From Sliema: Gozo, Comino & The Blue Lagoon Boat & Bus Tour

Gozo and Comino pack Malta’s biggest day-trip sights into one long outing: a scenic cruise, a short taste of Gozo, and a swim stop at the famous Blue Lagoon. You’ll see rugged coastline from the water, ride through Gozo’s countryside, and have time to explore Victoria before returning past Comino’s sea caves.

I like the way the trip handles transport, taking you from Sliema by boat and then putting buses in place at Mgarr Harbour. I also like the choice at Comino: swim from the boat, use the waterslide, or step ashore and walk toward sights such as St. Mary’s Tower. The catch is that this is independent sightseeing, not a traditional guided tour, and Victoria’s roughly 75 minutes can feel short.

Key points to know

• A two-island day from Sliema: Reach Gozo and Comino without arranging separate ferries, buses, and taxis.
• Victoria in about 75 minutes: Enough for the Citadel, a snack, and a quick look around, but not a full tour of Gozo.
• A 90-minute Blue Lagoon stop: Swim, snorkel, sunbathe, walk ashore, or stay aboard and use the slide.
• Government access pass required: From May 2025, you need an advance pass to step ashore at the Blue Lagoon.
• Boat comforts matter: Toilets, indoor and outdoor seating, English commentary, and a cash bar are included.
• Arrive early for the upper deck: Open-air seats fill quickly, and the boat can feel crowded on the longer crossings.

A full day that links Malta’s two smaller islands

At $51 per person for about 7.5 hours, this is priced as a transport-focused day rather than a private sightseeing experience. That distinction matters. You are paying for the cruise, the Gozo bus transfer, the organized timing, the Blue Lagoon stop, and the return sail, but not for a guide walking beside you and explaining every church or street.

I think the value is strong if you want a first look at both islands in one day. Separate transport can eat up time and money, especially when you are trying to connect Mgarr Harbour, Victoria, and Comino. Here, the boat and minibus do the heavy lifting.

The tradeoff is depth. Gozo deserves several days, and Victoria alone can fill a morning if you visit the Citadel, cathedral, museums, and surrounding streets at an easy pace. This outing gives you a sample. Think of it as a well-organized island introduction, not a complete tour of Gozo.

Leaving Sliema along Malta’s northern coast

The day begins at Sliema Ferries in the morning. Once aboard, you head north toward Gozo, with views of Malta’s rocky shoreline, coves, and sea-facing landmarks. The crossing is part sightseeing cruise and part transport, so choose your seat with care.

The open upper deck is the best place for photographs and fresh air, but it fills early. One practical tip is to arrive about 20 minutes before departure, and earlier if an upper-deck seat matters to you. Indoor seating is available, and the boat has toilets, but the longer ride can feel tight when the vessel is busy.

English commentary is provided during the cruise, and audio commentary is available in other languages on some departures. The boat commentary is where you get most of the context. On the Gozo bus, you should expect instructions and transport, not a running explanation of local history.

Sea conditions can change the feel of the morning. Most departures are described as smooth and enjoyable, but rough weather can make the crossing uncomfortable. If you are prone to seasickness or motion sickness, this is not the right outing. Medication may be worth considering, but the activity itself is listed as unsuitable for people with those problems.

Mgarr Harbour and the ride into Gozo

Gozo’s Mgarr Harbour is the island’s main port and your gateway to the land portion of the day. After leaving the boat, you board the arranged bus or minibus for the ride to Victoria.

This transfer is useful because it removes the most awkward part of independent island hopping. You do not have to find a taxi or work out a local bus route with limited time. Staff and drivers give clear return instructions, and you must stay with the assigned bus. Changing vehicles or missing the stated meeting time can cause real trouble because the boat will not wait.

The bus arrangement can be busy at the port. At times, several people are trying to find their vehicle, and smaller minibuses may feel cramped. The system generally works, but listen closely to the driver and remember the vehicle you were assigned.

Before Victoria, the bus makes a photo stop of about 15 minutes. Depending on the route, this may be at one of Gozo’s bays or at Qala Belvedere. The stop is short, so treat it as a chance for a few photographs and a breath of Gozo air, not a full coastal visit.

The countryside is one of the pleasures of this section. From the road, you get a quick sense of Gozo’s quieter character, with churches, villages, open farmland, and rocky coastal views. If you want a slow rural tour, this will not be enough. If you want to see how Gozo differs from Malta while someone else handles the driving, it does the job.

