. The tour gives you reach, not depth.

Who will enjoy this catamaran tour?

I would choose this trip for a first Malta visit, a short stay, or a family group that wants transport handled in one booking. The air-conditioned vehicle in Gozo is helpful for anyone who would rather not walk uphill from the harbor, and the catamaran gives you a comfortable base between stops.

It also suits independent sightseers. You can explore the Citadel at your own pace, decide how to spend your Blue Lagoon time, and choose indoor or outdoor seating on the boat.

You may want another type of excursion if your priority is local storytelling. There is no guided walking tour in Victoria and no guide accompanying you around Comino. You should also think twice if you dislike fixed schedules or crowded swimming areas.

For the best day, wear comfortable shoes, bring a swimsuit and towel, save your Blue Lagoon QR code, and carry sun protection and water. The tour provides transport, but you are responsible for making the most of each short stop.

Should you book it?

Book this tour if you want efficient transport to two islands, a comfortable boat, and a balanced day of fortifications and swimming for $51. The spacious catamaran, included Gozo transfer, and choice of Sliema or Bugibba departures make the plan easy to understand.

Skip it if you want a slow, guided visit or a full day on either island. The Citadel and Blue Lagoon stops are worthwhile, but both are brief, and the Blue Lagoon QR code must be arranged before you reserve the ferry. For many first-time visitors, though, this is a sensible introduction to Gozo and Comino with very little transport fuss.

FAQ

How long does the tour last?

The activity lasts about seven hours. Departure times vary, so check availability for the exact starting time.

Where can I start the tour?

You can choose a departure from Sliema or Bugibba in Malta. The exact meeting point may vary with the option selected.

Is the tour guided?

No. The tour is unguided. An English-speaking driver provides the Gozo transfer, but you explore the Citadel and Comino independently.

How do I reach Victoria from Gozo’s harbor?

An air-conditioned, chauffeur-driven vehicle takes you from Mgarr Harbour to Victoria and returns you to the harbor afterward.

How much time do I get at the Citadel?

The Citadel visit lasts about 1.5 hours. The wider Gozo portion, including transfers, takes around two to three hours.

How long is the Blue Lagoon stop?

You have about 105 minutes at the Blue Lagoon for swimming, sunbathing, relaxing, or independent exploration.

Do I need a Blue Lagoon access reservation?

Yes. You must reserve Blue Lagoon Access for the afternoon slot before booking the ferry.

What do I do with the Blue Lagoon QR code?

You must show the QR code to ferry staff before boarding in Sliema or Bugibba. It is also scanned before you leave the ferry at the Blue Lagoon, where you receive a wristband.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not included, but you can buy them onboard the catamaran, in Gozo, and in Comino.

Is the Comino caves boat trip included?

No. The caves boat trip requires a separate ticket and is available for purchase onboard from June through September.