From Sliema: Gozo, Comino and Blue Lagoon Cruise

The best thing about this full-day island cruise is how much Malta you see without arranging separate ferries, buses, and boat trips. From Sliema, you cruise past the northern coast, visit Gozo’s harbor and capital, then finish in Comino’s famously clear water.

I like the optional Gozo minibus, which saves time and gets you to Qala Belvedere and Victoria without the hassle of finding transport. I also like the mix of sightseeing and free time: you get coastal views from the boat, a look at the Citadel, and time for swimming or sunbathing at the Blue Lagoon.

The catch is the sea. Rough water can make the crossing unpleasant for anyone prone to seasickness, and bad weather may shorten or cancel the Blue Lagoon stop. This is a busy day with limited time in each place, not a slow, in-depth visit to Gozo or Comino.

Key points to know before you book

• Two ways to see Gozo: Explore on your own from Mgarr Harbor or pay for the optional minibus to Qala Belvedere and Victoria.
• Victoria time is useful but limited: The stop gives you roughly 80 to 120 minutes, enough for the Citadel and a quick meal, but not a full city visit.
• The Blue Lagoon stop lasts about 75 to 90 minutes: Swimming, snorkeling, sunbathing, and the boat waterslide are the main activities.
• Weather controls the day: Wind can make the sea rough, prevent swimming, alter the route, or replace the Blue Lagoon with another bay.
• Comino now requires a free QR code for shore access: From May 1, 2025, you must register before getting off at the Blue Lagoon.
• The $41 price is strong value: It covers the cruise, Gozo visit, Comino stop, cave viewing, and optional boat waterslide, but food, drinks, and Gozo minibus transport may cost extra.

Leaving Sliema for Malta’s northern coast

Look for the Luzzu Cruises boat Mv Kataleya or Mv Lady Shelley at the Luzzu Cruises departure point near Sliema Ferry, Ferries 4. The exact departure time depends on the date, so check availability when booking and arrive ready for a full day on the water.

The boat heads north from Sliema, passing St. Julian’s Bay, Qawra, St. Paul’s Bay, St. Paul’s Island, and Mellieha. These are pass-by views rather than shore visits, but they give you a useful introduction to Malta’s built-up coast and rocky northern edge.

The crew provides English commentary during the cruise. Several details make the ride more enjoyable: the boat has bathrooms, a small bar, food service, and upper-deck seating. On a calm day, the upper deck is the best place for open views and photographs. On a windy day, you may prefer a lower, more sheltered seat.

The trip to Gozo can be rough, especially during windy weather. The crew has handed out sick bags and warned passengers when conditions were poor, but good boat handling cannot change the motion of the sea. If you get seasick easily, bring whatever remedy normally works for you, stay outside where possible, and avoid a heavy meal before departure.

Gozo begins at Mgarr Harbor

Mgarr Harbor is Gozo’s main port and your first chance to get off the boat. Here you choose between two approaches.

You can explore independently, which gives you more control but leaves you responsible for getting around and returning on time. Or you can select the optional minibus transport. I recommend the minibus for a first visit, especially during a one-day trip. It connects the harbor with Qala Belvedere and Victoria, removing the guesswork from local transport.

The minibus is not simply a transfer into town. It forms the sightseeing part of your Gozo visit. You see a scenic viewpoint, then get time in the island’s capital before returning to the harbor.

Pay close attention to the meeting time. The boats and minibuses run on a tight schedule, and missing your return transport can create a serious problem. One useful habit is to confirm the meeting place and departure time with the driver before setting off.

Qala Belvedere offers the quick photo stop

Qala Belvedere is one of the prettiest viewpoints included in the day. The stop is brief, so think of it as a chance to take photographs and get a broad view rather than a long walk or proper hiking visit.

This is one reason the minibus option earns its keep. You see a part of Gozo that would be hard to reach during a short harbor stop, and you do not have to spend your limited time searching for a taxi or bus.

The stop works best in clear weather. On a bright day, the view is a fine contrast to the towns and harbor scenes elsewhere on the route. In poor weather, the viewpoint may be less rewarding, but the stop still breaks up the transfer to Victoria.

Victoria and the Citadel in about 80 minutes

Victoria, also called Rabat, is Gozo’s capital. The main sight is the Citadel, an old fortified city on high ground above the town. Its walls and elevated position provide some of Gozo’s best views, while the surrounding streets offer places to pause for coffee, food, or a quick look around.

You have roughly 80 minutes according to the scheduled itinerary, though some departures provide closer to two hours. That is enough for a focused visit, but you need to choose your priorities. If the Citadel matters most, go there first. Food service can be slow, and a sit-down meal may take away much of your sightseeing time.

The stop is better for a first look than for a full exploration of Victoria. You can see the main fortified area, walk through part of the center, and grab a drink, but you will not have time to cover every street or museum.

Sunday visitors should take note: many shops in Gozo may be closed. If shopping is important to you, another day may work better. If you mainly want views and the Citadel, the Sunday closure matters less.

Comino and the Blue Lagoon

After Gozo, you return to the boat and continue to Comino. The main stop is the Blue Lagoon, where the boat stays for about 75 to 90 minutes.

This is the day’s swimming stop. You can get into the water, sunbathe, snorkel, walk around the shore, or remain on board. The boat also has a waterslide, which adds a simple bit of fun for children and anyone who prefers a fast way into the water.

The lagoon is beautiful, but it can also be crowded and chaotic, especially in the warmer months. The clearest views may be from the boat, where you can look down into the water without competing for a place along the shore. If you want to swim, move promptly after the boat stops because 90 minutes passes quickly.