Victoria and the Citadel in a 75-minute window

Victoria is Gozo’s capital and the main land stop. You have about 75 minutes of free time here, which is enough to make a clear choice but not enough to do everything.

The Citadel should be your first priority. This medieval fortress rises above the town and offers broad views over Gozo. Its walls and lanes give the stop a sense of place that a quick café visit cannot match. You can also look for the cathedral and wander through the city center, but keep one eye on the clock.

A simple plan works well:

• Walk directly toward the Citadel after getting off the bus.
• Spend time on the fortress and its viewpoints.
• Return through the center for a coffee, ice cream, pastizzi, or quick souvenir stop.
• Be back at the agreed meeting point early.

Some people will find 75 minutes enough for a pleasant taste of Victoria. I would want longer if I planned to visit several sites inside the Citadel or explore the cathedral properly. You should not count on admission to any Gozo attraction being included. Entrance fees are separate, and food and drinks are also your responsibility.

This is one part of the day where your own priorities matter. If the Citadel is the reason you came to Gozo, head there first. If you have already seen it, the free time can work nicely for lunch and a short stroll. The schedule is deliberately tight because Comino still lies ahead.

Comino and the Blue Lagoon: beautiful, busy, and regulated

After the Gozo stop, the boat heads toward Comino. The main event is approximately 90 minutes at the Blue Lagoon, where the water can look remarkably clear and turquoise in good conditions.

In warm weather, swimming and snorkeling are the obvious choices. The boat also has a waterslide, which gives you a way to get into the water without joining the crowds on shore. This is especially useful when the landing area feels too packed. You can stay aboard, order a drink from the cash bar, and enjoy the view if the beach area is not appealing.

The Blue Lagoon is famous for good reason, but fame brings crowds. In summer, the shore can feel hectic, with limited room and food stalls selling a narrow range of snacks such as burgers and fries. I would eat a proper meal in Gozo if your schedule allows, then treat Comino as a swimming and scenery stop.

There is now an important access rule. From May 2025, anyone who wants to step ashore at the Blue Lagoon must obtain a government-issued pass in advance through blcomino.com. The daily allocation is limited, and for this cruise you need to select the afternoon slot. The pass is not included in the $51 price, and missing it means you may not be allowed ashore. No refund is provided for arriving without the required pass.

This rule does not prevent you from enjoying the boat-based part of the stop, including swimming from the vessel when conditions allow. It does matter if you want to walk onto the island, use the shore, or explore the lagoon from land. Arrange the pass before departure, not after you reach Comino.

A quieter side of Comino beyond the swim stop

Comino is more than a strip of busy Blue Lagoon shoreline, although this itinerary gives you limited time to see the rest of it. The island has no cars and no urban areas, making it appealing in the cooler months when swimming may not be practical.

If you step ashore and have enough time, possible walking targets include St. Mary’s Chapel, St. Mary’s Watch Tower, and St. Mary’s Battery. Do not attempt an ambitious hike without checking the meeting time. The 90-minute stop is designed around the lagoon, not a long island walk.

This is where the trip’s flexible format helps. A swimmer can stay near the water. A photographer can look for clear views and rocky shoreline. Someone visiting in winter can use the stop for a short walk rather than forcing a cold swim.

The return journey includes a cruise past Comino’s sea caves. The boat gets close enough for a better look than you would have from a distant ferry route, and this is one of the more enjoyable parts for anyone who likes coastal scenery. Keep your camera ready, but do not expect a long cave visit or a landing.

What the boat provides, and what it does not

The boat is set up for a full day on the water. You have toilets, indoor and outdoor seating, crew assistance, an English-speaking host or greeter, and a cash bar with drinks and some snacks.

The crew’s organization is one of the strongest parts of the outing. You receive reminders about when to return to the bus or boat, and drivers generally make the meeting instructions clear. On some departures, Captain Jean-Paul has provided coastline commentary, while Chris has been praised for bringing Maltese history to life. Staff names and presentation can vary by departure, so book this for the format rather than a guaranteed individual guide.

Do not expect a traditional guided experience. There is no included walking guide in Victoria, and the Gozo bus does not include audio commentary. You will be given transport and time, then left to choose your own sights. I see that as a benefit if you dislike being herded through shops or rushed behind a flag. It is a weakness if you want detailed history at every stop.

Food and drinks are not included. The onboard bar is convenient, but budget for your own refreshments. The boat’s facilities make it easier to manage a long day, especially with children, but you should still bring water, sunscreen, a towel, swimwear, and comfortable shoes.

Who will get the most from this day

I would choose this tour if you have limited time in Malta and want to see Gozo and Comino without planning a chain of connections. It also suits families and mixed groups, since one person can swim, another can explore Victoria, and someone else can simply enjoy the cruise.

It is a good match for:

• First-time visitors who want a broad sample of the islands.
• People who value transport and scenery over long guided talks.
• Swimmers who want a Blue Lagoon stop with the option of staying aboard.
• Visitors who prefer a planned day with clear return times.
• Off-season visitors interested in Comino’s walking paths and sea views.

I would choose another plan if you want a slow, detailed Gozo visit. A dedicated Gozo day gives you more time for Victoria, village stops, churches, and coastal areas. I would also avoid this trip if you dislike crowded boats, have mobility limits, or suffer badly on open water. The activity is not suitable for wheelchair users or people with mobility impairments.

Timing, value, and the small details that matter

The 7.5-hour schedule sounds generous, but it includes the outbound and return cruises, bus transfers, boarding, and several fixed meeting times. That leaves enough time for the advertised highlights, not enough for lingering.

The most common pressure point is Victoria. About 75 minutes gives you a useful look at the Citadel and time for a snack, but you will need to move with purpose. Some people would gladly trade part of the Comino stop for another hour in Gozo. Others will think the Blue Lagoon deserves the longer pause, especially in summer.

At $51, I consider the tour good value for a one-day overview. The cost covers the major transport legs and avoids the uncertainty of piecing together local travel. It becomes less attractive if you already have easy access to Gozo and only want to swim at the Blue Lagoon, or if your main goal is serious sightseeing inside Victoria.

The cancellation terms are helpful: you can cancel up to 24 hours ahead for a full refund, and reserve now while paying later. Those terms do not remove the need to plan the Blue Lagoon access pass. That pass is your responsibility and remains the most important booking detail.

Should you book the Gozo and Comino boat trip?

Book it if you want two islands in one day, enjoy being on the water, and are happy to explore independently once the transport drops you off. The combination of Gozo’s Citadel, Comino’s clear water, the waterslide, and the sea caves gives you plenty of variety for the price.

Skip it if you want a slow Gozo itinerary, a proper guide, or a quiet beach day. Also skip it if you cannot obtain the Blue Lagoon pass and stepping ashore there is essential to your plans.

My practical choice would be to arrive early, claim an outdoor seat if possible, head straight to the Citadel in Victoria, eat before Comino, secure the afternoon access pass well ahead of time, and return to every meeting point early. Follow that plan and this becomes a useful, scenic taste of Malta’s smaller islands rather than a frantic checklist.

FAQ

How long does the Gozo, Comino, and Blue Lagoon tour last?

The activity lasts approximately 7.5 hours, including the cruise from Sliema, the Gozo bus transfer, free time in Victoria, the Comino stop, and the return journey.

Where does the tour depart?

The tour departs from Sliema Ferries in the morning. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

Is this a guided tour?

It is not a traditional guided walking tour. English commentary is provided during the cruise, while the stops in Gozo and Comino are at leisure. The Gozo bus does not include audio commentary.

How much time do you get in Victoria?

You get approximately 75 minutes of free time in Victoria, Gozo’s capital. You can visit the Citadel, walk around the city, or stop for a coffee or snack.

Is the Blue Lagoon access pass included?

No. From May 2025, anyone stepping ashore at the Blue Lagoon must obtain a government-issued pass in advance through blcomino.com. For this cruise, select the afternoon slot.

How long is the stop at the Blue Lagoon?

The stop at Comino and the Blue Lagoon lasts approximately 90 minutes. You can swim, snorkel, sunbathe, walk, or remain on the boat.

Is food included?

No. Food and drinks are not included. A cash bar with some snacks and beverages is available on the boat.

Does the boat have toilets?

Yes. Toilet facilities are available on the boat.

What should you bring?

Bring comfortable shoes, swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen. Pets, oversize luggage, and large bags are not allowed.