As of May 1, 2025, you need a free QR code to get off the boat at the Blue Lagoon. The registration link is provided after booking. This code is mandatory for shore access, so complete the process before the day of the cruise to avoid delays.

Weather can change this part of the itinerary. Strong wind may make swimming unsafe or prevent the boat from stopping at the Blue Lagoon. In that case, the captain can alter the route or use another bay, such as Santa Maria Bay. That is the sensible choice for safety, but the alternative can feel much less exciting if you had planned your day around the lagoon.

The Comino caves are best seen from the water

After the Blue Lagoon, the boat passes the Crystal Caves, also called the Santa Maria Caves in the schedule. The captain aims to bring the boat close for photographs, and the stop lasts about 10 minutes.

This is not a cave walk. You view the formations from the boat, usually with time to take pictures as the vessel moves close to the openings. The caves are a pleasant short finale after the swimming stop and give you a different view of Comino’s rocky coast.

On calm days, the boat can approach closely. Rough conditions may force a shorter pass or a change in the route. Keep your camera ready because the viewing window is brief.

What the boat day feels like

The boat is comfortable for a budget-priced excursion, with toilets, a bar, food service, upper-deck seating, and the waterslide. It is not a private sailing trip. The boat can feel crowded, particularly in summer, and the experience depends partly on where you find a seat.

The crew’s attitude is one of the strongest parts of the day. Captain-led commentary covers Sliema, Gozo, Comino, and the passing sights, with a friendly and often humorous tone. Crew members have also helped passengers dealing with rough water, and drivers such as Carmen have been singled out for being especially kind and helpful.

Food and drinks are not included. You can buy them on the boat, but plan your spending accordingly. Drinks at the Blue Lagoon can be expensive for the amount served, so bringing your own expectations down to earth will help. The tour price covers the main transport and stops, not a full day of meals.

Is $41 good value for a seven-and-a-half-hour day?

At about $41 per person, this is good value if you want a broad introduction to Malta’s sister islands. A single ticket combines the cruise from Sliema, the Gozo crossing, a visit to Victoria, a Qala Belvedere stop, the Comino cruise, the Blue Lagoon, and the caves.

The value is strongest when you add the Gozo minibus. You save time and see more than you would by remaining around Mgarr Harbor. The optional transport does increase the total price, but for a short visit to Malta, I think it is money well spent.

The trade-off is depth. You are sampling Gozo and Comino, not exploring either island properly. If you want a relaxed day in Victoria, a long swim, or a quiet visit to several Comino bays, book separate excursions instead. This cruise is designed for coverage.

The free cancellation period is up to 24 hours before departure, and reserve-now-pay-later booking is available. The tour operates in rain or sunshine, though the captain may change or cancel the excursion, route, or departure point if weather conditions require it.

Who should take this cruise?

I would choose this tour if you have limited time in Malta and want to see Gozo and Comino in one day. It suits families, first-time visitors, and anyone who prefers having transport and timing arranged for them.

The minibus option is especially useful for you if:

• You want to see the Citadel without organizing local buses.
• You prefer a clear schedule and guided transfers.
• You want a photo stop at Qala Belvedere.
• You are visiting Gozo for the first time.

You may want another plan if you are prone to serious seasickness, have mobility limitations, or dislike crowded swimming spots. The tour is not suitable for people with mobility impairments, and the boat ride can be rough even when the day at sea later becomes calm.

Bring comfortable shoes and a towel. Add sun protection, water, and seasickness medication if you normally need it. Most important, keep your QR code ready if you plan to go ashore at the Blue Lagoon.

Should you book the Sliema to Gozo and Comino cruise?

Book it if you want maximum coverage for a reasonable price and accept that each stop will be short. The optional Gozo minibus makes the day more practical, while the boat commentary, upper deck, waterslide, and cave pass add variety.

Skip it if your priority is a slow, quiet experience or if rough seas are likely to ruin your day. For most first-time visitors with only one free day, though, this is a well-organized way to see Gozo, Comino, Victoria, the Citadel, and the Blue Lagoon without piecing together several separate trips.

FAQ

Where does the cruise depart from?

The meeting point is at Luzzu Cruises near Sliema Ferry, Ferries 4. Look for the Mv Kataleya or Mv Lady Shelley boats.

How long does the activity last?

The full experience lasts about 7.5 hours. The exact departure time depends on availability for your chosen date.

Is transport around Gozo included?

Gozo transport is optional. You can explore independently from Mgarr Harbor or select the minibus option to visit Qala Belvedere and Victoria.

How long do you spend in Victoria?

The listed Victoria visit lasts about 80 minutes. Some departures may provide closer to two hours, depending on the day’s timing and sea conditions.

How long is the Blue Lagoon stop?

The planned stop is about 75 to 90 minutes. You can swim, snorkel, sunbathe, walk, or stay on the boat.

Do I need a QR code for the Blue Lagoon?

Yes. From May 1, 2025, you need a free QR code to get off the boat at Comino’s Blue Lagoon. The registration link is provided after booking.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not included, though food service and a bar are available on the boat.

What should I bring?

Bring comfortable shoes and a towel. You should also prepare for changing weather and rough water if you are prone to seasickness.

Can weather change the itinerary?

Yes. The captain can alter or cancel the excursion, route, or departure and return location according to weather conditions. Strong wind may prevent swimming at the Blue Lagoon or lead to a stop at another bay.